We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Decision:
With a “thump,” Uncle Luludodo lightly leaped over the raised hill and charged forward like a wild boar. Then, holding a giant war hammer in one hand, he stood by our side.
“L-Uncle Luludodo, why are you here!?”
“Hey, ‘Why are you here!?’ you ask?! You left me behind, so I had to chase after you in a hurry. Honestly. If it weren’t for me, I wouldn’t have caught up this quickly, you know?”
“You ran through Dragon Peak in just a few days!?”
The forbidden territory where our mansion is located borders the north side of Dragon Peak. However, this is the southern end of Dragon Peak. In other words, Uncle Luludodo crossed the extremely dangerous Dragon Peak in just a few days.
Surely, if the Dragon Race people heard this story, they would be at a loss for words due to their own incompetence.
We too were surprised by Uncle Luludodo’s ability and our eyes widened.
“Good grief, it was tough, you know? I was attacked by magic beasts countless times and chased by terrifying wyverns…”
Uncle Luludodo let out a deep sigh.
However, his rugged physique showed no signs of exhaustion.
“Moreover, in the end, I was struck by intense earthquakes and witnessed natural disasters that made it seem like the world was collapsing…”
“So, when Amira’s power was unleashed, Uncle Luludodo was already nearby?”
“Yep. And when the earthquakes and collapse finally subsided, I came here.”
At that point, Uncle Luludodo finally turned his attention to Teyu. Teyu, finally noticed by Uncle Luludodo, looked at him with an unconcealed gaze of suspicion.
“A Mountain Race? I can’t believe that the unexpected visitor at this time is such an ugly man.”
“Hey, you tall fellows don’t understand anything! I’m the most handsome man in my race. I’ve charmed many women of various races and experienced romance countless times!”
“No way, really!?”
This time, it wasn’t Teyu, but we who were astonished. Uncle Luludodo had said it himself before. From the perspective of the Mountain Race, he was an extremely attractive man. Very, very… even though he smelled!? It seems he didn’t bathe on his way here. He smells like a beast!
“You guys…”
With a sigh, Uncle Luludodo turned to us and sighed for the second time.
“I came to help you, you know? So, you should welcome me wholeheartedly, right? Yet, you treat me so terribly.”
“I’m sorry. Please forgive us?”
“Hey, who is this Mountain Race person?” Alex asked from behind. So, I introduced Uncle Luludodo so that Teyu, who was still looking cautious, could hear.
“This person is the great hero of the Mountain Race. A valiant warrior who has traveled the world for over five hundred years. And, he is our reliable ally!”
“Dragon Peak… that name.”
Hearing that he had traveled the world for five hundred years, the movement of Teyu’s fan stopped.
“Luludodo… I thought I’d heard that name somewhere.”
“You said your name was Teyu. If you’ve lived a long time, you must have heard my name once or twice, right? For my part, I’ve also heard your name and your tales.”
Uncle Luludodo smirked enigmatically from behind his thick, reddish-black beard. Conversely, Teyu’s expression lost its composure and became more stern.
“There’s nothing strange about it, is there? We’ve both lived a long time. Tales spread accordingly. So, what happened to ‘that thing’ you were carrying on your back? It would be troublesome to just discard it, wouldn’t it?”
“You…!”
Teyu’s voice, now filled with killing intent beyond mere caution. It seems Uncle Luludodo knows a lot about Teyu’s past. However, Uncle Luludodo didn’t say anything further. Secrets gain value by being kept secret. That is, by deliberately not revealing the full story, he was indirectly threatening Teyu. As expected of Uncle Luludodo. It’s no wonder he’s left so many legends behind while traveling the world for five hundred years.
“What do you say, woman? Won’t you step aside peacefully?”
“…Even if you are my opponent, I will not retreat. I am the Emperor’s eyes, ears, and limbs. Therefore, it is my duty to convey everything to the Emperor.”
At Teyu’s repeated words, Uncle Luludodo sighed for the third time, saying, “I see.” However, this time, he took a deep breath anew and declared forcefully in a voice filled with enthusiasm, “Then, as I said at first, I will take over this place!”
At Uncle Luludodo’s words, Teyu tensed up to confront him.
“The meaning of those words. That is, you intend to stand with the human boy and fight us, is that correct?”
Guen, who was still kneeling beside Teyu, reached for his sword with one hand while holding Guildia with the other. Even in front of a hero of the Mountain Race who had lived for five hundred years, Teyu and Guen showed no intention of backing down. We also prepared ourselves for battle. However, both Teyu and we misinterpreted Uncle Luludodo’s intentions.
“Good grief. Is everyone here just hot-headed idiots? I did say I’d handle this situation, but it doesn’t mean I’m looking for a fight, you know?”
“Then, how does Uncle Luludodo intend to resolve this? Let me tell you beforehand, we will fight even against Teyu to protect Amira? And Teyu also seems unwilling to give up conveying information about Amira to the Emperor, right?”
In this situation where neither side would yield an inch, what kind of resolution would Uncle Luludodo propose? Not only we, but Teyu also looked at Uncle Luludodo with suspicion. Uncle Luludodo accepted everyone’s stance and cleared his throat ostentatiously with a deep, resonant cough. Then, looking up at Amira, he said something no one had expected.
“Young Lady. You are too immature. Those who cannot control their own power are only half-baked. So, how about it? Will you go around the world with me and train?”
“Eh!?”
Everyone’s eyes widened. Amira also looked flustered, her eyes darting around.
“Hahahahahaha. No matter what Teyu reports to the Emperor, if that person is not in this country, it will be meaningless, right? Besides, as someone to protect the immature Young Lady, wouldn’t I be the most suitable person?”
“No, no, Uncle Luludodo!?” That’s too sudden a suggestion, isn’t it!? Taking Amira around the world of all things?
“Th-that’s true, if Amira herself isn’t within the Empire, knowing the secret might be meaningless…”
At that point, I realized Uncle Luludodo’s consideration. Merely taking Amira out of the Empire could be done by us. However, if we hid her in Dragon Peak, the Emperor and Teyu would likely extend their reach to Dragon Peak as well. And if we took her to the forbidden territory or the human kingdom, it would cause significant trouble for those places. Teyu and the Emperor, who wish to utilize Amira’s power, would surely scheme to capture her no matter where she was. In that regard, by constantly moving around the world with Uncle Luludodo, it would become difficult for Teyu and the Emperor to make a move. Moreover, with Uncle Luludodo by her side, he would be an extremely reliable bodyguard.
“Let me tell you. Even if they send one or two God of Wars after me, I’ll easily deal with them, you know? The God of War Teyu should be able to discern my strength, right? If they still send pursuers, they should be prepared. But, is it good? For you who are about to confront demons, I doubt you have the leisure to send many God of Wars, close confidants of the Emperor, or other powerful warriors after me?”
“How dare you, from the Mountain Race…”
Teyu glared at Uncle Luludodo with hatred. It seems Uncle Luludodo’s point struck a nerve with Teyu.
“What do you say, Young Lady? Will you go on a training journey with me? The world is vast. There are countless people who possess knowledge and techniques unknown even to you and me. Like this boy over here. By meeting such people, you might eventually find a way to control your power, and you won’t be easily manipulated by those with dark intentions. Most importantly, it won’t cause trouble for those around you, right?”
Uncle Luludodo smiled broadly from behind his thick beard. It was a very gentle, fatherly smile.
“I, I…”
Amira’s eyes darted around. What should she do? What did she want to do? Alex looked at Amira with a trusting gaze. The villagers nodded, saying they would protect Amira no matter what decision she made. We too would respect Amira’s will. And Alf…
“Amira. No matter what happens, I will stay by your side and be your ally. You’ve endured so much until now. So, don’t endure anymore. Live freely!”
Saying that, he tightly grasped Amira’s hands. Amira whispered “Thank you” to everyone and turned back to Uncle Luludodo. Then, she expressed her own will in her own voice.
“Lord Luludodo. Please, I beg you.”
At Amira’s words, Teyu hid her face with her fan. She had been outsmarted by Uncle Luludodo. Even if she obtained the secret of the Fighting God, the crucial Amira would not be in the Empire. Moreover, she had acquired an extremely formidable guardian. There was nothing she could do now. As descendants of the Fighting God, there were Alex and Alf, but they didn’t have the Fighting God’s voice, and no one knew when their descendants would be born or if those children would inherit Amira’s voice. Therefore, if Amira were to spread her wings across the world, the value of the Fighting God’s secret would diminish. After all, if a precious secret loses its value, it becomes meaningless. Amira bowed deeply to Uncle Luludodo. Then, Alf, standing beside her, puffed out his chest resolutely.
“I’ll go with you too! Brother, is that okay?”
“Wh-what!?”
We were surprised by this unexpected declaration. Amira is one thing, but Alf is traveling too!? Well, he did say earlier “I will stay by your side and be your ally,” but still. However, it was only we and Teyu’s group who were surprised. For some reason, Alex and the villagers looked at Alf and Amira with gentle smiles, as if it was within their expectations.
“Alf. Your destiny is to protect Amira. Then, go. Go and see the world with Amira.”
Uncle Luludodo was not flustered by the addition of one more travel companion. He patted his thick chest, as if to say, “Leave it to me.”
“You guys…”
Teyu, still hiding her face with her fan, muttered resentfully. She did not show her anger to us. As an Elegant God of War, she would not show an unsightly appearance, perhaps? Guen also looked unusually regretful, as if to say, “You’ve done it now.” However, there was no sign that the two of them had given up. Amira’s “Voice that governs all things in nature” was that attractive and precious power to the Emperor and the Empire. Therefore, even at this point, they intended to obtain Amira no matter what. This means even if a fight broke out at this location.
To these two who would not back down, Uncle Luludodo let out his fourth deep sigh.
“Good grief. This is why I dislike Divine Race members… But, is it alright?”
“What is it?” Guen asked instead of Teyu, who was still hiding her face. In response to the question, Uncle Luludodo pointed to the western sky.
“Didn’t I say at first? That I was chased by magic beasts and wyverns when crossing Dragon Peak? Well, magic beasts are easily dealt with… but I never said I escaped from the wyverns!”
“What!?”
It was at that moment that Guen looked up at the western sky of Dragon Peak. A wyvern, shining crimson in the setting sun, was flying towards them with fierce wingbeats. The wyvern let out a terrifying roar that shook the sky.
“Hii! Th-that’s!”
“The Tyrant of Dragon Peak!”
“If it finds us, even we Divine Race members won’t survive!”
“Everyone, flee and hide!”
The villagers panicked at the sight of the wyvern flying from the western sky. True fear spread instantaneously. However, they couldn’t just escape and abandon Amira. So, the villagers turned pale and became flustered.
“According to the Dragon Race people we met on the way, that’s a terrifying wyvern that rules the skies of Dragon Peak. Even the Dragon King and other dragons can’t fight it, and they say you can only run and hide when you see it. So, what do you propose? I don’t mind if this place turns into a brawl over the Young Lady, but while we’re delaying, that terrifying wyvern will arrive in an instant? If that happens, not only we, but you too will become its prey.”
Uncle Luludodo smiled slyly from behind his thick beard. Guen clicked his tongue and looked up at Teyu, shrugging his shoulders and saying, “That one is indeed…” Even Teyu must have understood. If they continued to delay like this, it would turn out exactly as Uncle Luludodo said.
“I never thought we’d fall behind at this point… Well, it’s fine. Our original objective has been achieved.”
Teyu and Guen’s goal was to expose Guildia’s tyranny and secure his person, right? Investigating the secret of the Fighting God was merely incidental.
“We will withdraw peacefully for now.”
Innumerable glowing butterflies began to fly around Teyu. With a graceful flick of Teyu’s fan, particularly brilliant butterflies enveloped Teyu, Guen, and Guildia, who was still being restrained.
“Lastly. Human boy, tell me your name.”
Before the three disappeared into the light, I introduced myself.
“Elnea Eris.”
“I shall remember that name. As a reward for this encounter, I permit you to travel within the Empire. Also, if you happen to visit the Divine Capital, you should extend your journey to the Heavenly Radiance Palace. I will personally host you.”
Saying that, Teyu closed the fan in her hand and threw it towards me.
“You can take this as a pass. It will guarantee your safety while you travel within the Empire.”
“Thank you?”
After making sure I took the fan without reservation, Teyu and the others disappeared along with the glowing butterflies.
“Spatial transfer, perhaps?” They are amazing. As expected of someone called an Elegant God of War, they can use techniques we can’t even use ourselves. And after surviving the collapsing world. If it had escalated into a fight, we might have been cornered. Thinking about it, Uncle Luludodo’s assistance was truly a lifesaver. We thanked Uncle Luludodo. However, the surrounding situation had become dire.
“What are you guys doing!?”
“Hurry and escape, or you’ll be killed by the tyrant!”
“You guys came from Dragon Peak too, right? Then you must know how terrifying that thing is!”
The villagers grabbed Amira and Alf’s hands, looking like they were about to flee. Seeing that, we gave a bitter smile, saying, “Ahaha.”
“Um. That wyvern is…”
“You guys! What are you playing at, leaving me behind!?”
“Reva-chan was very active!”
“I didn’t do anything. And don’t call me Reva-chan so casually!”
The wyvern that fiercely flew overhead was, of course, Revalia. While the villagers who had failed to escape in time turned white with fear, we rejoiced at our family’s reunion. And Amira and the others, who knew our family’s circumstances, exchanged awkward smiles.
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