Chapter 18 : On the brink (5)

The black dragon, Olivia, was in an incredibly good mood.

And the reason? Well, it was obvious without saying.

“[You adorable little thing, if you wanted to touch me so badly, hmm? Why didn’t you just say so directly instead of pulling all this nonsense since morning~?]”

“…Please shut up, Olivia… Please..!”

With his face flushed red in shame, Dante hung his head low as Olivia teased him and laughed heartily.

“[Did you seriously think I’d be mad? You know my personality. It’s not like anything gets worn out. I would’ve gladly let you, so why go sneaking around?]”

She poked Dante’s chest with her fingernail, urging him to answer.

“[Or was it—]”

Her eyes curled like crescent moons.

“[You were too embarrassed to tell me?]” “!?”

Like a small animal caught off guard, Dante flinched and trembled.

He wanted to refute her, but in the end, he said nothing.

There was no way he could admit, I rolled on you to erase another woman’s scent from my body!

Given the situation, letting her believe whatever she wanted might actually be the best option he had.

Burying his face between his knees, Dante peeked out from under his bangs at the black dragon who was grinning with smug satisfaction.

…So annoying. Seriously.

“…Anyway, are you giving me the scale or not?”

“[Without anything in return?]”

Damn, and she acted like she’d give it so easily earlier.

…Well, she wasn’t exactly wrong either.

Dragon scales were incredibly valuable in the human realm.

Used to craft armor, helmets, sword handles, and accessories, they were nearly indestructible.

Most of the scales used came from those naturally shed during flight or collected from molted skins.

But scales from a live dragon—or worse, a corpse—were rare and fetched astronomical prices.

Even a few could make a full set of armor, and selling them to a guild or auction would turn someone into a millionaire overnight.

And here he was, trying to use one like deodorant. Legendary.

“…So, what do you want in return?”

“[I want many things.]”

Snap!

Olivia lightly snapped her fingers.

Fwoosh!

In an instant, a radiant light enveloped her, and she transformed into her human form.

Still embracing Dante, she curled her sharp eyes playfully and smiled.

“But since I’m in such a good mood today, I’ll make an exception and take a step back.”

Tilting her head, she wiggled her long fingers.

“Call me big sis.”

“…What the f*ck?”

“Call me big sis. Olivia noona. You always use formal language with me. It’s too stiff and I hate it.”

(TL Note : Noona is a Korean term of endearment used by younger brothers to address an elder sister)

“What the hell is wrong with you—”

My goal is to get even closer to you,

But this guy’s guard is like a fortress. There’s no way in.

But look! A golden opportunity has come knocking. Must be because of my saintly virtue, huh?

With a wide grin, Olivia practically sang.

“Come on, say it. With that pretty, clear voice of yours, call my name as much as you want.”

Such an innocent smile.

Seriously, how old are you? Asking a kid like me to call you noona—

Grinding his teeth, Dante swallowed his anger.

“If I call you that… you’ll really give me the scale, right…?”

“Sure. You little brat.”

“…No take-backs?”

“You think a dragon would go back on her word like some petty thief?”

“I don’t know about dragons, but you definitely would.”

“Why you—”

“Ow!”

With a smack to his head, Olivia frowned.

“Okay, okay! I get it! I believe you!”

That temper, seriously. Is she a red dragon or what?

Grumbling, Dante cleared his throat and shyly looked away, lips twitching.

“…Me.”

“What? Can’t hear you~”

“…Bi…na..”

“Didn’t catch a thing~~”

“…Noona.”

“…!!”

Face blushing furiously, Dante looked up and called again.

“O-Olivia… noona…”

“…Cough!”

“Huh!?”

Suddenly coughing into her palm, Olivia collapsed weakly onto the floor.

Dante rushed over in panic.

“W-Why are you coughing!? Are you okay, Olivia!?”

Wait. Is that blood!? That’s blood, right!? Did this damn lizard just cough up blood!?

Crimson droplets dripped from her fingers, and Dante’s eyes widened in horror.

He couldn’t help but see his mother in Olivia’s form. She, too, had often coughed blood before she passed away.

“No, no, no! Don’t die on me, noona!!”

“…Cough! Cough!!”

“Why the hell is it getting worse!?”

“Heh… I have no regrets in my dragon life…!!”

“Stop talking like you’re dying and do something about that blood!! What the f*ck!?”

Honestly, I feel like I could die happy now.

With a pleased expression, Olivia casually wiped the blood from her mouth with her sleeve.

What terrifying destructive power.

Dante, you scary kid…!

Ahh, but what do I do now?

He’s just way too cute!

No way I’m letting him go tonight~

◇

Dante landed a direct hit on the dragon’s heart!

It was super effective!