We live at the foot of Dragon Peak.
Let’s start from a blank slate.
“Elnea-kun, you should go to the royal castle first,” she said.
“Elnea-kun, you should greet your father first,” she said.
“No, Yufi and Nina should go to the royal castle first. We have to properly report that they are safe.”
“His Majesty, King of the Yorttenitos Kingdom, requires your New Year’s greetings.”
“I know. I’d like to pay my respects if possible, but please wait a little longer for now.”
“So, have you finished ordering the places you should go to?”
“Yes. First of all, I want to greet my parents and tell them I’m back. I think I’ve worried my mom and dad the most.”
“Hmm, I see no problem with that. There’s no rush for the other matters.”
“Well then, that’s settled. I’m heading back now!”
“Um, goodbye.”
“Bye-bye, Mother.”
“What awful daughters. They’re not going home yet. I wonder who they take after.”
“No, Asher. I think you’re mistaken to glare at me.”
” *You’re the root of all evil.* ”
“The Tyrant called me evil! That’s awful, isn’t it?”
” *Elnea is the awful one!* ”
” *We’re being left behind again!* ”
“Ugh, I’m sorry. Once things calm down, I’ll definitely invite you.”
” *Waaah. Really?* ”
” *Is that really true?* ”
“It’s true!”
“Elnea-kun is trying to stir up trouble in the capital!”
“Elnea-kun intends to cause a disturbance in the capital!”
“No, no, no, I have no intention of causing trouble or a disturbance. I’ll only invite you after I’ve created fertile ground for little ones to gather, okay?”
“It would be good to create an environment where they can get used to dragons by inviting Prince Friel and the Dragon Knights.”
“Laira, that’s a great idea! Friel’s year of departure is this year, so maybe he’ll come here?”
” *Is Grandpa coming back? I’m scared!* ”
” *Uncle is coming!* ”
“Hmph, Fiorina and Rim, stop making noise. Behave yourselves.”
“You’re noisy this morning. Revalia, if you don’t discipline your children properly, I’ll forbid them from visiting here.”
“Asher, your daughter is also making noise…”
“Your little girl is the most unruly. After all, she ran away from home alone and came all this way.”
“Grrr…”
“Heh heh. Can’t retort, can you? What a shame. Now, Elnea. Isn’t it about time to stop chatting aimlessly?”
“That’s right! Well then, let’s depart.”
Close call. I almost couldn’t leave today either. After all, conversations like this tend to derail, and our departure has been postponed for about two days now.
I really need to go home today.
So, with Fiorina and Rim watching sadly, we set off for the capital.
We entered the Ancient Tree Forest from the Moss Garden and moved to the Dragon Forest.
The Ancient Tree Forest is also part of the Dragon Forest, but I somehow distinguish them. As we happily proceeded through the Dragon Forest, we soon found ourselves near the exit.
“You know, there are a lot of people.”
“Yeah. Are they all adventurers?”
Near the entrance of the Dragon Forest, we saw many people dressed like adventurers camping.
“I’m worried the forest will be damaged.”
“They won’t be forgiven if they cause trouble. But I think it’ll be alright. Judging by their appearance, they’re just using it for overnight stays and don’t seem to be harming the forest.”
It was still morning, so we passed by adventurers preparing breakfast or doing warm-up exercises as we left the Dragon Forest.
Beyond it was near the ancient ruins that fourteen-year-old students going to school used to frequent.
The ancient ruins are currently drawing the attention of adventurers. This is because Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan have turned them into a great labyrinth. And treasures are being found in the unexplored areas.
The treasures were placed there by the Giant Demon Lord for fun, and it seems that quite generous rewards are prepared for the adventurers who conquer the deepest part.
However, going deep into the labyrinth is fraught with danger, with undead lingering and strong monsters appearing.
Therefore, adventurers seeking sudden wealth or boasting of their skills have gathered from all over the country and abroad.
“Those who wish to challenge the labyrinth, please register here. You must report any maps of the labyrinth you’ve drawn and any treasures you’ve found!”
“Your offerings are greatly appreciated.”
Near the entrance of the ancient ruins, now a labyrinth, a soldier’s post had been set up. You can’t enter without registering there.
Next to the post, a temporary shrine had been built, and clergy members were collecting offerings.
It’s understandable to register so that they can send rescue parties if you get lost or injured deep within the labyrinth. And don’t forget to offer donations to the temple religion that heals wounds.
In front of the post, a long line of adventurers had already formed after finishing their morning preparations. Some people were even coming out of the labyrinth in the morning and reporting their return.
“I want to try going into the labyrinth once.”
“My adventurer’s blood is stirring.”
“Now, now, your blood is royal blood.”
But it’s perfect timing.
I headed towards the post. Everyone followed me, looking puzzled.
“It’s the Twin Princesses…”
“Could they be challenging it?”
“The Twin Princesses from the forest…?”
“D-dangerous…”
“Run!”
As we approached the line of adventurers, several people noticed the Twin Princesses and started to make a commotion.
The Twin Princesses, who are also formidable adventurers, are already famous among adventurers. On top of that, their exploits from last year’s incident are surely the talk of the town.
Then, eyes began to gather around us who were with the Twin Princesses.
As the adventurers in line started to stir, a soldier came out of the post to see what was happening. I grabbed one of the soldiers.
“Good morning. To get straight to the point, I’ll be leaving them with you.”
“Ah, Elnea-kun has betrayed us.”
“Ah, Elnea-kun betrayed us.”
“No, no, Yufi and Nina, you can’t try to come with me and pretend it didn’t happen. Go and give your New Year’s greetings to the King.”
So, I handed Yufilia and Nina over to the soldier.
I know. These two will never go home unless I force them like this.
The soldiers and adventurers were surprised and bewildered, but I remained firm.
“I’ll come to pick you up later. If you drag them around without letting them give their New Year’s greetings, it will leave a bad impression when I go to pay my respects. I want you two to cooperate with me.”
“Elnea-kun is being calculating.”
“Elnea-kun is devising a strategy.”
“That’s not true, it’s a misunderstanding. But I really want to do things properly.”
“I suppose so. I’ll go ahead and win over Father.”
“I suppose so. I’ll go ahead and win over the vassals.”
“Please do!”
Though they seemed half-reluctant, the Twin Princesses were escorted by the soldier into a carriage and departed towards the capital.
The rest of us ignored the clamoring adventurers and proceeded on foot towards the capital.
Actually, even from the labyrinth, you should be able to see the cityscape of the capital if you squint, but that scenery is gone now. Only a few scattered temporary buildings showed a faint resemblance to the capital.
“The nuisances are gone.”
“Ares-chan, what are you saying?”
“Are Yufi and Nina nuisances?”
“Priscilla-chan, that’s not it.”
“They’re too conspicuous and dangerous.”
“I don’t understand what you mean?”
Lyra, holding hands with Priscilla-chan on her right and Ares-chan on her left, tilted her head in puzzlement.
By the way, Nimia is pretending to be a kitten on top of my head.
“They’re princesses and adventurers, so it’s dangerous if they’re seen together in the capital. Then, officials will come flying, right?”
“To bring the Twin Princesses back?”
“Yes. Because, after all, those two have been eloping since last year.”
“That… I’m sure their parents are worried too.”
“Yes, yes. So, if the Royal Guards come to find them in the capital and it becomes conspicuous, it would be quite troublesome, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s true. Elnea-sama has eliminated the danger.”
“Danger, danger.”
“Laira can cut ahead again.”
“Well, Priscilla-chan, that’s a great idea.”
We walked along, chatting. Then, we stepped into what seemed to be the capital.
I don’t know why, but even though there was no boundary line and the buildings were sparse, I had a feeling that we had entered the capital.
Perhaps even though the scenery is gone, my body remembers the location of the capital. It’s like migratory birds returning to their original nests; my body recognized that I had returned to the right place.
I naturally took a deep breath.
The air, filled with the presence of people, different from Dragon Peak and the Dragon Forest, filled my chest.
Looking around, Lyra and the others were also imitating me and taking deep breaths.
“I’m home.”
The words slipped out naturally.
I’ve had many adventures in the past year. Even though I was living in the capital just a year ago, it feels like I’ve been away for a long time.
“Um, welcome back?”
“Welcome back, welcome back!”
“But there are no buildings.”
“Nimia, you shouldn’t say that.”
“But, Elnea-sama. There are buildings, albeit scattered.”
Unfortunately, the capital had vanished once. But as Lyra said, there were buildings, though sparsely.
Most of them were temporary structures, but it was evident that reconstruction was steadily progressing. As we proceeded through the capital, the number of people increased.
There were still few buildings, but the districts were properly organized. Roads and property boundaries were clearly demarcated. It seemed to be starting with land readjustment and road construction. And on the plots, there were signs indicating whose land it was, for sale, for rent, or state-managed.
The people coming and going in the capital, even without buildings, did not unduly enter others’ property and walked on the newly built roads. We followed suit and walked on the road.
“So, Elnea-sama, where do we go first?”
I looked around at Lyra’s question.
“Yeah. First, I want to greet my parents.”
I wonder if Mom is doing well. Is Dad still working hard today?
It’s been a year. I want to see my parents soon. And I want to show them that I’m doing well.
However, the surroundings were unfamiliar. Just by removing the buildings, the scenery and atmosphere had changed so much.
During my school days, I commuted back and forth between my home and the ancient ruins many times for training. The hat shop on the corner that I used as a landmark. The tree-lined streets and houses. All of them were gone, and I didn’t even know where I was standing.
I looked around and confirmed the direction of my home.
Then, I proceeded down a road that seemed both familiar and unfamiliar. Behind me, the little girls holding Lyra’s hands followed cheerfully.
“There are so many people.”
“Yeah. Priscilla-chan, don’t get separated.”
“Um, Ares-chan, you mustn’t get separated.”
Ares-chan is always by my side, so you’re the only one I’m worried about, they all laughed. As we walked, we compared our memories with the current path. And as Lyra said, we saw many people.
I believe the capital has become a difficult place to live without its buildings. Nevertheless, seeing so many people coming and going in a place with sparse buildings makes me feel the resilience of the human race.
It will likely be many more years before the capital is fully restored.
I’m sure many people will still be unable to live in proper housing until then. Still, I bow my head to the people who remain in the capital and are involved in its reconstruction.
I’m sorry.
Perhaps because the conspicuous Twin Princesses weren’t around, we were able to walk without hindrance.
“This should be around here, I think…?”
And then we arrived at an empty lot. An unfamiliar landscape. It’s no wonder. I came relying on my memories, but with no houses around, I felt no trace of my home.
My family wasn’t wealthy, so our house was in a block of densely packed houses. But where we were standing now, there wasn’t a single house. Looking at the ground, there was only a signpost that read “National Land” in a large, unified plot.
“Is this where Elnea-sama’s family home was?”
“Yes, probably. But it seems like the land was redeveloped. I wonder where mom and the others went? Maybe to Grandfather’s?”
As I pondered the route to Grandfather’s house, a kind-looking old man approached.
“What’s wrong, young man? Did you perhaps live around here?”
“Ah, yes. Probably…”
“Hahaha. All the buildings disappeared cleanly. You must have just returned after a year of traveling, looking so bewildered by this scenery.”
“That’s right.”
“Then, try going to the temple or the Royal Castle Ruins.”
“Meaning?”
“You have to report your return, don’t you? Normally, they’d accept registrations at the schools you attended, but with things as they are. Those who have returned like you are being processed collectively at the temple or the Royal Castle Ruins. And there, you can also inquire about your family and your home.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you for your kindness.”
“You’re welcome.”
After thanking the kind old man, I headed towards the temple as he suggested. I assumed he meant the Great Shrine, not a branch temple. So, I aimed for the main street. And if I went south, I should be able to reach the Great Shrine without getting lost.
Will Mistral and Ruiseine be at the Great Shrine? I haven’t seen them in a long time. I want to see their faces soon. Priscilla-chan, tired from walking, was on Lyra’s back, and Ares-chan was on my back. People passing by smiled at the two cute young girls. They are indeed cute, as long as they don’t cause trouble…
When I reached what seemed to be the main street, I encountered a bustling crowd. This many people, truly like the capital, made me feel dizzy. Perhaps because I had been immersed in the leisurely villages and lifestyle of the Dragon Race, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the crowd after such a long time. Lyra, holding my hand so we wouldn’t get separated, blushed shyly.
Along the main street, there were many stalls, and the lively people were just like they were before.
“Speaking of which, why are so many people heading west?”
“Now that you mention it, they are.”
The people coming and going, many of them seemed to be walking west. With no buildings, the flow of people was clearly visible.
“I wonder what’s happening there? Shall we go and see?”
“Elnea-sama, are you scared to go to the temple?”
“Eek!”
It’s just my imagination, Lyra. If I go to the temple, I can meet Mistral and Ruiseine. I’m not scared. I want to see them soon.
“Meow.”
“It doesn’t matter to me. Come on, let’s escape together!”
“We’re not escaping. I’m just curious!”
“Um, Lyra, are you scared of Mist?”
“Ruiseine’s parents…”
“Hahaha.”
Lyra and I, with a dry laugh, held hands tightly and headed west.
It’s okay to report our return later. It’s still morning, and it’s not too late to enjoy the capital. It seems the flow of people is heading towards where the West Fortress used to be. Is something happening at the West Fortress?
Ah, that’s right. The spring caravan is descending from Dragon Peak. I see, I thought, and headed west. And then, we arrived at a crowd.
“There are so many people.”
“Yeah. At this rate, we won’t be able to see any Dragon Race people from here.”
This is too much. It felt like everyone in the capital had gathered here. People were still coming from behind us. Lyra and I were talking about how difficult it must be for the Dragon Race people participating in the caravan when an elderly woman nearby looked at us strangely.
“What are you talking about?”
“Huh? Aren’t people gathered here to see the Dragon Race people?”
“Huh? The Dragon Race caravan already went to the royal castle a few days ago.”
“Um… Then, what are all these people here for?”
The people around us laughed at us, who were tilting our heads in confusion.
“Ah, I see. You must not have been in the capital during your year of travel. Let me tell you. A hero who saved humanity is about to descend from Dragon Peak.”
“Huh…?”
“Some adventurers who entered Dragon Peak apparently met the hero on their way down.”
“They said he was going to take a slight detour, so we’re waiting, expecting him to descend around now.”
“Don’t be surprised, kid. They say this hero is a small boy like you.”
“I heard he’s a Dragon King who commands tens of thousands of Dragon Race people.”
“I heard he’s the king of the Dragon Race.”
“They say he’s a terrifying boy who even commands the Fire Emperor.”
“I saw him. The Fire Emperor? That’s a small fry. The legendary Guardian Dragon of the Dragon Forest. You must have heard of it in fairy tales, right? They say he’s an ancient child raised by the Guardian Dragon.”
“Uh, ehehe…”
I messed up. I shouldn’t have come here. With my face stiffening from the surrounding people’s rumors about the hero, Lyra and I quietly slipped away from the spot. Then, we broke through the human wall and fled like startled rabbits.
Good thing I didn’t come down from Dragon Peak normally!
