"My liege has ordered to eradicate them all. I cannot listen to you Lamia." He said over his shoulders, his eyes still burning with fury.

"He might have information that we need desperately. Let's take him to Ames. He will decide what to do with him after he gives the information."

Zankoku's brows creased. He was in a dilemma. After a long struggle of convincing himself, he removed the katana from his neck and sheathed it.

"Just because it concerns my liege, I'm listening to you this time." He turned around and walked away, leaving the assistant sighing in relief.

"Haruto, bring him."

*****

Edgar was slumped on his grand throne, tired and helpless. The room devoid of a single soul other than himself. The empty glass wine hung between his fingers and his hand rested on the armrest of the lavish throne.

The door to the throne room slit in the middle as the double panels opened inwards. Vorthane walked inside. his footsteps echoing in the empty hall.

Edgar slowly opened his tired eyes, the sound of footsteps getting louder. By the time he was fully awake, his blurry eyes cleared to see Vorthane bowing at him.

"Is that you Vorthane?" he asked in his shaky voice.

"Yes, your highness. I've come with great news." Vorthane said with a smile.

Edgar's eyes opened wide, his eyes now gleaming with hope. "Does that mean, y-you've got the flower!?"

"Just as you wished, your highness." Vorthanes gave a wide smile, presenting the crystal vial filled with a glowing red liquid inside.

"The talented youngsters of your kingdom brought not one but two of them. After processing it with the necessary materials, the alchemists have successfully prepared this potion of youth for you, your highness."

"But let me warn you your highness, you will have to face excruciating pain during the process. You have to prepare yourself for that first."

"F-Finally. Hahaha!!" Edgar stood up in excitement. He laughed out heartily, rushing towards Vorthane. He snatched the vial from his hands and gazed at the mesmerizing crimson with a maddening craze.

"I don't fear pain Vorthane. If pain is the only price to pay for gaining my youth back, then I'll be happy to pay as much as required." Edgar then uncorked it, a faint, sweet aroma filling the air, reminiscent of forgotten spring blossoms. Without another word, he brought the vial to his lips and swallowed the contents in a single, resolute gulp.

A warmth, initially pleasant feeling spread through his veins, quickly intensifying into an inferno.

Edgar gasped, dropping the now empty vial as a searing pain lanced through every fiber of his being. His body began to contort, muscle spasming uncontrollably.

He cried out, the sound ripped from his throat as he stumbled, his royal robes tangling around his legs. The world spun, and he crashed to the floor, a groan escaping his lips. His skin tightened, feeling as though it were being stretched and then snapped back into place.

Every joint of his body screamed in protest as his frame seemed to shrink, then reform. The silver in his hair receded, replaced by the rich, dark hue of his youth. The wrinkles that had once crisscrossed his face smoothed away, leaving unblemished skin.

His once stooped shoulders straightened, his chest rising and falling with renewed vigor. The process was agonizing. He thrashed around on the floor, his senses overwhelmed by the internal upheaval.

Finally, as suddenly as it had begun, the searing pain subsided, replaced by a profound, exhilarating lightness. He lay for a moment, chest heaving, his breaths coming in sharp, shallow gasps.

Slowly, Edgar pushed himself up. His hands no longer gnarled and age-spotted, they were smooth and strong. He ran a trembling hand over his face, feeling the taut skin, the sharp line of his jaw.

He stood, clenched his fists, testing the newfound strength in his limbs as a disbelieving laugh bubbled up from deep within his chest.

"HAHAHAHAHA!! Amazing! Amazing it is! You were right all along Vorthane."

"Congratulations, your highness. You are back to your youthful charm."

"I can't thank you enough Vorthane. Ask away. Tell me what you want. Lands, titles, women? I'll give you anything, tell me!" Edgar roared in excitement, his youthful vigor flaring.

"What would I need your highness? You have giving me everything I need. Just serving you is enough for me." He bowed respectfully as he said with a smile.

"There is no doubt in your loyalty and conviction. But such a grace cannot be left without a proper reward." Edgar went into deep contemplation. He wanted to give Vorthane something as valuable as the potion.

Suddenly his face brightened. He looked up, with a wide smile on his face, he held Vorthane by his arms.

"To thank you for your unwavering loyalty and service, I'm giving you the Dragon egg."

Vorthane's eyes opened wide in shock. He never knew that such a thing existed, that too with this old and worn-out king.

"It's the egg of the destruction class dragon that was first hunted. No one has been able to hatch it till now, but I guess since you have the talent of turning the impossible possible, I believe you'll be able to hatch the egg and gain an overwhelming companion."

Vorthane's lips curved up. This was unexpected. Even with the greatest intelligence under him, this piece of information had never reached his ears. He realized only Edgar knew about it, guarding this secret all this time.

"I don't know what to say, your highness." Vorthane hesitated, he acted as if it was quite the difficult choice for him.

"I've decided. You have to accept the dragon egg. This is my command." Edgar said sternly.

"You leave me with no choice then your highness. I'll accept the reward, but with a condition."

"Tell me what is it?" Edgar asked, confused.

"If I'm successful in hatching the egg, you have to be the one to have a dragon as your pet, glorifying your majesty even further your highness."

"HAHAHAHA!! Your loyalty knows no bounds Vorthane. Alright. I'll accept this condition."

"Thank you, your highness." Vorthane bent his waist as he gave a deep bow, hiding the excitement and the wide grin that reflected his inner thoughts out.

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