"I said, can you help me turn back to being a human?"

This lady really is crazy.

"I forgot to ask, what's your name?"

"I'm Tina. Tina Morra."

"Hmmm."

This is odd. Why would she ask me to turn her BACK to being human? She was clearly a dragon. And I couldn't sense any curse or spell that might have turned her into a dragon.

"Pardon my intrusion mighty Frosthorn, I am Lobo, leader of this pack. Please, do not concern yourself with our battle against these humans. They are not allowed to enter this forest, especially in these parts where you're forefathers' ashes lies."

A Beastman who looks like they're pack leader approached us during my conversation with Tina.

"We will not ask you to help us drive these humans away, but at least let us do our duty as protectors of the forest."

The forest this Beastman is talking about is the Great Frosthorn Forest. Yes, this forest is named after me. Or more specifically, my forefathers. It was a tribute for their noble, and selfless deed when they established this forest as a safe haven for all the races when the Demon King's army was wrecking havoc to the world. Our family watched over this forest from the Storm Mount's peak for millenias and it remained untouched to this day.

"This forest act as a safe haven for all races young Beastman, and that includes these humans. And what do you mean you are the protectors of the forest? Where are the elves and dryads..?"

As soon as I asked that question, I figured out the answer immediately. The Demon King's supposed revival. The reason why the humans are seeking refuge in the forest. And the reason why the Beastmen are driving these humans out.

"These humans dragged the elves and dryads to their war against the Demon King and got annihilated! They led our brethren to their demise! We honor their heart and bravery when they stood up against the Demon King's army. But I will not make the same mistake they made when they trusted these humans, only to be betrayed."

I was right, but how? And why didn't I know anything about this? Something is not right.

"I can't sense anything outside the forest."

"I beg of you Great Guardian, let us take refuge in your forest. Please let us stay! Our people have nowhere else to go."

I can feel the desperation in his voice as he pleaded for him and his people's safety. There is no trace of malice in his words.

"Human, you have yet to name yourself."

"I-I'm terribly sorry! I forgot about it amidst all the confusion. I'm Roan, leader of the Lyrian Sect of the Rakhan Kingdom."

"..."

"King Elran tasked us to seek the Great Guardian of Storm Mount and ask for his help. We have nowhere else to go. Our kingdom had been overrun by demons and forced us to retreat to the outskirts of the forest. The king respects your authority over the forest, that's why he sent us first to meet with you."

"We've been trying for months to build a settlement beneath your mountain to prepare for our hike to its peak to reach you. O Great Guardian, please heed our humble request. Our people are just outside the forest, fighting for their lives. We need your protection."

Roan and his followers kneeled as low as they possibly can, and I still couldn't sense any malice in him.

"Lord Frosthorn, please do not be deceived! That's how they tricked our brethren into fighting their own war. Humans had always been known for their deceptive words."

Lobo's warning was understandable. Though I'm unaware of the whole situation, he was just trying to protect the forest.

I'm not sure what to do. If I let the humans stay, the Beastmen won't take it easily. They are blaming the humans for the elves' and dryads' annihilation. Which is very alarming.

But if I send them away, they will surely perish.

After contemplating all of my options, I decided;

"I will uphold my forefather's vision for this forest and grant those who seek shelter and protection what they need. The humans may stay in the forest..."

"But Lord Frosthorn!" Lobo expresses his objection.

"Thank you, O Great Guardian!" Roan expresses his gratitude.

"However, because of your alleged actions, in which I am still not fully aware of, that caused the annihilation of the elves and dryads of this forest, you can only stay for a month. It may change after I confirm the situation to my subjects. You need to look for another place to stay. And you are not to set foot on this land, beneath the Storm Mount. This place is sacred and must not be disturbed."

This should be the best option that I have. What? Are you surprised because of how wise and noble I am? I told you, I'm a 1,000 year old (virgin) dragon.

"W-what about me?" the female dragon finally got a chance to speak.

Oops, I totally forgot about her after all of these serious talk.

"What was your name again?"

"I'm Tina. Tina Morra."

That doesn't sound like a good name for a dragon.

To be continued...