“Haah…”

Eruhaben sighs, staring down at the cup of tea in his hands. A warm breeze blows through the Black Castle courtyard, carrying with it the scent of spring.

It is peaceful. A brief reprieve from the near-nonstop chaos that has been his life since meeting Cale Henituse. Really, to think just a few years ago he was ready to die of old age and quietly return to nature.

Yet here he is now, rejuvenated and fairly young again thanks to Cale. It still feels strange to have the body of his prime back, yet at the same time it feels completely familiar.

The Wolf children are making a ruckus on the other side of the castle. He can hear the cheerful noises of their training as he enjoys a calm cup of tea.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve had a break by myself.’

Normally, he would have at least one person hanging around. The little kid, Rosalyn the human mage, Sheritt the previous dragon lord…

Despite being a dragon, the presence of others has become… pleasant. It is not so bad to be a mentor and a grandfather and a guardian to these younger beings.

Just as the thought of his unusual solitude crosses his mind, a presence makes itself known.

He casts a glance in their direction, setting down his cup of tea. “Ah, it’s you. Coming to disturb an elder?”