C8 It Would Not End Well If He Took Pleasure in Others' Misfortune!

"Hmm..."

"Ah..."

Renafam and Carrick shared a silent exchange, both noting the bewildered look on Igrel's face.

"Um, Father, Grandfather, what's going on?"

Igrel, clearly at a loss, asked with a touch of bewilderment.

"I've just realized something, Carrick. Igrel's magical power—it's immense, even for a young dragon, isn't it? While Heavenly Dragon Seed are known to have significantly more magic than average dragons, Igrel's levels seem excessive. Have you checked into this?"

Renafam finally broke the silence, turning to Carrick with his query.

"Indeed, I have noticed. From the first day of his combat and hunting training, Igrel's exceptional magical power was apparent. After a thorough investigation, it's evident that his innate magical capacity is extraordinary. Typically, a Heavenly Dragon Seed possesses four to six times the magic of a regular dragon, but Igrel has reached ten times that amount. His current magical reserves have even outstripped some juvenile dragons."

Carrick nodded, confirming his findings.

"Moreover, Igrel is in the rapid growth phase typical of dragons, and his magical power is increasing at an alarming rate. Sometimes, I fear it might become too much for his body to withstand."

"That won't happen. Magic that accumulates naturally won't surpass the body's threshold to contain it. Igrel's situation simply shows that he's incredibly talented, and he's on track to become a powerful dragon."

Renafam shook his head gently, his eyes tenderly observing the still diminutive Igrel.

"If he keeps growing at this rate, our Heavenly Dragon Seed—the Trix lineage—will soon celebrate the rise of another Dragon King. Carrick, you have an exceptional son. Despite my initial doubts about your marriage to Garcia, given that she has blessed us with such a gifted grandson, I'll hold back any further criticism."

Renafam crossed his arms, muttering to himself.

"Grandfather... was he against my parents being together?"

Igrel's gaze intensified as the thought struck him.

"Father, can you truly not come to terms with Garcia?"

Carrick let out a soft sigh before asking.

"Garcia's strong-willed nature doesn't sit well with me. I don't approve of her, and I'm convinced you'll come to regret being with her."

Renafam stated his opinion candidly.

"Grandfather, do you honestly think that a masochist and a sadist together won't find happiness? They revel in it every day. The whole affair is... quite the spectacle. I've even had to cover Vera's eyes to spare her from learning too much, too soon."

Igrel grumbled quietly to himself.

"Let's drop the subject. I'm not interested in discussing this further, Carrick. You can handle Vera, but Igrel will be coming with me. I'll take him under my wing and teach him to become a powerful dragon," Renafam stated, giving Carrick a look that left no room for debate.

"Uh, actually, Father, I should really check with Garcia first. Igrel is her child as well, and I need her agreement," Carrick stammered, then quickly added.

"What? So, I'm the one who's going to have a hard time?" Igrel blurted out, just as surprised.

"She will consent if she has any sense. And if she foolishly objects, I'll simply take Igrel myself. If you want to change my mind, you'll have to do so through strength. Our draconic code is simple: the strong dominate the weak. Without power, acceptance is your only option," Renafam declared, his eyes dominating Carrick and a fierce smile spreading across his face.

"I understand, Father," Carrick murmured, his head bowed in acquiescence. He recognized that, while he could offer Igrel some knowledge, Renafam's experienced mentorship was the better option. Seeking an elder's guidance was, after all, a common practice for a young dragon.

"My grandson Igrel, you will spend the coming years of your youth and adolescence under my guidance. Be ready. For now, Carrick, take Igrel and Vera and leave. I expect Igrel to be here by tomorrow morning," Renafam instructed Igrel before turning away and walking back to his sunny resting place to lie down.

"Igrel, take Vera, and let's head out," Carrick said, watching Renafam turn away. He gently placed Igrel and Oliveira on his claws, spread his grand wings, and soared out of the cavern.

"I've never encountered a young dragon with such promise, especially one who's my own grandson. I must seize the opportunity to show off to those old fogeys. Constantly competing for wealth and power can be so tiresome. This time, let's see whose descendants come out on top. It should be quite the spectacle," Renafam mused with a sly grin, his gaze following Carrick's departure before he settled in with a soft chuckle of anticipation.

Feeling Carrick and the others' presence fading into the distance, Renafam squinted his eyes and chuckled to himself.

"The Heavenly Dragon Seed, no, the entirety of Lagrand hasn't seen a Dragon King in a very long time. In the past few centuries, there have been fewer than ten. Igrel, can you ascend to the pinnacle and become a Dragon King in the centuries to come? I'm genuinely looking forward to it."

Renafam seemed quite pleased, but someone else was not sharing in the joy at that moment.

"Father, are you unhappy?"

On their way back, Igrel caught the weighty look in Carrick's eyes and, drawing his gaze away from the distant sunset, he inquired.

"No, not in the slightest," Carrick answered, bowing his head.

"Yet, you look rather troubled."

Igrel persisted.

"Do I?" Carrick responded, surprised.

"Yes, it's quite obvious."

Igrel nodded, affirming his observation.

"Is that so..." Carrick muttered, contemplating Igrel's words.

"Father, do you not want me to go to Grandfather's?"

Igrel hesitated, then asked tentatively.

"Well, it's not that I'm against it—I actually support the idea. After all, you can come back. It's just that explaining it to your mother is the tricky part. I'm worried about whether I'll make it through tonight. Igrel, if I don't survive this evening, you'll need to be strong in the days ahead."

Carrick's speech faltered, and he suddenly burst into tears.

"Ah, this dragon is a lost cause. Let him endure a scolding from his mother."

Seeing the corners of Carrick's mouth curling up beneath the claws covering his face, Igrel realized his father's masochistic streak was flaring up. Any trace of worry he had felt instantly dissipated.

"I disagree. I won't let Little Igrel go to that old man. He'll definitely lead him astray, and then he won't need me anymore!"

Back at Igrel's home, after Carrick nervously shared the day's happenings, Garcia shouted.

"No, wait, Garcia, let me explain!"

Carrick scrambled to justify himself.

"I'm not listening, I'm not listening!"

Rumbles echoed through the cave, causing Igrel, who waited outside, to worry whether it might collapse.

"Brother, are you going to leave?"

Beside Igrel, Oliveira's eyes brimmed with tears as she addressed him, foregoing her usual 'Iggy' for 'brother.'

"Looks like it..."

Igrel nodded quietly, stroking Oliveira's head in response.

"Can't you stay?"

Oliveira's voice was tinged with sadness as she looked down and asked.

"I'm afraid not. Although it was just for a short while, I've come to understand that Grandfather is quite set in his ways. And, crucially, it seems neither Father nor Mother can defeat him..."

Igrel answered with a shrug.

"Don't be too upset, Vera. I'll come back often. To us in the Dragon Clan, ten or twenty years is just a brief period. You'll have to get used to that."

Igrel looked up at the night sky, muttering to himself.

"...How often will you visit, big brother?"

Oliveira, leaning against Igrel, asked softly.

"That depends on when Grandfather decides he's willing to let me come back~"

"Ugh, that's not very reassuring."

"Haha, you're right about that."

"Big brother, you're so annoying..."

"Sorry, sorry."

"Big brother, I want to go see Father and Mother."

"No, you don't."

As the commotion inside the cave continued, Igrel gently cradled Oliveira's head, speaking with a calm assurance.