Even with his already enormous physique, seeing him from a child’s perspective doubled the intimidation factor.

When I flinched, Lerrhagen stopped walking—either because he noticed my reaction or simply because moving his legs was too bothersome. Then he replied leisurely.

“I don’t joke.”

“Then why—”

“Joking takes effort.”

“…”

“So don’t make me say unnecessary things. It’s troublesome.”

I wonder why someone who finds everything so bothersome even bothers to live. Surely he’s not living because dying would be too much trouble?

What filled my mind now wasn’t shock or wariness.

He came through the summoning circle.

That meant he was somewhat prepared to accept my proposal.

But why accept it? Did he just accept out of boredom?

No, someone like this dragon probably doesn’t even have “boredom” in his vocabulary.

“You seem confused about why I came.”

His words hit the mark, making me clear my throat with a “Ahem.”

Despite being the one who summoned him, I was the one acting rudely.

Lerrhagen tilted his head slightly to the side and continued.

“But you were the one who summoned me.”

“And you were the one who responded, Lord.”

“So I don’t see why you wouldn’t welcome me.”

Yes, that was the biggest issue.

While it’s true I hadn’t expected such an overwhelming being to appear, separately, if Lerrhagen became my fake father, my safety and peace would essentially be guaranteed while I remained a child.

Who would dare touch the child of a Dragon Lord?

Moreover, he could create a puppet of Emperor Estria to deceive the nobles when I was away.

Even regarding my existence, all the nobles would be unable to resist.

Is there anyone who could stand against a Dragon Lord? If he became angry, the empire would be reduced to ruins in an instant.

Of course, I wouldn’t allow that last part.

After being lost in thought for a moment, I raised my head with a resolute expression.

“Fine. I summoned the Lord, and you responded to my summons, so no need for lengthy discussions.”

Though slightly anxious, did I really have a better option right now?

With that thought, I raised my chin proudly. My neck hurt from being so short, but I managed.

“Now tell me what you want.”

If he responded to the summons, he must have liked the compensation I offered.

However, Lerrhagen merely made an indecipherable “Hmm—” sound without giving a proper answer.

Puzzled, I asked again.

“Do you perhaps want something else?”

“Well.”

“If you want something else, I can accommodate within my capabilities. Just nothing perverted like demanding human sacrifices.”

“Why would I make such troublesome demands?”

This dragon won’t do evil things because it’s too much hassle. Being a villain is exhausting work, after all.

However, Lerrhagen surprisingly gazed at me with a complex look. After some time, he slowly opened his mouth.

“What if I don’t want compensation?”

“Surely you’re not saying accepting payment is too bothersome?”

“That’s not it, but I don’t particularly want anything. Carrying it back to my lair would be a nuisance.”

“So you won’t accept it because it’s troublesome. Then why did you respond to my summons?”

I frowned. The reason for accepting a summons is naturally because the other party’s offer is appealing. Yet Lerrhagen claimed he needed no reward.

But Lerrhagen tilted his head very matter-of-factly.

“Just because.”

“…”

“I just came because you seemed to need help. Is that not allowed?”

“No, it’s not.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s a lie. Where in this world does someone fulfill another’s request without compensation?”

I placed my hands on my hips and continued.

“So hurry up and tell me your real purpose.”

Lerrhagen looked down at me for a long time. His gaze made me feel somewhat uncomfortable.

But I was sincere. There’s no such thing as kindness without compensation in this world.

Originally, humans—no, all sentient beings—were creatures that revered the survival of the fittest. Therefore, the weak naturally get devoured.

That was the lesson I learned while being bullied by my siblings when I was young.

The weak get trampled. Therefore, I needed to become strong.

Moreover, someone who suddenly becomes weak, like me, is in even greater danger.

Lerrhagen didn’t say anything. He simply stared at me with those blue eyes before finally speaking.

“You haven’t grown at all.”

“What?”

I frowned. I wondered what he meant by this sudden remark.

Lerrhagen smiled slightly and said:

“You haven’t grown one bit. Quite some time has passed for humans, and I heard you became emperor in that time, so I thought something might have changed. But you’re still stuck in that moment.”

“What moment?”

“When you were looking at me, terrified, surrounded by your brothers and sisters.”

Terrified? I felt a surge of anger. The humiliating memory seemed to creep up on me.

As I was about to open my mouth to say what nonsense he was speaking, Lerrhagen suddenly shrugged.

“Well, if you insist on giving compensation, I can’t help it. Give me the Kanta Mountain Range west of the Arsis Empire.”

“…Don’t you think you’re demanding too much for someone who claimed to come without wanting compensation?”

“Do you really think I’d covet your tiny dungeon treasury?”

Tiny?

I pressed my lips together, my pride severely wounded. But his words weren’t wrong, and I could afford to give him the Kanta Mountain Range. That place had no humans anyway.

“Fine. Is that all?”

“And I plan to bring one of my attendants.”

“That’s…”

I chose my words carefully.

“Not possible. If you need someone to serve you, I’ll send one from the imperial palace.”

Originally, I only summoned ‘one father.’ Bringing in anyone else wasn’t part of the summoning conditions. Above all, I didn’t want strangers around me if possible.

Perhaps understanding my meaning, Lerrhagen surprisingly didn’t insist further.

“Then nothing else.”

“Good. Then I’ll conclude my summoning. From now on, you’re my fake father.”

Saying that, I snapped my fingers. A white light sparkled at my fingertips before disappearing, signaling the complete end of the summoning ritual.

Thanks to him quickly stating what he wanted, our deal proceeded smoothly. Otherwise, I would have continued to doubt him.

It was a gamble, but the summoning was worth it. Thinking this, I opened my mouth.

“Then I’ll prepare quarters for you to stay in the imperial palace.”

“I don’t mind, but the imperial palace is too cold. When it’s cold, I use energy for warmth. Using energy is tiring. So raise the room temperature before calling me again.”

I was speechless at his extreme lethargy.

But Lerrhagen waved his hand dismissively. At that moment, he vanished with a warm breeze.

Staring at the spot where he disappeared, I pressed my forehead.

‘Did I do the right thing? I hope I didn’t make the biggest mistake of my life by being completely taken in by the name Dragon Lord.’

Somehow, I felt Lerrhagen might not be someone I could handle.

But with the summoning ritual completed, I had no choice.

* * *

“Presenting myself to Your Highness, the Imperial Princess.”

That evening, I blinked at the young girl who entered with Rigan.

Judging by her attire, she seemed to be my new lady-in-waiting. Sure enough, the girl with bright yellow hair braided into two plaits spoke with sparkling eyes.

“I am Sela, Your Highness. Lord Delmen explained your situation to me. He said you’ve been staying outside the palace for training until now.”

…Training?

What kind of explanation did he give?

I frowned and stared at Rigan who was standing beside me.

Rigan, seemingly reading the question in my eyes, smiled awkwardly and said to Sela:

“Her Highness is still unfamiliar with palace etiquette, so you must serve her wholeheartedly.”

What protection? Just doing the basics would be enough. When was I ever that close with my ladies-in-waiting?

However, Sela’s cheeks turned pink at Rigan’s words, and she nodded her head.

“Understood! I will devote my life to assisting the Imperial Princess!”

I found her words amusing. If I weren’t an imperial princess, she wouldn’t have given me a second glance.

Of course, that’s natural for them. Who would sacrifice their life for an employer? They stay because there’s something to gain.

“Lady Sela, would you please prepare the Princess’s room now? This is His Majesty’s bedchamber, after all.”

“Ah, yes!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Sela clenched her fists with her round eyes sparkling.

‘What an overwhelming personality. Of all the people they could have found…’

Whether aware of my thoughts or not, Sela disappeared from the room like the wind after hearing Rigan’s words.

Clack. As soon as the door closed, I opened my mouth.

“Couldn’t you find someone more normal?”

“She’s the only lady-in-waiting in the imperial palace untouched by noble influence.”

“Well done, then.”

That changes things. Generally, not only the maids but also most ladies-in-waiting in the imperial palace were either from noble families or sent by nobles.

Amidst all that, someone completely free from noble influence?

“How did a commoner become a lady-in-waiting in the imperial palace?”

“She entered the palace as an apprentice to the Fifth Palace’s patissier. However, she had to leave to support her family, but on the recommendation of Lady Astil, the head lady-in-waiting of the Fifth Palace who had been watching her, she was able to stay.”

“Hmm. Family, huh.”

“Given that the strict Lady Astil recommended her, her background is clean, and I’ve conducted additional investigations. She has a house in the Amine Block in the capital. She lost her mother early and with her younger sibling—”

“That’s none of my business. I don’t care as long as she doesn’t harm me. Is there anyone in this world without a story?”

I shook my head, indicating my disinterest in detailed personal stories. Rigan gave me a complex look, but I continued indifferently.

“By the way, did you investigate what I asked you to?”