Evil Dragon Chapter 72: Extra 2-5: Curious

Chapter 72: Extra 2-5: Curious

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Aika

 

“I’m taking you to another place,” said Rennes.

Rennes took Lin Nuo out of the school and turned into a narrow alley. Although the entrance to the alley was narrow, inside it was lined with various milk tea shops, fried chicken shops, and barbecue stalls. At night, it became filled with smoke and lively with people crowding around.

Lin Nuo didn’t live on campus, so he would only pass by occasionally when he had evening classes, sometimes stopping for a cup of milk tea. Why did Rennes bring himself to this place? Lin Nuo wondered, puzzled. Could it be that he wanted to drink milk tea?

The moment they arrived, Rennes earnestly held a milk tea, sipping pearls through a straw. Lin Nuo couldn’t help but secretly laugh. He probably wouldn’t notice. Rennes, with a hint of helplessness, also smiled. Rennes didn’t go to a milk tea shop but walked to the end of the alley and entered a dessert shop.

Although it was called a dessert shop, it was nothing more than a tiny place with only four small tables. Lin Nuo had never eaten anything in this shop, but Martin liked it. He often ordered takeaway strawberry cream cakes and shared half with Lin Nuo. To be honest, Lin Nuo found the desserts in this shop quite ordinary, with too much sugar.

When Rennes walked in, the cashier brother greeted them with a practiced “Welcome, what would you like to order…” His words got stuck after “order,” turning into a pitifully repeating machine, “Order, order, order…”

Clearly, he was too scared to speak. Lin Nuo peeked from his bag and, as expected, the cashier brother had two pointed fox ears on his head, and these ears were trembling non-stop. Wow, a fox spirit! Lin Nuo was unexpectedly excited.

Rennes walked to the cashier counter, “A bottle of sparkling water.”

The fox cashier brother, trembling, turned and took out a bottle of sparkling water from the refrigerator behind the counter, handing it to Rennes.

Lin Nuo noticed that there was a fluffy tail hanging out from the back of the cashier brother’s shirt, seemingly inviting to be touched. After Rennes received the sparkling water, he didn’t leave immediately, giving Lin Nuo a chance to observe everything behind the counter. In addition to the fox cashier brother, there was a young raccoon behind the counter, not very tall, continuously washing cups and plates at the sink, not daring to look up.

Next to the sink, there was a neatly stacked pile of cups and plates, all very clean and shiny. After washing a round, the young raccoon started washing again. As he washed, the long tail with a gray circular pattern behind him would occasionally curl up and then swing a couple of times. This tail, this continuous washing movement… Could this be a raccoon spirit?

Lin Nuo speculated.

Seeing that Rennes was still not leaving, the fox cashier brother’s voice changed, “Um, sir, we are well-behaved… Our hygiene is up to standard, our milk tea is not made from powdered mix, and our cakes are always fresh… Sob… We don’t harm anyone… really…”

“We are just passing by, I just came to buy a bottle of water,” Rennes said. After saying that, he scanned a code with his phone and walked away.

After leaving the dessert shop, Lin Nuo exclaimed, “So there are magical creatures running shops together.” He pondered for a moment and asked, “Why is the fox so afraid of you? According to my grandfather, you are a ‘Black Magical Creature Hunter,’ right? He isn’t a black magical creature, is he?”

So, a good magical creature that doesn’t harm people shouldn’t be afraid of Rennes. For example, his grandfather trusted Rennes so much that he even packed him up and sent him away without any hesitation. But speaking of which, not only the fox but also Martin doesn’t seem to like Rennes.

Why is there such a big difference? Aren’t all magical creatures supposed to be good? For some reason, Rennes has been silent and hasn’t answered him.

Initially, Lin Nuo thought it might be because it was crowded outside with people and magical creatures, making it inconvenient to talk. But even after getting into the car, Rennes only said, “Rest a bit, I’ll call you when we arrive.”

Perhaps, considering the proportional relationship between body size and energy, after wandering around for half a day, the usually energetic Lin Nuo was indeed tired. In addition, Rennes drove smoothly, and the temperature and scent inside the car were pleasant, making it easy for people or dragons to feel drowsy.

So, despite having some objections to the term “when we arrive,” Lin Nuo struggled with his eyelids for a while and fell asleep. Soon, Lin Nuo began to dream.

He dreamed of taking Rennes to eat hot pot, with Rennes being so spicy that he couldn’t speak. Then, he considerately brought Rennes a steaming cup of milk tea, making Rennes tear up from the spiciness…

When Rennes woke him up, he found himself lying face down on the sofa, laughing with his mouth wide open. At some point, Rennes and Lin Nuo had arrived at Rennes’ apartment, and Rennes had quietly moved him to the sofa in the living room.

“Why are you laughing so happily? What did you dream about?” Rennes asked seriously.

Lin Nuo rubbed his eyes and hummed, “Something fun.”

Actually, he didn’t have the courage to say what kind of fun thing it was. Rennes didn’t inquire further and took him to the sink to clean his claws, then placed him on the dining table, ready for dinner. This time, in addition to the carefully arranged plate and fork, there was also a set of toy-like table and chairs.

Now Lin Nuo could sit on the chair and eat, instead of sitting directly on the dining table like before. The food on the table was still the same – boiled peas and chopped fish. Looking at this bland meal, Lin Nuo’s mouth puckered. He stood up again, jumped to the side of Rennes’ plate, and looked inside: salmon, kale, chickpeas, not even a drop of salad dressing.

It was as tasteless as his own meal. Lin Nuo was content. Swinging his tail, he happily moved to his own table, sat on the chair, and began to eat with his legs dangling. While eating, he felt that although these foods were not seasoned, the peas were naturally sweet, and the fish was tender and flavorful. Upon closer inspection, it wasn’t bad.

At this moment, Rennes, sitting across from him, spoke up, “The question you asked earlier…”

“Question?” Lin Nuo was momentarily confused. “Oh, right, why are other magical creatures afraid of you?”

Lin Nuo found that, perhaps due to the decline in mental age after turning into a dragon or for some other reason, he seemed to have become more carefree. He almost forgot what question he had asked.

Putting down his fork, Rennes said, “Actually, a long time ago, there was no ‘Black Magical Creature Hunter,’ only ‘Magical Creature Hunter.’ In other words, all magical creatures were the targets for us, the Dragon Clan, to hunt.”

Lin Nuo nodded, “Wow, that sounds cool.”

After saying that, he put a pea into his mouth. Chewing on the pea, he suddenly realized that something was wrong. The entire dragon bounced off the chair and retreated backward with a series of thumping sounds—

If it weren’t for Rennes’ quick eyes and hands reaching over to catch him, he would have fallen to the ground again, turning into a flattened dragon pancake. Lying in Rennes’ hands, looking up at the man’s face, he stammered, “So, you hunt all magical creatures?”

But I’m also a magical creature! Moreover, I should be a pretty powerful magical creature! Even though I’m not powerful right now…

Rennes helplessly said, “I already said it was a very long time ago. Later, our Dragon Clan discovered that most magical creatures just want to live their own lives peacefully in this world. It’s enough for them to survive. some magical creatures can be influenced by corrupted magic and become ‘Black Magical Creatures.’ We must eliminate these harmful Black Magical Creatures, whether they harm humans or other magical creatures.”

Lin Nuo rolled his eyes, thinking that the Clement Dragon Clan was somewhat like… the righteous enforcers in the dark? It sounded quite cool.

“For other magical creatures that haven’t been influenced by corrupted magic, we— we won’t interfere,” Rennes said, each word delivered with utmost sincerity.

Won’t interfere? Then why are your hands touching my head again? Lin Nuo, now resting on the dining table again after being placed there by Rennes, tilted his head as Rennes continued to ruffle his head.

“But… the members of the Clement Dragon Clan are still feared by many magical creatures.”

Rennes sighed, “So, you see, Martin is wary of me, always worried that I might do something to you.”

“Probably… in your eyes, I might still be mercilessly killing without hesitation.”

Lin Nuo blinked, “Oh, well—no, you’re not.”

At this moment, Lin Nuo had completely forgotten how he had clenched his teeth at Rennes just a while ago.

“Not only Martin, many other magical creatures, like the fox and his lover who runs the milk tea shop we visited today, the fox and raccoon, also keep their distance from me.”

Although Rennes’ tone didn’t change much, Lin Nuo, being someone easily swayed, felt a bit uneasy hearing this. Clearly, this person wasn’t a bad guy, and he secretly protected many magical creatures, yet others avoided him as if he were a terrifying figure.

Sigh.

Lin Nuo stood up, jumped to Rennes’ side with a series of thumping sounds, and then said, “You, lower your head a bit.”

Rennes complied. Lin Nuo tried his best to raise his hind paws—wishing he could fly with his wings—and then used his claws to pat Rennes’ head.

“Purr, purr, don’t be sad,” Lin Nuo said earnestly.

Rennes paused for a moment, then lowered his head to look at Lin Nuo, his black eyes clear and pure. “I’m not sad.”

Lin Nuo tilted his head upward, saying, “Rest assured, everyone will know that you’re not a bad person, actually.”

Although he has some really bad taste.

Rennes smiled, “Thank you.”

That smile was gentler than the sunset Lin Nuo had seen the night before. Those eyes were deeper than the starry sky Lin Nuo had seen when climbing the mountain. Lin Nuo’s pink face turned red instantly. His dragon heart, still pounding like it was about to jump out of his throat. He lowered his head, hummed a couple of times, “There’s nothing to thank.”

“In any case, someone who secretly protects and helps others is great.” Lin Nuo said while regretting that he didn’t study more. Shouldn’t he have more elegant words to praise Rennes at a time like this? Yet all he managed to say was, “Great.”

“Well…” Rennes pondered for a moment and added, “Actually, Mr. Lin, it’s your grandfather who deserves real admiration.”

Lin Nuo raised his head again, “Oh?”

Rennes said, “Do you know… why the fox and raccoon could afford to open a dessert shop near the school?”

Lin Nuo shook his head.

Rennes continued, “They accepted a low-interest commissioned loan.”

“The one who commissioned this loan was actually Mr. Lin.”

Lin Nuo exclaimed, “Huh?! Grandpa… lent money to a dessert shop?”

Rennes nodded, “Yes. For magical creatures who aren’t very knowledgeable in business matters, Mr. Lin helps them, like acting as a guarantor or providing them with low-interest loans, so they can have a way to make a living. Of course, the Clement Dragon Clan has similar measures. Most magical creatures immediately run away at the sight of the words ‘Clement Dragon,’ refusing to accept our assistance. If it weren’t for Mr. Lin’s efforts, many magical creatures in this city, even across this land, would struggle for their basic needs and might easily turn into Black Magical Creatures. So… this is probably why Mr. Lin insists on doing business and even pushes you to follow this path. In ancient times, the Dragon Clan used their magical power to provide protection for other magical creatures… Now, you’re providing protection to magical creatures in a different way.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Nuo lowered his head, scraping his hind paws against the dining table, and scratched his face, “I… feel ashamed. I know nothing and have experienced nothing.”

This time, Rennes gently pressed his head, “Don’t be sad. It’s not too late to know now.”

Hearing Rennes console him in the same way he had comforted Rennes earlier, for some reason, Lin Nuo felt a bit sentimental. Seeing Lin Nuo still with his head down, Rennes said, “Dinner is finished. Would you like some dessert? It’s not from the Fox Dessert Shop, so it won’t be very sweet.”

Lin Nuo raised his head, eyes gleaming, “Is it a real ‘dessert’? Can I eat it?”

Rennes smiled and didn’t say a word. He got up and brought a plate with something resembling ice cream for Lin Nuo.

“It’s a real dessert, made by young dragons.”

Feeling rejuvenated, Lin Nuo sat on the chair and started to eat the ice cream. It wasn’t very sweet, but it had a rich milky flavor and a natural fragrance. In short, it was delicious. Lin Nuo wondered where Rennes got these “dragon-made” foods from.

* 

That night, Lin Nuo was once again massaged until he was half asleep after taking a bath. Then, he really fell asleep. Before drifting off, he mumbled, “When can I… turn back into a human… to bathe myself… zzz…”

In the middle of the night, he vaguely heard a faint movement beside him. He opened his eyes sleepily and found Rennes lying quietly next to him. This guy, there are so many rooms in this house, can’t he find another room to sleep in? He had completely forgotten that this was originally Rennes’ “master bedroom.” But he was too tired to protest. Besides, this person’s scent was so pleasant…

Forget it, let it be like this for tonight. He would talk to him tomorrow morning and insist that he sleeps in another room. Hmph.

Lin Nuo fell asleep, and at some point, he rolled to Rennes’ face, resting his head on the other’s cheek.

The next morning, when he woke up, the bed was still empty, with only a little dragon. Lin Nuo rubbed his eyes, wondering if he had dreamt the whole thing last night. If… if it was a dream…

When he brought it up, and the other person said, “Huh? I didn’t sleep next to you,” that would be so embarrassing, wouldn’t it? So, Lin Nuo decided to wait a bit, to confirm that he wasn’t dreaming, and then find a suitable time to express his serious protest to Rennes.

as he waited, the trees in the forest park turned golden, his wings grew strong enough for him to fly, and his body transformed from hamster size to a cat size, but he never found that “suitable time.”

Maybe because Rennes always came to bed very late. And each time he did, it seemed like he was exhausted, eyes closed.

Lin Nuo guessed that he was training himself during the day, watching Lin Nuo climb, run, jump, and fly, and even giving him extra lessons—meaning he probably handled his own work late at night. As the heir of the Clement Dragon Clan, Rennes couldn’t possibly be an idle person.

…Lin Nuo felt somewhat guilty and ashamed at this point. When Rennes, in his half-asleep state, hugged him into a soft and fluffy cushion, Lin Nuo reluctantly endured it.

Moreover… Rennes had a slightly lower body temperature, while Lin Nuo’s dragon form had a higher body temperature. So, when Rennes held him, Lin Nuo found it quite comfortable. By early morning, every time Lin Nuo woke up, Rennes was already not there, presumably working in his study. Therefore, Lin Nuo felt that he wasn’t completely unwilling to protest but simply hadn’t found the right moment.

As time passed, Lin Nuo had learned how to “breathe fire.”

Sometimes, Rennes would be in the kitchen, waving at him, “Come.”

Lin Nuo would then flutter his wings and fly to Rennes. Facing the prepared beef ribs in the baking dish, he would release a burst of fire.

Afterward, their regular meal became “Grilled Beef with Vegetables.”

“Well, I think today’s grilling is good, very juicy,” Lin Nuo said as he ate, hiding his smug expression and proudly commenting.

It was worth noting that the first time he “breathed fire to grill beef,” he produced a “big chunk of charred unidentified object.”

Rennes nodded approvingly, “Yes, it’s excellent.”

At such moments, although Lin Nuo’s face was calm, his tail couldn’t help but wag high, swaying back and forth. Hehe, his fire-breathing technique was indeed useful. Although it couldn’t do much besides grilling meat, potatoes, and mushrooms… Especially when going out, Rennes told him not to breathe fire. Yes, even though Lin Nuo had grown a bit bigger, Rennes still took him outside. He no longer stuffed him into a pouch.

Rennes had customized a special, transparent, circular “Dragon Space Capsule” for him, about the size of a shoebox.

Lin Nuo could clearly see outside through the round window, but people outside could only vaguely see a creature inside without discerning what it was.

In this way, Rennes carried the “Dragon Space Capsule” unhindered, taking him to school, visiting art exhibitions, attending concerts, going to amusement parks, socializing with Martin, and even watching movies.

Before entering the cinema, Lin Nuo was a bit worried, “Pets aren’t allowed in here, right?”

Rennes gently reassured him, “Don’t worry, it’s a special screening.”

Lin Nuo: …Okay.

The big screen showed Jurassic Park. When the T-Rex and the Spinosaurus clashed, Lin Nuo bit his own claws, looking tense, “Wow! Long arms really have an advantage! My arms are too short, oh no!”

At this point, Rennes placed him on his lap, similar to how they usually sat on the sofa at home, repeatedly stroking his fur.

Lin Nuo stared at the screen, mumbled, “Aren’t you afraid of being discovered?”

Rennes replied, “No, surveillance is turned off.”

Lin Nuo said, “Oh,” and continued immersing himself in dinosaur warfare.

Soon, autumn passed. When the winter snowflakes were falling, Lin Nuo had completed his third year’s first-semester exams. Honestly, he thought he did quite well this time. The only issue was typing on the keyboard with his claws, which was a bit inconvenient.

However… Lin Nuo felt a bit distressed: Why do I still show no signs of transforming into a human? And… Why do I find myself getting more and more accustomed to living with Rennes? What exactly is the nature of my relationship with this guy?

On this particular night, Lin Nuo, as usual, fell onto the bed in a daze, hugging the mini version of Toothless he bought from the amusement park. He heard the sound of the door opening in the adjacent study.

Technically, this house had excellent soundproofing, and any noise from the study should not reach the master bedroom. Since his size had increased slightly, Lin Nuo’s mobility had improved, and his hearing had become more sensitive. Also, he wasn’t as easily tired, and he could almost doze off until Rennes came over. Then, he would flutter over, roll a few rounds, and finally sleep with his head against Rennes’ face.

Lin Nuo opened his eyes, glanced at the bedside clock with luminescent numbers: 11 o’clock.

Huh? Why is Rennes up so early today… He yawned, rolled towards the side where Rennes usually slept, and waited for Rennes to lie down. Instead of entering the master bedroom, Rennes was walking toward the living room and the entrance door.

Soon, Lin Nuo heard the sound of the entrance door opening. Huh? Going out so late? Without hesitating, Lin Nuo transformed into his dragon form and flew into the living room, using his claws to open the bedroom door and swiftly fly into the living room.

“Chirp? Chirp chirp?” Lin Nuo asked.

“Oh, did I wake you up?” Rennes said apologetically.

“No, I wasn’t asleep either—going out so late?” Lin Nuo expressed some concern.

It couldn’t be something related to dark monsters causing trouble…

“Don’t worry, it’s just an urgent document that needs my signature,” Rennes said gently, reaching out to ruffle Lin Nuo’s head.

Lin Nuo replied with an “Oh” and glanced at Rennes’ complexion: His expression was natural, but his eyes were slightly bloodshot, likely from long-term late nights.

“Okay then. Take care of yourself,” Lin Nuo still felt a bit uneasy and reminded him.

“No problem. Are you okay here by yourself?” Rennes asked.

“What could go wrong! I’m a dragon! A fire-breathing dragon!” Lin Nuo huffed.

“Then… don’t burn down the house,” Rennes said, laughing.

“You… hmph. Forget it, I won’t argue with you.” Lin Nuo waved his wings, muttering.

It seemed like Rennes wanted to tease him a bit more. He extended his long arms, caught Lin Nuo’s soft belly, pulled him close, and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“Huh?! Hey?! You!” Lin Nuo’s face instantly turned redder than his wings, as if he could breathe fire.

But the culprit didn’t give him a chance to complain. Holding the keys and phone, Rennes elegantly waved and stepped out. Lin Nuo grumbled discontentedly, fluttering his wings, and at the same time, he bumped his forehead against the wall: What the heck, what the heck, what the heck. Why am I blushing and feeling all jittery! Why didn’t I express my anger by breathing fire at him!

Even though he’s currently so gentle, considerate, good-looking, pleasant-smelling, and cuddly, he is fundamentally a pervert with peculiar tastes!

With a sense of dissatisfaction towards himself, Lin Nuo flew around the spacious flat, making a circle. Come to think of it… Is this the first time I’m alone in this flat without Rennes? Huh? Hehehe. Should I investigate and see if this guy has secretly hidden anything with weird tastes? This way, when he comes back, I can mock him loudly!

Actually, Lin Nuo had entered and exited all the rooms in this apartment many times. Except for one room, Rennes hadn’t allowed him inside: the study. Now, Rennes seemed to be in a hurry, and the study door wasn’t locked, just slightly ajar, with light seeping out.

Humph, I’m going to find out what he’s secretly keeping in this “forbidden area.” Using his claws, Lin Nuo effortlessly pushed open the study door. It really was just a study.

Black and white color scheme, simple lines for the desk and chairs, streamlined computer, sleek bookshelves, a sofa for one person to sit or lie on, and a low glass tea table. And there, on the tea table, lay the thick, black book that had been quietly waiting—his grandfather’s gift to Rennes.

The book that could make this guy blush. The book he had secretly hidden in the study. What could be inside it? Lin Nuo slowly landed on the sofa and, using his claws, lifted the cover of the black book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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