Chapter 10: Suddenly I felt so lonely

Outside Dragon’s Roar Valley, at the Londe Kingdom outpost.

A caravan carrying tribute set out from the outpost, escorted by a group of soldiers, slowly advancing into the valley.

Though Lucia’s letter had requested only a modest tribute, Londe had gone all out to appease her, sparing no expense.

General Ludd rode at the front, glancing back at the wagons laden with treasure, and sighed.

“Trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice.”

Muttering to himself, he pressed on with the convoy.

At the valley’s edge, he spotted Fratina waiting.

Noticing her fine clothing, Ludd sneered inwardly.

Dismounting, he approached her.

“‘Hero’ Fratina, it seems the dragon treats you well, letting you wear such fine clothes.”

As a high-ranking officer, Ludd had a keen eye.

The fabric and patterns of Fratina’s attire were worth half a wagon of treasure on the market.

Ignoring his jab, Fratina glanced past him at the caravan.

“Is this the apology from Londe?”

“Yes, here’s the inventory.”

Ludd pulled a sheet of paper from his coat, unfolded it, and handed it to her.

Fratina scanned it, surprised.

“I recall Lord Lucia didn’t ask for this much.”

Ludd’s lips twitched at her words.

Calling her “Lord Lucia” so naturally?

Just days ago, Fratina had set out to slay that dragon, yet now she addressed her with such deference.

What kind of charm did that dragon have to make even the Hero submit?

Curious, Ludd pressed, “Fratina, you’ve adapted to this role rather quickly, haven’t you?”

She looked at him, puzzled by the sudden comment.

“A Hero of humanity, willingly serving an evil dragon—what a disgrace.”

As expected, Fratina’s expression darkened with anger.

“I’m not serving her willingly…”

“Then why not come back?”

“Because she forced me into a contract. I had no—”

Fratina started to explain but stopped, recalling Lucia’s command to uphold her dignity.

Her voice cut off, and she glared coldly at him.

“There were reasons. You can’t control them, nor can you change my situation. I hope you understand.”

“Tch, in the end, it’s your own fault.”

Ludd snorted, turning away.

“We’ll leave the goods here. The ‘former Hero’ can handle the wagons herself.”

Fratina clenched her fists, seething at his arrogant retreat.

These past days, she had been slowly accepting her role, but Ludd’s words were like a needle piercing an already festering wound, twisting painfully.

To humans, she was a traitor, no matter the circumstances.

They couldn’t grasp the contract’s compulsion, only seeing her as a coward afraid of death, blaming her for not taking her own life.

But if she died, who would deal with the dragon?

Taking deep breaths to calm herself, Fratina drove the tribute wagons back into the valley.

“You’re back?”

Inside the cave’s grand hall, Lucia sat on a throne-like chair.

She was reading an adventure novel disguised with the cover of a spellbook, engrossed in its pages.

Seeing Fratina, she set the book down and approached.

“Lord Lucia, Londe’s tribute is outside. I’ve unloaded and stored it in the warehouse. Here’s the inventory—I’ve checked it, no issues.”

Fratina spoke quickly, handing over the list.

She bowed to Lucia.

“Lord Lucia, if you have any tasks, please instruct me. If not, I’d like to rest.”

Lucia raised an eyebrow at Fratina’s demeanor.

She seemed in low spirits—had something happened?

Concerned, Lucia asked, “Fratina, you seem down. Is something wrong?”

“No, just tired from hauling and organizing the tribute today.”

Unwilling to open up, Fratina left Lucia feeling helpless.

It seemed Fratina still wasn’t ready to trust her. Getting answers would require prodding.

“Go rest, then. There’s nothing more for you here.”

“Understood.”

Fratina bowed slightly and returned to her room.

Watching the closed door of Fratina’s room down the corridor, Lucia grew worried.

She considered several possibilities but couldn’t be sure.

Setting the novel on the table, she retreated to her own room.

*

In Fratina’s room.

The girl lay on the soft bed, savoring a rare moment of comfort.

Since moving in, she had warned herself repeatedly never to see this place as home.

She couldn’t let herself indulge in this luxury.

If she grew accustomed to this life, she might never leave.

But today, Fratina felt utterly exhausted—not physically, but emotionally.

Ludd’s attitude made it clear that as long as she remained Lucia’s servant, she would be branded a traitor, a fallen Hero.

She didn’t care much for reputation, but the thought of those she had helped—people who once greeted her with smiles—now despising her stung deeply.

It wasn’t her fault. Londe’s greed and Lucia’s whims were to blame.

Yet she bore the brunt of the accusations.

Tears welled in her eyes.

Fratina suddenly felt profoundly alone.

It was as if the entire world had no one who could understand her.