The Dragon King’s Harem System

Chapter 344. Al’s Coping Mechanism

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 344. Al's Coping Mechanism

His smile gradually faded, replaced by a melancholy look.

“Plus, I have a bone to pick with him, remember? I don't like him,” he stated matter-of-factly. 

“No… I hate him. And the fact that he doesn't even remember my face indicates how insignificant I am in his eyes,” he confessed in a softer voice.

I understood all too well. It was the tragic loss of Al's family. Viperax had callously disregarded Al's suffering, even going so far as to condemn him to death.

"It's a shame I haven't been able to make him take accountability for what he did to your family," I said, my tone heavy with regret.

A sad smile tugged at the corners of Al's lips, but his eyes betrayed his unresolved emotions. 

“Don't worry about it, Your Majesty. I've accepted it,” he replied, his voice tinged with bitterness.

I knew better than to believe his words. The pain of losing his family ran deep. 

Despite his attempts to mask his anguish with acceptance, I could see his lingering sorrow.

Al's coping mechanism was clear. He may have outwardly appeared to have moved on, but the pain was still there. He even paid to his late brother, such as naming his favorite cauldron after him.

Unfortunately, the tragedy occurred within the Witch tribe's territory. As much as I empathized with Al, my authority as the Dragon King did not extend to intervening in the other tribes's affairs unless certain conditions were met.

"Oh right," Al said, attempting to lighten the mood with a playful quip. "Increase my portion of cookies as payment. I demand one plateful of it as an addition to my snack," he added.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his sudden request. "Fine, just tell Sarah after we get back," I agreed.

There was a bittersweet familiarity with Al's craving for sweets. It was a small comfort. The taste of cookies held memories of happier times, of moments spent with his family.

His messy room, too, served as a reminder of the life he had left behind. Though it differed from his previous residence, there was a sense of familiarity that offered him a semblance of peace.

Al’s playful side was a totally different from the serious, stoic guy he used to be. The first time real Argod met him, Al was drowning in grief and guilt. But, over time, he started to change. 

His childish antics were not a sign of immaturity, but rather a coping mechanism.

After Al's nod of acknowledgment, I shifted my attention to my surroundings. 

My gaze settled on Evelina, who was immersed in her task of tending to the wounded dragon before her.

Her hands were steady as they hovered over the dragon's massive form. The crystal atop her staff shimmered with gentle radiance. 

Yet, despite her best efforts, there were limits to what even she could achieve. The wounds inflicted were severe, the damage irreparable. 

Missing limbs and severed wings remained. No amount of magic could erase the scars.

Despite her skill and dedication, Evelina could only do so much to alleviate the dragon's pain. There were some wounds that could never fully heal, some losses that could never be undone.

I stood there for a moment. 

After a moment of hesitation, I made a decision and took a step forward.

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