A rampaging red dragon as well as a giant ball of flaming hydra flesh right outside the entrance of the MBE was definitely not on anyone’s cards for the day.

Well, obviously.

And yet, the disaster that hadn’t actually taken that long to conclude ended up being the news that would rock Eryndra for at least a month following the incident.

Yes, at least that long by itself.

That wasn’t even counting all the related stories that would surface once people started digging. Because they would. Of course they would.

So much for taking it slow and steady for the returning aide when he ended up being welcomed by one of the biggest controversies since Kael had taken his post as head of the MBE.

Actually, no.

This was probably one of the most convoluted strings of publicly known controversies from even before Lord Karion’s time.

Gaaaah.

And of all the people who could’ve encountered such a once-in-a-lifetime event, it just had to be Riley and his family.

Talk about unfortunate.

And while others would argue that it couldn’t possibly be so bad for someone who was still labeled as the most treasured human mate, Riley was certain they were saying that because they haven’t even heard half of the nitty-gritty details.

Moreover, how could it not be classified as stupidly exhausting when the most relaxed the black dragon had been for the past who-knows-how-long was when he checked on the children as soon as he managed to sweep them into the MBE for a full check-up.

"..."

Uh-huh, imagine how long ago that was considering that it happened quite literally after Riley made sure that every part of Malrik had turned into ash.

And about that hydra—

As a regenerative being, he wouldn’t want to risk having any part of that bastard survive. If they had to put him under a microscope to check for the slightest possibility for signs of life, then so be it.

But thankfully, they had a rather unlimited source of blue flame to ensure several rounds of vindictive burning.

Now, that part was rather fun and cathartic.

Also, it seemed that going the unhinged route had made not only him but also Liam and Orien feel better even if just a little bit.

Of course, Riley had been momentarily concerned about how their glee sounded a bit wrong as someone trying to raise upstanding children, but he also couldn’t be a hypocrite when he himself could sing in delight.

Then again, a big reason why the slightly guilty black dragon didn’t make a fuss about the children practically cursing in their own child-like manner was because he had to stick them into the medical wing to keep up appearances.

Now saying it like that made it sound like Riley was a villain. A vain adult trying to elevate his social standing by using the children as tools, when in reality he meant that literally.

See, because of the sheer number of people involved as well as the news already circulating because of the Treants and their loudleaves, there was no way they could keep hiding Liam’s and Orien’s existence.

Eryndra, the land of the busybodies, really.

People desperately wanted to know everything about the valiant children who held off the dragon.

Now, Orien’s identity was rather obvious with his physical characteristics and literal fire-breathing ability. But the problem was his baby brother, Liam.

He was supposed to be human. And yet he had been able to do all of the surprising things he did.

And while they could’ve tried to hide his true identity, that wasn’t going to work when people had long known about his existence after he’d been investigated as the dragon lord’s honey.

"It’s only going to be for a short while," Riley said, his gaze settling on the two children.

"While Orien likely wouldn’t need to stay for more than a day, Liam, you might have to recuperate for just a bit."

"...!"

The words startled the initially relaxed golden dragon.

Like a disturbed beast, he immediately took a worried and angry stance as he practically screeched at the news.

"Why?! What’s wrong with the little sprite?! Why would he have to stay there!"

Then again, who wouldn’t panic after hearing something like that?

"Don’t worry. There’s nothing particularly wrong with him aside from exhaustion and stress, which is the very reason why you guys need to put on a little show," Riley explained calmly.

"Huh?"

"Remember the performance you did at the Dolphin Pavilion, we need something like that..."

"Ehh???"

Riley had a feeling that Orien was imagining something amusing so he had to explain it before he thought of making an infirmary circus.

"Okay, here, let me ask you something as a dragon. If someone were to tell you that a human managed to face several dragons and magical beings while ending up scot-free after running around the whole time, would you find it reasonable?"

"!"

Orien and Liam both straightened their backs as if jolted by words that actually made sense.

The ex-mortal watched as those two actually came up with their conclusions and was glad that they seem to be catching up quickly.

Such smart kids, those two.

"While we can’t hide Orien’s identity as a golden dragonling anymore, it would be a different thing altogether to announce that a half-drake could withstand dragon fear." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

"That’s not counting the part about Liam being a half-drake to begin with."

"Hiding Liam would just make others more curious when we could just bank on the fact that the Hale family has an existing life contract with the Dravaryn clan."

"Of course, it wouldn’t explain everything but it would explain a bit of why Liam could be more used to dealing with the most powerful dragons."

Orien’s eyes widened at hearing the explanation.

Right.

It really didn’t sound like a good idea for the little sprite to be outed as a magical being right now. More importantly, if he appeared too well—free of any discomfort—while the other mature beings were still shriveling in terror even after the rescue, it would be far too suspicious.

What if people decided to experiment on him?

And those dragons who think they’re superior, wouldn’t they want to understand just how Liam could withstand dragons?

They themselves were already caught up in speculating that his sudden ability was due to the bead he’d absorbed, and now they even had to account for everyone who might take an interest in the little sprite?!

Hmph!

Fine.

Orien pouted and his brows furrowed as he thought about this but eventually came to a conclusion that they’d have to stay in that sorry-looking place.

He didn’t particularly like the smell of that place and the way some people kept on screaming and crying in pain, but he could understand why it existed.

But the contemplative dragonling was surprised when his hair was suddenly ruffled by his aunt.

"You don’t have to worry so much."

"You’d still be able to play a little with your handhelds. We’ll have you in the same room, if you want."

"Well, maybe not in the same room as dad so he can actually rest as a real patient, but you two together should be fine."

They’d managed to improve his mother’s and father’s condition, but considering what happened to them, Riley insisted they really rest.

They were true casualties of the attack, and there was no chance they’d be allowed to pretend they were fine. Knowing his father, he’d likely insist he was okay just to handle the sudden surge of work.

And that was a no-go for someone who already had a weakened constitution.

So the four of them, with Lady Cirila as their temporary guardian, would be staying in the infirmary for now.

"Although, you have to promise to behave when visitors come. If you can promise that then we really can have you stay in one room."

"Visitors? Brother, there would be visitors?" It was Liam who asked in sudden curiosity.

"Likely. Your teachers and classmates had already reached out the moment the news started breaking and it seemed like they have no intention of stopping until they get to see you for themselves."

"!!!"

"What? My teachers and friends?" Liam’s face brightened instantly, while Orien looked panicked because his buddy was suddenly talking about other friends.

"What friends? Am I not your friend?!" The golden dragonling had a hand on his chest as he indignantly asked this.

One would have thought that he’d been betrayed as he looked like he heard something incredibly mortifying.

"Of course! You are my most special friend! But there are also friends from school! They’re all so nice and they like dragons too! I bet they would also think you’re super cool!"

"Ack!" The golden dragonling braced himself but was flustered by being called cool.

Liam leaned forward with a pleading, earnest gaze that practically sparkled. "Brother! Would it be possible to introduce Orien to my friends if they do come to visit?"

Orien’s face contorted into a worried grimace at the prospect but simply looked at Liam like he was helpless.

Oh these two...!

"Well, if he’s okay with it. And provided we make sure there’s no fighting. Those kids are actual human kids so if they come we have to make sure we’re extra careful."

Riley watched as Liam basically beamed at the golden dragonling. Orien clearly had a lot of grievances about sharing his little sprite with others, but with such hopeful eyes staring him down, he ended up getting defeated.

As one could have guessed, he spent the rest of the night pouting much to the black dragon’s amusement.

But hey, this was better than them crying and fidgeting.

He’d been worried they’d be deeply shaken, but the two were far more resilient than that. Then again, unbeknownst to Riley, it was largely because they felt safer after seeing what he could do.

With someone like him on their side, how could Liam and Orien not feel better?

Seeing that they were in a relatively good condition to talk about so many other things, Riley felt more reassured to resume dealing with everything else in his way.

So, after pressing a goodnight kiss to their foreheads, he went to update his mother-in-law on the latest developments.