Evil Dragon Chapter 57: My Love

Chapter 57: My Love

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Aika

 

Looking at Lin Nuo’s completely bewildered eyes, Rennes knew that, as the Black Dragon had said, the dragon-shaped Lin Nuo, even upon seeing himself and hearing his own voice, couldn’t recall anything.

Several days prior, after Rennes had done everything possible, setting up countless magic arrays around various places in Saros, they finally captured two Black Dragons. According to the will of the Supreme God, Rennes couldn’t slay the ancient dragons; they could only seal them once again.

Before sealing them, Rennes took turns using spells—True Words, Vanishing Arts, the Art of Oblivion—in an attempt to force the Black Dragons to reveal where they had hidden Lin Nuo. But the results they obtained left them disheartened.

The Black Dragon who claimed to be an “Elder” sneered and said, “Linno? He’s on ‘Dragon Island,’ in a place humans like you can never reach. Even if you impressed the gods and reached that place, let me tell you, he’s now completely and utterly a dragon. Even if he, in his dragon form, sees you before him, he won’t feel a thing. If you make him regain his human form, on ‘Dragon Island,’ as a human, he’ll be dead. Are you willing?”

Finally extracting the location, Rennes ceased speaking, merely placing the two dragons separately into the “Casket of Wails,” commencing the layers of sealing once more. Creatures sealed within the Casket of Wails by Clement’s own hands would fall into an endless slumber, not to awaken for thousands of years.

Before the final seal, the Elder struggled to assume human form within the casket and wickedly grinned, “We intended for you, descendant of Clement, to serve a true dragon and protect it with your life, which would have been an insult—never did we imagine you’d ultimately choose to become a companion of our kind! Just the thought of you, Clement’s lineage, bowing to us dragons for life, even in my slumber, brings me immense pleasure!”

Facing this blatant provocation, Rennes calmly replied, “Bowing for life, so what? It’s because I love him, not because he’s a dragon.”

With that said, Rennes swung the holy sword in their hand, carving the final seal, and began seeking the path to “Dragon Island.”

As Lin Nuo held the ring in his claws and listened to the human’s words, his wings stiffened once more. What was this human talking about? What does he mean by calling me… a companion? He’s human, I’m a dragon! Could he be saying nonsense because of the pain?

Lin Nuo lowered their neck slightly, their eyes, a deep golden shade, widened as they earnestly observed the knight’s face.

Hmm… Apart from looking worn out with red-rimmed eyes and tears, the knight didn’t seem delirious at all. But what nonsense was he spouting?! And why, why did I feel so upset hearing these clearly impossible words? No, I can’t let this cunning human manipulate me!

Frustrated, Lin Nuo flapped their wings, thumped the beach with their tail, and gruffly exclaimed, “I-I don’t believe you at all! Companion? Lover? I don’t believe any of it! You, hmph, crafty human!”

The knight looked up at them, gazing for a while before a smile crept onto his face, “But, Your Highness, you’ve already accepted my ring.”

Huh? Lin Nuo glanced down at the beautiful, sparkling ring in their claw. “Not just the ring, there’s also a rose made of gold coins and a little golden snack—”

“According to the Supreme God’s principles, these are all used in proposing to the dragon race.”

“W-What? There are rules like these too?!”

“Since you’ve accepted the ring, hidden the rose, and eaten the snack, it means you’ve accepted my proposal. So, calling you ‘companion’ is just and fair, in line with the Supreme God’s principles. As an honorable dragon, you wouldn’t commit the ‘violation of the Supreme God’s principles,’ right?”

Uh, the Elder did say that even the dragon race shouldn’t defy the Supreme God… Could it be that I actually… unwittingly agreed to this human’s proposal? But… Lin Nuo tilted his head, pondering for a while, finally stating, “Maybe what you’re saying is right. But marriage is a very important matter. I should inform the Elder and Eugene.”

The knight’s smile deepened. For some reason, looking at the knight’s smile, Lin Nuo felt calm and comfortable, as if they wanted to keep looking at it forever. The knight smiled and said, “Yes, you’re absolutely right. The Elder and Eugene are in the outside world right now. You wanted me to return to the outside world just now, so how about— you take me there, and we’ll find the Elder to explain face to face? Wouldn’t that be a win-win situation?”

Looking at it from a different angle and after pondering for a while, Lin Nuo found the knight’s words quite reasonable. “Then, alright.”

Lin Nuo leaned forward with their claws and obediently lay down on the beach, saying, “You ride on me, and I’ll fly—uh, but that ring of black mist at the edge of the sea, I can’t get past it!”

Lin Nuo remembered how painful it was when that silver lightning struck!

The knight patted their head, swiftly climbing onto the golden dragon’s back. “It’s alright, follow my instructions then, and you’ll pass through.”

The knight’s tone was so assured and steady that Lin Nuo didn’t have any doubts, carrying the knight and soaring into the sky.

Flying and flying. The wind was warm, the clouds were soft, and the sea was blue. Lin Nuo didn’t feel bored at all.

And, on this journey, the knight has been telling him stories. The knight says that there are many little magical creatures outside, like little pigeons, small frogs, and little sparrows, all wanting to play with Lin Nuo. The knight also mentions that not only animals but also plants can speak, chattering away and telling Lin Nuo many stories.

The more Lin Nuo listens, the more he yearns for it, and his heart is filled with anticipation, making his wings flutter faster. Finally, Lin Nuo sees that vast darkness once again. Before stopping in this darkness, Lin Nuo hesitates. The pain from the last lightning strike still makes him feel uneasy. It hurts so much. Moreover, will this lightning strike the knight too? I’m a robust dragon; he’s a fragile human. He probably can’t withstand even a lightning strike, right?

Just then, the knight wraps his arms around Lin Nuo’s neck from behind, speaking gently and firmly, “Lin Nuo, close your eyes and fly forward. Now, I want to tell you another story. In this story, you’re not a dragon or a prince. You’re a cute child living in another world. Unfortunately, your health isn’t great there. You encounter terrible family members and strangers who love you. Regrettably, in that world, I’m not there.

“Later, due to some reasons, your consciousness came to this world. Since your soul, your consciousness, disappeared from that world, I tried everything and finally connected to the world where you used to be. In that world… you had stopped breathing. I could only pray to your god, the one who sent your consciousness here, praying that I could touch your consciousness. Your god told me that if there’s even a tiny bit of memory about me in your consciousness, he could help me pull you back from the edge of this world. Lin Nuo, do you remember me?

“Sorry… I… I didn’t protect you…”

Lin Nuo, already merged into the darkness at some point, tightly closes his eyes. Big tears rolled down his face. Unsure how long he travels through this darkness, there’s finally light from the outside. There’s also the sound of wind and water. Lin Nuo opens his eyes with a splash and finds himself on a sandy beach. Not the solitary beach of the dragon race but a real human beach. Not far away, there are even several white sailboats.

He turns his neck laboriously and widens his eyes: lying beside him is Rennes, with scars all over his body.

“Rennes!” Lin Nuo shouts, propelling his body and rushing over — Huh, my hand? I’ve turned back into a human! Not only that, at the moment of turning back into a human, all those memories, the memories sealed by the dragon race, flood into his mind. Lin Nuo doesn’t have time to sort through these memories or shed tears; he has more important things to do.

His lips tremble, but his hands are very stable, drawing magic circles one after another. First, use the transfer circle to ease Rennes’s pain. When the transfer circle is activated, the burning and bone-piercing pain almost makes Lin Nuo faint.

It’s okay; I’m a dragon. I can endure this pain. Lin Nuo bites his lip, disregards wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, and continues to draw. Healing spells, transferring his magical power to protect the marks inside Rennes; then, using elemental power to mend the wounds on his body…

After an unknown amount of time, Rennes’s eyelashes flutter twice.

Lin Nuo holds his breath, staring at Rennes without blinking, fearing he might be seeing things. Finally, very slowly, Rennes opens his eyes, and his lips move. He’s speaking. His first words are, “Remove the transfer circle.”

Lin Nuo vigorously nods at first, then shakes his head vigorously. Tears fall down like rain, turning himself into a fool again.

One month later.

“Linuo! Linno!”

Nana, who hasn’t seen Linno for a long time, runs towards the palace without regard for etiquette, ignoring Countess behind her trying to stop her.

The last time Lin Nuo returned to the palace was a month ago. At that time, he had just come out of “Dragon Island,” and Rennes’s body was still weak, needing good care at the Clement mansion. So Lin Nuo hurried back to the palace, explained everything to the Grand King, and then rushed back to the Clement house.

Of course, according to the Grand King’s request, he is now both Clement’s companion and the Crown Prince of Saros. He can’t neglect state affairs just because of taking care of his companion. So no matter where Lin Nuo is, he has to make time to handle the matters assigned by his grandfather.

Like today, he just finished a major task related to reservoir construction, which required him to report directly to his grandfather. Fortunately, he was well-prepared, and whether it was silver coin allocation or personnel arrangement, it was entirely feasible. The old king was very satisfied and extremely relieved, even secretly marveling: when Lin Nuo ascends the throne, Saros will definitely have a better development.

In fact, this is indeed the case. Even a thousand years later, Lin Nuo is the most legendary and praised monarch among all rulers of Saros. Of course, Lin Nuo is completely unaware of this at the moment.

After meeting with the Grand King, Lin Nuo takes advantage of the remaining time to visit Nana, who he hasn’t seen in a long time. Seeing Nana running towards him with joy, Lin Nuo doesn’t scold her but lifts the little girl up, twirls her around, and then puts her back on the ground. He asks seriously, “How’s your homework?”

The little girl looks up proudly, “Great! I get excellent grades every time!”

Lin Nuo pats her head, praising, “That’s fantastic.”

A Countess, who serves as a maid to Nana, also comes forward. After a formal curtsy, she begins to report Nana’s progress. It sounds like Nana is indeed doing well in her studies.

Now, whether it’s Nana’s studies, social activities, or daily routines, everything has been arranged entirely in accordance with the ‘future inheritor.’ After all, Lin Nuo and Rennes cannot have children, so this little princess will be the queen of Saros after several years. Lin Nuo was initially worried that this would be too much for Nana, but it seems the little girl has adapted exceptionally well.

After chatting with Nana for a while, Lin Nuo squats down, apologizing, “Okay, I need to return to the Clement house. When Rennes is fully recovered, we’ll move back to the palace, and then we can read books together, alright?”

The little girl pouts briefly but quickly nods, “Hmm, okay. Lin Nuo, take good care of him and help him recover quickly.”

Lin Nuo smiles and nods, “Of course.”

“Oh, this is for you.” Lin Nuo takes out a small gift he prepared earlier: two tiny figurines. One is a chubby white pigeon, and the other is an oddly shaped little frog.

“What are these?!” Nana exclaims with excitement as she shakes the two small figurines in her hands.

“The white pigeon is a new product from ‘Coo-Coos Delivery.’ Just squeeze its tail for ten seconds, and a pigeon will fly over to help you deliver a message. So, if you want to write a letter to us, this will be convenient. As for this little frog, tap its head three times, and you can directly communicate with the person who has the matching little frog, like me.”

“Awesome! That’s great!” Nana is delighted. Since she hasn’t learned how to use personal crystals yet, these two items are the best substitutes for her.

Not only for Nana but also for the vast majority of ordinary people in Saros without magical abilities, these two small items made by pigeon spirits and goblins are exceptionally convenient and affordable.

Lin Nuo believes that these two small items will soon be accepted and appreciated by the people of Saros. Of course, the development of these items was a result of instructions given by him and Rennes to the magical creatures.

Lin Nuo was curious before about why Rennes had never discovered Martin and Roundy’s true identities. After all, ‘Coo-Coos Delivery’ pigeons often fly all over the place, making it particularly noticeable.

Now, Lin Nuo understands: Rennes didn’t fail to notice; rather, after discovering them, he believed these harmless, hardworking little creatures didn’t need to be treated harshly. Instead of exterminating them, it was better to let them live freely in Saros while hiding their identities.

Following Rennes’s thoughts, Lin Nuo decided to find more things for these little guys to do, such as creating useful gadgets or opening distinctive small shops. These obedient little magical creatures began to open up a new world diligently, following Lin Nuo’s instructions.

After handing the gift to Nana and giving some instructions to the attendants, Lin Nuo hurried to the stables, mounted a white horse, and headed straight for the outskirts of Faro City.

While galloping, he glanced at the blooming flowers along the road and couldn’t help but think: Ah, it’s already May again. Unconsciously, it’s been a year since I came to this world? Speaking of which… the system hasn’t appeared for a long time.

Just as if responding to Lin Nuo’s thoughts, a long-lost voice sounded cheerfully in his mind, [La la la, host! Congratulations, the host has completed the initial clearance condition: surviving in the small world for a year without being beheaded by the knight! From now on, the system won’t disturb you anymore. You can live freely in the small world. So, host—”]

As it seemed like the system was about to bid farewell, Lin Nuo interrupted it, “Wait!”

[“Ah, host, you can’t bear the little system? The little system can’t bear you either—”]

Lin Nuo, feeling awkward, interrupted it again, “I want to ask, how about the ‘hidden route’? Shouldn’t Rennes’s hidden wish have been fulfilled?”

[“Ah… well…Since the system is officially going offline today, after comprehensive evaluation, the small world will completely switch to hidden route mode. So, host, you don’t have to worry about a forced switch affecting Rennes. You can enjoy yourselves freely! Speaking of which, you’ve been refusing to ‘enjoy’ lately. Is it because you’re worried about the route switch—?”] the system said regretfully.

“I won’t discuss that.” Blushing, Lin Nuo forcefully changed the topic, “You mean, because the system is going offline, the hidden mode is finally activated. But has Rennes’s wish still not been fulfilled? His wish, according to Eugene, isn’t it to marry me?” Lin Nuo thought, it couldn’t be that his true wish is only revealed after marriage?

[“Well… sigh,”] the system sighed again, [“Rennes Clement’s wish, even the system’s initial assessment was wrong. The system originally concluded: his hidden wish is to marry you and become your life partner. But later, as the plot progressed, the system discovered that wasn’t his true hidden wish. His true wish is: Lin Nuo Heinrich can enjoy happiness and joy, spend his life in love and care. Host, you see, it’s too difficult to determine such a long-span hidden wish. So, our review could only reluctantly agree to enter the hidden route after the marriage.”]

While the system kept rambling, Lin Nuo, riding on the horse, once again felt his eyes moisten. Spend his life in love and care? Is that Rennes’s wish… This fool.

[“Alright, host, I’m really logging off now. Thank you for your hard work over this past year. Would you like a special piece of information as a parting gift?”]

“A special piece of information? What information?” Lin Nuo asked curiously.

[“It’s about Rennes Clement, this deeply scheming fellow’s change of heart. You can clearly see when he started paying attention to you, when he became interested in you, and then gradually fell in love with you.”]

Lin Nuo didn’t hesitate, “No need, I don’t need that.” After pausing for a few seconds, he added, “I want a different gift. System, you can still contact my original world, right?”

The system hesitated for a moment and replied, [“Yes… host, you’re not thinking of resurrecting your original body, are you?”]

“Why would I make such a request?” Lin Nuo chuckled, “I just want you to donate all the money in my account to a charity for children with congenital heart disease.”

[“Ah, that’s possible. But host, you really don’t want any other gift?”]

Lin Nuo shook his head, “No. I already have enough.”

The system sighed, [“Alright. Thank you, host, you’ve completed a wonderful story. Wish you happiness.”]

Lin Nuo’s mind completely quieted down. Just then, he noticed a slight tremor along the entire edge of the sky, followed by a return to normal. What did that signify? Had the activation of the small world completed? Lin Nuo shook his head, not dwelling on it further, and spurred his horse, racing ahead once again.

—

After a fast-paced journey, as dusk approached, Lin Nuo finally arrived back at the grand estate of Clement. The lawn in front of the estate was still lush green, adorned with countless roses and flowers blooming brilliantly, more dazzling than anywhere in Saros.

These blossoming flowers weren’t coincidental: With the help of goblins and nature spirits, Lin Nuo had set up magical arrays around the estate using numerous elemental stones to aid in recovery. When Rennes emerged from the Dragon Island, he could barely open his eyes or speak; he was at the brink of death.

According to the physicians, “Clement’s continued survival is nothing short of a miracle!”

Fortunately, after Lin Nuo’s training, combined with knowledge from books and his own magical abilities, along with the assistance of magical creatures, Rennes gradually recovered.

As of last week, except for the wounds inflicted by the dragon’s breath on Dragon Island, he was basically fine. He claimed to have no issues walking, running, or riding horses. seeing Rennes’s wounds occasionally seeping blood, Lin Nuo didn’t dare let him ride horses. He even refused Rennes’s suggestion of returning to the palace together.

Following Lin Nuo’s request, Rennes spent most of his day in bed until his wounds completely healed. Now, Lin Nuo rushed back to their room, worried that Rennes might disobey and sneak out again. Thankfully, Rennes was seated in bed, wearing a neat white silk shirt, reading an ancient book.

As soon as Lin Nuo entered the room, Rennes closed the book, preparing to get up. He said, “You’re back.”

Lin Nuo nodded and quickly stopped Rennes from getting out of bed. He gently pushed him back into a seated position, sat on the edge of the bed, and wrapped his arm around Rennes’s shoulder. Then, he gently rubbed his head against Rennes’s neck.

Lin Nuo held him tenderly, fearing he might accidentally touch the wounds. Unexpectedly, Rennes hugged him back and whispered in his ear, “It’s okay, the wounds have long since healed.”

Ignoring Rennes’s words, Lin Nuo did not respond.

Rennes used his lips to touch Lin Nuo’s ear and whispered, “Even if some intense activity were to happen, the wounds wouldn’t reopen.”

Blushing furiously, Lin Nuo sat up straight and said, “By the way, I haven’t had a chance to ask you—”

With a red face, avoiding eye contact with Rennes, Lin Nuo stuttered, unable to articulate his words. Rennes’s fingers intertwined with Lin Nuo’s, and he softly laughed, “Since the beginning, when I brought you back to the room, I could hear some strange thoughts. For instance—’Wow, this person’s abs are really firm! Such smooth lines! And his skin is so good!’ And also, ‘Sigh, if not for the imminent danger, I’d love to look a little longer.'”

“Don’t, don’t say that!” An embarrassed Lin Nuo squeezed Rennes’s hand hard, forcefully interrupting his recollection.

“Well, well, even if I can’t hear them now, I can guess what Your Highness is thinking.” Rennes tilted his head slightly and gently smelled Lin Nuo’s hair.

“Oh?” Lin Nuo pressed his lips tightly together, his legs involuntarily pressing together.

“Your Highness is thinking…’It’s been so long since the wedding; when will we do what truly needs to be done…’” Rennes’s voice was low, husky, every word carrying a seductive tone, “Now that the knight’s body is finally better, why not take advantage of this opportunity?”

“I-I’m not! I don’t!” Lin Nuo’s shoulders jerked, blushing furiously as he denied.

“Your Highness, you’re saying one thing but meaning another…” Rennes chuckled lightly, reminding Lin Nuo of what it meant to be ‘outwardly upright but inwardly crafty’.

Lin Nuo struggled to gather his thoughts, eventually creating some distance from Rennes. “No!” Seeing Lin Nuo’s serious expression, Rennes was somewhat surprised. But Lin Nuo quickly added, “Um, according to tradition, your, uh, wound might still reopen.”

Annoyed, Rennes rubbed his forehead, “Your Highness, that’s not what I was asking…”

Lin Nuo interrupted, “So, today, I went to see Roy.”

“Roy? Why did you go to him?” Rennes’s expression froze. Why would Lin Nuo seek his advice?

Lin Nuo’s eyes wandered, face redder than a farm tomato, “Uh, I just… asked him some questions. And he said if I didn’t want your wound to reopen, then, if I tried a little harder and prepared more thoroughly, it would be fine.”

“Tried a little harder?” Rennes frowned, not entirely understanding Lin Nuo’s point. But it was evident Lin Nuo didn’t intend to explain how exactly he should try harder or prepare more thoroughly. He stood up, placing the items the steward had given him one by one on the bedside table. Rennes widened his eyes. “What’s this?!” 

“I-I’ve prepared, so you can… you can remain like this,” Lin Nuo said earnestly, “If it’s not enough later, I can continue.”

“Wait, Lin Nuo, listen to me, you don’t need to start… uh…” The knight’s words were abruptly cut off by the evil dragon.

The evil dragon’s claws began to move restlessly.

“Is that so?” Lin Nuo’s hand rested on Rennes’s shoulder, trembling uncontrollably. This effort was proving too much for him.

“Yes…,” Rennes pitied Lin Nuo while being… fully immersed.

“It’s not as difficult as they say…” Lin Nuo’s forehead was beaded with sweat, trying to sound strong despite the circumstances. He thought he was a really bad evil dragon. Tricking the knight into a trap, and then… struggling to keep him from leaving.

The evil dragon was too complacent.

The treasure trove filled with gold coins quickly became the knight’s playground, where he could play as he wished. What’s worse, despite being an evil dragon, he was quickly hit by the knight, and his claws flailed helplessly, unable to move.

“Wait… Wait!” Amidst his dazed state, Lin Nuo suddenly remembered something and called out.

“I can’t wait.”

“No, the wound! The wound!” Lin Nuo’s voice changed, filled with concern.

“If… if you’re worried about the wound, uh, Your Highness, why not try… drawing a healing… magic array for me?”

“Ah!” How, how could there be such a thing! How could he focus on drawing a magic array! Lin Nuo was too obedient, too much of a diligent student.

The magic array was eventually completed.

Unfortunately, he forgot that this type of magic array, aside from healing wounds, also significantly enhanced a person’s abilities. Yes, significantly.

Lin Nuo deeply regretted what he had done and what he was receiving in return.

For many days after that, Lin Nuo, who could freely choose between three dragon forms, could only transform into the fluffy ‘Flame Beast’ and sleep next to Rennes’s pillow. But the knight was too cunning. The ‘Flame Beast,’ with its simple mind, was repeatedly deceived by the knight, turned back into human form, and repeatedly regretted his actions.

Author’s note:

This is the end of the main text! Thank you to all the readers for your company all along! Next up are the extras!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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