Dragon King's Harem Chapter 348. You Are Changed

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 348. You Are Changed

If my duty had been solely about keeping my tribe safe, I would probably have led a different kind of charge. I would be honest, who wouldn’t have wanted to go full-on dragon mode and show those other tribes who was boss? But, it was way deeper than that. Being the dragon king wasn’t just about flexing power and scaring everyone into submission. It was about being smart, strong, and responsible.

I reckoned the dragon kings before me felt the same way. They didn’t just go around torching everything in sight. They had a purpose, a duty to this world. They used their power to keep the peace and fight against the dark lords and their cronies.

This power we had, it wasn’t just handed out for free. It came from the very essence of Igixar itself. And it was given to us because we were meant to be wise leaders, not just big, scary dragons. If we had started acting all cruel and power-hungry, we would have lost that essence, that connection to what made us truly strong.

So, as much as I might have wanted to go all fire and fury on anyone who crossed me, I had to remember what being a royal dragon was really about. It was about being wise, fair, and using our power for the greater good. Because if we had lost sight of that, we might as well have kissed our power goodbye.

"Besides... punishing the lizard tribe for their King's crimes, that doesn't sound right," I mused, my voice tinged with sadness. I couldn't shake the image of that letter from the girl in the lizard tribe, pleading for justice. It was a reminder of the desperation and suffering within their own ranks, caused by the very ruler they were supposed to trust.

Eir and Jyne exchanged a glance, their expressions reflecting a mix of surprise and concern at my words. But now, they seemed unsure of how to react to this newfound introspection.

“Your Majesty… you are changed,” Eir ventured cautiously, breaking the silence. His tone betrayed his uncertainty, perhaps sensing that his words might be crossing a line. After all, it wasn't like me to show such empathy, especially towards tribes outside our own. The real Argod couldn't possibly say that. He had his own considerations, but was not out of pity, especially towards other tribes.

I turned to Eir, meeting his gaze with a sense of determination in my eyes. "I am," I affirmed, my voice steady despite the weight of my words. His question had sparked a well of introspection within me, prompting me to confront the complexities of my role as both a ruler and a guardian of this world.

"My hibernation made me think about many things," I continued, my tone measured yet resolute. "Punishing the wrong being is a must, but I will find the best way to not involve those who shouldn't be involved," I stated in a firm tone. It was a delicate balance – upholding justice without perpetuating the cycle of violence or unfairly burdening innocents with the sins of their predecessors.

I turned to Jyne, seeing the earnestness in her expression. "No child wants to bear the sins of their parents," I emphasized, my voice softening with empathy. "No people want to bear the sins of their King." It was a simple truth, yet one that held profound implications for the way I governed.

"And no creature wants to be born into a tribe that treats them wrongly or has a rotten government," I added, my words carrying a weight of solemnity. The plight of those under unjust rule weighed heavily on my conscience, driving me to seek solutions that went beyond mere retribution.

I felt a sense of clarity wash over me. Ruling this world couldn't be reduced to wielding an iron fist or turning a blind eye to injustice. It required a delicate balance – the wisdom to discern when to act with strength and when to extend mercy, the courage to confront tyranny without succumbing to cruelty. So I had to walk in between. Between being as cruel as a dragon and as wise as the protector of this world. It was a daunting task, but one that I was willing to undertake in pursuit of a better future for all who called Igixar home.

"But somehow... fate is that cruel," I mused, the words escaping me almost involuntarily.

The memories from my past flooded my mind, transporting me back to a time when I walked a different path in a world far removed from Igixar. In my original world, I was an orphan, bereft of the warmth and security of family from a young age. I had no choice but to navigate the harsh realities of life alone, forced to grow up and shoulder the burdens of adulthood before my time.

Reflecting on my past, I couldn't help but draw parallels between my own journey and the struggles faced by those under unjust rule in Igixar. Just as I had been thrust into a life of hardship and uncertainty, many in this world were born into tribes governed by unwise and corrupt leaders, condemned to bear the consequences of their rulers' folly.

Jyne and Eir's gazes softened, their expressions reflecting a mix of curiosity and empathy.

“Why do you say it as if you've been through it all, Your Majesty?” Jyne inquired, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness that mirrored the weight of my memories.

I met her gaze with a meaningful smile, choosing not to respond verbally. While I could have spun a tale or offered a vague explanation to satisfy their curiosity, I opted for honesty instead. The truth was, I had indeed experienced my fair share of trials and tribulations in my past life – as an orphan, a survivor, and ultimately, as a leader. But I saw no need to delve into the specifics, knowing that some stories were better left untold.