Chapter 226: Ignisia the Elder Dragon (5)
Ignisia’s gamble paid off exactly as she had hoped. In Ketal’s eyes, looking at her now, a deep and unmistakable goodwill took root, a warmth that felt almost childish in its purity.
How could someone be so generous? he wondered.
To think, she not only forgave their earlier misunderstanding but also offered him the keys to Myst and even promised to teach him Dragon Tongue. Ketal felt as if he might float away with happiness.
If only every misunderstanding in the world ended so favorably! he wondered. His respect for Ignisia reached new heights. Still, a sense of caution tempered his joy.
“What is the price?” Ketal asked her, his voice serious, recalling that Ignisia had mentioned there would be a cost.
He had already resolved to pay whatever she asked. It didn’t matter what the price was; he would accept it, no matter the scale or inconvenience. His eyes, usually calm, flashed with a dangerous light for just a moment, betraying his willingness to accept any challenge. Ignisia instinctively flinched, though she quickly composed herself.
“It’s nothing dramatic,” Ignisia said with a small, embarrassed smile. “All I ask is that you keep your goodwill toward us. Just... stay friendly with the beings of the Mortal Realm. Don’t turn against the dragons or shut us out. Be on good terms with us, and if one of us ever stands in your way, I hope you’ll think twice before acting. Of course, it’s just a request; there’s no obligation.”
The simplicity of her wish left Ketal momentarily confused. He tilted his head, genuinely puzzled by the lack of demands. Ignisia, however, looked at him with unwavering seriousness.
She had seen enough of Ketal to understand what truly motivated him—his own curiosity and sense of enjoyment. Today, he might be an ally, but tomorrow, if something captured his interest or circumstances changed, he could just as easily become an enemy. All she wanted was to plant a small seed of hesitation, a measure of restraint that would make him pause before acting against her kind.
When Ketal saw the earnestness in her expression, he realized that she was not joking.
He nodded with equal seriousness. “Understood. I’ll do my best.”
He had already formed close ties with many in this world, so even if Ignisia had not asked, he would likely have done so. However, now he promised to try even harder.