The remaining members of the group from the bookstore now stood in Prince Balgor's chamber, his broad back turned toward them.
The air felt stifling.
His deep voice rumbled like thunder, and the pressure from his Level 5 Evolved aura made it difficult to breathe.
"So," he said slowly, "you two weaklings were terrorizing some worthless girl. Then my nephew happened to appear, killed several of you—despite being unevolved—and simply… let you go?"
Each word seemed to raise the temperature in the room.
The leader stuttered, sweat pouring down his face.
"Y-Yes, Your Highness! We were only teaching—"
"Enough!" Balgor snapped. "I don't care about your excuses. I wouldn't care if you dragged her into the street and had your fun."
His tone turned cold.
"What I care about is why that resurrected nephew of mine—whom my dear father is watching—chose to spare you."
Despite his temper, his sharp mind was evident; he was used to schemes and political maneuvering.
The behemoth dragon spoke hesitantly.
"Perhaps… he expected us to report to you? A warning, maybe?"
"Warning?" Balgor scoffed. "Killing a few nobodies isn't difficult."
He waved a dismissive hand.
"Leave the thinking to me. Get out of my sight. The only reason you're alive is because you brought useful information."
He spoke as if granting mercy.
They bowed in relief and hurried out.
"Now… where were we?"
He turned toward the bed, where a chained human woman and a cat beastkin girl cried in fear.
"Nothing much, Mother," Caspian replied, still gazing over the city.
After a moment, Sera leaned beside him.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
"It is," Caspian said. "Walking through the city was a nice change of pace."
"I imagine so, after being confined to your room for years," she said gently.
She then remembered something.
"Oh—your dungeon pass is ready. But why dungeons?"
Her expression held curiosity, not judgment.
"A royal dragon going into dungeons is… unusual."
Caspian quickly formed an excuse.
"The same reason I explored the city—to experience life now that I'm better. And to hone my skills. Maybe even evolve."
His determination drew a warm smile from her. She brushed a stray lock of hair from his face.
"Evolving may take time. Even the most talented can spend years chasing it."
She cupped his cheek softly.
"I'm proud of you for taking control of your life. Just… be careful. I couldn't bear to lose you."
Caspian hugged her gently.
"That won't happen. And don't underestimate me, Mother—I might surprise everyone. I've already become quite the anomaly."
His confidence was rooted not just in his cheat, but in himself.
The next day, Caspian prepared to depart for his first dungeon.
Sera saw him off with mixed feelings—sad to see him leave so soon, yet proud of his resolve.
He wasn't leaving forever. He would return soon.
Before departing the capital, he stopped by Kala's shop as promised.
The bell chimed as he entered.
Kala was waiting.
She had changed into light adventuring gear. A worn leather chest piece layered over a long-sleeved shirt, with padded leather trousers completing the outfit.
A faint blush coloured her cheeks as she bowed.
"Your Highness. I'm ready."
She hesitated before voicing her worry.
"But… I might be a burden. I haven't trained much. I'm probably not talented. I'm just a commoner—what could I offer compared to someone like you?"
Silence stretched for a moment as she slowly straightened.
Caspian, meanwhile, wrestled with the strange feelings she stirred in him, but still answered firmly.
"Why assume the worst of yourself? Many commoners are born with powerful bloodlines and rise to nobility because of it."
His tone softened.
"So don't put yourself down, alright?"
She looked stunned by his sincerity.
Caspian cleared his throat, breaking the quiet.
"Come on. Let's go."
Kala hurried after him, grabbing her well-used staff from the side.