Chapter 20: CH 20: A Dragon, Witch, Demon, Cultivator,
[Wyrmling]: What now? Sona, I've already proven myself.
Ragnar glanced at Sona, noting Huo Yuhao's silence, aware that he should be absorbing a Soul Ring.
But no one answered him as Sona was preparing to negotiate with Ragnar.
Ragnar sighed, gazing up at the ceiling. He chuckled softly, picturing a future where he traded secrets for everything he desired from the other members of his chat group.
But his daydream was shattered by a sharp knock, followed by the door being pushed open.
He turned to see his parents standing there, their expressions a mix of shock and amusement.
"Where did you get this?" Sicilia asked, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked at the luxurious bed, its plush fabric shimmering in the sunlight.
"A chat group member gave it to me," Ragnar replied, briefly glancing at his parents before lying back down, eager to return to his thoughts.
Sicilia and Elliot exchanged glances, understanding the Chat Group System that Ragnar had received was becoming much more important, especially now that people from different worlds could send things to their son.
"Tell me wh—oh, it's soft!" Elliot exclaimed, his voice laced with awe as he sank into the bed. He ran his hand over the plush fabric, his face alight with fascination.
"Did you ask what this was made of?" Elliot asked, turning to his son. He'd never felt anything so comfortable. 'Maybe I can get him to switch beds,' Elliot thought, his gaze gleaming with a mischievous glint. He started formulating a plan to trick his son into giving up the bed.
"Heh, how about it? It's good, right?" Ragnar replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. He had a feeling that his father wanted it, and he wasn't going to give it up easily.
Ragnar had been surprised by the bed's comfort himself, rolling around on it in delight when he first got it.
"Actually, your mother and I were thinking of buying you a new bed," Elliot said, trying to sound convincing as he forced a gentle smile.
"Yeah? Then you should have it for yourself," Ragnar responded, his smile innocent but his tone laced with sarcasm.
Elliot's smile faltered. His son was proving to be much tougher than he expected. 'This brat is getting harder to deal with,' he thought. He coughed lightly, trying to think of a new strategy.
"What are you doing? Seriously?" Sicilia snapped, her gaze narrowed and her hands resting firmly on her hips.
"We need to talk to him."
"I know, I know, but just sit down for a second," Elliot said, gently pulling Sicilia towards the bed.
"This isn't a time for jo— Oh..." Sicilia was about to scold her husband, but the bed's softness stopped her in her tracks. She ran her fingers over the mattress, completely captivated.
Elliot, sensing an opportunity, nodded eagerly. He wanted that bed in his bedroom, and he was willing to play nice to get it. He raised his eyebrows suggestively at Sicilia, hoping she would understand.
Sicilia rolled her eyes at her husband before turning to Ragnar. "Honey, do you think we could purchase a bed like this from your friend?" she asked, her voice laced with a gentle charm as she hugged Ragnar, stroking his hair.
"I'll ask. But what are you guys here for?" Ragnar muffled, moving closer snuggling to his mother's embrace.
Sicilia didn't answer, shooting Elliot a look that he should be the one explaining what they're planning.
"Your mother and I decided to erase and alter my memory of you revealing your secret," Elliot said, meeting Ragnar's gaze. His voice was serious, his tone conveying the gravity of the situation.
"When that happens, you must never let me know the chat group system exists," he continued, his eyes searching Ragnar's for understanding.
"Why? Why erase your memory?" Ragnar asked, frowning and sitting up straight.
"Because this world is more dangerous than you think," Elliot said, ruffling Ragnar's hair affectionately.
"When you're stronger, then you can stop hiding," he added, his voice softening as he tried to reassure his son.
"We don't have to," Ragnar said, shaking his head. He was already considering a different approach, a plan that involved his new friends from other worlds.
"Believe me, I dislike erasing your father's memory," Sicilia said, hugging Ragnar tighter.
"But there are others who can read minds. Discovering your secret would put you in danger," Sicilia whispered sadly, her voice laced with worry. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Ragnar, especially to the dangers that lurked in the shadows.
"And, as your parent, it's my job to protect you," Elliot said, smiling gently as he squeezed his wife's shoulder in support. Elliot felt the weight of responsibility, a sense of duty to keep his son safe.
"But we don't need to, I can get items from the other group members' worlds. There should be things that block mind reading," Ragnar suggested, nodding confidently. He had a feeling that his chat group friends could help them out.
"I doubt any item could block someone like Professor X," Elliot replied bitterly, knowing the strength of Professor X's telepathy.
Different from her husband, Sicilia's eyes lit up. She didn't even want to erase or change her husband's memories, and now there could be a possible way to avoid that.
"Who are your group members?" Sicilia asked, her voice tinged with both hope and skepticism.
"Wich, Demown, Culdivador, Vvkinng," Ragnar mumbled, still nestled against his mother.
"Maybe you should repeat that?" Elliot suggested, pulling Sicilia's hands away from Ragnar gently, wanting to hear his words more clearly.
"Witch, Demon, Cultivator, Viking," Ragnar muttered, rubbing his cheek as he looked at his mother, moving away slightly.
Sicilia broke away from Elliot's grasp, looking into his eyes, persuading him, holding him on the neck. "You see, you hear your son. We don't have to, with the help of a witch and demon, culti—Wait, What?!"
"DEMON! Are you okay!" Sicilia exclaimed, her voice filled with both excitement and apprehension. She tossed her husband to the bed, no longer caring about him as she focused on Ragnar.
'Just when I was feeling appreciated,' Elliot thought as he stared up at the ceiling depressedly.
"Are you talking to a demon in your chat group? You shouldn't do that, honey," Sicilia said, her voice laced with worry.
"You know it's dangerous to deal with beings from other worlds, especially a demon. They're not like us, and you could get hurt." Sicilia reached out, gently stroking Ragnar's cheek, her eyes searching for any sign of trouble.
"I know you like to explore and discover new things, but this... this is different. This is serious." Sicilia's voice, though laced with worry, still held that firm, motherly tone. She was trying to protect him, to guide him away from what she perceived as danger.
"It's alright, Mom," Ragnar reassured, speaking slowly and softly to calm her fears. "The chat group system doesn't allow members to harm each other." He tried to sound as confident as possible, even though a part of him knew his mother wouldn't truly be reassured.
Ragnar knew what she was feeling was normal.
After all, who wouldn't be worried if their son was talking to a demon in their mind? It was unsettling, even for him.
Sicilia sighed, smoothing his hair, her brow furrowed with concern. "But are you sure you can trust her? Demons aren't known for their kindness, you know. You have to be careful, honey."
"Yes, she was the one who gave me the bed," Ragnar said, smiling at the memory as he lay back on the soft bed.
"Is that why it's so soft? A gift from the underworld to make me lazy?" Elliot speculated, laughing, spreading his hands on the bed and looking at the ceiling. Attributing the bed's incredible comfort to some sort of nefarious scheme.
"I don't know, but I know it's mine," Ragnar said, pushing Elliot's arms away from him
"How about we all sleep together, like when you were little?" Elliot suggested with a mischievous grin, hugging Ragnar tightly. He was trying to appeal to his son's nostalgic side, hoping it would work in his favor.
"No! Let go of me! Nooo! Mom!" Ragnar pleaded, squirming in his father's arms.
"Enough," Sicilia said with a smile, watching their playful interaction. She tapped Elliot's arm before looking at Ragnar. "Can you ask if they have something to block mind readers?" She knew it was the most practical solution to their problem.
"I can," Ragnar nodded seriously towards his mother, pointing at his father, then pointing down to his bed. "But the bed is mine," he said, meeting his mother's gaze. He wasn't going to let his father get away with trying to claim the bed. He had to stand his ground.
Sicilia's eyes narrowed at Ragnar's firm stance. Finding herself at an impasse, she finally nodded, pulling Elliot from the bed.
Ragnar stuck his tongue out at his father triumphantly, but just as he settled back onto the bed, his mother tugged his arm.
"Oh no, you're not going to bed. You're helping me in the barn today," Sicilia announced with a smile that felt more like an edict.
"But!" Ragnar shouted as he was pulled out of the bed.
"No buts, mister. Because I said so," Sicilia said, her voice firm and her glare leaving no room for argument.
Ragnar, knowing better than to push his luck, simply sighed and followed behind her, though his shoulders slumped with a hint of reluctant resignation. He had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
When Ragnar stepped out of his room, he heard a scoff. He turned around to see his father holding back a smile.
Ragnar just gave his father a blank look before turning towards his mother.
"Mom, I think we should just erase his memories." Ragnar was starting to feel that his father was more trouble than he was worth.
"Is that so? We'll think about it later," Sicilia replied with a playful grin, giving Ragnar a gentle push on the back as they left the room together, leaving Elliot behind, who stood there momentarily speechless.
Elliot was at a loss for words, well aware of the playful jabs from the mother and son duo who always seemed to target him. With a resigned sigh, he followed after them.
As Ragnar busied himself helping his mother with the milking of cows, he ignored the continuous notifications from the Chat Group System.
[Shitori Sona sent Wyrmling a Mail]
[Shitori Sona]: I just sent a whole Phenex potion. Can you give me some information about my future peerage members?
Sona had offered the Phenex Potion, which had been specially prepared by her family. However, received no reply from Ragnar, despite her messages.
Sona tapped her desk impatiently as the hours dragged on, a nagging thought creeping into her mind.
'Did I get scammed by a Dragon?'
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End of Chapter, it's not enough isn't?
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[A/N: Confirmed Answers]
•Martial Soul/Soul Ring
•Issei Male
•Time Skip
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[A/N: Ongoing Questions]
• Should Issei join Sona's Peerage?
-Yes
-No
• Ragnar gets HP Magic?
- Yes
- No
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