We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
One hardship overcome, another arises.
I thought he was skilled at handling dragon energy. So much so that I mistook him for Lord Yugra, a Hero Dragon.
However, Fiorina is a young dragon.
Her body is far smaller than that of the adult dragons around her.
The dragon leaders I’ve seen until now had exceptionally large bodies, even among adult dragons, giving them the appearance of being the leaders of their respective clans.
And yet, the truly small and adorable Fiorina is the leader of this Golden Winged Dragon, and also the meishu (leader) of the dragon race living on Dragon Peak?
I can’t believe it.
I stare intently at Fiorina.
“Such a fiery gaze. It makes me blush.”
Fiorina squirms and nuzzles against me.
“You must have sensed Fiorina’s extraordinary dragon energy.”
I distinctly felt it at that time, the way the dragon energy drawn from the dragon veins spread infinitely into the atmosphere.
“The qualification for meishu is not physique or age. It is exceptional ability that makes one worthy of being a meishu.”
“Um, is the wave of dragon energy that spread like ripples the ability to become a meishu?”
“Yes. That is Fiorina’s will itself. The ability to send her will to those far away.”
“Is it like the telepathy Grandpa uses?”
“In terms of ability, it’s above that. Fiorina can send her will to all the dragons on Dragon Peak.”
“Uwah, Fiorina had such amazing abilities!”
When I stroke Fiorina, she closes her eyes happily.
“Call me Fio, and praise me more.”
Fiorina purrs happily, rolling around.
“It was by using Fiorina’s ability that Mistral summoned the tyrant here.”
Ah, so that’s how it is.
I was wondering how Mistral communicated with the tyrant, who could be anywhere on Dragon Peak.
I see. With Fiorina’s ability, it’s certainly possible to convey messages.
So, why did Mistral summon the tyrant here?
I suppose I’ll find out soon enough.
But before that.
I need to return the conversation to Prince Friel.
I believe it’s fine to deal with Fiorina and the tyrant after Prince Friel’s problem is resolved.
“What do you think? Will this person change with my meager cooperation? Will his kingdom change?”
Lord Yugra gazes at me intently.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know much about the Yorttenitos Kingdom or its royal family. However, I believe the Prince needs Earl Yugra. Just as Grandpa guided me, I believe the current Prince needs a guide. And I believe Earl Yugra is the most suitable person.”
Lord Yugra listens to my words and shifts his gaze to Prince Friel.
“If you desire a dragon steed, I suppose it doesn’t have to be me. If you wish, I could even offer guidance on taming dragons?”
“No. I don’t want a dragon steed. I need your guidance to accomplish great things that I cannot achieve with my own wisdom and strength alone.”
“Are you worthy of learning from me?”
“Perhaps I hold mistaken beliefs, as you say, Earl. But please, give me an opportunity. I will definitely, I will definitely prove I can change!”
Prince Friel is a bit cowardly and prone to strong convictions, but he is truly a good person at heart.
The original driving force for Prince Friel was his older sister. He always adored his neglected sister and stood up for her.
Then, when he actually began to act, he realized his sister’s problem was a family problem, noticed the country’s corruption, and is now sincerely trying to confront his own mistakes.
I believe Prince Friel can accomplish this.
He can change himself, change his family, and lead the country in the right direction. I feel that way.
“I ask again. It won’t be easy.”
“Yes.”
“I will show no mercy.”
“Yes!”
“If you give me even the slightest impression of being hopeless, I will abandon you.”
“Yes!”
“Hmm…”
Lord Yugra looks up at the sky, deep in thought.
“I was also told so by Fiorina, my granddaughter, my leader, and my meishu.”
He’s suddenly speaking like Grandpa.
“Leave Dragon Peak to me. Go safely.”
Fiorina rubs her cheek against me and cheerfully waves her front paws.
“The Earl is moving?”
“For mere humans?”
“That’s ridiculous!”
The three attendants’ faces stiffen.
“Mistakes happen to anyone. But one can also reflect and change, can they?”
The three attendants look down from their high perch with exasperation at the tyrant, then at me, and finally at Prince Friel.
“Very well. I will give you one chance. Prove that you can change.”
Prince Friel’s face lights up at Lord Yugra’s decision.
“Ah, thank you. I will do my absolute best to live up to your expectations!!”
Lord Yugra nods with satisfaction at Prince Friel’s heartfelt gratitude.
“I will be away for a while.”
“Yes. Go safely.”
Seeing Carnela bow respectfully, the three attendants hastily follow suit.
“This is special. I permit you to ride on my back.”
“R-really!”
Prince Friel leaps with joy.
“You” implies me too, right?
What an honor!
Having secured Lord Yugra’s cooperation and permission to ride on his back, we rush to each other and rejoice.
“Yay! I get to ride on Grandpa’s back too!”
Fiorina bounces with us.
“You” includes Fiorina too!
However, the three attendants poured cold water on our joy.
“I-impossible!”
“It’s unthinkable for the Earl to carry humans on his back!”
“Don’t be fooled. The Earl would never assist such immature individuals!”
Ignoring Carnela’s attempts to stop them, the three surround us from three sides.
Mumu. A problem has arisen, just as we get this far.
As the three attendants adopt a combative stance, Prince Friel and I tense up.
As for Prince Friel, he seems to have little combat experience. If it comes to it, I’ll have to fight while protecting Prince Friel.
Fiorina hurriedly moves behind me. But there are still attendant dragon people behind me, and Fiorina flits back and forth around Prince Friel and me.
They’re surrounding the young winged dragon that I’m taking care of, and emitting a hostile aura!
I can’t forgive this.
This feeling isn’t mine alone; Carnela shares it.
“Do you know what you are doing?!”
Carnela grips her staff tightly and glares at the three attendants.
“Madam Carnela, please forgive our foolishness. However, if we don’t act like this, the Earl will be taken away by these cunning humans.”
“We have no intention of harming Fio. We merely wish to protect the Earl and the winged dragons from these humans.”
“Consequences be on us. Just please, look the other way regarding what happens between Madam Carnela and the Earl from now on…”
Foolish!
Even if they dislike us humans, or even if they are a noble clan serving Lord Yugra. Their reasoning is flawed!
By exchanging words and denying the decision Lord Yugra made, aren’t they essentially denying Lord Yugra himself? As attendants to Carnela, who serves him, isn’t that incorrect?
I release the power of the Dragon Jewel, ready to act at any moment.
However, the three attendants show no change in their expressions despite the surge of dragon energy.
“Hmm. Do you all look down on these youths as mere humans? Like the tribal chief from three hundred years ago.”
Lord Yugra calmly speaks.
“When I chose Yorttenitos, the tribal chief at that time was also enraged. I can understand your feelings.”
“It was the Chief from the generation before last,” Carnela nods.
“Your actions are foolish, but your feelings are fully conveyed. However, as a dragon, I cannot break a promise once made.”
I remember Old Man Sleigsta telling me that promises are very important among dragons.
“Then, let’s do this. Act as you see fit. I permit it.”
“Eh!?”
I am surprised by this unexpected conclusion and look up at Lord Yugra.
“Do not worry. I trust you. I believe you can open their eyes. These individuals will not listen to whatever I say now. Therefore, show them your power, not as a human, but as a Dragon King.”
Dragon King is a title that commands respect among the inhabitants of Dragon Peak, both dragon people and dragons.
And by showing them my power as a Dragon King, as a human, it seems I need to prove that humans can do it too.
To be seen as an equal human, not looked down upon, I must demonstrate my strength.
“Understood. Let’s do it.”
If I’m going to do it, I’ll do it with all my might. I immediately summon Ares-chan and fuse with her.
As my power swells further, the three attendants tense up with nervousness.
“Such power. It’s befitting of a Dragon King.”
“However, we are the strongest combat tribe on Dragon Peak.”
“We will not lose to a human Dragon King!”
With that said, the three disperse.
“We…”
I signal Prince Friel, who is hesitantly preparing for battle.
“It’s fine. I will protect you. Fio, you can stay by my side too.”
I’m not bluffing.
I’m confident I can do this.
“Just a little.”
Carnela seems to have resigned herself to the inevitability of our battle.
“Are you ready? Absolutely do not attack the winged dragons. Do not harm them. Killing each other is also forbidden. And,”
Carnela looks at the three attendants.
“Full power is fine, but not full abilities. Do you understand what I mean?”
I don’t understand the difference between full power and full abilities, but the three nod firmly.
“Grudges and complaints are forbidden after the match. Understand?”
We all nod at Lord Yugra’s words.
“Then, display your power to your heart’s content.”
Lord Yugra’s words signal the start of the match.
I draw the Spirit Tree Wooden Sword from my right hip.
The White Sword… I can’t use it.
It has the attribute of a Dragon Slayer. It would be terrifyingly powerful even against dragon people. Thus, I cannot use it even in a match.
Three skilled dragon people against one sword.
And the three attendants know me well. My skill with the Dragon Sword Dance is already famous.
Without closing the distance, the three unleash a barrage of dragon arts from a distance.
I erect a double barrier of the Spirit Tree and dragon arts to defend myself.
While unleashing dragon arts, the three disappear into the shadows of the winged dragons, who are curiously watching our movements.
It’s the same as when I sparred with Zan.
They don’t try to engage in close combat with me, who excels at it. Their judgment is to continue attacking safely from a distance.
Furthermore, this time there are winged dragons as obstacles. Hidden among the winged dragons, I cannot pinpoint the location of the three and am unable to close the distance instantly with Spatial Jump.
This is a completely disadvantageous situation for me.
The three, moving through the shadows of the winged dragons and unleashing dragon arts, quickly put me on the defensive.
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