Asher sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Damn it... Fine."
"Excellent." Valeris smiled, her crimson eyes gleaming. "Then prepare yourself, Asher Magnus. Because from this day forward, you are no longer just a warrior—you are the butler of the Dragon Prince."
Serena was still chuckling to herself when Valeris turned to her.
"And you, human girl."
Serena stopped laughing instantly. "Huh?"
"You will accompany him as well," Valeris said casually, inspecting her nails. "My son requires not only a butler but also a handmaiden. And since you seem attached to Asher, I see no reason why you shouldn't share in his duties."
Serena's jaw dropped. "EXCUSE ?! Handmaiden?! Are you out of your damn—"
"Done," Asher said quickly, cutting her off before she could say sothing that might get them both roasted alive.
Serena turned on him, eyes blazing. "Oh, hell no! You don't get to just 'done' into servitude!"
Asher leaned in and muttered under his breath, "Do you really want to piss off the giant fire-breathing queen?"
Serena opened her mouth to argue, then snapped it shut. She exhaled sharply. "Fine. But I'm not calling anyone 'Young Master.'"
Valeris smirked. "We shall see."
With that, she turned away and gestured toward the massive golden doors at the back of the hall. "Your quarters are already prepared. Rest well—you will need your strength."
Asher sighed, rubbing his temples. "I swear, my life just keeps getting worse."
Serena elbowed him. "Cheer up, Butler Magnus. Maybe we'll get fancy uniforms."
"Not. Helping."
One year passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.
Cua, once a small dragon hatchling, had grown at an astonishing rate. True to Valeris' words, the nature of his ancient dragon blood had accelerated his growth, and within a single year, he had transford into a teenager—physically appearing around fifteen or sixteen in human years. His once chubby cheeks were now sharp and defined, his body tall and lean, though hints of draconic features remained—his slit-like pupils, the faint scales along his forearms, and the occasional flick of his tail when he was irritated.
Asher and Serena, however, had not changed much. They had spent the past year adapting to their bizarre new roles: Asher, the reluctant "butler" and combat instructor, and Serena, the so-called "handmaiden" who mostly acted like an annoyed older sister.
"Oi, wake up, lazy butler!"
A loud thud shook Asher's bed as sothing heavy landed on him. He groaned, already knowing who it was.
"Cua, get off ," he mumbled, voice muffled by a pillow.
"Co on, Father! It's ti for my training!" Cua's voice, deeper now, was still filled with childish excitent.
"Not your father," Asher grumbled, shoving the dragon boy off.
Cua only grinned, sharp fangs peeking from his lips. "But you raised ! So, that makes you my father by default."
Asher sighed. "I swear, this is why dragons are terrifying. You lot just decide things and make it reality."
Cua laughed before turning to Serena, who was still fast asleep on her side of the room.
"Serenaaa," he whispered, creeping closer.
"Don't," Asher warned.
But it was too late.
Cua pounced, only for Serena to spin in her sleep and kick him in the face without waking up.
The dragon boy stumbled back, groaning as he held his nose. "Ow! She's gotten even scarier this year!"
Asher chuckled. "Lesson one, kid—never wake Serena up before she's ready."
Cua pouted but quickly bounced back. "Fine! Then let's go train, Father—ah, I an, Sir Asher."
Asher sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Let's go before your mother scolds for slacking off."
As they left, Asher couldn't help but think about how much had changed in just a year.
The sun barely peeked over the horizon as Asher and Cua walked into the training grounds. The once-small dragon hatchling was now a tall, lean teenager with sharp red eyes full of mischief. His black hair had grown longer, reaching his shoulders, and his draconic features—claws, tail, and faint scales—had beco more refined, making him look like a prince of the dragons.
Asher stretched, cracking his neck. "Alright, kid. Today's your last day of training with before you head to the Dragon Academy."
Cua grinned. "Excited to get rid of already?"
Asher smirked. "Oh, absolutely. Maybe now I can finally sleep without you trying to ambush every morning."
Cua laughed, but there was a flicker of nervousness in his expression. "But, uh... you'll still visit, right?"
Asher's smirk softened. He reached out and ruffled the boy's hair. "Of course. Serena and I will co to check on you. Besides, you think your mom would let us just disappear?"
"Good point," Cua chuckled, relaxing.
Just then, a shadow lood over them.
"I see you two are up early," a regal voice spoke.
They both turned to see Valeris, the Dragon Queen, standing at the edge of the training ground. She looked as composed as ever, her long dark hair flowing down her back, her crimson eyes sharp as ever.
Cua straightened. "Mother."
Valeris nodded. "Your training with Asher has served you well. But the academy will be different. There, you will not be my son first—you will be a student, a dragon among dragons. You must prove your worth on your own."
Cua clenched his fists but nodded. "I understand."
Valeris turned her gaze to Asher. "As for you, human."
Asher sighed. "What now?"
"You will escort him to the academy and ensure he arrives safely."
" I know that" Asher said while Cua exclaid.
"It's nothing new. He has already decided to go with you as your butler. Indeed, the real father can't leave his child alone in a den of wolves," Valeris said teasingly, while Asher resisted the urge to kick her in the face—not that he could.
anwhile, Cua clung to Asher dramatically. "Father, I know you love too! Wahhhhhh~~"
"What the fuck is this?! A dragon is clinging?!" Valeris said, looking utterly disgusted as Cua buried his face in Asher's side.
Asher rolled his eyes. "No wonder he don't plays with you. Let him enjoy his childhood while he can."
Valeris scoffed. "Don't speak as if you're his true father," she muttered before turning and leaving.
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