This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

Kain and the others lived in the temporary village created by the Elorians while they all went about their own business.

Caelum had already negotiated the release of the Elorians with the dragons. However, they absolutely refused to be without servants for a day, and so "suitable replacements" had been promised to the dragons to take the place of the Elorians.

Whatever other agreements were settled between Caelum and the Red Dragon King on behalf of the Empire were not the business of Kain and the others. Caelum, under a dragon escort, flew back to the borders of what the dragons considered their territory to deliver the demands of the dragons back to the Order and the Elorian Queen.

However, in the meantime, Kain and the others were to remain behind. Nominally, it was to ensure the safety of the villagers, most of whom were unawakened and had no combat power.

However, realistically, if the dragons wished to kill all of the villagers, there was not much that they could do.

In actuality, the members of the Order took the opportunity of being the dragon's territory to accomplish some of their own personal goals. And as long as they didn't go to certain restricted areas, they were free to move about.

Some chose to help the Elorians complete their tasks, feeling pity for the elderly individuals slaving over a fire to barbecue meet, scrub scales, or complete a variety of other tasks.

Some, like Cassian, wanted to take this time to see if they could kidnap back a young dragon as their spiritual creature.

Kain on the other hand, already knew based on his affinity that a dragon contract was not in the cards for him.

Cassian, however, was pulling out all of the stops in order to seduce a young dragon back home.

Approaching a group of young dragons, he began his attempts at wooing them.

"I must admit, staying here has only reconfirmed the rumours I've heard about the great coloured dragon clan."

The young dragons exchanged glances, some preening slightly under the praise.

"But it's such a shame…" Cassian trailed off sadly, while the dragons glanced at one another in confusion at the sudden shift in tone.

"It's such a shame that such great dragons don't have nearly as much wealth as one would expect."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Some of the dragons looked slightly offended by his statement, while others, while unhappy, had no choice but to agree.

But what could they do?! While living under the gaze of their parents, if any one of them could hoard more than a handful of treasure, it would be considered an impressive feat.

Their shameless parents would even steal from their own children to add to their own bed of jewels, and they, as young dragon lords, were left to sleep only on the bare cave ground!

But still…who was this human to poke at their sore spots!

"What do you know?!" A hot-tempered blue dragon called out.

"I'm Cassian Lysander," he said, his tone carrying the weight of someone used to commanding attention. "Crown Prince of the Celestial Empire."

The young dragons perked up slightly at the title. Even among dragons, the concept of royalty carried an air of intrigue and respect.

"In my homeland, I am fortunate enough to have access to treasures beyond your imagination. Vaults filled with gemstones that shine brighter than the sun, enough gold to fill all of the rivers surrounding this mountain range, and ancient enchanted items with powerful abilities."

A few of the dragons perked up at this, their eyes glinting with interest. Treasure had an undeniable allure to them.

"My contracts—dragons just like you—live lives of unimaginable luxury," Cassian continued, his voice steady and sure. "Their lairs are filled with treasures beyond your wildest dreams. Each one of them probably has more gold and jewels than all of your parents combined!"

The Dream dragon standing behind him tilted his head in confusion. 'I do? Why don't I know this?'

Likely sensing the gaze from his contract Cassian hurriedly transmitted a thought to remain quiet.

"They have access to the rarest resources, the finest meals, and the most secure and well-guarded lairs. My family ensures that every dragon in our service has everything they could ever want. Practically the resources and wealth of an entire country is at their disposal."

A young red dragon shifted closer, its sharp eyes gleaming with interest.

Cassian's smirk widened as he noticed their reactions. "Of course, I don't form contracts lightly. Only the strongest and most exceptional dragons can stand by my side. But if any of you think you've got what it takes, I might consider forming a contract with you."

The young dragons exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued despite their lingering skepticism.

Kain watched the scene from a distance, bemused. "Truly only dragons could probably be lured using this method?" he muttered to Serena, who stood beside him.

However, they didn't stay to watch the spectacle for long.

Kain and Serena had just finished assisting an elderly Elorian woman with brushing a large green dragon's teeth—a task neither of them had ever imagined doing in their lifetimes.

Upon the completion of their task, Serena had made a suggestion:

"Territories with a high concentration of dragons tend to produce rare spiritual plants. Their aura acts as a catalyst for their growth. We could find some valuable materials down there." She said while gesturing to the lush forest below the mountains. Since joining the Starchasers she''d definitely become more knowledgeable about the environments likely to give birth to rare resources.

"What kind of plants?" Kain asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Things like Dragon Vein Orchids, Ember Lilies, and Dragon Dew Vines," Serena said. "Any of those could fetch a fortune in credits. It's worth looking."

And so, as agreed, the two of them ventured into the forest, searching near streams and shaded groves where such plants were likely to grow.

With Serena's knowledge on where to find these rare plants, and the ability of Bea to read the minds of the spiritual creatures native to the area, they quickly got a substantial harvest.

As they neared a clearing, however, the sound of giggling and scuffling reached their ears.

Kain and Serena froze, exchanging a confused glance. Moreover, Kain felt a familiar pull from his affinity in the direction of the childlike giggles. Whether out of curiosity at the presence of young children in the middle of nowhere, or a desire to find the source of this draw, Kain headed in the direction of the noise without consulting Serena.

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Pushing through the underbrush, they stepped into the clearing and found two young red dragons play-wrestling. The larger one pinned the smaller one to the ground with a triumphant growl.

The smaller dragon squirmed free, huffing indignantly before they both noticed Kain and Serena.

The larger dragon tilted its head curiously, its gaze flicking between the two humans.

However, the smaller dragon glared at Kain with undisguised hostility and wariness.

Kain felt a familiar but surprising tug deep in his chest from his affinity—and it centered on the smaller dragon that was gazing at him with increasing hostility.