“Don’t you think this is giving me a headache?”
Abel watched his good brother laughing so hard he was practically rolling on the floor and let out a slightly helpless sigh.
Seeing his friend’s troubled expression, Alte teased,
“Why not give your wife a taste of the ‘chase-the-husband’ drama? Let her realize what’s lost is truly precious.”
“You, still flying solo, shouldn’t be lecturing me. My wife still comes home to cook—she’s just been elusive lately, occasionally staying out all night.”
Noticing the prince was about to show off again, Alte didn’t hold back:
“If you’re gonna flaunt your love life, take a left out the door. There’s a military dog at the security booth of the Dragon Knights Barracks.”
“No, no, no! We haven’t seen each other in ages, bro. Feels wrong not to catch up!”
Shamelessly thick-skinned, Abel stayed put.
Alte didn’t shoo him away. He simply said,
“If you’re this worried, why not just ask her directly?”
“How dare I? That’s why I’m asking you—keep an eye out for her… Hmm?” Abel patted his pockets, stared at his wedding ring, then smacked his forehead. “Damn. Left her photo at home. I’ll bring it next time.”
“And you say you’re not showing off? Scram.”
Alte’s face darkened. He even reached for a broom.
“Wait! Two more words!” Abel cleared his throat, turned serious. “You should find someone too. Among all our friends, barely anyone’s still single.”
As if picturing it, he added,
“If you get a girlfriend, she’s gotta be silver-haired! Two couples strolling together? Total style points.”
Faced with the teasing, Alte replied with a hint of helplessness,
“When do I have time? You want me to imagine one? I’d just be your 24-karat golden third wheel, gleaming from all your couple-y glow.”
“Then show off your girlfriend right back. Big deal?”
“I haven’t practiced talking to thin air.”
A self-deprecating edge colored his words.
Abel nudged the Dragon Knight.
“Seriously, Alte—look at this mess. A girlfriend to tidy up would be nice, huh?”
Alte lived alone at the Dragon Knights Barracks (not the house he shared with his sister), convenient for work.
But clutter and documents littered the floor.
Abel had a point. Yet Alte had zero interest in dating.
He hadn’t found his mount. His strength remained locked.
And to the empire’s south, the Demonkin from the Abyss watched with hungry eyes.
Romance? Not a chance.
“Find a dragon first.”
“Huh~” Abel chuckled. “What, into non-humans? Dragon girls are proud and fiery. You sure you can handle her?”
“It’s not about ‘non-humans’… I just need a dragon to fight beside.”
“Fine. You’ve got paperwork. I’ll go find where my wife’s hiding. Catch you later!”
With a sunny smile, Abel waved and left.
But as he exited the Dragon Knights Barracks, he nearly bumped into a cloaked figure in black.
The heavily wrapped person shivered slightly upon seeing him.
Dangerous?
Abel sidestepped silently, glancing sideways.
The figure just paced nervously by the gate, hand hovering over the doorbell—hesitating, trembling… then pulling back.
Patrolling Dragon Knights noticed her too, but acted as if she didn’t exist.
“Guess she’s not suspicious…” Abel muttered, then walked away.
The robed figure was none other than Favna, here to discuss compensation with Alte.
But now, she was stuck.
How to enter such an imposing place?
Felt like stepping into a military camp—utterly nerve-wracking!
“Mmm… Gotta muster courage. Apologize properly. Maybe Alte’ll go easy on me.”
She took a deep breath. Hand trembled over the bell. *Finally!*
…Pulled back.
Just couldn’t do it.
What if burly guys filled the place?
That man who left didn’t look friendly either.
Should’ve brought Liko…
Heart torn, she had a flash of insight.
*Wait—I have Alte’s contact!*
*Message the Dragoon Captain. He’ll let me in.*
As Favna pulled out her phone, a nearby squad of Dragon Knights watched quietly.
One muttered, “Sketchy. Pulling out a phone like she’s snapping pics. A mole?”
He moved to approach.
His teammate held him back. “No, no. She’s a girl the Captain respects. Don’t interfere.”
“Wrapped head-to-toe—how do you know she’s a girl he knows?”
“Remember? The Captain tore a girl’s robe once.”
“Yeah, witnesses were there. Why mention it now?”
“Look.” He pointed at the long tear on her black robe. “That’s the one.”
“…”
“Get it? Just watch. Don’t meddle.”
Multiple patrols shared the same quiet observation. Favna, unaware, paced anxiously after sending her message.
Finally, Alte appeared at the gate.
“You could’ve just walked in.”
He looked at the robed figure, amused and exasperated.
She’d looked so elegant at the mall before.
Why wear this tattered black robe now?
Trailing behind him, Favna murmured meekly,
“This place… doesn’t feel like somewhere I can just enter…”
“True. Take off the robe, and you probably could’ve.”
Mid-chat, they entered his messy room.
Alte glanced at the clutter, embarrassed.
“Sorry. Don’t tidy up much…”
But as he spoke, Favna surveyed the dim, chaotic space.
To her, it felt like home.
She relaxed completely and whispered,
“I’m home~”
Alte: ?
