69 A Splash of Color (1/2)

The little dragon, Igna, was curled up on top of Royal's head and I decided that I would just let him be. I think his pride was wounded, a small smile curled onto my lips at the face he'd made when I'd called him Igna. Ah, what an obstinate little dragon I'd gotten.

I think I would have fun messing with this prideful little thing.

”Are you a summoner?” Janus' voice rang out and it jolted me out of my thoughts. I'd forgotten that I was traveling with company. He'd seen everything it seemed, oh well, there was nothing that could be done at this point.

Glancing at him with half-lidded eyes, I figured that I might as well make some conversation... we're traveling together anyhow.

”Indeed,” I shifted in Envy's arms slightly. His hands were still gripping my hips with a vise-like strength. His breath came out in short gasp every now and then, and I could feel him pressing his lower half against my body.

But all and all, I don't fully trust Janus and it would be stupid to throw away one of my strongest trump cards, just because he was being a perverted creep.

Janus seemed to pause at my answer, his eyes drifted towards Igna, who was curled up tightly on Royals head. He seemed to realize that Inga looked a lot like the dragon that I'd slew. However, he couldn't be sure if it was or wasn't.

He couldn't understand the monster's words, when it had lunged at Alice he'd only hear screeches and grunts. He might as well ask and see, if she didn't answer, he wouldn't be upset at her.

”Is that the dragon that you killed earlier?” He asked, my stomach did a small flip, but I didn't make any sudden movements.

How do I want to answer him, with the truth or not with the truth? A half-truth, maybe? Either way, I had to answer him.

”It was a reward from the dragon drop,” I decided that was the best answer that I could give. I shouldn't give away too much information about my skills or anything that pertains to my level.

But speaking of levels, I had leveled up a few times from killing the dragon. I am level eleven now, I thought that killing a dragon would give me more than three levels, but maybe that was because the amount of experience I need was getting higher.

This is a pain, I need to gain more levels and I also need to make sure that I don't drag behind, Haru. Although my bloodline skill was good, it would be bad to needlessly rely on that and disregard the other important things... for instance the basic stats.

There had to be a reason for them, I imagined after a certain amount of points were obtained,I would be able to unlock some hidden perk.

”That was a lucky drop, that little fellow has to be at least a Unique or a King class monster that dropped,” he replied while stroking his chin. I narrowed my eyes and clenched my fist.

Will he try and take Igna from me? I don't know anything about him, but he'd seen my fight with the dragon, even though he didn't know everything about my skills, he at least knew how strong I was... that left me with a disadvantage, to say the least.

Gritting my teeth, I try to calm my fraying nerves.

As if reading my mind Janus gave me a warm smile and spoke, ”I don't plan to take him from you, I'm not that petty or poor. I'm traveling with you because I needed a traveling companion and I find you to be intriguing,” he chuckles.

Rubbing a hand behind his neck, he looks at me with those piercing steel grey eyes. I felt like he could see everything about me with those eyes of his. It was a bit unnerving, to say the least.

Looking away from his face, I look out at the sandy desert that we're trekking across. Royal had plowed forward for about an hour or so at this point, the blazing sun was still beating down on us. But for some reason, I didn't feel as hot as it had been in the beginning.

Swallowing a couple deep breaths, I banish the nervous jitters in my stomach and glance back at Janus, his hair was blowing slightly in the wind as he effortlessly glided through it. He wasn't bad on the eyes, I mused to myself.

”Why are you even in this desert, I didn't see you when the Dryad brought us here?” It was curious to think that someone would come to this hell hole on their own volition. But I suppose there are weirdos everywhere, I can't help but sigh inwardly. I was surrounded by weirdos, and at this rate, I think I was destined to become one myself.