We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Where is the replica?
A replica is a term for the multiple identical swords or katanas forged as candidates for the “true sword” when dedicating swords to a temple or presenting them to the country, right?
When dedicating swords or other similar items, several identical ones are forged, and the most superior among them is offered as the “true sword.”
Then, the swords and katanas that were not dedicated as true swords are referred to as replicas.
However, replicas are usually disposed of after the true sword is dedicated.
They are either melted down to become different swords or weapons, or broken, meaning that replicas normally do not exist.
I believe this is common knowledge not only for humans and dragon people, but for many races.
But Iris said something.
She said that a replica of the Dragon God Sword, or rather the Ryuhoken, remains in the Dragon’s Mausoleum.
“Iris, do you also know the place where that replica is preserved?”
If a replica of the Ryuhoken is truly preserved…!
Everyone must have thought of it.
Everyone recognizes that the Ryuhoken is a testament to Iris and the deep bond between her and the dragon people. If a replica were made with the same materials, forged using the same methods, and by the same person at the same time as the Ryuhoken, wouldn’t it be a perfect substitute for the Ryuhoken?
In response to our expectant gazes, Iris smiled shyly.
“If you stare at me with such intense eyes, I’ll get flustered, okay? Elnea-chan, can you handle me?”
“Iris!? No, no, what are you saying!”
Everyone could only offer bitter smiles at Iris, who brushed off our serious feelings with a joke.
But that’s just like Iris.
We were shown great expectation after overthinking. We were getting excited. She deliberately poured cold water on us, bringing us back to make rational judgments.
As expected from such a thoughtful older sister!
“I just said it because I remembered it, okay? But are you guys okay with that? Don’t you have any other ideas? Besides…”
“If it’s a replica of the Ryuhoken, I think it can maintain Iris’s relationship with the dragon people. However, just preparing a replica would mean there’s no point in Iris entrusting us with this task, so there’s still room for further consideration. By the way, what were you going to say next with ‘besides…’?”
A replica of the Ryuhoken might be a bit uninspired as a treasure to replace it. However, even if it lacks flair, it feels like the optimal solution.
Next, we need to figure out how much added value we can create with the “Dragon God’s Messenger” based on the relic of the replica.
However, that’s only if we can secure the replica safely.
I’m curious about what Iris was about to say at the end, so I ask her. Iris then looks troubled and her expression clouds over.
“A replica of the Dragon God Sword. It exists, you know? And I know the location, too? But, Elnea-kun, I wonder if you can draw it…?”
“Huh!?”
We tilted our heads, wondering what she meant.
Iris looked at me as if appraising me and said,
“As you know, the Ryuhoken is a pair of greatswords. They are special swords that release a wonderful power when used together.”
We know that too.
The twin Ryuhoken greatswords are wielded by Yufilia and Nina, one each. However, to unleash their true potential, they need to coordinate and overlap them.
But what does that have to do with me?
And, the fact that she asked if I could draw it implies it’s stuck somewhere?
“Ha! Don’t tell me, like in ancient legends, it’s thrust into a rock after overcoming some trial, and it’s sealed so that those who are not worthy cannot draw it!? Even as a replica, it’s a special sword that chooses its wielder!”
“Elnea, your thoughts are running wild.”
“Elnea-kun, please calm down.”
Mistral and Ruiseine soothed me.
Phew. I got carried away.
After all, stories where a chosen one draws a legendary sword, then goes on to save the world, or marries a princess, are the dreams of every boy!
“Elnea-oniichan already has a sword even more legendary than that, nyah. He also has plenty of princess brides, nyah. All that’s left is a world-shaking commotion, nyah?”
“Come to think of it…”
Iris laughed heartily at my runaway thoughts and Nimi’s retort. The worry had vanished from her expression.
“Fufufu, you are truly an interesting child. I retract my previous statement. You guys will surely be able to draw that replica.”
I was genuinely happy to receive Iris’s endorsement.
However, as expected, a trial that cannot be overcome with only half-hearted resolve and ability awaited us.
“I’ll tell you where the replica is left. But only Elnea-kun is to go there. And please be careful? There must be a reason why no one has been able to obtain it, even though it has been left behind, right?”
“Ugh…!”
We were ecstatic at the fragments of answers Iris had provided, but we had to face reality.
If Iris knows that a replica of the Ryuhoken exists, it’s no wonder someone else might know too, right?
It could be dragon people, or dragons.
And those who know the special power of the Ryuhoken might want to obtain its replica.
However, no one has succeeded.
The twin golden greatswords, known as the Ryuhoken in modern times, were originally the Dragon God Swords dedicated to the King of Dragons and were Iris’s favorite.
In other words, hundreds, or even over a thousand years might have passed since the true sword and its replica were forged, yet no one has been able to obtain it!?
Can I draw that replica…?
Suddenly feeling anxious, I looked at all my wives.
Then, all my wives had expressions of confusion.
However, it was for a different reason!
“This is troublesome. If we leave Elnea alone, won’t he cause another commotion?”
“Oh my, oh my, this is troublesome. Elnea-kun loves adventures, you know?”
“Rather than loving adventures, I think he loves causing commotion?”
“Rather than loving adventures, I think he’s beloved by commotion?”
“Hahaha. I’m worried about Elnea-sama acting alone. If that’s the case, I…”
“Lyra is right. If we let Elnea-kun go alone, it will definitely cause a huge commotion again, won’t it?”
“Muggh! Actions that threaten the peace of the old dragons quietly awaiting their end are prohibited, Elnea-kun!”
“Ehhhhh!?”
Are they hesitant not about whether I can draw the replica, but about letting me go alone!?
“Sob sob. My evaluation…”
“It’s because you caused a commotion in the North Sea, nyah. Are you judging me by my track record, nyah?”
“Guh, Nimi.”
When I tried to take my frustration out on Nimi, who was relaxing on my head, she easily escaped.
Nimi then moved to Priscilla-chan’s head and curled up.
Priscilla-chan was completely asleep and wouldn’t wake up even with our commotion.
But that’s a good thing right now.
If Priscilla-chan were awake and heard this meeting…
“Um, I want to go too?”
She would say, and no one would be able to stop her.
In that case, it would be an even bigger commotion than if I went alone!
Who on earth did I take after?
“Meow.”
Nimi was looking straight at me.
“Fufufu, you are loved, aren’t you?”
“But I feel like my dignity as a husband has hit rock bottom.”
“Isn’t that just your imagination?”
“Is that so?”
If they trust me, I feel like this is a situation where they should send me off with a smile, don’t you think?
Leaving that aside.
“I… I don’t intentionally cause trouble, you know? More importantly, Iris, I still think a replica is the most suitable replacement for the Ryuhoken. So, could you please tell me?”
Where in the Dragon’s Mausoleum the replica is left.
The trial that awaits us there, and the question of whether I can draw the replica, are things to consider next!
“Fufufu. Alright, I’ll tell you. But don’t push yourself, okay? Make sure you come back safely and don’t worry your family. Understood? Can you promise me, sister?”
“Of course!”
To my spirited reply, Mistral let out a small sigh.
“What a troublesome husband.”
“But that’s Elnea-kun.”
Mistral and Ruiseine said, looking at each other and smiling.
Lyra, Sefina, and Madrine were also chatting, saying “Troublesome, troublesome.”
However.
Only the Twin Princesses objected!
“If it’s about the Ryuhoken, we should go too.”
“If it’s about the Ryuhoken, we should be involved too.”
” “Because we are the ones who use the Ryuhoken.” ”
Yufilia and Nina said in unison, pressing us.
“It’s true that Yufi and Nina are using the Ryuhoken, right? It might be a problem to exclude the two who benefit the most from the issue of the replica?”
In the first place, I didn’t even ask why I had to undergo the trial to obtain the replica alone!
I respected Yufilia and Nina’s opinions and made a request to Iris.
“I don’t know what kind of trial awaits, but please allow Yufi and Nina to accompany me. Or, is it really a trial that I have to undergo alone?”
What kind of trial awaited us?
Not only I, Yufilia, and Nina, but also the other wives turned serious and waited for Iris’s reply.
Receiving our gazes, Iris smiled gently.
“Alright, Elnea-chan, Yufi-chan, and Nina-chan, the three of you, and for transportation, Nimi-chan will also go with you.”
“Meow. Am I being dragged into this, meow?”
We burst out laughing at Nimi’s slightly surprised reaction.
Perhaps we let our guard down because Iris didn’t give us strict instructions.
However, she specified that only Yufilia, Nina, and Nimi could accompany us.
Iris said,
“Lately, there’s been a lot going on, and the Dragon’s Mausoleum has been a bit noisy. But remember, this is originally a place for the old dragons to live peacefully. So, no big disturbances. Go with the minimum number of people and achieve your objective, okay?”
The old dragons who watched our Thanksgiving Dance have dispersed back to various parts of the Dragon’s Mausoleum.
They are probably quietly welcoming winter amidst the falling snow right now.
Do not agitate them further.
As the owner of the Dragon Altar, Iris earnestly warned us about this.
Perhaps, the reason she initially intended to let me go alone was also related to this?
But after hearing my wives’ assessment of me, maybe she changed her mind a little?
If I go alone, I’ll cause unnecessary trouble?
So, she allowed Yufilia and Nina to accompany me?
Personally, I feel like this group selection is more likely to cause trouble, though.
Nevertheless, the future course of action has been decided.
“Yufi, Nina, and Nimi will go with me to retrieve the replica of the Ryuhoken.”
“Then, the rest of us will find the answer to the other task. How to present ourselves to the dragon people as the Dragon God’s Messengers, you see.”
“Yes, I’ll leave that to Mistral and the others!”
I don’t have to deal with all the tasks myself. Since all of us in the family are “Dragon God’s Messengers,” it’s important to rely on my wives for parts that can be delegated!
“It seems like it’s settled. Then, fight hard. Oh, and about the trial. You need to defeat the dragon guarding the replica and pull the replica stuck in the sealing stone. However, when defeating the dragon, please refrain from using Dragon Energy as before. Also, about the replica. You can only draw it if you pour the exact same power into both hands and pull it at the same time without any delay.”
“Ehh!”
At Iris’s words, I grimaced at the very last moment.
