Dragon King's Harem Chapter 403. Don’t Jinx It

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 403. Don’t Jinx It

Al rolled his eyes, but his grin didn’t fade. “What can I say? Even warriors have a soft spot now and then.”

Evelina, amused, leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “And what would you do with it? If you had your own witch sculpture?” Of course, she meant his sculpture in his true form.

Al laughed, stretching his arms behind his head with a smug grin. “Put it in my quarters, of course! Maybe use it as a way to intimidate my guests. It’ll be funny!” His confidence was almost comical, and it was impossible not to smile.

“You never get any guests, Al,” I teased, raising an eyebrow. “So I guess it’ll just sit there, intimidating dust.”

The group erupted into laughter. Al held up a hand in mock protest. “Vain or not, the important thing is that I’m prepared. You never know when someone might stop by.”

Eir shook his head, chuckling. “Prepared, huh? The day Almeric gets a guest important enough to intimidate is the day I start collecting dragon sculptures.”

Al shot him a playful glare. “Don’t underestimate my social circle. You might be surprised.”

The banter continued, light and refreshing. The inn’s dining room felt cozier, the crackling fire adding to the warm, relaxed atmosphere. For a moment, I let myself soak it all in. The laughter, the camaraderie—it was the kind of moment that felt rare, especially given the responsibilities weighing on all of us.

It reminded me of simpler times, times when I wasn’t a king juggling alliances, wars, and ancient traps. Not that I wanted to go back to those days of hardship, but in moments like this, the burden felt lighter. It was a temporary reprieve from the leadership.

Eventually, the plates were cleared, and the conversation began to taper off. One by one, we stood, bidding each other goodnight. I thanked the innkeeper for her hospitality as we ascended the stairs to our rooms. Jyne and Evelina walked ahead of me, quietly chatting about the day’s events.

When we reached my room, the innkeeper had arranged for an extra bed in case we needed it. It stood neatly by the corner, a small but thoughtful touch. “You really don’t need to keep cramming yourselves into my bed,” I said, glancing between Evelina and Jyne.

Jyne smirked. “And miss the chance to sleep with you? Never.”

Evelina rolled her eyes, her tone teasing. “Don’t listen to her. The bed is just… cozier when we’re all together.”

I sighed, giving up the argument before it even started. “Fine. But if either of you rolls over and pushes me off, I’m claiming the extra bed.”

They laughed, slipping into more comfortable clothes before climbing into bed. I followed suit. As I lay down, Evelina nestled into one side, her breathing already slowing as she began to drift off. Jyne curled up on the other, her hand brushing lightly against mine before falling still.

The morning light came too soon, a soft glow seeping through the curtains, nudging me awake. The sound of faint voices and the gentle creak of floorboards reminded me that the inn was already bustling with activity.

I glanced to my sides. Evelina and Jyne were still fast asleep, their faces calm and peaceful. I carefully slipped out of bed, ensuring I didn’t disturb them, stretching. Today promised to be less chaotic—at least, I hoped so.

By the time we were all ready, the inn was alive with the clatter of dishes and the hurried steps of staff. Breakfast preparation was underway, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. I stepped into the dining area to find Al and Eir already seated, discussing the travel arrangements.

“Morning, Your Majesty,” Al greeted me with a grin, his ever-present enthusiasm on full display.

“Morning,” I replied, sitting down as a steaming cup of tea was placed in front of me. “Everything set?”

Al nodded. “Mostly. The staff here’s been great, but they’re scrambling a bit to get our packed lunches ready. And I’ve prepared a few sleeping tonics for the patients who need it. Yesterday’s excitement left some of them… uneasy.”

“Good call,” I said, sipping the tea. The warmth spread through me, helping to shake off the remnants of sleep. “How’s the mood among the soldiers?”

“Stable,” Eir replied. “They’re ready to move.”

The innkeeper soon appeared, bustling around the dining room to ensure everything was in order. Evelina and Jyne joined us shortly after. Breakfast was simple but hearty—something similar with eggs, bread, and a stew that warmed us for the journey ahead. The conversation was light, mostly about the previous day’s events and what to expect on the road.

When the time came to leave, the inn staff lined up to see us off, bowing respectfully as we stepped outside. The carriages were already prepared, the Wyverns restless but steady. The patients were loaded carefully, with healers making their rounds to ensure everyone was comfortable. Al distributed the sleeping tonics with instructions to administer them as needed.

“Smooth trip today?” Evelina asked as she climbed into the carriage.

“Let’s hope so,” I replied, settling into my seat. “We’ve had enough surprises for one journey.”

Al gave us a satisfied grin. “Don’t worry. It will be smooth as butter today.”

“Don’t jinx it,” Jyne warned playfully, earning a chuckle from all of us.

The convoy set off without issue, the rhythmic flapping of Wyvern wings filling the air as we took to the skies. Unlike the previous day, the atmosphere was calmer, and the soldiers seemed more at ease. I found myself glancing out of the window, watching the landscape below as it rolled by in a blur of green and brown.

The patients, lulled by the sleeping tonics, remained quiet throughout the journey. The trip was surprisingly uneventful. The wind was steady, the sky clear. The occasional chatter was a welcome sound. Evelina leaned back in her seat, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

“We’re making good time,” she observed.