*Immortality...*

Leon mulled over the word carefully.

To him, immortality was somewhat of a contradiction. 

For most of their lives, people rarely contemplate what immortality truly means, how it could be achieved, or what the price might be. Yet, when facing the end of their lives, many wish they could live just a little longer, willing to pay with money, health, or whatever they could, just to extend their existence.

Immortality rarely appears as a serious topic in most people's lives, but at the end, everyone seeks more time from a concept they never seriously considered.

As for Leon, before he formed this *"pretend family"* with Rosvisser, he had never thought about immortality or lifespan.

He had been taught early on, both by the nuns at the orphanage and his tough but kind master, how to accept death properly.

After starting this fake family, Leon did begin to think about the difference in lifespans between humans and dragons. 

But no matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t come up with a solution. 

Dragons, with their long lifespans, still end up buried in the ground, just like humans.

In Leon’s view, no one escapes death. 

The concept of *immortality* seemed to him like a way to leave behind a bigger mark on this chaotic world.

Like his master's bold theory: that the previous king of the Empire had faked his death and was secretly ruling from the shadows, leaving behind traces of his rule over the past thirty years.

Leon shook off his thoughts and asked, “If the previous king really faked his death, how did he extend his lifespan?”

His master had a theory. “Immortality or longevity has been a focus of the royal alchemists for centuries, so... perhaps they made a breakthrough?”

“But if it were truly the result of the royal alchemists’ work, why would the king hide this achievement through a fake death?”

Leon continued, “A longer lifespan would mean greater power, and it would solidify his rule. He could showcase humanity's magical prowess and display strength to the world. But by faking his death, he’s confined to the shadows, even though he retains real power. That limits his influence, doesn’t it?”

Leon’s point was something Tiger hadn’t considered.

The old man stroked his chin thoughtfully. “True... what do these clues really mean, then?”

New questions accompanied each new theory. Leon’s mind was racing, and he quickly added, “It’s possible that the means of achieving immortality, and its cost, are things that absolutely cannot be revealed.”

After a pause, Leon elaborated, “Of course, a breakthrough as groundbreaking as immortality or extending life might be kept secret for security reasons, or to maintain an advantage. But...”

“I still believe the cost of this immortality is something unspeakable. And it might even be connected to this long-standing war between humans and dragons.”

Tiger looked perplexed, trying to catch up with his disciple’s train of thought. “What makes you think that?”

“Think about it, Master. The war between humans and dragons has been going on for centuries. Every move, every decision from both sides is linked to the other.”

Leon explained further, “That’s why I think the previous king’s immortality, or his extended lifespan, is tied to dragons and this war.”

Tiger fell silent, digesting Leon’s reasoning.

Just then, Rebecca, who had been quiet until now, spoke up seriously, “I think Captain has a point.”

Both Tiger and Leon turned to her, surprised that this usually carefree girl had joined such a serious conversation.

“Oh? How so?” Tiger asked, figuring that as a young person, Rebecca might understand Leon’s thoughts better than he could.

With a completely serious expression, Rebecca said, “Because Captain talks a lot, so he must be right if I follow his thinking!”

Tiger: "..."

Leon: "..."

Rosvisser: *Don’t laugh, don’t laugh. I’m a queen, I must remain dignified...*

Leon smacked Rebecca on the head, pushing her away. “Go on, shoo. Adults are talking.”

Rebecca stuck out her tongue and made a face at him. “You’re only a year older than me, you big dumb brute!”

Leon ignored her, turning back to his master to continue their discussion.

Seeing that they were deep in conversation, Rebecca grew bored. She chewed on her bubblegum, hands in her pockets, idly kicking stones on the ground.

One of the stones rolled out of her control.

Rebecca was about to chase after it when she realized it had rolled straight toward Rosvisser.

*Oh no...*

The small stone gently tapped against Rosvisser’s high-heeled shoe. She slowly opened her silver eyes, looking down at the stone before raising her gaze to Rebecca.

For a moment, Rebecca panicked.

She wasn’t like Captain Leon, who had the guts to marry a Dragon Queen and have kids with her. 

She was just a 22-year-old gunner. Crazy, yes—but not crazy enough to provoke a real Dragon Queen.

To Rebecca, dragons were still synonymous with danger and destruction.

This Dragon Queen was Leon’s wife, not hers, and who knew what she might do in response?

But... surely a Dragon Queen wouldn’t be petty enough to get mad over a little stone, right?

As Rebecca anxiously played out various scenarios in her head, Rosvisser remained calm. 

She casually flicked the stone back toward Rebecca with her tail and closed her eyes again, resting.

The stone rolled back to Rebecca’s feet, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

*Captain married a very understanding dragon, it seems.*

This brief interaction between the queen and Rebecca went unnoticed by Leon and Tiger, who were still focused on exchanging information and planning their next move.

After they finished discussing the details, Leon asked about his master's wife.

“Is my mistress still staying with her family?”

Tiger hesitated for a moment before answering, “Yes, she’s still with her family. She’s safe.”

Leon scratched his head. “Master, why don’t you tell me where her family is? I haven’t seen her in a long time, and I could go visit her.”

*And the donkey, too,* Leon thought.

Tiger looked a bit evasive. “Her family lives in a pretty remote area. It’s hard to explain in words. Once things with the Empire are settled, I’ll take you there myself.”

*Why does he seem like he doesn’t want me visiting Mistress?* Leon wondered. But he didn’t press the issue, simply nodding. “Alright, we’ll go another time.”

“Mm.”

After a moment, Leon reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo, handing it to Tiger.

Tiger took the photo, and it showed a baby girl with pink hair and a small tail, eyes closed, clutching her tiny fists. She looked adorable.

“This is...?”

“Aurora, the third daughter I mentioned before. Her nickname is 'Little Light.'”

Even though his master was a dragonslayer, Leon knew he wouldn’t mind that his daughters were half-dragon, considering how fondly he had kept the family photo Rosvisser had given him.

That’s why Leon had brought this picture of Aurora, wanting to show his master.

Tiger looked at the photo of his little granddaughter, and a warm smile spread across his weathered face.

Rebecca peeked at the photo and immediately lit up. 

“She’s soooo cute~~!” 

Leon waved his hand dismissively, but he couldn’t resist a bit of pride. “Of course. Whose genes do you think she has?”

Rebecca smirked. “Yeah, if she didn’t get her looks from your beautiful wife, she wouldn’t be half as cute.”

“...You’re asking for a beating!”

Rebecca giggled and dodged behind Tiger.

After admiring the photo for a while, Tiger carefully tucked it away.

“Well, if that’s all, Master, I guess Rosvisser and I will head back now.”

“Wait, hold on. There is one more thing.”

Tiger reached into his pocket and pulled out an old, worn book. “You mentioned during your last trip to the Empire that you couldn’t gather magic. That reminded me of this book. It contains techniques you might find useful.”

Leon took the book, reading the title: *The Nine Hells Gate.*

“Sounds kind of... dark,” Leon remarked. “Does it explain how to regain magic?”

Tiger shook his head. “No, it’s not about magic. It’s a powerful martial arts technique. I figured, since you can’t use magic right now, you’ll need a way to defend yourself. The techniques the dragonslayers taught you probably won’t cut it. So I took a risk and had this book found. Train hard. You’re looking kind of weak.”

“...”

*Master, I’m not a virgin anymore, so it’s not my fault if I look a little tired!*

“Alright, I’ll train hard. Thanks, Master.”

Tiger nodded approvingly. “Good. Be careful on your way back.”

“You too, Master.”

Leon pocketed the book and called for Rosvisser.

The Dragon Queen stood slowly and followed Leon toward the exit of the cave.

As they left, Rosvisser glanced over her shoulder at Rebecca.

Once again, Rebecca tensed up.

The silver eyes calmly examined her, and then the regal beauty’s lips curved ever so slightly.

“You’re a cute human girl.”

With that, she turned back, spread her wings, and flew through the waterfall with Leon, leaving the cave.

After they were gone, Tiger turned to the still-stunned Rebecca and patted her on the head.

“They’re gone. What are you staring at

?”

Rebecca blinked and shook her head, muttering, “Dad, after hearing all those bold theories you and Captain just talked about, I suddenly have an even bolder theory.”

Tiger raised a curious eyebrow. “Oh? What is it?”

Rebecca looked up with all seriousness. “I think Captain and his wife... are going to have more kids.”

“...Your intentions are good, but please don’t act on them.”

*Leon went to the dragon clan for intelligence gathering, not to expand their population.*

*At this rate, they’ll have a whole soccer team by the time they’re done.*

“What’s wrong with that? Their three daughters are so cute! Why not have more? Dragons live for over a thousand years, right? They could easily have a hundred kids, one every ten years.”

“Have you considered that your Captain will probably be dead in a few decades? How would they keep having kids then? Necromancy?”

“Oh no... then Captain’s wife would be a widow. That’s so tragic. Ugh, I feel bad for her now. Leon Cosmode! He has no heart!—Hey, hey! What are you doing, Dad?!”

Tiger bent down, picked Rebecca up over his shoulder, and grabbed his katana.

“That’s not our concern. Let’s get back to the Empire and deal with that lousy emperor.”