We Live in Dragon’s Peak – Chapter 338

We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.

Sefina’s Role

The cave we were using as a base extended underground, leading to a large space in the back. The surrounding walls were raw earth, showing rough chisel marks. I could imagine Id having carved it out like a bear digging, but I didn’t confirm it.

The back space was generously equipped with fire magic crystals, making it warm and cozy. The lighting was provided by light magic crystals, and the luxurious use of these resources, something not experienced in less affluent households, somehow made my heart race.

It’s as expected, with two Dragon Kings posted here. I’m also a Dragon King, in a way, so perhaps I’ll be able to live such a luxurious life in the future.

“By the way, what do we do if the entrance gets buried in snow?”

“We just blow it away from the inside.”

Ah, I see. A brute-force approach.

When Id, with his ferocious appearance, says something like that, I have no choice but to accept it.

While Id and I were talking, Sefina was wrapped in a blanket, drinking a warm beverage. She was still shivering, her body temperature not yet fully recovered.

Sefina received a stern scolding from Millie, who was surprisingly composed. She was thoroughly lectured on how reckless it was to try and hide in Dragon Peak, and how dangerous it would be to act out. However, Sefina, being scolded, looked quite dignified, and from an outsider’s perspective, she appeared like an older sister being reprimanded by her younger sister. I kept this observation a secret from Millie.

Ares-chan was also angry with Sefina, who had unilaterally attacked me with reckless battles. However, since Millie voiced her anger on her behalf, Ares-chan seemed to have calmed down. Then, perhaps from using too much power, she disappeared into specks of light while hugging me.

Ares-chan, I want to tell you now that expending all your effort in a situation like this is a waste of your power.

“While Wol is out scouting, decide what to do from now on.”

“Right. It’s about what to do with Sefina, isn’t it?”

“Me?”

Sefina looked at us, as if to say, “Isn’t the future already decided?” asking what we needed to discuss.

“Should I return to the Yorttenitos Kingdom, or the Armēdo Kingdom?”

“Oh? I thought I would be accompanying Elnea-kun on his journey from now on?”

“No, no. What is this person saying?”

“Because you can’t even leave this place, let alone reach the Armēdo Kingdom, on your own.”

“Well, you see. I can send you. More accurately, I’ll ask Revalia, who can fly, to do it.”

“That red wyvern outside? Its frightening appearance is quite charming. I heard it was quite a handful during last summer’s wyvern hunt. It’s impressive that you’ve tamed it.”

“It’s less ‘taming’ and more like family.”

“A wyvern as family. That’s amazing.”

“If you connect with it, you can become friends with dragons too.”

“Hmm, can I do that too? By the way, my older sisters can also become friends with dragons, right?”

“Yes. Rather than ‘friends,’ it feels like they even boss dragons around.”

Speaking of which, I need to return the Ryūhōken soon. The Twin Princesses are already treating it like their own possession, but it’s an important item for the Dragonkin, isn’t it?

“That clumsy prince was also close with the legendary winged dragon. As royalty with the same origins, I’m interested in associating with dragons.”

Sefina looked at me with eyes that seemed to be pleading for something. I involuntarily averted my gaze.

“Can my older sisters walk around Dragon Peak freely?”

“I don’t know. They sometimes leave the village they’re staying in for a stroll, but when they go far, they always ride Nimia or Revalia.”

Nimia is a young dragon that always rides on young girl Priscilla-chan’s head, I explained. Since Sefina also knew that Nimia could grow huge, she understood with just the name.

And when Sefina asked about travel, I was reminded anew of how dangerous Dragon Peak truly is.

Even Sefina, a seasoned traveler, couldn’t move freely in Dragon Peak, a place teeming with magic beasts and dragons, and became stranded at an ancient ruin.

I answered Sefina vaguely, but I believe all my family members can travel on foot through Dragon Peak without any problems. However, that’s only because they are close to dragons and can hear the voices of all things, allowing them to sense danger in advance.

Without such special abilities, it is indeed an extremely dangerous land.

On the plains, adventurers are said to be actively and spiritedly exploring. Through battles with demon races, I keenly felt the weakness of humanity. Through conquering ancient ruins, my desire to explore the unknown was ignited. It seems these adventurers, in their pursuit of self-training and potential, have set their sights on Dragon Peak. According to reports from returning Dragonkin and dragons, adventurers are starting to appear, venturing into Dragon Peak.

In early spring, I, who was still immature, also entered Dragon Peak. But even now, I regret it. It was truly reckless. I was too ignorant.

It was because Ares-chan protected me from the shadows. Because Old Man Sleigsta and Mistral watched over me from afar. Because I was lucky enough to connect with a chicken dragon and Revalia.

I can now say clearly that reaching Mistral’s village was not due to my own strength.

And even Sefina, who is far more skilled than I was in early spring, cannot move properly. That is the true nature of Dragon Peak. Moreover, harsh winter is approaching.

“As I thought when I came here, Sefina, I will have you return to the Armēdo Kingdom.”

“You’re so assertive.”

“Yes, you can consider it mandatory. We will explain the situation to the wyvern knights waiting within the Armēdo Kingdom and convey our message to the Yorttenitos Kingdom.”

“Then, could you explain why I must return to the Armēdo Kingdom?”

“It’s because you’re an eyewitness. You personally experienced the dangers of Dragon Peak, didn’t you? Please spread that information in the Armēdo Kingdom. Your role from now on will be to stop reckless adventurers who try to enter Dragon Peak. Your abilities are such that adventurers aiming for Dragon Peak would recognize them. If they learn that it’s a place where even you cannot move freely, they will reconsider their intentions.”

“That’s a good idea. I agree with Elnea’s reasoning. It’s a hassle to constantly rescue idiots who recklessly enter Dragon Peak and get themselves into trouble or call for rescue.”

“I agree too. Dragon Peak is more difficult than humans realize.”

Id and Millie showed their agreement to my idea. Sefina also nodded, seemingly convinced by my explanation.

“Yes. Elnea-kun’s idea is correct. While I am interested in Dragon Peak, I now deeply understand that it is a place beyond my capabilities. This must be conveyed to adventurers.”

“Humans have many misguided ideas. Hearing of Elnea and the others’ exploits in Dragon Peak, there are fools who think they can do the same. Tell them, Elnea, how special you are and how much power you truly possess.”

“As royalty, I also want to avoid sending humans to dangerous places, causing trouble for both sides. If I explain that even I was no match for Elnea-kun, everyone will understand. Those who don’t understand, I’ll punch.”

“Uh, Ares-chan was the one who froze Sefina solid, right?”

“But you are the parent, aren’t you?”

“If you can fuse with that spirit, it means you can also use its techniques. So it’s not an exaggeration to say you defeated it.”

“That’s right. Tell them that unless they have world-shattering power like Elnea-kun, they can’t enter Dragon Peak.”

Wol returned and chimed in from behind.

“Wow, that was amazing. Ice clouds, I guess you could call them? An ice ceiling? It directly hit the ancient ruins. The ground part has collapsed. There’s no way anyone can enter the ruins now.”

“Ugh, destruction here too…”

“No, no, Millie. Don’t say such ominous things!”

What do you mean, “here too”?

“Understood. I will spread the word that adventurers who cannot conquer ancient ruins are not qualified to enter Dragon Peak.”

“Regarding my bad reputation… please forgive me…”

I wonder how I’ll be treated when I return after the new year. I’m starting to not want to go back.

I sighed, shoulders slumped. However, the benchmark Sefina suggested might be good.

The ancient ruins near the Armēdo Kingdom have now become a great labyrinth. Moreover, the Giant Demon Lord has set up various mechanisms and traps from the middle levels onward. If one has the ability to clear that labyrinth, they might be able to operate in Dragon Peak.

The labyrinth can be cleared. Those who qualify to enter Dragon Peak can be selected. Adventurers’ skills will improve. And the people of Dragon Peak won’t be bothered.

It’s like killing four birds with one stone, isn’t it?!

With the opinions aligned and Sefina’s treatment decided, we were ready to act immediately! But that wasn’t the case. Sefina’s body temperature had not yet returned to normal, and she was still shivering.

We can’t travel until at least her body temperature and stamina recover. Traveling through the sky is cold.

Oh, right. I should learn the Wind Blessing Technique while I have the chance.

“What are you doing? Are you trying to learn such a petty technique now?”

“Can you use it, Id?”

“Of course not. I’ve never even thought of learning it; it’s useless.”

“It’s useful. It can protect against the cold, and with some application, it can help avoid projectiles. Blessing techniques are amazing.”

I explained, using Asher’s Blessing as an example. However, Id scoffed.

“Listen carefully. Defense is for weaklings. If you incapacitate your opponent with overwhelming offensive power, you won’t need defense.”

“W-well, that’s true.”

But I think only Id can employ such a combat strategy.

“Now, now. Elnea-kun’s thinking isn’t wrong. Blessing techniques aren’t just for protecting oneself; they can also protect those you wish to shield.”

“That’s right, Wol, you understand.”

Blessings might be needed more often outside of battles. The desire to envelop and protect someone is something anyone with a family might feel.

“Fufufufu. Elnea-kun, Id says that, but he always protects me with his blessings.”

“Hey, you…!”

Id, flustered, covered Millie’s mouth, his face bright red.

Seeing that, we all burst into laughter.

“Millie, come here. Let’s go scout.”

“Yes, yes, let’s go.”

Id, clearly embarrassed, scurried out of the cave, avoiding eye contact with us.

It’s fun to see such an unexpected side of Id.

Despite his fierce and terrifying appearance, is he overly protective when it comes to Millie?

“Well then, Elnea-kun, you’ll be developing techniques until Sefina recovers, right? Do you need any advice?”

Wol asked, and I tilted my head, humming.

“I wonder if I can do it. I’ll try my best.”

“Amazing. I knew you’d say that. Well then, I’ll go scout again so as not to disturb you.”

“You’re going to tease Id, aren’t you?”

“Hahaha. You understand perfectly. It’s rare to get a chance to tease Id.”

Wol said, also leaving the cave. His face was lively like a mischievous imp.

Now, only Sefina and I are left in the cave. However, Sefina, having heard our conversation, seemed to understand that she shouldn’t disturb me and curled into a ball to warm herself.

Well then, I thought, I’ll indulge in developing my techniques without hesitation. I sat cross-legged and closed my eyes, meditating.

How can I protect against the cold? What kind of blessing can protect everyone?

I replayed the trial and error I went through on Revalia’s back during our journey here.

As I was doing so.

Suddenly, a soft sensation touched my lips, and I hastily opened my eyes.

Th-this feeling is…!?

“Fufufu. Elnea-kun, do you know? Skin-to-skin contact is the best way to warm up. Now, my first…”

“Kyaaa!”

Before I knew it, Sefina, completely naked, had pushed me down powerfully, and it was I who let out a maiden’s scream…