Chapter 11

"Sure, I've registered you."

Rose nodded and stamped the documents. She then peeled off the card attached to the documents from the beginning and handed it to me.

It was a card similar to an ID card with the name "Guild Dragon First" written on it.

"That's the guild's certification. Be careful not to lose it, as you'll have to pay for a reissue if you do."

"Thank you. It's quite a simple process, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Anyone can start a guild; the problem comes after that."

"Anyone can start one, huh?"

I felt a bit complicated.

Ten thousand rials is a considerable amount of money, and I was lucky to have gathered it. Hearing that anyone can do it made me feel a bit frustrated.

"That's how it is. Things that can be settled with money are easy for anyone to do."

"Hmm..."

When she said that, I started to feel that way too.

"Now, Cyril has two small dragons, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then you need two—here."

Rose took out a small box and placed it in front of me. It was a paper box, and there were two of them.

"What is this?"

"One is a collar type, and the other is an ankle type."

"Collar and ankle... types?"

I tilted my head.

What exactly does that mean?

"You should remember from when you were in Rintvurm; the dragons had collars or anklets."

"Yes, I do."

Indeed, all the dragons in Rintvurm had such things.

"These are devices to measure dragon aura. When attached to a dragon, the dragon's aura is tallied, and the guild's level increases accordingly."

"Um...?"

"Look at your certification."

When she said that, I looked at the certification I had just received.

"The guild's level is written there, right?"

"Yes, it says Level 1."

"As the level increases, you can do more things."

"Ah..."

I received the explanation, but I still didn't quite understand.

"Just put them on for now. You'll understand as you go along. Since it's a solo guild, it's more relaxed, so you have plenty of time to get used to it."

"Ah... hmm."

"What's wrong?"

"Well... to be honest, I feel a bit resistant to putting collars or anklets on those kids."

I understand why other dragon knights put collars or anklets on their dragons.

But I don't really want to do it.

Putting collars on the kids who can understand words and talk to me every day feels really resistant.

"If that's the case, go to a dragon equipment shop; they have other options besides collars."

"I see, thank you."

I said that and bowed to Rose.

☆

In the evening, when I got home, I told Louise and Colette about the guild.

"So, the guild 'Dragon First' has been successfully established."

"Hmm. So, will anything change for us?"

Colette asked.

"Nothing really changes. Everything stays the same."

"Can we still sleep for more than 12 hours?"

"Yes, that remains the same. However,"

"However?"

"To accumulate guild experience, we need to wear designated accessories."

"Accessories?"

"Yes, there are various types..."

I said that and took out a memo. After leaving the office, I went to a dragon equipment shop and asked about the types of accessories that can serve as "dragon aura counters."

"Collars, anklets, earrings, ribbons—there are various types, but most 'accessories' are available. Please choose what you want to wear from among them."

"Is there a sleeping bag?"

"Dragons don't have sleeping bags that can fit them, regardless of dragon aura."

I laughed as I answered.

"Then, how about an eye mask?"

"That doesn't exist either, but an eye mask could probably be custom-made if you pay a bit more."

Unlike a sleeping bag, an eye mask is just something that covers the eyes, so it might be possible to have one made if you pay a bit more.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"You have to wear it all the time, you know?"

"It's fine, I can wear an eye mask all the time."

"Hmm. Well, I guess... it's okay."

I thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

An eye mask, in my opinion, is a "no," but for Louise, it's a "yes."

"Got it, I'll order one to be made."

"Thanks."

"What about you, Colette? Is there anything you want? At this point, you can also get something custom-made."

"I... I..."

"Hmm?"

"I..."

Colette hesitated for some reason.

"Hmm? If it's hard to say, you don't have to. I'll tell the shop owner, and you can choose something yourself tomorrow."

"That's silly, it won't make any difference."

Louise rejected my suggestion.

"Huh? Why not?"

"Ultimately, you have to wear it. Even if you're considerate, you'll still have to wear it and everyone will see it."

"You're right."

I slapped my forehead.

Indeed, it's a meaningless consideration.

Understanding that, I turned to Colette again.

"Is it that hard to say?"

"No, it's not that hard, but..."

"Then?"

I looked at Colette.

After hesitating for a moment, Colette decided.

"Ri... Ribbon."

"Ribbon?"

"I want something like a ribbon."

"I see. Got it. Any color preference?"

"Something cute."

"Understood. I'll consult with the dragon equipment shop."

Still, it's a bit surprising.

I didn't expect a dragon to want a cute ribbon.

But, maybe it's not that surprising?

Colette is a girl, and even though I've only had her for a few weeks, I've come to understand her quite well in this short time.

It's not that surprising for Colette to want something cute.

"Hey, Master, does wearing these have any purpose?"

"Yes, they accumulate dragon aura."

"Then, should we wear the collars until you get the eye mask and ribbon?"

"In theory, yes, but..."

I smiled wryly.

I still don't like the idea of putting collars on them.

"Then, put them on."

"Is it okay?"

"What's the problem?"

"Well..."

I felt a bit awkward and scratched my nose.

Maybe I'm overthinking it.

As evidence, neither Louise nor Colette had any particular reaction to the collars they were temporarily wearing.

They weren't happy, but they weren't unhappy either.

But still.

"I'll go to the dragon equipment shop tomorrow to get the eye mask and ribbon."

"Please do."

"Y... Yes..."

Hearing about the eye mask and ribbon, Louise and Colette looked happy.

If they're happy with something, I want them to wear it.

☆

The next day, Colette went to the mountains to collect minerals, and I went to the dragon equipment shop with Louise.

On the way, we ran into Rintvurm's Louis.

"Oh, isn't that the guild master of 'Dragon First'?"

Louis approached me with a condescending attitude as soon as he saw me.

"Starting a guild right after being expelled, that's quite a promotion, isn't it?"

"Is there something you want?"

I didn't want to engage with his sarcasm.

I just wanted to listen to what he had to say and leave if there was nothing more.

Right now, I need to get the eye mask and ribbon.

"Hah, a real fool doesn't even realize they're a fool."

"What are you trying to say?"

"How much do you plan to raise the guild level with a solo guild? It will take years if you do it alone."

"Hmm."

Of course, that makes sense.

A guild is a group that can have anywhere from a dozen to hundreds of people.

Compared to that, it's natural for a solo guild to accumulate points more slowly.

There's no need to be told that.

"Is that all?"

"Huh, you're quite confident. You'll regret it eventually."

Louis said that, looked at me with disdain, and then left.

"He's such a free man."

To go out of his way to see me and say something sarcastic.

☆

"Then, I'll make an eye mask with these measurements and register it as a dragon aura counter for 'Dragon First'."

"Thank you."

Inside the dragon equipment shop, I measured the size around Louise's eyes.

As expected, a custom-made eye mask could be made.

The price was about 100 rials, not too expensive, so I ordered two, including a spare.

"I'll go and process this, please wait a moment."

"Thank you."

As the shop owner went to the back of the store, I talked to Louise.

"That's great."

"Thank you, Master. I'm really happy."

"Really?"

"Yes, I never thought an eye mask would be okay."

"That's what you wanted, right?"

"Yes."

"Then there's no reason not to get it."

"...Thank you so much, Master."

Louise smiled happily.

Seeing her so happy made me happy too.

At that moment,

My pocket started to glow.

"Master?"

"This is... the guild card?"

I put my hand in my pocket and took out the glowing object.

It was the guild card.

"Does it glow?"

"No, I didn't know it could... huh?"

"What's wrong?"

"The level... it's 2."

The display on the guild card had clearly changed from Level 1 to Level 2.

"What does that mean?"