Fafnir watched in silence as Kaito and his companions departed for the specially constructed monster race track, his mind drifting into quiet contemplation.
(...That white dragon. Her magic power has surged remarkably since we last met. The rate of her growth is far beyond my expectations. She must be consuming food saturated with high-density mana.)
Observing how the shroud of magic power surrounding the Lindwurm had thickened since their previous encounter, Fafnir recalled a conversation he had once shared with her.
It had been back at the Wyvern Service’s dragon stable, where Mary, the company's president, had been busy hauling supplies. Her business had undergone a dramatic transformation after Kaito brokered a contract with Magnawell, the Dragon King, drawing countless members of the dragon species to her care.
Many of these dragons were powerful enough to be classified as demons, technically outranking Mary in the social hierarchy. Fearful of the slightest impropriety, she had renovated the stables and upgraded their feed to premium, luxury ingredients. The expenses were staggering, but with the rumor of a Wyvern Service powered by peerage-class high-ranking dragons spreading like wildfire, her books were already overflowing with reservations. The investment was set to yield a handsome profit.
"Mary-dono, allow me to assist with the unloading."
"O-Oh, no! I couldn't possibly trouble you, Fafnir-sama..."
"Please, do not be so formal. Magnawell-sama has entrusted me with supporting you while I oversee the dragon species here. It must be a daunting task to be surrounded by so many high-ranking dragons; please, do not hesitate to rely on me."
"T-Thank you very much."
After speaking in his characteristic calm and courtly manner, Fafnir invoked his humanization magic. He shed his draconic form and took the shape of a man to help with the heavy crates. In this guise—a striking, black-haired gentleman of undeniable presence—he was so enchantingly masculine that even the married Mary found herself blushing under his polite gaze.
Their work was soon interrupted by a frantic series of chirps.
"Kyu!? Kyukua! Kyukui, kyui!"
"Lindwurm?" Mary asked, glancing toward the sound.
"Oho... so that is the white dragon Miyama-dono mentioned," Fafnir noted, his expression turning pensive.
Rin, the young Lindwurm, came gliding toward them on small, busy wings. As she landed, Fafnir addressed her with a slow, majestic voice.
"Speak, white dragon. What is this 'matter' you wish to discuss?"
Fafnir maintained a courtly tone with Mary, a human, but his demeanor shifted the moment he addressed a fellow dragon. To show weakness or informality to a subordinate would be to tarnish Magnawell’s reputation. Thus, when dealing with his own kind, he spoke with the absolute authority of the Dragon Race’s No. 2.
"Kyukyui, kyuikyukui!"
"Humanization magic? You wish to learn it?"
"Kyui!"
"It is impossible."
"Kyua!?"
Mary could only watch in confusion, unable to understand the dragon’s cries, but Fafnir heard her perfectly. He flatly dismissed her plea.
"Humanization is an exceptionally sophisticated form of magic. You are currently classified as a monster, not a demon. In your current state, you lack the capacity to wield it."
"Kyu... kyui, kyukuru."
"I truly do not understand," Fafnir continued, tilting his head. "Why do you crave a human form so desperately? We use these shapes primarily for diplomacy. Compared to our true forms, our power is diminished and our advantages are few."
"Kyukyukui, kyuikyua, kyukuikui!"
"I see..."
Among the dragon species, only those possessing a certain threshold of intellect and magic power are recognized as demons. The Lindwurm’s kin, the white dragons, were generally categorized as monsters. Yet Rin seemed undeterred, pleading her case with desperate intensity.
"To choose a human as your mate... and to desire a form that matches his... what a peculiar creature you are."
From Fafnir’s perspective, Rin was an utter eccentric. Dragons and humans were fundamentally different; a human was rarely, if ever, considered a romantic prospect for a dragon. Fafnir himself viewed humans as a separate species entirely, neither beautiful nor ugly by his standards.
Yet Rin recognized Kaito as her mate and viewed him with clear romantic devotion. So deep was her affection that she wished to cast aside her natural form just to be closer to him.
"Fascinating. Perhaps this, too, is a testament to Miyama-dono's influence. It is no wonder Magnawell-sama is so fond of him. If this concerns him, I find myself inclined to offer a measure of my strength."
"Kyui?"
"I am saying that I may be willing to teach you the magic of humanization."
"Kyua!!"
"However, you cannot learn it as you are now. Your magic power is wholly insufficient. To even attempt such magic, you must reach a level of power comparable to that of a demon."
"Kyu... kyua..." Rin’s excitement vanished, and her head slumped in dejection.
"Do not be so discouraged. I did not say there was no way."
"Kyu?"
"Listen closely, white dragon. You are entering a period of rapid growth that will last several years. During this time, you must consume as many magic-imbued ingredients as you can find. Seek out those with the highest density of mana. If you do this, your power will swell immensely."
"Kyu, kyukui!"
"It will be no easy feat... but if you can elevate your magic power to the level of a demon, then—and only then—shall I teach you the art of humanization."
"Kyui! Kyukyukui!!"
"Very well. Then exert yourself to the utmost."
A few days after that exchange, Rin was taken in by Kaito and left the service’s stable.
It was not long after that when Rin, having taken Fafnir’s advice to heart, set her sights on the Fruit of the World Tree, pestering Kaito for the treats at every possible opportunity.
Recalling these past events brought a faint smile to Fafnir’s lips as he began to walk.
(Even so, it will likely take another five years. The impatience of youth is a troublesome thing, but she seems determined to see her efforts through.)
He let out a dry chuckle, thinking of how she had just cornered him again to ask for lessons. Her magic power was indeed growing at a rate that defied his expectations, but she was still only on par with an adult dragon—not yet ready for the complexities of humanization.
(Still, there is no cause for concern. Miyama-dono clearly treasures that white dragon. Ingredients capable of boosting magic power to such a degree are anything but cheap. Hehe, how fascinating... to see a dragon and a human care for one another as if they were true family.)
To Fafnir, Kaito had primarily been an important guest of Magnawell’s, someone to be treated with the respect due to his master’s friend. But because of Rin, he was beginning to take a personal interest in the young man.
(A love story between a human and a dragon... truly, it is worth living a long life just to witness such rarities. I shall wait with anticipation, Rin. I look forward to the day you are finally called a demon.)
Fafnir wore a gentle smile as he imagined a future where a man and a dragon walked hand-in-hand, their bond as harmonious as any husband and wife.