Chapter 29

While tidying up around the chaotic house, Hestia tugged at my waist.

"What is it?"

"The staff is broken."

"Huh..."

When I looked at my waist as she said, the white and beautiful staff was broken in half.

"Wow, really. When I summoned a hundred golems just now, it was making creaking sounds."

"Indeed, it seems it couldn't withstand your magic power, my lord..."

So, it ended up like this, just as Sakura said.

However, even if Hestia was partly to blame, breaking it the day after I received it feels a bit embarrassing.

So, I was about to apologize and say, "Sorry," but when I looked at Hestia, she was gaping in shock.

"No way... I put a lot of effort into making this. It shouldn't break even if hit with a steel sword..."

"Oh, so you made this staff?"

"Yes. I have a staff craftsman's license, after all."

"Really?"

There are licenses for that?

"I got it while traveling as a way to earn a living. I have various other titles and registrations too. I was in a decent position among mages as well."

"Wow... You really have a lot of life experience."

How long have you been traveling?

Since you're a Dragon King, you're probably much older than you look.

"Still... This staff is made from the tailbone of a Dragon King, so it should be incredibly sturdy... I didn't expect it to end up like this."

Hestia looked more puzzled than sad.

It seems an extraordinary force was applied to this staff.

"But, what should we do? We can't use the magic key without it, right?"

"Hmm... Without a catalyst, it's basically impossible."

I see. In that case, the new technique I learned will be useless.

I wanted to use the magic key regularly because it's so convenient.

This is a problem.

As I was thinking this, Hestia tilted her head and peered at my face.

"Is it a problem without this staff?"

"It's quite a problem."

"Then, I'll fix it."

Hestia pulled the staff from my waist.

After checking the damage, she nodded.

"Hmm, I can probably repair it in a day. I still have some of my tail feathers for materials."

"Wow, really? That's a relief."

I was thinking about trying to repair it using my own magic power, but if the maker can fix it, that's even better.

"...They say to help each other when in trouble. I'll help you."

"Haha, that's true. I really appreciate it. No one else could fix it but Hestia."

After all, I don't know how to make a staff, and I don't know where to get a Dragon King's bone.

"Still, even if it's just the bone, I could get it without Hestia. There are six other Dragon Kings in this land."

Wow, six? That's quite a few.

But even so,

"The only Dragon King I know is Hestia, and the only staff craftsman I know is Hestia. So, I'm glad Hestia is here."

"..."

Hestia turned her face away slightly, looking a bit embarrassed, and nodded.

She's a cute one. I'm not sure if she's young enough to be called a child, though.

"Anyway, it's good that we can help each other. If you have any problems, Hestia, let me know, okay?"

When I said that, Hestia started looking into the distance.

"What's wrong?"

"---Then, I have a problem right away."

"Right away? What is it?"

"I don't have a place to live."

"Huh?"

I was taken aback by her sudden statement.

"You don't have a place to live?"

"Yeah, I lost it."

"Um... Didn't you live in the Dragon Valley?"

From what we talked about earlier, you said you lived there,

"I lost, so I'm no longer the Dragon King who commands the flying dragons. Therefore, I can't return to the valley they live in."

"Is that how it works in the Dragon Valley?"

"Yeah, I think most dragons consider me as good as dead."

The dragon world is more brutal than I thought.

"Clothes are fine because they're stored elsewhere, but I need to find a place to sleep. Otherwise, I'll have to camp out at night, which is dangerous."

"Wow, even a big dragon like Hestia thinks camping is dangerous?"

"Yeah. When camping, I'm on high alert, and I might accidentally turn into a dragon and breathe fire, which is dangerous to the surroundings."

"Oh, that's what you mean by dangerous."

Indeed, with that strength, a Dragon King camping out wouldn't be in danger of losing their life.

"Would you not turn into a dragon if you had a place to sleep?"

"Yeah... If I feel safe, it's fine. When I sleep on high alert, I tend to turn into a dragon. So, if you could introduce me to a place to live, that would be great. I can manage the money somehow."

I see.

You need a proper place to sleep.

But I don't know any inns in town.

I don't know if there are any accommodations or what's needed to buy a house.

I should ask the witch princess about these things, but I need a place to live right away.

"...Wait, that's it."

"?"

I had a good idea.

"Sakura, I have something to talk about..."

"Is it about letting Hestia live in this land?"

"Wow, you got it."

I just thought of this idea and was about to consult with Sakura.

"My lord is kind, so I expected this."

"Then, can she live with us?"

"I am my lord's property, so please do as you wish."

"Ah, no, I was wondering if it's okay to live here because the magic is so concentrated around here."

When I asked, Sakura slightly lowered her eyes, thought for a moment, and nodded.

"Yes... Given Hestia's magic power, there should be no real harm, so I think it's fine. ...But the main house is too dangerous."

"Wow, that's good to know."

Then, it's settled.

"That's how it is. You can live with us, Hestia."

"Really...?"

"Yeah, both the house and the owner are fine with it."

There are quite a few empty rooms and sheds.

I was wondering what to do with them, so this is perfect.

"Okay... Thank you very much."

"Yeah, welcome, Hestia."

And so, I gained a new roommate, no, a new cohabiting dragon.

And a staff craftsman, too.