Inside the royal council chamber of Kingdom of Lumeris, tension quietly lingered in the air.
Reports, maps, and intelligence documents covered the massive table at the center of the room.
King Cedric sat at the head of the chamber while advisors and military officers surrounded him.
Behind the king stood Ebruhan.
Calm.
Silent.
Watching.
The atmosphere itself felt heavier simply because a dragon stood within the room.
Cedric slowly folded his hands together.
"As all of you are already aware…"
His eyes moved across the gathered council.
"Norvoss has now visited our kingdom directly."
Several officers immediately looked more serious.
The king continued:
"And I believe everyone present understands why I summoned this meeting."
One royal advisor nodded grimly.
"We can safely assume Norvoss has already begun seeking methods against Lord Ebruhan and Lady Dark Flame."
A few officers shifted uncomfortably after hearing that name.
Mia's existence alone had already started spreading through neighboring nations like wildfire.
Ebruhan finally spoke afterward.
"I can already confirm that assumption."
One general leaned forward slightly.
"Surely they cannot truly threaten dragons."
He looked toward Ebruhan confidently.
"You alone could likely destroy their fleets with ease."
Several officers nodded in agreement.
But Ebruhan's expression did not change.
"If they attack recklessly…"
His golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"…then yes."
A brief pause followed.
"But this is Norvoss."
The chamber quieted further afterward.
Ebruhan slowly crossed his arms.
"They conquered kingdoms through preparation."
"Not stupidity."
That line alone immediately killed much of the earlier confidence.
Ebruhan continued calmly:
"I possess limits."
"And if they have already begun researching dragons…"
His gaze shifted toward the war map.
"…then they will not confront us directly until they believe they possess methods to level the battlefield."
One older officer frowned deeply.
"You believe humans could truly threaten dragons?"
Ebruhan answered immediately:
"Humans become dangerous the moment they stop underestimated something "
Ebruhan remained silent for several moments after speaking about Norvoss.
Then his expression shifted slightly.
More serious.
"There is another concern."
The council chamber quieted immediately again.
Ebruhan slowly looked toward King Cedric.
"Mia's growth phase is approaching."
Several advisors visibly stiffened at those words.
Even veteran officers exchanged uneasy glances.
Because everyone in the room understood one thing:
Dragon growth phases were not simple changes.
They were dangerous periods even for dragons themselves.
Ebruhan continued calmly:
"So I will need to prepare for it."
His arms crossed slowly.
"You all understand how unstable dragon growth phases can become."
One advisor nodded carefully.
"Yes… mana fluctuations, aggression spikes, exhaustion…"
Ebruhan gave a slight nod.
"If her growth phase begins suddenly…"
"…then I may need to remain near her."
King Cedric leaned forward slightly.
"You believe it could become severe?"
Ebruhan paused briefly before answering honestly:
"She is an Abyssal black dragon."
That alone answered enough.
Several council members looked noticeably more nervous afterward
Ebruhan continued:
"So I may be unable to attend certain meetings unless absolutely necessary."
"And if required…"
His golden eyes narrowed slightly.
"…I may temporarily reduce long-range patrol activity."
One general frowned immediately.
"That could leave some border regions exposed."
Ebruhan looked directly at him.
"Yes."
No excuses.
No softening.
Just truth.
Then he added:
"But if Mia loses control during a growth phase without proper supervision…"
The chamber became silent again.
Because nobody present truly wanted to imagine what an unstable Abyss dragon growth phase might look like.
Ebruhan's voice lowered slightly afterward.
"She trusts me."
"And I intend to ensure nothing harms her during that period."
That line carried more weight than some officers expected.
Not merely duty.
Protection.
Loyalty.
King Cedric eventually sighed quietly before nodding.
"Understood."
"We will increase military patrol coordination temporarily."
Another advisor carefully asked:
"How long her dragon growth phases usually last?"
Ebruhan answered calmly:
"That depends entirely on herself"