Chapter 44

A few days later, I set off for Boalser with Jeanne from Perseron.

When I said I was going to the city to look for a weapon suitable for my dragon transformation, Jeanne decided to come along.

Jeanne walked beside me on the road, her face flushed as she said, "Wow..."

"What's wrong?"

"Sir Cyril, you looked incredibly dignified—almost divine."

"Divine, huh?"

I never thought such words would be directed at me, so I repeated them in a flat, mechanical tone.

Yes, in the flow of the conversation about looking for a weapon, I had shown Jeanne my dragon transformation for a moment.

Ever since then, she has been looking at me with the expression of a lovesick girl.

"Yes! I think it's amazing to have such power!"

"Really?"

"You could be called the Dragon Knight among Dragon Knights!"

Jeanne argued passionately, her breathing heavy.

She wasn't in her original "princess" attire.

Thanks to the skills Yui and I had acquired through our contract, she had transformed into "Jeanne."

From her original refined and elegant appearance, she had changed into a more approachable and ordinary girl, without losing her beauty.

People's behavior changes significantly depending on their appearance.

When she was Jeanne, she was a bit more emotional and honest with her feelings.

And from her mouth came the phrase, "Dragon Knight among Dragon Knights."

"That's nice to hear."

Recently, since being exiled from Lindvurm, I've been getting more praise, but "Dragon Knight among Dragon Knights" is one of the most flattering compliments I've received.

"Thank you, that's nice to hear."

"It's not flattery! I really mean it!"

"Ah, thank you."

I nodded slightly.

Dragon Knight among Dragon Knights.

It was a title I could accept easily.

At first, I could only talk to dragons.

Now, when I transform, my appearance becomes more dragon-like.

Dragon Knight among Dragon Knights—there's no need to be modest about it; I can accept it honestly.

"However, the downside is that it uses too much energy. It's undeniably strong, though."

"Do you use it that much?"

Jeanne tilted her head in confusion.

"The first time, you weren't there. The energy from eating a whole cow lasted less than a minute."

"That's... incredible..."

"I need to store more energy."

"But?"

"The food costs."

I chuckled.

"The cost of my food alone is about three times the total cost of all the dragons combined."

"Three times... and for everyone combined..."

Jeanne was shocked.

That's how it is.

"Plus, it's a bit of a luxury, but when I eat a lot, I get tired of the same taste. I prefer to eat a variety of flavors, which makes the food costs even higher. The costs can be managed, but the taste is a different matter."

"Should we hire a cook?"

"Hmm..."

"I can introduce you to someone good."

Jeanne said with enthusiasm.

She looks like an ordinary girl, but she is still a princess of a country.

She probably has a lot of connections and subordinates.

From the atmosphere, I could tell she could introduce me to a cook easily.

But I answered almost without thinking.

"No, that's fine."

"W-Why not?"

"I don't want someone introduced; I want to see and trust the person myself. They'll be part of my team."

"Trust, huh?"

"Yes, that's how it should be."

"Y-Yes..."

Jeanne looked down.

I couldn't see her face, but her ears were bright red, and her shoulders were trembling.

Oh no, did I upset her?

Did I hurt her pride by rejecting her offer so easily?

I need to smooth things over—

"Trusted teammates... that's nice..."

"Huh? What did you say?"

"Ah!? W-What is it?"

"I thought you said something..."

"Ah! I spoke out loud!?"

"Yes, what did you say?"

"You didn't hear it...? Ah! Never mind!"

"Okay? But you just—"

"It's nothing, really!"

"O-Okay."

I was intimidated by Jeanne's intensity.

I don't know what's going on, but maybe it's better not to push it.

"Anyway! I-I'm looking forward to it."

"Looking forward to what?"

"Yes, a good cook will help with your stable transformation. Your dragon form is so beautiful, so I'm looking forward to it."

"Right. I'll do my best."

She must really like my dragon form.

Thinking about it made me chuckle a little.

While chatting with Jeanne, we walked down the road toward Boalser.

Suddenly, a group of strangers appeared in front of us.

We stopped in front of the group that was blocking the road.

"Hehehe..."

There were ten of them, all men dressed like ruffians.

The man at the front had a lecherous smile.

"This is good, I thought it was just a simple kill, but there's a bonus too."

The man said, looking Jeanne up and down with a lecherous gaze.

"Ah!"

Jeanne flinched and shrank back.

"Who are you?"

"Just some nameless thugs from around here."

"Bottom of the barrel, willing to do anything for money."

"For money?"

I frowned.

"Someone doesn't like you."

"Who is it?"

"Does it matter who it is when you're about to die?"

"Knowing who to curse when you die makes a big difference."

"Heh, you're a smart one. Fine, it's—"

"Hey, you should probably stop."

"It doesn't matter. He's going to die anyway—didn't you cause too much trouble for your old nest? Huh?"

"Lindvurm?"

"Yep, that's it. Curse them in the afterlife. And while you're at it, curse yourself for not bringing a dragon."

The man said, and the group drew their weapons.

I see, that's how it is.

Dragon Knights are only powerful because they control dragons.

These assassins are waiting for the moment when I'm not with a dragon to strike.

"Sir Cyril!"

"I'm fine. I can handle it if I transform."

"But, the energy consumption—"

"Relax."

I smiled and turned my gaze to the thugs.

"These guys won't take a second."

Immediately, I transformed.

In a burst of light, I transformed into a dragon person and, in an instant, moved at full speed, piercing through the chests of all of them, knocking them unconscious.

Then, I returned to my original position.

As I had declared, it took less than a second.

The thugs collapsed, their faces showing disbelief and confusion.

"Wow!"

I turned and winked at Jeanne.

"Amazing, Sir Cyril!"

The fear in Jeanne's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by intense excitement.