"Hiyaa!!!!"

His overflowing emotions due to his strong desire to protect Ryana, finally caused Volans to transform. From the tail to the top of his body, he slowly transformed into a dragon with a golden radiance. This golden aura radiated from the lake to the top of the mountain. The darkness that shrouded Vela's ship vanished. The dragon palace shook. The vibrations are felt on the surface of the land.

"Hopefully Ryana will be fine," said the peacock who was on the ground when she felt vibrations and saw the pillars of light penetrate to the top of the mountain where the gods resided.

Meanwhile in the dragon palace...

The dragon king realized that his son had successfully transformed, then smiled.

The monster had absorbed a lot of negative energy. Hatred, greed, arrogance, envy, etc., not only the monster becomes evil but made the area around the place into a dark aura. Similarly, humans who maintain bad qualities will make them become violent monsters. But now the monster has been conquered. Volans then circled Ryana through his long tail and then healed her scratches. After that, he embraced her with affection and kissed Ryana's forehead.

****

Ryana woke up and found herself in the room.

"Eh? What happened? How was the fight?" Ryana muttered.

Not long after she awake,

"How is your condition?" said Volans.

"W-who are you?" asked Ryana who didn't recognize him.

"Didn't you remember who accompanied you during the fight?"

I was awakened and surprised, "Are you Volans??"

Volans nodded.

Ryana was amazed and rejoiced. "Wow. Amazing. Very beautiful." I speak.

Volans who heard it blushed in embarrassment.

"So, you defeated the monster?"

"Yes, that is so." He spoke.

"It's a good thing you're fine."

"I should be the one saying that," said Volans.

"Thank goodness we're safe." Ryana smiled at him.

Volans was happy to see Ryana's smile and then handed the heirloom to her.

Ryana was dumbfounded, "You successfully got it."

But before Ryana could take it, Volans said, "As agreed at the beginning, if you want this, I ask you in return."

"Yes." Said the optimistic Ryana.

"Be my lover," replied Volans.

"Eh??" Ryana was surprised for the second time.

*****

"As I said before the fight I love you. So, what's your answer?"

"Th... that..." I muttered who was not daring to look at him directly.

In my mind, "I feel bad if I reject his love. But I have to be honest about how I feel about him."

With a solid decision, Ryana said, "Volans, I'm sorry. I love you as a close friend."

Volans also gripped the heirloom box tightly because he was holding back his emotions.

"Love can't be forced even if you force me by using that heirloom. You may have my body, but not my heart. Forgive me," said Ryana who apologized again.

"If this is your rule, keep this weapon. I'll go home and find another way," said Ryana who smiled at him.

Volans was touched when he heard Ryana's gentle words. "When people want this heirloom, she doesn't want the power for herself," thought Volans.

"Is there someone you love?" asked Volans.

"Yes..." Ryana said while remembering Lucien's face.

"Okay then, I'll keep this," said Volans.

"Wait Volans..."

Volans was about to leave then stopped and asked, "Is there anything else to talk about?"

"Thank you so much, Volans for helping and saving me too. Not only that, but you have also accompanied me while I was in this lake. Just seeing you safe is enough for me." She said it while smiling at Volans which made Volans even more touched. It shows the spaciousness of her heart that is willing to let go of this heirloom.

"Yes. I'm glad I could help," replied Volans.

***

On the day of return, Ryana faced His Majesty the King.

"Do you want to go home already?" asked the king.

"Yes. Thank you, Your Majesty, for accepting me to stay here. Forgive me, I didn't give anything." Said Ryana.

"It does not matter. You have contributed to my son's development. If you need any more help, don't hesitate to say so. We will be ready to help." replied the king with pleasure.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. I ask permission to leave this palace, Your Majesty."

"Farewell Ryana!" Said the king who then muttered, "By the way where is the prince? Why hasn't he come yet?"

Ryana thought, "Maybe the prince didn't like my attitude at that time. I feel so guilty."

Then the king ordered, "Guards please escort this guest."

In the front yard of the palace, I met Grace.

"This is my gift to you. Please accept." Said Grace who handed me the harp. I meant to reject it by saying, "But I didn't give you anything. How can you give away this precious thing?"

"You have provided a show as well as a valuable lesson for me. I would be happy if you would accept it as a memento from me," she said.

I was touched to hear that, then said, "Thank you, Grace. I will never forget our friendship."

"So am I," replied her.

We embraced warmly.

"See you again," said Grace.

"Yes. Take good care of yourself." I replied.

I boarded the golden chariot while looking outside hoping for Volans to come. But suddenly, the chariot stopped.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Prince Volans is ahead, lady," said the charioteer.

When I heard that, I was happy and went out to meet him.

"Volans... I thought you weren't coming." I spoke.

"How could I didn't come to see you off one last time?"

"I thought you were angry when I rejected you. I'm sorry Volans, I couldn't fulfill your wish and give you nothing."

"That's enough for the apology. Don't say it like that. You have given me a more memorable life experience than the gifts I received as congratulations. Because of you, I can be like this. I'm the one who's grateful to you."

After saying that, Volans stretched out his right hand and an heirloom box appeared. "This is yours." Said Volans.

I was surprised and then said, "Are you sure? Because I can't fulfill your wish."

"Please accept it as a token of my gratitude. In addition, I'm happy because I can give to the person which I value and love in my life."

I took the box and said, "Thank you, Volans. You have also given me valuable experience. Without you, I can't do anything either. I feel like this heirloom deserves more to be yours."

Volans shook his head and said, "I became convinced of your purpose from the beginning. So, this heirloom is more appropriate for you."

They swam together and before leaving the lake, they were filled with sorrow at having to part.

"This palace will always be open for you," Volans said.

My eyes sparkled while I was smiling.

Then, Volans said, "Ryana... wait."

Volans pulled her hand away and then hugged her while landing a kiss on her lips. Ryana was surprised but she accepted and hugged Volans too to relieve his heart.

After that, they both stared. Volans said, "This is what I received in return."

Ryana smiled and said," Yeah. See you later and take good care of yourself." Then, she waved at Volans.

"The person who gets your love is a happy person," Volans whispered as he watched Ryana leave towards the surface.

Arriving on land... My body and clothes immediately dried up maybe because this is the lake of the gods. I also met peacocks, crows, and doves. I told them my story and showed them the heirloom. They were amazed and so was I. Then, I kept the heirloom in the bracelet Wezen gave me.

"Would you like to go now?"

"Yes." It has been quite a while since I left the Demetria Kingdom."

"Take these fruits to replenish nutrition on your journey."

"Thank you very much," I said while embracing them.

I waved at them and left the forest. I continued my journey to the kingdom of Demetria by ship.

"Beautiful and spacious view. Seeing this sea reminds me of Volans and his dragon palace." I said with a smile.

"Even though we farewell, I'll remember it. Because it was a great and unforgettable experience." I muttered.