034: The Pride of the Greatest Dragon
"Albion, may I?"
Even now, the Dragon of Albion still believed this daring, low-survival-capability human life form, judging by appearance, was no different from the weak beings it had seen before.
But why?
Now, in its heart, though it could find no reason for confusion or bewilderment, in this moment, it felt at a loss because of his "invitation from the weak."
"...I am the greatest."
The Dragon of Albion suddenly uttered this.
"Precisely because I am the greatest dragon, it is normal for beings to worship me, and perhaps a very correct measure for beings to fear me, for I can casually tear them apart... Though I know your feelings, such roundabout rhetoric is not to my liking. Simply put, if you anger me, I will truly just tear your body apart..."
Regarding the Dragon of Albion's refusal, Novia wasn't particularly disappointed, because he could see that this dragon simply believed accepting his suggestion would prevent it from comfortably assuming the identity of the greatest dragon. It probably thought the strong should be aloof, not easily getting too close to the weak in its eyes. Such psychology was at work.
But fortunately, this was no longer the Age of Gods when it had its kin; it was an era after it had experienced "loneliness." In other words, it was also a time when its psychological defenses were fragile. Given enough time, they might very well be breached.
"I just said what's been hidden in my heart for a long time. My apologies."
Novia did not withdraw his hand, then continued with a gentle smile.
"But as the strongest dragon, it is only natural that you take such pride. I have always believed this, so this cannot be used to bind you."
And then—
A contract appeared in the silver-haired youth's hand, seemingly conjured from nowhere.
The Dragon of Albion, of course, knew that it was a necessary tool for human mages to establish agreements or partnerships with their kind or other beings. To prevent either party from breaking the promise, it was one of the most widely used formal instruments.
However, that was only for the weak. For the strongest, it was a completely unnecessary procedure.
"My friend, thinking of me, integrated this into your body during the crafting process. Please forgive Shirley for this act."
Novia winked at Shirley beside him.
There had been absolutely no such step in the crafting process. Who, after all, signs a contract with a weapon while forging it?
Though she muttered this inwardly, the purple-haired girl still nodded somewhat flustered.
"Ah... yes, yes, I'm sorry, please forgive..."
"In my eyes, you are as noble as the starlight that illuminates the world, a unique brilliance." The 'contract' in Novia's hand was torn to shreds by him. "To me, you are the most precious starlight. Your permission holds great significance for me, and losing you would be an absolute tragedy. Albion, you are my only light."
...This human, does he really admire me that much?
Albion gazed at Novia's gentle smile, reluctantly meeting his gaze because this was clearly a heartfelt reaction—impossible to fake.
"You..."
About to say something, but the Albion looked into his eyes, and the response was delayed.
In the Albion's view, no contract could bind it, because it was the strongest. Having one or not made no difference. Yet, this human's seemingly meaningless actions and spoken words made it feel, for the first time, a surging excitement deep in its chest.
Excitement? Joy? Neither seemed quite right.
How should it describe such a strong, vivid feeling in its heart?
Surprise? No.
Touched? Not that either.
Happy? Still not quite.
But it truly couldn't resist this weak human, experiencing an indescribable sense of awkwardness.
"May I once again make a request, Albion? Please allow me, a weakling, to be lost with you, to think with you, to worry with you, to struggle with you."
Merely a weak human body, merely a childish mage far inferior to the gods, yet daring to aspire to glimpse the strongest dragon—not only unaware of his own childishness but even growing bolder—truly audacious.
But, but, but, no matter how utterly weak he might seem.
This human's words, this human's gaze.
Each one, Albion genuinely took to heart.
Although it sounded almost like nonsense, it also felt that his sincerity had truly reached its heart.
"Hmph, consider yourself incredibly lucky. I am the strongest, after all!"
"You are absolutely right. You are the undisputed strongest."
The 'spear' hilt and Novia's hand clasped firmly together.
As they clasped, his hand gently stroked the entire length of the 'spear,' and the silver-haired youth smiled softly:
"Then, the contract is established."
Gentle, warm. It had been held by him from the very beginning, yet there was an illusion that only now was it truly being held by him.
Perhaps it was because, as a weapon, it was inherently cool to the touch, but it felt as if its very soul shared that sensation.
However, the Dragon of Albion proudly explained once more:
"Let me clarify first, so you don't misunderstand. I am acting based on my own thoughts, my own will, not because a weak human like you somehow persuaded me. To me, you are merely a replaceable weakling, one of many that can be found anywhere."
In its view, this should be the most concise and clear answer. And having gained the strongest, this weak human would surely be immensely grateful. Yet, for a fleeting moment, the Albion saw sorrow flicker across the human's face.
"...Yes, you are right."
"Hmph, just don't get too arrogant."
Although this weak human showing such an expression evoked an indescribable feeling within it—
A weak human must absolutely obey the strongest. That is the natural order.
The strongest dragon proudly believed so.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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