chapter 28.1

Thank you, is the only thing I wont say.

The next day, we decided to head towards the Dragon Building during Maribelles lunch break.

By the way, was I that tired? I slept until noon. Because of my original job as well as the state of the current circunstances, it was a while since I slept this soundly; it is refres.h.i.+ng to be able to face not the sunrise but noon, how relieving. I heard that every creature has different sleeping times. The fact that that emperor, Napoleon, slept 3 hours a day, compared to the prominent Einstein with his Theory of Relativity who slept 10 hours a day, is a famous story.

I guess Im closer to Einstein, huh. I long for the life of a Dragon indulging in inactivity.

Hold on a little!

As Im leaving behind Maribelle, whose feet barely advance in our way towards the Dragon Building, suddenly she runs over and stops me by getting a hold of my arm.

Her upturned eyes are cute.

We are doing this stealthily but you are standing out. See now, dont you want to meet with Reina quickly?

Well thats true but

Then lets go.

Confirming that Maribelle is reluctantly following after me, I start walking again.

The guard who is near the entrance goes pale as soon as he sees my face. Surely they are being scrupulous of the rumors even over here. We werent friendly enough with each other to exchange greetings upon meeting, but its lonely that he shows me that kind of att.i.tude so openly. Furthermore, he cowered even more at being glared at by Maribelle.

Maribelle

I hate people who get controled by rumors all around.

Are you in the place to be saying that?

You are so noisy.

But, thank you. When I say so Maribelle turns away, as if embarrased. Truly, shes a honest person, yet somehow not honest at all. (1)

We were arriving to the small room of the Dragon we intended to meet, but she was standing still in place, has she not made her decision yet? However, a brief moment later she stepped forward as if her heart made a choice.

When looking into the small room, Reina was lying sprawled in the ground and staring in our direction.

Reina ?

Her whisper in a small voice seems to have reached Reinas ears, as she raised the neck that had been lowered to gaze at Maribelle.

Its me, its Maribelle. Though its posible you dont remember because its been too many years already. We used to play together, I wonder if you remember?

My hearts is pounding as I watch on.

It had been watching her attentively for a while, but Reina did not show any reaction. I wonder if she did not remember in the end. Discouraged, Maribelle hid her face. (2)

Is that so, Theres no way you would

[Maribelle, Maribelle, so long, glad.]

Reinas face came closer and she nuzzled her cheek against Maribelles, and she rang her throat with a krrr krrr.

Apparently she does remember somehow. She might have been a little perplexed since it was said that they havent met for several years. The last time they met she had the figure of a little girl, and it seems it has been a long time since they met like that. (3) Watching her rubbing her cheek happily, even I get in a happy mood.

Re, Reina?

It seems Reina does remember Maribelle.

You can tell?

Because Im a Dragon.

Now that you say so, thats right.

I think so, but as expected Im not very Dragon-like, am I?

Maribelle is also happily patting and hugging Reinas head. Surely if Stefanos sees this, Ihe will say, Thiss the 3rd woman I see whos not afraid when seeing a Dragon! (4), I guess, or something like that. That reminds me, why was it that Maribelle wanted to work in the Fourth Knight Corps dormitory? Was it because her father the Vice-Captain is there after all? Or because she wanted to stay a little closer to the person she likes? Or because she wanted to meet Reina? Or perhaps it was all of them. I cant help but think so when looking at Maribelle now, right in front of me. She has a high pride and has a side which is hard to approach, but I think shes actually a really kind girl.

She also has a side which is at the mercy of rumors, I have a feeling that that is similar to me. So I wonder if thats why such a sense of intimacy sprung forth.

Reina, Im sorry for stopping to visit so suddenly. From now on Ill come to see you! Together with Vito as well!

Eh, me too?

Thats obvious! Itll be suspicious is a girl enters the Dragon Building alone.

Was the previous me suspicious, I wonder. I came here quite often.

Your answer is?

Oh-kay.

Saying, dont give me such a dispirited answer, she got angry at me.

Well come again, alright?

[Glad]

Maribelle kisses Reinas cheek. Its embarra.s.sing to watch, but I feel envious. (5) This the bond between a human and a dragon, is it? Its gentler and deeper than I thought, though you may cut it, it wont be cut off so easily. (6)