Book 2: Chapter 9 (2/2)

Leila blinked. “To make them stop nagging me about having grandchildren.”

“…”

“It’s a legitimate concern,” Leila said and snorted.

“And you think this will go well with them?” Lindyss asked, expression blank.

“Hey,” Grimmy said and flicked Lindyss’ forehead. “You make it sound like there’s something wrong with me. I’m all about peace, tranquility, and … what was the last one? Some kind of farming religion?”

“Vegetarianism,” Leila said and nuzzled Grimmy’s neck with her snout. “We don’t hunt to eat. We absorb mana from the moonlight instead.”

“That sounds terrible,” Grimmy said, eyes widening. “Why would you ever do that to yourself?” His brow furrowed. “Didn’t you like eating meat though?”

Leila shrugged. “I’m pretty sure my parents will be disappointed enough. One more infraction can’t hurt.” She glanced at Lindyss. “I don’t see why you’re so concerned though. You’re just Grimmy’s plus-one.”

“You and Grimmy both don’t know what that means!” Lindyss sighed and hung her head. “Why am I friends with you? I don’t understand.”

“Because you love me,” Grimmy said with a laugh. “Besides, who doesn’t want to be my friend? And you really worry too much. Does it sound like I’m worried about meeting Leila’s parents?”

“You’re a dragon,” Lindyss said. “I’m squishy. What am I supposed to do if you brawl with her family?”

Grimmy snorted. “What do you take me for? I can be the perfect gentleman when I have to,” he said and stuck his chest out while raising his chin. “I conquered Leila’s heart, didn’t I?”

“Yes, yes. You’re amazing,” Lindyss said in a flat voice. She pursed her lips and asked Leila, “By any chance, is there a way I can skip the meeting tomorrow? I don’t think it’d be very appropriate for a simple elf to attend a meeting between dragons, right? Especially holy ones since I’m, you know, as far from holy as one can be.”

“Nonsense,” Leila said. “You’re our friend. I was always a bit of a shut-in while growing up, so my parents were worried I would be lonely. But you’re here, so I can show them I’m not.”

Lindyss hung her head. “I never expected dragons to have such … mundane problems. But I suppose that’s all you can have if you’re on the top of the food chain.”

“Oh?” Grimmy asked, raising an eyebrow. “And just what non-mundane problems do you have to deal with, Ms. Important?”

“Currently, I’m trying to figure out how to not die while confronting a group of dragons who object to my existence,” Lindyss said, rolling her eyes.

“Didn’t I already solve that for you?” Grimmy asked and poked Lindyss’ stomach, causing her to twitch. “I gave you that soul from the blessed warrior of light, didn’t I? You think I did that for fun?”

“Well … yes,” Lindyss said with a nod. “Isn’t that why you always do things when it’s not because you’re angry?” She rubbed her chin and hummed. “I guess I can masquerade as a blessed warrior. I don’t suppose you can pretend to be a holy dragon?”

“Grimmy doesn’t have to change who he is,” Leila said, draping a wing over her mate and nuzzling her cheek against his. “Love triumphs all. My parents will be against it at first, but they’ll come around.” Her eyes glinted. “I have a trump card after all.”

Lindyss made a face. “You sound like Prika when you say that,” she said and sighed. “Alright then.” She patted Grimmy’s leg. “If I die, I’m counting on you to revive me.”