That evening, Leon placed a few chili peppers and the box of throat lozenges from Noah on his desk. Then, he began preparing the next day's review materials and lesson plan.
Noah's understanding and talent were truly exceptional. Leon had to constantly stay ahead, running to keep up without pause, just to ensure he wasn't holding her back. Raising such a brilliant daughter was like nurturing a strong sapling—it required continuous watering, care, and a steady stream of nutrients to help it grow into a tall, sturdy tree that could one day provide shelter.
Fortunately, Leon had learned many efficient study methods at the Dragon-Slaying Academy and had cultivated the habit of late nights. Otherwise, his daughter—and that stubborn mother dragon—might have already looked down on him.
At that thought, Leon suddenly paused. He realized he seemed to care more and more about what Rossweise thought of him. If the family dinner a few days ago had shown him that Rossweise didn't despise him, then in her eyes, Leon was no longer the formidable dragon slayer he once was. That was why he had that "sudden episode" after dinner, teaching the Queen a lesson.
So, everything that followed—secretly gathering ingredients for the Dragon Power tonic, burning the midnight oil to prepare lessons—while partly driven by his determination to be a good father, was also tied to Leon caring about Rossweise's opinion.
Leon scratched his nose and chuckled to himself.
"Hmph, it's all for my daughter. It has nothing to do with that mother dragon."
It was the first time he'd said something like that, but why did it sound familiar? Then he remembered: on the day of the double dragon mark in the treasury, Rossweise had said something similar.
Leon shook his head, refocused, and threw himself into lesson preparation.
He worked late into the night, past eleven o'clock. When drowsiness washed over him, Leon grabbed a chili pepper and took a bite. It was just as spicy as the day before.
After gulping down cold water, he set aside the prepared materials and took out the herbs Anna had brought him during dinner.
There were over ten packages, but only five or six were actually needed for the Dragon Power medicine.
Leon opened the relevant packages. The herbs varied—some he recognized from the empire, others were unique to the dragon clan.
Rubbing his hands together, he opened the herbal manual to the Dragon Power page.
"Alright, let's get started!"
Leon began the medicine-making process. He mixed and crushed two types of herbs, then burned a specific herb into ashes and collected the powder in a small bottle for later use.
After cleaning a test tube, he continued reading.
"The next step is… to mix these three herbs, then pour them into the clear liquid made from Sky Blue Wood, stir well, and then…"
Leon studied this section intently, his focus sharpening.
"How to extract the active components from the mixed herb powder… The book lists two methods."
"One is high-temperature separation, but this requires precise temperature control. Too hot or not hot enough, and it fails."
"The second is physical separation,using high-speed spinning to shake out the needed parts. But physical separation is very slow…"
Leon looked at his limited herb supply. Physical separation wouldn't be sufficient.
And high-temperature separation required special equipment, like an alcohol lamp with a fire rune.
But finding a test tube in his room had been hard enough. Where would he get an alcohol lamp?
Just as he was worrying, Leon heard the door lock click. He quickly stuffed the herbs messily back into the drawer.
Click, clack!
From the sound of the high heels, he knew it was Rossweise.
"Hi." The Queen walked into the bedroom and greeted him first.
Leon raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Wow, you're in a good mood tonight, Your Majesty. You even said 'hi' to me."
Rossweise sat on the edge of the bed, lifted her legs, leaned back slightly, and gazed at Leon with her striking eyes.
"My mood is indeed good."
"Why is that?"
"Noah is happy, you know. When my daughter is happy, I'm happy too."
Leon turned around, resting his arms on the back of the chair. "How is she happy?"
Rossweise shrugged. "She learned many new things she'd never heard before. Even with familiar knowledge, you offer her a different perspective, and she finds it fascinating."
Leon was surprised. He had always seen Noah with a serious expression. He didn't expect her to show satisfaction in private, especially to Rossweise.
He felt a secret glow of pride. His daughter was more thoughtful than she appeared, despite her cold exterior.
After a pause, Rossweise added, "You're doing well too, Leon."
Hearing this, Leon grinned, almost laughing aloud. It wasn't every day the mother dragon praised someone.
But Rossweise quickly added, "Of course, it's mainly because Noah is naturally very smart."
Leon gave her a sidelong glance, pressed his lips together, and tried to claim some credit.
"That's for sure. My daughter is definitely smart."
"If it weren't for your half of the genes,she would definitely be even smarter," Rossweise retorted.
"Why don't you say your half of the genes held her back?" Leon fired back without hesitation.
"Because dragons are perfect beings.Humans are full of flaws."
"That's a stereotype.Humans have many good qualities, you know? Besides, dragons aren't perfect at all."
Rossweise raised an eyebrow, tilted her head, and asked with interest, "How are dragons not perfect?"
"Dragons… uh… dragons…"
They had power passed down for millennia. Their rule was based on "might makes right." They could shapeshift between human and dragon forms. Dragon children matured incredibly fast. And they were utterly loyal to their mates.
Leon scratched his head, realizing this species seemed to have no obvious flaws.
"Hmph, can't think of anything, can you?" Rossweise said triumphantly.
Leon's eyes shifted, and he suddenly said, "Your dragon clan holds a grudge for a long time…" He didn't need to elaborate; he knew this dragoness understood exactly what he meant.
Rossweise was visibly taken aback. She clearly hadn't expected that response.
After a moment of surprise, the Queen chuckled. She didn't deny it and simply said, "Don't worry, Dragon Slayer. You'll get even stronger in the future."
"…I'm really tempted to jump off that 18-meter-high Silver Dragon Temple," Leon said in despair.
Rossweise covered her mouth and laughed. "Alright, let's talk about our daughter."
"As you wish."
"Then you should understand that Noah is actually a very good girl.The throat lozenges were her idea to give to you. So, she's not as cold and distant as she seems."
At this, Rossweise lowered her gaze. The slight smile on her lips faded.
She looked at the tip of her shoe and said quietly, "She's just… too grown-up for her age. She should be at an age where she can peacefully enjoy being with her parents, like Muen does. But she has her own independent thoughts and… her own needs."
Leon considered this seriously. "Her needs… are what?"
"That's something you'll have to figure out slowly yourself. Anyway, one thing you said is right, Leon. She is your daughter, and she's very smart, just like… you."
Rossweise stood up. It seemed she was ending the conversation for the night.
But before leaving, she sniffed the air and frowned slightly.
"Why does it smell like medicine in here?"
Leon panicked internally but stood up quickly, feigning calm.
"Ah,I was a bit tired earlier, so I drank a bottle of nutritional supplement. That's where the smell is from."
This mother dragon must not discover the Dragon Power medicine. If she did, she'd surely make a mockery of it—and whatever respect Leon had earned in this family would vanish!
Rossweise nodded and didn't pursue it further. "Alright, I'll have Anna bring you more nutritional supplements tomorrow. Take good care of yourself."
Leon couldn't help but feel that her words, "Take good care of yourself," carried a hint of teasing…
This mother dragon was definitely hinting at something again!