Chapter 14: Two Dragon Scales

Hearing Ian’s suggestion, Aetherina felt it was the most feasible approach so far.

This way, pairs could look out for each other, avoiding ambushes by the demon while searching for the pearl, and splitting into three directions would increase their chances of finding it.

The thought of the demon stealing her precious pearl made Aetherina’s mood sour.

She wanted nothing more than to kill that demon on the spot.

If that demon thief stood before her, she’d cut her down like slicing vegetables.

No, that would be too lenient—she’d slice her body bit by bit, letting her die in agony.

Aetherina believed the heartache she felt this morning was because her cherished pearl was stolen.

This fueled her hatred for the demon, urging her to kill her immediately.

As Aetherina contemplated how to deal with the demon, Ian felt an inexplicable chill.

The feeling intensified when he looked at Aetherina.

This Aetherina was definitely thinking something about him.

Was she upset because he was too close to Lilian, stealing a fish from her pond? Was she plotting to take him out?

Or was it because he suggested pairing with Princess Flora, making her think he was after her heroines?

The thought of being misunderstood as poaching from Aetherina’s pond, touching her reverse scale, filled Ian with dread.

Was she holding a grudge? He’d have to watch his back at night, lest he end up with seventeen stab wounds and be ruled a suicide.

“Thanks for your suggestion, Ian. It’s very helpful.” Aetherina smiled at him.

Despite her stunning beauty—silver-white hair, deep blue eyes, and a smile that felt like a spring breeze—it wasn’t comforting to Ian.

To him, Aetherina’s smile was as terrifying as meeting Satan in hell.

Ian, slightly rattled, said slowly, “It’s my honor to help.”

He turned to see Lilian timidly hiding behind him.

“Second Young Miss, are you okay teaming up with Aetherina?”

“Mm.” Lilian stepped out obediently, her face flushing as she looked at Aetherina, like a bride-to-be.

Seeing Lilian move to Aetherina’s side, Ian felt a wave of relief.

“Finally, the first step in getting Lilian closer to Aetherina.”

He knew the first step would lead to a second, and in time, Lilian winning Aetherina over was inevitable.

But Flora, watching this, felt uneasy.

“Damn that Ian, making me miss my chance, letting Lilian team up with Aetherina.”

“Sophia headed south, so we’ll check the north.” Aetherina said to Ian and Flora.

Just as Aetherina was about to leave, she paused. “Did I forget to give Sophia the demon’s scale?”

“Seems like it.” Ian agreed.

“Princess Sophia’s been gone for a while, and with her eagerness, she’s probably far off. It’d be hard to catch her now.”

Aetherina nodded at Ian’s words. “Fair point. It’s a bit risky for Sophia to go alone, so Lilian and I will head south to check on her.”

As she spoke, Aetherina handed the scales to Ian, saying, “Please take these, Ian. If you encounter an enemy too strong, prioritize your safety.”

She then gave him one of her own dragon scales. “If you’re in danger, crush this scale, and I’ll come immediately.”

Ian knew he’d face no danger—after all, the demon Aetherina referred to was his other self, Ian.

Would he transform into Ian, then call Aetherina to arrest himself? That was absurd.

Still, Ian accepted her dragon scale.

He had no reason to refuse, as Aetherina was showing concern, and rejecting it would look bad.

“Thank you, Aetherina.” Ian took the two scales she handed him.

Flora, standing beside Aetherina, stared intensely at the dragon scale, her eyes practically glowing with desire.

Ian could tell Flora desperately wanted the scale but was too shy to ask Aetherina for one.

Since Ian, in their group, already had the scale, Flora asking for another would seem greedy.

Aetherina’s scales weren’t limitless, after all.

“We’ll head out now.”

With that, Aetherina led Lilian toward the south of Saint Roland Magic Academy.

“We should get going too.” Ian said to Flora, who was fixated on the scale in his hand.

“Yeah, where should we go?” Flora replied absentmindedly, her thoughts clearly not on finding Aetherina’s treasure.

At that moment, Flora shed her usual elegant, refined demeanor, looking like an obsessed fangirl fixated on Aetherina’s scale.

Her gaze followed Ian’s hand, tracking its every move.

Seeing Flora so out of it, Ian had no good ideas.

Might as well let it be—finding Ian was impossible anyway, and Flora’s state made it easier for him to stir the pot.

But her current behavior was a bit unsettling.

Her gaze on his right hand was like a starving tiger eyeing a lamb.

Better to give Aetherina’s dragon scale to Flora—he’d never use it anyway.

With that thought, Ian called out to her.

“Princess Flora, you should keep this dragon scale.”

Hearing Ian, Flora swallowed hard, her eyes filled with both desire for the scale and approval of Ian.

She feigned reluctance. “How could I? Aetherina gave it to you. How can I take it?”

Ian saw through Flora’s act of polite refusal.

If her eyes weren’t practically glued to the scale, he might’ve believed her.

Ian continued, “Aetherina gave the scale to our group. It doesn’t matter who holds it.”

“Plus, Princess Flora, you’re stronger. If we’re attacked by a demon, you’d react faster to crush the scale.”

Flora, hearing Ian’s words, smiled with satisfaction. “Is that so? Well, I won’t refuse then.”

She extended her delicate, pale hand toward Ian.

Ian didn’t hesitate, ready to hand over Aetherina’s dragon scale.

But he faced a dilemma: Aetherina had given him two scales together, and they looked somewhat similar.

For a moment, Ian couldn’t tell which was Aetherina’s and which was Ian’s.

Whatever, they’re similar enough.

He’d just give Flora one—she probably wouldn’t notice the difference.

After all, Aetherina usually appeared human at the academy.

Hardly anyone had seen her scales, let alone could identify hers.

With that, Ian prepared to hand Flora one of the scales.