For some reason, Aegon felt unusually drowsy today, even though he couldn't recall how he ended up sleeping with such tenderness, his arm cradling a soft figure against him.
Irene's movements made him realize something was off. She was nestled in his embrace, her crimson hair wafting a fragrant scent that tickled his nose.
Holding her supple body close, surrounded by a lingering fragrance, their intimate closeness made it easy for him to press his lips against her forehead with a slight tilt of his head.
He couldn't help but marvel at the clarity in her gaze as she opened her eyes, staring at him. Aegon hesitated for a moment before speaking softly, "I... didn't do anything."
His deep, slightly drowsy voice, uttered in a gentle tone, surprisingly made her think a man's voice could sound pleasant for the first time.
Though it sounded like something a scoundrel would say, Irene knew nothing happened indeed.
It wasn't about physical sensations; it was the fact that she had slept deeply and peacefully last night.
Without refuting Aegon's words, Irene simply stared into his eyes for a moment before glancing at the faint light filtering through the curtains, murmuring softly, "It's been a long time..."
Turning her gaze back to Aegon still lying in bed, she smiled with playful eyes and spoke softly:
"Thank you for last night... I slept really well."
After saying so, she got up from bed, her slender figure revealed through the sheer nightgown.
Aegon was momentarily stunned by her gratitude. When he snapped out of it, the beauty was already gone, leaving behind only a faint fragrance lingering in the air.
Rubbing his brow, Aegon got out of bed silently, pulling the curtains open with a swoosh, letting the bright sunlight fill the room, and gazing at the sun high in the sky. "Feels... pretty good."
In the living room, Irene had already finished freshening up and was sitting on the couch, engrossed in a book, exuding an air of intellectual beauty.
Without looking up, she casually asked, "Awake?"
Aegon grabbed the towel Heinie handed him. "Been awake, just watching the sunrise from my room. What are you reading?"
Irene closed the book and finally looked up, giving Aegon a slight smile. "Just browsing."
She didn't hide the book, letting it lie conspicuously on the coffee table with the title "Revelation" written in large letters on its cover.
Aegon tapped the book lightly, not bothering to open it. "If you want to investigate me, just ask. This book is meaningless now."
Irene chuckled softly, waving her hand to turn the book into ashes.
"I've noticed too. But not to investigate you, but to... understand you."
Irene wasn't lying; she genuinely found Aegon intriguing, prompting her curiosity.
Raising an eyebrow, Aegon looked at her teasingly, "Isn't there a saying? When you start to be curious about someone of the opposite sex, you're already falling for them."
Irene looked at him calmly, not with affectionate eyes, but there was a difference from her usual indifferent gaze, as she replied softly:
"Then... I'm falling."
Their eyes locked, and they could hear each other's breaths, the atmosphere suddenly becoming romantic, their cheeks inching closer...
The next moment, "Knock, knock—"
A knock on the door startled Irene, and Juliet peeked in, "Irene-sama, breakfast is ready as you requested!"
Irene hurriedly got up and rushed out, not looking back, "Let's eat!"
Juliet tilted her head in confusion, noticing Irene's flushed face, and quickly covered her mouth.
Aegon chuckled lightly, "Nothing, let's eat."
As Juliet realized what happened, Aegon was already walking towards the corridor. "Wait for me, Aegon-sama!!"
Irene left the main seat for Aegon and sat on the left, focusing on her meal. Aegon didn't tease her and took the seat Heinie pulled out for him.
"Thank you." Aegon nodded appreciatively before remarking unexpectedly, "It seems like I've become quite reliant, haven't I?"
Irene knew Aegon was trying to ease her embarrassment. "Don't you like it?"
Aegon replied seriously, "No, I like it."
Irene almost spat out her tea at his unexpected response.
"What's your plan next?"
"I haven't thought about the next step yet. I'm waiting for August to return; I've asked him to help explore the changes in the world. I want to know what's happened."
"Changes in the world?" Irene furrowed her brows, summoning her Deer Horn Staff into her hand. With a tap on the ground, a red light emanated from her, spreading outwards as she began to search. The red light flickered, revealing changes near the Albares Empire—new islands, altered mountain ranges, and lakes.
Aegon nodded thoughtfully, "August mentioned the same. If you've reached the same conclusion, then there must indeed be changes."
Irene smiled faintly, gazing at Aegon for a moment, "If I'm not mistaken, you... have also undergone some 'changes,' right?"
Juliet exclaimed, "Huh?!!"
Seeing Heinie give her a glance, she quickly covered her mouth.
Aegon chuckled softly, sitting upright in his chair as he met her gaze, "Where did you figure that out?"
Irene remained composed, crossing her arms and leaning back in her chair, legs elegantly crossed, "Guessed it."
She raised her index finger:
"First, your behavior doesn't match the personality of the Black Dragon recorded in the 'Revelation.' Even if there are discrepancies between the recorded Black Dragon and the real one, it wouldn't be to such an extent. At least I know for sure that the original Black Dragon detests dragons and Dragon Slayers and wouldn't spare any upon encountering them. Yet, you didn't harm me."
"Second, your human form doesn't match Acnologia, and there are changes in the patterns on your body after transforming into a dragon. As far as I know, Black Dragons don't have red patterns on them, and you seem to have no intention of concealing it."
"Third, it's your response when we first met. I asked you, 'Are you really a Black Dragon?' and you answered, 'Yes, and no.'"
"At that time, I couldn't quite grasp the meaning of your words, but after observing you for a while, I gradually understood."
Aegon lightly clapped his hands and leaned forward, "You're absolutely right. I indeed have no intention of concealing it. Since you've guessed it, what do you plan to do?"