For five entire years he put up with all the slander towards him, and even after he stopped residing in the mountain. He knew there were many people who still thought poorly of him. It was an act, but perhaps he went overboard.
Sumire blinked. "But-" Th1s chapter is updated by n)ovel/\bin/\
"The village was indeed burned down by dragon fire, but it wasn't me who did it."
"Ah, it was done by another dragon."
Yuhi nodded. "It was certainly rare during those days but there were other dragon shifters. There was a particular fraction that was being lead by a cousin who wanted to take my throne, they are the ones who did it."
"Then why did you take the blame?"
"Because it was my fault. They only targeted that place because they wanted me. What they don't realize is my life is tied to those lands, if I died. Everything they coveted would vanish."
"Oh."
"Until I formed a proper plan, I decided to seclude myself in the mountains. I wanted them to think I was afraid, and that they destroyed my reputation."
"Then-"
"Yeah, I was gathering forces in secret to take them down. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I wanted to get rid of them quietly. But then they somehow managed to break the barrier in the mountains."
Sumire gripped her hand understanding. "They attacked me?"
Yuhi nodded. "Truthfully you were defeating them. I didn't have to intervene. But one of them used a dirty trick and you ended up caught in the middle of it."
"I think, the soul bond was still getting used to the change that's why I didn't sense it on Lennon. Lennon ended up corrupted by those artefacts, and thus the bond went to someone closer, his blood related brother." Sumire mumbled.
Yuhi nodded. "I wanted to continue keeping an eye out on you. But it hurt watching you with Alex. So after your wedding, I went away for awhile. I knew when I returned there was a chance you'd have kids already. But I couldn't stay. I didn't know you would suffer so much."
"It's not your fault. But, you didn't think of following me to the human kingdom?"
Yuhi shakes his head. "I was still being targeted. It was easy to watch you in secret in the spirit realm but in the human Kingdom? I would have been discovered. Alex seemed like a good guy too, and considering what happened with Lennon. I thought it was a good thing that you didn't marry Lennon."
Sumire sighs deeply. "I think I understand now my dear. I wish I could remember. How long were we together?"
"Just six months."
"I wonder what you taught me in just six months."
Seeing the mischievous glint in his eyes, Yuhi sighs. "Quit messing around. Weren't we supposed to paint?"
She really needs to get off his lap before he starts having odd thoughts.
"The mood has shifted." Sumire traced his neck sensually with her fingers. "Don't you think we can do something fun?"
Yuhi looked at the girl with a complicated expression. She really needs to stop messing around.
"We already did it, before we came." Yuhi reminded her,
"I know."
"Then-"
"After hearing the story of our first meeting, I have to say I ended up feeling very turned on." Sumire trailed off. "Do you have the courage to say no and refuse me, Yi?"
Yuhi is carrying her onto the bed in just seconds. He tossed his shirt aside and turned to the woman on the large bed. "I could never refuse you, Norah."