Chapter 14

“That’s not exactly the case. As long as the dragon remains, my father and Viretta’s father will be reluctant to break their agreement,” Iola explained.

“Why?” Lanken asked, still puzzled.

“Oh, Lanken! Have you forgotten everything I’ve told you? The whole reason I got engaged to Iola in the first place is because of the dragon!” Viretta replied, gently knocking on her chest with her fist as she raised her chin confidently.

"Let me explain," Iola said, leaning in. "I’ll make it simple so you understand the social and economic implications of the dragon."

And so, Viretta and Iola began to explain how their engagement was intricately tied to the very dragon they were now planning to hunt.

The problem started a year and a half ago when a dragon from foreign lands made its nest in the mining region owned by the Medleridge Trading Company.

Medleridge’s foundation was built on minerals. The company grew by developing the mining veins in the eastern region, and they expanded their reach, eventually acquiring mining rights further south.

When the mines started showing signs of depletion, Medleridge invested heavily in new mining technologies and refining methods, ensuring their dominance in the trade. They spared no expense in research, keeping their business strong.

Thanks to this, the mines continued to operate for decades, and the surrounding region thrived from the industry. As more work appeared, more people moved in, and the area’s economy grew. Silver and coins circulated, turning the once small town into a bustling city.

But a year and a half ago, everything changed. A dragon settled in the mountainous mining region, throwing everything into chaos.

With the dragon blocking the path, mining operations came to a halt, leaving miners without work. The first businesses to feel the blow were the taverns and eateries, which had once thrived on the miners' wages.

As workers left the area, inns closed down, and the entire city’s economy began to falter. Without city walls to protect them, the locals feared the dragon could attack, and many fled the city entirely.

The loss of income led to unrest, and the entire region's economy and security rapidly deteriorated. Medleridge, which held control over the area, had to find a solution.

“And that solution was for you to marry into a mercenary family?” Lanken asked skeptically, trying to make sense of it.

“That’s right,” Iola confirmed.

Even Lanken, who wasn’t entirely out of touch with the local news, hadn’t quite grasped the full scope of the situation.

“So the plan was to hire mercenaries to slay the dragon?” Lanken asked, still confused.

“No, not exactly,” Viretta interjected. "You know my father well, Lanken. He would never do something that doesn’t make financial sense.”

Lanken frowned, feeling slightly insulted by the insinuation that he was what didn’t make financial sense.

“Medleridge needed a new business partner, someone who could provide military protection to safeguard their trading routes and maintain the city’s security. They needed a reliable and strong force to keep the peace as well as protect the development of other mining areas.”

“And our side was looking for a steady source of income and a partnership that could provide long-term stability,” Iola added.

The two of them spoke in perfect harmony.

“But with the dragon in the picture, neither side trusted the deal entirely. There was always the risk that the dragon would destroy everything or that the security would degrade so much that the mercenaries would back out of the contract.”

“And on the flip side, if the dragon moved to another region, unrelated to Medleridge, they could easily terminate the contract with us.”

“So they resorted to the age-old method of solidifying trust between two parties: a marriage alliance,” Iola concluded.

“Ah, marriage for security,” Lanken nodded, finally understanding.

Both Iola and Viretta nodded back, affirming his understanding.

It made sense to Lanken now why they had approached Najin, a renowned city famous for its mercenary culture. After all, the city of Najin was practically synonymous with skilled mercenaries, and the mercenaries of the Sahara nation were legendary.

Clearly, Cadellen Medleridge had chosen the best possible "product."

It was also a good deal for Najin. Having a wealthy trading company as a partner would be a great asset.

“The most traditional and practical choice,” Lanken muttered.

At the time, both families had a child of marriageable age, and thus, the alliance was made.

"However," Viretta continued, “if I manage to slay the dragon, we won’t need Najin’s help anymore. There’ll be no reason for the engagement, and my father will have no choice but to call it off.”

In theory, it made sense—solve the dragon problem, and the engagement would naturally dissolve.

It was like saying, The problem is money, so let’s get rid of the money. Ridiculous but technically not wrong.

Still, something didn’t quite sit right with Lanken.

“That’s all from your father’s perspective,” Lanken said, tilting his head. “Even if your father cancels the engagement, wouldn’t Najin’s side be upset about losing such a valuable opportunity?”

“Ah…” Viretta’s face froze as she turned to Iola.

“Don’t worry,” Iola replied gently. “You only need to consider your own father.”

“Well, that’s not exactly wrong, but it sounds odd coming from you…” Lanken muttered, unnerved by how cheerfully Iola said it.

"It may not be a pleasant situation for my father, but he’ll have to accept it. After all, he knows his son—"

“A son full of potential—”

“—is utterly disappointing and useless.”

“…”

“…”

The brightness with which Iola said this left both Viretta and Lanken stunned. The light-hearted tone of the statement didn’t match the harsh content, leaving them both feeling a little taken aback.

But Viretta quickly rallied, clenching her fists and speaking up in Iola’s defense.

“That’s absurd! Iola is a student at the Royal Academy of Natural Sciences! He attends the most prestigious school in all of Fillian!”

The Royal Academy of Natural Sciences was indeed the most renowned educational institution in the kingdom, known for its high tuition fees and difficult entrance exams. Only the brightest minds in the country—and from abroad—attended.

There was no way someone like Iola, who attended such a prestigious academy, could be considered useless. Yet, Iola smiled serenely, as if unbothered by the insult.

“In Najin, most men become mercenaries unless they’re sick or injured. So, naturally, someone who doesn’t take up the sword is considered a disappointment. When I told my father I wanted to study in Fillian, he was already deeply disappointed in me.”

“That’s… harsh,” Viretta murmured.

“And when I started receiving scholarships and recognition from my professors, my father was even more disheartened. He couldn’t understand why I was so interested in books when I should’ve been wielding a sword.”

“That’s harsh, right? Definitely harsh?” Viretta was confused. Iola’s words sounded like he was bragging about his accomplishments, yet the grim expression on his face made it feel more like a tragedy.

“Well, disappointing him further by breaking off this marriage will only add to his dissatisfaction, but what can we do? He’ll have to live with it,” Iola said lightly, as if discussing the weather.

“You act like you’re completely fine with that,” Lanken remarked.

“Parents should accept that their children won’t always meet their expectations. It’s an ancient delusion to think otherwise. But really, I’m fine. This won’t be the first time I’ve let him down.”

“Wow, I feel the same way. We have so much in common!” Viretta exclaimed, happily grasping Iola’s hands.

Her cheeks flushed as she realized how much joy she felt finding common ground with him.

“Are you really enjoying this?” Lanken asked incredulously.

“Of course! It’s nice to have something in common. I could talk all day about how I’ve disappointed my father!” Viretta replied.

This, coming from the woman who had fled her house just three days before her engagement, seemed fitting. And it was echoed by Iola, who had done exactly the same.

“Ah, yes. It’s truly a pleasure to find something in common with you, Viretta,” Iola said, his smile brighter than ever.

“Oh, great Father in heaven, please deliver me from these lunatics… Why is this happening to me?” Lanken prayed, clasping his hands together as both Viretta and Iola beamed at each other.

With the weight of his burdens now doubled, Lanken felt more desperate for divine intervention than ever before.