Chapter 3

Leoni, who had expected at most an elderly person or a pot-bellied nouveau riche, blinked a couple of times.

Her expectations were completely off. Standing before her eyes was a man entirely different from what she had imagined.

“Wow…”

An exclamation escaped her lips without her realizing it.

Both his deep black hair and light ash-gray eyes were rare colors in the Empire.

The black hair, long enough to cover the nape of his neck, might have seemed gloomy, but because his features were so striking, even that appeared elegant.

As if he sensed her staring, the man turned his head. Their gazes met, his eyes a transparent ash gray.

As if he had been waiting, the man opened his mouth.

“Haven’t we met before?”

“……Excuse me?”

“Haha, just kidding.”

Leoni frowned at the obvious flirtation, and the man cleverly backed off.

He looked around and asked,

“Could I ask for directions? Is there a decent bookstore around here?”

Having asked this, the man gave a refreshing smile.

“I’m not very familiar with the geography of this country. And there’s no one to ask around here.”

Leoni then realized that the square had become deserted.

Considering that it had been bustling with people just moments ago, the sudden quietness was rather unnatural.

“It would be great if you could guide me, if you have the time, of course.”

Leoni’s gaze naturally shifted to the jacket he was wearing.

Pinned to the lapel, a temporary magical tool.

‘A dragon.’

She could tell at a glance.

The brooch attached to the jacket was a temporary magical tool given to mythical creatures crossing the border.

The entry of a mythical creature wasn’t a frequent event, and currently, the only being likely to wear such an expensive magical tool was a dragon.

Once she realized this, things she hadn’t noticed before started to jump out at her.

First, his demeanor. Though he was asking for her help, it was a polite yet subtly commanding tone.

Second, his appearance, which was exceedingly flamboyant, as was common with mythical creatures.

‘Amazing.’

She had worked in the Cooperation Bureau for quite some time, but aside from Ivan, this was the first time she had encountered another dragon up close.

‘He said he crossed the border yesterday, so there should have been ample time for him to reach the capital by now.’

Leoni suddenly remembered Henricks’ warning at today’s meeting, 

‘Do not approach the dragon personally.’

Even if it was a coincidence, Henricks would throw a fit just knowing she had met the dragon outside of work.

The experience of running into a dragon on the street and giving them directions was quite rare, but the potential consequences of agreeing were daunting.

“Um, I’m sorry, but I think you’d better ask someone else for directions…”

Leoni was about to utter her refusal when,

“I’d prefer a quiet bookstore. But not one with a meager collection. Preferably one where I could find something representative of this country’s pride, like literature or art. And a knowledgeable owner would be the icing on the cake.”

What are all these demands?

The barrage of requests left her momentarily dazed. As Leoni struggled to regain her composure, the man held something out to her.

“Of course, I’ll compensate you adequately.”

“…….”

It was the same golden coin she had thrown into the fountain.

“Let’s go right now. I have a place in mind.”

Well, that changes things.

⊹ ࣪🍰˚⊹♡

She didn’t have to worry about carrying an umbrella. The weather, which had been unpredictable lately, was particularly fine today.

Leoni led the man to a nearby street with a relieved heart.

She minimized her words and actions even further. The gold coin was tempting, but she was wary of any unnecessary trouble.

“You’re rather quiet.”

But perhaps because the promised sum wasn’t small, the dragon seemed determined not to let her simply guide him.

“If you don’t mind, shall we exchange names while we walk?”

“……I’m Leoni.”

“I’m Claude.”

Leoni swallowed a bitter laugh. As she suspected, the last possibility of him not being a dragon vanished.

Claude. She had thought it was an unusual name.

“It’s a peaceful city. Lots of people coming and going, quite lively too. Yet it’s interesting how there are no people who seem out of place in this atmosphere.”

“Well, Rootburn is the imperial capital.”

“I heard this country still has a king. But the real power lies elsewhere.”

“We have His Majesty the Emperor. The Imperial Family handles external affairs, while the members of Parliament deal with domestic matters.”

“Fascinating. So that’s how the country runs.”

Why is he asking such things?

Leoni tilted her head. It was unusual for a dragon to be curious about the intricate details of human society, and even more surprising that he didn’t know how the current Empire functioned.

As she answered his casual questions, the conversation naturally continued.

‘Huh?’

She had intended to be quiet.

Suddenly, she worried about getting caught up in this. Remembering her original goal of keeping quiet and simply receiving the money, Leoni cautiously asked,

“Um, you’ll give me the money right after we arrive, correct?”

“Of course. Anyone would think I’m threatening you.”

Claude smiled playfully.

Looking at him, Leoni quickly averted her gaze as their eyes met. He was, admittedly, quite handsome.

‘This could be troublesome if it drags on.’

A sense of unease crept in, a feeling that guiding him might take longer than she anticipated.

If someone from the Cooperation Bureau spotted her with such a conspicuous man, it would reach Henricks’ ears in an instant.

Ugh, how could she endure that lecture?

As she tried to stay calm, he asked,

“Leoni, what is that?”

“Excuse me?”

“A large bear is waving.”

He was pointing to a large mascot handing out candy to children.

“It’s the most famous toy store in this area. A person is inside the bear costume, making it move.”

“Then what is that?”

This time, he pointed to a confectionery right next to the toy store. It was a cute little shop popular with children and women.

“It’s a shop that sells sweets and candies.”

“Are they delicious?”

“I’ve heard they are.”

“Hmm.”

Claude nodded and started walking again. She thought that was the end of his curiosity.

However, it was only the beginning.

Claude kept deviating from their path as they walked.

Why was the weather like this, what did that sign mean, why was that person acting that way, and so on.

At first, Leoni diligently answered his innocent questions, but she soon grew tired.

‘Is giving directions usually this difficult?’

She thought it was a simple task, just walking straight to the destination.

Looking at Claude with weary eyes, Leoni said,

“If you keep stopping like this, we won’t reach the bookstore until sunset.”

“Then let me ask just one more question.”

The last one! How delightful!

Leoni nodded enthusiastically. Claude, who was looking at her, slowly extended a finger.

Claude was pointing to an ice cream vendor. Leoni relaxed her shoulders at the easy question.

“It’s an ice cream shop. It sells… frozen treats.”

“Frozen treats? Shall we try some? What flavor would you recommend?”

With that, Claude walked straight towards the ice cream vendor. Seeing him standing right in front of the stall, Leoni waved her hands.

“No, I’m fine.”

“I’ll pay.”

It felt a little cheeky to change her attitude as soon as money was mentioned, but dragons hoard treasures in their lairs anyway. It wasn’t something to feel guilty about.

Soon, two finely shaved ice creams were in their hands.

“It’s a bit sweet for my taste.”

Claude took a bite of the ice cream and licked his lips.

“The one I tried somewhere else was chewier.”

“Somewhere else?”

“I tasted something similar before coming here.”

Did he cross the border often? Dragons rarely left their nests, so even crossing the border like this was uncommon.

‘But he’s been all over the place.’

She had never left the Empire in her life. So everything he said sounded unfamiliar.

“…….”

Soon after finishing his ice cream, Claude looked intently at the cone left in his hand.

He seemed to be pondering its purpose, so Leoni deliberately put the cone into her mouth and chewed it loudly. Only then did he smile and eat the rest.

“Here we are.”

They resumed walking and soon arrived at their destination. It was a shabby building with geometrically shaped windows.

Just then, a small bell on the door jingled loudly.

“Leoni!”

An old man, emerging with a dusty rug, beamed at the sight of Leoni.

“How have you been, Quincy?”

“Good, I was wondering when you’d come this month. …But who is this gentleman?”

Leoni shrugged. Then, without a word, she extended her hand towards Claude.

Claude stared at her empty palm and smiled faintly.

“Not yet.”

“……That’s not what you said.”

“I need to make sure this is a suitable place before I pay.”

Quite thorough. Leoni frowned, feeling a bit outmaneuvered.

Quincy, watching them, seemed to grasp the situation and burst into a hearty laugh.

“I see! Go inside. I’ll just dust this off and join you shortly.”

“No, I’ll leave as soon as I get paid. Don’t worry about me, Quincy.”

Leoni grumbled and went inside with Claude.

Quincy’s bookstore was narrow and deep, like any other alley shop. The staggered arrangement of bookshelves on both sides made it feel like exploring a maze.

“Well, it seems you’ve guided me correctly.”

Claude, looking around at the bookshelves crammed to the ceiling, smiled with satisfaction and handed her the gold coin.

The gold coin in her hand was always cool and pleasant.

Having achieved her objective, it was time to leave. Leoni bowed her head slightly.

“I enjoyed my time. Then I’ll be going…”

“Oh, and.”

What blocked Leoni’s enthusiastic departure was another gold coin that had somehow appeared in Claude’s hand.

“Could I ask you for another favor?”

“Excuse me?”

Leoni immediately shot him a wary look.

She wasn’t keen on sticking by his side all day, acting as an attendant, even if it was just for a while, especially since he wasn’t her assigned case.

And if someone from work saw them…

Leoni shook her head firmly.

“I’m sorry, but it’s getting late, and I need to go home.”

Just then, Claude’s fingers slid together, revealing another gold coin that had been hidden behind the first. It glimmered in the light.

“How about this?”

“What is it that you want me to do?”

Claude’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he looked at her, her expression completely changed, her eyes sparkling.

“There’s another place I’d like you to guide me to. I’ll give you this as an advance payment. Could you wait while I choose some books?”

Clink, clink.

Two more gold coins landed in her hand, softening her previously firm resolve. The way he handed her the gold coins was incredibly polite compared to the paper money she had received earlier.

Checking that Claude was browsing the bookshelves, Leoni shrugged slightly.

Well, just for a little while.

Leoni leaned against a bookshelf and observed the rare sight of a dragon choosing books.

‘Handsome.’

It was a picturesque scene. He was simply choosing books, yet it gave her the illusion of a halo around his head.

Even considering that mythical creatures were generally considered beautiful by human standards, Claude was in a league of his own.

‘Certainly, aside from Sir Ivan, I’ve never seen such a handsome man.’

There was one more at the Cooperation Bureau.

Her boss, Henricks.

However, as a subordinate, it was difficult to readily acknowledge the physical attractiveness of her direct superior. No matter how handsome a boss was, he was still a boss.

Leoni quickly banished his face from her mind.

“Shall we go?”

Claude approached her, holding several books. From classic literature for children to various romance novels. And…

“A Compendium of Mythical Biology? Why are you buying this?”

“Hmm. Let’s just say I’m curious.”

He was holding a book published by the Cooperation Bureau. A specialized textbook that studied mythical creatures from a human perspective.

‘He’s curious about such useless things.’

Dragons didn’t need to cater to humans. Most weren’t even curious about human thoughts.

Thinking how strange this all was, Leoni quietly looked away.

“So, where should I guide you next?”

“To this address.”

He handed her a neatly folded note from his vest pocket.

Leoni frowned as she checked the contents of the note.

‘Is this a coincidence?’

The address on the note happened to be in the same direction as her house.