Chapter 368- Pure-Hearted Prince vs. Giant Dragon Boss (07)
At this point, Mu Jin turned to Norris and cautiously said, “I had already decided to speak to the king about canceling the engagement or requesting a better match.”
“But before I could do that, you arrived. The moment I saw you, I realized how terribly wrong I had been. Dragons can discern lies and sense a person’s true nature. When I brought you before me, I could clearly see your soul.”
“Your soul is so pure—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever encountered in my long life. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to you. Selfishly, I wanted you to be my partner. So, when you asked me to spare Bernice, I agreed without hesitation, and immediately requested you instead.”
“I knew that for your sister’s sake, you wouldn’t refuse me. Norris, I’m sorry. But I will never let you go!”
Mu Jin sincerely apologized, but his unwavering gaze locked on Norris’s eyes revealed his determination. It was clear he intended to admit his faults without any plans of changing his decision.
“I chose this myself! Mu Jin, Xiao Jin, I like you too!” Norris quickly reassured him. When he learned how many years Mu Jin had spent in loneliness, his heart had felt as though it would shatter.
Mu Jin had sacrificed himself for the entire world, asking only for a companion in return. How could that be considered too much to ask? Moreover, Mu Jin, with all his strength and perfection, had chosen him—this was nothing short of a miracle.
Gently reaching out, Norris tenderly stroked Mu Jin’s hair and leaned in to kiss his lips with utmost reverence. He wanted Mu Jin to know that his feelings were mutual—that he liked him, very much. To be loved by the person in his arms felt like the greatest blessing of his life.
Mu Jin, naturally sensitive to his beloved’s emotions, felt a wave of joy. However, he kindly reminded Norris, “Still, you need to be cautious of your sister. I think Bernice is very manipulative. Your tarnished reputation in the kingdom—she had a hand in that.”
Though he didn’t want to upset Norris, Mu Jin felt it necessary to warn him so that he could protect himself in the future.
Who would have thought that after hearing his words, Norris didn’t show any surprise? Instead, he nodded slightly and said, “I know. Honestly, I’ve always felt that Bernice doesn’t like me. She probably wants to be queen herself.”
“But I’ve never minded. Bernice was born with the gift of light magic, while I’m nothing more than a powerless failure. Truthfully, it’s not a bad idea for her to take over this country…”
Before Norris could finish, Mu Jin pressed a finger gently to his lips, stopping the words from spilling out. With a slightly displeased expression, Mu Jin looked at him and said, “I won’t allow you to talk about yourself like that. In my eyes, you’re the best.”
“A country’s leader doesn’t need to be the most powerful individual. What the people need is wisdom and a kind, compassionate heart. You possess both of these qualities, and I believe you are the best leader for this nation.”
“Norris, even though I said I want you as my partner, how could I bear to keep you trapped in the abyss with me? Give me some time—I’ll find a way to free myself from the abyss. When that happens, I’ll stay by your side, help you govern this country, and we’ll never be apart again!”
Hearing Mu Jin’s encouragement and heartfelt confession, Norris could no longer suppress the surge of emotions in his heart. He took a deep breath before passionately claiming Mu Jin’s lips in a fervent kiss, pressing him against the railing of the balcony.
Under the moonlight, their intertwined silhouettes exuded an air of intimacy and desire. Norris knew that if he continued, things would escalate. But the person in his arms was so irresistible that he couldn’t restrain himself. Mu Jin, in turn, seemed intent on fanning the flames, even going so far as to slowly loosen the robe he was wearing right before Norris’s eyes.
Faced with the stunning beauty now revealed to him, Norris felt his mind go completely blank. He could no longer control his hands, his lips, or his body—he was utterly consumed by his desire for the person in his embrace.
‘This is just a dream’, Norris reassured himself. Surely, indulging a little in a dream wasn’t such a big deal, right?
His senses heightened, Norris found himself completely entranced. Who would have thought that even in a dream, such an experience could bring so much joy?
Norris felt like a hungry beast, and the person in his arms was the long-awaited feast he had craved for so long. He wanted to consume him completely, even crushing the bones and swallowing them whole, making him entirely his own.
Without restraint, he indulged again and again, with the dreamscape shifting according to his desires. From the scenic balcony to a cozy bedroom with a soft bed, and finally back to the magnificent grand hall.
A layer of black silk beneath them highlighted the porcelain-like skin of the person in his arms, surrounded by gold coins and jewels that complemented the lavish scene. The visual intensity was overwhelming, and Norris longed to remain lost in it forever.
When it was all over, Norris held Mu Jin tightly in his arms, feeling deeply satisfied. He could no longer tell whether it was night or day, only the lingering sensations that Mu Jin had left behind.
But as he regained his clarity, Norris realized that if this were real, Mu Jin was his most important partner, and he would have waited until marriage to be with him. He wondered if giving in to temptation in this dream might make Mu Jin think that he didn’t respect him.
At this thought, Norris suddenly felt anxious. He didn’t want any misunderstandings to arise between them. Though it felt out of place to say, he still blurted out, “I respect you!”
Mu Jin paused at Norris’s words but, upon meeting his lover’s anxious gaze, seemed to understand him, perhaps because they had spent so much time together and had somehow attuned their thoughts to one another.
Suppressing the urge to smile, Mu Jin thought that his man was a bit like a silly husky.
But he had chosen this man, and he would cherish him no matter what. So, he gently reassured Norris, “Of course, I know. I’m a dragon, remember? No one can deceive a dragon. Norris, I know you truly love me!”
Though it was an odd concept in this world, dragons indeed had an innate ability to discern lies and the good or evil within a person. With magic, they could even see a person’s soul. So when Mu Jin said these things earlier, he wasn’t deceiving Norris.
This was also why, after Mu Jin praised Norris in the central plaza, everyone believed his words without question.
Norris finally breathed a small sigh of relief after hearing Mu Jin’s reassuring words. Watching Mu Jin nestled snugly in his arms, smiling sweetly and staying so close, Norris felt an overwhelming happiness. The thought of truly living together made him even more eager for their future.
A soft, ancient melody reached his ears, sung in Mu Jin’s clear and melodious voice. The soothing song made Norris drowsy, and he thought he felt a light kiss on his cheek. Mu Jin’s gentle voice followed, saying, “Sleep, my love. When you wake again, we will be together.”
The magic-infused words lulled Norris into closing his eyes, and he slowly drifted back into slumber.
When he woke up again, Norris found himself back in his royal bedchamber, lying on his grand bed. As he suspected, it had all been just a dream. He had known this, yet waking without Mu Jin in his arms left his heart aching with an unshakable emptiness.
It was as though he had contracted the lovesickness often dramatized in exaggerated plays, consumed by a deep longing for Mu Jin.
The previous night, they had shared so much, and Norris felt he had gained insight into Mu Jin’s innermost world. It only deepened his admiration for the dragon’s kind and noble nature, making him feel that his beloved was truly worthy of all the love in the world. At the same time, he couldn’t help but feel heartache for Mu Jin, who remained trapped in the abyss.
Although Mu Jin had promised to find a way to come for him in a few days, Norris couldn’t help but wonder if it was truly that easy to leave the abyss. If it were, his beloved wouldn’t have been confined there for tens of thousands of years.
This thought filled Norris with worry, but a knock at the door interrupted his musings. Pushing his concerns aside, he quickly dressed and opened the door.
Outside stood Owen, looking as stiff as a wooden post. He only snapped out of his daze when Norris opened the door. His eyes, however, betrayed an uncontrollable sorrow and indignation.
Norris understood. Owen was grieving that Norris had been chosen as the dragon’s companion, unwilling for him to take Bernice’s place in bearing this responsibility. Yet, as a royal guard, Owen clearly lacked the power to object.
The dragon’s overwhelming power left Owen feeling utterly inadequate, unable even to comfort Norris. Struggling to adjust his tone, he said, “His Majesty the King has requested to see you after breakfast.”
Norris nodded at Owen’s words, understanding that after yesterday’s events, his father likely hadn’t slept well and probably had much to discuss with him. Quickly tidying himself, Norris accompanied Owen to the dining hall. After breakfast, he headed straight to the throne room to meet the King.
The throne room felt particularly empty today, with only Norris and the King present. The King gazed at his son, a flood of emotions surging within him, leaving him at a loss for words.
The old King and his late wife had shared a deep and enduring love. After the Queen’s passing, the King had never remarried, devoting himself instead to raising their two children. Though he loved both, he had always favored Norris more.
Even though Norris had not awakened any magical powers and was secretly ridiculed by others as useless, the King, with his years of wisdom and experience, could easily see through Bernice’s petty schemes. Compared to her, he much preferred his pure-hearted and kind son.
There were matters he had deliberately refrained from interfering with, hoping Norris would learn to handle them independently. Yet, yesterday, the dragon had publicly revealed Norris’s true nature, effectively vindicating his son’s reputation.
But what good was it? The dragon was going to take his son away!