Kayar

A week later, dragonkin guards entered the central court again. Their leader, Barlos, sought out Yongrong, stating directly, "Blue Dragon, Lord Kayar wishes to see you."

Truth be told, Yongrong was somewhat nervous. Among the clan's young dragons, he had only interacted with the feeder of young dragons and knew little about the territory patroller. Kayar seldom dealt with young dragons' affairs, so this sudden summon likely wasn't without reason.

In the past week, Yongrong had sneaked out with the young dragons twice more, diving into rivers to catch fish. They electrocuted the water and feasted joyously. Was their frequent sneaking out discovered by a patroller? Yongrong felt like a child caught in mischief.

Unlike the feeder of young dragons, Kayar's residence was deep within the castle. Yongrong followed the dragonkin guards, cautiously making his way inside.

The builders of the continent classified intelligent species into five categories based on size: tiny (fairies), small (goblins and dwarves), medium (trolls and humans), large (ogres and demon hunters), and giant (frost giants and adult true dragons). Constructing dwellings for each size category varied significantly in standards and methods, with costs exponentially increasing for accommodating larger creatures. Only the White Dome Empire's golden dragon prince, Stanis, possessed a palace built specifically for giant beings.

The wild blue dragon clan, lacking such resources, occupied a human-abandoned castle, heavily modifying it to suit dragon activities by destroying obstructive corridors and even removing the castle's top, leaving gaping holes everywhere.

Upon reaching the territory patroller's residence, Yongrong expected to confront a formidable dragon but instead found a dragonkin in a caster's robe, quietly writing with a feather pen, adorned with a striking ring on his claw.

"I cannot meet you in my true form due to work," the dragonkin spoke in a clear voice, akin to a young human scholar. He caught Yongrong's gaze on the sapphire ring and cautioned him against coveting unreachable treasures, aware of a young dragon's greed.

"Lord Kayar," Yongrong respectfully lowered his gaze, heeding the warning to stay put and not disturb the study.

Kayar revealed the purpose of the summoning, mentioning a message from Galadan about young dragons encountering human poachers, allies of the stone giants plotting an attack on Dragonfort from the east.

Yongrong, initially worried about his own misdeeds being discovered, realized Kayar had a different concern. Kayar tasked him with overseeing the eastern defenses, exploiting Yongrong's willingness and the Bloodfang Tribe's location in Fang Valley.

Despite being tasked to watch over the central court by Quis, Yongrong saw an opportunity in Kayar's offer. Kayar, preferring not to exert himself, delegated the supervision of young dragons' trials to Yongrong, suggesting a stricter approach to avoid additional tasks from the clan leader.

Yongrong eagerly accepted, different from other young dragons who might internally resist such duties. His proactive attitude and acceptance of responsibility impressed Kayar, who permitted Yongrong to select assistants for the mission to Wildwood, emphasizing humility and respect as core lessons for young dragons in the central court.

Kayar's final instruction was for Yongrong to depart by the next day, allowing him a brief moment to admire a human book, "The Prince," before leaving, a glimpse into the interests of a dragon immersed in human literature.