Dogs Follow Their Masters

That can wait until the prologue ends.
For now—keeping the Imperial Winged Dragon nearby does increase Black’s survival chances.

As for Seth…

Well—he’d been thoroughly offended. When he woke—he’d definitely come after him.

Especially since his family’s Overlord Spear was still with Black.

But no need to worry too much. Counting the days—Royal Fleet would enter the Caribbean Sea in about two days.

The fleet’s combat readiness would sharply rise. Even Seth would have to think twice during such a critical moment.

Thinking of the Caribbean Sea—Black’s nerves instantly tightened.

“Jörmungandr… I hope everything goes smoothly.”

Fighting a god-tier being—hard to predict what might go wrong.

One step at a time.

Before that—he had to eliminate some Dragonblood Council members.

Like Yellow Dragon.

Last time—Black impersonated him, stole the Dragonfang Blade.

Now—the Council must be in chaos, no one able to take responsibility.

Naturally—the blame would fall on Yellow Dragon.

The Council’s punishment for traitors? Extremely cruel.

If Black guessed right—Yellow Dragon should now be severely wounded, near death.
Their leader probably left him just enough breath.

And Black’s job? Use the Dragonfang Blade to end his life.

With these heavy thoughts—Black fell asleep.

****

Next morning—he wasn’t woken by Maid Leader Mary—but by the little dragon.

“Chirp chirp!”

Black felt something sticky on his face—opened his eyes to see the hatchling licking him.

Seeing Black awake—the little thing got super excited, jumping nonstop.

“What’re you doing so early?”

Black yawned—dark circles under his eyes—grabbed the dragon’s nape, tossed it to the floor.

Pulled the blanket over—went back to sleep.

This piqued the dragon’s anger.

Whoosh!

It spread its wings—gently flapped—wind elements in the room instantly agitated!

A gale roared—Black was thrown to the floor.

“Ow ow ow.”
“Hey—you little brat, got quite a temper—fighting fire with fire, huh?”

Black rubbed his sore butt—annoyed.

The dragon huffed and puffed—like laughing at Black.

It pointed its claw at its mouth—conveying hunger.

Ah—so it was hungry.

Of course—dragon appetite was huge.

Black understood—stood up—told the little one:

“Alright—let’s go eat!”

The dragon seemed to get it—whoosh—flew onto his shoulder—excitedly licked his face.

“Real glutton—just like Elaina, the little bunny.”
“I wonder how you’ll become the new king of Winged Dragons…”

Muttering—heading to the door. Pushed it open—surprised.

Two strong, fierce-looking Dragoncleaver Guards—longswords at their waists—stood guard.

Seeing him—they even bowed.

What’s going on?

Black was confused. He wasn’t some big shot—why were guards at his door?

“Good morning, brothers. What’s this about?”

“Brother—Princess Alice ordered us to guard your room these days—to prevent anyone from harming you.”

One guard said respectfully.

Ah.

Black understood.

The “princess” could only be Alice.

Never expected she’d care so much now.

Knowing he might be targeted by Seth—she sent guards to protect him.

Was this the same villainess?

Black thought—after last night’s accident—she’d hate him.

Guess he underestimated her kindness.

“Then—thank you both.”

Black returned the bow.

Since the princess did this—he wouldn’t refuse.

After all—if Seth really attacked—Level 45 Knight vs. his true power—even in Flow State—he couldn’t win.

Leaving the room—Black took the dragon toward the Hodir’s cafeteria.

Along the way—everyone who saw him stared, chattered.

Black faintly heard words like “beat up Seth,” “won three contests,” “danced with the princess.”

Not surprising—those present last night must’ve spread the word.

Now—he was a celebrity across the fleet.

Annoying—but he had to accept it.

At breakfast—something hilarious happened.

Though still a hatchling—the dragon’s appetite was terrifying.

Seafood, fruits, grains—anything edible, it devoured.

Half the cafeteria’s food—gone.

This enraged Maid Leader Mary.

Seeing the owner was Black—her fury exploded.

Yelling “Like master, like pet!”—how winning three contests didn’t change a bad guy.

Master and pet—kicked out of the cafeteria—left outside, blown by sea wind.

“Thanks to you, kid—we won’t eat again.”

Black poked the dragon’s head—complaining.

Luckily—he’d hidden a meat bun. Wouldn’t starve.

Just pulled it out—the dragon struck fast—snatched and swallowed the bun.

“Damn it—are you a dragon or a pig?! So greedy?!”

Black was stunned—wanted to return this dragon.

At this rate—food costs alone would be a fortune.

The dragon huffed proudly.

Just as Black planned to teach it a lesson—Karina arrived.

“Mr. Black—Princess Alice requests your presence. She’s at the training ground.”

Alice wanted him?
“Alright—I’ll go.”

No idea why—but he had to go.

At the training ground—Alice wore a sharp martial outfit, still practicing basic slashes on dummies.

Morning light streamed through windows—cutting wooden floors into alternating light-dark squares.

Alice stood alone in the center—shedding her usual ornate uniform.

In a simple white martial outfit—silk fabric slightly damp with sweat—clinging to her curves.

Waist taut as a bowstring—every turn making her hem flutter—revealing a sliver of snow-white skin.

Legs cutting sharp arcs in tight pants—ankles delicate when toes tapped ground.

Most eye-catching? Her chest—rising and falling with each sword move.