“Is it really that serious?”

“Yes. Recently, the fruit has stopped growing altogether. Most of what did grow has already rotted and fallen off, so very few living fruits remain now.”

It was a setback. As Yerpi let out a small sigh, Raymond gently took her hand.

“To be honest, if we hadn’t received word of your arrival, we would have reached out for help ourselves. This is the first time there’s been an issue with the Heart Tree, but in the past, such imbalances were always resolved by the Dragonblood and the Saintess.”

At the lord’s words, Raymond and Yerpi exchanged glances. Then, the lord pleaded.

“Please, take care of Croteria. Langrosa’s recent aggressive behavior must be because it senses something wrong with Croteria. You both know Langrosa is nearing its cycle of reincarnation. This could bring disaster upon Growen.”

All beings in Growen originated from dragons, interconnected as one.

Just like a human body, when one vital part suffered, the affliction would spread to others.

History had proven this true.

Whenever such a large domain faced problems, it inevitably led to catastrophes.

“Perhaps the recent disturbances across the domains are already warning signs of such a disaster, but I’ve heard that all were purified by Your Grace. As long as every domain is protected, a great calamity can be avoided. I beg you, please protect the Domain of Autumn as well.”

Yerpi’s eyes trembled. She couldn’t ignore the lord’s earnest plea.

But because of that, she found herself unable to confess that all these problems might be caused by her.

“…I’ll try.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. The situation is dire, so I’ll have a guide ready for your departure in two days. Until then, please enjoy the rest of tonight’s banquet.”

Dyson repeatedly apologized for disturbing their enjoyment, expressing regret for the interruption.

He escorted the two to the entrance of the banquet hall, then departed with the knight from Croteria, saying he needed to prepare the guide arrangements in advance.

Unlike the noisy banquet hall, the quiet corridor widened the gap between the two spaces. In the crisp temperature of an autumn night, Raymond asked,

“You mentioned before that the problems occurring in the domain seem related to you.”

At his words, Yerpi quietly realized—this moment, when he trusted her, was the perfect chance to speak.

But the issue inside her was still unresolved. She wanted to ask for a little more time.

“I’ll tell you everything after this problem is solved. I promise.”

Would he still trust her, even facing such a grave matter? She felt a little fear. But once again, he chose to believe in her.

“Don’t be too anxious. I’ll always be by your side.”

“…Thank you.”

Warmth filled their tightly clasped hands. Every time he trusted her, Yerpi felt an indescribable sense of fulfillment.

It was a sensation she had never experienced in this lifetime. Holding her racing heart, she stepped back into the banquet hall.

A waltz was in full swing on the dance floor.

The interior was bustling, allowing the two to blend into the party naturally without drawing much attention.

‘But where is Dante?’

Ever since before their conversation with the lord, Dante had wandered off, saying he’d go look for some delicious food.

But even after scanning the food tables, she couldn’t spot him. Then, from the opposite side, a little girl’s voice rang out.

“Dante, come quickly!”

“?”

It wasn’t her calling—some other girl had called Dante’s name.

A small child, barely reaching Yerpi’s waist, darted past her.

Each time the girl jumped, her brown hair, tied in two braids, swayed adorably.

Suddenly, Yerpi saw a glimpse of Dante in the girl.

If Dante had been human, perhaps he would have grown just like her—and she couldn’t tear her eyes away.

Following the girl’s direction, she saw a group of children gathered there.

Likely brought by their parents, the group was waiting for the young dragon.

“Dante, what are you doing? Hurry up!”

[Yeah, coming now!]

The crowded banquet hall made walking difficult, but Dante fluttered into the air and glided over people’s heads, arriving swiftly among the children.

A boy of similar age watched him with admiration.

“I’ve been thinking this whole time—you’re really cool. I want to fly in the sky too.”

[…! I am pretty cool, huh! You’re cool too. Especially that tie—it suits you well.]

“Really? You actually know about ties?”

She nearly laughed out loud. The fact that children were having such a conversation felt unbearably cute.

At the same time, seeing Dante playing freely with peers filled her heart with emotion. His outward form didn’t matter here.

Dante mingled with the children, his expression bright and joyful, utterly carefree and happy.

Though Dante showed many expressions to adults, this unique, radiant smile—one only seen among peers—was something new.

“He can actually make that kind of expression.”

“I didn’t know either.”

Children grow.

From now on, Dante would show them countless expressions and emotions.

She was glad she had reached out her hand. Glad she had decided to stay here. Overcome with emotion, she held Raymond’s hand tightly.

No matter how many times she saw it, Dante’s smile never grew dull.

They were still watching the children when Dante, playing with others, finally spotted them.

[Yerpi, Uncle!]

He waved energetically toward them, as if urging them to come over.

Yerpi smiled and looked up at Raymond. A gentle smile played on his lips.

“Shall we go?”

“Let’s.”

Raymond nodded. Yerpi waved back toward the children.

“I’m coming.”

It took a little time to approach through the crowd. The closer they got, the more Dante’s eyes sparkled.

The children gathered there began chattering excitedly.

“It’s the Dragonblood.”

“His Grace the Duke.”

“And the Saintess is here too.”

In Growen, the Dragonblood was an object of reverence and admiration. Among them, some girls looked up to the Saintess with longing.

To the people of Growen, the Dragonblood and the Saintess represented the most perfect love, bound by fate.

This flawless, romantic relationship had even become a beloved theme in novels and plays across the empire, transcending the icy walls.

Whatever the reason, it was unbearably adorable to see such small children gazing up with wide, sparkling eyes.

Dante excitedly introduced each of his new friends by name.

[This one’s name is Cheria! This is Joshua, and then…]

His voice was full of excitement. Being able to play with peers was an overwhelming joy for Dante.

Within the group, Dante stood out—shining, radiant.

Seeing the child’s smile, emotion welled up inside her.

Sometimes, watching Dante, she felt emotions she couldn’t explain. Unable to hold back any longer, she pulled him into a tight embrace.

[Yerpi?]

Surprised by the sudden hug, Dante blinked rapidly.

“My beautiful Dante.”

Feeling the young dragon’s warmth, Yerpi made a silent vow.

She would do whatever it took to save the tree. And she would protect this child’s smile at all costs.

***

It was the next morning.

Due to the banquet lasting until midnight, the morning was quiet and deserted.

Perhaps because of her resolve from last night, she had woken up early. No matter how hard she tried to fall back asleep, she couldn’t, so she carefully slipped out of bed.

Thanks to her quiet movements, she managed not to wake Dante, who was curled up asleep beside her.

As she wrapped a shawl around herself, Dante mumbled in his sleep. The young dragon calling out the names of his new friends was terribly cute, but her thoughts grew heavier.

Outside, the garden still held a thin morning mist.

The damp moisture helped clear her mind.

Just as grand as its exterior, the lord’s estate garden was beautifully arranged.

Autumn flowers, charming and delicate, along with ripe ivy vines and maple leaves, perfectly captured the season’s atmosphere.

Among them, what captivated Yerpi most was the fragrant chrysanthemum field. Its rich scent seeped deep into her lungs, mingling with the damp air.

But she wasn’t the only one enjoying this fragrance.

“Sister.”

Turning around, she saw her younger sister standing there, framed among the chrysanthemums.