Chapter 77

At twilight, I stood on the northern shore of Ars.

There, on the white sand, the evil dragon lay peacefully. Around it, Rahn and the dragon people stood watching.

Amid the sound of the waves, a clear voice echoed.

"...I shall cremate it with my pure flames – 'Flame Cremation.'"

As Serena swung her sword, the motionless evil dragon was instantly enveloped in red flames.

'Flame Cremation' – a fire that causes no pain... in reality, it's a spell that releases a fire so hot that it doesn't even give the target a chance to feel pain. That's why it's also called a merciful fire spell.

In any case, the evil dragon was already dead, so it wouldn't feel any pain.

In front of the burning evil dragon, Rahn and the dragon people closed their eyes and offered a moment of silence.

When the smoke finally cleared, there were scales that glowed with a breathtaking rainbow hue, along with horns, fangs, and bones.

Among these, the bones were to be buried in Ars. A graveyard had already been prepared by the golems and slimes.

"Gone, huh..."

I closed my eyes and wished for the evil dragon's rest.

Among the dragon people, some were indeed crying.

But Rahn came over with a brave face and bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Lord Alex. Please, use the remains of our ancestral dragon."

The remains refer to the scales, horns, and fangs left by the evil dragon as mementos for the dragon people. The beard and mane had already been cut off before the cremation.

"No, Rahn. These are mementos the evil dragon left for you. I can't do that."

"But..."

"Think about how to preserve them with Yurie and the blue-haired clan. They will surely turn them into something the evil dragon would be satisfied with."

Rahn nodded deeply.

"But... it was so strong. I couldn't have done it alone."

"What are you saying? If it weren't for Lord Alex, that evil dragon couldn't have been defeated."

Elysia said this with a surprised look, and Serena added:

"That's right! Lord Alex's strike – I don't want to recall it, but it was undoubtedly stronger than the black-clothed woman who attacked Ars. Lord Alex will surely become stronger than any demon!"

"That's an exaggeration... Besides, I couldn't have done it alone. Elysia and Serena's magic, and the spear that could channel lightning – that was Nate, right?"

Nate, who was standing nearby, nodded.

"Yurie's custom-made Tiars super-cannon."

"I made it thinking it would be useful against sea beasts. It turned out to be useful in an unexpected way."

I nodded at Yurie's voice.

"Thanks to that, the evil dragon's movements were slowed down. Yurie and the blue-haired clan's technical skills are impressive. Nate did a great job using it."

Nate replied calmly, "Not really." I then turned to Tika, who was standing next to him.

"Tika also quickly eliminated the demons that emerged from the evil dragon."

"I can only do that much. Besides, I missed the one that spoke so clearly."

Tika muttered regretfully.

If we had captured it, we might have gotten some information about the demons.

"Most importantly, everyone's safety is what matters. Both of you did a great job. Please, always prioritize your and your companions' lives from now on."

"Yes, I will remember that."

Tika and Nate nodded deeply.

"Without Rahn and the dragon people, the aerial battle would have been impossible. Everyone else also attacked the evil dragon and provided rescue... everyone did a great job."

Elysia and the others exchanged glances and showed satisfied expressions.

Elysia then said,

"We will all support Lord Alex from now on! Whether in Milles or hell, we will be with Lord Alex!"

"Thank you... everyone, please continue to work together."

Everyone responded energetically, "Yes!"

Then, Serena said,

"However, Lord Alex is someone who can't be taken lightly!"

"That's impolite, Serena."

Elysia said with a bewildered look, but Serena continued, "Didn't you think anything when you saw that? ...Well, it's Lord Alex. It's no wonder he's liked!"

Yurie exclaimed, "Eh, what what? Lord Alex has a crush? Or is it the other way around?"

"Indeed, both seem to like Lord Alex!"

When Serena said this, Elysia recalled something.

"Indeed, that silver-haired girl... her voice was filled with passion when she called Alex!"

"Right. And at the dock, she was giving intense looks to some princess from another country!"

Yurie, Tika, and Nate all looked at Serena with interest.

Then, Serena began to talk about Yurie and Princess Nere.

The others listened eagerly, and Rahn, though hesitantly, also joined in.

I thought it was important to share information about the two, so I couldn't tell them to stop...

"Sorry to interrupt your fun, but there's nothing to be suspicious about... Anyway, speaking of Princess Nere..."

I placed a bag of gold coins from the 'Pandora Box' on a nearby workbench.

This was the gratitude from Nere. A hundred gold coins. Since Nere is from the royal family, it's reasonable to receive this amount for a rescue.

And there was another bag of the same size.

This one contained a hundred gold coins from Yurie. It might be the money earned from slaying the evil dragon... Yurie's family, a border lord, is tight on military funds, so it's hard to believe she brought this much money.

I gave Yurie a powerful magical tool. If sold, it would fetch more than a hundred gold coins.

Since I technically rescued Nere... no, I just rescued her with a ship.

Still, it feels like I'm getting too much. I can't accept it with a clear conscience.

Well, I should help those two when the opportunity arises.

In any case, since we all earned this money, it should be used for everyone.

"You guys... if you keep indulging in silly fantasies, I won't let you attend the dragon people's welcome party."

"Welcome party?"

"Since we've just received a large sum of money... let's have a gathering to strengthen our bonds. It can also serve as a meeting with the dragon people."

Hearing my words, Rahn's eyes welled up.

"Lord Alex... how merciful you are... I, I..."

Suddenly swaying, Rahn stumbled, and I quickly rushed to his side.

"Rahn? What's wrong?"

As I tried to support him, Rahn's body began to glow.

Elysia and the others also helped, but I ended up falling onto the sand with Rahn.

During the fall, Rahn seemed to pull me close to avoid hurting me.

When the light faded – a purple-haired woman lay on the sand in front of me.

"Huh? What? – What!?"

"This is... the previous form? It seems that transforming into a dragon requires a lot of power."

"Previous form... but it's quite different, isn't it?"

It was almost entirely human... Before becoming my servant, Rahn fought in dragon form against enemies. This was a kind of dragon transformation.

The dragon form after becoming my servant was this transformed form, which might be the original form.

With large, clear eyes and a fresh, moist mouth, her body was slender but well-proportioned... a beauty on par with Elysia and the others. She gave off an impression of being gentle, almost like a shrine maiden.

I was being held by such a beautiful woman. Something large and soft was enveloping my still slender chest.

"S-Sorry!"

I quickly pulled away from Rahn.

Rahn, looking bewildered, sat up and said,

"Why are you apologizing, Lord Alex? I was the one who suddenly—"

"It's okay... it's okay..."

"What's okay?" Rahn asked, but she seemed to notice that everyone was grinning.

I turned my back to everyone and said,

"Yurie! Get clothes for Rahn and the dragon people! I'm going to the capital now to gather food for today's welcome party!"

"Oh dear... Lord Alex might have been a bit too much for you."

Elysia said, and everyone chuckled.

I teleported to the Enetoa Guild in the capital as if fleeing.

---

In the imperial audience chamber, a young girl had come for an audience.

"Welcome, Princess Nere. Raise your veil."

The emperor, seated on the throne, said to Nere, who was kneeling before him.

It was evening, and Nere, the princess of the Lykmar Kingdom, was having an audience with the emperor, just as Alex and the others were mourning the evil dragon.

Many nobles had gathered in the imperial audience chamber to catch a glimpse of Nere.

Next to the throne stood the fourth prince, Virtus, and the seventh prince, Louis.

While everyone in the room was looking at Nere with narrowed eyes, Louis alone remained expressionless. He had been in his room but was dragged out by the emperor, who insisted on his presence for Nere's arrival.

In any case, Nere was welcomed in a friendly atmosphere.

The emperor, looking apologetic, spoke to Nere.

"I heard about what happened at Lux Bay. I apologize for our navy..."

"No, Emperor Fratius. I did not change the course of my ship to rescue the sailors from the dragon."

"Even so, facing a dragon in rough seas is not something anyone can do. I had heard that you possess the rare [Sea God] crest, but it's impressive that you did this at such a young age..."

The emperor then signaled to a servant.

The servants brought a cosmetic box filled with gold, silver, and jewels to Nere.

"I would like to send my gratitude to you and the Lykmar Kingdom. To commemorate Princess Nere's dragon slaying, I will have a golden statue of you erected in the central square of the capital."

Nere tilted her head at this.

"Dragon slaying? With all due respect, that is too much praise for me. I cannot accept this gratitude. I did not slay the dragon."

"What are you saying? I have heard everything from Virtus."

The emperor turned to Virtus, who was standing next to him.

"Yes, Father. Princess Nere stood on a small boat and used magic to protect the sailors of the sunken ship."

"My magic was not enough. It was Prince Alex and his companions who defeated the dragon."

The name "Alex," which Nere mentioned unexpectedly, made the emperor's eyes widen.

Louis, who had been standing expressionless next to Virtus, also raised an eyebrow.

"Alex...? Was he involved in the investigation at Lux Bay?"

"Eh? Ah, yes. I heard that he was part of a flying unit composed of wyverns and a sailing ship, and they engaged in battle with the dragon."

"That guy... he even had a ship. I doubt he did much, though?"

"Yes. It's true that he and his companions rescued Princess Nere and others with their own ship."

Virtus answered, but Nere shook her head.

"That's not all. He first rescued those who were fighting the dragon and then defeated it with an incredible spell... He deserves the praise. I should be the one thanking him. He saved many people, including me. He was a very admirable person."

The imperial audience chamber buzzed with murmurs.

What Nere described was an unbelievable event to everyone present.

However, Virtus listened silently.

Nere had no reason to lie. Considering Alex's recent movements and companions, it was plausible.

...I hadn't heard that Alex could use such powerful magic.

Since Alex has the dark crest, he shouldn't be able to use significant magic. I haven't heard any reports from the subordinates who were with the escort fleet. Besides, Alex's subordinates were far away in the sky.

Did Nere just mistake Alex's subordinates' magic for his own? Or is she being modest? Alex didn't mention his own contributions at all.

Several puzzling points about Alex came to mind. His actions and words seemed to suggest he knew everything about me. At seven years old, he is far too capable in terms of status and thinking.

...Is he being manipulated or something?

However, Alex seems to rely on me. From how he handled the demons, it seems our values are similar.

I can't read his thoughts. For now, I'll keep an eye on him...

On the other hand, Louis was also listening intently to Nere's words. The name "Alex" drew him in, despite his usual indifference. Whether true or not, the mention of Alex's name was unbearable.

The emperor looked puzzled for a moment but then said,

"Princess Nere is truly an admirable person. To praise my unworthy son like that... I really look forward to the future!"

The nobles and royal family members nodded in agreement.

They all thought Nere was being modest.

However, Nere answered with a serious face.

"Not unworthy... He was a very admirable person. Besides, I cannot accept this gratitude. I have come to make a request."

"Oh, I've heard from Virtus that you plan to leave the capital soon. You are a guest, and I have no right to detain you."

"I am truly sorry. I had even asked Prince Virtus to be my escort."

Virtus smiled and replied,

"No, Princess Nere. Please don't worry. You are welcome to visit the empire anytime."

"Yes. You are always welcome."

Nere bowed deeply again.

Seeing this, the emperor changed the subject. This was the main topic he wanted to discuss.

"You are truly an admirable person... By the way, Princess Nere, there is a man I would like to introduce to you. My son, Louis. He possesses the [Holy God] crest."

The emperor directed his gaze at Louis, and Nere bowed.

Louis did not respond, but the emperor continued with a pleased expression.

"Like you, who possesses the [Sea God] crest, he is seven years old. I feel a mysterious connection. Don't you agree?"

The nobles in the audience chamber nodded in agreement.

The emperor then moved on to the main topic of the audience.

"I hear that the King of Lykmar has not yet arranged a betrothal for you. How about it? Would you consider choosing one of my sons? Although it is a decision made by parents, if you can choose, I think you would want to."

The emperor turned to Virtus and Louis, who were standing next to him.

"Virtus, who possesses the [All Gods] crest, is not bad, but especially Louis, who possesses the [Holy God] crest, is gentle and kind... I think he would be a credit to anyone. If you have any other preferences, I can introduce more."

Everyone assumed that Nere would choose Louis, who possessed the most revered [Holy God] crest in the world.

Of course, if Virtus were chosen, no one would be surprised. The [All Gods] crest is second only to the [Holy God] in power and authority, and Virtus's beauty is well-known both inside and outside the court.

However, Nere mentioned an unexpected name.

"Please forgive my impertinence... but I am interested in Prince Alex."

The imperial audience chamber fell silent. Everyone was shocked to hear Alex's name.

The emperor, taken aback, asked,

"Um? I didn't hear that clearly."

"I would like to have a chance to speak with Prince Alex, even if it's just once."

"A-Alex? Alex..."

The emperor forced a smile and tried to respond.

"Princess Nere is truly an admirable person. To feel such gratitude for those you rescued with a ship. I will discuss the betrothal with the King of Lykmar."

"Your words are too kind. However, I would like to thank Prince Alex at least once."

"That's not necessary. Besides, I believe he—"

The emperor turned to Virtus, who nodded.

"He said he would leave for Milles soon."

"Right, Milles. He is a rather free-spirited person. He's quite a problem, really."

As the emperor hurriedly spoke, Nere replied with a surprised look.

"Is that so? Milles, of all places..."

"Yes, so you won't be able to meet him. How about joining me and Louis for a meal later?"

"That's a kind offer, but I have already arranged a new ship. I am truly sorry. I also cannot accept this gift. Please, give it to Prince Alex."

Nere bowed deeply.

The emperor, reluctantly, nodded in agreement.

After