chapter 3

“You should go to sleep. It’s okay; Lucy and I will keep an eye out. Tomorrow we will arrive at the town.”

“…Ano, do you know where we are?”

“Ah, right now?”

No, hasn’t it already been explained?

Since we are going to live there, I’d better explain it to her.

So I took out my map.

“Here. Northeast is green dragon country, Sergigios.”

“…………”

“Miss Elana?”

“Etto… this is the first time I’ve seen the world map…”

“Huh?”

That’s something?

…Oh …maybe she’s not that interested in international affairs?

But, is it even possible to be a queen candidate and never seen a world map?

Miss Rifana worries me, but thinking that Miss Elana almost married Alfred concerns me more.

Anyway.

We are getting off-topic.

“Maybe I can give you a simple explanation?”

“P-please.”

“Now, listen.”

In this world, the continent shape looks like a gigantic dragon’s body and the three small islands shape resembles a dragon’s head.

The three islands are called 『Red Dragon Islands, Herdios』.

The south is 『Purple Dragon, Dibaldios』.

In the center, there is『Yellow Dragon, Messilence』.

And in the northeast, you have 『Blue Dragon, Arsegios』…and that’s our home country.

『Black Dragon, Bracgirios』 located northwest bordering with 『Yellow Dragon, Messilence』 and『Blue Dragon, Arsegios』.

While 『Green Dragon, Sergigios』 in the northeast is sharing a border with 『Blue Dragon, Arsegios』and 『Black Dragon, Bracgirios』.

“Dragon… guardian dragon, right?”

“Yes. The continent where we live including the three islands of 『Red Dragon Islands, Herdios』, was originally called 『Dragon King, Cleareus』. As you’ve heard 『Dragon King, Cleareus』 came from another world. Then he created this world and the continent we live in, and now it’s the foundation of all the life in this world… Guardian dragons are the descendants of 『Dragon King, Clareus』 and they support this world with their dragon power…”

“I know. A dragon’s scale transforms into a gem, and because of the dragon’s gem, we can live plentifully.”

“Ah, nice. You did know that?”

“I know!”

He then takes out a blue gem from his pants’ pocket.

The gem size is no bigger than the tip of his thumb.

“Is that…”

“It’s a 『Blue Dragon, Arsegios』 gem that loses power in this country. You can see it has no light.”

“…………”

A dragon’s gem is…

A guardian dragon’s scale that has gone through mineralization.

And they said the range of the guardian dragon’s gems was the country it hailed from.

The guardian dragon’s blessed child possesses 『Holy Light』. According to them, the light is the guardian dragon’s gift. A long time ago, they were captured in a war to expand territory by influential people, and every time that occurs, the guardian dragon’s fury brings calamity.

Earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, fires, hailstorms, and lightning strikes all night and day…

Those who were afraid of the dragon’s retribution ended the conflict and established a peace treaty.

A guardian dragon’s blessed child who possesses 『Holy Light』 is respected, and their will is valued.

If you look after them, the dragon will be the country’s guardian dragon and bring a good harvest.

It was much more constructive than repeating the pointless war.

I understood that.

Since then, the one who possesses 『Holy Light』 was born rarely, and sometimes there were times when none of them appeared in a country.

In that case, the dragon’s power will weaken, and famine, heavy rain, and drought will ruin the environment.

『Blue Dragon, Arsegios』 has been experiencing a violent storm of 『Dragon’s Howl』 every year, a decade after the death of 『Holy Light』’s predecessor.

Then again, if several people who possess 『Holy Light』 appear, the guardian dragon’s power will get stronger, and the excellent harvest will last…

The guardian dragon possesses a powerful influence in each country, and the one with 『Holy Light』 is revered.

…Therefore, if Miss Rifana is further connected to 『Blue Dragon, Arsegios』, even at the very edge of this border, the gem would be useful.

Well, I can only light a lamp, using a gem this size.

“Dra-dragon gems lose power when crossing the border…”

“Huh?”

“Eh?”

“…Didn’t you know?”

“Eh! Etto, uh… I never leave the country!”

“Hmm, I see…”

This is your daughter, huh.

He put the blue dragon gem back in his pocket.

But, if you become a queen, you would need diplomacy… you should know that, right?

Miss Elana… I can’t deny that you’re a little lacking in your study.

“It’s okay. There is 『Green Dragon, Sergigios』 dragon gems in this country. Dragon gems are also sold among commoners, and you can buy them when you get to town.”

“! They’re on the market for commoners?! These gems are unexpectedly popular!”

“Well…”

…I thought you were joking, but you didn’t know?

Did you receive the queen’s training? This woman…

“Wh-what?”

“Ah, nevermind. Now that I think about it… it’s better to buy a lamp.”

“Right… If we can’t stay in your relative’s house… will we sleep on the roadside again?”

“Um, if that happens, we can get a suitable live-in job and save up money?”

“Right… never thought I would say that.”

“We don’t have any choice.”

“Uuuuh…”

“For now, let’s sleep and prepare for tomorrow. I want to get to town tomorrow.”

“…I understand.”

I can hear her sulking.

＊＊＊

The next morning, we ate dried meat and drank water. It didn’t fill your stomach, but it’s what we got.

If we didn’t plan our food rations, it would run out fast, and we can’t afford to be careless.

Of course, I gave a small hard piece of bread to Miss Elana.

For now, we have one more meal.

After walking for two hours, we finally arrived at the first town of 『Green Dragon, Sergigios』, 『Exy Town』.

“Wow, this is the town…”

“We are going across this town to go to 『Enju Town』. My relative’s house is there.”

“Eh… we are still moving?!”

“I have money, so let’s stay here today. I want to eat a decent meal.”

“M-me too!”

“…………”

Hm… I wonder if she’s this kind of person?

I’m not fussy about personality… It’s nothing, but I can’t shake off this uncomfortable feeling?

At the academy, she’s more prideful, domineering, troublesome, selfish, gets jealous quickly and petty.

Did you enjoy your broken engagement?

…No, isn’t this the place where your facial expression changed? “? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing?”

…Honestly, I thought I would be nagged selfishly.

Like a distinguished noble, there’s dos and don’ts on making unreasonable demands.

Teaching what’s unreasonable, pointless and reckless one-by-one thoroughly, it’s a pleasure to teach one’s place… thankfully no more unnecessary effort is needed.

I’m feeling a little sorry.

Mother? No? Is it not like you to want to see Miss Elana’s regretful face?

Her behaviour and expression are crumbling overnight.

In a way, it’s like being at home and talking to servants?

I don’t remember talking to my servants a lot…

…well, as I thought I don’t understand my position.

“…Is that Eufranc? Aren’t you Eufranc?”

Oh?

Who called out my name?

When I stopped and looked back, I saw a big carriage.

Someone came down from the carriage, and it’s the person we are about to visit in the neighbouring town.

“Oh, it’s Carleigh nii-san. Nice timing. I was thinking to visit.”

“What?! Did you finally decide to come to be adopted?!”

“Eh, it’s not a joke?”

“I’m just kidding! With your talent, that stubborn old man will surely–”

“This is troublesome, but I’ll tell you the story… I was about to grab something to eat with my companion, do you have a recommended restaurant?”

“…『Unknown restaurant？』…Why not the usual place? Who is your companion?”

He points his thumb to Miss Elana, who was riding Lucy.

Carleigh nii-san suddenly jolts, correcting his posture and bows his head.

“What a charming lady! Jade hair and light green eyes tinted with blue like a deep water’s surface! Wonderful! I can’t believe such an attractive woman exists in this world!”

“Eh? Eh?!”

…Nii-san, isn’t that a little too over the top?

I think it’s no use getting annoyed.

Right?

“Elana.”

“!”

I reach out my hand.

I am helping her get off of Lucy.

After that, she tried greeting Carleigh.

“Ah, e-eto… E-Elana…”

“She’s Elana Ditalier. My wife.”

“……!!!”

“Oh? ………Wife? Eh? Eufranc, are you married?”

“I’m already eighteen and have graduated from school.”

“Fuaaaah?!”

Nii-san is very surprised.

In the middle of the town’s main street, I was surprised by the loud voice singing praises to Miss Elana in a very bold manner.

Isn’t this attracting too much attention?

“What the hell! I can’t believe you married such a charming woman! Oh, guardian dragon Sergigios-sama! My distant relative Eufranc has married a beautiful person who seems to have received Sergigios-sama blessing!”

“Stop it. We are hungry. Please recommend a place to eat.”

“Okay! Leave it to me! I’ll take you to the best place in town! Don’t worry! It’s my treat!”

“Yay!”

“Eh, eh? Eh, eh?”

I’m not good with Carleigh nii-san’s enthusiasm…

But thinking about how I will meet the old geezer after this, I’ll have to keep his mood.

And facts are facts!

“A, ano… Eufranc-sama?”

“This is my distant relative that we are going to meet… Carleigh nii-san of Drutonil family. I guess he’s the next head of the family.”

Anyway.

“Eh… we happened to meet here by accident?”

“This is good. This whole area… is within the border of Earl Drutonil’s territory management… it’s no wonder that we met…”

“Hey! Leave the horse at the inn, and let’s ride my carriage?!”

“No, let her ride the carriage. I’ll ride Lucy.”

“Hugh! That’s kind!”

“…It’s a little inconvenient, but be patient. There’s no doubt that he’s a good person.”

“Ah, yes.”

Right.

Just… a little annoying.

Finally, we are eating properly.

Miss Elana will ride in the carriage.

…Eh? Because Carleigh is somewhat annoying, I nudge him to Miss Elana… uahh, Miss Elana, please hold on?

Awawawawa, what am I saying?

“………………”

“I’m glad we can meet Carleigh nii-san and get to 『Enju Town』 early! Miss Elana?”

“So… sou…”

Hahaha, Miss Elana is exhausted.

I never thought that this person could get tired.

And we arrived at 『Enju Town』 earlier than anticipated.

It’s not even evening yet.

I was thinking of staying overnight in 『Exy Town』 and arrive at Enju tomorrow.