Chapter 370- Pure-Hearted Prince vs. Giant Dragon Boss (09)
Mu Jin couldn’t help but want to laugh secretly, feeling not even the slightest bit guilty. After all, that fool1 had long fallen for a certain someone who stuck to him like glue every day. 003 might not realize it, but Mu Jin could see it all too clearly.
After hearing Mu Jin’s speech, the king immediately decreed a three-year tax exemption across the kingdom to express gratitude for the dragon’s generosity. Considering the dragon’s gift of treasures, even a ten-year tax exemption would still leave them with an abundance. Additionally, the king announced a three-day banquet, with plans for an even grander celebration when Norris married the dragon.
With the king’s decree, the entire kingdom erupted into joyous celebration.
The only person who wasn’t pleased was Princess Bernice.
Bernice had always assumed that marrying the dragon meant being dragged into the abyss, but Norris’s reality turned out to be completely different from her expectations.
Not only had the dragon sent countless rare treasures, earning endless prestige in front of everyone, but it was also willing to promise the kingdom’s protection for Norris, whom Bernice saw as nothing more than a fool.
What was so special about Norris that the dragon was so infatuated with him? Despite all of Bernice’s efforts, why did all the good things in the end still fall to Norris?
As she watched the people around her celebrating, Bernice forced a smile to remain on her face, but the silk handkerchief in her hand was close to being torn apart from her frustration.
Learning that Norris would still be able to stay in the kingdom, the king finally relaxed completely. That evening, he even hosted a banquet to welcome Mu Jin. Though Mu Jin had no interest in the festivities, seeing the joy on his beloved’s face convinced him to attend.
Before the banquet, the two managed to find some time alone together. Mu Jin explained to Norris that he had accumulated magical energy for many years, allowing him to temporarily suppress the miasma in the abyss and come find him. However, he would still need to return after some time.
Mu Jin also shared his hope that during this period, he could find a permanent solution to suppress the miasma in the abyss. If successful, it would free him from the confines of the abyss and palace life for good.
Norris felt deeply distressed after hearing Mu Jin’s explanation. He resolved to make sure Mu Jin enjoyed himself at the evening banquet, allowing him to experience the colorful and vibrant world outside the abyss.
The two stood chatting by the banquet guests, wine glasses in hand, looking like they were having a wonderful conversation. While the nobles saw Mu Jin as a powerful mage—an opportunity too valuable to pass up—they also understood he was the dragon’s emissary. Offending him could lead to unimaginable consequences, so for now, no one dared approach him, leaving Mu Jin with some peace and quiet.
As Norris looked at Mu Jin standing before him, he still felt as though he were dreaming. Reflecting on Mu Jin’s current identity, he couldn’t help but ask, “By the way, Xiao Jin, I haven’t asked you yet—why did you tell everyone you’re the dragon’s emissary?”
Hearing this, Mu Jin cleared his throat, picked up his wine glass, and took a sip. When no one was paying attention, he shot Norris a glare and said, “Let me ask you, is my dragon form majestic?”
Norris nodded at Mu Jin’s question. Then Mu Jin pointed at himself and asked, “What about my human form? Isn’t it adorable?”
It was the first time Norris had heard someone so shamelessly ask if they were adorable, and his face flushed red. Yet he couldn’t help but glance at Mu Jin’s face—those big, cat-like eyes were bright and clear, melting his heart. There was no denying it; Mu Jin was indescribably cute.
Norris could swear Mu Jin was the most adorable person he’d ever seen in this world. Without hesitation, he nodded earnestly, his eyes filled with sincerity.
Satisfied with Norris’s answer, Mu Jin took a big gulp of wine but then looked somewhat glum. “So, tell me—if these people knew that the dragon’s human form looked like this, what would they think of me?”
“I’m the dragon! The mightiest dragon on this continent for tens of thousands of years! Don’t I deserve to maintain some dignity?”
Norris hadn’t expected Mu Jin to give such an answer. He quickly raised his wine glass to his lips, trying to hide the amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Seeing his lover laugh at him, Mu Jin wasn’t angry. After all, his remark was nothing more than a playful joke.
Truly powerful individuals wouldn’t care about their appearance. Even if Mu Jin’s appearance resembled that of a child, as long as he demonstrated his immense strength, he believed no one would dare underestimate him.
However, leaving the abyss had been no easy task, and Mu Jin hadn’t done it solely to be with his lover. He also had to deal with the protagonist, ensuring Qiansha had the opportunity to reveal his flaws. It was crucial not to expose his true identity at this moment. If others realized his overwhelming strength, it would only raise suspicions and put his plans at risk.
Though he already presented himself as a high-level mage, this image was far less alarming than that of a dragon. As expected, not far from him, the protagonist, Gardner, began approaching, just as Mu Jin had anticipated.
Gardner had spent most of the evening waiting for Mu Jin to be alone, but Mu Jin and Norris had been inseparable. Judging by the joyful expression on Norris’s face, it was clear he had no objections to becoming the dragon’s partner.
Of course, with benefits like these, who would care if they were marrying a dragon—someone who wasn’t even human? The temptation of such rewards would make anyone, even a prince known for his supposed integrity, compromise in the end.
Gardner felt a twinge of contempt for Norris but kept his expression neutral. He failed to recognize the irony of his own actions: he was only approaching Mu Jin because the system had offered him an irresistible reward.
Unsure when this so-called dragon emissary might leave, Gardner decided he had to act swiftly to leave a good impression. Since waiting for Norris to leave wasn’t working, he would take the initiative.
Gardner picked up a plate of pastries and glanced at Mu Jin. He had been observing him all evening and noticed that Mu Jin seemed particularly fond of sweets and wine. With Mu Jin already holding a glass of wine, Gardner decided to present him with something sweet.
Putting on his most charming smile, Gardner walked over and said, “The desserts at tonight’s banquet are quite exquisite. You should give them a try.”
Mu Jin glanced at the protagonist upon hearing his words, gave a polite smile, and shook his head. “Thank you, but I’m already full,” he replied.
Such an obvious gesture of refusal made Gardner furrow his brows slightly, though he wasn’t about to give up so easily. Instead, he smiled warmly and turned to Norris, saying, “Your Highness, would you mind if I had a few words alone with this esteemed mage? There are some matters I wish to discuss with the emissary.”
“What matters could there possibly be that I can’t know about?” Norris retorted directly, his discomfort evident as he noticed Gardner’s attempt to offer food to Mu Jin.
Gardner responded with an ambiguous smile, leaning in to whisper, “Your Highness, who wouldn’t want to get to know someone as extraordinary and stunning as this emissary? I’m sure you’d be gracious enough to help facilitate that.”
Gardner, though surrounded by admirers, had always publicly maintained that he was single, with his flirtations with Princess Bernice happening only in private. Now, claiming an interest in Mu Jin seemed perfectly reasonable to him.
After all, while Norris was Bernice’s brother, Gardner had never taken him seriously. In Gardner’s mind, he would one day elevate Bernice to the throne as queen. Once he defeated the dragon, Norris would lose his leverage, and with Bernice ruling the kingdom, the so-called prince would be reduced to living at their mercy.
What Gardner failed to anticipate was how deeply his words enraged Norris. To Norris, Mu Jin was his beloved partner, yet someone dared to covet him right in front of him—going so far as to suggest he facilitate the meeting. Such audacity was intolerable for any man.
Norris’s face darkened immediately. He turned to Gardner and said coldly, “I have no intention of granting you such a favor. Besides, I’m certain the emissary has absolutely no interest in you.”
Gardner’s eyes narrowed in anger at the blunt response. However, mindful of Norris’s current status, he merely chuckled lightly and walked away without further comment.
Although leaving a good impression on the emissary was crucial, Gardner found it impossible to continue in the face of Norris’s relentless hostility. After all, his current strength was far from sufficient to openly challenge the authority of the royal family.
Even after Gardner left, Norris remained grim-faced, visibly displeased. Mu Jin, amused by the situation, could only hold back his laughter due to the crowd around them. He decided to wait until the banquet concluded before finding an opportunity to comfort his man.
When the banquet finally ended, Norris eagerly volunteered to personally arrange accommodations for Mu Jin. Of course, the room he chose was strategically located right next to his own—a decision clearly influenced by personal motives.
Mu Jin offered no objections and was even quite pleased. If it weren’t for his current role as the emissary, he would’ve simply opted to stay in Norris’s room.
As the night grew quiet, Norris found himself unable to contain his restlessness. Once everyone else was asleep, he stealthily left his room and made his way to Mu Jin’s door.
Just as he was about to knock, he noticed that the door wasn’t locked. In fact, it wasn’t even fully closed, leaving a crack through which light from inside seeped out.
Was Mu Jin deliberately leaving the door open for him?
This thought comforted Norris greatly. He stepped into the room, quietly shut the door, and immediately walked up to Mu Jin. Without a word, he pulled him into a tight embrace, burying his face into the crook of Mu Jin’s neck, sulking in silence.
“What’s this? Still upset about Gardner?” Mu Jin asked softly.
Norris rubbed his head against Mu Jin’s shoulder and murmured, “I’m not angry, just feeling a little uneasy. It’s because you’re too amazing—of course people would want to take you away from me.”
Hearing this, Mu Jin chuckled internally. Wrapping his arms around Norris’s neck, he planted a kiss on the corner of his lips and reassured him, “Don’t be upset. It’s not worth letting insignificant people affect your mood.”
As he spoke, he gently patted Norris’s back. However, hearing Norris bring up Gardner reminded Mu Jin of the protagonist, and his expression darkened slightly at the thought.
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