He would go on to spend the next few days in a deep, deep coma. He dreamt of nothing in particular. And he woke up in a blink of an eye too. The dragon at least had that courtesy of not subjecting him to days of boredom.

Once his eyes fluttered open, a ceiling that was once unfamiliar met his gaze. Tucked into a rather comfortable blanket, he got an uncomfortable memory. Ms Anne would pop out from the curtain and he would greet her with an overly formal tone.

“Well, you should be able to walk now.”

“Thank you. You’re incredibly skilled at this.”

“Your payment has been collected in the form of a coma.”

“Hm. And how many days have I been out for?”

“I took 4 days of your consciousness.”

“Yes, you did. For scaling, what’s the most expensive thing?”

“That really depends on a case by case basis, but the most valuable thing I can extract would be your life.”

“I see.”

Francis swung his legs towards the floor, and his feet touched the cold, hard floor. After a 4 day long coma, his limbs ached. Days of not being used had its effect on his muscles. He stood up with a bit of a stumble, but he did stand up straight.

“Incredibly great work Dan.”

“Thank you, and no problem.”

An orange light filtered in through the windows and curtain. Was it evening? No one was there to greet him, so it made sense. After all, when he was watching over his dying grandfather in the hospital, it was hard to do after the second day.

He fumbled with the door knob, and opened the door. It creaked open. With slow and quiet footsteps, he walked outside. Grabbing onto finely carved wooden railings, and he made his way down. If it really was the evening, then most likely, they were in the dining room. And Francis was not a person who would shout for no reason when he could do it himself. Down the stairs, and turn. Further down the corriday, where the dining room was. He didn’t need to worry about running into any siblings of the crown princess.

“So, why did you choose to be with me again, Dan? I’m curious about you,” he asked whilst he walked.

“Well, your family has a history with dragons, right? I’d assume that’s why the Exchange is extra compatible.”

“Dragons. What sort of relationship do we have with them exactly?”

“That’s not my area of expertise. I’m just a businessman.”

“Then I’ll have to research it then. But is it possible that the reason I’m so powerless is because of a deal made long ago?”

“Possible. But if it really was a trade, then your family got a great deal.”

“Is that so. And that payment was me, or rather, the mixed bloods I assume. As a sort of debt.”

He walked towards the dining room. Looking out of the window, the clouds shrouded the sun. Was it the evening? He touched the glass. It was cool to the touch. With an orange light, it really looked like evening time. A guard passed by, doing his patrols presumably.

“What time is it now,” asked Francis.

“I believe that it is an hour before the evening 6, Lord Francis. But should you really be walking around my lord? I heard that your sickness left you bedridden.”

“That’s fine. I’m alright. Where is everyone?”

“I’m not too sure, my lord. Sorry.”

“No issues. Have a nice day.”

Francis nodded. He dragged his feet towards the dining room. So he was correct, mostly. But where they were was still a complete guess. If his memory served him well, the approximate timing for their dinner was right about that time. So far, no one else passed him.

He stopped at the dining room door. The fancy gold ornaments on the door was just a show of wealth. Two guards stood in front of the large wooden door, as if they were gatekeepers, and behind them was a dangerous being. Of course, they recognised their young master, and didn’t make such a foolish decision like pointing their spears at him. Francis appreciated that. Time should not be wasted. He looked down at himself before going in. If guests were there, then his appearance would matter. In a nightgown, he really wasn’t in a presentable state. Leaning against the door, he tried to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Can you peek inside, Dan? I’d appreciate it lots.”

“Flattery and mere compliments won’t get you far. But it's for a cost, of course. Health, time, or lifespan?”

“Health, please. And let me know what they’re doing and saying as well.”

“Sure thing. Then don’t mind me...”

A small serpentine like body stretched out from the back of his hand. Translucent, and scaly. It phased through the door, and Francis waited.

“Oh hey, she’s here too. But uh, I see one man, and three women. You’ve met one of them before, in that forest house.”

“My sisters, and parents then.”

He turned around. The dragon retracted, and reported his findings. But first, Francis felt blood bubble up his throat. Cupping his hand over his mouth, he coughed out blood. Same as usual then.

“They aren’t talking about anything in particular. Just talking about the events that happened, and the events that will happen.”

“Good for me, then.”

Pushing the door open with his body, a faintly savoury smell wafted to his nose. The diners within seemed surprised to see him, and they stood up. His sisters, with what looked like concern on their faces. Marianne, with a mildly curious look. And Charles. Anger boiled on his face. His few wrinkles were in full view as he gritted his teeth. It was quite unsightly, for the normally handsome man. Even at his age, many would still consider him to be very attractive.

“You’re okay?” Estelle asked.

“Alright. Well enough. How many days was I out for?”

They all looked at each other. Whatever words were exchanged with their sights, Francis couldn’t tell. But eventually, Elise sighed.

“For 6 days. Are you really feeling fine? I don’t think you should be walking around,” Elise said.

“I’m alright. Really. Ah, could I just have a plate?”

Francis didn’t think much of the blatant lie told to his face. A servant brought out a plate of dinner. Melted cheese, and smoked meats, as if on cue, his stomach grumbled.

Shoving his fork into his mouth, he could savour the wonderfully cooked meal. But his enjoyment was short lived. He turned his attention towards the lie he was fed. Why did they lie? Or was it Dan that was lying? No, there shouldn’t be any reason for the dragon to lie. So it was his family then. But what was the purpose of it? Surely they wouldn't lie for no reason.

Once he was done, he returned back to his room. He didn’t need to talk to them. Just the original and Dan would be enough. They seemed trustworthy. He opened the doors to his balcony and stepped outside. A soft, warm wind blew. Walking in a pair of light slippers, he sat outside.

“So, three heads are better than one. Why would they lie to me?”

“I don’t know. Why would they?” answered the original.

“Not keen on helping I see.”

“Well, I really don’t see why. Maybe they misremembered?”

“As if. Though, that reminds me. I should check on Kim Hye-Sung.”

“Oh right, speaking of her, what’s ‘Korea’? You mentioned it when talking to her.”

“So you can only read surface level thoughts?”

“It seems like it. And the dragon can barely read it at all. My mind’s weird, huh?”

“Interesting. So unless I actively recall or think about something, you can’t see it.”

“I feel scammed right now.”

“Hey, I can’t even read your surface level thoughts.”

“That’s true.”

As if on cue, someone knocked on the door. He stood up, and dragged his feet over there. Who could it be?

“And who might that be?” Francis said through the door.

“It’s Estelle. Mind if I talked to you?”

“Alright. Come on in. Should I get a bottle of wine, dear sister?”

“No need for that.”

Estelle opened the door. In his nightwear, he greeted her. With a short nod, he motioned to the open balcony door. She obliged. She took a seat opposite him. In the wind, their hair got dragged along with the current.

“What did you want to talk about sister?”

He wished he had a cup of tea to sip from. It would have been a copy of a scene he saw in an anime, but alas. Estelle seemed quiet, and looked outside, towards the courtyard.

“What...” she started saying.

She furrowed her eyebrows in the middle of her sentence. Not good. Both the original and imposter recognised that as a bad sign. Typically, that was only when she had to ask a difficult question, or give some bad news. So which was it.

“Do you think about our family? Our parents, I mean.”

“That’s a tricky question to answer. Why?”

“Hm. Alright. Then how about this? What do you think about me.”

“Depends on which part of you you’re asking about. I’m not interested in telling my own sister that’s pretty.”

“Haha. I appreciate your compliment. But that’s not what I mean.”

She reached towards his hand. Even at home, she wore thin white gloves. Beneath those were definitely calluses. He intercepted her touch, and met in the middle of the table.

“Hm. You’re not bad yourself,” Estelle said, “Your face is cute, and you can easily become a pretty girl if you tried.”

“What are you getting at? Are you in trouble? I’ll try my best to help if you are.”

“It’s nothing like that. Fran, do you like staying in the imperial palace?”

“Why? Are you against me being an Arcleus?”

She shook her head. The birds chirped as she squeezed his hand.

“No, no. I think it's for the best. You get along well with her highness, right?”

“Somewhat well. And she treats me better than the other two Arcleuses too. But one of them seems intent on not caring, haha.”

“Is that so. That’s good to know.”

Estelle stood up to leave. She released her hand from his. Francis followed her, into his bedroom and away from the balcony. He closed the door behind him.

“So what was that for?” he asked.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

“But I can’t. What’s happening? Tell me, Estelle.”

“Hmp. You’ve changed, Fran. You were never this curious, nor this strong-willed before.”

“That doesn’t matter.”

“Well, I don’t really want to get you involved, Fran. But no matter what, you can come to me. Or Elise too, for that purpose. Alright?”

It seemed like she wasn’t willing to divulge more. But Francis had some ideas about what she was talking about. Most likely, it had something to do with the lie fed to him.

“Oh right. I think the butler will bring you something soon. Take a look at it, and decide if you want to go.”

“Sure. See you soon, then.”

He waved goodbye as his sister left. Sitting on his bed, he scratched his head. How troublesome.

“Wait. 4 days, right?” he asked out loud.

“Yeap. That’s right. You should probably take a bath.”

“That’s just what I was thinking. You know, back on Earth, I did a lot of thinking in the showers.”

“What’s Earth?”

“Oh the place I’m from. You wouldn’t know of it. Don’t worry about it.”

“Uh-huh. Alrighty then. Keep your secrets I guess.”

Stepping into his bathroom, he took off his nightgown. The mirror showed his vulnerable body. Pale skin, and a slim body. It was rather amazing, if he had to say. Compared to his previous body? The one he possessed in the new world was at least 100 times better. He tried his best to avert his eyes from the bottom half of his body though, and focused on the top half. Francis turned the golden arm, and warm water flowed out from the faucet. He dipped his toes first, before submerging himself fully.

The soft water embraced his skin. He cleared his mind. Warmth soaked into his body through his skin. Something crossed his mind. 4 days was a long time, wasn’t it?

“Hey. Bahamut, you there?”

“What.”

“So have you got anything for me?”

“In 4 days? That’s not nearly long enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that 4 days isn’t nearly enough time for negotiations to finish.”

“How long does it usually take?”

“The recorded longest discussion took like, what, a decade? To decide the punishment for the god Stasis. And the shortest that isn't a straight out answer took a week, at least.”

“Damn. But Stasis? Who is that?”

“Oi oi. A mortal shouldn’t say that name. Names have power, breadcrumb.”

“Ha? Breadcrumb?”

“Hey. I’m eating a sandwich. Don’t blame me.”

“Dragons eat sandwiches?”

“Uh yeah? Did you think we only ate humans or something?”

“Aren’t you like a god? Do gods even need to eat?”

“Gods aren’t omnipotent, you know.”

“Huh. Didn’t know that. But Stas- Hmm. Stagnation? Who is that?”

“What? Have you never visited a temple?”

“Have you ever visited a temple, original?” the imposter asked his original.

“Uhh. Nope. Never got baptised either. Don’t think anyone in our family really cares about it.”

“Then I’ll have to visit one soon.”

“Good idea. You might be able to get some help too with that weak fucking body of yours.”

“Oh and I wonder why. Perhaps a certain True Dragon might be the cause?”

“Heh. Breadcrumb, you complain too much.”

He rubbed soap on his body. The bubbles popped, as they always did. But it was relaxing, no doubt about that. Though his body ached after days of inactivity, the warm water helped to loosen up his tense muscles. Once he dried himself off, he put on a loose dressing gown.

Walking around outside, he looked for something. Or rather, someone. Where were they? Without at least one of them around, it felt different. As if he left the house without his wallet or keys. A maid walked by, her pace quick and busy, but a minute should be fine.

“Ah uh, do you know where my other guard is, Miss?” Francis asked.

“Oh do you mean Lady Katalina, young master?”

“No no, the new one. Miss Kim?”

“Ahh. She should be on the training grounds. Anything else, young master?”

“Nope. It's fine. You may continue on, and make sure not to overwork yourself.”

“Thank you for your kind words young master.”

She bowed before taking her leave. Waving goodbye, Francis turned towards the training grounds. He could hear the sounds of metal clashing against metal. He made his way down, greeting servants as they passed by. Down the stairs, one right turn, and down another set of stairs. It was a path that he was somewhat familiar with.

He caught them just as they ended their practice session. The knights wiped their sweat off while he watched from afar. It seemed like they didn’t notice him. Just as well. He scanned the crowd for that familiar face. The signature brown hair, and beautiful face. Where was she?

“Oh! I greet you, young master!”

A knight spotted him and bowed. Her voice triggered a chain reaction. Just one drop in a still lake, and all of them bowed. Francis waved his hand, and told them to stop that.

“So my lord, what brings you here to the training grounds?”

A black eyepatch was strapped over his eye. Overall, he looked at least a decade, or maybe two, older than Francis. His face was scarred, with a particularly long one stretching across his cheek. A squarish grey beard gave his head a very rectangular look.

“Where is she?”

“I’m sorry? My lord, please specify who it is you’re looking for.”

“You know. Katalina? My guard? And where is Miss Kim Hye-Sung?”

“I believe that they had some business to- Ah. There they are.”

The knight leader motioned to an area behind Francis with his chin. Francis turned around. With the setting sun as a backdrop, two ladies walked towards him. In the orange haze, he could only see their silhouettes, but even that was more than enough. That stride, that way of walking, the way she held herself. He could recognise Katalina anywhere. And that meant that the person besides her was Kim Hye-Sung.

“Oh hey! You woke up,” the latter shouted as she waved her hand.

“Do not disrespect our lord with such informality!” the knight leader snapped.

He seemed to rush towards them, but not before making a stop in front of the young master. With a deep bow, he apologised for their disrespect. Francis could only laugh.

“It’s fine. They have special permission,” said Francis as he waved the leader’s concerns away.

“Wha- Special permission? You mean you let them address you casually, my lord?”

“Yeah. What of it?”

“No- Nothing! It's just that the privilege of that is usually only given to close family, spouses, and well,” he gulped before continuing, “Special people.”

“And they’re special to me,” said Francis. He waved back and shouted, “Yeah! Come on!”

The two approached him, with obviously contrasting attitudes. And upon first contact, Katalina knelt down. In front of everyone. With her head nearly touching the ground, Francis stepped back.

“Whoa whoa. What’s happening?” he asked.

“I am incredibly sorry my lord! But please! I beg of you. Don’t replace me. I am so, so sorry about my failures. I promise to make it up to you.”

Words flooded out of her mouth. Even Francis struggled to follow. It was a sight to behold. After a good 20 seconds, Francis bent down and patted her head.

“I have never, ever blamed you. And I’m not replacing you, Katalina. She is simply covering our weaknesses. Lift your head, my knight.”

“He’s right, you know. He never complained about you when he was with me,” Hye-Sung chimed in.

“So lift your head up. Puff your chest up and stand proudly, because that is how a knight of mine acts, alright?”

“Yes..”

She stood up. Her clothes dirty and brown, she was in no presentable shape. Thus, he insisted that she bathe and change, while he had a discussion with Hye-Sung. With an embarrassed face, a blush spreading and infecting her face, she apologised to the crowd for causing a scene and rushed off.

“I’ll be in my room, so just find me there!” Francis shouted as she ran away.

“Okay! I’ll see you there.”

“So what did you two talk about?”

“Ahh. Well, maybe you should pay more attention to her, haha.”