Chapter 182: Side Story 19

Chapter 182: Side Story 19

First day.

Drea has disappeared.

Everyone in the palace knew that Drea had disappeared, but no one searched for her.

Drea had informed everyone, except Shaik, in advance and left.

Ha

For Shaik, it was a ridiculous situation.

Although Drea had occasionally gone to the Dragon Sanctuary for a few days to meet the dragons she called uncles, this was the first time she completely left home.

Yet, the adults were too casual about it.

They even looked at Shaik with a pitying gaze.

Kalia started to say, She should have done something sooner but then stopped and shook her head.

Simon tapped Shaiks shoulder and said, Yeah, Shaik I know. I know your heart, speaking words that were known but unknown.

It was a vacant breakfast table without Drea.

Clatter, clatter.

The sound of tableware quietly resonated.

Haah.

Shaik glanced at his mother for a moment, who was sighing openly, then lowered his head.

Kalia stared at Shaik intently and then looked away.

For a while, Ill be at the sanctuary, Mama. I want to sort out my thoughts.

Kalia couldnt stop Drea, who spoke like that with a dejected expression.

Yeah, its probably better for her to go there and calm her mind.

Kalia decided to think rationally.

She even warned Simon, who constantly tried to take Shaiks side, not to interfere.

Dont get involved half-heartedly.

Anyway, the first day Drea disappeared passed quietly.

* * *

Three days later.

The palace was quiet.

It was a calmness that was not usually felt.

Shaik looked around the palace with a dull expression and, as usual, directed his steps towards the academy.

No one is here, Shaik thought, just because one person was missing. He felt that the surroundings had become excessively quiet. Boring, even.

* * *

One week later.

Kalia, Simon, and even Derek and Allen returned to their daily lives. Even Kalia, who had been looking at Shaik with worried eyes for a few days, suddenly returned to her usual self.

As always, they were busy and occupied. The students at the academy attended classes or chatted with their friends. The professors checked their lessons and taught the students. They even made jokes and played pranks, just like before. Everyone seemed unaffected, even without Drea.

Shaik felt a bit irritated.

* * *

Ten days later.

Mother.

Yes?

No, nothing.

Alright.

Kalia calmly replied and returned her attention to her book. After a while, her son came back and asked again.

Has Drea contacted us by any chance?

Kalia smiled and said:

Not at all.

Shaik stared at Kalia with eyes that wanted to say something, yet were filled with confusion.

Seeing her sons resentful gaze, which she had never seen before, Kalia simply smiled. Shaik turning away abruptly reminded her of a teenage boy going through puberty. It was the first time she saw a different expression on her sons face, who always had an elderly-like appearance.

There were quite adorable aspects, werent there?

She felt a sense of joy.

Kalia sang a little tune in her head while quietly thinking, You should endure a little more.

Watching him, Simon quietly sympathized with his son.

Why was he born with such a fate

He had never wished to become the child of destiny himself.

In this current life, he was happy because there were many people who cherished him, but that also made Shaik more tormented.

When the Black Dragon appeared, he couldnt know when he would die.

Throughout his past and present lives, he had never experienced being loved so much.

Thats why he was happier, more grateful, and more cautious.

Just the thought that he might die before them made his heart ache from time to time.

How could Shaik say those things to Drea?

That one day, he found her too adorable, too lovable, and it was tormenting.

Even if the Black Dragon suddenly emerged, he could sacrifice himself and die heroically, but still, he cherished and loved her more than she could imagine

So he couldnt allow her to suddenly sever their bond.

Damn it!

With a firm face, Shaik struck the ground with his sword even stronger and more forcefully.

Sweat poured down, and his limbs became too heavy, making him stagger.

He mindlessly swung his sword, completely forgetting about the need to eat or rest.

When combining his past and present lives, he had swung this sword countless times.

After repeating it thousands of times once again, he finally dropped his sword and collapsed.

The sun had already started to set.

Soon it would be night, but there was still no news from Drea.

Shaik lifted his trembling hand.

The calloused and rough hands were rugged and unattractive.

But even so, Drea said that holding these hands made her so happy.

She said that taking a walk while holding his hand was the best birthday gift for her.

What did you want to do on your birthday this time?

Where did you want to visit, where did you want to wander, and what did you want to eat, pestering me about it?

Sigh.

A sense of emptiness tightened his chest.

Im going crazy.

Shaikmuttered through gritted teeth.

Hurry back, Drea. Im sorry.

I cant say that I like you, but still youre one of the most precious people to me.

Perhaps as much as his mother, his father No, maybe even more than that.

So, please come back quickly.

Drea.

* * *

One month.

Shaik no longer went to the academy.

Instead, he began to appear in different places.

He started searching for dragons.

Kalia, Simon, and Kalexia tried to dissuade him, but he didnt listen.

And finally, he discovered a cave hidden in the highest peak of the demon mountain.

Kwaang! Clang! Paaat!

That hidden place was the lair of the Blue Dragon.

The lair of the dragon was destroyed by the aura of a boy who appeared to be only 17 or 18 years old.

The Blue Dragon, who had been lazily resting in its nest after a long time, sprang up in surprise in front of the boy standing there.

And it curiously asked the boy who stood firmly in front of its lair.

What are you, little one?

The boy drew a sword made of the sturdiest mineral and swung it nonchalantly.

The condensed blue aura tightly wrapped around the blade.

The boy said indifferently.

Take me to the Dragons Sanctuary.

The boys eyes, deeply filled with melancholy, flickered ominously.