Dragon King's Harem Chapter 346. Wounded Pride II

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 346. Wounded Pride II

Evelina's words caught my attention, prompting me to turn towards her with a furrowed brow. "What do you mean?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

"In the future, he may frequently experience unprovoked bouts of rage and increased sensitivity, becoming angered by minor issues,” Evelina elaborated, her tone tinged with unease. She then shifted her focus to another wounded dragon nearby. "Including him. Their wounded pride might change their personality," she continued, her words carrying a weight of somber realization.

Returning her gaze to the dragon before her, Evelina's expression grew more solemn. "Likewise with the serpent and the fairy," she added, her voice tinged with empathy for the plight of each creature under her care. Her words painted a sobering picture of the challenges ahead, highlighting the profound impact of their physical wounds on their mental and emotional well-being.

The serpent's scales held a deep significance within their tribe, serving as a symbol of pride and identity. Yet, once forcibly removed or skinned, those scales would never grow back in the same way. Even if they did manage to regenerate, the new scales would grow abnormally, deviating from their natural pattern.

Similarly, the fairy faced its own set of challenges. With its wings torn and damaged, flying would become a near-impossible feat. Unlike larger creatures, the fairy's delicate wings were too small for prosthetics, leaving it reliant on wind magic for any hope of flight. This limitation would forever alter the fairy's way of life, restricting its movement and freedom in the world.

I took a deep breath, feeling a weight settle on my shoulders as I considered the extent of their suffering. "So they need therapy," I murmured, the words heavy with realization.

Evelina turned to me, a furrow forming between her brows as she registered my statement. I could see the confusion in her eyes. In my original world, therapy was a common practice—a means of addressing mental health issues and providing support for those in need. But here, in this realm, such resources were non-existent.

Realizing her confusion, I quickly clarified, attempting to bridge the gap between our understanding. "It's like continuous mental health treatment sessions," I explained, my tone tinged with a sense of urgency. "Something I think is important for this kind of case."

“Mental health treatment sessions?” Evelina echoed, her expression reflecting both surprise and curiosity.

I nodded, affirming her question. "Yes," I confirmed. "Letting him return to his family in this condition will only make him suffer. He might take his anger out on his family or those around him. That will create new problems. But locking him up is the same as what those lizards did. He has to calm himself first and find out what he can do for the rest of his life," I explained, trying to convey the importance of addressing the dragon's mental well-being.

I could see Evelina's expression shift, her features softening with understanding. A smile slowly spread across her face, illuminating her eyes with newfound enthusiasm. “I like that idea, Your Majesty," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "May I participate in this?”

Evelina's enthusiasm ignited a spark of hope within me. My thoughts drifted to the state of mental health care in Igixar. It dawned on me that our realm lacked any structured support system for those grappling with emotional distress or trauma. In a society rife with loss, conflict, and hardship, individuals often had nowhere to turn for solace or guidance.

‘Indeed,’ I murmured internally, mulling over the implications of our discussion. ‘Igixar doesn't have anything like this—a therapeutic space where individuals can seek healing and support.’ My gaze wandered, briefly reflecting on the struggles faced by our people, particularly those who had endured profound loss or witnessed the horrors of war.

In the absence of dedicated mental health resources, many resorted to destructive coping mechanisms, such as alcohol abuse or violence. The repercussions of such behaviors often spiraled into further chaos, perpetuating a cycle of suffering and despair.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, I turned to Evelina with a thoughtful expression. "Yes, you can," I affirmed, acknowledging her desire to participate in addressing this pressing need. However, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern at the lack of infrastructure to support such endeavors.

"For the time being, treatment can be conducted in the healing tower," I suggested, albeit with a furrowed brow. "But perhaps we should delve deeper into this matter at a later time." My mind raced with possibilities, considering the logistical challenges of accommodating patients with severe mental health issues.

"In some severe cases," I continued, my tone growing somber, "we may need a separate facility to house these individuals," I emphasized the potential risks of housing volatile patients alongside others in the healing tower, highlighting the need for specialized care and security measures.

"It’s a good idea, Your Majesty," Evelina nodded solemnly, her determination shining through her eyes.

I offered her a gentle smile, acknowledging her commitment. "For now, let's focus on healing their physical wounds," I encouraged, my tone gentle yet firm. "I have faith in your abilities."

Evelina's expression softened at my words, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she met my gaze.  Without a word, I reached out to tenderly brush a few strands of her hair away from her face and took them, she looked up at me in surprise, her eyes widening slightly.

With a tender smile, I leaned in to press a soft kiss against her hair, my gesture meant to convey both gratitude and affection. "Don't forget to take care of yourself too," I reminded her gently, my voice filled with genuine concern. "Take a rest if you're tired, and don't push yourself too hard," I urged, emphasizing the importance of her well-being amidst the demanding tasks ahead.

Evelina's surprise gradually gave way to a warm smile, her eyes reflecting gratitude for my concern. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she murmured softly, her voice laced with appreciation. "I'll make sure to remember that," she promised with a blushing face.