“Sir Graham. How do dragons fly through skies?”

“It’s like breathing. You just think of flying, and you fly. It’s easy as that.”

“Oh… then do you feel the weight on your wing?”

“No. I know my weight, but it doesn’t restrict my movement in any way.”

“That is amazing. How much do you need to eat to maintain such a body?”

“If I stay in human form, the human diet is enough. I can eat more if I am in dragon form, but two or three Durans should do.”

“I see, sir.”

Duvall nodded. He then hesitated for a second and asked carefully.

“If… if it’s not too much to ask sir… can you haul cargo on your back? I mean, if you don’t feel any weight, maybe you can haul a bunch of cargo on your back and…”

Graham then began to look silently at Duvall. Duvall had to stop speaking.

“I am not a cargo airplane.”

“I-I’m sorry, sir.”

Duvall answered quickly and the others smiled. Joonbum then interrupted, “How about you work for us in return for our hospitality?”

“Do I get anything else?”

“Ask away. I will do my best to get what you want.”

Graham then nodded.

“Good. But no cargo. I will move you people and were-people over the skies of the Khalodian Empire. What do you think? That sounds like it will be the best.”

“Whoa. That’s a great idea!! That will solve every problem we have now! It’s best idea!”

Duvall immediately rose up excitedly and shouted. Joonbum smiled.

“In return, I want some money.”

“Pardon, sir?”

Duvall became confused.

“If we are to move over and enjoy our leisure, we’ll need money. Won’t we?”

“Uh?”

Duvall became more confused and suddenly realized that these dragons weren’t ancient, mysterious beings as he had heard from books and legends. These dragons were new beings that had transformed from humans and did not carry any treasures.

“Yes, sir. We will prepare much as needed.”

“Good.”

Graham nodded satisfyingly.

“Wow. Flying through the Gate on the back of a dragon, huh? I guess it’s time to retire, ain’t it?”

“Yeah. Jokes aside, it’s time to move away from our seats.”

“Yeah.”

Jinpok and Joonbum exchanged words and Jinpok turned to Dorall.

“I am sure the next Guardians have been decided within the Ainos tribes too.”

Duvall seemed to be hesitant about those words.

“Your Majesty… I think it’s better to decide later. We might not be ready for all of you to step down at the moment.”

All three smiled at Duvall’s reaction.

“No. It’s about time we step out.”

“N-no way… Your Majesty… you are…”

“How long will you all depend on us?”

“B-but…”

“It’s time for you to move on. If I don’t come down now, I will be dragged down sooner or later. That is how humans work. I want to step down when I can do that with my own feet.”

Joonbum spoke solemnly. Duvall fully understood what Joonbum was saying. The legend of Emperor Joonbum and his mysterious powers had already been unraveled. All the wonders and technologies were no longer a secret, nor a mystery. There was no telling when the other talented individuals would arise.

“It… won’t be easy, Your Majesty. I suspect people will not accept other people than three of you to lead us.”

Jinpok laughed. So did Joonbum. They all felt Duvall’s respect and love in his words.

“But… I will prepare, Your Majesty. We will be prepared.”

End of Chapter