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“Ah.”
Cale tilted his head back when blood started to drip from his nose. He quickly scrambled to grab a handkerchief from his coat pocket, then held the fabric to his nose before it could stain the book in his hand.
“Human!” Raon flew over to Cale in an instant. He hovered next to Cale, worried. “Are you okay? Does it hurt?”
“No,” Cale said in a muffled voice. “I just overheated.”
He was used to this happening, but Raon never stopped worrying about him every single time.
“Water!” Raon zoomed to fetch a cup of water from the bedside table and quickly returned to the desk. He moved so fast his entire body became a blur, and yet not even a drop of water spilled.
Such was the power of a mighty dragon.
Cale accepted the drink gratefully.
“Thanks.”
“Stop reading!” Raon demanded, pulling the book away from Cale.
Cale held on fast. “No, I need to finish this before the next meeting.”
“Then I’ll flip the page for you, human!” Raon offered. His wings fluttered in agitation as he quickly decided, “No, you’ll still be straining your eyes this way! Go lie down on the bed! I’ll read it to you! Hurry!”
Small paws pushed gently at Cale’s shoulder as though afraid of hurting him.
Cale sighed and finally gave in.
It was right smack in the middle of the afternoon. The sun was so bright that it lit up the entire room even through the curtains. And yet here Cale was, lying in bed again, when he woke up three hours ago.
His body was truly weak. He felt like an old man instead of a young adult.
“I’ll read it now! Let me know if it’s too fast or too slow!” Raon said, full of enthusiasm.
“Mm. Thanks.”
Raon’s bright and clear voice soon rang throughout the room as he read the thick book.
Kim Rok Soo had never had the chance to grow old with a family. But he supposed this was what it would be like, lying in bed as your grandchildren visited you and talked to you with their childish and happy voices.
But if he became the grandparent of Raon, what would happen to Eruhaben, who was much older than any of them?
The corners of Cale’s lips lifted into a disrespectful smile.
“Human, why are you smiling?” Raon asked. He was happy to see Cale smiling, of course, but Cale’s smile usually meant the same few things were about to happen. “Are you going to scam someone? Don’t! Your body is still weak, so I’ll do it for you!”
Cale chuckled. Just what ridiculous things was this child talking about?
“I’m not thinking of scamming anyone. I have enough money.”
“Then why are you smiling?” Raon blinked at Cale with his wide, curious eyes. He was so cute Cale couldn’t resist reaching out to pat that round and warm head.
Well, if he had to put a name to his strange and unfamiliar feeling…
“Because I’m happy. Thank you for being by my side.”
True to his name, Raon Mir, or Joyful Dragon, Raon brought lots of joy to the people around him.
“I…! Well, of course!” Raon huffed, his tail wagging in agitation. His eyes bounced from Cale’s affectionate eyes to the book to the bed to the wall, unsure of where to look at. “It’s… It’s because you’re weak! I have to stay by your side to protect you!”
“Mm,” Cale hummed in agreement. “Then I’m glad I’m weak. I get to spend more time with you.”
“You…! Weak human, you’ve been hanging out with that scamming prince too much!”
Cale chuckled.
Then, a few seconds later, in a much quieter voice, Raon added, “I’m happy because you’re with me too.”
“Come here.”
Cale hugged the warm child who flew into his arms.
Before meeting Raon, Cale had no idea dragons could be so cute. Well, he supposed Raon could be rather vicious if things came down to it, but he hoped this child would have many peaceful days of happiness ahead of him.
Raon pouted and snuggled close to his warm human.
“Don’t die, weak human.”
“Don’t worry, Raon. I’m going to be with you for a long time.”
“Don’t fall sick or get hurt.”
“Mm. I’ll do my best.”
“You need to eat your veggies.”
“...”
“Where’s your answer, weak human?”
“I will if you eat yours.”
“...Fine.”