Chapter 27.4 – Dragon v. Dragon

When we arrive, Dez is alone in his tent looking over papers, and he doesn't notice us immediately. I take the opportunity to remove the lingering barrier over their camp, and I place a new one around the tent along with a silencing spell.

"Ahhhh! Mizuki!? Ehem…hello, sorry for my outburst. What are you doing here? Also, who is that man?" (Dez)

Dez finally seems to have noticed us with a startled cry, and he is looking between me and Veyron with nervousness and confusion, respectively.

"Oh, hey Dez, you finally noticed. It's okay. I came here to give you some good news. The details with Veyron will be settled soon, but your fight is officially over. You can return to your villages and start rebuilding now, and neither him nor his dragonkin will attack the demons unprovoked again. This is him on the ground here, so when he wakes up, we'll get him to confirm it for you." (Mizuki)

I kick Veyron lightly as I reference him, and he lets out a groan. Dez's eyes go wide in surprise, and he seems equal parts grateful and fearful.

"T-Truly, Mizuki?" (Dez)

I nod at him patiently.

"Thank you, Mizuki! How can the demons ever repay you!? If it's within my power, I'll grant it." (Dez)

Dez is addressing me with something close to worship, and I'm not digging that vibe. Best to shut it down now.

"Err, that's easy. Make sure the demons know not to bother any green-eyed humans if they see us around here – just ignore us. I don't want any arguing about how it's not enough repayment, or how your pride won't allow it, or anything else. Leave us alone, don't start acting weird or reverent towards us, and I'll be happy with calling us even." (Mizuki)

Surprisingly, Dez looks very enthused by this decision. Maybe because he was afraid that I might be sticking around?

"Of course, it will be exactly as you say. I'll see to it myself!" (Dez)

At this point, Veyron starts to stir and pick himself up off the floor.

"Fufufu…I hope you're still sore from that beating, Veyron. I trust that you'll start being a lot more respectful towards me now?" (Nina)

Veyron, now on his feet, looks around in confusion. When he sees Nina, his eyes go wide in surprise.

"Nedonera…your strength was beyond my expectations. It is as you say, I can call you weak no longer." (Veyron)

"Fufufu…good, I'm glad we understand each other. Then about our wager…I hereby return the part of the continent to you that you used to inhabit separately from the demons. It is yours to do with as you wish. However, you and your dragon-kin are from this day forth banned from the remaining areas of the continent where the demons lived. No exceptions. Are we in agreement?" (Nina)

Veyron and I both look at Nina in surprise, but Veyron gives a shockingly polite response in return.

"Yes…our wager was that the continent would become yours. As such, it's your right to ban me from it, as well as my kin that I command. May I ask why you're returning my original part of the continent to me, though? Also, what do you intend to do with the rest of it?" (Veyron)

"I'm returning part of it to you because it's your dragon-kin's home and all they did was follow your misguided orders against their will, and because I'd hate for you to be a nuisance elsewhere. As for the rest of it, nothing really. I'll be giving the demons my blessing to live on it as they did before and act as caretakers. Things will go back to as they were before, and you will not bother the demons." (Nina)

Veyron looks thoughtful for a moment, then his eyes sparkle excitedly.

"Very well, I accept, thank you. If you won't be living on the other part of the continent, then…" (Veyron)

Veyron steps forward into a kneel and grabs Nina's hand before any of us can react.

"Nedonera, will you come nest with me? Please, be my mate!" (Veyron)

What in the actual shit…the room is dead silent, and we're all staring at Veyron with dumbfounded expressions. Nina is no exception.

After several moments, Nina is still staring at Veyron silently with a dumbfounded expression, and he is still holding her hands. Yeah…I think that's enough.

"Hey…you, horny lizard…let go of her hands if you want to keep them attached to your body." (Mizuki)

Veyron stares at me puzzled, as if a gnat just started singing jazz next to him.

"Begone, little creature, the adults are talking." (Veyron)

After his dismissive remark, Veyron turns back to Nina happily and I'm ignored. I can feel myself getting enraged…he's still holding Nina's hands.

Dez has gone pale and is staring at me fearfully, no doubt worried about getting caught in the crossfire. Nina is staring at me and…grinning ear-to-ear!? I sense deep satisfaction and amusement coming from Nina.

[Fufufu…this feels quite familiar, Mizuki, hmm? I like the look of jealousy on you!] (Nina)

Shit…she's got a point, but this is totally different than with Ilina! Right? Or…maybe not, if I think about it honestly.

We already had the Dragon Bond by the time Nina got jealous, so we were already committed in her mind I bet. Damn…if this is really what Nina wants, I'd be a hypocrite to interfere.

"Nedonera, what is your response?" (Veyron)

As Veyron speaks, Nina looks back at him puzzled like she'd completely forgotten that he was there. She looks down and sees him holding her hands. As though she just noticed it, I sense a wave of disgust and anger from her.

She pulls her hands away and slaps his forcefully. I feel a rush of relief.