The Useless Extra Knows It All....But Does He?-Chapter 97 - Who’s this baby girl?

The great doors of the imperial ballroom swung open with a solemn creak, red carpets unfurling like the tongue of a beast welcoming its queen. Trumpets blared, their tune sharp and disciplined.

At once, the entire hall sank to their knees.

Celestia strode in, her gaze scanning the kneeling crowd. She didn’t pause. Each step was measured, unfaltering. She ascended the high dais, turned, and sat on the obsidian throne without waiting for the end of the fanfare.

"Rise," she said flatly.

They obeyed.

The hall stood still, expectant.

Her gaze swept the crowd again—many of them veterans, nobles, generals, mages, scholars. All had gathered not just to celebrate, but to seek refuge under the shadow of her name. She could see it in their eyes—the unease, the creeping fear brought on by the devil cult’s resurgence.

Pathetic.

The silence stretched, then she rose again, voice sharp, aura crackling with authority. A few close to the dais staggered under its sheer pressure. She spoke of the fallen. Of duty. Of strength. Of this Empire’s blood-stained history and its iron will. Not to mourn the dead—but to awaken the living.

By the time she sat again, the fear had been scorched from their eyes.

Good.

She leaned back slightly, expression unreadable, scanning the sea of faces once more.

Now then. Luca Valentine... where are you?

Her eyes drifted to the Valentine family gathered below. The Valentine family huh, they are kind of a special family. But none of the younger figures matched the age or energy she’d expected. Not present?

She didn’t ponder it long. The high dais was soon swarmed by a tide of nobles—those seeking favor, alliance, proximity to power. They bowed, offered pleasantries, spoke of loyalty and service. She nodded at a few, dismissed the rest with a look.

Her attention drifted the moment a slight shift in the room’s energy stirred her senses.

A ripple in the crowd. Not panic. Not magic.

Pressure.

She turned her head slightly—just enough to see it.

A boy standing firm under the weight of the Iron Duke’s oppressive aura. Not flinching. Not kneeling. Calm.

That one...

Her eyes lingered for only a moment. Then she turned away, uninterested in making a scene. But she had seen enough.

"Tell the announcer to summon everyone to the main hall," she instructed her guards. "The medal ceremony begins now."

As the order echoed through the ballroom, Celestia stood once more.

Let’s see you now, Luca Valentine. Show me what kind of anomaly you really are.

The grand hall was drenched in opulence — high arched ceilings lined with celestial banners, golden chandeliers casting a regal glow, and hundreds of nobles and cadets in attendance, eyes fixed on the stage where the award ceremony unfolded.

One by one, the awardees were called up, medals of honor and merit clasped around their necks by the ministers and high officials. Cheers, polite applause, respectful bows — all performed with mechanical grace.

Only he remains now.

"... Luca Valentine."

Footsteps rang as he entered.

Celestia’s eyes lazily followed the boy’s path from the hall entrance. That face... that awkward gait. She tilted her head slightly, observing him like one might observe a curious insect.

Hmm... Isn’t that the same boy who withstood the Iron Duke’s pressure? Interesting.

He looked tense, as if unsure whether he belonged in this room. But he gathered himself and approached the dais, standing straight before her throne. Not bad.

She held out the silver medal, fingers brushing his as she pinned it on his chest.

"This medal grants you the right to ask a personal favor from me... directly."

His eyes widened, breath caught. She watched, amused.

Well, he should be surprised. Let’s see how quickly he recovers.

Then she added, voice soft but unignorable, "After the ceremony... meet me."

For a second, it looked like his soul left his body. He barely nodded before stepping back, eyes unfocused. The surrounding nobles exchanged confused glances.

Let them gossip. Their opinions mean little.

Once the rest of the ceremony concluded, Celestia turned on her heel and exited, her royal mantle sweeping behind her like a crimson storm. She returned to the throne room, settled onto her obsidian-carved throne, and rested her cheek on one fist.

Half an hour passed. Then one hour.

She tapped her fingers against the armrest, then called out, "Did someone named Luca Valentine come?"

A guard entered and knelt. "No, Your Majesty."

She nodded slightly. "Hmm. When he does, send him in. Directly."

Another hour passed.

Finally, a hesitant knock echoed through the silent throne room.

"May I come in... Your Majesty?"

With a flick of her hand, the doors opened.

He entered slowly, posture stiff. She eyed him, expression unreadable.

"You took your time, huh"

He bowed quickly, awkward as ever. She leaned forward slightly, voice calm.—meant to test, to prod, to make him falter.

Let’s see if he lies. I already got the truth from Charlotte — let’s see if he tries to deceive me.

But he answered plainly. Truthfully.

She let the pause stretch before asking, "Anyway... have you thought of what you wish to ask of me?"

"Anyway... have you thought of what you wish to ask of me?"

He nodded, without hesitation.

Oh? He didn’t even ask for time to think? He had something planned?

"What is it?" she asked.

He drew out... an egg.

She straightened.

A deep, old aura hummed softly from the egg — something ancient and familiar.

...This aura. Where have I felt this before? That’s no common beast egg.

He held it out. "I’d like help hatching this," he said.

For a moment, she said nothing.

Not a title? Not gold? Not land or political status? A favor from the Empress, and he asks for help... with this?

She circled around behind him, slowly.

"Sit down."

He obeyed without question.

"I’ll pass my energy through your body. It will channel into the egg."

At least he doesn’t whimper.

She closed her eyes and began to channel her energy — potent, celestial, royal. His body tensed, shivered violently.

And then... the egg responded.

Hairline cracks formed. A dull golden light glowed from within.

Then — thud. Luca collapsed forward.

"Tch. I suppose that was too much.Still he held on for this much, he got potential."

Of course this was a test, but he will benefit from it as well

Her fingers brushed over the egg, energy flowing directly into it this time. Runes shimmered faintly across its shell. Then...

Crack.

The egg split.

A tiny, serpentine dragon emerged—scales glimmering black with veins of gold. Barely the size of her forearm, it looked around with wide eyes, let out a soft chirp, and crawled forward.

A tiny black-golden dragon emerged, its scales shimmering with hues of deep shadow and faint starlight. Its eyes, wide and curious, blinked up at the world.

It poked its head, looked at Luca, and waddled over, licking his cheek.

Celestia stared.

The dragon turned to her next, made a curious chirp, and wrapped its serpentine body around her arm like a warm bracelet.

She blinked, then — surprisingly — let out a faint huff of breath.

So small... so bold. Hmph. I’ll allow it.

She raised her hand, letting the dragon coil and nuzzle at her fingers. A small, rare smile — brief and unguarded — touched her lips.

Then the baby dragon fell asleep in her arms.

She looked at Luca, unconscious on the floor, and let out a sigh.

"I didn’t expect this to happen though..."

She called for her guards.

"Escort them to the Valentine manor," she said.

The knight saluted, preparing to leave.

Celestia added without looking, "Make sure they’re not disturbed."

As the doors closed behind her, the throne room was silent again.

****

[Back to present]

"Papa!"

Luca’s mind went blank.

What. The. Hell.

Before he could process anything, a knock came at the door, followed by a concerned voice.

"Are you alright, son? I’m coming in!"

Luca stiffened.

Ah—damn, my scream must’ve alerted her!

He scrambled to cover the little girl with the blanket, placing a finger on his lips.

She giggled softly and nodded, her big crimson eyes sparkling with innocent mischief.

The door creaked open, and Luca’s mother stepped in.

Her brows furrowed in concern.

"Are you okay? Last night, you were escorted back by imperial guards."

Luca blinked, confusion flashing across his face.

Last night? Right... I must have passed out in front of Her Majesty.

He cleared his throat quickly.

"Ah, it’s nothing, Mother. Just exhaustion, I think."

Though unconvinced, she nodded slowly—until her gaze swept the room once more.

"And where’s that pet you brought with you? The guards said it was with you."

Pet?

Luca frowned.

What pet—

His eyes widened.

He yanked back the blanket.

The girl was still there, blinking up at him with those same red eyes. Small, curved horns peeked through her tousled golden hair.

He looked up at his mother, half in disbelief.

Raised the child slightly from under the covers.

"Did you mean... this dragon, Mom?"

His mother froze, her eyes widening in shock.

"Oh my..."

Luca clutched his head in disbelief.

What the hell is happening now?!