Night.
Inside a private lounge aboard a warship.
On the cabinet beside the bed, a Magic Lamp gave off a soft white glow.
It illuminated the figures of the two people in the room.
Crown Prince William stood beside the elderly Spellcaster Buck.
The two gazed at each other.
After a long moment, William frowned.
"That dragon saw through your strength at a glance? Do dragons have that ability?"
"Ordinary dragons certainly don't. He actually said my Magic Power was dense? What utter nonsense! I had my Magic Power fluctuations under perfect control. Who knows how he saw through me?"
Old Buck shook his head, looking equally incredulous.
"Won't this affect our subsequent plans? Will it make it difficult to make our move?"
A hint of worry showed on William's face.
"Rest assured, Your Highness! Those Dragon Cubs may indeed be prodigies among dragons, but they're only Young Dragons. How strong could they possibly be?"
"If Niro City's strongest Paladin were here, he might cause a little trouble.
"But he isn't here now. He's staying put in the city, guarding their lord.
"What would capturing a few little dragons amount to for me?
"Once battle breaks out, I only need to strike amid the chaos! The power of the Hero Realm far exceeds the limits of a few Dragon Cubs!"
"Your Highness! You'll have your dragon blood!"
Old Buck smiled sinisterly. The lower half of his face, beyond the reach of the firelight, made him look particularly menacing.
"Good... A single dragon that has only just reached adulthood is already struggling to meet my needs. I must possess greater power. Only then can I stand out among my many brothers and sisters! After that, I'll repay you..."
The crown prince spoke softly, his words carrying an implication.
"Of course! My