Let's Not Write A Novel Recklessly - Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6 – THE OLDEST AND YOUNGEST

The closer they got to the Killain Mountains, the more monsters they encountered.

“Trolls. Prepare for battle.”

At Se-ho’s single word, each of them began to prepare for battle. Thirty of them, at least. A normal party would have been overwhelmed by a single troll, but everyone was relaxed.

“Be careful, everyone.”

Tae-ram mechanically cheered on everyone in combat. Earlier in the day, he had struggled to face the monsters, but now his expression was one of boredom.

The orcs he’d defeated earlier, the hordes of goblins he’d slain yesterday. And now the horde of trolls in front of him, and Tae-ram suddenly realized that his imagination was limited. Should he have been more creative with his monsters?

Fran’s urgent voice rang in his ears. 

“Tae-ram, get back!”

A lone troll had broken away from the pack and was running toward him with a grotesque yell. Tae-ram quickly ran backward to avoid the troll that was charging toward him. But there was nowhere to run. In a moment of crisis, Fran struck out again.

“Kairan, please make a way. Tae-ram is in danger.” 

“Alright, understood!”

As Kairan blew the monsters away with a large fireball, Fran ran toward Tae-ram while chanting.

“Give me, Lian. Give me a spear to pierce the enemy!”

With a quick chant, dozens of spears of light pierced the body of the troll that had been targeting Tae-ram. The troll staggered and collapsed in a heap. It had been a long time coming.

“Thank you, and I’m sorry.”

“Actually, I’m sorry I didn’t handle it properly and put you in danger.”

“I was just dazed and….”

“…Tae-ram, you’re as gentle as ever. I’ll cast a defensive enchantment just in case.”

“Aren’t you low on mana?” 

“Don’t worry. I can drink the prince’s potion.”

Is that something Se-ho also approved of? Fran is scary.

“May Lian’s favor be upon thee!”

A transparent veil of light formed around Tae-ram. Tae-ram suddenly envied Fran. Divine magic that could both heal and attack seemed so convenient. It was a shame he couldn’t use magic in a fantasy world. Tae-ram couldn’t feel any mana at all. He tried to learn how to use a sword, but no matter how hard he trained, he could only tan his skin in the sunlight, and his muscles wouldn’t work.

“Then I will go to assist the three of them.” 

“Fine. I’ll stay here and be quiet.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be done in no time.”

Fran smiled prettily as if trying to reassure Tae-ram. Tae-ram’s expression relaxed slightly at the smile, which was still neat and beautiful. If only he had a normal personality.

Tae-ram hid in the bushes and watched the four battle.

The trolls were grotesque in a way that made the orcs seem almost cute, their ugly faces melting away as if they’d been burned by unpleasantly glowing red eyes. Rough, hard-looking surfaces like rocks. The way the cuts kept regenerating made his stomach turn.

“You clean up the mess!” 

“Yes! Got it!”

Kairan primarily interacted with Amil. Kairan would cast a wide-area spell and Amil would take care of the surviving monsters. Amil would often shield Kairan during long spells. Kairan is Kairan, but it was also cool to see Amil slaughtering trolls with twin swords.

To stand next to a dragon and not be overwhelmed is truly remarkable. Amil was set up as the top graduate of the Empire’s top-ranked training school. Nevertheless, that setting was not an exaggeration; he truly excelled at everything. Tae-ram looked at his soft arms and let out a sigh.

It was then that Amil, who had just missed the troll’s attack, cut his arm slightly. 

“Amil. Oh, no. That must hurt.”

As if in response to Tae-ram’s concern, Fran immediately healed Amil’s wound. 

“Lian’s grace upon thee!”

Fran’s role was primarily to support. He had offensive magic, but it wasn’t as powerful as Kairan’s, and he didn’t have any light countermagic to use in a one-on-one situation like this.

“Thank you.”

“No, I’ll cast a support spell for you as well. Lian’s blessing on you!”

White light shot out of Fran’s hand and enveloped Amil. A few feet away, Se-ho was more severely wounded, but Fran didn’t even look at him. Tae-ram felt needlessly upset.

Even if Se-ho’s regenerative powers were zombie-like, this was too much. Tae-ram wanted to ask Fran to heal Se-ho, but he couldn’t because he was too focused on his main role. All he could do was smile at Fran, who looked at him expectantly, waiting for a compliment.

Se-ho clicked his tongue once, as if the situation was familiar to him, then leaped back toward the trolls.

“Amil! Gather the trolls in one place.” 

“Yes, Prince.”

Taking Se-ho’s order, Amil swung his sword to back the trolls into a corner.

“Kairan, start casting area-of-effect spells now.”

“Yes! Leave it to me. I’ll take a shot at the big one.”

There were about a dozen trolls left. Se-ho seemed to be planning to take them all out at once.

“I’ll help too. May Lian’s blessings annihilate the enemies before us!”

Dozens of small hammers of light appeared from Fran’s hands. Most of them flew toward the trolls, but a couple struck Se-ho in the back of the head. The light hammer staggered Se-ho slightly before he regained his footing.

“I apologize. I don’t use offensive magic very often, so I’m inexperienced.” 

Fran looked very sorry, but it was intentional, and Se-ho knew it.

Fran knew it. And Tae-ram, too. Every chance he got, Fran would sneakily attack Se-ho in the middle of a battle like that.

For once, Tae-ram found Fran’s willingness to cooperate suspicious, and the result was as expected. Well, that’s right. Last time, he pretended to use support magic but ended up casting attack spells. If Se-ho hadn’t been a Swordmaster, he would have been seriously hurt…

Se-ho wasn’t just taking hits; he fought back as well. In the next moment, a troll’s head, cleanly severed by Se-ho’s sword, landed on Fran’s head. Caught off guard, Fran couldn’t avoid it, and his body was covered in the sticky, gooey troll blood.

Se-ho spoke without a hint of apology, 

“Are you okay? Looks like my hand slipped.”

“I’m fine, Prince.”

Fran was smiling brightly as always, but his eyes weren’t smiling.

After that, it was a mess. Fran unleashed a barrage of offensive magic on Se-ho, almost openly, and Se-ho, undeterred, swung his sword at Fran, pretending to slash at monsters.

A secret fight ensued, unknown only to Kairan and Amil. 

“It’s over!”

“Good work everyone, I’m hungry.”

The last of the trolls fell, and Amil and Kairan exchanged pleasantries. Unlike the jovial duo, Se-ho and Fran looked away from each other, their expressions shaken. They were in worse shape than the previous two.

Tae-ram chided himself, but he was worried, so he checked Se-ho and Fran carefully to make sure they weren’t injured.

Se-ho was unharmed, except for a few rags on his clothes from his amazing regenerative powers. However, he did look quite exhausted. Se-ho exhaled harshly and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Fran was also unharmed, but his pure white robes were stained with blood, just like the red they had once been. He, too, looked exhausted from his overuse of magic.

“Is everyone okay?” “

Yep, I’m fine. If only I’m not dirty, I’d ask for a pat on the back. Too bad…” 

“I’ll do it later after you’ve eaten and cleaned up.”

“Me too, Mr. Tae-ram!” “

Of course. I’ll pat Amil too.” 

“Tae-ram, I’m fine too. But I’d love a knee pillow later.” 

“…Ah, alright.” 

“I don’t have any injuries, but there’s nothing I want. Instead, I’m sorry for making you worry, Tae-ram.” 

“You did well, Fran.” 

“…This was a perfect opportunity to clean up, but it’s a shame.”

Muttered almost inaudibly, Fran’s last words sent chills down Se-ho’s spine. Fran’s cold gaze fell on Se-ho, and Se-ho glared back at him intensely. The back-and-forth created an uncomfortable atmosphere. Tae-ram’s head ached.

It was Amil’s cheerful voice that broke the heaviness.

“I’m going to prepare the meal! You guys can rest for a while!” 

“I’ll come with you. I’ll help.”

Saying that, Kairan approached Amil.

“I’d be grateful for that. Your magic made it so much easier last time.”

“Sure. In return, you’ll feed me a lot.”

As the two men who had been the liveliest of the group turned to leave, Tae-ram felt a momentary sense of crisis. If he stayed, he was sure to get caught in the crossfire of Se-ho and Fran’s nerves.

“I-I’ll help too!” 

“It’s alright! Tae-ram, you rest!” 

“Yeah, it must be tiring, so rest. I can’t assign tasks to a delicate human like you.”

Despite Tae-ram’s urgent cries, Kairan and Amil walked away.

“Don’t give me that look. Tae-ram. You are precious to me. There is no need for you to do anything nasty, and besides, wouldn’t you be in the way if you went?”

“Tae-ram, I’m speaking out of kindness, you don’t have to say that, though it won’t help them at all.”

Who says you hate a sister-in-law who talks you down more than a mother-in-law who slaps you? Fran with a knife in his gentleness was more pungent to Tae-ram than the naturally virtuous Amil or the cold Se-ho.

“Yes. I’m sure Kairan would be much more helpful than me….”

Tae-ram grumbled and flopped down on a rock, and the others settled down on either side of him. Now that he think about it, he was worried about leaving them alone. If they fight again, he’ll be the only one tired. Tae-ram let out a small sigh.

“Tae-ram, are you okay? Yeah, you should have been more careful with your words, Prince.” 

“I just spoke the truth.” 

“Even though Tae-ram may be useless in many ways, there’s no need to point it out like that.”

Tae-ram’s stomach churned at the last word, but he held it together. From what he’d seen in their time together, Fran was certainly kind and devoted to him but he didn’t hesitate to say the bluntest things. It seemed to be an instinct that he couldn’t hide. He was quite hurt by this, but he couldn’t show it.

In the original story, the main character was never angry with Fran…

Maybe the reason he liked him was because he stood by him no matter what. No matter how pretty he is, if he had that kind of personality, everyone would run away.

While Tae-ram was analyzing Fran, the heat was turned up by Se-ho and Fran’s strange argument.

“Tae-ram may be weaker than a little child in the capital, but he’s cute.” 

“Although Tae-ram has no talent, he’s cute.”

With the party in front of them, a showdown ensued to see who could portray Tae-ram as more incompetent. The liberated Tae-ram just laughed. Fuck it. He’ll let him say what they want.

Testing the limits of his patience, it was Amil in a cute apron who saved the day.

“Everyone, eat.”

“Come on, this is really good!”

A small table was set with delicious steamed meat and rye bread. While Tae-ram made small talk with Amil, Se-ho and Fran picked at the stew in silence, no wonder they were hungry after all the commotion.

“I’ll eat.”

Tae-ram, who was looking at Se-ho and Fran who were eating combatively, stabbed a chunk of meat with his fork. He was just about to put it in his mouth when…

“Ah, Mr. Tae-ram. Wait!” 

“Why?”

Amil’s next words shocked everyone.

“The whole finger is in there. I should have cut it off more carefully.”

Tae-ram dropped his fork in disbelief. No way, there’s a greenish tinge to this steamed meat. With an ominous hunch, he cautiously asked Amil.

“Amil…., is this a meat troll?”

“Yes! It’s troll meat. The stuff I brought with me got messed up in the fight earlier, so it’s a good thing we can eat troll meat. I’m using the Empire’s special secret sauce, so it won’t have any fishy flavor. I learned it in survival class.”

Amil smiled sweetly, but Se-ho and Fran’s faces turned an earthy color. Both had already eaten more than half of their meal.

“I’m more drawn to bread than meat today….” 

Tae-ram smiled and took a bite of bread.

“Mr. Tae-ram, it’s not good to be picky. Why aren’t you eating something so delicious?” 

“Yeah, Amil’s cooking is tastier than what my mother used to make when I was little.”

Se-ho and Fran remained rigid for a long time while Amil and Kairan ate the steamed meat. It was as if their souls had gone out.

Tae-ram, who thought it was a sue, comforted Se-ho and Fran, who couldn’t make it to the end. Tae-ram’s party, which is never quiet due to the two’s chi battle, was able to have a peaceful night.

 

* * *

 

After fending off numerous monsters, the party finally reached the Killain Mountains.

The dense trees stretched as far as the eye could see, and the broad mountains stretched for miles. It was lush and magnificent, especially the great veil of golden light that enveloped the entire mountain.

“Is that the rumored barrier?” 

“It’s undulating like waves, it’s so beautiful!” 

“A magic that can encircle such a wide area is truly remarkable.”

It’s so cute, the way it’s undulating. As an experiment, Tae-ram lightly tapped the barrier with his hand. In response, golden sparks flew, and an invisible force pushed him away. It felt like the power had returned with the same force he applied.

“Why are you doing something so dangerous!” 

“Tae-ram, you must approach barriers with caution! What if you get hurt?”

Tae-ram felt embarrassed as they rushed to his side in a panic. Still, seeing their worried eyes made him feel protected, and it made his heart flutter.

“I’m fine, just a little sting.”

“Are you hurt anywhere, just in case?” 

“Do you want to drink a potion or something?”

The two of them carefully inspected Tae-ram’s body, but wait, it seemed like they were touching some strange places. The heartwarming atmosphere started to feel awkward and burdensome. In the end, Tae-ram pushed them away.

“He, stop touching me!”

“Not me.”

“I was just looking.”

Avoiding Tae-ram’s gaze, the two pretended they didn’t know. These two! Just when Tae-ram was about to say something sharp, Amil interjected.

“Speaking of which, I don’t see Mr. Kairan, where could he be?”

Since a while ago, one was missing from the audio. Tae-ram thought Kairan was probably trying to keep his promise. Why not invite him once? Tae-ram became enthusiastic at the thought.

“I don’t think he’s gone far. He’s a powerful wizard, so he’ll be fine.” 

“I’m worried, though.”

“He’ll come back when the time is right.”

“Yes. Animals have a homing instinct.”

Se-ho and Fran, who naturally treated Kairan like a dog, were amused, but Tae-ram didn’t point it out and changed the subject.

“Let’s think of a way to break the barrier.”

Tae-ram patted everyone on the back, and they began to investigate the barrier in their own ways.

Fran used his magic, Se-ho used his sword, and Amil used his feet to try to find a weak spot in the barrier. Unable to do anything, Tae-ram watched from the sidelines.

According to the original novel’s setting, no one could break the dragon’s spell. Kairan was a Dragon Lord, the strongest of the dragons. The only other possibility was Se-ho, but he was still a novice Grandmaster.

The group tried this and that after that, but it didn’t work.

“We went as far as we could, but the reaction was the same.” 

“Surely, all of these barriers are of the same strength.”

“Even divine power didn’t work at all. The wizard in the Killain Mountains, as rumored.

might have reached the tenth circle.”

Looking at the barrier, Fran marveled again. 

“That’s a dra… Yikes!”

Tae-ram’s words, which had blurted out without realizing it, were swallowed in pain. Se-ho, who had gotten close enough, pinched him in the side. Tears stung his eyes as the pain felt like flesh was being ripped from his body.

“Mr. Tae-ram, are you okay?”

“Did you touch the barrier again?”

Startled by his screams, Fran and Amil came to his side.

“Oh, it’s nothing, I almost tripped over a stone beak, but the prince caught me.”

Tae-ram laughed it off as if it was nothing, but his side still tingled.

He had done wrong, but this was too harsh a punishment. Tae-ram glared at Se-ho with resentment. Se-ho whispered to him in a cold voice.

“You’re glaring at me for something I did right?” 

“You pinched me too hard, humanly speaking.” 

“It was a light touch, a warning.” 

“Light? You meant it.”

“If I meant it, you’d be dead already.”

“If you’re going to kill me, kill me. Kill me and stay alone and cry into your pillow every night.”

“You’re an annoying person.” 

“Who cares.”

“Touching the barrier thoughtlessly, and the slip of tongue just now, think before you act.” 

“Well, someone had to figure it out sooner or later! I also thought and acted in my way!”

“Is that how someone who claims to think looks and behaves?”

As Tae-ram and Se-ho were engaged in a silent war of words, Amil shouted as if he had found something.

“I found a barrier stone!”

Amil had found a gemstone the size of his fist. It was reddish.

The gemstone looked like a garnet. It was huge. It would be salty to crack that one open.

“What a beautiful gem.”

Amil reached for the gem as if mesmerized, while Tae-ram’s mind wandered.

Tae-ram’s stomach suddenly churned. An unexplained feeling of unease, coupled with an instinctive rejection, began to grip him.

“Amil, wait, don’t touch it….” 

“I-I’m sorry, I already touched it.”

Amil’s apologetic voice was accompanied by the sound of something breaking. A golden circle of light flickered and engulfed the group, and Tae-ram’s vision was stained with darkness.

 

* * *

 

He opened his eyes to find himself in a very familiar place. He was sitting in a university lecture hall. After a moment of wondering why, he looked up to see Se-ho giving a presentation. Se-ho was wearing his usual waxed hair and a tailored suit.

“That concludes my presentation.”

“Excellent. Objective, logical presentation.”

Se-ho received applause and returned to his seat.

What the hell is this? Why is he here? Tae-ram tried to leave the room to get a grip on the situation, but his body wouldn’t listen. He tried to move, but it was no use. He was forced to sit through the lecture.

“That’s it for today’s lecture.”

Finally, the class was over. Just as he was about to take a breath, Tae-ram’s body suddenly moved of its own accord, and he approached Se-ho. He didn’t want to say anything, but his mouth opened automatically. It was like being a robot.

“Hey. Why are you dressed like that today? Do you have a job interview?”

Tae-ram was confused; he didn’t recognize himself speaking to Se-ho in a friendly way. Were they friends? No. They were total enemies. Maybe it’s a little different now, but…

“It’s you again, Senior?”

Se-ho looked down at Tae-ram with the same grave face as when they first met. His annoyance was so palpable, it was almost unbearable. Tae-ram lunged at Se-ho, unconcerned with his body or whatever was controlling it.

“You’re being so stiff again.”

“This has nothing to do with you.”

Once again, Tae-ram’s mouth opened against his will. It was his body, but he couldn’t move it.

“Is it a blind date?” 

“Yes, it is.”

Se-ho sighed heavily, like he was tired, and blurted out the affirmative. Tae-ram was getting more and more frustrated. He’s an asshole, shut up.

“…What?”

Tae-ram felt a rush of emotions that didn’t belong to him. Uncomfortable, unpleasant feelings. Why does he make him feel this way?

“Can I go then?” 

“Uh… Yeah. Sure.”

As Se-ho left, Tae-ram slumped back in his chair. What’s wrong, cheer up. He shouldn’t be so shocked that he’s going on a blind date!

The screen switched, and the being that was Tae-ram and wasn’t Tae-ram was following a couple. It was Se-ho and a woman he’d never seen before.

Crazy. Is he stalking him? He doesn’t want to do this! Tae-ram screamed, but nothing changed. Robot Tae-ram remained indifferent, focusing solely on them.

“Shall I drop you off today too?” 

“It’s okay.”

Se-ho, who wasn’t even a prince, was speaking informally, and it was intriguing. Memories of their time at the barracks came to mind, making Tae-ram feel a little embarrassed. The informal mode was fun, though.

“But….”

“It’s okay, I can go by myself.” 

“It’s just that I want to see you more.” 

“You’re so… Okay.”

The woman smiled shyly and walked over to Se-ho and put her arms around him. The robot Tae-ram, who had been hiding behind a tree, stiffened in shock. Tae-ram also felt a little uncomfortable.

“Shall we go then?”

“Yes!”

The mesmerized robot hurriedly followed them as they moved.

In his haste, the robot Tae-ram fell in a heap before them. Se-ho looked down coldly at the robot on the ground. He felt ashamed of himself for something he hadn’t done and wanted to turn to dust and fly away.

“Do you know him?” 

“No. I don’t.”

Se-ho turned away coldly.

Robot Tae-ram closed his eyes without even getting up. The robot’s intense sadness had rubbed off on him. It was hard to tell what was his own emotion anymore. He felt very cold in his chest as if he had gone outside in the middle of winter with only short sleeves. The corners of his eyes became moist.

Somehow, he’s pissed!

In a moment of strong anger, he finally took back control of his body from the robot. As soon as he was free, he jumped to his feet and stormed over to Se-ho.s

“Hey!”

“Senior?”

Se-ho turned around in surprise.

“You know me.”

Se-ho looked genuinely troubled. That look made Tae-ram feel like a screw had fallen out of his head, and his heart exploded with embarrassment.

“You’re probably not the Se-ho I knew. But for now, let’s settle things.”

Tae-ram grabbed Se-ho by the collar. There was a slight height difference, but he managed to do it somehow. It was a moment when he was about to hit Se-ho. Then, somewhere, a burst of cheerful laughter could be heard.

“Sorry. Sorry. I just thought you were so cute….”

Time froze, the screen distorted, and his vision went white. Buildings, trees, cars, everything was gone. A man appeared in the near white space of nothingness. It was Kairan, dressed in modern clothes.

“I was late because I was lost in someone else’s dream.” 

“A dream?” 

“More precisely, it’s an illusion that embodies your deep consciousness. It’s a world constructed based on your strongest emotions. It’s close to a nightmare.” 

“…A nightmare?” 

“Yeah. It’s what you care about and fear the most that comes to the surface.”

Tae-ram was confused and distraught, but he could see the situation somewhat.

His biggest fear is that Lee Se-ho will ignore him? No, he and he have nothing to do with each other… Does he think he likes him?

Tae-ram’s face flushed red.

“Your place is really strange. It’s like you use magic even though you don’t have any mana. This outfit is also unusual, and you’re cute.”

“Kairan’s magic is more interesting to me.”

“But is the prince from this world too? That can’t be right….”

“That’s right, it can’t be. I must have set it up that way without realizing it.”

“That’s strange. I’ve never seen a world this detailed before.”

“That’s because… I, uh, I write for a living, so I guess I have a vivid imagination.”

“You write?”

“Yes….”

“The ability to build worlds. You also have a strong sense of presence. I wonder if you….”

Hearing Kairan’s reasoning made Tae-ram uneasy. He knew he had to cut that thought off quickly.

“More importantly, please keep the promise. They say the wizard of the Killain Mountains grants wishes if you meet him.”

“Well, technically, I came to you myself… What’s your wish? I’ll grant it.”

“Really?”

“Yes! I don’t lie.”

“What wishes did anyone else make before me?”

“The last one was probably thousands of years ago, but… I don’t remember.”

Thousands of years ago? That’s like how many centuries? It’s astonishing. Tae-ram was genuinely surprised. He had forgotten that Kairan was the oldest one at the party, even though he appeared to be a young man. The poly-morphic dragon was supposed to embody their inner selves. Anyway, he was a sacred dragon, so maybe it was still early for him to be in that form.

“If I grant you a wish, will you like me more?” 

“Even now, I like Kairan.”

“Like him enough to marry him?”

“It’s not like that, but… if Kairan helps me, I’d want to help Kairan in return in the future.”

“Help me?”

“Yes. That’s how we’ll build trust, and then it’ll be a better relationship.” 

“…Trust?”

Kairan’s eyes narrowed as if he’d never heard the word before.

“Anyway, Tae-ram, you’re complicated. Everyone around me has always done as I said…” 

“Perhaps it was because Kairan was frightening?” 

“You’re not scared of me?” 

“No, I’m not.” 

“What if I told you that I would kill you?” 

“If you had that intention, you would have done it already, right? I don’t think you would do that, but if you ever harm me, I’ll become a vengeful spirit and haunt you forever.”

Kairan burst out laughing. Later, he rolled his shoulders in the air.

“Ah… That’s funny. I haven’t laughed in a hundred years. You’re funny, as always. I think you’d be cute as a ghost.”

“That’s a scary joke.”

“It’s not a joke. Anyway, fine, I’ll grant you a wish.”

Kairan’s mood changed. His mischievous smile faded, and there was a hint of menace in his voice.

“I am Kairan, wizard and dragonlord of the Killain Mountains. I swore a long time ago to grant one wish to anyone I met, so tell me anything.”

“Anything, really?”

“Anything within my power. But I’m not just any dragon Lord, so feel free to ask. I can do a lot of things.”

“You promise?”

“Yes!”

He was supposed to follow the original story and say that he wanted to return to his original dimension. However, Tae-ram hesitated for a moment. By following the original story, he would lose his wish. Maybe it would be better to stay here and enjoy life like he had won the lottery.

But Se-ho wouldn’t let him, and he might regret it in the end. Dismissing the strange thought, Tae-ram decided to follow the flow of the book.

“I want to go back to my dimension.”

That wasn’t the answer he was expecting, and Kairan gave him a childlike look. 

“You don’t want anything else?”

“Not at all.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Really. Can’t you do it? Even dragons aren’t all-powerful.” 

“…Ha, I can!”

Kairan exclaimed, puffing and shouting.

“Then send me back to my original dimension.” 

“…I can’t right now.”

“Why? You said you could do anything.”

“Because dimensional travel hasn’t been successfully accomplished by anyone yet, and… We need a medium with strong magic power.”

“Like a dragon heart, for example?”

Tae-ram blinked as he looked at Kairan’s chest with a sparkle in his eyes.

“Mine won’t work…”

Kairan weakly shrugged his shoulders. Tae-ram felt a bit guilty, but he steeled his heart. He’s sorry for Kairan. It’s all for the sake of the story.

“Kairan. You just promised.”

“It just takes time, but I can do it, though I need a medium….”

Kairan’s voice grew quieter and quieter. Tae-ram was growing impatient. 

“As expected, if Kairan takes out his heart…” 

“I won’t give it to you!” 

“It was a joke. Since it’s impossible, I’ll find another way.” 

“Tae-ram, you’re cruel.”

Kairan clenched his fists and bit his lip hard. His round eyes looked like they could burst into tears at any moment. His cheeks looked so chubby that he wanted to rub them against the back of his head. He was so cute. He should stop teasing him before he gets angry.

“Is Kairan crying?”

“I’m not crying!”

“It was because you looked cute. I’m sorry.”

Tae-ram reached out his arms and scooped Kairan into his arms. He stroked his hair. The soft, downy texture was just as good. It was an uncomfortable position due to Kairan’s height, but it seemed to make him feel a little better.

“Let’s think of a good solution together. Shall we release the barrier for now?” 

“Sure.”

Kairan waved, and they were back where they started. 

“I see it’s night already.”

“Ah… I’m hungry. Shall we go back then?”

Kairan smiled brightly and held out his hand to Tae-ram. Tae-ram took the hand he offered. His hand was large and warm in his. Suddenly, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“Kairan. I want you to help me in the future. I want you to be a real colleague, not just a temporary one.”

“A real colleague?”

“Yes. Real colleagues who trust each other and don’t lie to each other.”

Tae-ram had concealed the fact that he was the author, but he put on a poker face.

“Alright, then. Let’s go hunt another dragon together. If it’s a dragon heart you need, I’ll become a conduit.”

“That’s great, Kairan, coming up with a solution right away.”

Kairan perked up at the slightest hint of smugness.

“Yes! I’ll tell everyone who I am, too. The fun must not end, so I must continue to act as a court mage in public, but I must not lie to my colleagues!”

“Yes! Please take care of me.” 

“Sure! You too, take care of me!”

Kairan. So great. He understands without saying anything.

Tae-ram got a pet dragon that obeys him.

 

* * *

 

How adorable, Kairan thought, as he watched Tae-ram smile with the satisfaction of a well-fed cat.

What complex thoughts must be going through that little head of him?

From the first time they met, he’s been hiding a lot from him, and even though he knows it, he still let him get away with it every time. Strangely enough, he didn’t mind.

A peculiar human had descended into Kairan’s dull dragon life. Kairan thought that as long as Tae-ram held him in high regard, he could accommodate him in any way.

But he would never let him go. His brother had said so. The one who endures is the ultimate winner. He’s going to live a very long time, and he’ll follow him wherever he goes.

Kairan squeezed Tae-ram’s hand.

 

* * *

 

The story direction was established with Kairan’s full party joining and dragon hunting.

Tae-ram was inwardly proud of what he had accomplished on his own. Tae-ram walked briskly, with Kairan following closely behind. Their companions approached them from a distance.

“I see you’re both safe!”

“Thank God, Mr. Tae-ram. You’re safe….”

Unlike Amil, who was as cheerful as ever, Se-ho and Fran’s complexions were not good. Se-ho, in particular, looked as if his soul had left him.

What kind of vision did he have? It bothered him, but his priority was to reintroduce Kairan. He will ask him later. Tae-ram put his worries aside and introduced Kairan to his companions.

“Please make yourselves acquainted. The court mage who has been traveling with us all this time, Kairan, is a wizard from the Killain Mountains.”

“What? Mr. Kairan is a wizard of the Killain Mountains?”

Amil’s eyes widened in surprise.

“He is. He’s been hiding his identity for some reason, but he said he couldn’t just leave us wandering around the barriers.”

“Yes! And I’m a dragon, and you can’t tell anyone else. Otherwise, my fun will be over.”

“Mr. K-Kairan, you’re the wizard of the Killain Mountains? The one who broke this barrier? Oh, no! More than that… a d-dragon? I don’t understand anything.”

“Don’t think too hard about it. Just treat me like you used to.”

As Amil stood there looking broken, Fran, who was behind him, stepped forward. Fran looked surprised, too, but he was calm compared to Amil.

“I knew you were hiding your identity, Kairan. There’s no way an ordinary court mage would be so powerful, much less a prince or high priest.”

“But you knew, Fran, I must be too obtuse.”

“Well, he’s a swordsman, and I use magic, so it’s easier for me to understand, but still.

I didn’t realize it was a wizard from the Killain Mountains. I mean, it’s like a legend that’s been around for hundreds of years, so a dragon makes sense, but how old are you anyway, Kairan?”

“I haven’t counted in a long time… Roughly ten thousand?”

“That’s new to me, but I’m Fran. I’m God Lian’s first servant. If it’s okay with you, please teach me barrier magic later. I think I can become stronger by combining it with my healing magic.”

“Yeah! Nice to meet you again!”

Contrary to Tae-ram’s worries, Fran naturally accepted Kairan.

“I’ll introduce myself again too! I’m Amil, a servant of the Runever Empire. Thank you for giving me a nice dream earlier, I was happy to see so many different couples!”

“I also liked that your inner self was straightforward and pleasant, faithful to your needs and desires.”

“Haha… That’s a little embarrassing.”

Amil treated Kairan as he always did. That was when Tae-ram breathed a sigh of relief. Se-ho, who had seemed to be in a bad mood earlier, suddenly pulled a scarecrow.

“Stay away from Tae-ram, Dragon.”

The cheerful mood was shattered by the stern words of Se-ho. Tae-ram felt worried seeing Se-ho’s eyes trembling uneasily. Was it an illusion that made him stand up more than usual? Tae-ram tiled Se-ho with a soft voice.

“Prince, Kairan has no intention of harming us, we’ve been cooperating well so far.”

“But… That dragon made you….”

For once, Tae-ram was genuinely surprised enough to forget his acting; Se-ho had unmasked the prince, and it had never happened before.

“Wow, prince… Shall we talk later? We’re all tired today….”

It was Kairan who interrupted Tae-ram, who was trying to recover somehow.

“Se-ho, Se-ho. Don’t be mean. I like Tae-ram. I’ve decided to listen to him from now on.”

“Se-ho? Surely that’s the prince’s nickname I made up for him, right? I haven’t seen you use it lately….”

“That’s because I saw the prince in an illusion!”

The ripple caused by Tae-ram’s words was beyond imagination as Fran’s gaze turned cold. Something was unsettling about his very presence. Tae-ram remembered that Fran’s condition was as serious as Se-ho’s.

“I’ve heard from Mr. Kairan that illusions show a person’s most intense emotions, and you’ve been thinking of the prince all along.”

In contrast to Fran’s darkening eyes, Amil’s were sparkling and he was off in his world, imagining things. He must be delusional again. That can’t be it… Tae-ram decided to give up on Amil’s help and take action for now. He had to salvage the situation somehow!

“Maybe if more time had passed, Fran or one of the others would have come out, but Kairan found me so quickly that this happened….”

Fran already seemed to have turned a deaf ear to Tae-ram’s words.

“Tae-ram’s first was always the prince. After all, he doesn’t even have a nickname for me.”

Like Se-ho earlier, Fran’s emotions were more intense than usual. Tae-ram could somewhat anticipate the illusion he saw. Oh no, he must have had an illusion of Se-ho taking him away.

“If the prince is gone, will I have a chance?”

Muttering darkly, a golden aura formed around Fran’s body. The air around them began to change, and Tae-ram was assaulted by an alien sensation.

“The prince was killed in a skirmish with a wizard in the Killain Mountains.” 

“Huh? Me?”

“Wait, Fran!”

The next moment, with a sharp sound, dozens of condensed golden lumps flew toward Se-ho.

“Prince, dodge!”

Hearing Tae-ram’s voice, Se-ho quickly generated a mana blade to block Fran’s attack. The golden mass was completely blocked, but it didn’t lose its momentum. Se-ho frowned, troubled.

“What the hell is this?”

Se-ho’s tone became as vicious as Fran’s.

“Cleaning up, because I don’t want to lose any more of what’s mine.” 

“…I’ll deal with you if you want.”

“Fran, Prince, stop it!”

Tae-ram’s cries did not reach the two men already engaged in battle. 

“I’ve wanted to cut you down at least once.”

“That’s a coincidence, so am I!”

Fran unleashed a merciless barrage of magic at Se-ho in earnest, and Se-ho responded by energizing his sword. Tae-ram fidgeted. There was no way he was going to get involved in that monster showdown, and maybe that was a good thing.

He glanced to the side, and Amil was still delirious. It was odd, to say the least, that he was doing that in the middle of all this. Maybe Amil was under the influence of his illusions, too.

The only person who could help him was Kairan, who was, in a way, the cause of this whole mess.

“Kairan, stop them.”

“Kids grow up fighting. They’ve got a lot of blood in their veins.”

Kairan, who had gone into spectator mode, reacted in an uncharacteristically old-fashioned way.

“I think everyone was affected by the outcome, but I think Karan is also responsible.”

“I used too much energy today and I’m tired.”

“If anyone gets hurt, I’ll be hurt, and I’ll be so sad that I might not be able to pet Kairan for the rest of my life.”

Tae-ram half-threatened, and Kairan finally responded.

“W-Well, I don’t like that….”

“Then you have to help me.” 

“What can I do?”

“First, splash water on Fran without hesitation.”

Tae-ram figured that if Fran calmed down, Se-ho would come to his senses soon enough, because dealing with both of them would be tough, even for Kairan…

“Stay back so you don’t get caught.” 

“Thank you, Kairan.”

As Kairan chanted, a small cloud formed over Fran’s head and a torrential downpour began. Fran tried to get rid of the clouds as if they were a nuisance, but they scattered and then gathered again. After a few more attempts to disperse the clouds, the exhausted Fran stopped attacking.

Then, as Tae-ram had predicted, Se-ho stopped attacking as well. Finally, the fight was over. 

“I need you to listen to me, Fran.”

“Tae-ram….”

The water-soaked Fran finally looked at Tae-ram. Tae-ram was about to say something but lost his train of thought as he met the melancholic gaze of Fran. The power of a wet handsome man was incredible. Let’s not get angry and gently calm him down. After all, this is probably due to the illusion caused by the barrier…

“Fran. What are you so anxious about? Tell me what you want.” 

“I want you to be mine.”

“I’m not something you can own.” 

“I know.”

“I can’t just dictate your feelings, but you like me, don’t you? That’s why you feel jealous of the prince too.”

Fran nodded meekly at Tae-ram’s words.

“But Fran, aren’t those feelings too uncertain?” 

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t believe in love. Liking someone, loving someone, in the end, they all change, don’t they? I think there’s a more wonderful relationship than that.”

“What is it?” 

“Friendship. With friends, as long as our hearts are in sync, we can be together for a lifetime without any conditions.”

“Friends….”

Tae-ram was making it up as he went along, but he half meant it. 

“What does Fran think?”

“…I’d be anything if you’d let me be by your side.”

“We’re already friends, so why not?”

“We’re already friends?”

“Yes! I consider you a friend, too, Prince, so I’d like to ask you not to fight between friends, please.”

“I will, if that’s what you want.”

Fran still looked shaky, but he seemed to understand Tae-ram’s intentions. 

“It’s okay. Everyone has mistaken thoughts sometimes. That’s what friends are for.”

Fran still disliked the prince, but when he saw Tae-ram’s relieved smile, his heart felt at ease. It was the first time he experienced such a sense of peace.

 

* * *

 

Fran thought he was destined to die a miserable death on the streets.

A life of no value, with no friends, no family, a life that could end at any moment. So he acted more boldly.

Luck or misfortune, divine powers manifested. Fran was transformed from a lowly man to a nobleman with the will of God. But he was still alone, and the world was an absurdity. The contradiction of being able to use divine powers without having any faith. Powerful people hanging their heads in shame over a lowly man. Everything was ridiculous.

Living a life where death didn’t come, Fran encountered Tae-ram.

A unique and lovely otherworldly person who naturally entered his heart as if he had been placed there by God. For what must be the umpteenth time already, he’s knocked his world down again.

 

* * *

 

“I apologize for today’s incident.” 

“No, it’s partly because of the illusion.”

“Thank you, Tae-ram. Good night.” 

“Sure, see you tomorrow.”

Fran went back into the barracks, and when Tae-ram realized that things had calmed down somewhat, he approached Se-ho.

“Are you okay?”

“…I’m fine. I made a mistake.”

Se-ho said he was fine, but his face was paler than before. 

“The illusion you saw… No, you should rest now.”

“Yes. Senior, you should rest too.”

As Se-ho went inside, Tae-ram let out a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to take a break, Kairan came running towards Tae-ram.

“Tae-ram, I’ve been a good sport today, give me a prize!”

Kairan was cute, but Tae-ram was tired from all the running around.

“Kairan, if you don’t mind, show me your magic item, I think you have something special that humans don’t have.”

“Um, sure, what kind do you want me to show you?”

Kairan’s eyes sparkled at Amil’s words, and the conversation shifted. He gave Amil an appreciative glance, and Amil smiled trustingly.

“I’m interested in magic swords.”

“Magic swords are good. Come in here. I’ll show you.”

Once everyone was inside their respective barracks, Tae-ram was the only one left. 

“Wait, does this mean I’m the one who’s going to be on fire duty today?”

Tae-ram thought that the day’s work was unusually fierce.

 

* * *

 

“The Delicious Man” Page 73

I was so surprised to learn that Kairan was a wizard from the famous Killain Mountains. He’s the first dragon I’ve ever seen in my life. For a dragon who’s lived for over ten thousand years, he must have a lot of experience.

I’ve always thought that the best match for Tae-ram would be the Prince, but I get bored of eating bread every day, so I have to give him a treat once in a while, right? 

I think 4th-grade dishes are fine now, with Fran, the clean-cut beauty, and Kairan, the innocent dummy!

But I don’t think Tae-ram’s stamina will hold up against the three of them. He’s already delicate as it is, what do we do? No, I can’t let it be. From tomorrow on, I need to prepare more nutritious dishes. I heard goblin dishes are good for energy, maybe I should go and catch some even if I’m alone.

 

* * *

 

Tae-ram stared blankly at the dying campfire.

In the illusions Kairan had shown him, he had been shaken again and again by Se-ho. His cold demeanor had made him sad, upset, and hurt, and he’d ended up doing something stupid. Following him like a stalker, stumbling and falling. He crumpled to the ground in a heap. On second thought, he was so embarrassed.

Technically, it wasn’t Tae-ram, but the tingling sensation he felt was real. If it had been real, he might never have seen his face again.

It was a good thing it happened in front of a fake Se-ho.

Tae-ram had to admit it. That he was attracted to him. And with that admission came a question. Was it true that he liked Se-ho? Or is this a feeling that was created under the influence of a force? Maybe it’s the shaky-leg effect, like being on a deserted island.

Various thoughts tangled in Tae-ram’s mind. He wanted to grab someone and talk it out, but it was impossible to ask his colleagues, and asking the person involved, Se-ho, was also out of the question. He briefly thought about talking to Amil, but quickly erased the idea. It was desperate to think of seeking comfort even from a non-human creature like him.

At first, Tae-ram hated this abnormal situation. But now he was afraid of the end. The end….. What if he only like Se-ho because he’s the main character? When the page fills up and he returns to their original world, will his feelings be reset? What about his memories of being here in the first place?

The question lingered in the back of his mind. He didn’t want to think about it, but it kept popping into his head. Tae-ram nervously tossed the persimmon into the fire. The dying embers roared back to life.

“Ugh. I wish all my useless thoughts would burn up and disappear.”

He doesn’t know how much time passed, but someone came out with a rustling sound. It was the last person Tae-ram wanted to see. It was Se-ho, the source of his troubles.

“Senior. I’ll change the campfire for you.”

Tae-ram felt the anger from the fake Se-ho resurfacing as he saw Se-ho’s stern face. The anger from that time boiled up again, and he couldn’t help but blurt out a sharp comment.

“Is it so hard to call me brother?”

Tae-ram’s words caught Se-ho off guard. 

“It’s just that I’m not used to it yet….”

Seeing Se-ho’s sullen expression, Tae-ram felt bad. He shouldn’t be annoyed. He must still be under the influence of the illusion. That’s not the fake Se-ho.

The Se-ho Tae-ram knew wasn’t as cold as the fake Se-ho. He was a blunt junior who was frustratingly reticent, but he was sincere and polite.

Well, Se-ho does have a somewhat stubborn personality. When he believes he’s right, there’s no way to compromise or back down. In short, he was the type of person who would bend, but not break. He’s stubborn, but he’s just as stubborn, so they fought a lot, and sometimes he’d show his inexperience and clumsiness, but Tae-ram found him cute.

Thinking about Se-ho, Tae-ram couldn’t help but smile. 

“S-senior? No… Brother?”

Se-ho corrected his name and looked at Tae-ram. There was an emotion in his eyes that said, ‘Has he lost his mind?’ and this almost made Tae-ram angry, but when he tried to see it from Se-ho’s perspective, he found the answer.

If Se-ho suddenly starts acting affectionate, it might be scary. 

“I’m sorry for acting cold. Just call me Senior or Brother, whichever you’re comfortable with.” 

“To be honest, I was a little surprised by the sudden change.” 

“That’s why I said sorry.” 

“Do you have some trauma related to honorifics? If so, I’ll be more careful…” 

“It’s not that.” 

“You don’t have to hide it from me. Like it or not, we’re in this together, aren’t we?”

It was frustrating to see Se-ho digging deep into something that should have been left alone. Ugh! Don’t get mad.

Come on. Tae-ram was mildly annoyed, but he was also relieved to see that Se-ho was so much like him.

“Let it go. Go inside and rest if you’re tired.” 

“I’m not sick.”

Se-ho’s pale face had improved somewhat. Still, Tae-ram couldn’t help but worry.

“Rest while you can.” 

“You’re the one who’s tired, aren’t you?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t participate in the battle anyway. Sometimes it’s embarrassing how much honey I suck.”

“Well, you’d better get some sleep, though, because we’re going to be marching hard starting tomorrow.” 

“It’s okay. I’m completely recharged. I want to be of some help, even if it’s small.”

Se-ho, who was about to say something more, closed his mouth and plopped down on the seat next to Tae-ram. He didn’t seem to want to go in, so Tae-ram gave up on inviting him in.

“Do you have something to tell me?” 

“Nothing special.”

With that, a heavy silence fell between them.

This is so awkward. If this is what it’s going to be like, Tae-ram thought, he might suffocate to death by morning, so he tried to say something.

“I took out my book earlier and it was half full.” 

“Yeah. I saw that too.”

“I don’t think there’s much left.” 

“I see.”

“How’s the place where Fran hit you?” 

“It’s all healed up.”

“You’re still a monster of resilience. I’m glad to hear that, I was worried.” 

“Thank you.”

“Do you think Amil’s bringing out the monster dish again tomorrow? I really couldn’t eat it.” 

“I don’t know.”

“I’m afraid he’s going to say, ‘Prince, it’s orc soup!’ Right?” 

“Right.”

Se-ho’s short answer didn’t carry the conversation forward, and the silence came quickly.

For the first time in his life, Tae-ram realized that he and Se-ho really didn’t fit together; they were too different, even if they were fundamentally different, and if it weren’t for this, they might have been enemies for life.

“You’re not going to learn to use a sword, are you?” 

“Huh?”

For the first time today, Se-ho was the one to initiate the conversation, and Tae-ram was a beat behind. Se-ho spoke again, calmly.

“I’m asking if you wanted to learn swords.” 

“Swords all of a sudden?”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”

“You know, this body is frail, you saw how I can’t even ride a horse.”

“I know. But there are going to be more and more battles in the future. At least Fran is looking out for you, but there have been many times, like the last time with the trolls, where you could have been in trouble if I had been a second too late. I think it would reduce the risk if you had at least some dodging skills… So….”

“Wait, wait, stop!”

Tae-ram interrupted, fed up with Se-ho’s rambling.

“I get what you’re saying. But we have Kairan too. Somehow, things will work out, won’t they?”

“I’m worried because you’re always so reckless.”

“I appreciate your concern, but stop with that reckless talk. And isn’t it a bit too late to be saying this now? It’s been proven that my body is useless.”

“It’s not too late. I’ve been thinking about it all along—how you could have some basic physical strength. But you wouldn’t understand.”

“If you don’t say anything, how am I supposed to know?”

“Do you know how worried I am when I see you?”

Tae-ram held back the urge to raise his voice.

“I’ve been doing well so far. I even handled the Kairan incident on my own. I have no basic physical strength; even moving is difficult and exhausting. If I had my original body, it might have been different. But with this body, I’m useless.”

“Even in your original body, you were frail, not much different from now! You’re just an adult now.”

Tae-ram’s patience finally ran out.

“You’re a prince with good stats, do you know how hard this body is, you’ve never experienced it!”

“You’ve never been through it either! Do you have any idea how hard I’ve worked to master this ability?”

“I don’t know! I don’t want to know!”

Tae-ram grunted and jumped up from his seat. 

“Senior, please listen to me!”

Se-ho leaped forward with ferocious momentum and hugged Tae-ram tightly from behind. It was a seemingly romantic sight, but it was anything but. The immense pressure of Se-ho’s body was suffocating him.

“Let go!”

“No, I won’t let go until you seriously consider what I’m saying.”

“It’s not like I’m completely ignoring you!”

Tae-ram screamed and flailed about, but Se-ho didn’t budge.

“You’re ruining everything I’ve tried to do to be nice to you.”

He knew Se-ho was worried about him, but he didn’t think he needed to overreact, not when he was about to perform a skill, whether it was a bite or a quiz.

A drop of water landed on Tae-ram’s shoulder. Rain? No. It’s… To his surprise, Se-ho buried his face in Tae-ram’s shoulder and cried silently. 

“I saw my brother die in front of my eyes.”

Tae-ram froze in place like a plaster cast as Se-ho’s trembling sent shivers down his back. Se-ho’s grip loosened and slackened, but Tae-ram remained in Se-ho’s arms.

“Ooh, don’t cry.”

“…I’m worried about you.”

Innocent and young, Se-ho’s voice made Tae-ram feel irritated. Despite feeling that way, he obediently stayed in Se-ho’s embrace. He’s a coward, using this beautiful, no, handsome appearance.

Se-ho felt warmth seep into his body as he held Tae-ram’s fluffy body.

“Can we stay like this for a while?” 

“Yes.”

When Se-ho finally calmed down, Tae-ram handed him a cup of warm milk tea. 

“Drink.”

“Thank you.”

After taking a few sips of the milk tea, Se-ho said in a calm voice. 

“I was bad earlier, I was so anxious I couldn’t stand it.”

“You were worried about me, I understand, but it still hurt a little.”

“Still, I’m sure your family is worried too, so please think about it later.”

“Family?”

“…Senior?”

“Did I have a family?”

“What the….”

“I think I lived with someone… I don’t remember.”

Tae-ram thought of an unnatural phenomenon. Come to think of it, when he’d made his wish to Kairan, he’d naturally contemplated staying here. The desire to go back was weaker than before.

Tae-ram felt the terror of the void, and confusion began to show in Se-ho’s eyes as well.

“If I remain like this in this world, then I…”

Tae-ram became extremely anxious, but the look on Se-ho’s face, which was just as devastated as his own, brought him back to his senses.

“…It’s okay, we’re already halfway there.”

Tae-ram recalled Se-ho’s face in a foggy memory. He feels bad for him. If he falters now, it’ll make it even harder for Se-ho, who’s already nervous as it is. Tae-ram clenched his fist and regained his resolve not to weaken.

“Don’t be so serious.”

“Why only you? I want to share your pain too….”

“Whatever the pain. I’ll remember it all later anyway. It’s better that way. I

have a lot of friends.” 

“But….”

“If it were you, you would’ve already become a prince and be living happily, right?”

“I’ll find a way to ease your symptoms.”

“Okay. I’m really fine, don’t make that face.” 

“I’m sorry. I thought you’d be more anxious….”

“Now you go in.” 

“You go in first.”

“Come on, I need some time to think by myself.” 

“…Okay.”

He forced Se-ho, who kept looking back to see if he had any regrets, into the barracks.

“At least I’m glad I’m not alone.”

Tae-ram stared at the spot where Se-ho had passed and muttered softly.

 

* * *

 

Morning dawned after a long sleepless night. Tae-ram decided to set aside the problem he couldn’t find a solution to despite pondering all night. For now, he would focus on what’s ahead.

“Hey, guys. Breakfast!”

At Amil’s words, everyone trudged out of the barracks.

The first to arrive at the table, aside from Tae-ram, who hadn’t slept a wink, was Fran, who was surprisingly a morning owl and usually came out late. He rubbed his half-closed eyes and greeted Tae-ram.

“Good morning, Tae-ram.” 

“Good morning, Fran.”

Fran’s languid demeanor seemed somehow dangerous to Tae-ram. The way he ran his hand through his bobbing hair, he looked like a Persian cat with a pedigree. 

Normally, he’s the kind of innocence he’d expect to see in a soft drink commercial, but today he’s something else… Tae-ram was interrupted from his harsh imagination by a voice behind him.

“Tae-ram, good morning!”

“Good morning, Kairan.” 

“Do that again today!”

Kairan said cheerfully, his round eyes twinkling as he leaned in for a quick pat. Tae-ram stroked Kairan’s hair with a familiar touch. Kairan’s hair was a mess, but it was so soft to the touch.

Kairan. He’s becoming more and more like a dog. Where did he sell his dragon identity?

…. He doesn’t care because it’s cute, but is it a cocker spaniel? A golden retriever in terms of personality?

While Tae-ram was still pondering the breed that would be a good match for Kairan, the cold-faced Se-ho passed by, brushing past Tae-ram and Kairan.

“Good morning. Tae-ram.”

“Good morning. Prince.”

Se-ho’s hair looked like he’d just washed, and his face was flawless. He was handsome, to begin with, but now that he took care of himself, he was even more heart-stoppingly handsome. As Tae-ram was admiring Se-ho’s beauty anew, Amil called everyone together once more.

“Everyone, please sit down instead of standing. Today’s menu is skewers.”

On the table were skewers cut into bite-sized pieces and grilled to a golden brown, along with a salad. At first glance, Tae-ram was intrigued by the resemblance to chicken skewers; that had to be monster meat.

Even if he thought about it objectively, there was no way that meat could be on the table. They had lost most of their food in the last battle. In reality, they had been surviving on fruits and the limited amount of dried meat left.

He didn’t want to eat monster meat, but he didn’t dare ask Amil what kind of meat it was. Even if it was monster meat, he couldn’t say he couldn’t eat it in front of him. He decided to leave the skewers untouched. He glanced to the side to see if Se-ho and Fran had the same idea, but they didn’t touch the meat either.

“What? Why don’t you eat the meat? It’s the main course.”

Kairan is enjoying his meal. The three of them could only laugh awkwardly at his satisfied expression.

“You all seem to have confusing emotions. What’s wrong?” 

“That’s because….”

“I’m tired, so I don’t have an appetite.”

Tae-ram with a forced smile, and Fran with his usual but subtly furrowed brow. Se-ho remains silent. Unperturbed by the three’s reactions, Kairan took a skewer in each hand without hesitation and bit into it.

“This is so delicious!”

Stars shone in Kairan’s eyes. Tae-ram felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Kairan looked like a character from one of his favorite childhood cooking cartoons. He felt like he could have jumped up from the table at any moment and screamed ‘mmmmmm’.

“You eat well, Mr. Kairan, so it’s worth it to make it.”

“This is the best! Better than my father used to bake!”

“That’s an undeserved compliment.”

“Is this a different meat than the last one we had? By the light flavor, I’m guessing it’s Orc? No. It has a slightly more savory flavor…. maybe goblin?”

“Exactly! You’re a foodie, Mr. Kairan!”

Tae-ram was stunned by Amil and Kairan’s cheerfully awful conversation. His appetite dropped like a stone. Crazy! What kind of foodie? Gourmands.

“So, Mr. Kairan, what kind of monster dishes did your father usually make?”

“He made a lot of roasted gargoyle wings. They’re especially chewy when they move around a lot.”

“I see. I see, I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And the braised tails of the Lizardmen were delicious. I heard my mother fell in love with it and thought about marrying it.”

“Lizardman? I’ve never heard of that ingredient before. By the way, it’s romantic that she fell in love with a dish and got married.”

Tae-ram wanted to say that romance was all frozen to death, but he realized that he would be forced to eat the meat if he said anything.

“Talking about it makes me want it. When my father wakes up, I’ll ask him to make it for me.” 

“He’s in hibernation?”

“Yes. My father and mother hibernate together. It’s been about a hundred years since I last saw them.”

“Come to think of it, we’ve never really talked about our families. Do you all have siblings? I’m an only child, so I’ve always been jealous of my friends who have siblings.”

The conversation naturally turned to family.

“I didn’t have a family since I was born. I was an orphan.” 

The air froze at Fran’s words.

“The Runever Empire is in the midst of a succession battle. I have many brothers, but I wouldn’t call them close.”

The atmosphere grew even heavier as Se-ho chimed in. Tae-ram finally spoke of a family he didn’t remember.

“I’m an only child, like Amil, and my parents are normal. Before that, didn’t Kairan have an older brother?”

“Oh… I forgot.”

“Forgetting about your family, how troublesome.”

“He’s so lazy, he’s still sleeping. I haven’t seen him in thousands of years.” 

“I see. I thought you meet him frequently. The first time I met you, you said you received advice from him.” 

“I was a little indebted to him when we were hazing. He taught me a lot about humans.” 

“Your first meeting! I absolutely, positively want to know about it!”

Amil’s eyes were filled with burning eagerness and turbid desire as he asked excitedly. Before long, Fran joined the conversation.

“I’m curious too, I’d love to hear more.”

Fran was smiling, but his eyes were cold. Goosebumps ran down Tae-ram’s spine, and he gave a subtle signal to Kairan. Kairan should be careful with his words. He might also become a morning snack if he makes a mistake. However, Tae-ram’s desperate plea didn’t reach Kairan.

“I just happened to see Tae-ram in passing, and I thought he was special. He has such a beautiful soul.”

“Yes, I’m sure he has a beautiful soul.”

Embarrassed by Amil’s flattery, Tae-ram lowered his gaze to the table. 

“It was in the banquet face to face, that I asked Tae-ram to marry me.” 

Flushed at Kairan’s words, Fran muttered darkly. 

“How potent does the poison need to be to kill a dragon?”

Sensing the hostility directed towards him, Kairan looked crestfallen and said, 

“Fran… Do you hate me?”

“It’s not like that….”

“If it’s not that, then what is it? Did you suddenly start hating me? I don’t know much about humans, so please enlighten me.” 

“Just promise me one thing. No cutting in line.” 

“Yeah! I’ve never cut in line in my entire life!” 

“…Have your meal.”

Tae-ram watched and marveled as Kairan’s innocence dispelled the darkness, or rather, Fran’s anger. He doesn’t think that’s what Fran meant, but Kairan, he’s a light.

“We’ve run out of meat already, I’ll be right back with more.”

At Amil’s declaration of more meat, Fran and Se-ho rose from their seats, blue in the face.

“I’ll excuse myself now. It seems breakfast has filled me up quickly.” 

“I think I’ll do the same.”

For a rare moment, they agreed. 

“There’s still a lot left….”

“Don’t worry. Amil. I’m still hungry. And Tae-ram hasn’t eaten much either, so we can eat!”

“What?”

Tae-ram tried to sneak away but was caught short.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to eat by ourselves.” 

“Huh? No, I’m done too….”

“Tae-ram, will you eat with me?”

“Mr. Taeram, I worked hard on this. You need to take care of your nutrition for the future!”

Amil looks up pleadingly and Kairan shoots him an expectant glance. Tae-ram missed his chance to escape and had no choice but to eat the goblin meat with tears in his eyes.

Tae-ram sits back down and eagerly eats the monster dish. It was odd that it tasted so good, and he felt a little resentful. These two are undoubtedly the strongest at this party. But it’s still surprisingly delicious.