"If we add that Del Delatia himself wishes to rest in a quiet place," the third added, "then that should keep any loud, nosy visitors away. After all, no one in their right mind would want to annoy a wounded dragon."
As the three offered their individual opinions, Somnus lowered his violet eyes for a moment. After thinking for only a few seconds, he gave a short but clear answer: "Approved."
But as the three subordinates quickly rose from their seats, thinking they were dismissed, Somnus raised his hand with clear irritation and motioned for them to stop.
"What are you doing? We're just getting to the main topic. Del Delatia… no, I'll call him Li Shen from now on, even in front of you." He paused before continuing with a cool but firm tone. "Starting tomorrow, I'm going to introduce you to him. Since we never know exactly when he'll wake up, the three of you are to stay in this inner palace until then."
"WhaaaaAAA?! Huh!? Y-Your Majesty, are you serious!? You're actually going to personally introduce us to the Prince of Darkness?! Oh no no no, I'm not ready to die yet!!"
"Calm down, you magic-obsessed idiot," another muttered with a sigh. "Your Majesty, just how many battalions of Royal Guards will we need around him? Because it sounds like this could easily turn into a retreat operation."
"Ho ho ho... It really pays to live a long life, doesn't it?"
As Somnus looked at his subordinates reacting with disbelief, he couldn't help but think, What is wrong with these guys?
But then again, considering how powerful the existence known as the Dominator of Arcane Magic truly was, their reactions weren't entirely unreasonable.
With a quiet sigh, he accepted it.
"As I said before, he has no memories of being Del Delatia. Mentally, he's still a teenager. According to him, he's seventeen. That makes all of you older than him. So treat him gently, the way you would with a younger boy. Understand this—under no circumstances are you to scare him or, worse, make him cry. That will not be tolerated. He still doesn't know much about this world. I've only told him the basics. Answer his questions and grant his wishes within reasonable limits. However—any form of sexual contact is absolutely, completely forbidden."
The three subordinates exchanged glances that silently screamed, What the hell is he even saying? But instead of voicing their thoughts, they bowed their heads respectfully and accepted his words in silence, showing their loyalty.
"…But may I ask why, all of a sudden, we've been chosen for this task?" the oldest among them asked, his voice measured. "It feels wrong to interrupt Your Majesty's personal time with Prince of Darkness…"
In response, Somnus gave a brief explanation of what had happened that day.
He had thought it was time for Li Shen to have space to think on his own, so after the boy woke up, he had left him alone for a while.