Chapter 3

**The Dragon Lock: The Heart Within the Heart - Volume 1 Cover Illustration Announcement**

**Volume 1 Cover Illustration**

The cover illustration for Volume 1 has been released, so I'm posting it here as well. The illustration was created by sime. sime is a renowned illustrator who has worked on major mobile social games, including Fate/Grand Order, where they illustrated Anastasia.

The illustration features the protagonist bound by chains, with the heroine and Tiamat standing behind him, making a strong impression. When I first received this illustration, I was so excited that I almost jumped for joy. It was surprising that I didn't get any complaints from my neighbors.

These are the rough illustrations of the main characters, drawn by sime, who is also responsible for the illustrations in the book version.

**Illustration Roughs Overview**

**Main Characters**

**Protagonist's Illustration**

sime drew this based on an illustration they previously donated to this novel.

**Iris Dina's Illustration**

One of the heroines. This is an illustration that really hit the spot for the author.

**Soma's Rough Illustration**

The younger sister of the heroine. She has a very cute smile, and the distinct impression she gives, different from her sister, makes this one of the author's favorite illustrations. Cro is also depicted beside her.

**Tima Lime's Illustration**

The partner of the heroine. Her hair color is different from the web version.

**Mars Dickens' Illustration**

The partner of the protagonist. He has a large build and a defiant expression, giving him the look of a delinquent.

**Lisa Hounds' Illustration**

The protagonist's ex-girlfriend. Her gesture suggests a certain distance, making it a particularly striking illustration.

**Ken Notice's Illustration**

The protagonist's childhood friend.

**Shino Mikagura's Illustration**

The protagonist's mentor. Her expression suggests that she is often dragging the protagonist around, making it a memorable illustration. In a side note, this old lady...