My head's been spinning ever since that dream.
I mean, who dreams of a dragon palace, royal carpets, half-human maids, and a kid who could stare into your soul and make your organs freeze?
Either I'm going crazy, or someone's streaming high fantasy directly into my brain.
I stood in my tiny apartment kitchen, arms crossed, staring blankly at the counter like it owed me answers.
"Should I ask Erza about it?" I muttered.
From the living room, Elena's voice cut through my thoughts like a splash of cold water. "Papa? What's burning?"
Huh?
I turned.
"Oh, no—my toast!"
Smoke puffed out of the toaster like it had given up on life. I pulled the toast out—if you could still call it that. It looked more like a miniature meteorite than breakfast.
Erza walked in right on cue, arms crossed, looking about as impressed as a teacher catching you cheating with a coloring book.
"Trying to burn the house down, or is this your new cooking style?"
I held up the toast. "Modern art?"
She didn't laugh. Just took a slow sip from her cup of tea, judging me with her eyes and soul.
"You've been off all morning," she said.
I gave a sigh and flicked the burnt toast into the sink. "Didn't sleep well. Just… weird dreams."
Erza's expression shifted, just a bit. "Dream?"
I looked at her.
Part of me wanted to ask. To tell her everything, the palace, the dragon maids, the boy who looked like a living weapon. The fact his eyes were exactly like hers.
But the words caught in my throat.
"It's nothing," I lied with a weak laugh. "Probably just a weird nightmare."
Erza didn't push. She just shrugged and said, "Well, try not to burn down the kitchen with your 'nightmares.'" Then she plopped back onto the couch, flipping the TV back on.
I scratched my head, watching her for a moment. If I see that dream again… I'll ask her. I have to.
I turned back to breakfast. It might not be world-changing, but this was my battlefield now.
Elena had a big day ahead—the interview. The least I could do was make sure she was well-fed.
Time for the classic fallback plan: Yuuta's "Forgot to Grocery Shop" Breakfast Sandwich.
Step 1: Lightly toast the bread. Lightly. No smoke this time.
Step 2: Grab anything remotely edible from the fridge. I found a slice of tomato, a lonely bit of cheese, and—miraculously—a single slice of chicken.
Step 3: Slather on some mayo like I meant it.
Step 4: Cut it diagonally. Because diagonally makes it fancy.
Step 5: Serve it with enough fake confidence to cover the panic I felt every time I thought about that dream.
I slid the plate over to Elena at the table. "Breakfast is served!"
She looked down at it like it was treasure. "Wow! Thanks, Papa!"
She took a bite and smiled, cheeks full. "Yummy!"
Erza joined us, her tea in hand. She glanced at the sandwich and nodded. "Surprisingly edible. I'm mildly impressed."
I smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."
We sat there quietly for a moment—just the three of us. Morning light spilling through the window, soft chatter from the street below. Simple. Peaceful.
Today was going to be big. The interview. The academy. Maybe a step toward something greater for Elena. Maybe a step into a world we hadn't imagined yet.
And me? I wasn't sure if I was still dreaming or not.
But for now, I had toast. I had tea. I had family.
There's something peaceful about a quiet morning when your family actually enjoys the breakfast you made.
Elena was sitting at the table, swinging her legs under her chair, happily eating her omelet and toast. "Mmm! Papa, it's yummy!"
I smiled as I sipped my still-hot coffee. "Glad to hear that. So… did you memorize all the interview questions we practiced?"
She nodded quickly, mouth still full. "Yes!"
"Good," I said with a relieved sigh. "If all goes well, we'll go out for dinner tonight. Just the three of us."
Elena's eyes lit up. "Really? Yay! Yes, Papa!"
And then—unexpectedly—Erza turned her head from where she was adjusting Elena's uniform and said, "Wait… dinner out?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. You're interested?"
She crossed her arms, pretending to look indifferent. "I'm simply saying… it's been a while since I had a proper Earth drink. I want to try something with alcohol."
I chuckled, leaning back slightly. "Careful. Earth alcohol hits harder than that flaming nectar you used to drink back in your realm."
Erza looked at me coolly. "Are you challenging me to a drink-off?"
"Maybe I am."
She narrowed her eyes, a slow smile forming. "Then prepare to lose, mortal."
I turned to Elena, who was now watching us with bright eyes and a little giggle. "You see this? Your mom's trying to outdrink me before lunch."
Elena laughed. "You're both silly."
But then Erza's mood shifted slightly. She walked over to Elena and knelt beside her. Her voice softened but became serious.
"Elena," she said gently, "listen carefully. When we get to the academy… don't tell anyone about being a dragon. Alright?"
Elena tilted her head, blinking. "But… why not, Mama?"
"Because I said so. Just obey me."
Oof. Harsh.
I stepped in quickly before the atmosphere could get any tenser. "Hey now, don't be so hard on her," I said, crouching down next to Elena. "She's just curious."
Elena's big round eyes looked up at me, a little watery. "Papa… did I do something bad?"
"No, no," I said, patting her head with a smile. "It's not that, sweetie. It's just… humans get kinda scared when they hear about dragons. You know how they are—screaming, running, throwing things. Not a great first impression, right?"
She sniffled. "Oh…"
Then she asked the million-gold question: "What happens if I tell them anyway?"
I shrugged, deciding humor was the best weapon here. "Well, if you tell them, you might not make any friends. They'll probably think you're going to eat them during recess."
Her eyes widened like I just told her Santa wouldn't visit this year. "Nooo! Elena won't tell! Elena wants friends!"
"That's more like it!" I chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Now that's the spirit."
Erza stood up and gave me a small smirk. "You're getting better at this parenting thing."
I raised an eyebrow. "Don't act like you're not impressed."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm tolerating you. That's the highest compliment I give."
I chuckled, looking over at the clock. "Alright, you two. Time to get dressed. Let's show Morning Star Elite what we've got."
As we headed off to get ready, I glanced out the window. The sun was rising, casting a soft golden light through the glass. Big day ahead. But for now, in this little apartment, it felt like things were just right.
Scence shift
(Morning Star Elite Academy Head office)
The clock on the wall ticked quietly.
Morning sunlight poured through the tall, arched windows of the headmaster's office, casting long, golden lines across the floor. The room was vast but tidy, filled with old wooden bookshelves and the faint scent of parchment, ink, and polished oak.
A soft knock interrupted the stillness.
"May I come in?" a polite voice asked from behind the heavy door.
"Enter," the headmaster replied, without lifting his gaze from the cup of tea in his hand.
The door creaked open and in stepped his assistant—sharp suit, sharp glasses, slightly nervous posture. In his arms, he carried a thick stack of folders, bulging with documents.
"Online applications, sir. Final batch before the interviews begin."
The headmaster nodded once. "Thank you. Leave them on the desk."
The assistant set them down with a thud—dozens of files bound neatly in place.
"Shall I prepare the interview schedule?"
"In time. That'll be all for now."
"Yes, sir." The assistant bowed slightly and exited, gently closing the door behind him.
Silence returned.
The headmaster leaned forward, fingers steepled, his eyes scanning the pile.
He didn't need to go through every file. Not at first. He always liked to pick a few at random—to get a sense of the day's energy, as he often called it.
His fingers brushed lightly over the stack, then paused.
One file in particular caught his eye.
He drew it out, flipped it open, and read the name quietly to himself.
"Elena… Kounari."
There was a soft chuckle, more breath than sound, as a faint smile crept onto his face.
"So… you're the one," he murmured. "You're finally arriving."
He leaned back in his chair, the old leather creaking gently.
"I've been waiting for you, little one," he said, his tone calm but curious. "Let's see if you truly belong here."
His gaze drifted to the window, where the sun had fully risen over the Morning Star Elite Academy grounds.
Outside, the world was waking up. The gates would open soon. The interview day would begin.
And among the hundreds of hopefuls… one name stood out already.
Elena Kounari.
To be continued...
[Credit Scene – After the Chapter]
Yuuta: leans into the frame with a grin Hey hey, amazing readers! If you've made it this far, I just wanna say—you're the real MVPs. But uh… maybe, just maybe… hit that collection button? Pretty please?
Erza: raises an eyebrow, arms crossed How greedy can you be? Begging for collections now?
Yuuta: pretends to be offended I'm not begging! I'm just… humbly requesting eternal support and unconditional love!
Elena: pops her head between them Papa worked hard! Vote for us, okay? And don't forget the collection too—Elena said so!
Yuuta: See?! Even Elena knows the drill! Who could say no to that face?
Erza: sighs dramatically If they don't collect after this, I might just burn the next chapter myself.
Yuuta: laughs Threats from a Dragon Queen? Now that's what I call reader motivation.
Elena: Bye bye~ See you next chapter! Don't forget, okay?