Chapter 40 – I’ll Burn It With Fire
Staring at the girl who had given up all struggle, Erika hesitated for a moment—but then thought, it doesn’t matter how, she’d better threaten her.
“If I let go, you better not scream. Understand?”
“Mmm.”
Isana nodded obediently. She still didn’t struggle at all.
Erika withdrew her dragon tail and wings, shifting back to human form.
But the moment she loosened her grip, Isana suddenly sprang to her feet. Erika, expecting another attack, instantly channeled flames to subdue her again.
“Don’t move!”
Yet Isana didn’t resist. Instead, her eyes widened in awe—as if a whole new world had opened.
“Erika, what was that just now? Your tail… the wings… the horns!”
Frowning, Erika was confused.
“What does that have to do with you?”
“My goodness! That was beyond cool.”
“Dragon girl shining in flames?! I’ve never seen material like that!”
Isana’s excitement was unrestrained. She seemed like a crazed artist, ready to do anything for her perfect subject.
Erika frowned. Didn’t this country hate non-humans? Why was Isana—daughter of a duke—so thrilled that Erika was a dragon?
“This about you pretending?” Erika glared coldly.
“Pretend what?” Isana tilted her head, puzzled.
“I’m a dragon—this country burns people like me. You’re playing innocent to make me let my guard down, hoping I’ll slip and run away?”
“I’m not like that.”
Isana thought for a moment: “Yes, Aarlan Empire hates non-humans. If people knew you’re a dragon, you’d be in serious trouble.”
“Hmph. Stop playing dumb!”
Erika grabbed Isana’s collar. “So I have to kidnap you. Then strip you, and make you pay. How to punish you—ask Gladys later.”
Realizing Erika’s concern, Isana quickly gestured, “No, Erika, you misunderstand. I won’t tell anyone you’re a dragon!”
“Tch. Now that I’ve taken you, scared?”
“Not scared—actually delighted.”
Isana flashed a sweet smile. “Although I’m not a dragon, I share your frustration with Aarlan’s xenophobia. It robbed me of so much material. I’ve long dreamed of finding a unique non-human girl—that’s magnificent. Now you’re here—you’re my most precious material. I’d never let you be harmed.”
Erika thought for a moment and released her grip. Isana might not expose her—she was obsessed with art in a disturbing way. But still… trust?
“So… how can I believe you?”
“Believe it or not.”
Isana shrugged. “Erika, I’m not afraid of you. This is my home. My family’s guards are everywhere. You can’t kill me or kidnap me.”
“Want to try?” Erika flashed her dragon teeth in threat.
“No, no, Erika.” Isana waved. “That’s not the point.”
“Although I disagree with Aarlan’s xenophobia, as the daughter of the Duke of Daylight, I could report you to authorities. But I don’t want to. I swear on House Elfreid: as long as you agree to one request, I won’t tell anyone you’re a dragon.”
“What request?”
“Hehe…”
Isana rubbed her hands, wearing a smile like a cat.
“I care more about my art than anything. If you agree to be my painting model, I’ll keep your secret.”
Painting model…
Hearing this, Erika glanced at the nude paintings on the wall and shivered—blush rising again.
“No way!”
“I’ll expose you if you don’t agree.”
“You dare! I’ll tie you up right now!”
“Go ahead.”
Isana smiled. “My art is my life.”
“…”
Erika scratched her head in frustration.
What to do? She couldn’t really kidnap this duke’s daughter—and Isana’s guards were everywhere. Maybe just modeling once could work...
“How about… just one pose?”
“Fine.”
Isana agreed without hesitation.
“But… no nudity!”
Erika added.
Isana hesitated. “No nudity… like now?”
Now… Erika looked at herself—only the camisole and underwear. It was embarrassing, but preferable to full nudity.
“…Fine.”
Erika agreed reluctantly.
“Wishful thinking!”
Isana refused harshly. “How can art have obstacles? You must be nude! And when you transform, I want to depict a dragon girl in flames.”
“That’s too much!”
“Will you agree?”
No way. Erika didn’t reason—she redirected.
“Then tell me—who are these paintings for?”
“For me.”
Isana’s expression softened. “My parents don’t support my art. If anyone knew, they’d mock me. They’d look at me oddly. That’s why these masterpieces are only for my eyes.”
“And the girls you kidnapped before?”
“I bribed them.”
Isana pursed her lips: “If I threaten them, they won’t resist. I paid them secretly—and they stay quiet.”
“So your parents know?”
“Yes. My father and sister.”
A truly twisted noble. To fulfill her art… she’d do anything.
Erika then had an idea. She blinked, spun around, grabbed every painting from the walls.
“What are you doing?”
Isana panicked, rushing to stop her.
But Erika wouldn’t give her a chance. Clutching the canvases, she smirked.
“Don’t you get it? I’ll burn your art—every last piece!”