After we settled into the great hall of the castle, some servants began bringing drinks and a light meal for everyone. The dragon king spoke to me in a relaxed manner, asking about the journey and the situation in the Human Kingdom. I answered each question while observing the details of the hall. The walls were made of dark, sturdy stone, decorated with ancient symbols of the dragon people. Large columns supported the ceiling, and several windows allowed the late-afternoon light to enter.
After some time, the king fell silent and crossed his arms.
"I remembered something else important."
I looked at him.
"What is it?"
He smiled.
"There is someone you still haven't met."
Before I could respond, his body began to be enveloped by an intense reddish light. His enormous draconic form began to shrink slowly until it took on an appearance much closer to that of a human.
When the transformation was complete, he stood before us in his human-dragon form.
He remained quite tall and muscular. Small red scales covered part of his neck and arms. Two subtle horns emerged above his head. His golden eyes remained exactly the same as in his original form.
Liriel's assistant widened her eyes.
"Incredible..."
Liriel smiled upon seeing her fascination.
"It really is an impressive transformation."
The king laughed.
"This makes it easier to talk."
Then he looked at one of the servants.
"Ask my daughter to come here."
The servant bowed and left the hall.
I became curious.
"Your daughter?"
"Yes."
He answered naturally.
"I realized that during your last visit, I ended up not introducing the most important person in the family."
A few minutes later, the large doors of the hall opened again.
A young woman entered, walking calmly.
As soon as I saw her, I immediately understood why the king had insisted on making that introduction.
She had long red hair that reached down to her waist. Her eyes were an intense blue that contrasted with her hair. Some small red scales appeared near her neck and shoulders, clearly revealing her draconic origin. Two small, delicate horns emerged from among her hair.
Her clothes were elegant, but simple enough to allow freedom of movement.
She walked up to her father and gave a small bow.
"Father."
The king smiled.
"Come."
She approached.
"This is Takumi."
She turned her eyes toward me.
Then she bowed respectfully.
"It is an honor to finally meet you. I have heard many stories about the great hero."
I immediately stood up.
"The honor is mine."
She smiled kindly.
Her expression conveyed calmness.
I noticed that there was no arrogance in her behavior.
The king looked back and forth between the two of us.
"Takumi."
"Yes?"
"What do you think of my daughter?"
The question was so direct that I remained silent for a few seconds.
I looked at her again.
"She seems like a very kind person."
The princess blushed slightly.
The king gave a big smile.
"I knew it."
Before I could understand where the conversation was going, he continued.
"Then I think it would be an excellent idea for the two of you to get married."
The entire hall became completely silent.
I looked at him in disbelief at what I had just heard.
"Get married?"
"Exactly."
I took a deep breath.
My first reaction was to discreetly look behind me.
As I imagined, all the women were watching me.
Scarlett crossed her arms.
Elara wore a smile that clearly hid a certain discomfort.
Lyannis merely sighed.
Vespera remained silent.
Liriel slowly closed her eyes.
Rai'kanna shook her head as if she had already expected that.
The only one who seemed genuinely amused was Liriel's assistant.
She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to hide her laughter.
Then she commented quietly.
"Takumi really doesn't waste any time."
They all looked at her.
She simply shrugged.
"It was just a comment."
I ended up laughing discreetly.
The tension eased a little.
I looked at the king again.
"Your Majesty..."
"Go ahead."
"I greatly appreciate your consideration."
He was still smiling.
"But..."
I paused for a moment, searching for the right words.
"I can't accept that right now."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
I turned my eyes toward the princess.
"First of all, we have practically just met."
She nodded discreetly.
"I think so too."
I continued.
"Besides, there is still a war going on."
The king's smile faded slightly.
"The Demon King remains my priority."
The hall remained silent.
I took a deep breath before concluding.
"As long as this war doesn't end, I can't think about marriage."
The king remained silent for a few seconds, reflecting.
Then he began to laugh.
"That answer suits the hero."
I looked at him without understanding his reaction.
He crossed his arms again.
"I'm not disappointed."
"You're not?"
"No."
He smiled again.
"Actually, I liked your honesty."
The princess also seemed calm.
"Father, he's right."
The king looked at her.
"You agree too?"
"Yes."
She smiled discreetly.
"If this really happens someday, it will be after this entire war is over."
Her words made the atmosphere much lighter.
Scarlett relaxed her posture.
Elara began smiling normally again.
Liriel opened her eyes once more.
Liriel's assistant commented quietly.
"Now that's better."
Rai'kanna ended up laughing.
The king looked at me again.
"So this will be your final answer?"
I nodded.
"After the Demon King is defeated, I will be willing to discuss this matter."
He extended his hand.
"Then we have a deal."
I shook his hand.
"We do."
The princess gave another small bow.
"I will be happy to get to know you better during your stay here."
I smiled.
"I would like that too."
The king then clapped his hands.
"Very well."
"Now that this matter is settled, tomorrow I will show you the lands that belong to you."
I looked at him attentively.
The time had finally come to discover the real reason for that journey.
The lands that I would be responsible for managing from then on.