"Roman succeeded in riding a dragon?"
Looking at the report from his subordinate, Count Merlin narrowed his eyes, then revealed a faint smile.
"So that brat Roman was playing tricks at the Elder Council that day because he had his sights set on riding a dragon." He lit a Cloud and Mist Rain Dragon Cigar and took a leisurely puff. "The Ghost Fire Family is full of crafty bastards."
"Grandfather, did Uncle succeed in riding a dragon?" Mel, who was studying governmental affairs, asked in surprise.
"Just a few days ago, after the Elder Council tried Clay Dragon Ross, Roman succeeded in riding a dragon... Waiting until nearly fifty to do so is nothing remarkable." Count Merlin watched the unbroken ash at the tip of his cigar. "He is far inferior to his father, Rhode..."
Perhaps people liked reminiscing as they grew old. Count Merlin found himself recalling events from a very, very long time ago.
Back then.
He and Rhode had been about the same age. One was the heir of a hereditary High Noble family, while the other was merely the son of a knighted lord from a minor noble house.
Yet they had both trained in the Dragon Blood Knights and fought side by side on the snowfields.
Count Merlin still remembered how, at a Red Keep ball, Rhode had met the young Lady Ingrid. He had fallen in love at first sight and become engaged to her, though they had been too young to marry at the time.
In just a few short years, Rhode's father had suddenly acquired a Clay Dragon. He became invincible in hunting Snow Demons and was directly granted the title of Baron Gloomlight by Quentin III Shadowflame.
After receiving a noble surname, Rhode Fluorite married Ingrid and had Roman Fluorite Mushroom.