Dragon King's Harem Chapter 399. Unnoticed

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 399. Unnoticed

My gaze softened at her earnestness, though my mind was still racing with all the things I wanted to verify, double-check, and ensure before finally taking a step back. “Fine, you two have convinced me. I’ll check around first, and if everything’s in order, I’ll take that rest.”

“I’ll start with the patients,” I said, glancing around the room. Most of the patients were asleep, their chests rising and falling in steady rhythms, while the healers moved quietly between them, checking pulses, adjusting bandages, and offering sips of water where needed. My gaze settled on Al, who was bent over his examination book, scribbling notes with a look of intense concentration.

I approached him, and he glanced up, giving me a nod in greeting. “Your Majesty,” he murmured, closing his book for a moment to give me his full attention.

“Al,” I started, gesturing to the rows of wounded in the dimly lit room. “How are the patients? Any issues we need to keep an eye on?”

Al straightened, rubbing the back of his neck thoughtfully. “Most of them are stable, though a few will need additional rest. The dragon you revived is doing better than expected, though there was a bit of a… complication.”

I raised an eyebrow, prompting him to continue. “Complication?”

He exhaled, looking slightly uncomfortable. “He had a bit of a panic attack during the carriage ride. Woke up disoriented, didn’t recognize his surroundings. It’s understandable, really. After everything he went through, a confined space like that… well, it set him off.”

“Did the healers manage to calm him down?” I asked, glancing over toward where he indicated the dragon patient was resting.

“We did,” Al confirmed, nodding. “One of the healers gave him a calming tonic. It worked quickly. He was able to shift back into his human form afterward, which helped him relax. He’s resting now, but we’re keeping a close eye on him.”

I nodded thoughtfully, watching Al as he jotted down a few more notes. “And the other dragon? How’s he faring?”

Al’s expression softened. “Much better, actually. He’s had a few moments of disorientation, but he’s keeping it together. He’s been able to stay in his human form as well, which I think is a relief to him.”

“Good,” I replied, crossing my arms. “I was worried about him after seeing the state he was in. The fact that they’re both able to maintain their human forms is a good sign.”

Al nodded, flipping through his notes. “Yes, it definitely is. Honestly, I’d say their recovery is going smoother than expected. They’ll need time to fully regain their strength, but for now, they’re stable. The calm environment here is helping.”

I took a moment to scan the room again, observing the peaceful atmosphere. “Let’s make sure it stays that way. The last thing we need is for their recovery to be disrupted or an ambush. And you’re keeping the guards on high alert?”

“Absolutely,” Al assured me, his tone firm. “We’ve positioned guards both inside and outside the inn. They know to be discreet but ready. If anything unusual happens, we’ll know immediately.”

I gave him an approving nod. “Good thinking. I don’t want to take any risks. This town may seem peaceful, but we can’t be complacent.”

Al chuckled, tapping his pen against the edge of his book. “You’re sounding as paranoid as I do, Your Majesty. But I agree. Better safe than sorry.”

A faint smile tugged at my lips. “I’m not paranoid, Al. I just don’t want anything to jeopardize our mission—or the alliances these patients represent.”

Al’s gaze softened, understanding the weight behind my words. “Understood, Your Majesty. We’ll make sure they’re well-protected.”

I cast a final glance over the room, noting the peaceful expressions on the sleeping patients’ faces. “And the calming tonic you gave that dragon… is there more of it available if he has another episode?”

Al nodded, holding up a small vial filled with a pale blue liquid. “Plenty. I’ve prepared a few extra doses just in case. And the other healers know how to administer it if I’m not around.”

“Good,” I said. “I’d rather avoid any surprises if possible.”

“Speaking of surprises,” Al added, a mischievous glint in his eye, “you might want to know that the innkeeper’s daughter nearly fainted when she realized the dragon king was going to stay here.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I suppose that’s to be expected. The poor girl probably didn’t anticipate this kind of excitement in her lifetime.”

Al grinned, closing his examination book. “She didn’t know whether she had to bow or run. And her father… well, let’s just say he’s been in a constant state of panic trying to make sure everything is perfect.”

I let out a soft laugh. “I appreciate their efforts. It’s not often I have the chance to stay somewhere this… quaint.”

Al smirked, glancing around the room. “Quaint is an understatement, Your Majesty. But honestly, it’s a nice change of pace.”

I nodded in agreement. “It is. And perhaps a bit of a reminder of what we’re fighting to protect. Towns like this… they’re the heart of the kingdom, even if they go unnoticed.”

Al’s expression turned serious, a look of respect in his eyes. “Well said. And rest assured, we’re doing everything we can to ensure the safety of this place, and these people.”

I nodded in gratitude, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “Thank you, Al. I’m counting on you to keep things steady while I take a moment to rest.”

Al gave a mock salute, a smile tugging at his lips. “You can count on me, Your Majesty. I’ve got it covered.”

I clapped Al on the shoulder before turning to leave.

“How is it, Your Majesty?” Evelina asked, her eyes reflecting a trace of worry even as she offered a soft smile.

“Everything’s under control,” I replied, keeping my voice steady and calm. “The patients are stable, the guards are on alert, and Al has everything well in hand.”

Jyne let out a small sigh of relief, and her shoulders visibly relaxed. “That’s good to hear,” she murmured, giving me a gentle, appreciative nod. “You really deserve a rest now. We’ll follow soon.”

I allowed myself a brief smile. “Make sure you both get some rest as well.”