Epic Of Ice Dragon: Reborn As An Ice Dragon With A System

Chapter 2457: Her True Feelings

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After a moment, Ruby approached the door and opened it slowly. She looked at me with a shy expression, her gaze dropping the instant our eyes met.

"Ruby, what's wrong?"

"W-What?"

"You've been acting strangely lately. Is something bothering you? I know our greatest enemy is gone and the world is finally at peace, but the real problems often linger inside our heads."

I tapped my forehead. She nodded faintly, offering an apologetic smile.

"Yeah. It's complicated, actually," she said with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry. I've been acting foolish."

"No, no. Just tell me," I replied gently. "We can talk it through, right? Where are Rakasha and your mother? Maybe we could discuss it together, all four of us."

"They already know what's going on," Ruby murmured. "I... Can you come in?"

"Of course." I nodded as she stepped aside, letting me enter her spacious room.

The chamber was vast, adorned with gothic black and red furniture that reflected her tastes. Her large bed featured dark sheets embroidered with crimson roses. Many items had been brought from her old room in the Vampire territory, relocated to this manor shortly after those events.

We settled on the edge of her bed, ready to talk.

"So... the thing is... please don't hate me for this, okay?" she whispered.

"Why would I ever hate you?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Aw..." She softened. "That's exactly why. And I know it's silly, especially since I'm actually much older than you. I don't know why I'm behaving like a nervous girl."

"Uh-huh..." I still couldn't guess. "So what's the problem—"

"I... kind of love you..."

"..."

Hmm.

This was awkward.

I had never imagined she might feel that way about me, of all people.

Wait. She loves me?

"Really?" I blurted, startled. "Ruby... I... Wait, what?"

"You think it's strange? It is, but you're truly amazing, Drake," Ruby said softly, sighing. "It took me years to reach this point, but it's impossible not to love someone like you."

"But Ruby, my family is already so large. Why would you feel drawn to me?" I asked. "You've always seemed like a young girl to me, despite your age. I don't think you should pursue this."

"I know..." She sighed again. "But vampires feel emotions intensely, especially love and passion. It overwhelms us."

"I didn't realize that," I admitted, surprised. "Is it something inherent to your kind?"

"Yes," she murmured. "When we fall in love, it consumes us."

"I'm truly flattered, and I think you're a beautiful young woman, Ruby," I said, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "But you deserve someone better—perhaps younger, without an enormous family already. You deserve a man who can love only you. I can't offer that. I could never give you the full attention you need. I'm sorry for being so direct, but since you mentioned your age, I thought honesty was best."

"..."

Ruby stared at the floor, her eyes glistening as if tears were near.

Damn.

What had I done?

No, Ruby, please don't cry.

Nothing hurt more than seeing her like this.

"I'm sorry, Ruby," I whispered. "I'm so sorry."

I pulled her into a hug. She clung to me instantly, burying her face in my chest as quiet tears fell.

"I guess I'm too late...?" she murmured, voice trembling. "You don't hate me for this?"

"Of course not," I assured her with a soft smile. "Now dry those tears. It's okay."

I gently wiped her cheeks. She gazed up at me with those large red eyes.

I simply couldn't see her as a romantic partner, not the way I loved my wives. In my heart, she remained that sweet, timid girl who once hid behind Rakasha.

"I'll try to move past it, but it won't be easy," she said. "Especially when you're holding me like this and you smell so good—Why did I say that? Sorry! Was that creepy?"

I chuckled warmly. "It's fine. I did shower recently, so maybe it's just the soap. Cheer up, okay? You'll find someone far better than me someday."

"But Drake, is there anyone better? You're incredible," Ruby insisted quietly. "You've done so much for me. It's a mixture of everything. It's not simple."

"I know," I sighed. "But..."

"I understand you can't give me all your attention, but even being part of it... I would cherish that," she whispered. "Am I being selfish? I am, aren't I? I'm sorry. I shouldn't..."

She was a stunning vampire, yet I had drawn my line with Hel.

I truly shouldn't add more partners.

My love for Ruby felt paternal, like an uncle toward a beloved niece.

Forcing anything romantic would be wrong.

"Everyone has their first crush, Ruby," I said gently. "You're just going through that phase, you know? In my previous life, I was a pretty average-looking human. I had maybe four or five crushes over the years. None of them ever felt the same way, and they were often quite cruel about it. I died without ever being loved by a woman."

"W-What? Really?" Ruby's eyes widened in shock. "Drake... I wish I could have been there for you."

"Yeah, but maybe you wouldn't have liked me the way you do now," I replied softly. "Because, as you said, you admire the me who has accomplished things and helped you. Back then, I didn't have the power to protect anyone or change much of anything. Do you see what I mean?"

"I..." Ruby hesitated, a flicker of realization crossing her face. "I guess you're right..."

"And then, when I was just a half-evolved lizard with tiny wings, that's when I met her—Benladann," I continued. "We were both lost and lonely. But in that moment, we simply found each other. We just clicked. It was the same with Miranda, whom I helped transform and then fell in love with. With Andromeda, who was always there, supporting me every step of the way. Yuki was my first true partner, from so long ago. Hel and I connected deeply—we were so alike, sharing our feelings over two years in the Void Realm, and I simply fell for her. But with you... I can't feel that way."

"..." Ruby nodded slowly, a quiet relief softening her expression. "I understand..."

"Ruby, still," I said, gently taking her small hand in mine. "I love you like a daughter. I'll never leave your side if that's what you want. I'll always be there for anything you need."

"Thank you, Drake..." Ruby offered a faint smile. "I needed to get this off my chest. You're not wrong. I realize now that I like you more for what you've done than for who you are deep down. I want to know you better to love you more, but that feels forced, doesn't it?"

"It does," I chuckled warmly. "Don't worry about it. You'll find the right person one day. You have a wonderful personality, striking looks, and incredible strength. Look, I waited an entire lifetime as a lonely virgin before finally finding someone who loved me in my second life. You have your whole life ahead to live it your way. And you're definitely not a loser."

"Drake... you weren't a loser," Ruby said firmly. She lifted her face to mine and softly kissed my cheek. "The person you are now exists because of who you were in your first life, right? Everything matters in the end. Deep down, you're still you."

"I... I suppose so," I murmured, caught off guard. "Wow, I never thought about it that way."

"Yeah, you can be a little clueless sometimes," she laughed lightly. "Well... that felt nice, I think. My mother was so enthusiastic about this. She gave me all these silly tips to seduce you. I mostly did it for her too. It was one of the few times we really connected over something. Sorry about all this. I realize now it was pretty childish."

"Nah, we all go through it," I reassured her, patting her shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with it. Each experience helps us grow, Ruby. So, are we good?"

"Yeah... You're right. I really do see you as an uncle," Ruby laughed, the tension easing from her voice. "But I'm not even sure what type of man I like yet. Maybe someone dependable like you, who can comfort me, love me, and spoil me a little. But as for appearance... I don't know. It's strange not having any clear idea."

"You'll know when you find him," I said with a smile. I leaned in and kissed her cheek gently. "All right, let's go eat breakfast. Aren't you hungry?"

"Yeah, I am..." she nodded, her mood brighter. "Thank you, Uncle Drake."

"No problem," I replied, patting her back. "Though I'm not sure I'll ever get fully used to being called Uncle by you."

"It's awkward, right?" Ruby laughed again.

After that, Ruby joined us for breakfast, and we shared a warm, pleasant meal with her and the rest of the family.

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