Evil Dragon Chapter 41: Pas de Deux

Chapter 41: Pas de Deux

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Kris

 

Lin Nuo couldn’t believe it as he rubbed his eyes and saw the slender figure walking towards him under the starlit tree shadows. Rennes? What was he doing here? Didn’t he say he would be resting at home until the day before the festival? When I left this morning, he didn’t mention at all that he was returning to the palace.

For a moment, there was silence in the courtyard, only the chirping of cicadas and the rustling of leaves on the side, making it feel even quieter. Finally, unable to bear the awkwardness, Lin Nuo cleared his throat and said to Rennes, “Teacher, didn’t you say you were going to rest at home?”

Rennes took a step forward, his voice calm, “I’ve rested enough. I came back early.”

So Lin Nuo just said, “Oh,” not knowing what else to say.

Meanwhile, Roy Clement, who was best at breaking silences and understanding human nature, stood nearby, utterly shocked, unable to utter a word. His expression seemed as if he had witnessed the most improbable thing: the Supreme God and a dragon in love, with an air of disbelief written all over his face. If he hadn’t misheard, this normally indifferent paladin, who was usually uninterested in everything, was now clearly protesting.

The hidden intensity in Rennes’s words made Roy feel a chill, making him want to run away. This attitude wasn’t just the usual ‘knight defending his master’ or ‘teacher guiding his student’ kind of demeanor. It was clearly a polar wolf growling in warning — This little rabbit is mine; stay away from it, the farther the better.

But, but… This shouldn’t be happening! Any noble had the right to pursue a member of the royal family but not the head of the Clement family! As a member of the Clement family, Roy knew their family code well: Before the Sword Bestowal Ceremony, one must not develop ‘private feelings’ for the candidate that could interfere with their choice.

Roy couldn’t inherit the family title, so he didn’t have to present his sword to a prince and, naturally, didn’t have to abide by this code. So if the young prince was willing to accept him, Roy would wholeheartedly offer himself, letting the prince enjoy pure happiness. But Rennes was different.

Thinking of this, Roy, who had always respected Rennes, couldn’t help but ask, “Rennes, do you… Do you have different feelings for His Highness?! Do you know what consequences this entails?!”

Unexpectedly, Rennes turned coldly towards him, cutting off his words, “Roy, I haven’t received the information you were supposed to look into.”

Huh? Indeed, Rennes had asked him to investigate Prince Otto’s entire private network before, but bringing it up now seemed like a way to change the subject and prevent Roy from continuing. Roy swallowed his earlier doubts and carefully observed Rennes’s frosty face, reading the real message behind Rennes’s words: Do not reveal a single word about the family code.

Roy shivered and could only respond by saying, “I’m looking into it. I’ll send it to you as soon as I find anything!”

Rennes remained silent, just nodding slightly as a response.

Roy, feeling helpless, sighed internally, mourning the tiny notion he had just entertained before it was smothered and lamenting how much trouble Rennes might face. But oh well. Whatever Rennes intended to do, no one could stop him, and no one dared to. Adjusting his expression, Roy gracefully bowed to Lin Nuo again, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness, for coming to watch my rehearsal. I hope you’ll also attend the final performance.”

With that, Roy gracefully departed, not daring to obstruct the ice-wielding wolf holding the carrot. The courtyard was left with only Lin Nuo and Rennes, standing several meters apart. The gentle night breeze, imbued with life, first brushed through Rennes’s hair and then lightly touched Lin Nuo’s cheek. The faint cold fragrance lingered at Lin Nuo’s nose.

Strange; he had been accustomed to this scent before, so why did it now feel especially enticing, making his heart race? Lin Nuo subconsciously touched his nose, trying not to focus on this captivating scent, and changed the topic, “I thought you were going to rest for two more days, Teacher.”

Rennes took a few steps forward, plucking the petals carried by the night wind from Lin Nuo’s head, saying, “Last night, that little runaway pet came back. I was very happy, so I rested well.”

Huh? You were happy? How come I didn’t notice? You were even rougher than before! But Lin Nuo couldn’t voice his thoughts. Instead, he feigned surprise and pride, saying, “Wow! Teacher, I said the pet might come back in a couple of days!”

Rennes had a hint of a smile in his eyes but spoke seriously, “Yes, not only did he come back, but he also showed signs of going into heat.”

Hearing those words, Lin Nuo’s toes started squirming in embarrassment, and he stammered, “Uh, that, that sounds troublesome?”

Rennes crossed his arms, maintaining his usual calm and composed tone, “Not troublesome. As long as we find a suitable partner for him to mate with, he’ll pass through the mating period smoothly.”

Seeing Rennes so casually discussing finding a suitable match for the little creature made Lin Nuo feel extremely awkward. Why was he talking about it so casually? Even if it’s a little cat or dog, not just any partner would do! Wait, the only suitable one who could handle the uncontrollable fiery breath might be you right now! Are you suggesting you should be paired with me?! How is that possible!

Thinking this, Lin Nuo unconsciously lowered his lips, murmuring, “Uh, I’m afraid finding a suitable match might not be easy.”

After a few seconds of contemplation, Rennes said, “Indeed, the little creature can’t speak, so it can’t tell me what it likes. Otherwise…” Rennes trailed off, slowly saying, “Otherwise, I would ask him what he dreamt of that triggered his mating behavior.”

Ah, please stop talking! Lin Nuo was blushing profusely now, feeling like his toes were about to create a lake beneath him. It was such a splendid night, the evening breeze so refreshing; why was he standing face to face with this knight discussing such an awkward scientific topic?

Seeing Lin Nuo’s discomfort, Rennes retracted the smile in his eyes, not teasing the young lad anymore, simply saying, “Your Highness, it’s getting late.”

Lin Nuo breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded, “Y-yes, I, I should go back to my room.”

In theory, both of them should exit the courtyard together and head towards the palace. Neither of them made any move to turn and leave. After a long while, Lin Nuo lowered his head and nervously tapped his foot on the stone floor, saying, “Teacher, you lied.”

Under the starry sky, Rennes calmly responded, “Oh?”

Lin Nuo softly said, “You never… You never made a promise to dance with me. And besides, didn’t you say you never attend any dances?”

Lin Nuo remembered very clearly. On the day they rode horses together for the first time, to break the ice, Lin Nuo had asked Rennes what he planned to do during the festival. Rennes had replied that he wouldn’t participate in any activities as his duty was to safeguard the royal family. So how did that suddenly become dancing with me?

Rennes raised an eyebrow slightly, took two steps forward, and smoothed down the young prince’s unkempt hair, saying, “Then I’m inviting you. Will you refuse?”

Lin Nuo felt his entire body going weak, his heart losing strength, and he mumbled, “Of course… I wouldn’t refuse.”

Was he… Was he really inviting me? Was he saying he wanted to dance with me?

Rennes nodded and said gently, “Then it can’t be considered a lie on my part.”

At this moment, Lin Nuo felt even breathing had become a challenge; his mind was buzzing with thoughts he couldn’t comprehend.

Looking at the silent Lin Nuo, Rennes reached out and ruffled his hair, asking, “Why do you keep looking down?”

Lin Nuo finally raised his face, looking at the person in front of him, gazing into those eyes that held the entire starry sky.

The corners of Rennes’s eyes curved slightly, his breath becoming softer, “Your Highness, do you have any more questions?”

Inadvertently, Lin Nuo blurted out, “Teacher, you’ve never attended a dance before. So, uh, do you… can you dance?”

As soon as he said it, Lin Nuo regretted it. As the most distinguished noble family in the kingdom, how could a Clement not know how to dance? It was a basic skill for nobles.

Unexpectedly, Rennes pondered for a moment, a hint of regret on his face, “Not really.”

Huh?

“I only know that for a pas de deux two hands need to come together,” Rennes said as he took Lin Nuo’s hand, aligning their palms. “Then, both bodies should move in harmony, following a rhythm… swaying,” Rennes took another small step forward. “As for this rhythm, this synchronization… how it should be handled… How about this, Your Highness; would you teach me?” Rennes tilted his head, whispering gently into Lin Nuo’s ear.

 

 

 

This Title is available for faster chapter releases through paid Patreon membership. Any proceeds go to keeping the website running. Check it out HERE.