We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Let’s raise our hands if you want to go.
Thinking back, it all started about three years ago.
The eastern border of the Yorttenitos Kingdom borders the Great Forest. Utilizing facilities within the ancient ruins left in the Great Forest, an army of the undead led by Demon General Goldoba invaded.
We, along with brave and valiant people gathered to resist the demons, and individuals from various races who offered their generous assistance, combined our strength and repelled the great army of the undead.
At that time, Old Sleigsta annihilated many of the undead, along with the very land itself, with his overwhelming dragon arts.
Now, the clear water has gathered in the hollow created by Old Sleigsta’s blast, forming a spring, and rich nature has spread around it.
Well, it was the work of the Spirits, activated by the powers of me and Listea, that brought water to the hollow and transformed the surrounding wilderness into a paradise where trees and flowers bloom.
Putting that aside.
The paradise that suddenly appeared on the desolate land near the eastern border attracted the attention not only of humans but also of dragons and other creatures.
After all, it is an unparalleled place of solace for travelers in the east. Furthermore, the spring water is so pure that even members of the clergy are amazed, and the surrounding forest has become a resting place for Ancient Dragon Species like Old Sleigsta and Asher, making it highly popular among dragons.
Moreover, it has become a comfortable place to live for the Spirits who originally created the environment.
Although this paradise has garnered attention from many races, it is not without its problems.
Humans, dragons, and spirits.
It seems that coexistence and shared use among beings whose cultures, lifestyles, and even ways of existence are so different is actually quite difficult.
“As you’ve shown, transcending racial barriers and deepening exchanges is not as easy as it seems.”
It was the King who voiced this sentiment with a sigh.
“For us humans, it’s a suitable base for developing the eastern frontier. Also, according to the clergy, the spring water holds value as holy water. However, dragons have begun to inhabit the forest spreading around the spring, and it is becoming land that humans cannot easily access. Moreover, rumors suggest that strange phenomena are also occurring.”
The Yorttenitos Kingdom is a human nation that commands the Dragon Knight Order.
In the past, they would forcibly capture dragons and make them serve under threat of dragon-slaying weapons.
However, things are different now.
A group of volunteers took the initiative to interact with dragons, and now the Dragon Knight Order is formed not through coercion, but based on a mutually beneficial cooperative relationship.
But the world is not that kind.
There are some dragons, including those on Dragon Peak, who hold values that do not align with humans. And among the dragons who inhabit the northern mountainous region of the Yorttenitos Kingdom, there are quite a few who hold such views and live rejecting our goodwill. It seems that some of these dragons have settled in the spring and the surrounding forest.
“I’ve dispatched Friel, but even with the authority of Earl Yugra, the situation is not improving significantly.”
Apparently, Friel went east at the beginning of the year. He’s working hard there with Yugra and his attendant dragon-humans. However, even with their efforts, there is no sign of improvement.
“As I said earlier, Friel and his party seem to be encountering strange phenomena.”
“What exactly is happening?”
If it were just Friel, it might be understandable, but with Yugra and the dragon-humans involved, what kind of strange phenomena would leave them helpless? The King also wore a troubled expression in response to my question.
“Well, I’m not doubting Friel and his party… but suddenly it turns night and then day. Or, fire rain falls, and then the ground becomes a bottomless swamp. There are also strong gusts of wind that blow only around them, and it takes half a day to reach a place that is right in front of their eyes. All the phenomena described are enough to make one tilt their head.”
“Ah, I see!”
To the King and the others, these must be incredibly bizarre phenomena. However, I understood them just by hearing about them.
“It seems the Spirits are also interfering. Even the esteemed Yugra probably can’t grasp the movements of the Spirits, so it’s understandable that they’re in trouble.”
Indeed, it appears the Spirits are dwelling in the spring and the surrounding forest, playing tricks on Friel and his party. Whether their actions are malicious or merely pranks is unclear from the description alone. At least, it seems to be a factor hindering Friel’s efforts.
“I see, so it was the Spirits’ doing. Then, I shall entrust this matter to Elnea.”
And so, I found myself intervening in the problem without the option to refuse.
“So, Elnea-kun says. Of course, Elnea-kun’s participation is decided. However, what about the others…”
“Yes, yes, yes! This time, I will accompany him.”
“I have no intention of yielding to my sisters this time. I will accompany him as well!”
Interrupting Ruiseine, Madrine and Sefina raised their hands. Little did they know, however, that Mistral quickly averted his gaze upon hearing the King’s request. Lyra, who would normally rush to join even without being asked, lowered her eyes with a troubled look, and Yufilia and Nina smiled without Madrine and Sefina noticing.
“Then, Madrine-sama and Sefina-san are decided. Is there anyone else?”
Ruiseine’s smile seemed a little strained, but perhaps it was just my imagination? Madrine then snorted and nodded in response to Mistral and the others not coming forward.
“Oh, how surprising. You all have such noble intentions. Well, since I was working hard far away, it’s only natural that you would yield this opportunity to me.”
Madrine was surely determined to accompany me, no matter what obstacles arose. That’s how motivated she was. However, it was a mistake not to have noticed the reactions of her wives. Sefina, on the other hand, was more wary.
“It’s strange that not only Yufi-nee-sama and Nina-nee-sama aren’t reacting, but even Mist-san and the others are holding back.”
“Oh, it’s just a simple matter of courtesy. We’re just letting Sefina, who worked hard during the New Year’s holidays, have her turn. … *Pufufu*.”
“Oh, it’s just a simple matter of courtesy. We’re just letting Madrine, who can’t see Elnea-kun often, have her turn. … *Pufufu*.”
“Sisters, why are you giggling at that?”
Sefina pressed her twin sisters, while Yufilia and Nina burst into laughter as they escaped from her. It was then that Madrine also seemed to notice something was off.
“Ruiseine, confess. What are you hiding? If you don’t tell me the truth, I won’t let you off as Head Miko!”
“Oh my, oh my, this is troubling. I’m not hiding anything, you know?”
“You’re lying!”
“Madrine-sama, have you forgotten that as a Miko, I cannot tell lies?”
Ruiseine elegantly evaded Madrine’s probing, but her cheeks were also flushed.
“Muki! Just what are you plotting!”
Then, Madrine, who had finally lost her patience, became angry. A worried-looking cute young girl approached the fuming Madrine.
“Um, are you hungry? Here, have some sweets.”
We wanted to retort that only small children throw tantrums because they’re hungry. Madrine, unable to bear being worried about by the young girl, accepted the sweets from Priscilla-chan with a bewildered expression and ate them as she was prompted.
“Now, Madrine has no right to refuse.”
“Now, Madrine has no turning back.”
“Yufi, Nina. What do you mean by that?”
Yufilia and Nina, who had pinned Sefina to the floor, looked at Madrine with a smirk.
“Grrr. There must be a reason why my sisters don’t want to accompany us this time…”
“Sefina, that’s not it. We’re just letting you, who are full of enthusiasm, have your turn.”
“Sefina, that’s a misunderstanding. We’re just being considerate of you, who are full of curiosity.”
“You’re absolutely lying!”
Sisters who aren’t trusted by their younger sister… Anyway, the fact that Ruiseine, from her position as a Miko, couldn’t lie was the truth. It was also true that Yufilia and Nina, out of consideration for Sefina and Madrine, yielded their accompanying roles. However, there was one crucial piece of information missing.
“Um. Then, the ones participating in this adventure are Elnea-kun, Priscilla, Ares-chan, and Nimia-chan. And Alicia, right?”
Sefina’s eyes widened, and her face turned pale. Unfortunately, Madrine still hadn’t realized it. Well, it couldn’t be helped. Madrine, being busy with her daily life in the Yorttenitos Kingdom, was probably out of touch with this information.
“I see, so that’s what it is…”
“Sefina, what do you mean? Explain it to me.”
Madrine asked Sefina, who had a look of regret on her face. However, Yufilia and Nina answered. Smiling, of course.
“Ares-chan and Priscilla-chan alone are enough of a handful, but if the even more innocently childlike Alicia joins them, even a small problem will surely become a disaster-class event.”
“Even with Elnea-kun and Spirit Tree-chan, if Alicia, who is more curious than any Southern Sage, joins them, even a simple problem will surely become a historical catastrophe.”
“Um, that’s not true~?”
Despite being pointed out as a troublemaker among the Mimicho Race, the person in question is smiling at us cheerfully. However, I can also state with certainty: It’s already difficult to lead two naturally childish girls, and if Alicia, who surpasses them in every way, is added, we’re definitely in for a tough time!
“I wasn’t hiding anything, you know? However, Madrine-sama interrupted me and volunteered herself.”
“Ugh… That…”
“Hahahaha. I, um… I declined because I wanted to be by His Majesty’s side.”
“Madrine, I’ll leave the babysitting of Priscilla-chan and Ares-chan to you.”
“Sefina, I’ll leave looking after Alicia to you.”
The wives, who had safely escaped the predicament, wore incredibly satisfied smiles. In stark contrast to them, Sefina and Madrine wore tired expressions even before the departure. And the main instigators, the naughty children, hopped around the room energetically, urging for departure.
“Um, Big Sister is going to do her best!”
“Whoa! Big Sister is amazing!”
“So exciting!”
“Meow.”
“It’s going to be an amazing memory!”
Spirit Tree-chan also believes a great commotion will occur from now on, doesn’t she!
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