Immortality...?

Leon pondered this word carefully.

In truth, he found immortality to be something of a "paradox."

For most people, throughout their lives, they might never truly think about, or seriously consider, what "immortality" really entails—what it means, how it might be achieved, and what the price for it might be.

Yet on the brink of death, many lament and sigh, wishing they could live just a little longer. Even at the cost of wealth, health, or something else, they long for more time.

The concept of [Immortality] rarely appears as a serious topic in most people's lives. Yet, as each person completes their life—be it mundane or magnificent—they often cast a wistful gaze toward this intangible notion. They long for just a bit more existence.

Take Leon himself as an example. Before he had formed this fabricated family with Roswitha, immortality—or even ideas related to the length of life—had barely crossed his mind.

This was partly because Leon had been properly educated about death during his childhood.

The nuns at his orphanage and his coarse-yet-meticulous mentor had taught him how to face death in the right way.

And even when this artificial family was established, Leon did consider the question of the disparity in lifespans between humans and dragons. But no matter how much thought he gave it, no real answers came to him.

The Dragon Clan might have lifespans far longer than those of humans, but ultimately, even they would one day be buried beneath the same earth.

So, in Leon's view, no one could truly escape death. The notion of [Immortality] was merely a yearning to leave a deeper mark upon this strange and wondrous world.

Like his mentor’s a daring hypothesis just now: that the previous king hadn't actually died, but instead had faked his death and retreated behind the scenes to become the true puppet master of the Empire.

Even thirty years later, the traces of that king’s rule were still clearly visible across the entirety of the Empire.

Leon pulled back from his swirling thoughts and asked, "If the former king really faked his death, then how did he manage to extend his life?"

His mentor, too, had his theories on the matter. "Immortality—or at least longevity—has been a topic of research for royal alchemists for centuries. So… maybe they've made some breakthroughs?"

"But," Leon considered aloud, "if this were truly the result of royal alchemists' research, why would the king need to use the guise of death to hide such findings?"

Leon elaborated further, 'A longer lifespan meant accumulating more resources, securing a deeper foundation of influence. It also strengthens the roots of his reign. Internationally, it could showcase the advancement of magic among humans, demonstrating unparalleled power. But faking his death? That would relegate him to the shadows. While he might still wield authority, it would undoubtedly create inconveniences in many situations, wouldn't it?"

Leon’s keen observation was something his mentor, Tiger, hadn’t fully considered before.

The old man stroked his stubbly chin, his brows furrowed deep in thought. After some reflection, he murmured, "You're right... then what do these clues and contradictions ultimately signify…?"

New theories sparked new questions, and Leon—his mind racing—verbalized a crucial thought:

"Perhaps the very methods and costs behind this so-called immortality are absolutely unfit for public knowledge."

After a pause, Leon added, "Of course, a groundbreaking discovery like immortality or life extension might remain unpublished for reasons of secrecy or to hide one's strength. That would be understandable. But..."

"My instinct says that the [Price of Immortality] discovered by the Empire is something deeply sinister. And perhaps… it ties into this protracted war between humans and dragons."

Tiger struggled to follow his student’s increasingly complex train of thought. "What do you mean?"

"Think about it, Master. The war between humans and the Dragon Clan has lasted for centuries, with countless factors intertwined. Every move or decision made by either side is likely influenced by the other."

Leon explained, "That’s why I feel the former king's immortality—or longevity—cannot be unrelated to the Dragon Clan, or even to the war as a whole."

Tiger fell into silent contemplation, slowly digesting Leon’s logic.

At this moment, Rebecca, who had been quiet the entire time, chimed in with surprising seriousness: "I think the Captain has a point."

The perpetually carefree and wild girl suddenly injecting herself into this somber conversation caught both Tiger and Leon off guard. The two turned their gazes toward her.

"Oh? Why do you think so? Let’s hear your opinion," Tiger prompted, figuring that younger minds might grasp Leon's reasoning more easily, avoiding the barrier of an age gap.

Rebecca, looking unusually solemn and confident, proclaimed, "Because the Captain said a lot, and sticking to his reasoning definitely won't be wrong!"

Tiger: "..."

Leon: "..."

Roswitha: Trying not to burst out laughing. *Hold it in... must stay composed... I’m a queen, I should remain dignified...*

Leon slapped Rebecca on the face with his palm, pushing her aside. "Shoo, shoo, go play over there. Adults are talking—no room for kids!"

Rebecca stepped a few paces away, pulling a face and sticking out her tongue at him. "You’re only a year older than me! Stupid blockhead man!"

Uninterested in entertaining the child, Leon turned his attention back to his mentor, continuing their plans for the next mission.

Rebecca, noticing the two of them immersed in their strategic conversation without inviting her in, immediately felt an urge to go solo.

*The ragtag old-and-weary squad doesn’t deserve my medal-worthy skills!*

The young gunslinger blew a bubble from her gum, hands in her pockets, boredom etched across her face as she kicked a pebble on the ground.

Unexpectedly, the pebble veered off course and rolled toward Roswitha.

Plink—

The tiny stone came to rest against Roswitha’s high heel. She opened her silver eyes languidly, glancing down at the stone before raising her gaze to track its source.

When Rebecca locked eyes with Roswitha’s slit-pupil dragon eyes, she tensed instinctively.

Unlike her fearless captain, who not only dared to face the Dragon King head-on but had the courage to marry her and have children, Rebecca was just a 22-year-old gunslinger. Reckless and a little unhinged, sure, but she understood all too well that the tranquil and beautiful figure standing before her was no ordinary "cool beauty"—she was a bona fide Dragon King.

In Rebecca’s mind, dragons still symbolized violence and destruction.

This Dragon King might be her Captain's wife, but she wasn’t *her* wife. Who knew what she might do in retaliation?

*But surely…*

A Dragon King wouldn’t get upset over a tiny stone like this… right?

Rebecca’s inner monologue spiraled as Roswitha remained utterly calm.

Without a word, Roswitha extended her tail and gently brushed the pebble back to Rebecca’s feet before closing her eyes again, continuing her quiet meditation.

The pebble rolled back to Rebecca, and she exhaled in relief.

*Seems like the Captain married a very kind dragon wife.*

The small interaction between the wild girl and the queen went unnoticed by Leon and Tiger, who were still engrossed in their discussion.

After exchanging intel and finalizing their next course of action, Leon brought up a personal question.

"Is Mistress still with her family?"

Tiger pursed his lips, hesitating a moment before replying, "Yes, she's still there. She’s safe."

Leon scratched his head and offered, "Master, why don’t you tell me where Mistress’s family is? I could go visit her when I have time. It’s been a while since I last saw her."

*It’s also been a while since I saw the donkey.*

"Well… her family lives in a very remote area. Hard to explain in words," Tiger deflected awkwardly. "Once we’re done with this Empire business, I’ll take you there myself."

*Why does the old man seem so reluctant to let me see Mistress?*

Leon internally puzzled at his mentor's vague response but didn’t push the matter. "Alright, we’ll leave it for later."

"Good."

After a brief pause, Leon seemed to recall something. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a photograph, handing it to Tiger.

Tiger took the photo and saw a baby with pink hair and a little tail, tiny fists clenched, sleeping peacefully. It was adorable.

"This is…?"

"It's Aurora. I mentioned her to you last time I returned to the Empire. She’s my and Roswitha’s third daughter. Her nickname’s Aurora."

Though Tiger was a Dragon Slayer by trade, the fact that he still kept Roswitha's family portrait spoke volumes—he didn't mind that Leon’s daughter was a human-dragon hybrid.

So before this visit, Leon had specifically brought a photo of Aurora, wanting his old mentor to take a look.

Tiger’s weathered face softened into a smile as he admired the photo of his little granddaughter.

Rebecca peeked over curiously, and when she saw the dainty pink dragonling in the picture, her eyes sparkled. "She’s soooo cute~~!"

Leon waved dismissively, humbly bragging, "Of course she is. Look who her dad is."

"True! Without your gorgeous wife’s genes, your baby wouldn’t be *nearly* this adorable," Rebecca teased.

"His--do you want to get smacked?"

Rebecca smirked and dodged behind Tiger.

Tiger, after enjoying the picture for a moment, tucked it carefully away.

"If there’s nothing else, Roswitha and I will head back for now, Master."

"Wait, there’s something I wanted to pass along."

Tiger reached into his pocket and pulled out an old, worn book. "When you were in the Empire last time and mentioned your inability to harness mana, I remembered this book. It might be of some use to you."

Leon took the ancient tome. Its cover bore the title *Nine Hell’s Gate*.

"That sounds… kind of dark," Leon noted. "Does it contain some way to restore mana?"

Tiger shook his head. "It has nothing to do with mana. This records a very powerful martial art. Since you can’t rely on magic for the time being, you’ll need a way to defend yourself. What the Dragon Slayer Army taught you won’t suffice, so I took the risk of having this book retrieved for you. Study it well. You’re starting to look like you’ve lost your edge."

"......"

*Master... I don’t lack edge because of laziness. It’s because I haven’t been a virgin for a long time!*

"Alright, I’ll practice seriously. Thank you, Master."

Tiger nodded slightly. "Good, head back now. Be careful on the road."

"Okay, Master, you take care as well."

Leon put away the ancient book and turned around, calling Roswitha to leave together.

Roswitha slowly stood up and followed Leon to the cave's exit.

As they walked out, she half-turned her head and glanced at Rebecca.

Rebecca grew tense once again.

Those silver eyes calmly studied her. Finally, that elegant beauty parted her crimson lips and spoke,

"Human girl, quite adorable."

With those words, she withdrew her gaze, spread her dragon wings, broke through the waterfall's curtain, and left the place alongside Leon.

After the couple departed, Tiger walked over to the dazed Rebecca and patted her head.

"They’re gone already; what are you still looking at?"

Rebecca finally snapped out of her thoughts. She shook her head and began murmuring,

"Dad, you mentioned so many bold speculations earlier; now I suddenly have an even bolder one."

Tiger raised his greying brows. "What is it?"

The young girl raised her head, her tone serious and solemn.

"I think the Captain and his wife might have more kids."

"...Your intentions are good, but let’s not start jumping to conclusions."

The apprentice went to the Dragon Clan to gather intel, not to expand their population.

Don’t end up coming back without intelligence but having to raise a soccer team instead.

"Why not! The three little girls they’ve had are all so cute; what’s wrong with having more! Anyway, the Dragon King can live for over a thousand years; even if they have one every decade, they could have a hundred!"

"And have you considered that your Captain will be gone in a few decades? What then? Resurrection as the undead?"

"Oh, speaking of that, wouldn’t his wife be widowed then? Boohoo, just thinking about such a beautiful woman having to be a widow makes me feel heartache. Leon Casmod, he has no heart!—Hey, hey, Dad, what are you doing?"

Tiger bent over, hoisted Rebecca onto his shoulder, grabbed his longsword, and strapped it to his waist.

"That’s not something we should be worrying about. Married couples always figure things out for themselves. Let’s go, back to the Empire; time to tussle with that damn Emperor again."