Chapter 32

To cut to the chase, the benefits I gained this time were:

- Ten thousand silver coins

- A prime location in town

- The right to enter and leave the town at any time

- The right to use public facilities at any time

And so on, all things that would enrich my activities in town.

Yeah, well, since there’s no loss in receiving them, I just took them. I probably won’t use them much anyway, and I don’t really need them.

"Alright, that concludes the ceremony, Lord Daichi. I was thinking of holding a party downstairs afterward, would you like to join us?"

As Dianeya said this, the room outside suddenly became noisy.

"Come on, show us the face of our savior!"

"I only saw him for a moment, but I’ve never seen anyone so wonderful..."

"Please, let us see you! Just one word, if you could speak to us!"

Voices like these could be heard from the other side of the door.

Just by the sound, it was clear that there were a lot of people. The crowd I saw earlier was also quite intense.

...Ugh.

To be honest, I don’t like busy drinking parties.

Even the year-end party is a source of stress for me. I want to enjoy drinks and food while having casual conversations with people I know. So,

"I’m not good at this kind of thing, so I’m going home."

"W-What!? You’re not going to attend the castle party?"

"There’s quite a lavish spread of food, you know?"

Dianeya and the captain of the knights said this in surprise, but I wasn’t particularly interested.

"Yeah, if it’s lavish, then everyone should enjoy it together. I want to go home. After all... it’s dinner time."

That’s right, it’s about time Sakura has finished making dinner at home. I’ll probably be able to have a warm meal when I get back.

"Hmm, it’s a promise, but if you want to go home, then go... Hmm..."

Dianeya seemed somewhat reluctant. What, does Dianeya also want to attend the party?

"If that’s the case, don’t worry about me. I’ll walk home."

Fortunately, once I enter the forest, I can see my house. It’s at a height where it’s visible. So I won’t get lost, and I can walk home.

"No, no, that’s not what I meant... I—"

While Dianeya was hesitating, Hestia returned through the window. She had a small leather bag in her hand.

"Did you finish your business?"

"Yeah, it’s all good now."

It seems she successfully gathered the materials.

"Perfect. Let’s go home together. Dianeya wants to attend the party, so we’ll have to walk, but is that okay?"

Hestia nodded and looked up at me.

"It’s fine. But... if you want, I can transform and you can ride on my back?"

"Can you really do that?"

"I can. I’ve recovered a lot of my magic power. I think it will be much faster than walking."

"Alright. If that’s the case, let’s go that way. Thanks a lot."

"Mm."

Hestia nodded again and threw herself out the window.

—In an instant, her body transformed.

Into a beautiful white dragon.

However, the size was much smaller. It was only about two meters in length.

"Isn’t that small?"

It was about one-tenth the size of what I saw in the morning. It looked much more intimidating before, so why is it so cute now?

"I haven’t fully recovered my magic power, so I’m compressing my body structure."

"Wow, you can change your size?"

"Some dragons can’t. In my case, I use various techniques, so I’m special."

Hestia’s body is convenient. It’s still big enough for me to ride.

"Alright, I’m getting on."

"Slowly, please."

As requested, I slowly put my feet on her back, and it felt very stable. I won’t fall off if I hold onto the small scales on her back.

"Wow, amazing. You can fly through the sky with me on your back."

"I’m a flying dragon, so of course."

While saying it was natural, Hestia puffed out her chest. She seemed happy to be praised. I petted her, and she puffed out her chest even more, looking even cuter.

"Alright... since we have our transportation, let’s go home."

I was about to call out to Dianeya and the others. But the captain of the knights and Dianeya had collapsed on the spot.

"That, that form...!?"

"A-Are you... serving the White Dragon King...?"

Oh, crap.

I forgot to tell them about Hestia.

...But it’s fine now.

There shouldn’t be any real harm or problems.

"Alright, to clarify. I’m going straight home."

"W-Wait, Lord Daichi. I haven’t even properly thanked you for saving me..."

"Keep that for when I help you of my own accord. So, see you later, Dianeya."

After saying my goodbyes, I flew off with Hestia, heading back to my beloved home.

●●●

The white dragon soared through the sky of the capital.

Even in the darkness of night, its color stood out.

Some people saw it the moment they looked up.

The white dragon cutting through the air at breakneck speed.

Some saw it with eyes clouded by alcohol.

The white dragon flying from the castle to the distant forest.

Later.

A rumor spread throughout the witch country of Procia and the surrounding countries.

That a white dragon was nesting in the capital.

It was a complete day trip. Or rather, I probably didn’t even spend an hour in town.