We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
A place to return
Jiludo didn’t say much about the curved sword.
He only told me that it was a precious item left behind by the person who accompanied him.
I didn’t press him for more.
Everyone has things and memories they don’t want to talk about.
I gathered myself and made a request to Jiludo.
“Um, if it’s alright, could you continue to instruct me until the end of the year?”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t think I’ll have many opportunities to learn from someone as amazing as you, Jiludo. So, I want to learn many more things from you.”
My master is Sleigsta (Old Man), but there’s so much I can learn from others too.
“However, you must return to Sleigsta-sama, won’t you?”
“Yes. But it’s fine to come to you until the end of the year. The original deadline is by the end of the year, and I’ve already received the Dragon Jewel.”
“I see.”
Jiludo closed his eyes and pondered.
“Alright, I shall pass on what I can to the next Dragon King.”
Then, he opened his eyes, lowered the corners of his eyes, and smiled kindly, agreeing to my request.
Although there were only a few days left until the year-end, I visited Jiludo every day from the day I inherited the Dragon Jewel and learned a great deal.
In particular, the methods to control the explosively increased Dragon Power by harboring the Dragon Jewel within my body, and the transmission of new techniques that became accessible due to the extraordinary Dragon Energy, became invaluable knowledge and experience for me.
I intended to report my time with Jiludo to Ruiseine, but she seemed busy with preparations for the year-end and New Year’s rituals. She didn’t attend school with Kiiri and Inea, and the school also went on break for the year-end, so I couldn’t report and that was the end of it.
This winter feels warmer than usual.
I didn’t know if it was because of the fulfilling days making me feel that way, or if it was truly a mild winter, but I was experiencing a winter where I wasn’t confined indoors for the first time in my life.
And finally, only two days remained in the year.
The next day, I had to return to the Moss Garden to report on the trial from Sleigsta (Old Man), whose deadline was approaching.
Thus, this day became my last day of instruction from Jiludo.
My mother saw me off with a sigh, despite it being the year-end, as I left early in the morning, neglecting household chores.
However, seeing that my previously somber demeanor had lifted and that I had become energetic, my mother seemed happy.
And then, I received my final guidance from Jiludo.
In the evening, as the sun began to set beyond Dragon Peak.
“It was a short time, but thank you for your guidance.”
I bowed deeply to Jiludo.
“No, I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for appearing as a worthy successor.”
Jiludo stood leaning on the curved sword like a cane and smiled kindly.
In the end, I couldn’t achieve my second victory against Jiludo.
My single win against him was truly a miracle.
Having inherited the Dragon Jewel and merged with the Spirit Tree Spirit girl, I had gained power beyond my comprehension.
However, I was no match for Jiludo.
I wondered why, even though Jiludo should have been weakened from losing the Dragon Jewel. But on second thought, Jiludo had only used Kenjutsu from the start.
And then.
To counter me, who had grown stronger, Jiludo lifted his restriction on using Dragon Arts.
With that, due to the overwhelming difference in skill and experience, I was completely outmatched.
I realized I had been going easy on him from the start of our matches.
Even as an old man, Jiludo was a former Dragon King. It was only natural that someone like me, a novice, couldn’t win no matter how much power I possessed.
Jiludo smiled kindly and saw me off. I bowed deeply once more and started on my way home.
But before that.
I turned back to Jiludo.
“Um, can I come here occasionally from now on too?”
“Hahaha, but won’t you have to attend Sleigsta-sama’s place every day from now on?”
“Yes, that’s true. But I want to learn more from you, Jiludo.”
“Hmm, it makes me happy to hear you say that. When you come, I will surely instruct you.”
“Thank you!”
With Jiludo’s permission, I happily bowed again.
I’m bowing a lot.
“Now, the sun is setting. Hurry home.”
“Yes, thank you very much. Well then, happy new year.”
“Happy new year.”
After exchanging greetings, I hurried and, this time, truly headed home.
And then, at the year-end.
I left early in the morning again.
My mother saw me off with a sigh again.
“I’ll be back by noon.”
My mother casually replied, “Yes, yes,” to my words.
Surely, I should be home for the year-end.
I haven’t even done the big cleaning yet…
My plan is to report to Sleigsta (Old Man) first, and then take the rest of the day off.
I want to see Mistral and Priscilla-chan, but they’re probably busy with year-end activities too.
I’ll give a proper report after the New Year when things have settled down.
Thinking this, I headed towards the Moss Garden.
The Dragon Forest, which I hadn’t visited in a while, looked the same as always, though with noticeable fallen leaves.
I took a deep breath, filled with nostalgia.
The cold winter air calmed me.
Alright, time for a walk.
I still can’t reach the Moss Garden on my own, so I just have to wander around.
I enjoyed the forest scenery, which I was seeing for the first time in a while, and walked leisurely.
Along the way, I encountered a gray Ōkami Majū (Great Wolf).
However, it no longer attacked me.
In fact, we’ve become so friendly that it would even carry me on its back. That’s thanks to Priscilla-chan.
I approached the Ōkami Majū, petted it, and resumed my walk.
Then I met a large rabbit Magic Beast.
Huh?
Walking further, I met a deer Magic Beast.
Hey.
I also met a bear Magic Beast.
Um…
You guys, why haven’t you returned to Dragon Peak now that the Rotten Dragon is gone!
Just then, the surrounding air changed.
It was as if they were waiting for me to finish my introductions with the remaining Magic Beasts.
Clear air. The presence of the deep forest calmed my heart.
I had returned. I looked at the ancient trees in the surrounding forest with deep emotion.
Yes, nothing has changed.
Despite it being winter, the trees in the ancient forest spread a lush green canopy.
The sounds of animals and birds were also the same.
I wonder if they don’t hibernate.
Enjoying the familiar presence, I moved forward. Soon, my vision opened up.
A deep green carpet.
The large canopy of the Spirit Tree’s branches.
And, Sleigsta (Old Man) lying in his usual spot in the center of the Moss Garden.
“Um, welcome back!”
“Whoa!”
I hastily caught Priscilla-chan, who had jumped onto my chest with a Spatial Jump.
Priscilla-chan, you were here.
“I’m back.”
I greeted Priscilla-chan, who was hugging me happily.
If Priscilla-chan is here.
“Welcome back.”
Mistral stood a little distance away.
“I-I’m home.”
It’s Mistral.
It’s Mistral!
I hadn’t seen him in so long.
I missed him terribly.
My eyes welled up with tears, and I ran towards Mistral.
“It’s been so long!”
I held Priscilla-chan in one arm and ran towards Mistral, waving with the other.
Mistral also raised his hand happily.
And then, he swung it down.
“Gyyaaa!”
Mistral’s iron fist struck me directly on the head.
The pain was so intense that I crouched down, holding my head.
Priscilla-chan patted my head worriedly.
“What was that for, seeing you after so long?”
Tears of a different kind welled up, and I looked up at Mistral.
Oh, he looks angry.
Where did that smile from before go? Mistral glared at me with sharp eyes.
“Um.”
Did I do something to make Mistral angry?
“It’s not ‘um.’ Why didn’t you come back sooner?”
Mistral put his hands on his hips and scolded me.
“Why did you…?”
“You already inherited the Dragon Jewel from Jiludo-sama, didn’t you? So why didn’t you come back?”
“Whaaat, how do you know about that?”
I was surprised.
Mistral then seemed to realize something and averted his gaze from me.
“Hahaha.”
Sleigsta (Old Man) burst out laughing.
The ancient forest seemed to resonate and shake.
“Mistral, don’t hide it. You’ve been visiting Jiludo every few days out of concern for Elnea, haven’t you?”
“Whaaat!”
Mistral’s face instantly turned bright red, and he turned his body away from me.
“Ah, so that’s how it is.”
I stood up and stared at Mistral.
Mistral was actually worried about me.
Ruiseine had mentioned it, but I never imagined he would actually come to check on me.
And Jiludo must have known, but why didn’t he tell me?
“I can’t let you be pampered.”
Sleigsta (Old Man) read my mind.
Everything felt so nostalgic.
“I-I’m concerned, of course.”
Mistral snorted, turned away, and walked towards Sleigsta (Old Man).
“Ah, wait!”
I hurried after Mistral.
“So, how much do you know about me?”
I grinned and pressed Mistral.
“I-I don’t know.”
Mistral, with his face bright red and acting shy, was very cute.
“I know everything. I’ve also received reports about you from Mistral. However, report it to me properly in your own words.”
When I reached Sleigsta (Old Man), I reported that I had successfully achieved my goal.
Sleigsta (Old Man) listened quietly and narrowed his eyes as if peering into my soul.
“Indeed, I can sense the power of the Dragon Jewel within you. You have accomplished this well with your own strength.”
Sleigsta (Old Man) nodded with satisfaction.
Hmm. I didn’t accomplish this solely on my own.
Perhaps he hasn’t realized about the Spirits?
“A Spirit?”
Sleigsta (Old Man) looked at me with great interest.
“Yes, that’s right.”
Saying this, I summoned the Spirit Tree Spirit girl.
“Whoa!”
Countless specks of light appeared and took human form.
Priscilla-chan’s eyes widened in surprise at the golden-haired girl who appeared.
Mistral, who had been looking away from Sleigsta (Old Man), also looked over in surprise.
“Priscilla could sometimes see me. Nice to meet you, I am the Spirit Tree Spirit.”
The girl floated in the air and spun around to greet us.
“Um, Spirit!”
Priscilla-chan happily took the girl’s hand and began to jump for joy.
The girl also started dancing in response.
They’re already getting along well.
“Hohoh, this is surprising.”
Sleigsta (Old Man) widened his eyes, an unusual sight, and watched the Spirit Tree Spirit girl and Priscilla-chan dance.
“Mistral, you didn’t know either?”
“I only knew the superficial details. Jiludo-sama also hadn’t mentioned this.”
“Oh really, so you didn’t just come to check on me, you also met with Jiludo?”
“Ugh.”
At my teasing, Mistral’s face turned red again, and he averted his gaze.
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