25. Dragons Choose Their Masters

Reet and Ursu returned to the palace after completing their mission in Ultan.

“Commander Ursu! Welcome back!”

When the two entered the office, they ran into Larg, who had just come back from his break.

He addressed not Reet, but Ursu.

Larg still didn’t acknowledge Reet, who had become a palace guard knight by ignoring convention.

Because of that, Reet and Larg barely spoke to each other.

“That was fast! As expected of Commander Ursu!”

Unaware of the circumstances, Larg praised Ursu.

Then, with an awkward expression, Ursu revealed the truth.

“Ah, it was all wrapped up in just one day… though, it was Reet who defeated the hundred Lizardmen.”

At Ursu’s words, Larg’s expression darkened at once.

“A hundred Lizardmen in a single day…!?”

Even Larg, who viewed Reet as a rival, could recognize the magnitude of that achievement.

Lizardmen were never easy to defeat. To annihilate an entire group in a single day required extraordinary strength.

Larg’s face twisted with frustration.

Ursu sighed and turned to Reet.

“Well then, Reet. I apologize for asking so soon after your first mission, but I need you to go out again.”

Larg’s glare was boring into him, making the situation uncomfortable. Ursu’s offer of a new assignment was a lifeline for Reet.

“Yes, whatever you—”

“Though I should say, this time it’s less of a mission and more of a request. I’d like you to go to the Dragon’s Sanctuary.”

At the mention of “Dragon’s Sanctuary,” Larg visibly flinched.

“The Dragon’s Sanctuary!? Isn’t that far too soon!?”

“Not necessarily. There’s always a possibility. It’s worth trying.”

Reet, unable to follow the two’s conversation, asked, “Pardon me, but what exactly is the Dragon’s Sanctuary?”

“It’s exactly what the name suggests—a breeding ground for dragon eggs. If a knight receives a recommendation from their commander, they can go there and seek one out. That is, if a dragon deems you worthy.”

“Deems me worthy?”

“Dragons choose their masters. They hatch from their eggs when they find their destined partner.”

So I’m going to find out whether a dragon will choose me. Reet understood.

“Exactly. Of course, the odds of you not being chosen are higher. It took ten years of service as a knight before I was chosen myself.”

Ursu pulled an envelope from his desk drawer and handed it to Reet.

“A letter of recommendation. Show this and you’ll be allowed into the sanctuary. Just go and give it a try—no pressure.”

“Understood.”

When Reet took the envelope, he noticed Larg glaring at him sharply.

He’d been like this since the day they first met, and while Reet tried not to let it bother him, it was far from comfortable.

“Then, I’ll be going…”

Reet quietly left the office, trying not to cause any disturbance.

At the same time, in the Welzley Duchy.

The Duke of Welzley, Reet’s father, had summoned his son Kait to his private chamber.

“How is your training progressing?”

The Duke asked his son in a stern tone.

Ever since Kait had been crushed in an Instant Kill by Reet at the tournament, the Duke had been harsh with his son.

His promising son had lost in the first round with a devastating defeat.

The Duke’s reputation lay in tatters.

“Yes, Father. I train diligently every day.”

Kait answered while gritting his teeth.

“You must defeat Reet at any cost. You must advance to at least Seventh Rank—no, beyond that—as soon as possible.”

“I understand, Father.”

“But training alone will not suffice. You need to obtain a powerful weapon.”

“A weapon, you say?”

“Indeed, a weapon. Take this—”

With that, the Duke of Welzley handed his son an envelope.

“A letter of recommendation to the Dragon’s Sanctuary. I had the Eastern Knight Order commander prepare it. If a dragon chooses you, you can surpass Reet in one leap. I have faith in you.”

“…Yes, Father! I will surely form a contract with a dragon!”

And so, both Kait and Reet set out toward the Dragon’s Sanctuary.