A few days ago, the village of Appel was saved from adventurers by Jared Murphy and Laurentz Herring.
The Dragon Species’ wounds had completely healed, and the residents, who had regained their spirits, also saw smiles return to their faces.
With aid already received from the Alway Ducal Family, the village was heading towards recovery. Though it would take time, everyone believed it would surely be reborn as a better village.
“There, there, good girl, good girl.”
A young girl was stroking a Dragon Species that was basking in the sun at the back of the village.
The girl was still young, barely past ten years old. She was dressed in ethnic clothing adorned with floral embroidery not seen in the Wethered Kingdom, and her long red hair was tied up on both sides.
“So, Jared Murphy saved you, did he? Hmm. If you feel indebted to him, then please spare him from being killed.”
As if communicating with the Dragon Species, which was growling, the girl continued her conversation.
The girl had no trace of fear towards the Dragon Species. Far from any potential anxiety, she had no worries about being harmed.
Rather, the Dragon Species seemed to look at the girl with caring eyes.
“My, how strange. You can talk to a Dragon Species, little one?”
A shadow suddenly peeked from behind, and the girl turned around.
There stood a girl with short, bobbed pink hair, wearing a frilly dress and holding a parasol, with an adorable smile.
She looked two or three years older than the red-haired girl who had been talking to the Dragon Species.
“I don’t want to be called ‘little one’ by ‘little one’.”
The red-haired girl, with a displeased expression, shook her hair and stood up.
“Oh, I’m sorry. But you know, I’ve lived quite a long time for my age?”
“I’ve lived a long time too!”
The pink-haired girl smiled deeper at the girl in ethnic clothing, who raised her voice as if to bite, her red hair disheveled.
“Oh dear, I’ve upset you. But I have no intention of quarreling with you. I happened to overhear your conversation, and it seems we’re heading to the same destination. I was wondering if we could travel together?”
“Who are you?”
“I am Almeida Mourauf. I’m a very powerful Magician, despite my appearance.”
At the words of the pink-haired girl named Almeida, the red-haired girl tilted her head.
“Magician? Hmm, do you mean a sorcerer?” the red-haired girl asked, as if probing.
“That’s a rather archaic term. By the way, may I ask your name?”
“Hmph. It would be rude for me not to introduce myself when you have already given your name. My name is Rio! I am the youngest daughter of the King of the Dragon Kingdom!”
“—I’m surprised you’re such a big shot. But if you’re truly a dragon, then it makes sense that the Dragon Species is behaving so calmly.”
Almeida’s eyes widened as she gazed at Rio, who had introduced herself with such dignity.
Even though it was suppressed, Almeida could feel a Magic Power from Rio that would cause a Human’s body to burst from within just by being in its presence.
The immense and powerful Magic Power could be considered proof of a dragon, the strongest creature on the continent.
However, Almeida knew that there were extremely rare cases where individuals, while Human, transcended the boundaries of being Human.
She didn’t believe the girl before her was one of them. As she had boldly stated, she was likely a dragon.
Her age might not match her appearance, but Almeida was the same. However, she had heard that a dragon’s mental age was proportional to their appearance, so Rio might still be a child.
“By the way, you said your name is Almeida. What are you doing here?”
“I’m on my way to meet my wayward disciple. Before that, I’m making a detour to see what mischief they’ve been up to, and I’m a little worried.”
“…You have a disciple at your young age? Are you a very powerful sorcerer?”
“As I just said, I’m not as young as I look. As a Magician, I can’t say whether I’m powerful or not, but I’m confident that I have the skill and strength of my many years.”
Rio felt a sense of ease from Almeida’s gentle tone, as if she were speaking to a small child.
“I’m also going to meet Jared Murphy, who you’re trying to see. Would you like to accompany me?”
“Hmph. That’s fine! I was getting bored of traveling alone.”
Rio responded enthusiastically to Almeida’s offer.
“Then let’s chat and make the journey enjoyable. I’ll treat you to some delicious food too.”
“Really!?”
Almeida chuckled bitterly, seeing Rio’s eyes sparkle. Despite being a dragon, she was just like a human child.
“Yes, of course.”
“Almeida is a good person! I like you!”
Holding hands with Rio, who smiled happily, Almeida bid farewell to the Dragon Species.
“Hmph! Well then, let’s go crush Jared Murphy!”
“Um, perhaps you could refrain from doing that…”
“Oh? Then I’ll just get rid of him.”
“Being sent flying by a dragon could be fatal… Please go easy on him, though.”
“I understand. I told the young dragon earlier that I wouldn’t kill Jared Murphy, so I’ll go easy on him. However, they will pay the price for laying a hand on my family!”
“What on earth did that person do…”
Almeida couldn’t help but feel uneasy at Rio’s continued laughter and decided to try and appease the dragon girl so her disciple wouldn’t be killed.
I will be starting the third chapter from today.
Please bear with me as the updates will be irregular for a while.
