Chapter 4

The phrase "I would go hunt a dragon for you" was an idiom, much like the classic line from knightly romances or plays: "I would pluck a star from the sky for you." It was a way to convey the depth of one’s feelings by promising the impossible.

Though idioms and customs vary from one country to another, the fearsome image of a dragon surely remained the same anywhere. Who would actually take a young woman’s words about dragon hunting at face value?

It’s not like she had gone to a blacksmith, handed over a request, and said, “Make me a weapon; I’m going to slay a dragon.”

In context, it was clearly just an idiom—a bit of bravado.

"Of course. I was genuinely moved, and I’m embarrassed by my own immaturity. I truly regret that I almost interfered with your love," Iola said, sincerely.

But Iola had believed her. While no one else would have taken her words at face value, Iola had believed her completely.

"You don’t need to feel so sorry. It wasn’t your fault, and I have a big heart," Viretta replied.

After all, she wasn’t really in love.

Her words were meant as a cue to swiftly proceed with the engagement, but Iola placed his hand over his heart and straightened his posture.

"You’re very gracious. But please, give me a chance to make things right. I want to help you."

"Help me? You? With what?"

Now, she was genuinely worried about what he might say next. Every word out of his mouth was like a loaded gun, a dangerous blade. Iola wasn’t giving her a moment to think of a way to retract her slip of the tongue.

"Both our fathers are formidable men. If you were to run away with the one you love, your father would pursue you to the ends of the earth to hold you accountable."

Iola spoke of a grim future with unwavering conviction, as if such a path were a certainty.

Hearing this, Viretta felt a shiver of fear. She had known her future father-in-law must be an impressive man, but Iola’s words painted him as terrifying.

"He’s a harsh man, and it would be difficult to persuade him with words alone. So, Viretta..."

He raised his right hand, and with eyes shining like those of a child who believed in fairy tales, he made his proposal.

"Let’s go hunt a dragon."

His eyes sparkled with pure conviction.

"And then, let’s break off the engagement."

To win her father’s approval, to freely pursue the one she loved, to formally end their engagement—he proposed they hunt a dragon.

Viretta’s mouth dropped open.

Iola’s logic made no sense.

If one were to say, "I’m in love," and the response was, "To marry the one you love, let’s go slay a dragon!"—the flow of thought was absurd. Even stranger was Iola’s position in this whole thing. He was the jilted fiancé, the pitiable party, yet here he was, offering to lead the charge on a dangerous quest.

In the first place, it was a preposterous idea. Breaking an engagement by hunting a dragon? It would be easier to claim a piece of uninhabited land and declare oneself lord.

Not to mention, Viretta had no lover, dragon-slaying had only been a figure of speech, and she was beginning to find this man rather appealing.

He was handsome, well-connected, and already brimming with kindness and consideration! She was sure he had some flaws, but this wasn’t a man she wanted to break off an engagement with. On the contrary, she wanted to keep him close.

Her father, a savvy merchant, had found a wonderful son-in-law for her. Viretta didn’t want to kick him to the curb.

She couldn’t be an ungrateful daughter, disregarding her father’s generosity, could she?

True, she’d had a different perspective just that morning, but that was then.

Three options quickly came to mind:

1. Confess that it was just bravado and say, "I’m all for this marriage!"

2. Insist, "I’ve forgotten all about my previous love! I’ve fallen for you! You’re my true love, sent by the heavens!"

3. Pretend to cry and accuse him, "How could you hunt a poor dragon? You cruel man, have you no heart?"

Alright, she had three choices. Not bad, considering she’d thought them up on the spot. Viretta took a deep breath and locked eyes with Iola, ready to choose her words carefully.

"…Let’s go!"

The words that escaped her lips were inevitable.

Her fiancé was someone who believed in her, wholeheartedly and without hesitation. He had taken her words about hunting a dragon at face value, respecting her for them.

To tell someone who believed in her so deeply, "I was just bluffing!" would be to trample on his innocence. And there were some lines she just couldn’t cross.

Not to mention, she had grown fond of Iola.

People have a natural inclination to try and impress those they like, to put their best foot forward. In a way, boasting and exaggeration are part of human nature. Viretta just happened to indulge in it more than most.

She didn’t want to shatter Iola’s expectations.

Bluffers like her are the ones who never admit their bluff. True bluffers carry a certain shamelessness about them. If they admitted their exaggerations each time they were called out, they’d merely be liars, not true bluffers.

It’s only when faced with ridicule or threat that they stand firm, refusing to back down. That’s what makes a real bluffer.

Viretta took Iola’s outstretched hand, gripping it tightly with her own.

"Let’s go hunt a dragon together!"

Viretta Medleridge was, undeniably, a hopeless bluffer.

Three days before Viretta and Iola’s engagement ceremony, Iola awoke feeling refreshed and invigorated in the guest bed.

The room prepared for him as the future son-in-law of the Medleridge family was both opulent and cozy.

But more than anything, it was the presence of his fiancée, Viretta Medleridge, that lifted his spirits.

She didn’t look like she could throw a punch or wield a sword, but she was brimming with enthusiasm. Her violet eyes sparkled when she had declared, "I will slay a dragon," and it had thrilled him to no end.

She had a remarkable ability to handle delicate situations as well. After asking him not to speak further, she had skillfully explained the awkward incident to their fathers.

Viretta had reassured them, saying, "It was simply that yesterday I was wondering what kind of man I might be marrying, and the kind Iola showed his concern. I’ve cleared up the small misunderstanding, so there’s nothing to worry about."

She hadn’t said a word more before parting ways with Iola for the night, and they hadn’t had any contact since.

Today, however, was the day to discuss their dragon-hunting venture. Dressed for the morning and bathed in sunlight, Iola confidently stepped out of his room.

At the dining table, he sat down with poise, preparing to eat. The elders of the Medleridge family and his father gradually joined him.

However, the seat across from Iola remained empty as they waited for the first course to arrive.

"Viretta hasn’t joined us yet."

"Ah, yes, quite right. How absentminded of me. We have a guest, and I forgot. Where is Viretta?" Cadlen asked, glancing toward the maid.

The elderly man at the head of the table, Karlyn Medleridge, the founder of the Medleridge Trading Company and Viretta’s grandfather, addressed the maid.

"Miss Viretta has gone out to purchase some jewelry she thought would suit you, Sir Iola."

"Ah, yes! I gave her some pocket money last night. She must have gone to spend it," Karlyn mused as Cadlen placed a hand on his forehead, exasperated, while Karlyn cheerfully returned to his meal.

"Viretta is a spirited and free young woman. But she always makes time to look out for this old man. Please understand."

"I do."

"She said she was searching for a gem to match your hair, so there’s nothing to worry about."

"Worry?"

At Iola’s innocent reply, a peculiar silence fell over the dining table.

There was only one logical worry one might have in this situation. The Medleridges exchanged glances, questioning whether their sense of propriety was faulty.

The experienced Karlyn, ever the merchant, stepped in to steer the conversation.

"Well, you two just met yesterday, didn’t you? It’s natural to wonder if the first impression was good or bad, or if things will go well in the future."

"I see. I apologize for the misunderstanding. Meeting Viretta has been a delight."

With a bright smile, Iola’s statement put the Medleridge elders and Monain at ease.

Who wouldn’t be pleased to hear compliments about their family? Karlyn stroked his beard, grinning in satisfaction.

"Yes, yes, of course. She’s a lovely girl. A bit tall, perhaps, but you’re plenty tall yourself, so that’s no issue. I’m glad a young man like you thinks well of Viretta."

"Viretta and I are already of one heart."

Iola’s respectful yet upbeat remark was met with smiles around the table. The Medleridges and Monain visibly relaxed, taking his words as a sign that things were progressing smoothly.

"That’s wonderful."

"Yes, indeed, wonderful."

"Really, truly wonderful."

None of them knew that Iola’s idea of being "of one heart" with Viretta meant setting off together to hunt a dragon.