Chapter 87

When the light disappeared, a small child stood where Tuse had been.

A child who looked exactly like the Dragon Duke.

"What... is this...?"

- It's an existence derived from Duke Tuse. Tuse can... last for a few years.

Tuse extended his hand and held mine.

Just like when I held the Dragon Duke's hand, both master and vassal.

- I hope you learn well, Duke Tuse. Tuse can do anything.

"Tuse, wait a moment, why are you saying that? If we leave without being noticed..."

- ...

Tuse, with the Dragon Duke's face, smiled.

I hesitated.

"...You think we'll be caught if we both leave, don't you?"

Tuse remained as still as before, but his smile seemed to indicate agreement.

He nodded as if to confirm.

- Calypso, see if you can understand the power of time. Calypso... is a good person who can withstand the power of time.

"..."

- Calypso, help the Dragon Duke.

I couldn't say anything.

I had heard about what those who would use the Dragon Duke might do.

Indeed, as Tuse said, if we don't prepare, we'll be caught soon.

After that, they would search for the Dragon Duke in all directions and might realize that I had hidden him.

Even so, it was difficult to fully understand this child's strong affection and love, to the point of offering to sacrifice himself.

It was a kind of affection I had only received on Earth.

It was something I had forgotten during the 60 years of regression.

Similarly, it was something I had never received in this world.

Or rather, it was a kind of affection that had been forgotten for so long that it was now truly difficult to understand.

"…I understand what you mean. No matter what sacrifice you have to make, you want the Dragon Duke to grow up safely and learn."

- Yes! The Dragon Duke's life is Tuse's life!

"Right..."

I smiled softly.

"Such love, I think I once knew... Why do I feel envious?"

- Is Calypso crying?

"No, what are you talking about? I understand your meaning, Tuse. If I force you to come with me, it would be a violation of your resolve."

I gripped Tuse's hand firmly.

I knew for sure that I couldn't take Tuse with me.

On the other hand, if Tuse could take the place of the Dragon Duke, as he said, we could go to the Orca Territory without any problems.

Even in this situation, to think so rationally and logically. Indeed, I am not as good as Tuse says.

"Tuse, I am not good. But in fact... I really like good people."

Among the land animals that mock each other, and the selfish orcas, I lived three lives.

If I ever gained as much power and strength as they did.

I would work with good people.

The family I led was swallowed by the rage of a dragon that had gone berserk due to a madman's scheme.

"That's why, even though we've only known each other for a short time, I like you. I really like you."

- Tuse likes Calypso too!

"Yes, that's why you entrusted me with something as precious as your life, right?"

I glanced at the Dragon Duke and continued.

"I am the Dragon's Bride. So, I will definitely come to this city when I turn 10."

This is a fact that won't change unless I become the head of the family.

"So, I'll come to get you when I turn 10."

- ...

"Seven years. Will seven years be enough?"

- Yes! Seven years will be enough, Duke!

No, I'm asking if you're okay.

But even if I ask, this baby snake will probably smile and say he's fine.

- Tuse, listen. From now on, follow my words. If you don't, I won't take the Duke.

- Oh, I will, I will!

So I decided to give it some force.

- Orca, keep your promise. Swear by the sea.

- O, Orca... keep the promise, swear by the sea?

I put on a stern face.

- Come on, louder. I won't take the Duke if you don't.

- Ah, I swear by the sea!!

Only then did I smile.

"Yes, I will definitely keep my promise. By the name of Calypso Aquasia, I swear by the sea."

Now this promise has become a meaningful vow to me.

I will definitely come back when I turn 10.

Of course, if I can come back before then, I will.

"Until then, I will take good care of the Duke. Don't worry. I will also study the contents of the notebook you gave me."

For the first time, I set another goal in front of my goal of returning home.

I firmly resolved to keep this promise even if I had to delay the opportunity to return home.

- Go, Calypso!

"Yes, I'll go."

I held the Dragon Duke's hand.

"Dragon Duke, don't say goodbye."

"..."

"I will definitely see you again."

I waved to Tuse.

I learned how Tuse could write and teach the Dragon Duke how to hold a spoon, but it only made me feel bitter.

I will definitely come back.

I held the Dragon Duke's hand tightly and went outside.

"Tuse."

"Yes. I will definitely come to see Tuse again. I will do my best."

'More time hasn't passed than I thought.'

Although a major issue occurred at the Dragon Duke's residence, not much time had passed.

This was thanks to Dad arriving very quickly when he set off.

So I saved time.

I moved around with the Dragon Duke and arrived at the window I had entered through a moment ago.

The broken edges were still sharp.

I was tense, worried that we might run into someone on the way, but no one was in sight.

"It's really strange that no one is around..."

Like where I lived.

I stood by the window and glanced outside.

'Dad will be able to sense my presence when I get close.'

Sure enough, a stream of water shot up in front of me.

It was Dad's signal.

I took out a robe from the bag the Dragon Duke was carrying. I thought it might be enough to cover both of us, but it wasn't.

To avoid getting hurt, we would need to wrap it at least twice. However, there wasn't enough fabric left after wrapping the Dragon Duke.

I wrapped the Dragon Duke in Dad's robe and then took out what looked like the Duke's cloak from the bag and loosely wrapped myself.

Finally, I lifted the Dragon Duke in a princess carry.

Dad would be watching from somewhere...

Fortunately, the hole in the window was just big enough for the Dragon Duke to fit through.

I extended the Dragon Duke toward the window, and the stream of water immediately wrapped around his waist.

Thud!

The Dragon Duke held my hand.

He looked scared.

No, I'm a bit confused. Is he really scared?

He seemed anxious, so I decided to calm him down first.

Shh. I held the Dragon Duke's hand.

When I passed through the window, the stream of water immediately wrapped around me, and my grip on the Dragon Duke loosened a bit.

I held the Dragon Duke in my arms in mid-air.

"Just hold on, we'll be down soon."

The speed of movement suddenly increased.

I thought he would be scared, but surprisingly, the Dragon Duke was fine with the fast speed.

Then why was he scared earlier?

Ah, is he afraid of sharp things?

While I was thinking, I could already see the trees. Someone picked me up before I touched the ground.

It was Dad, of course.

"Master!"

"It took quite a while."

Dad looked in a certain direction.

I thought he would look at the Dragon Duke, but he seemed uninterested.

'But, it's the Dragon Duke... Moreover, the Dragon Duke is just a child. Isn't he curious?'

This person, who seemed uninterested in worldly affairs, touched a part of my heart with his different attitude toward me.

However, I didn't have time to dwell on it, as I soon understood why Dad wasn't interested.

"They're coming this way."

"What? Really? They know we're here?"

"Probably."

But how? And if we're caught, it's dangerous.

The Dragon Duke was still floating in Dad's stream of water next to me.

"When the Dragon Duke climbed over the window, the glass made a slight cracking sound, though it wasn't loud."

"Huh? That's impossible. You can't have heard that sound."

I heard the sound, but it wasn't significant enough to cause a problem.

If it had been, I would have been tense!

"I think so too. There must have been another way."

Dad kept his eyes on one direction.

"Let's move. If we don't leave quickly, we'll really be caught."