The water droplets that fell from the icicles on the ceiling landed in the subterranean lake, their plash echoing and fading into the silence. The water dragons, who had been swimming in the lake just moments before, now grew still, their attention focused on Silvia and the others as if in frozen silence.
“Water Dragon King, it has been a long time,”
“Hmph, it has been a while.”
Even so, these two were not the type to be easily intimidated. Like the Water Dragon King, they rejoiced in their reunion and greeted him familiarly. Tsubaki, the King of Traage, was no different.
“The Dragon God also appears to be in good health. You haven’t shown yourself above ground recently, so I was quite worried. Have you stopped taking human form?”
“Don’t say such mean things as soon as we meet. You know I dislike crowded places, don’t you, Tsubaki?”
Instead of a mere greeting, there was even a light jab. It felt like a conversation with a close uncle. Watching this exchange, Emma voiced a lingering question.
“Um, I’ve been wondering for a while… Is the Water Dragon King Tsubaki-sama’s ancestor? You also referred to us as your descendants earlier.”
“Hm? Ah, that’s right. It’s understandable to wonder, given my current form. This is supposed to be a secret of Traage, but…”
The Water Dragon King glanced at Tsubaki as if asking permission.
“I don’t mind. Silvia and Emma have promised to bring great prosperity to Traage. A secret or two is just a matter of knowing it now or later.”
“Eh?”
“…?”
For Tsubaki, it seemed settled that the two would join Traage in the future. By sharing Traage’s secrets, she was subtly reinforcing their promise. Of course, only Emma sensed this intention, while Silvia wore a question mark.
“Indeed. Where should I begin… Do you two know that humans and dragons cannot conceive children?”
“Ah, I think I heard something about that from Rosaria. Something about dragon blood being too potent.”
“Then this will be easy. What Rosaria said is correct. However, I am a distant descendant of this Dragon God. The reason for this is—”
“—It’s because I was originally human.”
“…Dragon God, that was my line.”
“Think of it as payback for earlier. Kuhuhu.”
Tsubaki puffed out her cheeks, and the Water Dragon King let out a laugh. If one were to view this exchange in isolation, it would indeed seem like a conversation between humans.
“Um, so the Water Dragon King is not a dragon, but human?”
“Indeed.”
“For a human, your face is quite blue.”
“Oh, that comeback is new! Just as expected of Silvia!”
“You’re embarrassing me.”
Silvia’s pale skin flushed faintly.
“No, don’t be embarrassed. Tsubaki-sama, please don’t joke around now.”
“Emma is very serious. Well, let’s continue with the story. The truth is, the Dragon God is not from this world. In a very, very distant past, a human was lost to this world during a divine disappearance.”
This is how Tsubaki summarized the story. Fujiwara Torajiro was a lord in another world. Though young, he managed many villages, overseeing agriculture, the source of food; military affairs, to protect his territory; and commerce, a means of prosperity. He strived for everyone, incorporating the opinions of his subordinates and sometimes his people. Though busy, his days were fulfilling. Torajiro was proud of being a lord and was content with this life.
However, the time came to end his tenure as lord. It was war. Defeated by a neighboring country, Torajiro and his trusted subordinates retreated. They fled into a deep forest under the pouring rain, but it was only a matter of time before they were found. In his world, it was common for the leader to be captured, and if captured, his fate was sealed. Perhaps the only stroke of luck was that acts like plundering villages were rare. If a territory was plundered, it would become the land of a new lord. The encroaching country’s lord was brutal, but he did not neglect his people. This was no longer Torajiro’s concern as he awaited death, but he was still happy that those he held dear were safe.
As the moment arrived, Torajiro resolved to commit suicide. An honorable death. It was a grand phrase, but he wanted to end his life with pride, true to himself. However, that moment never came. the rain that had soaked him to the bone suddenly stopped, and sunlight pierced through the clouds that should have hidden it.
“Where is this place?”
He was met with unfamiliar scenery and creatures that seemed otherworldly. Yes, Torajiro and his subordinates had wandered into another world. In Torajiro’s words, it was a divine disappearance. Faced with death, they had gained a new life.
“From then on, my subordinates and I rebuilt a kingdom in this world. I established a strong nation, not inferior to any great power, retaining the colors of my homeland.”
“This is the beginning of our Water Country Traage. The Dragon God became the first King of Traage and, using unique techniques and unconventional tactics, greatly expanded the country. For example, there’s an interesting weapon called a gun. After repeated development, it is now… Oops, this is also a secret. Hehehe…”
Tsubaki, opening her fan and hiding her mouth, was being quite deliberate. She was determined to pique their interest. The Water Dragon King, unconcerned by Tsubaki’s antics, continued the story.
“Well, as the country grew, so did my power. At one point, I reached it. The ultimate form of a human.”
“You mean evolution?”
“Oh, you knew about that too? Perhaps you two also— No, I won’t pry further.”
The Water Dragon King sighed deeply.
“Tsubaki’s story is taking too long.”
Suddenly, Silvia and Emma turned to look at Tsubaki, whose face had brightened considerably. It was likely that the word ‘evolution’ had resonated with her. They decided to pretend not to notice.
“The race I evolved into is ‘Dragon Person.’ This is the form granted by the blessing of dragon power. As a person who gained dragon power, I was able to have children with those I love. After that, I defeated the previous Dragon King and did many other absurd things, looking back now.”
As a side note, Tsubaki calls the Water Dragon King “Dragon God” after this “Dragon Person” form.
“Rumor has it that on the Western Continent, there are those who carry dragon blood like us. Though it’s just a rumor, I am a living example, so it’s impossible to say they don’t exist.”
“This is quite a grand story.”
“…romantic.”
“Uh, yeah. It is.”
Emma decided to agree with Silvia’s murmur for the time being.
“Now, only I remain from that time. Truly, longevity can be a burden.”
“However, the blood of those who founded Traage is surely passed down by the people. What do you say? Silvia and the others, will you not become the foundation of this wonderful country together with us?”
“N-no—”
“Yes, stop right there! We still have things to do, don’t we!?”
“…Ah!”
Emma’s sharp retort seemed to bring Silvia back to her senses. It seems that in any party, the role of the Tsukkomi (straight man) is always a difficult one.
“What a shame… Well, if the Dragon God were to return to his true form, it would be a quick way to explain that he’s human.”
“Don’t look at me with those sly eyes. Didn’t I tell you? I’m a misanthrope. It’s embarrassing to reveal myself in human form!”
“That’s why the Dragon God has become so twisted in his reclusiveness. He’s only grown larger in size, and there’s not a trace left of the person who founded the country.”
“I have secretly helped when the country was in danger, haven’t I? Tsubaki, who lives in these peaceful times, wouldn’t know, but I was of great help during the warfare on the Eastern Continent.”
“Oh! When a slime resembling a Demon King attacked the country in the past, which Dragon God overslept and let the Hero take all the credit?”
“Gah, how do you know that!?”
An argument erupted, with shouts and accusations. The quality of their insults steadily declined, eventually reaching a childish level.
“Um, excuse me, may we say what we came here for now?”
“Water Dragon King, please create a path to ‘Amatsukisengen.’ We must go to the Underworld.”
“Hm, the Underworld itself?”
As if perfectly timed, the argument between the two kings stopped.
“The reason, no, I won’t ask. It’s forbidden for adventurers to pry, wasn’t it?”
“Dragon God, you’re slightly mistaken about the unspoken understanding, but let’s let it slide for now. I also ask this of you. Would you grant Silvia and the others’ wish?”
“Hmm, but…”
The Water Dragon King closed his eyes as if in deep thought, then groaned in a low voice.
“…I can tell you are strong just by the aura you emit. With that strength, couldn’t you overcome Amatsukisengen without my help?”
“Many people besides us are heading to the Underworld. We want to reduce the danger even slightly.”
“Won’t that become a burden even if you do reach the other side?”
“No. It will be our strength.”
“…Is that so. In that case—”
“Hm? Wh-What!?”
Suddenly, the Water Dragon King lifted Tsubaki and placed her on his massive blue head. It was understandable that King would let out an unkingly cry. Before she knew it, she felt like she was at the very top of a roller coaster.
“Then, prove your strength by fighting me and Tsubaki, a two-on-two battle! If you insist on bringing your companions no matter the situation, then show me you can break through this!”
“…Yeah. I kind of expected this development.”
“You did? Emma, you’re so smart.”
And so, the battle against the two kings began.
