As My Husband Said, I Brought in a Lover Chapter 234

[Side Story 3: The Dragon’s Adolescence- Part 4]

 

“After all that effort, do you really think this will work?”

 

“Hahaha, we have no choice but to try anything, even if it’s just grasping at straws.”

 

“…”

 

Robin, Hendrik, and Aiven stood in front of the side palace, exchanging puzzled glances. The new solution had been devised the previous day, during an emergency meeting held right after Lorein had left. As soon as she departed, Edward immediately gathered those closest to Ren for a meeting.

 

The solution she proposed was as follows:

 

“Host an official event. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Just something that will coax the dragon out to participate.”

 

“What kind of event worked for Madam?”

 

“…It was preparing for the upcoming festival’s dance, I believe.”

 

Following her advice, they brainstormed an official event that might nudge Ren into reluctantly joining.

 

“How about a festival for the dragon?”

 

“If we throw a festival just to cheer Ren up, what will we do next time?”

 

“A birthday festival might be appropriate.”

 

“We already have one of those. And it’s more than half a year away.”

 

“How about we start preparing for the Founding Festival in advance?”

 

“We already went through that last year, so suddenly preparing another event would seem too rushed.”

 

While everyone exchanged ideas, the imperial painter, Ellisian, who had been quietly listening, raised his hand.

 

“How about a portrait session? It might seem unnatural to paint just Ren’s portrait suddenly, so we could do a group portrait. The palace atmosphere has settled down recently, and people have a bit of spare time, so now might be a good time to start.”

 

Edward, who had been observing silently, finally spoke.

 

“Now that you mention it, it’s a topic that’s been brought up before but keeps getting postponed. A group portrait would be a long-term project that could take years, so it would need to be done bit by bit.”

 

“That sounds good. We need to start before we get busy with the Founding Festival, so it will seem like an important task that can’t be delayed any further.”

 

“Then we’ll go with the group portrait.”

 

Thus, a new project to reconcile with Ren began.

 

Maxion stood in front of Ren’s door and called out. “Ren, there’s an important official event. Of course, if you don’t want to, there’s nothing we can do, but many officials, the citizens of the empire, and all of us are hoping you’ll participate. We know we were wrong, but you’re a responsible dragon, aren’t you?”

 

“…Ppi.” […What event?]

 

Those gathered outside the door held their breath, exchanging silent glances of relief.

 

“We’ve decided to create portraits of those who helped bring peace between the dragon and the empire.”

 

Ellisian chimed in from the side. “Ren, my name is Ellisian, the imperial painter in charge of the group portrait. I understand you’re upset, but you’re the great black dragon who governs this world, and everyone has high expectations of you. This is an official event that can’t be postponed, so we kindly ask for your cooperation.”

 

“…”

 

After a moment of silence, Ren finally spoke. “Ppii ppik. Ppi ppipi ppi ppi.” [I’m not over it yet. I’ll only be out while the painting is being done.]

 

“Thank you, Ren.” Maxion responded with a smile, and behind him, everyone silently celebrated as if a festival had already begun.

 

* * *

The group portrait project began. Ellisian selected the most ideal composition and started the work. Those included in the portrait took turns visiting Ardi to assist whenever they had time. Luize also participated during her waking hours, allowing Ardi to sketch her features.

 

Maxion stood in front of Ren’s door again. “Ren, I’ve come to get you.”

 

Click.

 

“…Ppi.”

 

Ren cautiously opened the door and stepped outside. Glancing around nervously, Maxion lifted it up as if nothing had happened.

 

“Were you not bored alone?”

 

“Hng, ppiik.” [Hng, not bored at all.]

 

“I was bored, though.”

 

“Mipi ppi?” [Maxion was bored?]

 

“You didn’t show your face for a month. Who else do I have to hang out with but you?” Maxion stroked Ren as he spoke.

 

“Mipi ppi?” [Maxion, you have lots of friends.]

 

“But you’re the only one.”

 

“…Ppiii ppi.” […Then I’ll play with you sometimes.]

 

“Alright. When I’m busy, go play with others too. Everyone missed you.”

 

“Ppii.” [I’ll think about it.]

 

Though Ren still grumbled, it was clear the moment it stepped outside that Ren wasn’t truly angry. In fact, it seemed embarrassed and nervous. After all, it had been a while since it had been outside.

 

To make Ren more comfortable, they took turns coming to fetch it for the portrait, making sure it didn’t feel overwhelmed.

 

“Ren, would you join us for a meal today? Everyone’s busy, and there’s no one to eat with.”

 

“Ren, I’m having a really tough time. Could you give me some advice?”

 

“Lord Ren, could you taste this dish for me?”

 

With these casual requests, Ren gradually spent more time outside, and soon, it became accustomed to life outside its room again. Of course, during this time, everyone made sure to apologize properly.

 

“Ren, I’m sorry. No matter how busy I get, I’ll make sure you don’t feel left out next time.”

 

“Sorry, Ren. This is a gift as an apology, please accept it.”

 

“Lord Ren, I’ll make sure this never happens again. Thank you for spending time with us today.”

 

Moved by their sincerity, Ren grudgingly accepted the apologies.

 

Finally, it was Edward’s turn to visit Ren. After returning from the portrait session, Edward entered Ren’s room, gently placing it on the bed as he spoke. “Ren, this won’t happen again. I’m sorry.”

 

“Ppi, ppii!” [Enough, you’ve apologized plenty!] Now completely in good spirits, Ren lifted its shoulders and even patted Edward’s arm with its paw, as if comforting him.

 

Edward smiled softly. “Thank you.”

 

“Ppippi pipi ppiiii?” [But did Luize just eat and sleep again today?]

 

“Yes, but soon she’ll start staying awake longer. You can see her then.”

 

“Ppi!” [Great!]

 

Ren nodded enthusiastically. Even though the conversation had ended, Edward didn’t leave immediately, causing Ren to give him a puzzled look.

 

“…Ren.”

 

“Ppi?” [Yes?]

 

“If there’s something troubling you, feel free to talk about it.”

 

“…”

 

“Even if you’re not a great dragon, no one will ignore or dislike you.”

 

Blink, blink. Ren’s eyes shimmered with tears as it gazed at Edward. It lay on the bed and covered its eyes with its paws.

 

“Ppuik. Ppippippippi.” [But then everyone would just think I’m a bother. Everyone only likes me because I’m a great dragon.]

 

“They might think that when they’re busy.”

 

“Ppiik?!” [What?!]

 

“But you know that’s not true, don’t you?”

 

“…Ppi.” […I know.]

 

Ren sighed softly. It looked into Edward’s eyes and quietly conveyed its deepest worries.

 

[But humans won’t understand my worries. Human Edward doesn’t know. I’m afraid that if I sleep too long, I’ll wake up in a time when none of you are left.]

 

“…”

 

[What if humans forget about me and don’t wake me up? What if I sleep so deeply that I don’t wake up even if they try? I live each day worried about losing you all, but you don’t love me that much. Once the imperial child is born and a new dragon is born, I’ll be forgotten again, right?]

 

Ren looked downcast.

 

[Even while I’m alone in my room, I regret spending each day like this. But then I think maybe it’s better to distance myself now since you’ll all leave soon anyway. When we say goodbye for real, it’ll be too painful. Unlike me, humans have countless things more important than I.]

 

Edward sighed briefly, then sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on Ren’s head. “Ren, I think it’s time I tell you something important.”

 

“Ppii?” [What is it?]