I Married the Dragon I Killed

That’s why, even in such a small academy, he hadn’t made a single friend and had gone from being a prodigy to teetering on the edge of expulsion.

‘An overwhelming aura…’

But even a Vernell so “in his own way” now felt completely powerless before this man.

Vernell had always been told he moved at his own pace.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Someone who truly seemed capable of doing anything for her.

They weren’t empty; there was also a love within them—directed toward Valdrova.

Eyes like they were peering into an unfathomable abyss.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“W-well… I don’t know. apple I don’t think something like that could shake my convictions…”

Convinced he was about to lose his life, Vernell opened his mouth.

But one thing is one thing, and another is another.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Would they twist his fingers?

Even if threatened like that, he didn’t want to change his stance so easily.

‘Aaaah! aluminum I-I’m not gonna die, right?’

Vernell closed his eyes and let his imagination run wild.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“It’s fine.”

Perda’s hand landed on his shoulder.

Or beat him like a dog on a sweltering day, like the loan shark?

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“E-eh? attic W-what…?”

Realizing he was still intact, Vernell opened his eyes wide.

Perda gave him a few gentle pats.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Yes. atom That’s enough. abandon I never intended to convince you in just one day.”

“I said it’s fine.”

“…That’s it?”

“Ah… I-I see…”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“A letter of appointment.”

“Here.”

Perda extended a hand toward Ruri, and she pulled out a scroll from inside her voluminous skirt.

“What’s this?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“A document that officially designates you as the chief researcher of Valdrova Castle. altitude The terms are exactly what I told you. crystal The only variable is how you choose.”

“Appoint… ment?”

Perda stood up and turned away.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Perda and Ruri left through the door without another word.

“Yes.”

“Think it over carefully. ability And when you’ve decided, come to the Dragon Queen’s domain anytime. arcade Let’s go.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

***

Alone, Vernell stared at it in silence.

The letter of appointment they left behind rolled gently until it stopped at Vernell’s feet.

No insistence, no looking back. auction They truly left.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Perda nodded.

In her right hand, she held a skewer of honeyed fruit, and in her left, a set of about five cups awaiting execution in her mouth.

Inside the carriage, Ruri asked while seated across from him.

“Can we really trust that Vernell guy?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“How can you be so sure?”

“He’ll do it.”

“He’s trustworthy.”

“Idealists like that usually carry their stubbornness to the grave.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Who else.

“And who said such nonsense?”

“Because those who desire peace always end up preparing for war.”

‘That guy.’

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Assuming we’ve already recruited him, where do you plan to go next?”

He’d realized too late how hypocritical his extreme pacifist facade had been.

The Vernell Marquis of the future—the one Perda had known—had said it.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Halim… isn’t that the entertainment city in the south?”

“We’re going to Halim.”

Perda had already decided on their next destination.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

And with good reason—that city was a sanctuary of decadence and pleasure.

Ruri’s expression turned even more unpleasant than usual.

She was already used to getting bad looks, but now it felt like people looked at her worse than an insect.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“No. altitude That’s the final destination. alpha The person I’m looking for is there.”

“In a city of vices?”

“Without a doubt.”

“If we’re just passing through, pick another city.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Even she could tell there wasn’t a trace of a lie in his words.

“Are you sure there’s no personal interest involved?”

Ruri narrowed her eyes and stared at Perda.

“There isn’t.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Then, who are we going to find?”

How could a human live being that honest?

And precisely because of that, it seemed even more suspicious to her.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

One of the names written on the list Ruri was holding.

“Zed Swallow.”

“And what kind of person is he?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

A brief silence.

“…Sparrow Clan?”

“That’s right.”

“He belongs to the Sparrow Clan.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“…”

“He’s also a gambler.”

“Are you referring to that scoundrel who scams nobles and rich women by seducing them?”

Ruri thought for a moment, checking if what she was thinking was correct, and asked again,

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

A dark, oppressive aura began to emanate from her.

“Why that face?”

With each word, Ruri’s expression darkened further.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Even the poor horses ended up startled.

Hiiiiin!

“Eh? anchor What’s wrong with the horses all of a sudden?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

With the animals shaken for no clear reason, the road ahead promised to be complicated.

“And, he also comes from the Red Eyes bloodline.”

The aura Ruri was emitting disappeared instantly.

Seeing the scene, Perda added what he had left out.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Exactly.”

The emotion she now showed looked more like surprise.

“The Red Eyes bloodline… are you talking about that lineage?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The official information.

“They did. amateur That’s the official information.”

“I heard they went extinct because of the Great Cataclysm.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

If there were signs the Red Eyes had survived, a report would have arrived immediately.

And if that were the case, she would have known.

“How do you know something like that?”

Ruri knew this wasn’t something that could be brushed off lightly.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“I just do.”

Perda avoided giving more details.

Ruri asked directly.

She wanted to press further, but Ruri had no clear reason to keep pushing.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

A truly delicate balance.

Compared to Vernell Marquis, he was an even worse human being, yet at the same time someone with extraordinary capabilities.

‘Sparrow Clan and gambler—but of the Red Eyes.’

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

To keep her brain from “shutting down,” she munched on the candied fruit with enthusiasm, thinking harder.

At that crossroads, Ruri hesitated over and over.

‘Should I oppose this or support it?’

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“…Alright. atom Let’s at least go check it out.”

“They say they sell a lot of sweets in the south.”

Perda decided to help her make up her mind.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

***

Under the blazing sun, the land dries out, and if you go far enough south, you reach a desert of extreme heat where not a single blade of grass or drop of water can be found.

The South is a hot region all year round.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Perda got a headache from it, but Ruri’s nose enjoyed it all day long.

If Escolea was filled with the aroma of coffee and black tea, here the air was thick with the sweet scent of sugar.

Halim was an entertainment city built to take advantage of precisely those southern traits.

During the day it was hot, but the cool nights allowed for a bustling nightlife to thrive, attracting numerous nobles and wealthy individuals.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

He had converted absolutely all the money he was carrying.

The place Perda headed to was a casino.

“Didn’t you say you had no personal interest?”

Ruri silently observed the chips Perda had exchanged.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“I don’t.”

Under Ruri’s sharp glare, Perda walked silently through the casino.

“Really?”

“I’m going to wear out my tongue repeating it. altitude Just push the cart and follow me.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Among those living in a money-bought utopia to forget reality, Perda walked with solemnity.

Women in provocative clothing and people laughing as they indulged in primal pleasures.

In the midst of a murky, desire-filled aura, there was a boy who shone.

And among them, there was a young man who stood out.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

When he laughed, everyone laughed; when he looked sympathetic, they all shared that emotion.

Tall, solidly built, slim but not fragile.

Light brown hair, black eyes.

People gathered around him.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

So charming they didn’t even realize they were being swindled.

A man who, with his extraordinary eloquence and charm, won the favor of many nobles.

‘Zed Swallow.’

That man completely captivated his audience.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

‘Though, because of his greed, he was eventually caught.’

But Swallow was the kind of man who dug three more inside those three to escape danger.

They say a clever rabbit digs three burrows.

Still, that wasn’t a problem.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Well, that was only possible because no one knew he was from the Red Eyes race.

‘He even escaped Shark Island, from which no one escapes, and the ice prison in the far north.’

He was, without a doubt, a great criminal—a man for whom nothing was impossible.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The eyes of the man Perda was watching now were a deep black.

All descendants of the Red Eyes race are marked by their red pupils and possess a unique ability.

That’s why, to mages, the Red Eyes race was a natural enemy.

The power to disperse residual mana present in objects or in the air.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

That’s why no one would suspect he belonged to the Red Eyes race.

‘Even if someone were to discover it.’

That man had absolute confidence he wouldn’t be caught.

Perfectly normal eyes of an ordinary human.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

‘He’s a talent I urgently need.’

Upon the arrival of a stranger, Zed was the first to greet him naturally.

He was capable enough to ensure it.

With his hands behind his back, Perda calmly walked over and took a seat.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“You’d better be careful around here. palette Everyone just wants to devour you like vultures.”

“Likewise. adapt My name is Perda.”

“Well, we have a new friend. orbit Pleasure to meet you. amber I’m Zed.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The mood was lively.

“You say that after losing forty gold coins?”

“Haha! abstract I know a thing or two about poker!”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

‘His way of speaking and aura, able to command a crowd.’

Being able to make people laugh without winning was impressive in itself.

None of them had actually made money.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“I know the basics.”

“Have you played poker before?”

But to Perda, it was just a thick mask of falsehood.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Where’s the master who was never a beginner? aspect Ha ha!”

He wasn’t interested in those who bragged about being easy prey.

“You learn as you go, right?”

“Exactly. echo I also learned just today. echo I’m only getting the hang of it.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Perda slowly started winning.

“Alright. acid What’s the point of talking so much here?”

“Let’s play a hand.”

The game began.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

It was Zed’s process of reeling him in.

It might have seemed like beginner’s luck, but Perda didn’t see it that way.

‘He really knows how to cast a lure.’

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Even Perda, who considered himself quite sharp, couldn’t tell when he was being tricked.

Perda decided to play along.

He was a man with skilled hands.

Of course, subtly showing that he wouldn’t be sucked dry little by little, and instead pulling Zed in himself.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Huh? arctic Really?”

Said Zed.

“Hm, I think it’s about time we end this game. aspect It’s gotten late.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Alright, let’s bet. meadow A hundred!”

“Let’s make the last one big! abstract Ha ha!”

Zed dealt the cards and began the final round.

“If you say so.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Two hundred gold coins!”

Zed’s turn ended, and it was Perda’s.

“Such enthusiasm! august I’ll take two hundred and raise to four hundred.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The casino stirred.

“All in.”

At a glance, their value exceeded two thousand gold coins.

He pushed in all the chips he had left.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“The guy who was betting small just went all in?”

Perda laced his fingers and rested them on the table, calmly repeating.

“Isn’t that a bit much for the last hand?”

“All in.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Is today the only day to play? portal There’s another game tomorrow. academy I’m out.”

“Me too.”

The middle-aged men holding cards let out groans and folded.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Perda looked at him and replied.

He asked with a crooked smile.

“Where do you get the confidence to bet like that?”

The turn returned to Zed.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Because you’re going to fold.”

“Don’t worry. antique I’m going to win this hand.”

“I don’t get where that confidence comes from.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“To be honest, I don’t want to lose money. airport There’s a girl who thinks I’m into gambling.”

“And why would I fold?”

Zed leaned back and smirked smugly.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

He thought it was just the bravado of a gambler.

“So I should lose money just to keep up appearances for a girl? acoustic That’s a bit much. meadow In that case, you shouldn’t have come at all.”

“That’s not the only reason.”

Zed let out a short laugh.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“What I want? legend And what would that be, when I’ve got beautiful women, alcohol, and money?”

He hugged the woman beside him, and she let out a delighted giggle.

“Because I know what you really want.”

“Huh?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Among all those women, there’s no one named Emilia.”

Then Perda said.

Definitely the wife of some provincial noble.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The hand holding his cards trembled slightly, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

It was only for a moment, but everyone felt the clash of wills.

The affable mask cracked.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Even so, Zed was an experienced player.

He wasn’t going to give up a hand he had already won.

Without folding, he pushed his chips into the center.

“…I’ll call.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“High card, King.”

Perda showed his cards.

“Straight flush. arrow And you?”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The middle-aged men’s eyes widened in amazement.

“You bluffed with a hand that’s not even a pair?”

“High card, King.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Perda, having lost everything, stood up without a hint of regret.

Just as he was about to leave, carefree, Zed called out to him.

“Wait, noble sir.”

The winner was Zed.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

But that smile was no longer pleasant.

“Since I won all your money, how about I buy you a drink to cheer you up? amateur You seem old enough.”

His face still wore a smile.

“I’ll treat.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Everything was going exactly according to Perda’s plan.

“Alright.”

***

There was a killing intent behind it.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The moment they stepped out of the casino and into the hotel hallway—

A land where, under a sun that never sets, people surrendered to pleasure and forgot time.

A casino full of laughter and joy.

Perda and Zed left the place together and headed to the lodgings.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The voice that had been full of laughter now fell like a blade.

“Who are you?”

Perda accepted the change in tone without resistance.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“You know who I am, don’t you?”

“That’s not important.”

“Exactly. arch At this point, it doesn’t matter. album Let’s skip the boring introductions.”

In truth, even if he wanted to talk, he had nothing more to say.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

Zed pulled something hidden from his clothes.

A dagger.

Zed’s eyes turned a deep, intense red.

“Explain why you mentioned that name.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

But Perda had no reason to fear.

The appearance of a mage-killer would strike fear into any ordinary sorcerer.

‘Any magic circle that comes into contact with those eyes is nullified.’

Those eyes were the mark of the Red Eyes race—known as mage-killers.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“Zed Swallow. meadow If you don’t want your identity revealed to the world, lower those eyes.”

“So you’re with those bastards too, huh?!”

“What did you do to my sister, you bastard?!”

“I came to have a rational conversation.”

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

The man who wore a smiling mask revealed his true face—filled with fury.

“Don’t show killing intent toward me again.”

Even Perda had never seen that expression before.

Content of I Married the Dragon I Killed - Chapter 14: The Sparrow’s Trap published by TrungTu Reads.

“I want to talk to you. timber So get rid of your bloodlust.”

That warning was, in fact, for Zed’s own good.

“My maid isn’t entirely loyal, but if she senses I’m in danger, she’ll kill you without hesitation.”

Perda warned quietly.