Chapter 10
“Well now… look who’s come back. How was the trip?”
As they were led into a room within the main residence, a low, steady voice greeted them.
It belonged to an older male Dracoserpens.
His scales were darker than those of the younger ones, their luster dulled in places with age. His horns were thick, ridged at the base in layered rings like the growth of an ancient tree.
His expression was calm, yet something keen glinted in his eyes—an unmistakable sign of one who had lived long and seen much.
Yuki’s face lit up at once.
“Fun—but man, it was freezing. How’s it going, Old Ko?”
A soft chuckle escaped him. Ko turned his gaze to Ando.
“I received Yuki’s message and have been expecting you. I am Ko—Chancellor of Tatsuno… or, if you prefer, caretaker to this incorrigible Empress.”
“Hey—why am I always the first target when I walk in? Is that a house rule or what?”
Yuki’s protest went unanswered.
Not quite sure how to respond, Ando stood there as Kiba gave his shoulder a light pat.
“Master Ko is the longest-lived among us on this continent—a living record of its peoples. Humans included.”
“Though I must admit, examining a demi-dracotyrannus such as yourself will be a first.”
Still smiling, Ko stepped forward.
“I will do what I can to be of service. Please, sit.”
As Ando lowered himself, he glanced around, taking in the room.
A paper screen stood open to a wide veranda. Beyond it lay a pond and a stand of trees, catching the light, with a faint trace of sea air drifting in, touched by the scent of grass.
Low tables filled the room, scattered with scrolls, bound booklets, and loose sheets weighed down with stone weights. Shelves lined the walls to the ceiling, crowded with books and boxes.
Bundles of dried herbs hung from the beams. By the window sat a mortar and pestle, along with small knives and spoons.
The examination began.
Ko took his pulse, then leaned in to inspect his eyes, holding a bright light to them. He studied the color and sheen of the scales.
“Hypothermia is no longer a concern. You are recovering well. Having had the chance to soak along the way was fortunate—an excellent decision.”
Yuki flashed a smug grin.
“See?”
“As for the dulling of the scales, that will return with proper nourishment. Do try to get as much sunlight as you can during the day.”
Ko continued, his tone even.
“Dormancy has already begun. When the drowsiness comes, do not resist it. Rest in a bed—or at least somewhere warm and safe. Do not overexert yourself. Stay well hydrated, and keep your mind at ease. If you experience headaches or nausea, I will prepare medicine.”
Ando nodded at each point.
Ko’s gaze shifted to his feet.
Even beneath the scales, the bones were compressed into an unnatural alignment. The arch, which should have formed a gentle curve, rose where it had been forced into a sharp bend.
“You have worn tight shoes for a long time, I see. Does it hurt?”
The answer came from Ando almost by reflex, as it always had.
“No, sir.”
“Not that it does not hurt—you have simply grown used to it.”
A sharp glint passed through Ko’s eyes. He set both hands around the foot and pressed outward, carefully.
Ando’s breath caught.
A dull ache surfaced from deep within.
“…!”
Ko eased his hands at once.
“The bones have not fully set. There is still hope.”
Yuki leaned forward. Kiba exhaled beside her.
“It can be fixed?”
“Both Dracotyrannus and Dracoserpens undergo structural changes during growth. Dormancy is such a time. We may be able to rely on that process.”
Ko went on.
“Take long, warm baths each day. Let the heat work through the body and encourage circulation. Once you are thoroughly warmed, begin to ease the joints slowly—without forcing them.”
He reached beside the table and picked up slender wooden pieces and strips of cloth, fitting them along Ando’s feet.
“At the same time, we will prepare corrective braces for you. Wear them at night, so the bones may gradually be guided back into proper alignment. During the day, lighter support braces will ease the strain of walking. Progress will be gradual.”
Ando looked down at his feet.
“…I shall follow your guidance.”
“Good.”
Ko nodded. Yuki and Kiba both seemed relieved.
“Now then. We Dracoserpens do not possess wings—but among the Dracotyrannus, wings are the norm.”
Ko’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Once Dormancy ends, the forelimbs will change during transformation, and membranes will form.”
His voice lowered, just a fraction.
“However… how much of those traits will manifest in one such as yourself—a demi-dracotyrannus—cannot be predicted with certainty.”
Ando listened without speaking.
Wings.
The idea that such a thing might apply to him still felt distant.
Ko continued.
“As for your tail… I cannot speak with certainty. But there is one thing you should understand.”
His gaze fell to the place where it had been severed.
“Even if wings were to form, if the tail does not return—you will not be able to fly.”
It was a careful, measured conclusion.
“Dracotyrannus rely on the tail to maintain balance and control direction in flight. Without that rudder, you will not be able to guide yourself through the air.”
Ando showed little reaction. Flying had never been something he had even allowed himself to consider.
But—
Lightning seemed to crackle in Yuki’s eyes. The mention of his severed tail must have struck a nerve; dark clouds gathered overhead all at once.
Kiba caught the change at once and, without missing a beat, snatched up a sweet and pushed it into Yuki’s mouth.
“My thanks… for your concern on my behalf. Though I may never take to the skies, if it please you, would you teach me to ride a Steedraptor?”
The words slipped out before he could stop them, an instinctive attempt to ease her anger.
At once, Yuki’s face lit up.
“Of course! You remember that one—the one that made a scene at the ceremony? I brought her back because I thought she needed a bit of care. You can have her, Ando.”
“…I treated that Raptor poorly.”
Seeing his expression darken, Yuki faltered. After all, it had been her own doing—a staged spectacle she herself had set in motion.
“It’s okay, really! You can take your time getting used to each other.”
Kiba—and Ko, who had already been told the truth—said nothing. But watching their impulsive Empress, both let out quiet sighs.
