A week had passed since the cataclysmic clash between the Storm Dragon and the Frost Dragon.
Now, in the tranquil gardens of Veldanava's palace, peace had returned. Cherry blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, a stark contrast to the chaos that had shaken the heavens just days prior.
Under the shade of a great tree, Rudra and Guy argued as usual, boasting about who would have won had they fought seriously.
Nearby, Velzard and Velgrynd quietly observed Milim, who was rolling on the grass, laughing as she played with her pet dragon, Gaia.
Amidst this cheerful scene, no one noticed the Storm Dragon pacing nervously at the garden's edge.
---
Veldora (thinking, sweating):
"I don't know when Big Sis Velzard will snap at me again… she gets scary without warning! Before that happens, I should… leave quietly. Yes, yes! The storm must retreat!"
With newfound determination, Veldora straightened his back and marched toward the pavilion where Veldanava and Lucia were enjoying tea.
---
Veldora (serious, scratching his head):
"Big Brother, Sister Lucia… I think it's about time I take my leave."
Veldanava swirled his teacup lazily, eyes half-closed.
Veldanava (calm, casual):
"Okay."
Smack!
Lucia lightly struck the top of his head, glaring.
Lucia (scolding):
"Dear! Did you even hear what Veldora just said?"
Veldanava (nodding slowly):
"Yes… he wants to leave."
Lucia crossed her arms, clearly displeased.
Lucia:
"Veldora came here after so many years. And this is Milim's first time meeting him. Now he wants to leave before even spending one full week? Don't you want your younger brother to stay?"
Veldanava rested his chin in his palm, pretending to think deeply. After a long pause, he smiled faintly.
Veldanava:
"If he stays, Velzard and Velgrynd will bully him. So… I agree that he should leave."
Lucia's eyes twitched.
Lucia (angrily):
"You're their older brother! Can't you stop them? They'd listen if you were serious!"
Veldanava looked away, scratching his cheek awkwardly.
---
Lucia (thinking, exasperated):
"This man… people call him the Creator God, the one who shaped the multiverse. And yet, he's hopeless when it comes to family."
She let out a long sigh before turning back to Veldora, who looked both nervous and guilty.
Lucia (gently):
"Brother Veldora, I won't stop you. But if you leave now, Milim will—"
Veldora (grinning, muttering quickly):
"Don't worry, I'll surely visit again! …(when Velzard and Velgrynd aren't around!)"
Lucia narrowed her eyes at his muttering but chose not to comment.
Lucia:
"At least say goodbye to the others."
Veldora froze, shaking his head rapidly like a child refusing medicine.
Veldora (horrified):
"No, no, no! If I say goodbye, Velzard and Velgrynd will definitely order me to stay. And then—my body will move on its own to obey! Past trauma, Sister! Past trauma!!"
Lucia covered her mouth, trying not to laugh at his terrified expression. Finally, she nodded.
And so, with as little noise as possible, the Storm Dragon Veldora slipped away from the kingdom of Nasca—without anyone noticing.
---
Back in the garden, laughter and chatter continued as if nothing had happened.
Lucia placed her teacup down and whispered softly to herself:
Lucia:
"Milim will be sad when she finds out. In just one week, she and Veldora grew so close…"
Her gaze drifted toward the little girl playing with Gaia. Milim's innocent laughter echoed through the garden, unaware that her beloved Uncle Veldora had already vanished beyond the horizon.
Lucia's heart ached quietly.
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To be continued…
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Author's Note:
Thank you for reading this chapter! 💖
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