Book 20, The Crown’s Riddle – Chapter 1, Father and Son

Hogg’s eyes were moist. His body trembled from excitement as he carefully looked at this familiar-feeling youth.

He looked at those eyebrows…those two eyes…that nose…

At the same time, he compared them to the memories he had of the young Linley.

“Linley, it really…really is you?” Hogg’s voice was hoarse, and his eyes were red.

“It’s me, Father. It really is me!” Linley impatiently wanted to prove himself. “Father, do you remember how, back when we were in our ancestral hall, you asked me to pay my respects to the ancestors of our clan? Do you still remember how you tested me for the Dragonblood in my veins? And…I told you that I had three good friends at the Institute. Two of them are here!”

Linley immediately pointed towards the nearby Yale. “Look. That’s Yale, of the Dawson Conglomerate. And there; that’s George of the Yulan Empire!”

“And me!” Bebe flew out as well, staring at Hogg. “Uncle Hogg, remember me? I’m that little Shadowmouse.” As he spoke, Bebe’s body flickered as he transformed into a little black mouse, hopping onto Linley’s shoulders while still speaking in the human tongue. “It was Boss who raised me!”

Hogg repeatedly nodded.

“Father, look, the Coiling Dragon ring! You know about it, right?” Linley stretched out his ring.

Hogg, hearing this, began to weep from joy. “Right. Right!” He...