Anthony had been reborn, so he was no longer Anastrus, the Strongest Dragon King. But while he had started to come to terms with his current existence, there was still a long way to go, and even if he accepted that he was a human, there was no way he would ever let go of who he truly was, what defined him. He was the Keeper of Knowledge, regardless of what his body was.
And yet, Clemence, a lowly human, one who only knows how to mix paltry medicines and do basic surgery, dared to insult his knowledge. A worm-like existence who wouldn't even be worthy of breathing the same air as his previous life dared to comment on the state of his knowledge?
Anthony rose, his eyes once again bloodshot as they pierced Clemence's face with a gripping stare that prevented Clemence from talking or explaining himself.
Clemence wasn't sure what had happened or why his words had triggered Anthony. But it felt like a predator, one he couldn't even make out because its mere shadow was enough to suffocate him, had gripped his neck with its talons.
"You dare insult my knowledge? ME?!"
The threatening air around Anthony was such a stark contrast that it would have been laughable if not for the pitch-black eyes shining like gemstones emanating an air that would spell certain death for anyone who dared laugh.
"Kugh– N-No."
Clemence managed to croak out a no to Anthony's answer. Thankfully, the predator hiding in Anthony wasn't as strong as it looked, and after the initial shock, Clemence found slight leeway.
Clemence had tried to word it when he told Anthony about his realization in a way that would invite Anthony to seek personal and emotional growth. But he hadn't expected it to backfire.
He stepped back and away from Anthony while patting the cold sweat dripping down his forehead with his sleeve.
"It was not my intention to insult you."
"No?"
"No. I merely wanted to inform you of another area you could gain more knowledge in besides medicine."
"Is that so?"
The chill pervading Clemence's body faded. Unexpectedly, his words had gotten Anthony to reconsider.
The line between lacking something and having the potential to learn more about that something was thinner than a strand of hair.
Anthony thought back to what Clemence had said.
It would have netted Clemence an early death if he had still been Anastrus and not Anthony. But with the circumstances of his current life, Anthony couldn't just eradicate someone because they said something he didn't like, at least not without the strength to back up such a decision.
If he killed Clemence here, not only would he lose out on relearning a portion of his knowledge, but he would also end up in trouble related to his identity. He would no longer be the village's blessed child.
If Anthony were to get rid of Clemence, the village would surely grab their pitchforks and torches while shouting about the devil's child. That would happen regardless of his parents' seemingly endless doting and love.
But more than that, there was another aspect that made following his whim of destruction difficult.
Anthony couldn't kill Clemence.
It wasn't because he felt great opposition. It was because he was still a weak baby. He had enough strength to hold onto a potion bottle, so he could hold a knife or dagger if it wasn't too heavy. But he didn't have a knife or dagger of appropriate weight.
Even if he did have a knife or perhaps a dagger, Anthony reached Clemence's knees. One well-placed kick from Clemence would be enough to cut Anthony's second life short.
Anthony deeply exhaled while relaxing his clenched fists. He stopped glaring at Clemence like he had just sneezed over his food and looked away before glancing at Clemence out of the corner of his eye.
'I don't like it, but he's right. I am lacking, which means…'
"Teach me."
Anthony almost added the magic word Vira had taught him, but he couldn't bring himself to lower himself that far. A simple request was all he could do.
Clemence rubbed his neck slightly as he felt the atmosphere return to normal, albeit a little stiff. He looked at Anthony in disbelief. Anthony's bearing made him appear mature beyond his age, but his tantrum and mood swing made Clemence realize that Anthony was still a toddler.
If Anthony knew what Clemence was thinking, he would certainly have reconsidered his decision to spare the physician.
"Teach you?"
"I won't ask twice."
Anthony practically growled at Clemence, asking for confirmation. Unilaterally asking for a favor wasn't something he did. It just wasn't part of his being. Agreeing to mutual exchanges, deals, or trades was fine. He liked them, even. But requesting without making an offer in exchange wasn't something Anthony had done before, even in his past life.
"Uh, you mean you want me to teach you about human emotions and affections?"
Anthony cooled his temper slightly upon realizing that Clemence wasn't asking to mock him. He was asking for clarification.
"Yes. You seem like an expert on the matter, which makes you qualified to impart your knowledge to me."
Anthony spoke with a prideful and dignified attitude to mask and make up for the shame he couldn't help but feel.
"Hmm."
Clemence responded to Anthony's heartfelt request with a thoughtful hum.
"You don't want to?"
Clemence's hum got a questioning glare from Anthony, which made him respond properly.
"No–I mean, I will teach you to the best of my ability!"
'Last time I checked, though, emotions aren't something you can teach.'
Clemence responded with an outwardly enthusiastic expression while hiding the doubts in his heart. He didn't know what to think about Anthony responding to that with an accepting nod that Clemence could see a king use when their retainer does something right.
Clemence also didn't know what to think about what he had just signed himself up for. But what was done was done, and now he just had to deal with the consequences.
The both of them sighed as if on cue and relaxed. It was about time to end their session.