Chapter 101: Shopping and the News of Dragons

Chapter 101: Shopping and the News of Dragons

Although Arthur didn’t say it outright, Airael could tell the hidden meaning behind his words.

With a gentle smile, Airael said, “While the cities of the Elven Race may not be as bustling as those of the Human Race, it means there are fewer complications within our communities.”

Arthur nodded in agreement. He truly resonated with Airael’s thoughts.

Indeed, some human cities were quite prosperous. But with prosperity came complexity, a mix of all sorts. Especially with the darkness lurking behind the light.

In comparison, those small, ignored towns had much less drama. Life was peaceful and quiet. Without outside interference, perhaps people would live their whole lives like that.

Airael chose not to dwell on the topic further; continuing would detract from their shopping adventure.

Under Airael’s lead, the two continued walking down the streets of the Elven Race. Despite one being the Queen and the other a rising star, Airael cast a magic spell that made people see them as ordinary folks.

People glanced at them, but after a quick look, would avert their eyes, as if respecting their anonymity.

Before long, they completed a whole street stroll. Although they hadn’t purchased anything, Airael was genuinely happy. This was a novel experience for her.

Even though it was merely a casual outing, Airael found unexpected joy in it. Arthur, while unable to grasp her delight, smiled seeing her happiness.

Next, Airael led Arthur into a tavern where several elven rangers gathered, sharing their stories over drinks.

Airael and Arthur quietly listened from a corner, fascinated by the rangers’ storytelling. Although the tales might have been embellished, Airael was utterly engrossed.

She had only experienced such life during her previous travels on the mainland, and soon after, she returned to the Elven Race. Since taking on real power, her days were filled with political duties or taking care of Anna, leaving little time for leisurely experiences.

So, for her, these moments felt refreshingly new.

Arthur, on the other hand, focused on Airael. Just like their shopping, he would be happy if she was happy. He had already established a simple principle for the afternoon: as long as Airael was content, that was all that mattered.

After listening to a few rangers’ tales, Airael sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Arthur asked.

Airael turned to him and asked, “Arthur, do you know?”

“Know what?” Arthur looked puzzled.

Airael gazed at him and said, “Actually, when I first went to the mainland, I imagined having a thrilling adventure.”

Arthur nodded.

“But my adventure was cut short because of you.”

A bittersweet smile appeared on Airael’s face. Although it had quickly boosted her strength, it came with a sense of regret.

Arthur, stunned by how the situation linked back to him, quickly apologized, “I’m so sorry, Aira.”

Airael chuckled and shook her head, “You don’t need to apologize. I won’t hold that against you. Besides, I was the one who latched onto you first, and I never said my previous life was bad.”

Though she said that, a hint of sadness lingered in Airael’s expression.

Noticing this, Arthur felt conflicted. If Airael hadn’t met him, perhaps she would have enjoyed a fulfilling adventure, but then they wouldn’t have all these connections.

As they fell into silence, a few elven rangers at the next table took a big gulp of their fruit wine and spoke up.

“Did you hear?”

“Hear what?”

“A dragon was spotted in the central West Mountain Range! Didn’t you hear about it earlier?”

“A dragon? Are you sure it wasn’t one of those dragon-like drakes?”

His words prompted questions from other elves. Dragons hadn’t appeared in front of people for ages. Nowadays, most sightings were just drakes with dragon blood, which, though impressive, couldn’t compare to the legendary dragons.

As such, there was a massive difference in attention between dragons and drakes. Dragons undeniably drew more interest.

Many people dreamt of becoming dragon slayers or dragon riders. While drakes were still dragons, their vast difference in strength made them far less sought after.

Of course, defeating a powerful drake was something to boast about!

Airael’s attention was piqued by their conversation, which also made Arthur perk up, curious to listen.

“Well, I can’t say for sure. I heard it from someone else. When I asked about it, this is what they told me.”

At this point, the elven ranger suddenly paused, creating tension among his companions.

Airael felt the same impatience. Teasing suspense was enjoyable to do, but not when it was done to her!

Burp!

The ranger burped loudly under the captivated gaze of the other elves, looking quite satisfied, while the others felt otherwise.

“Hey! Stop teasing us and just spill it already!”

“Sorry—! I couldn’t help myself!”

After apologizing, the ranger continued, “What he told me was: even if it’s not a dragon, it’s a drake comparable in power to a dragon! With those colossal wings that can block out the sun and a fearsome presence that makes all tremble—people witnessed it!”

With his words, the nearby elven rangers were halfway convinced.

Someone then expressed their regret, saying, “Even if a powerful dragon roams, with our skills, we should better steer clear of that!”

They had a strong sense of self-awareness, or else they would be fooling themselves.

Even an average drake would require at least a sixth-level warrior to have a shot at it. A flying dragon probably meant dealing with an incredibly powerful dragon—attaining at least the ninth level would be necessary to even consider joining in.

Going there would just be inviting death!

Others nodded in agreement, fully understanding the danger.