Chapter 40
But why does Theo seem to view transforming into a dragon in such a negative light? Isn’t the dragon his true form?
“Why? Is transforming bad for your health or something?”
“It’s not that.”
He kept beating around the bush, and it was starting to frustrate me. I just wanted him to get to the point already.
As if sensing my impatience, Theo finally continued.
“It seems you haven’t been told about this yet, so I’ll explain briefly. Normally, dragons almost never take their true form unless something very serious happens.”
“Why not?”
“It’s because of an agreement made long ago, after the war ended — between dragons and humans. After that war, humans began to fear the dragons they had once lived alongside.”
“Oh…”
“They realized the vast difference in power between us — a gap so large that they couldn’t even dream of surpassing it. They knew they could never defeat dragons. So, the treaty included a clause forbidding dragons from revealing their true forms except under special circumstances.”
Hmm? Doesn’t that sound way too favorable to humans?
Even if dragons are powerful, staying in human form would mean they can’t fully use their strength. So why agree to that?
It’s not like humans, who were utterly defeated, could’ve forced them through threats.
“You might think the humans were being selfish,” Theo added, “but the dragons agreed to that clause willingly.”
He’s frighteningly perceptive. No wonder he’s a trusted aide — much quicker on the uptake than Rita or Joshua.
“Why did they agree to that?”
“To prevent reckless transformations. Back then, territorial wars were endless.”
Ah, so thanks to that treaty, they were finally able to enjoy a peaceful age like now.
Peace never just happens — it’s built on countless sacrifices. Just like Theo said.
I’m sure many dragons from our own family died too, protecting their land and clan.
Maybe that’s why our family hates the idea of giving leadership to other races.
When I didn’t know the reason, their hatred toward me just hurt. But now… maybe I understand it a little better.
Not that it makes their unfair hostility any more justified, though.
“Anyway,” Theo continued, “dragons have lived in human form for a very long time. Unless something truly extraordinary happens, there’s no reason to transform — and for centuries, nothing like that has occurred.”
“Extraordinary situations?”
“Yes. For example, when the clan is in danger or if a war breaks out.”
Now I finally understood why Theo had gone pale earlier.
According to the ancient treaty, seeing Hale in dragon form could only mean one thing — that a war had begun.
Especially since they all knew he was supposed to be staying in the imperial palace for a few days. Then suddenly he returned in dragon form the next day…
No matter how you look at it, this whole mess was Hale’s fault.
Well, okay, maybe it started because I brought up that topic, but seriously — I had no idea!
“What will you do now, Lord Hale…?”
After explaining everything to me, Theo turned toward Hale with a resigned expression.
“How are you going to explain this to the other clans? The story’s probably already spread everywhere by now!”
“Theo, you worry too much.”
“How can I not worry?!”
Honestly, Theo was just doing his job. It was my dad who was taking things too lightly.
“You can personally write the official statement for the other clans. I’m not doing it.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes!”
“Then I’ll have to reduce your salary.”
“Pardon?!”
Wow… was my dad a gangster in his past life or something? He said that with such a straight face!
That’s the kind of thing that crushes a salaryman’s soul!
If I had any money of my own, I’d have slipped Theo a bonus right then. Poor guy.
Eventually, after a few more rounds of desperate protest, Theo gave in.
“…Fine, fine. I’ll do it. Who else would, anyway?”
“Exactly.”
Hale smirked smugly, nodding as if he’d just won something.
Within minutes of arguing with Hale, Theo looked like all the life had drained out of him. His shoulders slumped as he trudged out of the office.
Hang in there, Theo. When I’m older, I’ll totally take your side!
I watched his retreating figure and made a promise — one I couldn’t say aloud, or even be sure I could keep.
For now, it was just a private vow. But someday, when the time came, I would keep it.
Sorry, Theo. I’ve got my own problems for now.
“Senika, are you tired?”
Hale’s voice was much softer now than when he’d been talking to Theo.
I hadn’t done much since returning home, so I didn’t feel tired — but as soon as he asked, fatigue suddenly washed over me.
Through the office window, the sky outside had already grown dark. Night had fallen without me realizing it.
I couldn’t believe how quickly time had passed.
“Maybe a little?”
“Then go wash up and get some sleep.”
“Mm.”
Hale scooped me into his arms, carrying me out of the office toward my room.
“Dad, are you okay?”
“What are you worrying about?”
“I just thought… maybe you pushed yourself too much.”
I couldn’t stop thinking about the statement Theo had to send out. If it had to go to every clan, then this transformation was a huge deal.
Technically, it could even be seen as breaking the treaty — what if the royal family or another clan used that against him?
“That’s nothing you need to worry about,” he said.
“But still…”
“Senika, you should be worrying about growing up instead.”
“Huh?”
“The other clans’ children have grown quite a bit, haven’t they?”
He brought that up so casually, out of nowhere. Why now?
Both Hale and I knew I was growing slower than the others — a half-dragon couldn’t develop as quickly as full-blooded ones.
It didn’t make me bitter or anything, though. Just… a little disappointing, maybe.
Even if it takes me longer, I’ll still become a full-grown dragon someday.
Well, assuming I master my pheromones first…
They said it would be humiliating to reach adulthood without being able to control them.
I’d been so anxious about that, but Eve told me it was fine — that since I’m half-human, it’ll just take a bit longer.
“Senika.”
“Hmph.”
“You know I was just teasing, right? I’d be perfectly happy if you stayed this small forever.”
I couldn’t tell if that was meant to comfort me or to make fun of me.
“Don’t worry too much. It’s not all bad news anyway.”
“There’s something good?”
“Of course. Thanks to this incident, your standing in the household has probably gone up.”
Ah, true. Who else could make a clan leader break the treaty? (Not to brag, but that’s me.)
“At the very least, no one in this mansion will dare speak disrespectfully to you anymore.”
“Well… that’s nice!”
I couldn’t help smiling. That did feel pretty good to hear.
When our eyes met, both of us burst into laughter.
Not long after Hale and Senika left, the party came to an end.
The guests from other clans, clueless about what had happened, returned to their rooms one by one in confusion.
Watching them leave, Shireia nudged the shoulder of Jeyus, who was standing beside her, still staring at the entrance where Senika had disappeared.
“What happened?”
“You saw it yourself.”
“I mean the real story. You know more than you’re saying.”
Jeyus turned slightly to look at her.
That was enough for Shireia to confirm her suspicion — he definitely knew something she didn’t.
But before she could press further, Jeyus abruptly turned and started walking toward the exit where the guests had gone.
“So you told Senika.”
Shireia followed right after him, refusing to drop it.
“Aren’t you going to tell me what you said to her?”
He suddenly stopped, irritation flickering in his voice — though it wasn’t because of her.
He had stopped of his own accord, near a dim corner to the left of the hall’s entrance. Not where she expected him to go.
“I told her the truth.”
“And that is?”
“Don’t you feel it?”
“Feel what?”
“It’s faint, but you should be able to sense it too by now.”
Shireia glared at him, confused and annoyed by his cryptic tone.
She prided herself on having grown stronger lately, but standing beside the taller Jeyus only reminded her how much bigger he was — which made his weird riddles even more irritating.
“Pheromones similar to Senika’s.”
“What are you talking about? Senika’s not even here, so how could—”
Her words froze.
Just as Jeyus said, she could sense them — faint but unmistakable.
Her eyes widened, darting around in panic before locking back on him.
“…What is this?”
“They’re coming from below us. Not Senika’s, but similar to hers.”
Even after hearing the explanation, it made no sense.
Pheromones weren’t something that could resemble another’s.
Each person’s pheromones were unique — with a distinct scent and color that never changed throughout their life.
The color might sometimes be similar, but the scent and aura could never be the same.
“…If they’re not Senika’s, then whose are they?”
“No idea.”
Shireia frowned. She didn’t buy that for a second.
She knew Jeyus — he never told anyone everything he knew.
“But one thing’s clear,” he added quietly. “Someone down there is up to something.”
His words only deepened her confusion.
And if he had told that to Senika… then what on earth was really going on?
