After Alte’s reassurance, Favna hesitantly placed her small hands on her hood. She looked like she wanted to remove it—but couldn’t quite bring herself to.
As she hesitated, Alte noticed her unease. He simply watched in silence, like someone observing a fledgling taking its first wobbly steps into the world.
After all, Favna had never dared show her face to outsiders before.
Was it because of the dragon horns sprouting from her head?
Still, horns meant her Dragonkin bloodline was relatively pure. Philo was also a Dragonkin—but she had no horns.
“Huff…”
Favna took a deep breath and slowly lifted her hood. Her exquisite features were revealed to the air, and Alte beside her couldn’t help but glance sideways.
Seeing her silver hair damp with sweat, even Alte felt a faint stir in his chest—just a hint, but enough to prompt gentle praise.
“Not bad. That’s a solid first step.”
“I-I-I…” Favna stammered, still unused to the exposure. Her voice was so soft it barely carried unless you leaned in close.
“I just thought… facing the Dragon Knights like some hooded stranger isn’t right.”
“Whatever the reason,” Alte said warmly, “choosing to face others head-on is already huge progress.”
He encouraged her like a doting father. Favna’s tight chest eased just a little.
Just then, the nearby Dragon Knight squad finished eating. They stood and headed toward the serving window for seconds.
Favna stiffened instantly. She fought the urge to shrink behind Alte, trembling as she faced the soot-streaked knights.
“Captain… Hm?”
“Huh?”
“No way?”
The knights, laughing moments before, froze upon seeing Favna. They glanced at her, then at Alte beside her—and silently stepped back twice.
Favna had meant to ask if they wanted more food. Seeing them retreat made her heart sink.
Alte noticed the gloom shadowing her face. *Did she misunderstand?*
But their retreat wasn’t about her horns. They were startled by something else entirely.
Sure enough, the squad leader crept cautiously to the window. He didn’t speak to Favna—just placed his bowl forward and snatched his hand back.
Favna misread it all as fear of her.
Finally, Alte spoke.
“Show the lady some respect.”
“But…” the leader murmured carefully, “isn’t this the captain’s wife… sir?”
Alte covered his face with a resigned sigh. *Of course.*
*Why does everyone assume Favna’s my girlfriend?*
They’d been timid out of misplaced caution—and nearly shattered the fragile courage she’d just gathered.
“She’s not my girlfriend,” Alte sighed.
They replied with utter disbelief.
“But… she’s holding your sleeve!”
“Huh?”
Alte turned. Sure enough—the timid dragon girl, overwhelmed by nerves, had been clutching his sleeve with tiny fingers. He hadn’t even noticed.
“Eep!”
Startled, Favna yanked her hand back, cheeks flushed, gaze darting away. A quiet gloom still clung to her.
Alte turned to the squad leader.
“William Squad.”
“Present!”
They snapped to attention.
“State your reason for retreating.”
“To avoid offending the captain’s wife!”
The disheartened Favna flustered, waving her hands. “N-no! Alte and I aren’t—! It’s not like that!”
“Understood!”
They clattered bowls before her and chorused, “Please serve us, ma’am!”
“Ugh~”
Favna let out a tiny, miserable whimper—but kept serving steadily.
After receiving food, William Squad saluted her in unison, turned sharply, and marched back.
Only when they left did Favna exhale. Alte finally explained:
“Their retreat wasn’t fear or prejudice toward you. If anything, my presence startled them. Don’t take it to heart.”
“Mm.”
She’d thought it was her fault. Now she saw—they weren’t unkind.
*If only they’d stop assuming things about us…*
Seeing her calm, Alte added gently:
“Outside, many may reject beastkin or mixed-bloods. But here? I guarantee no one will point fingers. Walk freely in the sunlight. You’re safe.”
As he spoke, his hand drifted unconsciously toward her head—like he meant to pat it.
“Thank you.”
Favna’s sincere smile snapped him back. He jerked his hand away, muttering inwardly:
*What was I just doing!? Between proper friends? No way I should’ve—*
“What’s wrong?”
Favna looked up, pure and puzzled. She didn’t press. “Let’s go eat.”
“Mm.”
They gathered the cook’s leftover meal and headed to the office. The evening wind was chilly, yet Favna left her hood down. The path was secluded; Dragon Knights were in evening drills. Few would see.
But halfway home, Favna froze.
Wait…
Alte’s bed was in *her* bedroom.
Didn’t that mean… she was sharing a room with him!?
Clearly, the slow-to-realize, homebody dragon girl had only just noticed.
