I Married the Dragon I Killed

Chapter 3. What I Want

**”Nothing is beyond the Empire’s power.”**

This was the slogan of the Arken Empire, which held sway over the central region of the Serdes continent, the heart of the land.

While it inspired pride within the Empire, for those in the outer territories, it was nothing short of absurd.

In fact, back when Ferda was still in the Rosnova household, one of the first lessons he was taught was how baseless and ridiculous this slogan was.

The truth was, there were countless places in Serdes that the Empire had failed to conquer, with the Eastern Region being the prime example.

**”The Land of the Cursed.”**

The East was once overrun by magic after the emergence of the Demon King, becoming a place riddled with malevolence.

Although the Demon King was eventually defeated, the aftermath left the land twisted.

Plants grew abnormally fast, and animals became several times more ferocious.

And so, the Land of the Cursed was born.

The ruler of this cursed land, at the very forefront of it, was none other than Baldrova.

**”That’s why they call her the Cursed Dragon, isn’t it?”**

Her public image was that of a fearsome and brutal dragon.

Rumors painted her as someone who absorbed the Demon King’s powers to grow stronger, or as someone secretly assembling an army of monsters.

**”So many ridiculous accusations for someone who hasn’t even done anything.”**

Despite the slew of conspiracies branding her as a monster, no one had ever dared to openly reprimand her or raise an official complaint.

Even the dumbest fool knew that provoking a dragon was tantamount to suicide.

—Rustle, rustle.
As Ferda walked along the path, he heard something moving nearby.

When his attention shifted in that direction—

“There’s nothing to worry about,”

The maid walking ahead of him quickly assured him.

“As long as I’m here, those creatures won’t dare to attack.”

So, it must’ve been a monster.

Still, did this woman have eyes in the back of her head?

**”Well, she’s a servant of a dragon. Of course, she’s on a different level.”**

Ferda trailed behind her, quietly observing her.

Her appearance was like that of a doll.

Her perfectly fitted maid uniform accentuated her petite, adolescent frame.

Her silver hair, tied up in a side ponytail, with soft, curling strands, gave off the impression of a young lady.

If they’d met anywhere other than Baldrova’s domain, he might have mistaken her for a charming maid working for some noble family.

“What’s your name?”
“Ruri.”
Her response was curt and emotionless.

“Nice to meet you, Ruri. How much longer do we have to walk?”

“About two more hours.”

“That’s a long way. But you didn’t seem to take that long getting here yourself.”

“Of course not. By myself, I can get here in ten seconds.”

Two hours versus ten seconds.

The difference in efficiency was staggering.

“In that case, how about we take that quicker method to get to the lair?”

“That would mean I’d have to carry you.”

“No need to worry about me. I can handle flying just fine.”

“No, it’s not that. I just don’t want to.”

“…”

What an unbelievably arrogant thing to say.

If any ordinary maid had said such a thing while wearing a maid’s uniform, they’d have earned themselves a slap across the face right then and there.

“If you don’t want to, then I suppose there’s no helping it.”

But Ferda didn’t do that.

Plenty of nobles had gotten themselves killed in unfamiliar lands trying to maintain their pride.
And besides, the key issue was her identity.

**”A dragon spawn.”** (Offspring of a dragon)

Dragon spawns were chosen by dragons and granted their blood through a ritual known as the **Ascension Ceremony.**

Just receiving that blood was enough to awaken their magical instincts and grant them tremendous power.

Even with her small frame, she could easily overpower a couple of knights on her own.

**”And the fact that she can hide her tail and horns…”**

It meant she was on a completely different level of strength from most other dragonspawns.

Thus, Ferda simply followed her in silence.

Even so, keeping up with her was no easy task for someone as physically weak as Ferda.

His pace gradually slowed, and the distance between him and Ruri grew wider and wider.

When they were a fair distance apart, Ruri turned her head back toward him.

“Are you tired?”

Ferda nodded.

“Yes, I am. Can we take a break?”

“There’s no time for that. Let’s keep moving. The master is waiting for you.”

Her silver hair and silver eyes shone coldly as she urged him onward.

Despite her youthful face, the sharp gleam in her gaze pushed him forward.

“Sigh… Fine.”

Ferda took a deep breath and forced himself to keep going.

Getting married wasn’t an easy task.

—

The Red Dragon’s hideout, known as its **lair,** was located a bit further away from what was considered the Empire’s front line.

After crossing through an untamed, overgrown forest, one would find a solitary mountain standing alone.

About halfway up its slope stood a massive castle.

It was so large that it was visible even from a distance on clear days.

**”People used to mistake that castle for Baldrova’s lair.”**

But Baldrova didn’t live in the castle.

The entire mountain itself was her lair.

When they reached the entrance, Ruri turned and rattled off a quick warning.

“It’s a bit dark inside, but there’s nothing underfoot, so don’t make a fuss over nothing.”
“Understood.”

“Oh, and stalactites sometimes fall from above… so avoid them. If you can, that is.”

Ruri’s explanation was casual and dismissive.

Ferda didn’t react to her provocation and simply nodded.

“Got it.”

“Then let’s go.”

Ruri led the way inside.

Before long, they were met by a massive iron door blocking their path.

There were no ornate carvings or decorations—just a thick, solid slab of metal.

It felt less like a door and more like a seal, designed to keep something on the other side contained at all costs.

Ruri knocked lightly on the door.

“Master, your fiancé has arrived.”

There was no response.

Instead, a massive movement on the other side made the ground tremble.

The hair on Ferda’s body stood on end.

Even with the heavy iron door between them, he could feel it clearly.

Something terrifying was on the other side.

**Thunk.**

A sound like something hard tapping against the iron door.

Ruri turned her head toward Ferda.

“I’ll go deliver your message.”

With that, she opened a smaller door next to the massive one and stepped inside.

Beyond the door, there was only silence.

Ferda waited patiently, keeping his composure.

Three minutes later, Ruri returned and spoke.
“I have a message from Baldrova, the Void King.”

She cleared her throat before reciting the words.

“I am aware that the reason you have come here is to marry me under the orders of the Arken Empire. I commend your courage for stepping foot in this place despite being well aware of my crimes.”

Ferda didn’t feel particularly pleased.

Judging from the context, the next part would undoubtedly be negative.

And sure enough, his prediction was spot on.

“However, I have no intention of forcing you into this engagement. Return to where you came from.”

For most people, this would’ve been a joyous moment.

To be freed from what was essentially a death sentence.

If it had been the Ferda of his younger days, he would’ve cheered, bowed, and left immediately.
But the Ferda of today was different.

“Is that so? Then go back and deliver this message.”

Ruri’s eyebrows twitched.

“While it’s true that this engagement was arranged by the Emperor, it is entirely my own will that brought me here. Therefore, I will not leave and will proceed with the engagement.”

“…”
Ruri stared at Ferda, her expression unreadable.

Her cold, emotionless face might have been intimidating to others, but not to Ferda.

“Well? Aren’t you going to deliver the message?”
“…Understood.”

Ruri turned and stepped through the door again.

Ten minutes later, she returned carrying several items in her arms.

“I have another message.”

She cleared her throat and began.

“I commend your courage for coming here of your own accord. In recognition of your spirit, I will grant you a portion of my treasures to help you establish a foundation elsewhere. Take this gold and build a new life in a new land.”

Clink—

She set down a bag filled with gold and jewels.

In addition, she handed over a single piece of paper, likely a certificate bearing the Void King’s seal.

Ferda glanced down at the items.

But his gaze toward the treasure was one of indifference, as if he were looking at mere rocks.

“Go back and tell her this: I have no interest in wealth or power. I came here for one reason and one reason only—my engagement to Baldrova, the Void King.”

“…”

“You’re hesitating again. A servant of the Void King shouldn’t act so sluggishly, don’t you think?”

Without responding, Ruri stepped through the door once more.