Dragons, to most people, were mysterious and powerful creatures.

According to Dreamland Continent's historical records, Giant Dragons visited Dreamland every thousand years for a sacred ritual.

They'd briefly rest on this beautiful land brimming with life.

After ten years, they'd flap their enormous wings again.

They'd fly toward another mystical realm, guided by their holy faith.

This account came from a small section of the Holy Church's edited scriptures.

Since the Church was deeply revered by common folk here, countless new stories and legends about dragons emerged.

But this was merely a book's sparse record—almost non-existent.

Thus, dragons became beings of awe and fear.

No one had truly seen their appearance or habits.

Even if someone claimed to, few would believe them.

Dragon remains, if any, might only be found on ancient battlefields.

In the Great Empire, people didn't obsess over such things like other nations.

"Young master, are you really sure she's a dragon?"

Xiao Ling stood beside Baiyi, worry etched on her face.

She watched Qiu Qiu nearby, who sat on a stool with her face buried in a bowl, slurping milk.

This so-called dragon felt nothing like the tales from books and rumors.

Stories spoke of Giant Dragons with massive bodies, immense strength, hard scales, and pure, dense magic.

No matter how Xiao Ling observed, she couldn't match this little girl to her imagined dragon.

"Hmph, how should I know? I've never seen one!"

"Then why are you so certain she's a dragon?"

Xiao Ling doubted Qiu Qiu was a dragon. But since the young master said so, he must have his reasons.

Whatever he said, she'd accept it.

"Da... da."

"Tch, silly dragon. What is it?"

Qiu Qiu finished the milk, tossed the bowl aside, and turned her milk-smeared face toward Baiyi.

She stared straight at him, as if saying: *I'm full. Take me away now.*

"Brat, full already and still causing trouble? You're spoiled!"

Baiyi's tone was harsh, his glare fierce.

Yet he walked over and lifted the round, adorable creature into his arms.

"Mmm..."

"Hey! You're wiping your face on my clothes!"

Once nestled in Baiyi's arms, Qiu Qiu buried her head in his chest, rubbing back and forth.

She smeared sticky white milk all over his uniform.

"Hehe..."

"Laugh? Just wait till we reach the Imperial Palace—I'll deal with you!"

Baiyi only meant to scare her into behaving.

No real malice lingered in him.

Qiu Qiu sensed this and kept grinning.

"Young master, let's return. The wind's picking up."

Maid Xiao Ling approached quietly after Baiyi packed his things and secured the dragon girl.

As a mere maid, she dared not speak loudly, fearing his anger if she annoyed him.

"Alright, alright, I'm going."

Baiyi knew she cared, so he sighed without irritation.

"Good. I'll prepare the carriage—"

"I'll drive. You take her inside first."

He handed Qiu Qiu to Xiao Ling and led them down the castle stairs.

"Young master, you'll drive?"

"Obviously."

"But I'm your maid; I should—"

"I said I'll drive. No arguments. Hold this idiot tight, get in the carriage, pull the curtains shut, and sit still! Or the cold wind will freeze you."

Nights in the Great Empire were harsh—biting winds swept fiercely.

To shield them, he shoved both into the carriage and slammed the door shut.

His intent was kindness, but his words came out rough.

Perhaps he just wasn't honest with his feelings.

"Da... da."

"What now?"

Baiyi turned at Qiu Qiu's voice from the carriage.

"C-cold."

"Tch, such a small thing."

Her worried words warmed his chest in the icy darkness.

He'd never admit being moved by something so simple.

"Hold on, both of you."

Clad in a thin military coat, Baiyi snapped the reins.

The carriage rolled slowly through the night, cloaked in shadows and faint lamplight, heading toward the Imperial Palace.