Chapter 59

In the town of Mannowar, at Gigu's trading company.

I was led to a room as luxurious as the VIP room in the Bwarcel hall.

Facing me was Gigu, the owner of this trading company.

"Dragon Tear Incense, I have indeed received it. This is the payment for this time."

Gigu said this and placed the church notes on the low table between us.

I took them and counted.

There were twenty 10,000 Reil notes, totaling 200,000 Reil.

Compared to the "transport" of Dragon Tear Incense, it was a high amount, but considering the delivery of the actual goods, it was slightly less.

Well, that can't be helped.

After all—

"I have also checked the quality; it's excellent. Can you increase the quantity any further?"

As Gigu said, the quantity was still far too low.

I had obtained the base in Persolon and started raising Garians there, but it had only just started to stabilize.

It would take a bit more time to reach full-scale production.

Additionally, there were the dragons to consider.

Dragon First has a small number of dragons, and I can't push them too hard, so the production quantity inevitably remains low.

"…I will consider it. But I can't compromise on quality."

"Understood. I'm counting on you. Your Dragon Tear Incense has a good reputation."

"Is that so?"

"Because of the high quality of Dragon Tear Incense, it allows for fine control over dreams."

I nodded in agreement.

Dragon Tear Incense is an item that, when consumed, allows one to see the dream they want to see immediately upon falling asleep.

Even without Dragon Tear Incense, humans can see the dreams they want if the conditions are right, but Dragon Tear Incense makes it "certain."

Moreover, the product we produce apparently allows for even finer control over dreams.

"There was a noble widow, whose name I cannot reveal, who was delighted to see her deceased husband's face clearly."

"I see."

Different people have different dreams they want to see.

The reality that one can only meet the deceased in dreams is one of the reasons why the demand for Dragon Tear Incense remains high.

"If that's the case, I can't compromise on quality. I will consider whether I can increase the quantity."

"Understood."

Gigu nodded in agreement and backed down.

He seemed to understand that it wasn't a situation to push.

"The Dragon Tear Incense is fine, but there's one more job I want to ask you to do."

"Me?"

"Yes. Have you heard of the Master Dragon?"

"Master Dragon?"

I tilted my head and searched my memory and knowledge.

"I've heard of it somewhere, but I'm sorry, I don't know the details."

"Understood, then let me start with the explanation."

Gigu nodded and began his explanation.

"Dragons can lay eggs without mating. However, the dragons that hatch from such eggs do not have reproductive capabilities and are, in a sense, one-generation dragons. And in most cases, they are female."

"I see."

I nodded.

I had always wondered why dragons were mostly female, but now I know the reason.

"Separately, when a dragon reaches the end of its life, it can mate with a rare male to produce a female with reproductive capabilities. This female, and the females born from mating, continue the dragon lineage—these are called Master Dragons."

"I see."

I nodded in understanding.

I had always known that the ecology of dragons was different from humans, but hearing it from someone knowledgeable made it even more apparent.

"Given that, you can understand why Master Dragons are extremely valuable."

"…Yeah, I get it."

The idea of a dragon, especially a mother Master Dragon, being called "valuable" was a bit complex, but there was no point in telling Gigu that, so I kept it to myself.

"…Hmm?"

"What is it?"

"…Nothing, never mind."

For a moment, something flashed in my mind, but I shook my head and told Gigu it was nothing.

It was a very vague realization, one I couldn't even clearly identify.

I decided to think about it later when I had more time.

"Anyway, what about the Master Dragon?"

"A certain 'species' of Master Dragon has laid an egg that will hatch into the next Master Dragon. The job is to guard it until it hatches."

"Hmm."

"Master Dragons are valuable, and the eggs they can produce in the future are even more valuable. Therefore, it's common to hire a trusted and skilled guard."

"So, you want me to do it?"

"Yes, you are a one-star dragon knight who defeated a pack of Tonybin Wolves alone. I would like to ask you if possible."

"I see."

"The reward will be a success fee of 3 million Reil."

"!!!"

I was surprised.

Very surprised.

3 million Reil.

An enormous amount.

Gigu was looking at me straight in the eye, as if to say that this amount was a measure of my worth.

I shivered.

"Alright, I'll take the job."

Originally, it was a request that could potentially raise my evaluation, so there was no reason to refuse.

☆

After leaving Gigu's trading company, I met up with Colette, who had been waiting for me.

I had asked her to wait after bringing the Dragon Tear Incense.

Walking through the streets of Mannowar with Colette by my side, I told her about Gigu's request.

"Hmm, that's impressive. 3 million is a lot of money, isn't it?"

"Yeah."

"That's great."

Colette said this and then fell silent.

"What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

"Hmm, well, it's just that—"

Colette tilted her head and said,

"About the eggs laid at the end of their life—"

"Yeah?"

"Isn't it like Rhea?"

"!!!"

Rhea, the original species' child found with the eggshell and the remains of the claws.

I suddenly understood the nagging feeling I had while talking to Gigu.

A Master Dragon was in our midst?

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