Growing Up with the Demon King Tyrant - Chapter 14

These small gray birds were crafted from the hardest alloy, with precise mechanical parts inside, serving as Al’s eyes. Hearing Al say it was fine, Xue Yi became even more restless and reached out his paw again. However, although the mechanical bird’s feathers looked soft, they were as hard as stone; his paw slap didn’t budge the bird at all.

The little dragon cub silently retracted his paw and licked his sore palm. Xi Huai felt a pang of sympathy and massaged Xue Yi’s paw, thinking that he would make some realistic mechanical birds to serve as toys for the little dragon in the future.

The mechanical bird on the table tilted its head, its metallic eyes observing them.

“For the period of time to come, my observers will follow you at all times,” Al continued. “They will only record what they are supposed to see. Treat them as if they don’t exist; there is no need to pay them any mind.”

Xi Huai gave a soft “mhm” and withdrew his gaze from the room full of mechanical birds. Everyone knew he wanted to keep Xue Yi; if this was an “assessment,” why would Al bother telling him about the mechanical birds’ existence?

The white hair hanging in front of Al moved slightly, as if he had seen through Xi Huai’s thoughts.

“Observers need to follow at close range; I certainly couldn’t hide them from Your Highness,” he said in a slow, gentle tone that nonetheless carried a hint of coldness. “Your Highness needn’t feel constrained in front of them either. Just act according to your heart; otherwise, it would be easy to produce the opposite of the desired effect.”

Xi Huai was very smart; he could completely pretend to be more obedient to gain Al’s support. But information obtained that way wouldn’t be true. Al had Xi Huai come here specifically to remind him: do not put on an act, and do not try to deceive him in any way, or the final result might be much worse.

Xi Huai frowned slightly, a flash of displeasure in his dark eyes. This feeling of having his thoughts pried into made him begin to dislike the man in front of him. But for Xue Yi’s sake, he couldn’t have an unpleasant falling out on his first day meeting Al.

Xi Huai lowered his eyes and responded, “I understand.”

In his arms, Xue Yi let out a “wu,” indicating he understood as well.

“Good,” Al’s lips curled into a barely perceptible arc as he said softly, “Go back then.”

Xi Huai rose and left, followed quietly by several mechanical birds. The adjutant was waiting outside and escorted him and Xue Yi back to the bedchamber.

“I will be guarding this area during this time,” the adjutant said as he led the way. “Tomorrow, a physician skilled in caring for young beasts will come as well…”

Tomorrow? Xi Huai’s footsteps paused. He had nearly forgotten—he had to go to the academy tomorrow. Except for Xi Nian, no one knew he had already taken Xue Yi to the academy before. But the academy was full of prying eyes; Xue Yi would be easily discovered. Doing it again tomorrow would be nearly impossible.

Xi Huai almost blurted out, “I want to request a few more days of leave.”

The adjutant looked at him in confusion, then glanced at the little dragon cub in his arms and guessed the reason.

“Do you want to make the King angry again?” the adjutant whispered. “You can’t just never leave the house for the sake of taking care of a dragon.”

Xi Huai’s voice was cold and hard: “I’m not at ease. Either let me go, or let me take him to the academy.”

The adjutant was helpless: “You know that is absolutely impossible.”

Xi Huai remained silent. On one hand, he was worried; on the other hand, the fact that Xue Yi had caught a cold and fallen ill after he had been away for only half a day that one time still weighed heavily on his mind.

The adjutant tried to persuade him further, noting that since Al had arrived, Xi Mengya’s attitude had actually softened, and no one would try to harm Xue Yi. Xi Huai gave a perfunctory response, though it was unclear if he was actually listening. As soon as they returned to the bedchamber, he shut the door tightly.

Xue Yi looked up at him, leaning in to lick his chin, seemingly trying to make him less unhappy. Xi Huai’s gaze softened; he patted the little dragon cub’s head and walked into the bedroom.

While no one was paying attention, one mechanical bird flattened itself, squeezed through a crack in the window, and hid behind a potted plant.

The next day, Xi Huai woke up on time. Xue Yi woke up as well and was taken to wash his face and rinse his mouth as usual, before changing into a new fleece-lined little vest.

The temperature had dropped sharply lately, and Xue Yi quietly tucked his paws into Xi Huai’s sleeve to warm them. Once breakfast was finished and it was time to leave for the academy, Xi Huai opened the door.

The adjutant was standing at the door, along with two attendants who were to escort him to the academy. Nearby in the corridor, two rows of silver-armored soldiers stood motionless, guarding the bedchamber.

Xi Huai carried his academy uniform jacket over his arm. He had a strong constitution and didn’t mind the cold. He closed the door and acted as if nothing was wrong: “Let’s go.”

The adjutant glanced behind him but didn’t notice anything unusual. Xi Huai put on his storage ring and had only walked a few steps before he heard the adjutant’s voice: “Wait, Your Highness.”

The adjutant stepped forward quickly and stopped him. “Your Highness… you cannot take the young dragon out.”

The palace attendants and soldiers were well-trained, but out in the world, it was a different story. If anyone discovered there was a dragon in the capital, the consequences would be a headache just thinking about it. Even using magic to alter the young dragon’s appearance and eye color carried great risks. Besides, taking a cub to the academy was hardly appropriate behavior for a student.

Xi Huai’s expression immediately turned sour, and his gaze swept toward the soldiers standing on the outer side. The jacket hanging from his hand shifted, and a little dragon cub poked his head out from a pocket.

Xue Yi vaguely understood why Xi Huai was being stopped; he clung to the edge of the pocket and let out a soft “wuu-wuu…”

Seeing those round golden pupils, the adjutant felt inexplicably sympathetic, but he remained firm: “Send him back, Your Highness.”

At that moment, Xi Nian rounded the grass in front of the corridor and happened to hear the adjutant’s words.

“Send the little dragon to Mother’s place!” He waved his hand, an excited expression on his face. “Xi Huai!”

Xi Nian had rushed there by a shortcut. He ran closer, panting, and crouched down to greet Xue Yi: “Does the little dragon remember me? I came to bring food a couple of days ago!”

Inside the pocket, Xue Yi’s tail wagged. “Awoo!”

Xi Huai lifted the jacket, instinctively holding Xue Yi close. “No.”

“What are you afraid of? Mother loves beautiful little beasts,” Xi Nian tried his best to persuade him. “If you’re worried, can’t you just come back early at noon?”

Besides, he could also come back at noon to see the little dragon—killing two birds with one stone!

Xi Huai didn’t say anything. He had never been close to Queen Wei, but he had to admit that she was gentle and reserved, always soft-spoken, and very considerate and meticulous. Moreover, since she had poor health and it had been cold lately, she likely had specialized underfloor heating in her bedchamber, which was even warmer than the plush carpets.

If he couldn’t have Xue Yi by his side, sending him to Queen Wei’s bedchamber was better than leaving him to be guarded by a group of cold soldiers. Furthermore, Queen Wei was a Wood Elf; she shouldn’t dislike dragons as most Different Demons did.

Xi Huai’s attitude softened slightly. The adjutant asked hesitantly, “Is this Queen Wei’s own idea?”

“It’s my idea,” Xi Nian said openly. “It’s fine; Mother definitely won’t refuse.”

“But…” The adjutant hesitated. For now, the young dragon was only staying temporarily, and no specific decision had been made on how to handle him. Having the prestigious Queen personally take care of him seemed somewhat improper.

Xi Huai thought for a moment and looked down to ask Xue Yi, “Do you want to see that little white cat from last time again?”

The White-Bearded Cat the adjutant had sent last time was also at Queen Wei’s place. If Xue Yi was willing, he could play with it if he got bored. He could even give it a few slaps to pass the time; based on the last encounter, ordinary spiritual beasts feared the Dragon Tribe and wouldn’t dare strike back.

Little white cat? Xue Yi recalled the cub from last time—white fur all over with green eyes. That time, he had been resistant to the white cat because he mistakenly thought Xi Huai was going to raise a new cub. Now that the misunderstanding was cleared, it didn’t matter.

The little dragon cub thought for a bit and wagged his tail: “Mhm!”

“Fine,” Xi Huai still hesitated. “Then…”

Xi Nian was very happy and urged, “I’ll go with you! Hurry, or we’ll be late!”

The adjutant followed behind the two of them, wanting to stop them but finding himself helpless. He took out his communicator and sent a message to Xi Mengya, but Xi Mengya was likely busy and didn’t reply.

They arrived at the palace where Queen Wei lived. Many flowers and plants were grown here, making the environment quite different from other places. Xue Yi looked around as he was carried into the front hall, then into the open-air balcony to the side of the bedchamber.

The floor of the bedchamber was also covered with plush carpets, looking very similar to the ones in Xi Huai’s room, which gave Xue Yi a sense of familiarity. Queen Wei was watering flowers on the balcony when she saw Xi Huai and Xi Nian appear together, followed by the adjutant and a small golden-eyed beast.

She held the watering can, momentarily stunned. “What are you…”

“Mother, keep the little dragon here with you,” Xi Nian took the lead in explaining their purpose, emphasizing, “The little dragon is very good; he won’t cause you any trouble.”

“I’ll come back to get him at noon,” Xi Huai added, looking at Queen Wei and waiting for her reaction.

Queen Wei had already learned about the young dragon’s existence yesterday. Xi Mengya and the adjutant were in charge of the palace’s various affairs; she didn’t worry about much on a daily basis. She had only asked Xi Nian for a general overview and hadn’t expected the young dragon to be sent to her today.

Queen Wei was still in a daze, but meeting Xi Huai’s gaze, she instinctively agreed: “Of course.” Xi Huai never visited her and had a poor relationship with Xi Nian, but this time he had taken the initiative to make a request.

Queen Wei quickly set down the watering can. “Then do I need to prepare anything…”

“No, I brought everything,” Xi Huai said quickly. “I already fed him this morning. Just keep an eye on the doors and windows.”

When he came, he had someone bring along Xue Yi’s little restroom and the cloth ball he liked to play with. He had brought some snacks along as well. When Xi Huai laid out the items, Queen Wei saw that the snacks were exactly the dried fruits she had made earlier.

The White-Bearded Cat heard the commotion and squeezed in quietly. Xi Huai settled everything and placed Xue Yi on a chair with a soft cushion.

“I have to go to the academy. I’ll be back at noon,” he instructed. “It’s very safe here; don’t run around.”

Xue Yi looked around curiously and responded obediently: “Mhm!”

Queen Wei was right there. Xi Huai continued, “She is my… father’s wife. She lives here.”

Father’s wife… That short sentence almost made Xue Yi’s head spin. The little dragon cub turned his head in confusion and looked at Queen Wei. The person before him looked very young, thirty at most, wearing a beautiful green dress and having a beautiful, kind face.

While Xue Yi was observing Queen Wei, she was also observing the young dragon. Although Xi Nian said the little dragon was very good and Xi Huai had prepared everything, Queen Wei was still a bit apprehensive and nervous. The Dragon Tribe was far away in the south; she had rarely seen them, and her impression of them was similar to the descriptions in books. But looking closely, the little dragon was indeed beautiful and cute, and different from those in the books.

So, this is what a Dragon Tribe cub looks like.

The adjutant would also remain here; in reality, Queen Wei didn’t need to be responsible for taking care of Xue Yi—she was essentially just lending her bedchamber.

Xi Huai fed Xue Yi some warm water, still reluctant to leave: “Are you afraid?”

Xi Nian couldn’t help but urge him: “We’re already late!”

Xue Yi nuzzled Xi Huai’s hand and lifted a paw to push him, telling him to go. Xi Huai lingered for a while longer before finally standing up. He looked at Queen Wei and said in a low voice, “I’m troubling you.”

Queen Wei’s smile was a bit formal: “Why say such things… Hurry to the academy.”

Xue Yi crouched on the chair, watching Xi Huai’s back as it gradually disappeared. After Xi Huai and Xi Nian left, the adjutant retreated to wait outside the corridor. Only Queen Wei, Xue Yi, and the familiar little white cat remained in the bedchamber.

Xi Huai had said many comforting words earlier, so Xue Yi wasn’t afraid to be separated from him this time. The little dragon cub jumped down from the chair and began exploring his new environment. Queen Wei stood in the corner, watching quietly without stepping forward to stop him.

“Meow-meow…” The white cat let out a couple of cries, cautiously following behind Xue Yi. It wanted to say hello but was afraid of the dragon breath from last time.

Xue Yi had no time to deal with the white cat; he walked the entire room along the walls. When a splash of green appeared before him, Xue Yi looked up. Queen Wei was still standing in the same corner as before. Xue Yi’s approach seemed to make her a bit nervous; she was clutching a section of her skirt.

This reaction was actually quite similar to when Xi Nian first saw Xue Yi. It wasn’t that she was truly afraid; she was just a bit timid. The little dragon cub wagged his tail, took a step forward, and then made a move as if to pounce.

Queen Wei was indeed startled into retreating, her beautiful amber eyes widening. Xue Yi thought it was fun; he ran over and circled halfway around her, sniffing the scent on her skirt before turning and running away.

The white cat followed closely behind, jumping onto a low table where the dried fruit snacks were placed after Xue Yi did. Xue Yi opened a bag, fished out a very small piece of dried carrot, and generously gave it to the white cat. The white cat was overwhelmed by the favor, finished it quickly, and leaned in to rub its long fur against Xue Yi.

On the other side, Xi Huai and Xi Nian got into the same beast carriage. Thinking that he could go back with Xi Huai at noon to see the little dragon, the corners of Xi Nian’s mouth hadn’t lowered once.

“Remember to wait for me at noon,” he said for the third time. “And don’t worry; the little dragon will be fine.”

Xi Huai propped his hand against his forehead, his cold gaze falling outside the window: “Shut up.” His tone wasn’t great, likely because Xue Yi wasn’t by his side and there was no one he wanted to speak to gently.

Xi Nian was in a good mood, so he didn’t hold it against him. He muttered a complaint in his heart and also turned to lean against the window on the other side, where he saw a small gray bird flash by.