Chapter 16.2

“It’s a flower born from the Blue Dragon’s tears. He cried for days, and from that pool his tears left behind, the flower bloomed.”

“Why was he crying?”

“He was betrayed by a human he considered a friend.”

“…”

“You humans probably think it’s some kind of miracle cure or a flower that grants immortality. That’s what’s been passed down through generations, right?”

Edith’s face fell. He was right.

Everyone believed it was a miracle cure. Even Lucion.

“But it’s nothing like what you imagine. How could something that grew from the Blue Dragon’s hatred, resentment, and bitterness possibly be a cure for anything?”

It was a flower straight from hell.

But Lucion, unaware of this truth, had touched the flower hoping to save his sick mother.

And as a result, the curse—filled with malice—took root in his heart.

“Of all the things he could’ve touched.”

Agni clicked his tongue, as if he were thinking about Lucion too.

A brief silence settled between them before Edith spoke again.

“Is there a way for me to absorb it?”

“It’s a flower from hell, and you want it?”

“Yes.” Her voice was steady.

Agni stared into her determined eyes.

“How interesting. You know exactly what you need to do to survive.”

Edith simply narrowed her eyes. There was nothing more to say.

“I’ve been wondering, are you a descendant of the Mejía bloodline?”

“Mejía?”

“Never heard of them, huh?”

Agni tilted his head, confused. Edith’s expression wasn’t much different.

“It’s exactly as it sounds. Humans who carry the blood of Mejía. They’ve worshiped my kind for generations.”

Because they revered dragons, they were well-versed in legends and divine artifacts that most humans knew nothing about.

But Edith only knew about the Ice Flower because of her past life. She had never heard of the Mejía bloodline.

“This is my first time hearing about them.”

“What a strange one you are. You seem to know things, yet at the same time, you know nothing at all.”

He had hoped to trace the origin of his fragment through her, but Edith didn’t even understand the source of her own power.

The intrigue in Agni’s eyes dimmed slightly.

“Tell me what you do know.”

“I know that the Ice Flower is the only way I can survive. Without it, I think my heart will eventually burn up from the inside.”

“So you do know something. You’re right. Unless I take it back myself, that’s your only chance.”

Since retrieving the fragment was out of the question, the Ice Flower was truly her only means of survival.

And the one who possessed the Ice Flower… was the young lord by her side.

A perfect puzzle piece.

Agni’s smile widened.

“You married the young lord knowing all of this?”

Edith didn’t deny it. There was no point in lying. He would see right through her.

“Now this is unexpected. I thought you were some saintly girl, putting up with that insufferable young lord and his bratty attitude. But turns out, you were after the Ice Flower all along.”

Agni couldn’t help it. He burst into laughter.

“Does the young lord know?”

“…He doesn’t.”

“Why not? You two obviously need each other, so why bother hiding it? Just tell him.”

“I can’t. Do you think Lucion would just sit back if he found out I was using him?”

It was far too late to come clean now.

Maybe her intentions toward him had started as manipulative, but now, her feelings had turned into something real.

But Lucion would never stop doubting her, and that doubt would only eat away at him.

So she had decided to keep this secret until the very end.

“That’s why you have to keep this a secret too, Master Agni.”

“You’re more cunning than you look.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

“What? Haha! You’re really something.”

Agni liked humans who were bold and shameless, like Edith.

Goody two-shoes were no fun. He enjoyed watching humans reveal their greed.

Though he wasn’t particularly fond of those who took it too far. Like Lucion.

“So, are you going to tell me how to absorb the Ice Flower?”

“Hmm. What do I get out of helping you?”

He had no obligation to save Edith. Whether she lived or died made no difference to him.

But Edith just smiled.

“You should know the answer to that, Master Agni. You came to me because there’s something you want.”

Let’s not forget. You were the one who came looking for me.

At those words, Agni let out another laugh.

“Edith, let’s make a contract.”

“A contract?”

“I’ll make sure you don’t die. I’ll teach you how to absorb the young lord’s curse, and I’ll even show you how to control my power.

And if you ever find yourself in danger, I might even save you.

But in return…

“If you die, your heart is mine.”