After eating and bathing, Liszt chose not to spend the night at Tinder Castle. Instead, he put on the Gemstone Crown, rode the Invisible Dragon Bard through space, and returned to Thorn Castle on Black Horse Island for the night.
He wanted to soothe his elves, as well as Ornn, the Gray Cast Iron Dragon guarding Black Horse Island. He rode him for a while, trying to leave behind his mental imprint. After many days, Ornn's negative feelings toward him had gradually faded, and he had begun trying to accept Liszt's care.
Positive emotions continued to build.
"Roar!" For the first time, Ornn expressed delight at Liszt's arrival.
Thus, man and dragon circled above Black Horse Island at night. They did not attempt to develop many skills, merely practiced the Dragon Battle Qi Manual created by the Gray Cast Iron Dragon riders of previous generations. Wearing the Gemstone Crown, Liszt felt that his coordination with Ornn had indeed greatly enhanced their strength.
This artifact was immensely valuable, truly worthy of having been crafted by an ancient Magus.
Of course, perhaps the Gemstone Crown was better suited for a Magus. He could let A Ke try wearing it later—after all, there was no distinction between him and A Ke; whoever needed it could wear it.
After taking a few laps around the island, he returned to Thorn Castle. Zyra, the Thorn Great Elf, had already been waiting early in the castle's sitting room. Waiting alongside her was Ashe, the Great Elf Pea.
"Wuwa, Liszt, you came back and didn't even visit me!" Zyra charged in with an imposing complaint.
"I heard you were sleeping, so I didn't disturb you." Liszt picked Zyra up and placed her on the table in the sitting room. Then he said solemnly, "Zyra, you've grown up.