Chapter 70

The red dragon was about two sizes smaller than the previous Roa.

Its body length was only about the length from my elbow to my fingertips.

However, its proportions were exactly like Roa's.

The two wings on its back, when spread, were probably about the same length as its body.

Its tail, like Roa's, was thick in proportion to its body.

The small red dragon, which looked just like Roa, was covered in wounds.

Several scales were shattered or missing, and blood was flowing from the flesh beneath.

Its wings were torn, and bones were broken.

I picked up the small red dragon, which looked just like Roa.

I thought it might struggle, but it didn't.

"..."

The red dragon weakly cried and looked at my face.

Moving its wounded body, it pressed its face against my stomach,

"..."

and let out a faint, affectionate cry before closing its eyes.

It had a relieved expression, as if it were a baby dragon being held by its mother.

But its breathing was still rough.

Dawu sniffed the red dragon in my arms, looking worried.

Caro, Korko, the goats, and the owls also watched the red dragon with concern.

"... Don't worry. I'll heal it right away."

"Wait, Lady Rulia. If you use healing magic while you're tired—"

Curo, who had been staring blankly at the red dragon, said anxiously.

"Curo, I won't faint."

In front of the red dragon suffering in pain, I couldn't wait.

I understand that Curo is concerned about my body.

I don't really like the idea of using magic and stunting my growth.

But I hate seeing this red dragon in pain even more.

"Thank you for worrying, Curo."

"This child isn't in a state where it will die immediately. If you push yourself now, Lady Rulia—"

"Even if it doesn't die, it's in pain and suffering."

"But—"

"Curo, can you lend me your strength?"

"..."

"Even if you don't lend it to me, I'll do it anyway."

Hearing this, Curo closed his eyes tightly, looking truly troubled.

"There's no other way! But you don't have to heal everything."

"Thank you, Curo."

I borrowed Curo's magic and activated the healing spell.

The red dragon's wounds healed instantly.

Its breathing calmed, and it began to sleep peacefully.

"Is this okay?"

"It's fine now."

Curo sighed in relief.

I hid the red dragon in my clothes to protect it from the rain.

My clothes were already soaked, so the effect was low. We should hurry back.

But there was something I had to do first.

"Should I heal everyone else too?"

"They're not injured!"

"That's impossible."

Curo is saying this to prevent me from using healing magic.

But after such a battle, it's impossible for them not to be injured.

"Really! Everyone, line up!"

"Baa," "Moo," "Bubu," "Hoot," "Kyuu."

The goats obediently lined up. Dawu, Korko, and Caro also lined up.

"See, if you doubt it, check for injuries!"

"Ugh. Alright."

I carefully examined everyone one by one.

It was midnight and raining, but I couldn't skimp on the check.

"Really, no one is injured."

"That's what I said!"

"Everyone is so strong."

"Baa."

The goats looked proud.

"Even if you're not injured now, come to Rulia's room if you feel pain later, okay?"

"Baa," "Moo," "Bubu," "Hoot," "Kyuu."

After petting everyone in turn, we set off for home.

Dawu ran quietly through the heavy rain, carrying me, Caro, and Korko.

"The rain is good for masking the sound, right?"

"Woof."

I held the red dragon, which I had placed in my clothes, firmly with my right hand and grabbed Dawu's fur with my left.

"The sword training was useful, right?"

"Yes, especially the grip strength."

I've been gripping and swinging my sword strongly every day, so my grip strength has improved.

My grip strength is far beyond that of an average five-year-old.

"Rya~"

While running, the red dragon in my clothes reached out toward the lake.

"What's wrong?"

"Ryum."

The red dragon was staring intently at the lake.

I looked at the lake too. Raindrops fell on the dark lake surface, and the waves were calm as usual.

"Strange... presence."

I couldn't put it into words, but I felt a bit scared. It was like the foreboding of a storm.

"We need to get back quickly."

If the weather changes, we need to hurry back.

We rushed back to the villa with Dawu and returned to the room.

When I got back to the room, Sara was sleeping quietly.

"Cute. Ah, Dawu, not yet."

"Woof?"

I stopped Dawu from getting into the bed.

"Because of the rain, you'll get Sara wet."

"Au."

I gently stroked Sara's head and took off my brother's wet clothes.

Next, I wiped the red dragon's body, which was sleeping, and placed it next to Sara.

"Sara is warm, so she can warm it up."

Then, I hung up my soaked clothes to dry.

"Dawu, Caro, Korko, come here."

"Woof," "Kyuu," "Ko."

I wiped Dawu, Caro, and Korko thoroughly.

After wiping everyone, I wiped my own hair and body.

"Alright, done."

After thoroughly drying my body, I got into bed with Dawu and the others, wearing only my underwear.

"Phew. I'm sleepy."

"Lady Rulia should sleep."

As soon as I got into the bed, I was overwhelmed by sleepiness.

Lying down, I asked Curo,

"Curo, this child... does it have a parent?"

"Probably not."

"That's sad. ...If it wakes up, ...Rulia will... give it a name."

I was extremely sleepy.

The curse removal must have used more magic and energy than I thought.

My eyelids were heavy, but I tried to hold on.

But the sleepiness was almost at its limit. I might have to think of a name tomorrow.

Half-asleep, I thought about what name to give it,

"You don't need to give it a name."

I heard Curo's voice.

"......Why...?"

I was no longer sure if I was dreaming or awake.

"Because this child's name is Roa—"

Before I could hear all of Curo's words, I fell into a dream.

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