Dryadic Dragon: Chapter 36: His First Lover’s Spat

Chapter 36: His First Lover’s Spat AN: This chapter has LEMONS in it which I've attached ontop of this SFW version as a doc, word, and pdf a

Chapter 36: His First Lover’s Spat

AN: This chapter has LEMONS in it which I've attached ontop of this SFW version as a doc, word, and pdf at the bottom of the chapter. If you need some other version of document to access it please direct message me.

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“Young Lord, how many times must I advise you not to overdo it before you learn?” Thora breathed a frustrated sigh, tending to the extensive bruising, blemishes, and open wounds covering my skin for the umpteenth time. A result of getting a little bit too excited during my spar with Halibel and burning through my demonic power reserves, also for the umpteenth time.

“Erm, maybe a few thousand more?” I chuckled lightly.

I couldn’t help it! It’s the first time I’ve had a sparring partner that doesn’t pummel me into the ground within a few milliseconds, cough cough, my parents. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity. I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I doubt anyone I’ll be responsible for in Kuoh will be able to keep up with my Dragonification. 

“You’re hopeless,” she groaned.

“Don’t I know it?” I smiled in return. Every inch of my body hurts like hell, but I get to hog even more of Thora’s attention than usual in return. Seems like a fair trade to me, all things considered.

“Young Lord.”

“Yes?”

“I hope you know that you can talk to me when something’s bothering you,” she said, completely out of the blue. “You’ve done so before, haven’t you?” 

After a moment of stunned silence, I let out a half-surprised, half-relieved exhale. She saw right through me, as per usual. 

“I’m shocked, not even Roygun noticed anything amiss with me.” We did share quite an intimate moment with one another, yet somehow, I still managed to mask the emotions that had been plaguing me upon arriving here. 

“I don’t mean to slander Lady Roygun, but she’s only known you for a day. I’ve known you your whole life. Is it so hard to believe that I picked up on something she didn’t?” She smouldered, probably insulted that I even felt the need to ask.

“No, I suppose it isn’t.” I nodded my agreement. “The day after my awakening ceremony, mother said something to me, and for some reason, it’s only really starting to bother me now, of all times, right as we’re about to leave for Kuoh.” I propped my hand up against my chin.

As the words left my mouth, I could feel Sylvie start to shuffle around beneath my robes. She didn’t say anything, because she simply didn’t need to. She had been there the whole time I was with Martha that morning, after all, the woman herself told me. 

Already, I could feel Thora’s mind start to build with discomfort, just mentioning Martha alone was enough to throw her off balance. Of course, I don’t blame her, that’s the reaction everyone seems to have when it comes to that dismal mother of mine.

“What did she tell you?” She almost hesitated to ask.

“She said I manipulated you,” I spoke bluntly, leaning closer towards Thora. “She said that I twisted your emotions to make you help me as I went against my father’s wishes.” I folded one leg over the other. Thora’s immediate unease was apparent to me, but I needed to get this off my chest. “Is it true? Did I manipulate you?”

My gaze was fixed on her with hawk-like intensity. With every word that left my mouth, I felt weirder, yet part of me wanted, no, demanded that this conversation continue nonetheless. Damn that woman, even when she’s nowhere to be seen, she’s still able to vex me.

“Massster,” before Thora could speak, Sylvie decided to make her presence known. Slithering through my robe and poking her head out of my collar. “The Lady’s wordsss were not intended to be insssulting, if I remember correctly, she wasss commending you.”

“And that’s supposed to be a good thing?” I scoffed, causing Sylvie to reel back a little. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to get mad at you,” I sighed, rubbing my face. “I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s all.” I stood up, ultimately deciding that even though this conversation held importance, it could wait for another time. “Make sure you get some rest, Thora, tomorrow's our big day.”

“Young Lord, I still haven’t answered—”

“I know,” I cut her off. “Sleep on it, we’ll have all the time in the world to discuss when we reach the surface.” I’ve definitely got some thinking of my own I need to do, that’s for sure.

I stepped out of the medical room we were in, planning to find somewhere to take a quick nap.

“It’s bad manners to eavesdrop,” however, someone was waiting for me next to the front door, their arms crossed with a suspicious look on their face. “Even if I’m your fiancé,” it was none other than Roygun. If I weren’t exhausted, I probably would’ve picked up on her presence no problem.

“It wasn’t intentional, I was just wondering where you went after your spar with Halibel. Speaking of which, that battle was quite the spectacle if I do say so myself. You seemed quite comfortable with using Dragonification even though it was your first time.” 

“I just got lucky with the genetic lottery, and there’s still plenty of room for improvement,” I replied dryly, making it clear that I wasn’t happy about her listening in on I and Thora’s discussion. “I’m guessing you were looking for me?”

“Pretty much, I would’ve come to see you immediately after your spar concluded, but these construction workers are proving to be a serious pain in the ass—pestering me for each and every little thing.” She clicked her tongue. “It’s like they expect me to be their foreman or something.”

“I mean, your demolition work was Satan-Class. I think that earns them a bit of leniency,” I chuckled, honestly, I’ll be surprised if they’re capable of repairing the damage she and Lady Leviathan caused at all. 

“A bit,” she scowled. “Anyhow, let’s go to my room, there’s something important I’d like to talk to you about.” She reached forward, wrapping her fingers around my wrist and dragging me along.

“Your room?” I tilted my head. “Sorry if my memory’s foggy, but I’m pretty sure it’s been reduced to a pile of rubble.”

“It has, I’m using a temporary one in the meantime.” She brought me into a room that was unsurprisingly, far blander than hers, but still seemed to have a passable level of comfort by noble standards. “This is one of the guest rooms, not that I’ve really had many over in recent history.”

“Oh, don’t worry, once you’re a Pillar, you’ll have more guests than you know what to do with.” I may not be speaking from experience because of how my house operates, but I’m well aware of how much politicking goes on among the 72 Pillars on a day-to-day basis. It’s more than enough to drive even the most diligent of people mad.

“Yeah, I suppose solitude is one of the few boons of being an Extra Demon, for better or for worse.” We stepped onto the room’s balcony, upon which Roygun poured two glasses of juice for the both of us.

“No alcohol this time?” I quipped.

“Nope, not for this conversation.” She leaned against the rail, staring at me with a questioning gaze. “I want to talk to you about your personal attendant, the one you’ve decided to bring alongside you to the human world while I, your fiancée, remain down here.” I’d have to be deaf not to notice the spite in her tone.

I had a feeling that’s what this would be about. 

But just because she’s my fiancée, doesn’t mean I have to excuse every slight she makes, especially if it’s one directed at Thora of all people.

“That attendant has a name, it’s Thora, and I’d appreciate it if you used it.” I chided her, meeting her suspicion with a scowl. 

She hummed inquisitively. “You’re awfully defensive of her.”

“Only because you’re giving me a reason to be,” I took a sip from my glass, refusing to let myself be shaken. I understand why she’s curious considering her position, but at the same time, there are some things I just can’t excuse. “Now, do you plan on continuing to take not-so-subtle jabs at her? Or will you ask me what’s really on your mind right now?”

I don’t like it when people beat around the bush too much, it reminds me of Sebastian’s infuriating talking habits.

“If that’s what you want,” she turned sideways, looking me dead in the eyes. “What’s your real relationship with her? I thought I was imagining it at first, but to me, it seems to be a lot more profound than simply that of a master and servant. Or am I wrong?” 

“Would you believe me if I said yes?” I was met with a stark, unamused glare. “Thought so,” I chuckled dryly.

“Alduin, please take this seriously.” 

I exhaled, finishing the rest of my juice. “If you insist, then yes, Thora is far more important to me than any ordinary servant.” I could see a mix of emotions on my fiancée’s face, gratitude that I was being honest with her, apprehension that she’d get in the way of the family she hoped to cultivate with me, and an emotion part of me wanted to pretend didn’t even exist—jealousy, fierce jealousy. 

Her hands clenched the rail, causing its metal composition to emit a pained creak.

“In a romantic sense?” She stepped closer towards me, maintaining her grip on the railing as if to suppress herself. 

“No clue,” I shrugged, folding my arms and leaning against the balustrade. 

“Alduin!”

“What? I’m telling the truth, I myself don’t know what the true nature of our relationship is.” I leaned back, letting out a mildly frustrated exhale. “She’s the only real family I had at home, when my father and mother did nothing but give me the cold shoulder and bone-breaking training sessions as their only form of ‘parental’ interaction—she stepped up and actually put in the effort to raise me like a living person. So forgive me if I’m a little more partial to her!” I finished sarcastically.

“A little more? Do you honestly expect me to believe that?” Her frustration continued to rise, but this time, I remained steadfast, showing no intention of wavering. “Alduin, I want you to answer me clearly—are you in love with her? Yes or no? I need a straight answer, I’m not letting you go anywhere without one.”

“Is that so? I doubt Serafall and Lord Lucifer would take kindly to that,” I sneered. She’s delusional if she thinks she can get in the way of both of them. Of course, I’m well aware that she’s quite emotional at the moment. I doubt she’d try to oppose them so openly. “Speaking of Serafall, I’ve been wondering, what exactly do you have against her? There’s a good chunk of bad blood between you two.”

“I’m the one asking the questions here,” she insisted.

“You answer my question, and I’ll answer yours.” 

“Is that a promise?”

I nodded. “Yeah, that’s a promise.” 

“Fine,” she took a deep breath, calming herself. “It’s because I don’t acknowledge the crap she and her peers spout about equality in the Underworld or whatever. Sure, they’re strong, immensely so. I'm not delusional enough to deny that. However, they aren't fit to lead, I mean just look at them—all that power and they can’t even manage a wrinkly old man cooped up within his castle.”

Wrinkly old man?

Ah, she’s referring to Zekram Bael.

“They say they want to improve the situation of Low-Class Devils struggling under our society’s traditionalist system, but they don’t know the first thing about struggle.” Her voice was packed with venom, each syllable conveying her deep-rooted disdain for them. “How could they? They were all born at the top of the world with their convenient little mutations, perfect houses, and silver spoons crammed into their spoiled mouths. Hmph. Equality this, equality that. They’ve had more than five centuries, and fucking nothing to show for it. Yet, somehow, they’ve deluded themselves into believing what they’re doing is leadership. It’s revolting.”

I hummed, mulling over her words momentarily.

I do have some mixed opinions about what she just said, however, a debate’s not what I’m currently interested in.

“You say that, but you’re still trying to become a part of the government they’re in charge of. Why’s that?” I tilted my head, genuinely interested in her response.

She huffed. “I’m the Matriarch for a reason. I don’t have to like someone to work with them. Even if I disagree with their governing style, the benefits of becoming a Pillar drastically outweigh any qualms I have with them.” Her gaze steeled. “Now then, it’s your turn to answer.” 

I inhaled sharply, readying my answer. One that I doubt she’s going to like, but one that needs to be said nonetheless.

“Yes, I love her.” 

Snap! 

The tension building up within Roygun reached an all-time high, her strength caused the railing she was holding onto to break right off. Oh boy, I sighed inwardly, watching as she bit down on her lower lip out of frustration, with enough force to draw blood and cause a line of it to trickle down her chin, her expression darkening to an alarming degree.

Alright, I guess it’s time to find out whether I have what it takes to be with a possessive, somewhat clingy, significantly stronger, older woman. Oh Lord Kakyoin above, grant me stren— OW HEADACHE! 

I forgot we’re not supposed to pray… 

“I know it might sound a bit callous coming from me, but you should try to calm down.” I placed my hand on her cheek, putting my thumb right up to the tooth mark on her lip and mending it with my Dryadic Blessing.

“Calm down?” She grabbed my wrist before I could retract my hand, her nails digging into my skin with abandon. 

However, I made no attempt to heal myself, nor was the pain much of an issue since I’ve been through far worse, more times than I can count. I have only one goal now, and that’s to make sure the jealousy she’s expressing doesn’t affect Thora in any way. That’s my responsibility.

“Where do you get the nerve… to ask me something like that?” She dug harder, yet I maintained my still silence. “You’re supposed to belong to me, not her. How the hell do you expect me to remain calm after hearing that my fiancé has feelings for another woman? And a mere servant no less?”

Good grief, is this really how we’re doing this?

“First of all, I suggest you start addressing Thora with more respect lest you end up not having a fiancé in the first place.” Immediately, she took a step back, her eyes widening in shock upon hearing such words come from me, of all people. I mean, I have been pretty lax with her thus far, but boundaries need to be set. “Second of all, she’s been with me my whole life, I haven’t even known you for a full day. What right do you have to deny what I feel for her?” 

I say that, but technically speaking, she has every right, even in a polygamy-supporting society like ours. While it’s true that noble pureblooded devils can take more than one spouse for the sake of improving our declining population. However, therein lies the problem. Thora has no noble background whatsoever, there’s no justification for me to push Roygun to let me have her.

Especially in an engagement with circumstances like ours. She’s the Belphegor Clan’s Matriarch, and a Satan-Class Devil who’s a part of the Underworld’s esteemed Top 10 Rankers. I don’t get to just tell her what to do, not that I would want such a one-sided relationship in the first place, but my point still stands.

My hope is… that Roygun’s no different from me in that aspect, that’s the foundation of all the courage I’m mustering up to confront her so brazenly. If she genuinely wants to create a proper family with me, then she won’t be the type to just throw her authority around to get what she wants out of me either.

“You…!” Her fist shook with extensive frustration, her whole body practically trembling as her aura told me just how conflicted she was feeling. I could feel my back start to perspire out of anxiety, part of me concerned that this was about to get physical. “H-have you… done anything with her?” 

“Are you asking if we’ve slept together?” I can’t afford to allow for there to be any misunderstandings between us, everything needs to be crystal clear. 

“I’m asking if you’ve done anything! If you’ve held hands, kissed, lain with one another… I want to know. No, I demand to know!” She stomped, nearly causing the floor of the balcony to crumble under her brute strength.

I scratched my cheek. “I mean, I did take her on a date to Lilith one time, but as far as physical intimacy goes… nothing’s really happened.”

She paused, attempting to read my expression before speaking. 

“You’re not lying to me, are you?” It was clear to me she was taken aback by our lack of… experience.

“No. Honestly, I’m not sure what you were expecting. I’ve always been trapped under my mother and father’s watchful gaze. There wasn’t much of an opportunity to make anything happen. It’s not like I could take her out anywhere either since they preferred keeping me under lock and key.” I shrugged, being completely transparent with her. 

“R-right, I suppose that’s true.” Her posture softened, probably because she finally realized that she had been too hasty with her anger. 

Hmm, I think I’m feeling a little mischievous for some reason.

“Hey, Roygun,” I spoke with a soft, almost seductive tone. “Are you asking me that because you want to make sure you’re my first?”

“W-what?! No! T-that’s not it at all!” She flushed with bright-red embarrassment.

Oh my, I didn’t think she’d have such an adorable side to her. Unfortunately, I’m paying more attention to her aura right now than I am to her words. There’s no use in her trying to hide her feelings from me.

“I don’t mind, you know? I don’t wish to be unreasonable with my feelings for Thora.” Thora’s always been level-headed, and in a matter as delicate as this, I’m sure she’d understand. In the first place, I’m not the type to disregard one over the other. I like to think I’m someone who knows how to strike a balance. “You’re my fiancée, it’s natural for us to do stuff like that, isn’t it?” I motioned to the bed situated only a few feet away from us.

“A-Alduin! You can’t be serious!” She stammered.

Huh, I didn’t think my willingness would be that shocking to her. 

Strangely enough, seeing her like this only makes me want to egg her on even more. Like some kind of impulse I can’t seem to suppress.

“Can’t I? You already stole my first kiss when you had me pinned in your bedroom. Why not just go the full distance with me?” Step after step, I cornered her towards the edge of the balcony, slipping my arms around her hips, causing her to experience a faint shiver. “Unless… you don’t want to?” I tilted my head and pouted.

“O-of course I want to! But… I don’t want you to do it with me just because you’re feeling pressured.” She clenched her arm, guilt written all over her face. “You’re doing this because you’re worried I’ll do something to Thora, aren’t you? I don’t want that to be the basis of our first time together.”

“No, I’m not worried about that.” I smiled warmly, gently moving my hands up her back as if I were massaging her. “I trust you, Roygun. I know you’re not the type to do something that selfish. I’m not explicitly interested in her well-being, I also want you to be happy. You want to create a family with me, don’t you? Last I checked, children don’t just create themselves.” 

In truth, I don’t know why I’m being so… forward with her. Nonetheless, I can’t seem to stop myself. Every fiber of my being is telling me to keep going, to take any guilt or reservations Roygun might feel about bedding me so early on in our relationship, and just allow the two of us to give in to lust and forget about our worries in each other’s embrace.

Worries… is that why I’m feeling this way? Is this all a product of my pent-up stress?

“I-isn’t it a little early for this, though? It’s like you said, we haven’t even known each other for a full day. Maybe we should take this a little slower…” 

Oh, Roygun, you say that, but I can tell you’re feeling the exact same way as I. As a matter of fact, you’re probably under a hell of a lot more stress than I am. You’ve been putting up with this house of yours for four centuries, I’ve only been putting up with mine for a little over a decade.

We both need this, we need a moment where we can just forget everything and pretend like our problems don’t exist. My mind feels like it’s on the verge of overheating, and it’s desperate to cool itself down. So fucking desperate… 

“You’re overthinking this, Roygun. Sure, this is our first, but so what? Soon enough, it’ll become our second, third, fourth, fifth, and one day we’ll probably stop keeping count. It doesn’t always have to be emotionally charged… right? Sometimes we just need it as an outlet for our frustration.” 

The words coming out of my mouth sounded like mere excuses, but… necessary ones, for whatever that’s worth. We have to convince ourselves not to stress over this too much, somehow, since that would be counterproductive and all.

“Are you s-sure about this? There’s no going back after this, you know that, don’t you?” I could feel her confidence start to rise as she slithered her arms around my neck, folding her hands on my nape. 

“Yes, I’m sure,” I replied without hesitation. “I want this, Roygun. Not because of obligation, pressure, or anything else. I simply want to do this with you, of course, if you really don’t want it, I’ll stop. Like you, I don’t want to make you feel like you don’t have a choice here.” 

That was the last chance I’d give her to back out. I don’t think my rational side can hold out any longer.

“Alduin.”

“Yes?”

Finally, she mustered up the resolve to come to a decision.

“I want this too.” 

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