The Ivory Dragon gazed intently at the young dragon seated a few meters away in the center of the grand throne room.

Moments earlier, guards had arrived, carefully holding the small creature in their arms. They explained that they had found it wandering through the palace halls as though it belonged there. Longan Dragon initially considered dismissing the creature outright. Yet, upon closer inspection, they noticed its dragon features seemed unusually developed for its size. Perhaps there was strength hidden within, a potential asset.

Longan Dragon closed their eyes, leaning back on the throne as they observed the young dragon scribbling on a piece of paper with crayons that the guards had hastily provided. The guards stood by, watching over the scene.

Suddenly, Longan Dragon felt a gentle tug on the fabric of their robe. Their eyes opened swiftly, and they looked down to see the young dragon by their side.

“Sir, I drew something!” the child exclaimed, a small, hopeful smile on their face as the tip of their tail wagged. Standing on tiptoe, they held up a sheet of paper in both hands. The drawing was unmistakably in a child's style, depicting the Ivory Dragon and the younger dragon together, surrounded by flowers.

The Ivory Dragon stared at the paper, expression as unreadable as ever, silently considering what to do next.