We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
I won’t be held responsible if you get angry later.
The strenuous daytime and enjoyable night passed, and the next day, we decided to return to the village early.
Since some of the villagers were also participating in the spring caravan, not only I and the Styler Family, but also some Dragon Race people joined us, heading towards the easternmost village.
The journey, which took about three days, proceeded smoothly, and we reached the easternmost village without any problems.
When I left Mistral’s village, I had intended to “finally go on a solo journey!” but traveling with people I met along the way is also good.
Although the planned travel days have passed due to detours and getting caught up in disturbances, it can’t be helped.
The easternmost village of Dragon Peak. That is, the first Dragon Peak village you reach after leaving the capital city of Armed Kingdom, already had many people who had arrived to participate in the caravan from various villages. There were familiar faces, and as we were talking about our journey, the Styler Family decided to join us as they were also going to the capital.
“Well then, Elnea. Thank you for everything up until now.”
“Thanks to Elnea, my life was saved.”
“Thank you very much to everyone in the Dragon Race for accompanying us this far.”
“And thank you for these souvenirs for my sister. Thank you all very much.”
We exchanged farewells with the Styler Family, who would continue their journey with the first group of the caravan.
“Aren’t you coming with us, Elnea?”
“Yes. I have a place to stop by.”
As we shook hands in farewell, Iwaf asked me.
“That’s a shame. I wanted to introduce you to my sister.”
“Doesn’t your sister live in the sub-capital?”
“Yes. Please come and visit when you have free time.”
“I will. I’ll come to see your child’s face after they’re born.”
I also shook hands with Yozen and Ash.
Even though we had only been together for a few days, I had become quite close with the four Styler brothers.
Even after learning that I was the Dragon King who led the Dragon Race and Dragon People to the capital during the previous disturbance, they treated me without any special favors and remained friendly, which I appreciated. Is this what they call the magnanimity of adventurers?
“By the way, where is this place you have to stop by?”
I was troubled as Aquil, whom I had shaken hands with last, asked me.
From the easternmost village to the capital, it’s a single road. Even so, they might have thought I was going back if I was making a detour.
“Well. It seems there are people who are worried about me because my return schedule is delayed…”
I let out a slightly dry laugh.
Seeing my reaction, the people around me tilted their heads.
When someone from the Dragon Race asked why they were reacting that way, a giant shadow passed over the village.
“It’s the Tyrant!”
“Gyaaaa!”
The crimson shadow flew over the plaza, circled high in the sky, and then turned its face towards us.
A fearsome roar echoed from above.
Some of the Dragon Race people turned pale and hurriedly fled into buildings. The four members of the Styler Family, terrified by the shadow of the giant wyvern, also fled with them.
“Uwaaaaaah!”
Aquil stared up at the sky and let out a scream of despair.
However, I and some of the Dragon Race people remained calm.
Because it’s the Tyrant. That is, Revalia.
Those who have come to understand Revalia better during the previous disturbance are no longer afraid even when they see the crimson giant.
However, there are many people who have only heard rumors about Revalia and have never interacted with her, and for them, she is still a source of fear.
Therefore, I scolded Revalia, who was flying towards me, in my mind, “You shouldn’t roar so fiercely and threaten people!”
“It’s none of your business!”
“Giiiiiiyaaaaaaa…!”
Revalia roared again with defiance and descended, exhaling flames towards the sky. Then she landed fiercely in front of me.
…Huh?
Whose scream was that?
People fled and hid their presence. Those who were accustomed to such things kept their distance from me but calmly watched Revalia’s brave figure. In this situation, a scream now…
Suddenly, I looked at my hand and found that Aquil, whose hand I was still holding, was foaming at the mouth and had fainted.
Is it my fault!
I’m sorry…
I was so distracted by Revalia in the sky that I forgot to let go of Aquil’s hand.
Revalia, who had landed, looked down at the unconscious Aquil at my feet with an exasperated expression.
“Elnea-sama!”
And then, O-Mune-sama leaped down from Revalia!
No, it’s Lyra.
Lyra landed nimbly and threw herself at me.
“Let’s flee, the two of us!”
“No, no, running away together would be a big problem, you know?”
It seemed Revalia wasn’t the only one who came to check on me out of worry.
I caught Lyra, who had hugged me, and then loudly reassured those who were hiding, “It’s alright.” Hearing this, people emerged from buildings and other places.
“If you appear like that, everyone will be surprised, you know?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Hmph.”
Lyra, who looked dejected, wasn’t to blame. It was all Revalia’s fault.
“S-so amazing…”
Ash and the others also cautiously emerged from their hiding places. Then, they looked up at Revalia, who had landed in the village square, and marveled.
“We participated in the wyvern hunt last year too. Is this the Flame Emperor?”
Yozen also looked up at Revalia from a distance.
So, among humans, she’s called the Flame Emperor.
“You can even command the Flame Emperor, Elnea. I’m impressed.”
“Iwaf-san, there’s a misunderstanding. I don’t command her. She’s a member of my family.”
At the word “command,” Revalia showed a moment of displeasure. I decided to emphasize that Revalia was also a precious family member.
“Hahahaha. Calling a Dragon a family member, you’re probably the only one like that, Elnea.”
The Dragon Race people, who were accustomed to Revalia, laughed. However, Ash and the others, while showing curiosity towards Revalia, showed no intention of approaching her.
I briefly let go of Lyra and took the unconscious Aquil to Yozen. Then, since it seemed I would be departing first after all, I exchanged farewells.
“Well then, let’s meet again on the plains!”
With those words, Lyra and I jumped onto Revalia’s back. Revalia let out one last roar, surprising the Dragon Race people and the Styler Family, before soaring into the sky.
In an instant, the village was far behind us.
“Lord Sleigsta was worried.”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I accidentally entered the nest of a Shadow Dragon, an Ancient Dragon Species.”
“A Shadow Dragon’s nest?”
“Yes. Didn’t Revalia know? To the east, beyond that mountain, is the entrance to the Shadow Dragon’s nest.”
Even Revalia, who rules the skies of Dragon Peak, hadn’t noticed the existence of Shadow Dragons.
After meeting Lyra and Revalia again, we went for a sky walk, so to speak, to the cave connected to the Shadow Dragon’s habitat.
Well, even from the sky, it wasn’t a particularly unusual landscape.
And since we were heading east anyway, we decided to check on the Shōjō’s nest. We extended our journey a little further and flew towards the mountainous region that still formed a fiery inferno.
The swirling flames were as intense as ever, and just seeing them was frightening. The roar of the flames, which vibrated low in the air, reached even high up in the sky.
The Shōjō’s nest is still being monitored by Earth Dragons. However, there seem to be no particular changes.
It is said that in a few more years, the Shōjō will devour everything and then return to the Dragon Vein and head to another region.
After confirming the Shōjō’s nest, we enjoyed a leisurely sky walk.
“Lord Asher will be returning soon.”
“Is that so? He’s been staying for quite a long time this time, so he must be going back soon.”
“I’m sure Lord Asher’s husband is feeling lonely.”
“His wife and daughter have been away from home for a long time.”
“I’ll miss you too, Elnea-sama.”
“I’m sorry.”
The wind in the early spring air was still cold. Lyra and I held each other, warming each other with our body heat, and spent a pleasant time on Revalia’s back.
“Speaking of which, where are Rim and Fiorina?”
“Playing with the Elf girl in the forest.”
“I see. How peaceful.”
“Yesterday was a big commotion at the Niwatori Ryū’s nest.”
“Really? I didn’t go to see the Niwatori Ryūs. Let’s all go again sometime!”
“I want to go out with just you, Elnea-sama.”
“Fufu. If this sneakiness of yours is discovered, Lyra, you’ll be punished again.”
“I’ll report it, nyan.”
“Hahahaha! Nimia-sama, please forgive me…”
“Good morning, Nimia.”
“Good morning, nyan. When I noticed, I was in the sky, nyan. And are you eloping with Lyra, nyan? I’ll report it to Ruiseine-neechan, nyan.”
“Nimiam-sama, please spare me!”
Lyra clung to Nimia, who had poked her head out of my pocket. Then, Nimia, saying something like “I’ll bribe you with a treat, nyan,” made Lyra desperately search her hand luggage for snacks.
However, it seems she hadn’t brought any snacks. What a shame.
And so, in the end, I enjoyed myself with Lyra until close to dusk. Revalia, without complaining, flew west and north over Dragon Peak.
The dazzling scenery of Dragon Peak welcoming spring as the snow melted was truly beautiful.
And before sunset, we returned to the easternmost village again.
“It’s late today. I have no choice, so I’ll stay here overnight too.”
“Are you sure?”
“I-I’m fine!”
Is that true? Lyra’s eyes are darting around.
But well, it’s a typical Lyra kind of sneakiness.
Revalia also decided to stay, so we spent a enjoyable night with the Dragon Race people who remained with the second caravan.
By the way, the Styler Family apparently departed with the first group after we flew away.
“Nimia, Mother seems to be returning soon.”
“I want to go say goodbye, nyan.”
“Aren’t you returning, Nimia-sama?”
“Lyra-neechan is saying cruel things, nyan.”
Nimia, with her ears drooping even lower, looked sad. Lyra quickly hugged her. Then, she buried Nimia in her chest and desperately apologized.
I’m envious.
“My role is to monitor Elnea-onii-chan, nyan. So, I’m not going back yet, nyan.”
“And you have a mission to play with Priscilla-chan, right?”
“Nyan.”
“But Asher-san will want to see you before he leaves, so tomorrow, let’s ask Revalia to take us to the Dragon Forest.”
“E-Elnea-sama, aren’t you going on your journey?”
“Yes. Coming this far, I think I can say I’ve descended on my own.”
The last leg of the journey from the easternmost point to the capital, if there’s any danger, it’s the threat of magic beasts. However, we’ve gotten to know the magic beasts from here on out through those living in the Dragon Forest. So, there are no difficult parts remaining.
“I don’t have any intention of being unsatisfied unless I walk the whole way, so let’s go to the Dragon Forest for Nimia’s sake.”
“Thank you, nyan.”
In the end, there were many changes from the original plan. However, I was able to walk through Dragon Peak.
This gives me confidence.
When I return to the capital and meet my classmates, I can proudly say that I traveled through Dragon Peak.
After talking a lot, my and Lyra’s and Nimia’s rooms were provided by the Dragon Race people, and we fell asleep as we were.
