A Dragon in Solitude
The morning sun cast its gentle warmth over the land, while birdsong filled the air with a fleeting sense of peace.
Yet, the deep scars left behind still lingered over the Kingdom of the Eternal Light Order.
United in silent determination, the citizens cleared the ruins from the previous night's demonic assault.
Some of the townspeople were busy lifting the bodies of the fallen, gathering them to be buried in a single grave—saving what little time and energy they had left.
Others scoured the remnants for any food they could find, desperately trying to prepare a meal for the survivors. The children—once so full of laughter—now sat in silence, curled up beneath thin blankets, their eyes staring blankly into nothingness, unable to fully grasp what had just happened.
Upon reaching the castle's inner courtyard, Dann and Seraphina led their horses to the tethering post.
A gust of wind swept through, carrying with it the dust—and the lingering scent of blood—from the battle the night before. Seraphina glanced to the side, her eyes falling on Dann—he looked as if he could collapse at any moment.
Dark circles hung beneath his eyes, as though he hadn't slept in days. His hair was disheveled, and his face had lost all trace of spirit.
"Dann… you look completely exhausted. Can you still keep going?"
Her voice wavered—uncertain, yet filled with genuine concern.
"Yeah, I'm oke, Phina—"
"Dann, don't say my name while we're inside the kingdom. Have you forgotten?"
Her tone was sharp, and her eyes darted around nervously—as if afraid someone might be listening.
"Ah… right."
Dann looked up, as if trying to recall their earlier conversation—his gaze drifting past the clouds that veiled the blue sky above.
The sound of hooves echoed in the distance.
From beyond the trees and the rising dust, a lone rider emerged—his silhouette blurred by the sunlight filtering through the leaves.
They were Dann and Seraphina, making their way back to the royal castle.
Both sat upright in their saddles, silent, eyes fixed straight ahead.
Not a single word passed between them.
"I mean, where do I even start…? I just met her, and I'm supposed to ask about her past? She's a princess… and also… a Drakania."
"Besides, it's not like I ever talk to girls. I only ever leave the house in emergencies—like buying snacks or hunting for a new game."
"Now that I think about it… my old life was seriously pathetic."
He held his breath, the thought echoing quietly in his mind.
Seraphina cast a brief glance at Dann, who seemed restless atop his horse—fidgeting awkwardly, occasionally scratching his head or letting out a deep sigh for no apparent reason.
"You're acting weird, Dann. Are you sick or something?"
She asked, her brow arching slightly with a look of curiosity and concern.
"Ahhh… no… I just…"
Dann's voice trailed off, the rest of his words left hanging in the air. His thoughts were too loud, too tangled to put into sentences.
He lowered his head, pretending to adjust his posture in the saddle—when in truth, he was simply trying to escape Seraphina's gaze.
"There's a clean stream over there. Let's take a short break," Seraphina said firmly, having caught sight of the flowing water from the corner of her eye.
Her tone was calm, yet carried enough weight to make it sound like a decision rather than a suggestion.
Their horses were securely tied beneath the shade of a large tree, sheltered from the midday sun.
Dann crouched by the riverside, splashing his face with the clear, gently flowing water.
"Fuaahh… that's refreshing. The water's freezing," he said, shaking the droplets off his face.
He glanced over his left shoulder, spotting Seraphina still standing atop the small stones by the riverbank.
"Phina, you've gotta try the water!" Dann called out—part cheerful, part hoping she'd share in the same refreshing feeling.
Seraphina's thoughts had drifted far away—she barely registered Dann's voice.
Her left hand moved gently to her abdomen, as if trying to confirm something only she could feel.
"The pain… it's gone. Has the cursed mark truly disappeared… completely?"
Her eyes stared blankly at the flowing stream, though now and then, a faint glance would drift toward Dann.
"Dann… how could someone like him—a mere human—possess the power of a Drakania?
Is he truly a criminal, as they claim? He said he came from a faraway land…"
"Who is he... really?"
The question echoed silently in her heart, as her gaze remained fixed on Dann—still playing with the water, seemingly unaware of the storm of questions beginning to gather in her mind.
"Phina… hey, Phinaaa!" Dann called out, raising his voice a bit while waving a hand in her direction.
But Seraphina remained still atop the stone, her gaze vacant—staring through the flowing water, lost in thought.
"Hey… were you daydreaming?" he said, his voice laced with a touch of concern as he tried to bring her back to the present.
Seraphina jolted, snapped out of her thoughts.
"Phina? Who are you calling Phinaaa?" she blurted, turning toward Dann with a half-annoyed look on her face.
"I'm a Princess, you know!!" she snapped back, but the blush rising on her cheeks betrayed her firm tone.
Her face turned red—whether from anger, embarrassment, or both, even she couldn't tell.
Dann paused for a moment, then let out a small smile, doing his best to hold back a laugh.
"Iam so, sorry…" Dann quickly raised his hands in surrender, trying to ease the tension.
"It's just… that nickname really suits you—your beautiful appearance, and, uh… your gentle heart…"
The words slipped out before his brain could filter them.
The moment he realized what he had just said, his eyes widened, his face turned red, and his mouth clamped shut instantly.
"Crap… why did I say that…"
His thoughts spiraled in panic.
It was as if steam was rising above Seraphina's head.
Her entire face flushed—cheeks to ears blazing red.
Her hands clenched tightly at her sides, trembling as she struggled to contain the embarrassment that was on the verge of exploding.
"Y-you… Idiot!!" she shouted, turning her face away—desperately trying to hide the nervous smile creeping at the corner of her lips.
The day edged closer to noon, sunlight hanging higher in the sky, filtering gently through the canopy above.
Amid the quiet that had settled between them, a loud rumble echoed—from Dann's stomach.
"Ugh…" Dann groaned in embarrassment, instinctively covering his stomach with one hand.
Seraphina glanced at him and stifled a small laugh.
"Dann, you're hungry, aren't you? That's what you get for overusing your magic," she said with a faint smile, her tone carrying a teasing lilt.
"It's not that," Dann replied, shaking his head.
"That wasn't my magic."
He stared at his palm, as if he could still feel traces of the power that had flowed through it.
Then slowly, he lifted his gaze to the clear sky above.
"I just… borrowed power from your sword.
To summon the strength of a True Dragon—the highest race of the skies."
His voice was calm, yet carried a weight that made the air around them fall silent for a moment.
A look of confusion crossed Seraphina's face at Dann's words.
"How does he know about the Dragon Race that lives in the skies? And how could he possibly wield the power of a Drakania?"
The questions swirled in her mind, unanswered and growing heavier by the second.
"Alright!" Dann suddenly exclaimed, raising his hand with enthusiasm.
"Since it's already noon… and my stomach's about to rebel, it's time to go fishing!"
"Fishing? To catch fish?"
"There's no need. I'll handle it," She said firmly.
"Huh? What are you planning to do?" Dann asked, puzzled.
"Here, just watch."
Seraphina extended her hand toward the river, her five gloved fingers unfolding like a blooming flower.
BZZZTTTT!!
Bolts of lightning, shaped like twisting roots, shot out from each of her fingers—crackling across the water's surface where the fish had gathered.
"That was amazing, Phinaaa!! You're incredible!!" Dann shouted, clapping with a bright, joyful grin on his face.
But that admiration was quickly overshadowed—by a dark cloud rumbling with thunder right beside him.
"I told you—don't call me Phinaaa!"
One finger pointed straight at Dann.
"Just try saying that name again, Dann…"
Her eyes narrowed, sharp and intimidating.
"Y-Yes, ma'am! Forgive me, Your Highness!"
Dann replied, bowing deeply in exaggerated respect.
Beyond the gentle crackle of a small campfire, two silhouettes sat side by side.
The scent of grilled fish drifted softly through the cool night air.
Dann sat stiffly, occasionally sneaking glances at the girl beside him—Seraphina.
His chest thumped with chaotic rhythm.
"Why am I getting so nervous…?" he wondered, eyes fixed on the half-cooked fish.
It was the first time he'd ever sat this close to a girl—especially one as beautiful as Seraphina.
Meanwhile, Seraphina sat with calm grace, as if the campfire itself had been made to reflect her beauty.
She held herself upright like a true princess—her eyes sharp yet serene, scanning the surroundings without ever letting her guard down.
No words were exchanged.
Only the crackling of burning wood and the whisper of the wind bore silent witness to their quiet togetherness.
Suddenly, a gentle voice broke the silence.
"Dann… about my true form as a Drakania… can you keep it a secret?"
Seraphina spoke without turning to face him.
"Why?" Dann turned quickly, his face a mix of disbelief and surprise.
"But it looks really cool!"
His voice was filled with genuine admiration, not a trace of doubt.
Seraphina fell silent for a moment, blinking slowly.
It was as if she hadn't expected such a reaction.
"Cool, huh…?"
Dann nodded quickly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.
"Y-yeah! I mean, you transform into a mighty dragon that can fly and wield magic… who wouldn't be amazed?"
Seraphina turned her face away, but not quickly enough to hide the flush spreading across her cheeks.
"This is the first time someone has praised my Drakania form,".
"The truth is…" Seraphina whispered, her words barely audible beneath the soft crackling of the flames.
"…only my mother and father have ever known about this form of mine."
Her head lowered, eyes fixed on the softly crackling embers.
Golden-red light danced in her gaze, but her expression seemed distant—like she was tracing the path of a long-buried memory.
Ten years ago—
The royal garden stretched out like a heavenly painting—tall trees lined in perfect order, their golden leaves shimmering in the morning light, while exotic flowers bloomed in patterns so precise they seemed arranged by nobles… or gods.
At its heart, a crystal-clear pond reflected the sunlight, adorned with white lotuses floating peacefully on the surface.
The soft scent of roses and orchids filled the air, carried gently by a breeze that slipped quietly through the branches.
"Sera, Sera… where are you?"
Queen Isolde Verhilde called out, searching for her daughter—little Seraphina, who was just five years old at the time.
Not long after, King Alberecht arrived, accompanied by four royal guards.
"Hilde, have you found her?" he asked.
"Not yet," Queen Hilde replied, continuing her search around the flower garden.
"You all—how could you not keep an eye on her?"
Alberecht snapped, clearly irritated with the four women assigned as the child's caretakers.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty… The young Princess ran off toward the flower garden, but… she hasn't come back," one of them said with a trembling voice, all four bowing deeply in shame.
King Alberecht's eyes widened—shocked, unable to believe what he had just heard.
In truth, King Alberecht understood why they hadn't dared to search the flower garden—only members of the royal family were permitted to set foot in that sacred place.
"That's enough! You, search inside the palace. Guards, check the front courtyard—go, now!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the guards and caretakers replied in unison, quickly moving out, leaving Queen Hilde and King Alberecht behind.
Moments later, the voice of a small girl called out not far from where they stood.
"Mama!"
Seraphina's voice rang out as she called for her mother.
Queen Hilde and King Alberecht looked around in confusion, trying to locate the source of the voice.
"Where are you, Sera?" Hilde called out, her voice laced with worry.
"Mama, look! Phina can fly!"
At the sight of that miracle, both Hilde and Alberecht stood frozen in utter shock.
Seraphina floated in the air—her small body lifted gently by radiant, glowing dragon wings that shimmered with a white aura.
"Sera, sweetheart, come down here!"
At her mother's call, Seraphina slowly descended—cradling something carefully in her arms.
"Sera, where have you been? I told you not to go outside!"
Alberecht scolded, his voice firm—but the worry in his eyes betrayed his true feelings for his eldest daughter.
"Phina heard this little kitten calling for help up in that tree. It couldn't come down..."
Her face was pure innocence as she spoke.
—Meow
"Sweetheart, you can't do things like that," Queen Hilde said in a gentle tone.
"Remember what Mama told you? You're a descendant of the Sky Dragons. No one must know that—only your father and I."
Her eyes glistened with emotion as she looked at her precious daughter.
"Hilde, take Sera to her room. Quickly."
King Alberecht stood tall, the posture of a father ready to protect his daughter.
His eyes scanned the surroundings, sharp and vigilant.
Seraphina snapped out of her memories as a piece of firewood cracked in the flames.
The golden-red glow danced once more in her eyes.
"I'm… actually just an adopted child."
"They raised me as their daughter, even though… I don't share their blood."
Seraphina's voice flowed gently, but every word she spoke carried an invisible weight.
Dann stared at her, eyes fixed with quiet intensity.
His heart ached.
He never would've guessed that behind that noble form and immense power, Seraphina carried such a silent wound.
"Wait… are you sure you want to talk about your past to someone like me? I mean, we only met this morning…"
Not hearing any reply, Dann looked away awkwardly, turning his gaze to the grilled fish that was nearly done cooking in front of him.
"She's been carrying all of this on her own all this time…
But why tell me?"
"I'm not allowed to take this form in front of common folk…"
Seraphina said quietly, her gaze never leaving the embers that were slowly fading.
"Because… among all the races, the Dragonkin are the ones most feared."
There was a bitter edge to her voice, as if carrying a burden she had held in for far too long.
The campfire cast a dim glow across her face—a face that was usually full of grace and authority, now shadowed with fragility.
"To the world… dragons aren't seen as heroes," she went on,
"They're feared—seen as monsters. As emblems of war and ruin…"
Her hands clenched the fabric of her dress tightly in her lap.
"That's why my father strictly forbade me from ever acting on my own—unless under his orders."
"To the world, I'm just an ordinary princess."
Seraphina spoke, her eyes fixed on the dying embers, gaze hollow and distant.
"If everyone knew my true form… maybe they'd come to hate me—"
"Phina!"
Dann interrupted, his tone low but resolute—weighted with something more than just words.
"Eh-erhm…"
Dann cleared his throat, trying to steady his voice.
"Don't drown in thoughts like that. To me, you are the true Drakania—noble, graceful… and that powerful desire to help others, it gave me a reason to live again in this world."
He smiled at her with quiet confidence, eyes full of sincerity.
A gentle smile curved on Seraphina's lips—faint, yet filled with something unspoken.
And before Dann could realize it, Seraphina suddenly extended her right index finger—jabbing him straight in the side.
"BZZZTTT!"
"WAAAH—!? H-Hey!!"
Dann yelped in surprise, nearly dropping the grilled fish he was holding.
"Don't. Call me. Phina."
Her tone was low—measured, but unmistakably annoyed.
Her shout echoed through the trees, startling a flock of birds into frantic flight.
_____
Kingdom of the Eternal Light Order
The grand doors of the throne hall swung open, pushed by two guards.
Four footsteps moved forward in steady rhythm, stepping onto the crimson carpet as they made their way toward the King.
Seraphina and Dann bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Seraphina Valeblanc has returned from the battlefield."
Dann stood quietly at her side, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his expression.
"Seraphina!"
Queen Mother Isolde Vernhilde rose from her seat and hurried down the five steps, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.
"Where have you been, dear? I was so worried…"
"Forgive me, Mother,"
Seraphina's voice trembled slightly, as if holding back a swell of emotion in her chest.
"Hilde, return to your seat!"
The King commanded firmly.
King Albrech Valeblanc maintained his composure, upholding his royal dignity—though deep down, he too was deeply worried for his daughter.
"Seraphina, explain what happened. How did demons infiltrate our kingdom? Didn't you inspect the area before heading to the battlefield?"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did inspect the area. However, it seems there was one demon with a special command and much higher magical energy—something beyond my reach," Seraphina explained.
"And what about Adjutant Blard and his troops, as well as the villagers in the eastern region? Were you able to repel the Hogkin?"
"Your Majesty, I offer my deepest condolences. Upon arrival, Adjutant Blard and his troops had already fallen in battle."
The King paused for a moment, then fixed his gaze on Dann, who had been silent all this time.
"Then why is this accused here? I heard you fled the battlefield—is that true?"
The words struck Dann like a dagger to the heart, his face visibly burdened.
"Your Majesty, Dann is the one who wiped out the entire Hogkin force, including their leader, with that very weapon. He has truly lived up to his word. I am prepared to swear this on my honor."
For a moment, time seemed to stand still within the throne hall.
The nobles glanced at one another, their faces filled with shock.
Some even gasped, unable to believe what they had just heard.
"Was it you who sent forth that bright light that drove away the dark aura of the night demons?" the King asked, his face still tinged with restrained awe.
"Y-yes… actually, that—Bzzt!"
Seraphina unleashed a shock of electricity—like the bite of an ant—from her calm gaze, jolting Dann back to awareness. "With all due humility, yes… that is correct, Your Majesty!" Her voice was loud, yet filled with respect.
As soon as Dann spoke those words, the throne hall erupted once again.
The nobles whispered among themselves, some even half rising from their seats.
An elderly advisor dropped the scroll from his hands—his eyes wide as if seeing a ghost.
King Alberecht himself sat silent upon his throne, his sharp gaze fixed intently on Dann.
Queen Isolde Vernhilde was deeply moved, her smile filled with admiration.
The King raised his right hand halfway, silencing everyone in the hall.
He then ordered two guards to bring forth the Seer—the one who had foretold the coming of a great storm, and the arrival of someone destined to face it.
"And you, send out letters immediately—inform everyone across the kingdom that someone has come from the Kingdom of the Eternal Light Order to vanquish the darkness! The world must know that hope is not yet lost!" the King commanded the advisor standing beside him.
The advisor was momentarily taken aback but immediately bowed deeply.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" He then promptly left through the back door.
King Alberecht rose from his seat and instructed a guard to retrieve a golden sword displayed prominently in its majestic place—a sword specially reserved for the Declaration of Name and Title ceremony.
He stepped forward, descending a few steps, and signaled to Seraphina by raising his right hand, revealing fingers adorned with gold and diamonds.
Before the King stood only Dann, kneeling respectfully on one knee, bowing his head in silence. His face betrayed a nervous tension.
"In moments like this, I'm supposed to be officially knighted. But… am I really sure I'm ready to accept it?"
The guard approached and handed over the golden sword.
"I understand that all the heavy burdens will fall upon my shoulders. To carry everyone's hopes—am I prepared for it?"
King Alberecht accepted it, then began the opening ritual by raising the sword before his face. He gripped it tightly with both hands, like a knight praying with his sword on the battlefield.
"The heavens have chosen me—does that mean I'm the main character in this world? Should I be proud of that?"
Dann closed his eyes!
"In the name of Kingdom of the Eternal Light Order, I, King Alberecht Valeblanc, hereby declare the absolution of all your past sins and appoint you as a Knight of the Eternal Light Order."
The king raised his golden sword high above his head, then slowly lowered it.
Ching.
The tip of the sword touched Dann's right shoulder, then moved to his left. A simple gesture, yet filled with meaning.
Silence froze the moment for several seconds.
Then—
Clap. Clap.
Seraphina, wearing a meaningful smile, began the first applause.
Clap... Clap... Clap...
One by one, the noble families and soldiers lined up on both sides of the red carpet also began to applaud—softly filling the room.
Not out of excitement, but out of hope.
A gentle applause, full of respect.
"By this decree, you are now officially a Knight of the Eternal Light Order, Dann Fasto!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!" he responded with confidence.
"Seraphina, escort Sir Dann to his chamber."
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
"Sir? Just a moment ago, I was a criminal on trial. Well, what can I say—I'm the main character, after all… Don't get cocky, Dann. Keep yourself in check."
The storm in his mind couldn't be heard, but the furrow on his brow said it all.
Seraphina walked out of the throne room with Dann by her side. Ahead of them, two guards appeared, escorting a nun dressed in her traditional robes.
The two parties passed each other, briefly meeting face to face. The nun bowed her head in greeting to Princess Seraphina. The female Dragon Knight sensed nothing suspicious, but Dann noticed something odd about the nun's appearance—something didn't quite add up.
"That outfit… a nun's robe, right? But… doesn't this era have no concept of such a thing yet? Who is she, really...?"
Dann kept walking, but for a moment, a whispering voice slipped into his mind.
"How are you, mysterious knight—Sir Dann Fasto?"
Dann froze in place, his steps coming to a halt.
Seraphina noticed he was no longer by her side.
"Is something wrong, Dann? Is something bothering you?"
"Ah, it's nothing..." His expression gave little away.
Yet the curiosity gnawed at him—he had to be sure.
Dann turned to look back.
But at that very moment, the great doors were nearly closed, revealing only a glimpse of a sweet smile on those delicate, beautiful lips.
To be continue...