Dragon's Egg (6)
Ben tilted his head at Owen's words.
"Dragons have value beyond combat use? For farming?"
"No. Whip-tail dragons are popular as ornamental or pet breeds. Especially among the Empire's nobles."
"Eh?"
Ben wore an expression like he'd heard the strangest thing.
But what Owen said was true.
"Whip-tail dragons really are cutely shaped."
"Hmm... So they're pets because they're cute? Dragons?"
"Of course, that's not the only reason. The biggest is the Emperor's decree."
The Emperor had banned anyone without proper qualifications from owning combat dragons after the Great Purge.
However, he made no restrictions for those under three meters in length.
That size was small even among small breeds, a moderate concession considering the backlash at the time.
"Dragons have long tails relative to their body. It varies by species, but under the three-meter limit, the actual body length is tiny. Half of it is the tail."
"So His Majesty judged that size poses no threat?"
"Exactly. But loopholes always exist. Like the whip-tail dragon."
Dragons typically have long, whip-like tails.
But uniquely, the whip-tail dragon—as its name suggests—has a small, cute, bumpy protrusion of a tail.
Thanks to that, it boasts the largest build among those under three meters.
Since the tail takes up less proportion of the body.
"Size usually means more power in dragons. In that regard, the whip-tail is one of the strongest under the three-meter rule. Pretty appealing, right?"
Only after Owen explained did Ben finally nod.
"Well, ain't that somethin'. The biggest dragon without breakin' the Emperor's decree."
"Plus, whip-tails have beautiful colors and are docile to their owners. But fierce to anyone who threatens them. Perfect guard beasts."
"Ah, now this old timer gets it. Got all the perks for a pet dragon."
Because of this, nobles once rushed to own whip-tail dragons like it was the trend.
The hype had cooled a bit, but the preference remained strong.
Above all, you didn't need to be a Dragon Knight to own one.
"Right. But people—especially vain nobles—always want something special that sets them apart."
"Ah... This old timer's well aware."
"Whip-tails naturally come in striking colors. But nobles weren't satisfied. They bred for even flashier ones. Breeding programs continue to this day."
Exclusive shows for whip-tails were even held.
Deeper reds or those with yellow tinges fetched top prices.
"All that drove up prices with massive bubbles."
"Aha, I get it now. So you're plannin' to sell this egg for a fortune, young master?"
"Exactly. It's a rare albino variant. Other nobles will go mad for it."
Albinism is a lack of melanin production, resulting in reduced body pigmentation.
In nature, yellow or white animals occasionally appear—that's the albino variant.
Dragons have them too.
"When this one hatches, nobles obsessed with unique colors will lose their minds. They'll come from all over the Empire, not just the East."
Ben snorted at that.
"Mercy me, how do you even know it's albino? You're just dreamin' wild, young master. Heh heh."
Such skepticism was natural, but Owen was adamant.
"Just watch. Word'll spread, and all sorts will swarm. Even merchants will drool, breeding it for a jackpot."
"Eyy. It's good you're optimistic, but don't fly too high. This old timer's prayin' for somethin' albino-ish at least."
"It's real."
Owen examined the egg once more.
Subtype: Stellatus
Potential:D-rank
Gender: Female
Condition: Healthy
Special: Albino Variant
This egg didn't belong to Owen anyway.
It was under the 5th Dragon Stable, so selling it smartly to inflate the budget made sense.
The Surpuk Duke's reaction will be interesting.
Five hundred gold coins wasn't chump change, but it wasn't enough to revive the 5th stable.
If Owen pulled it off effortlessly, even the Duke would be stunned.
Owen began crafting a peculiar incubation setup in a wooden crate using his secret techniques.
"Come on, Ben. Let's finish this up."
The next day, at the 2nd Dragon Stable.
Albert, who had won the red egg at auction, was bursting with smug triumph.
"Kuhahaha!"
Just looking at the egg made him laugh.
His life felt like nothing but victories.
Not only had he snagged the red egg yesterday, but he'd spent the early hours in quite the steamy session with Lady Arhana.
That damn bitch... Teasing me and not giving it up at the end.
Some regret lingered, of course.
Arhana had cut him off at the crucial moment and left.
It was the black widow's ploy to torment her prey, but this fool had no clue.
When victory was near, one's vision inevitably narrowed with excitement.
"Careful! Be careful!"
Albert barked at the crew moving the red egg.
Four breeders were already assigned.
A special incubation facility was under preparation for this prized egg.
Albert was pleased that everything was going smoothly, but inwardly, he seethed with dissatisfaction.
"Manager, this is causing all sorts of problems."
Finally, the stable's administrative officer stepped forward.
Albert's eyes flashed with fury—it was only natural.
He loathed some commoner meddling in a knight's affairs.
"What's the issue?"
Under the glaring stare, the officer hesitated.
Should I just shut up? He'll punish me for speaking out...
But he was an honest man.
With the breeders also voicing concerns, he mustered his courage.
"This is a critical time. Several dragons in the stable are approaching breeding season."
"So?"
"Breeding requires special care like fattening them up. Even docile ones get temperamental, doubling the breeders' workload. Yet assigning five to this mystery egg! And remodeling existing facilities? Manpower shortages are inevitable."
The officer's voice rose in the end.
It was a busy season.
Bringing in a new egg was understandable, but lavishing resources on it was not.
The already grueling stable work had breeders complaining.
But Albert picked at his ear, irritated.
"Ridiculous! We pay you to handle that. You get more than street rabble—work like dogs."
"How can you say that!"
"Why? Think handling dragons makes you special?"
Albert exploded too.
He looked ready to swing, but the officer persisted.
"It's not just breeding. The Surpuk Duke's grand assembly is soon, with major dragon matches."
"And?"
"Knights stabling dragons here are demanding extra care for top performance."
"That's your job!"
"It's not simple. Poor breeding results or subpar dragons for matches spell disaster. Our 2nd stable's reputation drops."
Facts cut deepest.
The officer highlighted the reality Albert ignored in his sweet dreams.
"Enough yapping!"
Cheeks trembling, Albert found no retort and bellowed to continue work.
"Obey orders—that's your role."
"...Understood."
The officer sighed and turned away.
"Damn bastard!"
Albert ground his teeth at the retreating figure.
But the officer handled key operations; Albert couldn't touch him lightly.
"We'll see."
If the officer rebelled again, Albert vowed no mercy.
And days later.
Albert learned his orders weren't followed.
The officer had defied some out of concern for the stable.
Albert finally erupted.
"You dare, you commoner scum!"
Thud!
A dull impact, and the officer crumpled, face struck.
"Damn bastard!"
Albert brutally kicked the much older man.
Thud!
The officer, struggling to rise, took a boot to the face—blood spraying as he fell.
Nearby breeders rushed over, shocked.
"Stop it!"
"Sir Albert! Please!"
"Hey! Hold him back!"
They grabbed Albert's arms or shielded the fallen officer with their bodies.
This alone showed how respected the officer was.
"Let go, you bastards! You'll all slave like this scum!"
But Albert lost reason, thrashing wildly.
He only stopped after beating several breeders.
"Know your place! Ptooey!"
He spat on the fallen officer and roared.
"Do your damn jobs right! Delay the incubation remodel, and you're done for! Anything happens to this egg, and I'll have all your heads!"
His bellow echoed as he stormed off, leaving heavy silence over the 2nd stable.
"Haa..."
Someone's deep sigh spoke for everyone.
Albert had crossed the line.
This wouldn't blow over easily.
The 2nd Dragon Stable's administrative officer lay bedridden for days after Albert's beating.
A close breeder visited, face grim.
"Officer, with you down, no one's reining in that damn Albert."
"Hoo... Is that so."
"Without you, everything's falling apart fast."
Arrogant Albert thought the stable thrived under his leadership, but it was the officer's skill.
"He'll come around soon enough."
"No. That bastard's ranting that once the red egg hatches, it's all over. No idea what that egg even is."
"Trouble. He's blind..."
"He's even pulled more guards for it, acting like one hatch fixes everything."
Albert obsessed over the red egg to salve his pride.
Arhana fanned the flames, seductively urging him to see it hatch soon.
Pouring oil on the fire.
Already lusting after her, Albert burned to prove himself.
Unable to stand it, the breeder sought the officer.
"Officer, transfer to another stable."
"What? Nonsense."
"Word of your humiliation's spreading."
"My failing..."
"It's more. That bastard's framing you for issues to justify himself—like you deserved it."
"Heh!"
The officer was stunned.
This was his reward for slaving for the 2nd stable.
Shadows fell over his face.
"Everyone knows your talent. You've had offers. Move now. If Bris sours you, try another city."
"...Thanks for the advice."
He nodded but couldn't easily abandon the stable of his life.
He sighed deeply.
"Hoo... Leave me be. Thanks for coming. Go now."
"Get well."
After the breeder left, the officer sat blankly on the bed.
As dusk fell, he forced his creaking body up and donned his coat.
He wandered as if entranced to the local tavern.
"Here ya go?"
The familiar barkeep, having heard the rumors, tsked and served warmed sausages unasked.
"What's this?"
"Shut it and eat. You look wrecked—gonna down booze on empty?"
"...Thanks."
The officer nodded silently at the kindness.
The regulars knew his plight but offered no rash comfort.
They'd learned silence was true care with age.
A quiet time passed—not hushed, not rowdy.
As the officer sighed softly, the door opened.
Ding, ring.
The bell jingled, and a boy entered.
Clearly noble, still boyish-faced.
The mood soured instantly, but the boy ignored it, plopping beside the officer.
"Good day?"
"Hm?"
The boy smiled faintly at the officer mid-sip.
"I'm Owen Leire. And you are?"
"Ah..."
The officer paused, words failing.
He'd blanked on his own name.
Devoted to stable work, he'd forgotten himself.
Administrator sufficed.
That's what everyone called him.
He'd lived selflessly as a stable cog.
"Ah... My name is..."
He stammered it out eventually.
"Conrad. Doesn't suit me... Means 'advisor'."
Owen grinned.
"Fine name, Sir Conrad."