As Victoria arrived at the hospital, she recalled her conversation with Vealle.

  She checked a few things at first, like what scripts were left engrained in Victoria’s skin, her tongue or even inside her body. Then she was tested to check whether she has a double personality hidden away by her family through advanced brainwashing.

  Some might call this behavior pedantic as she’s being overly cautious for no reason but she meant it when she said she wants to break away from that world. That means erasing any traces her family may have left behind—methods they could still use to turn her into their tool for a final job.

  So far, Vealle was able to determine that there’s several seals on Victoria but suspects there could be more so she suggested Victoria accompany her to the capital so that a deeper analysis can be carried out. But her answer depends on how long it will take for Arnold to recover.

  “Welcome, Lady Victoria.” The medical staff all greeted her with a bow. Her name spread like wildfire amongst the citizens when it was revealed that she’s going to marry the city lord. With how beloved Arnold is now, that news won’t just die down.

  “Good morning. Thank you for putting in the extra hours to help everyone.” She bowed her head in return.

  One of the doctors stepped forward and spoke on behalf of everyone, “It is due to the support from our lord that we are able to hire so many staff, even mentoring the next generation of traditional doctors in schools build specifically for them. As someone who studied abroad and faced many hardships—whether financial or societal—I’m glad they are getting the support they need because many break throughout this difficult journey.”

  “And I am grateful all of you decided to choose our city as your chosen region of work. Diseases spread chaotically with all the new people that came to live in this city when it was lawless.”

  “That was quite the mess.” The man said bitterly, “But I’m glad we were able to get it under control is just a few weeks after arriving here. Anyway, I have good news to share.”

  The doctor dismissed everyone and led Victoria down the hall, “I personally examined Sir Arnold and what needs to be done now is repairing the many fractures throughout his body. Only one arm and his skull, thankfully, remain uninjured. In addition, a rib pierced his lung but there’s nothing worth being alarmed over since just a short surgery will be needed. A strong healing potion from the temple should repair all his fractured bones once we determine if it’s safe to do so. Other than that, his recovery speed is astonishingly fast so we need to start the surgery within the next hour or so to avoid his bones healing irregularly.”

  In short, his life isn’t in any danger. Victoria can’t begin to fathom what he fought alongside Guinevere in that town. But news will spread in probably a few days once it reaches the capital.

  “That’s a relief.” Victoria thought about something else, “Doctor, there is something I wish to ask. You’re in the medical field, so you are most viable option.”

  “Of course, go ahead.”

  They turned down a hallway, passing by some nurses who greeted Victoria as warmly as the others.

  “A human and a half-dragon can’t… copulate, right?”

  “That’s my understanding of biology, yes.”

  “But why can demihumans have children with humans?”

  The doctor slowed his steps, folding his hands behind his back as he considered his answer.

  He resumed walking.

  “Demihumans and humans share the same evolutionary root. Strange divergence occurred long ago—perhaps millions of years in the past—when early werebeasts walked the earth. Werebeasts, who still exist today, are human in stature but their entire bodies are that of animals, down to their organs. Through their unions with humans, demihumans like the catkin and wolfkin came to be. Over generations they retained enough similarity to remain reproductively compatible. In essence, they are variations of humanity.”

  Victoria listened intently.

  “The only difference,” he continued, “is that they developed intelligence comparable to ours and formed civilizations. Biologically speaking, they are adjacent to us. Their blood and ours… resonate in a way, as confirmed by multiple studies.”

  He paused briefly before continuing.

  “Dragons do not.”

  Victoria’s brows knit slightly.

  “Dragons are not beasts that evolved alongside us. They are primordial entities. Closer to the divine than to mortal creatures. Their blood does not merely carry genetic information—it carries something older. Something structured differently.”

  “Differently… how?”

  “A half-dragon is not ‘half’ in the same manner a demihuman is. The draconic essence alters the body at a fundamental level. Cellular regeneration, organ density, even the flow of mana through their veins—it behaves more like a divine construct than a mortal one. In layman’s terms, the blood of two demigods are being split.”

  They passed beneath a tall arched window as sunlight spilled into the corridor.

  “Reproduction requires compatibility not only of flesh, but of what animates it. Humans and demihumans share that foundation. Dragons were created—if I may use the term—with a different blueprint entirely.”

  “So, it’s impossible?” Victoria asked quietly.

  “In every documented case, gestation has failed. The body rejects what it cannot sustain.”

  He adjusted his spectacles.

  “A dragon may assume human shape. But that does not make it human. And divine blood does not dilute even after centuries of crossbreeding, it dominates.”

  Victoria fell silent at that.

  “There are no known draconic demihumans. Bards speak of dragons with human bodies throughout history, but those were likely dragon lords capable of manipulating their form. That is not the same as biological compatibility.”

  They reached the operating wing doors.

  “In short, Your Grace,” the doctor concluded calmly, “demihumans are distant cousins. Dragons are something else entirely.”

  “….”

  That answers her question perfectly. But she still felt bitter inside her heart.

  “Is Sir Arnold a dragon, Your Grace?”

  “Wha?” caught off guard by the question, she could only make a stupid sound.

  “It’s just, his body is noticeably different from all my other patients. Even the healing factor of a lizardman who I treated the other day, known for their fast regeneration capabilities, pales in comparison to Sir Arnold. His destroyed cells were regenerating ten times faster than a lizardkin. While brief, I did a course on dragon biology in university. If you are asking about dragons and humans, that means you are also incapable of falling pregnant no matter what, correct?”

  “…You’re not even that surprised?”

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “When he can fight a god-like being and emerge victorious, hardly anything else can be as surprising.” He chuckled.

  They stopped in front of a door. Beside it was a shelf where Arnold’s dossier was placed.

  “Is there any way to… you know.”

  “None that I know of, and I have a degree in both science and medicine fields. Maybe there is a method known only to magicians? I’m not sure if this will be of any help but what you’re looking for is something like chimerafication—a term we use for reconstructing a being’s genes using the genes of other animals or monsters. In theory, you would be looking for a way to become an Elf, as they are also closer to Gods than Man.”

  “A method that will make me an Elf…”

  “I apologize that I can’t help any more than this.”

  “No, you’ve answered both my question and opened up a new path for me.”

  “…As a doctor, I must advise you that—” she interrupted him just as he was about to warn her.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything rash. If I want to know more, I’ll need to ask an Elf…”

  Or… a Valkyrie.

  The doctor nodded then opened the door.

  “Doctor.” Siana, who was holding the slumbering Arnold’s hand, stood up.

  “Don’t look so serious, Madam Luthwroth. I came to tell you that we’re prepping for surgery in the next hour so keep that in mind for your visit.”

  “Ah, all right. He hasn’t moved an inch since I got here so I was worried something was wrong…”

  “Well, I wouldn’t say it’s sunshine and rainbows,” The doctor walked over to the IV drip to check it, “His blood reacted quite energetically when exposed to the diagnostic sigils—a device we developed to study the effects of lack of sleep on energy. The mana density spiked, then destabilized. That kind of fluctuation usually means acute depletion rather than poisoning. In short, he’s just exhausted. He must’ve been getting very little sleep wherever he was. I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed asleep for the entire day.”

  Siana sighed in relief with a small smile, “I can already imagine what he’s been doing that kept him up. How long will the surgery take?”

  “We should be finished by tonight—so roughly 12 to 15 hours. Once we’re finished with that, we’ll provide him with a healing potion, straight from the collection the temples sent us. That should heal him straight away and you two should be able to speak to him by dusk, if he’s not still sleeping, that is.” The doctor checked his watch, “I’ll leave you two to it then. Please excuse me.” After picking up a few documents on the bedside table, the doctor left.

  “Victoria, how is his signature?” despite the doctor reassuring them earlier, Siana still asked so she obliged and checked.

  “I see mostly orange hues, a sign of an exhausted body and some red spots that indicate injuries.” she confirmed with Warrior Sense.

  “…That is good. Both methods confirm he’s okay… so that’s good…” she sat back down and held his hand again.

  Victoria pulled a chair closer and sat next to her.

  Without letting the silence continue for long, she spoke, “…I’ve learned recently that neither of us will be able to bear his children.”

  Siana didn’t respond so she just continued, “I intended to marry him with the intention of giving him a family. Now that dream is crushed. Siana? What about you? Do you want children?”

  “…Nothing as specific as that. But yes, I want a family as well. My old one… I have very unpleasant memories of them.”

  “…We have one thing in common then.”

  The two laughed bitterly together.

  “I suppose neither of us can give him an heir.” Siana spoke, “I’ve heard this is a woman’s purpose in a noble household. I wonder what all the ladies of nobility will say once they hear of my incompetent womb.”

  “You say it in jest, but they will really judge us like that.”

  “Yes, I know… I would like nothing more than to find a solution to this but it might even not exist or will change my life drastically, making it impossible to live a normal life. But with all the things in this universe—magic beasts, magic that can move the world, techniques that can split a meteor—I believe that there’s a method out there to give us what we yearn.”

  Where do you even begin to look for something like that? Do you ask around for a concoction that gives you demigod flesh and blood? Do you eat the flesh of a demigod? It’s all so confusing and she hates it when there aren’t answers to her questions.

  “We can ask Guinevere. She’s lived for, what, thousands of years so she must know something.” Victoria assured that the Valkyrie may know something.

  “That would be amazing. But… I’d like to focus on my duties in the city and my husband, so if you are planning on looking for that solution, I’m afraid I won’t be able to join you.” Siana said regrettably.

  “That’s fine. It’s not the end of the world as we still have lives…”

  “—Can’t even have peace and quiet after a dangerous battle.” Someone’s annoyed voice reached their ears.

  When they looked toward the bed, they saw Arnold rubbing his face.

  “Sir Arnold!”

  “Al!”

  The two rushed towards the bed, despite having heard that he wasn’t in any immediate danger.

  Careful not to touch him, the two smiled in relief that he could still move.

  He silently placed his hand on Siana’s cheek, then the same hand on Victoria’s face. His warm hand eased every worry they had and they forgot all about their conversation.

  “If my pelvis wasn’t broken right now, I would’ve wanted to make love to you two.” He cracked a lame joke even in that condition, which was very unlike him.

  “If you are pent up, I can use my hand or my mouth.” Said Siana without shame as she sat down on the bed.

  “Hahaha… No, I don’t think I can get it up right now.” He put his hand her lower back as if he missed her touch.

  “The doctor said they’ll need to operate on you before giving you a healing potion so don’t strain yourself,” Victoria sat down on the bed as well, careful not to touch him.

  “Taking that armor off must’ve knocked me out, huh… All I remember was excruciating pain. Whoever built that armor really went above and beyond to max out its wearer’s adrenaline and lower the pain they’d feel.” He felt around his own body, “I can’t move my upper body or my legs so everything must be broken, hahaha… But what a relief to not have to feel that pain again. Sebastian’s lessons pale in comparison—or more like brutality.”

  “You have quite a lot of energy to talk for someone who supposedly didn’t have a lot of sleep lately.” Running her fingers through his hair, Siana said with a chuckle.

  “When I have assassins watching my every move, I always wake up in the middle of the night… You two should head home and rest. I’ll see you tonight, if they deem I’m fit to be discharged.”

  Siana looked at Victoria, “…There’s nothing we can do here for him while he’s in surgery so we should go take a nap at least, Victoria.”

  “Yes, I know…”

  “I might not be able to make it to the meeting we had planned so you can start without me, Siana. Just record the conversation then I’ll listen to it and make plans after if there’s any concerns.”

  “I’m afraid your nobles won’t be that eager to start the meeting without you present. They may withhold things even if I do force them to come.”

  “They still don’t like you, huh.”

  “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “Alright, then postpone it to tomorrow.” Arnold tried to turn his head to look at the bedside table, “Is there anything to drink? My throat’s quite dry.”

  Victoria stood up, “I’ll fetch something for you. Will any juice do?”

  “Yeah, bring a whole carton.” He felt around the side of the bed, and pressed something, which raised the top side of the bed higher.

  Victoria soon left but as if replacing her, a knock came from the door.

  “Strange, it’s too soon for the nurses to come fetch you.” Saying so, Siana approached the door.

  “That’s not a nurse.” He mumbled as she opened the door, “…Been a while since we saw each other.”

  A girl with brown hair, tied into pigtails was on the other side. She wore a hood that concealed her from top to bottom. If she put the hood on, she would blend into the shadows quite easily.

  “Uhm, you know this person? H-Hey!” the girl entered without looking at Siana, “Rude…”

  “I know you’re in no condition to move but I’ve secured a way to take the artifacts without alarming my brother. The difficult part will be facing him tonight.” Not even greeting him, the girl spoke. Siana closed the door but didn’t interrupt them.

  “Is your brother that much of a threat?”

  “…You have no idea.”

  “Right, that’s why you need my protection. I’ll keep my word—bring me all the artifacts your household possesses, then I will give you not only riches, but a house and guards. if need be, I will construct a mansion next to the palace walls where you’re within arms’ reach of my protection.”

  “…There’s something else I would like to ask.”

  “That’s not enough, huh? Alright, I’m sure the artifacts will make up for it in equal value so go ahead.”

  “…Thanks… I have a sister, an older sister, who… She can’t take care of herself and is locked away in the mansion—as a vegetable—for her past crimes against the family.”

  “Your family cripples whoever betrays them…?”

  “If you understood the kind of people they are, you would know that’s the kindest punishment they can dish out.” A bitter smile surfaced on her face, “I’m not asking for a way to cure her or a means to take care of her—I only want my sister by my side when I’m granted freedom. She is the only blood I have left that doesn’t hate me. Even my eldest sister scorns me for siding with my brother, still believing she’s been granted freedom when all he’s really doing is waiting for the perfect moment to use her.”

  “…Alright. Are you sure there’s no one else you’d like to bring? Are there any kids in the family or even your parents or grandparents?”

  “Hahaha…” she laughed bitterly, “You think my brother is the only psychopath in my family…? My mother is compliant with everything my brother and father does so no. My little cousins live with us but they are a trio of little devils who I would rather not live with. If I turn my back, they would try to hurt my sister. That’s why I don’t want her in that house while I’m granted freedom.”

  Footsteps echoed down the hall, which made Ruria go stiff for a second and her head shot towards the door.

  Arnold noticed but didn’t find it that strange.

  She quickly spoke as she headed over to the window, “It will take a few weeks for me to move everything without their knowledge. Moving any faster will get me caught so I’ll send a letter when I’m ready to meet up. Meeting up will be risky.”

  “Got it. I’ll wait on your call.”

  The two nodded at each other before she turned into smoke and vanished through the window.

  He noticed Siana’s piercing gaze, “Don’t ask. It’s better if no one knows the two of us met up, especially her brother.”

  She sighed with a nod, understanding to not speak of the matter.

  When Victoria entered, she could feel the awkward silence in the room but she served Arnold a drink, just like the old days when she was his personal maid.