Morning sunlight filtered through the wooden gaps of the barn.
Dust floated lazily in warm beams of light.
Mia was curled comfortably on a thick pile of hay, wings loosely folded, tail wrapped around herself. Her breathing was slow and steady.
Peaceful.
Until—
Pat… pat…
A familiar hand began stroking the side of her neck.
Leo.
As usual.
He had come to visit before breakfast.
"Morning, Mia."
She grumbled softly but didn't open her eyes.
Leo grinned and continued scratching behind her jaw.
Then his fingers slid under her chin and scratched gently along the soft scales there.
For a moment—
Nothing.
Then—
Prrrrrrrrr…
Leo froze.
His eyes widened.
"Wait…"
He scratched again.
Prrrrrrrrrr…
"…Are you purring?"
Mia's eyes snapped open.
"…No."
Prrr… grrr… prrr…
Leo's grin slowly stretched from ear to ear.
"HAHA— YOU ARE PURRING!"
"…No. I—"
Prrr…
"…am not—"
Prrrrrr…
Her hind leg suddenly twitched.
Then it lifted slightly and started kicking the air automatically.
Leo stared.
Then exploded.
"HAHAHAHAHA!! OH MY GOD!!"
Mia growled in pure humiliation.
Yet the rumbling purr kept betraying her.
Her back leg continued the instinctive scratch-kick.
Leo nearly collapsed laughing.
"You're doing the leg thing!!"
"Stop."
Prrrrrr…
"I am serious."
Leo wiped tears from his eyes.
"You sound like a giant cat!"
She glared at him.
"…You are acting like a child, Leo."
He puffed up proudly.
"Pfft. I'm still your big brother! Respect your elders!"
Mia froze for half a second.
Her brain supplied a very unwanted reminder.
(I was a 22-year-old man.)
(And I just got big-brothered.)
"…Unacceptable."
Leo reached to scratch her again.
She immediately stood up and walked toward the barn exit.
"Hey! Come back here!"
She spun her head and hissed.
"HISSSSSSSSS."
Leo clutched his chest dramatically.
"What?! Hissing at your brother? Bad dragon!"
She shoved him sideways with her head.
Not hard.
Just enough.
Leo grinned slowly.
"Oh."
He rolled his shoulders.
"We doing this now?"
"Come here!"
The chase began.
Mia swung her tail.
Leo jumped aside.
She bumped him with her head.
He dodged.
They circled across the open estate yard like two oversized children.
Leo ducked under a wing swipe.
"Too slow!"
Mia lunged forward—
And suddenly pinned him to the grass.
Her massive dragon head dropped squarely onto his chest.
OOF—
All the air left Leo's lungs.
He wheezed.
Five meters of dragon.
Directly on his ribs.
Mia lowered her eyes smugly.
"…Give up?"
Leo gasped dramatically.
Then—
His hand reached up.
Scratch scratch.
Under the chin.
Mia froze.
Prrrrrrrrrr…
Her eyes widened in horror.
Her body betrayed her again.
Leo immediately rolled sideways and flipped the situation, rubbing her belly as she collapsed onto the grass.
"Victory!!"
She purred uncontrollably for a few seconds.
Then—
Realizing what was happening—
She snapped upright, shoved him away, and transformed.
Black-purple smoke swirled.
A moment later—
Human Mia stood there.
Hair messy.
Eyes narrowed.
She picked up a stick.
Leo blinked.
"…Oh shit."
Mia raised the stick slowly.
"You are dead."
Leo turned and ran instantly.
"CATCH ME FIRST!! HAHAHA!"
She chased him across the yard, swinging the stick wildly.
Servants stopped their chores to watch.
The quiet estate morning filled with laughter and shouting.
From the manor window, Vinson observed calmly.
"…They grow up fast."
Miss Korbi arrived beside him with a tray.
"They certainly do, sir."
She handed him a cup.
"Your lemon tea."
Outside—
Leo tripped.
Mia swung.
He rolled sideways just in time.
"HA!"
He grabbed another stick from the ground and held it like a sword.
"Sword lesson!"
He struck a dramatic pose.
"By the name of the future Count, I challenge you, dragon!"
Mia's eye twitched.
"…You are insufferable."
She raised her stick.
They clashed.
Wood tapped against wood.
Leo actually moved well—his school training showing in his stance.
He blocked
He parrry
Within seconds—
Tap.
Her stick flew out of her hands.
Leo pointed his stick proudly.
"Behold! The skills of the future Count!"
Mia stared at him.
Then slowly—
Black smoke burst around her.
Dragon form returned instantly.
Leo's confidence evaporated.
"Hey… hey… no—"
Her massive head dropped onto his chest again.
OOF—
Wheezing noises returned.
"You cheat—"
"You said you challenged a dragon."
"…Fair point."
He tried scratching her again.
She immediately jumped up and ran.
Leo grabbed his stick and sprinted after her.
"Prepare to be defeated, dragon!"
And of course—
The "battle" continued.
Across the grass.
Through the courtyard.
Between garden paths.
Miss Korbi watched from the manor steps, smiling warmly.
"hehe…Kids."
The morning "battle" continued for quite a while.
Running.
Dodging.
Swinging sticks.
Occasionally cheating with dragon weight.
Eventually, Leo collapsed onto the stone edge of the courtyard fountain, breathing heavily.
"Phew… that was rough."
Sweat dripped down his forehead as he wiped it with his sleeve.
"I'm jealous of you dragons. You guys don't sweat?"
Nearby, Mia lowered her head into the fountain and slurped water loudly.
Cool water trickled down the edges of her black scales.
Inside her mind, a random thought appeared.
(Dragons are probably reptiles… I guess.)
She lifted her head and glanced at Leo.
"Hmph."
Water dripped from her chin.
"I am still mad at you."
Leo groaned.
"Oh come on."
He leaned back against the fountain.
"Don't be like that to your big brother."
She narrowed her eyes.
But before she could reply—
The distant sound of hooves echoed through the estate gate.
Clop. Clop. Clop.
Three armored riders entered the courtyard.
Their armor gleamed with the royal crest.
Mia's eyes immediately sharpened.
Leo straightened up.
"Royal guards?"
The lead knight dismounted. His armor bore the insignia of a captain.
He bowed slightly.
"Good morning, young master. Is your father present?"
Leo nodded.
"Yeah."
Right on cue, Vinson stepped out from the manor entrance.
Calm.
Composed.
"Captain Keith."
His voice carried across the courtyard.
"What brings you here?"
The captain removed his helmet respectfully.
"Lord Vinson."
His gaze briefly shifted toward the enormous black dragon beside the fountain.
"We received information regarding a new dragon residing in your estate."
Mia blinked.
(Information travels fast…)
Keith continued.
"The royal palace would like to request her presence for inspection."
Vinson's expression didn't change.
"For what reason, may I ask?"
His tone remained polite, but firm.
"No offense intended, Captain. I simply wish to understand the purpose."
Keith nodded.
"The Royal Council wishes to confirm that the dragon poses no threat to the kingdom."
He paused before adding,
"Additionally… His Majesty wishes to introduce her to Ebruhan."
Vinson's eyebrow lifted slightly.
"The royal protector dragon?"
"Yes."
The courtyard fell briefly quiet.
Mia leaned closer to Leo and whispered.
"…Leo. Who is Ebruhan?"
Leo whispered back.
"He's a blue dragon."
"The protector of the royal palace."
"I heard he's about twenty-one years old or something."
Leo scratched his head.
"Pretty young for a royal dragon."
(Twenty-one…)
(That's… basically my previous life age.)
Mia blinked slowly.
Meanwhile, Vinson finished speaking with the knights.
Captain Keith mounted his horse again.
"We will wait near the palace gates."
He nodded respectfully.
Then the three riders turned their horses and rode back out through the estate entrance.
As the sound of hooves faded away—
Vinson turned toward Mia.
"Mia."
His voice was calm but clear.
"Kindly follow them."
Leo immediately protested.
"What?! Why?!"
He jumped to his feet.
"I want to ride her to the palace!"
Vinson gave him a single look.
"Leo."
"You need to wash yourself first."
Leo looked down.
Sweat.
Grass stains.
Dirt from rolling around with a dragon.
"…Oh."
"And we will go there as proper nobles."
Leo groaned dramatically.
"Fiiine…"
Mia suppressed a small amused rumble.
She spread her wings.
Massive black wings unfolded across the courtyard.
With one powerful leap—
She launched into the air.
Ahead, the three royal knights rode toward the capital road.
Mia angled her wings and followed behind them through the bright morning sky.
The wind rushed past Mia's wings as she followed the three royal knights along the road toward the capital.
Soon the royal palace appeared in the distance.
Tall white walls.
Massive towers.
Banners of the kingdom fluttering in the morning breeze.
As the knights passed through the palace gates, Mia descended behind them.
Immediately—
Click. Click. Click.
Several large arrow cannons mounted along the walls turned toward her.
Heavy crossbow mechanisms creaked as guards aimed the weapons straight at the approaching dragon.
Mia slowed her descent but didn't panic.
She simply hovered.
Watching.
Waiting.
Then one of the gate captains raised his hand.
"Hold!"
The cannons stopped moving.
A guard stepped forward and pointed toward a wide stone landing platform just inside the courtyard.
"Dragon! Land there!"
Mia snorted lightly.
(Dragon… how polite.)
Still, she angled her wings and descended.
Her claws touched the stone platform with a heavy thud.
Wings folded slowly.
Immediately, the courtyard guards began whispering among themselves.
"That's the black dragon…"
"She's smaller than I expected."
"Look at those scales…"
"Is she dangerous?"
Mia heard every word.
She ignored them all.
Instead, she calmly waited.
Several minutes later—
The sound of carriage wheels rolled into the courtyard.
Leo jumped out of the family cart before it even stopped.
"Mia!"
He waved excitedly.
Vinson stepped down behind him, maintaining his usual composed expression.
They walked over and stood beside her.
Then the palace doors opened.
Royal guards lined up.
The King stepped out first, dressed in formal robes.
The Queen walked beside him with quiet elegance.
And beside them—
A young Prince, roughly Leo's age.
The prince spotted Leo immediately.
Leo grinned.
The prince grinned back.
Instant understanding.
Meanwhile, behind the royal family—
Something large moved.
Heavy footsteps echoed across the courtyard.
A blue dragon stepped forward.
His scales were deep sapphire with faint silver patterns.
Bright yellow eyes observed everything calmly.
He was slightly larger than Mia.
Perhaps eight… maybe nine meters long.
Leo whispered quietly to Mia.
"That's him."
"Ebruhan."
The formal greetings began.
Vinson bowed respectfully to the King.
"Your Majesty."
The King nodded.
"Count Vinson."
Meanwhile—
Leo and the Prince greeted each other much less formally.
"Hey!"
"Hey!"
They clasped hands like old friends.
Then—
The blue dragon noticed Mia.
His yellow eyes widened slightly.
He stepped forward.
Closer.
Closer.
Mia raised an eyebrow.
(Why is he coming here…)
Then suddenly—
Sniff.
His large snout moved right next to her neck.
Sniff. Sniff.
Mia blinked.
"…Hey."
No response.
Sniff.
"…Excuse me?"
He leaned closer again.
Sniffing the air around her scales with intense curiosity.
Finally he pulled his head back politely.
"My apologies, miss."
His voice was calm and surprisingly gentle.
"I am simply… quite curious about your mana capacity.
Mia sigh..
"…Still."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You could ask first."
Ebruhan blinked.
Then laughed softly.
"…Fair point."
His gaze lingered on her a moment longer.
"…Your mana is unusual."
Mia tilted her head slightly.
"Unusual how?"
The blue dragon's yellow eyes shimmered thoughtfully.
"…It feels ancient."
The courtyard went quiet for a brief moment.
Even the wind seemed to pause.
Ebruhan looked at her again with clear fascination.
"…And extremely dense."
Leo leaned toward the prince and whispered loudly.
"Is it just me or is he flirting with my sister?"
The prince nearly choked trying not to laugh.
The King looked toward Mia calmly.
"Please follow us to the council chamber. The elders and royal advisors would like to meet…"
He paused slightly.
"…Miss?"
Leo immediately spoke up.
"Her name is Mia, sir."
The King nodded once.
"Mia. Please follow us."
The Royal Council Chamber was vast.
Tall pillars supported the domed ceiling.
Long rows of seats formed a half-circle around the center floor.
Elders.
Advisors.
Royal mages.
Military officers.
All seated in their designated places.
As the royal family entered, everyone stood briefly before sitting again.
The King and Queen took their seats.
The Prince sat beside them.
Vinson and Leo were guided to their own seats among the noble representatives.
And Mia—
Was left standing in the center of the chamber.
Dozens of eyes locked onto her.
Whispers slowly filled the room.
"That's the dragon…"
"She looks young…"
"Her mana feels dense…"
"Can she truly think like a human?"
The murmurs grew louder.
Until—
Tap.
A staff struck the marble floor.
An elderly man stepped forward.
His beard was long and white, his robes embroidered with ancient runic patterns.
His sharp eyes studied Mia carefully.
"Such an elegant and magnificent presence."
He nodded respectfully.
"Dragon Mia."
He lifted his staff slightly.
"Let the examination begin."
Then he spoke a single word.
"Sit."
Mia stared at him.
(…Seriously?)
(Did he just give me a command like a pet?)
Her eye twitched slightly.
But after a moment—
She sat down anyway.
A quiet ripple of murmurs passed through the room.
The elder continued the test.
"Stand."
She stood.
"Turn."
She turned.
"Spread your wings."
She did.
Several mages scribbled notes rapidly.
Mia's thoughts grew increasingly unimpressed.
(Basic pet commands. Really?)
Then the elder spoke again.
"Now… display your mana."
That part she took seriously.
A faint dark aura flowed from her scales.
Controlled.
Precise.
Not explosive.
Not threatening.
Just… present.
The elder watched closely.
"Condense."
She compressed the mana flow smoothly.
"Release."
The mana dispersed like mist.
"Reform."
It gathered again without difficulty.
Every command.
Perfect execution.
Not a single mistake.
After several demonstrations, the elder nodded with clear satisfaction and slowly returned to his seat.
The whispers immediately returned.
Louder now.
Scrolls began passing between council members.
Several advisors quickly wrote notes.
One of the royal mages handed a document to the elder.
The old man read it carefully.
Silence slowly filled the chamber.
Then—
He stood again.
"Dragon Mia has demonstrated remarkable intelligence and exceptional mana control."
He raised his voice clearly for the entire chamber.
"Therefore… I hereby announce her as a Battle Dragon of the Kingdom."
The room erupted into whispers.
"What?!"
"A battle dragon?"
"She's too young!"
"Unprecedented…"
The elder raised his staff again.
The room quieted.
"I am aware of the confusion regarding this declaration."
He spoke calmly.
"A Battle Dragon does not mean she will be deployed in every conflict."
His eyes swept across the chamber.
"She will only be summoned under two circumstances."
He raised two fingers.
"When the Royal Palace itself is threatened."
"Or when her family is in danger."
Another murmur spread through the council.
He continued.
"She may only be summoned by the King or members of her family household."
Then he looked directly at Mia.
"You may refuse this title if you wish."
The chamber grew quiet again.
Mia lifted her head slightly.
"I have a question."
The elder nodded.
"Speak."
"Will I still live with my family?"
The elder answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
That was all Mia needed.
"Then I accept."
A small wave of surprise passed through the council.
The elder nodded once more.
"Very well."
He raised his staff high.
Ancient runes glowed faintly along its surface.
A soft golden spell circle appeared beneath Mia.
The magic rose gently around her wings.
Then—
A royal emblem formed on the outer edge of her wings.
A small glowing crest.
The mark shimmered briefly before settling into her scales.
The elder lowered his staff.
"This mark grants you a minor restorative ability."
He explained calmly.
"It will allow you to heal injuries such as broken bones or severe wounds."
Leo leaned toward Vinson and whispered excitedly.
"Whoa… Mia got a royal upgrade."
Vinson simply watched quietly.
In the center of the chamber—
Mia slowly looked at the glowing mark on her wing.
A Battle Dragon of the Kingdom.
Yet still—
Just Mia.
Of the Vinson household.
The council session ended not long after the mark was placed on Mia's wings.
Chairs scraped.
Robes rustled.
Advisors and elders slowly filtered out of the chamber, still whispering among themselves about the unusual young dragon.
By the time Mia stepped outside into the palace courtyard, the King, Queen, and most of the council had already departed.
Leo immediately ran up beside her.
"So—"
He leaned closer, grinning.
"How does it feel to be a Battle Dragon?"
Mia blinked.
"…The same."
She shrugged slightly.
"I am still me."
Leo scratched his head.
"Huh. I thought you'd at least feel more… legendary."
Before Mia could answer, a calm voice approached from behind.
"Excuse me, miss."
Ebruhan stepped closer.
His golden eyes were calm, but curious.
"May I have some of your time? I would like to explain a few matters regarding Battle Dragons… and speak privately about certain dragon-related topics."
Leo immediately raised his hand.
"I'm coming too."
Before Mia could even respond—
Vinson's voice interrupted.
"Leo."
Leo froze.
"Dragons sometimes need to speak with other dragons."
He gave his son a steady look.
"Leave them for a moment. Mia is not a child."
Leo pointed at her.
"She is a child! She's seven!"
Vinson turned and started walking.
"Leo."
The tone said everything.
"…Coming," Leo sighed dramatically.
He looked back at Mia.
"Don't let him recruit you into royal dragon stuff without me."
Mia gave a small nod.
"I will attempt not to."
Leo left with Vinson.
Once they were gone, Ebruhan gestured politely.
"Please follow me."
They walked through a quiet path of the royal gardens.
Soon the palace walls faded behind tall flowering trees.
A small lake reflected the bright morning sky.
Petals drifted slowly across the water's surface.
Large stones formed natural seats around the lake.
Ebruhan stopped near one of them.
Then, in a swirl of blue light—
His dragon form dissolved.
A young man stood where the dragon had been.
He looked around twenty-one.
Tall.
Blue hair tied loosely behind his neck.
Golden eyes that still held the calm depth of a dragon.
He looked at Mia.
She sighed softly.
"…Right."
Black-purple smoke wrapped around her as she transformed as well.
Now two human figures stood beside the lake.
Ebruhan sat casually on a stone.
"First, let me explain what the Battle Dragon title actually grants you."
Mia sat across from him.
He began counting on his fingers.
"You will receive healing support from royal mages if you are injured during a battle."
"You may freely enter the palace grounds whenever you wish."
"You will receive royal gifts periodically—gold, supplies, food, or other requests you may have."
"You are also under the direct protection of the royal family."
Mia blinked slowly.
"…That is a lot."
Ebruhan nodded.
"There are also rules."
"You must not enter restricted palace areas without permission."
"You cannot act against the kingdom."
"And you cannot be forced into battle unless the palace or your family is directly threatened."
He leaned back slightly.
"Simple conditions."
Mia rubbed her temple.
"…That was a lot of information."
Ebruhan chuckled lightly.
"Yes."
Then his expression grew more serious.
"There is something else I noticed about you."
Mia looked up.
"…What?"
"Your mana capacity."
He crossed his arms.
"To be honest… your mana output is already higher than mine."
Mia stared at him.
"…You are joking."
"I am not."
"You know I am seven, right?"
"I am fully aware."
He spoke calmly.
"If we fought seriously right now… you would overwhelm me quickly."
He raised a hand before she could react.
"My only advantages would be stamina and experience."
Mia blinked.
"…What?"
"And your mana color."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"It is dark. Almost purple."
He paused.
"That color indicates an extremely rare mana attribute."
"Even the highest level mages rarely possess it."
Mia stayed silent.
Ebruhan studied her for a moment.
"And there is also your behavior."
"You speak clearly. You analyze situations. You control your instincts."
He tilted his head slightly.
"That is not common for dragons at your age."
Mia sighed.
"…You are right about that."
She looked down at the lake.
For a moment, she hesitated.
Then she spoke quietly.
"I am not actually seven."
Ebruhan listened calmly.
"In my previous life… I was a man."
She clenched her hands slightly.
"When I died… I woke up in this body."
Ebruhan's eyes widened slightly.
"…Reincarnation with preserved memories."
He nodded slowly.
"That is rare."
"Very rare."
"I have only read about it in a few ancient records."
Mia exhaled slowly.
"Sometimes it feels like I am pretending."
"Like I am lying to everyone around me."
She looked at her reflection in the water.
"I never told anyone."
After saying it out loud—
Her chest felt strangely lighter.
Ebruhan spoke gently.
"Then stop pretending."
She looked at him.
"You are both."
"Your past life and your current one."
"Accept who you are."
Mia stared at the water for a moment.
"…Thank you."
"I really needed to say that to someone."
Ebruhan smiled slightly.
"It is fine."
After a short pause, Mia asked another question.
"Then how did you become the Royal Dragon?"
"Did they tame you?"
Ebruhan shook his head immediately.
"No."
He looked toward the lake.
"When I was five, I was caught in a territorial conflict between dragons."
"I was badly injured."
"I collapsed in a forest."
His eyes softened slightly.
"The King found me."
"He could have killed me."
"Instead… he healed me."
"Treated my wounds."
"Fed me."
"When I recovered, he allowed me to leave freely."
Ebruhan smiled faintly.
"But I chose to stay."
"I swore to protect him and this kingdom."
"To repay his kindness."
Mia nodded slowly.
"…That is respectable."
She looked at him again.
"Leo said you are twenty-one."
"Have you passed your growth phases?"
Ebruhan nodded.
"Yes."
"In my first growth phase at age nine…"
"I had to fight my future self."
Mia leaned forward slightly.
"It lasted twelve days."
"I barely won."
He laughed softly.
"The second growth phase was worse."
"My future self was far more ruthless."
"That battle lasted forty-three days."
Mia stared.
"…Forty-three days?"
"Yes."
She leaned back.
"…I do not know if I am ready for that."
Ebruhan smiled.
"That is exactly why I asked the King to invite you."
Mia blinked.
"…Wait."
"You were the one who suggested this?"
He nodded.
"I wanted to meet you."
"To teach you."
"To help you prepare."
"The council meeting was not my idea."
Mia laughed softly.
"So that was you."
"…Thank you."
"No problem."
The moment felt peaceful for a while.
Then Mia stood up.
"Well."
"I should go back before Leo starts a search party."
Ebruhan stood as well.
"If you are ready to begin training…"
"You may come here anytime."
Mia nodded.
"I will."
Black-purple smoke surrounded her again.
Moments later, her dragon form stood by the lake.
She spread her wings.
With one powerful flap—
She rose into the sky.
Flying back toward the palace courtyard.
By the time Mia returned to the palace courtyard, Leo was already pacing back and forth near Vinson's carriage.
The moment he spotted the black dragon descending from the sky—
He waved both arms wildly.
"Mia!!"
She landed with a heavy thud, wings folding neatly behind her.
Leo walked over immediately, arms crossed and eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"So…"
He leaned closer.
"What did that royal blue guy say to you?"
Mia lowered her head slightly.
"…Nothing much."
"Just explained the Battle Dragon perks."
She flicked her tail lazily.
"And some rules."
Leo groaned.
"You actually listened to him?"
He dramatically held his head.
"God…"
Mia tilted her head.
"…What?"
Leo threw his hands up.
"You're supposed to ignore boring royal explanations!"
"That's the first rule of being cool!"
Mia stared at him.
"…You are a terrible advisor."
He grinned proudly.
"Exactly."
He stretched his arms above his head.
"Anyway…"
"It's been a whole week since we flew around the city."
He looked up at her with sparkling eyes.
"Let's fly around!"
"Pleeeease!"
Mia narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"…No."
Leo gasped dramatically.
"Come on!"
"I'll give you carrots!"
THUMP.
Mia lightly head-bumped him in the forehead.
Leo stumbled backward.
"Ow!"
"Violence?!"
Mia snorted.
"I am not a horse."
Leo rubbed his head.
"Well excuse me, Your Majesty the Dragon."
He suddenly hopped onto a nearby stone and struck a heroic pose.
"Fine then!"
"I, Leo—future Count—formally request aerial transportation from the noble Battle Dragon Mia!"
Mia stared at him for three long seconds.
Then she sighed.
"…Get on."
Leo's serious act instantly collapsed.
"YES!"
He jumped onto her back before she could change her mind.
Vinson watched the scene from the window with quiet amusement.
Leo pointed dramatically toward the sky.
"To adventure!"
Mia spread her wings slowly.
"…You are unbearable."
One powerful flap.
Wind burst across the courtyard.
They shot into the sky.
Leo laughed loudly as the ground shrank beneath them.
"You love me though!"
Mia's tail flicked lazily behind her as they flew over the capital.
"…Unfortunately."