Chapter 61

"Slay...? That dragon?"

"Yes."

To my dazed question, the prince nodded.

"To resolve this situation, there is no other way now."

I realize it.

Could it be that the strategy Astiria had prepared... was these creatures?

"Is such a thing even possible?"

"Yes. You must have seen it too, Seika-dono. How Zect's summon beast scattered the dragon. The dragon fears that monster."

I ponder.

The Lava Tiger is large compared to a human, but it is still much smaller than the Great Dragon. However, the dragon did seem to hesitate before the lava beast.

In India and southern Africa, the honey badger, despite its small size, is known to attack lions and bears with its ferocity. Similarly, the Kuzuri, said to inhabit the far north of Ezo, also attacks lions and bears despite its small size. Perhaps the relationship between the dragon and the Lava Tiger is similar. Indeed, the dragon's armor seems impervious to fire breath.

However... it's impossible to defeat it.

Unlike lions and bears, the dragon can fly.

I glance at Zect and his followers.

There are fewer than ten of them, and all but Zect are swordsmen with no sign of a mage. Even if there are more, I doubt gathering more numbers would make a difference.

I tell the prince,

"I think you should reconsider, Your Highness."

"What... what do you mean?"

"That monster can't defeat the dragon. If the dragon doesn't want to fight, it might flee, but if it decides to fight seriously, there's no chance of winning. The size difference is too great, and the dragon controls the sky. If it charges without fear of injury, you'll be torn apart. No... losing would be better. The worst-case scenario is that it abandons its nest and flees from this land, which could lead to the very situation the empire fears the most."

"Hey, you're quite the talkative scholar, aren't you!"

Zect confronts me.

The gaunt face under the hood was pale to the point of being sickly.

"We've slayed dragons many times! Even the strongest monsters can be defeated with the right strategy and preparation. Scholar boy, you should keep your mouth shut about things outside your expertise!"

"...I apologize."

I smile and say,

"You're right, it's outside my expertise. There are proper ways to slay monsters. But... you're you. I'd prefer experts to avoid unnecessary risks. It was dangerous just now. Fortunately, I managed to stop it."

"Hah, that earth magic was you? I could have handled it without that."

"Handle...? No, that's not it."

I say with a hint of sarcasm,

"I was telling you not to recklessly summon such an important summon beast in front of me—almost turned it into charcoal."

"Wh... what?"

"Wouldn't that have been a problem for you?"

Zect's face contorts.

"Turn my Lava Tiger into charcoal...? You're really saying that...?"

"Stop it! Enough already!"

The prince steps between us.

"Zect! I told you to be respectful! That's enough, let's go back!"

"Tch... Yes, Your Highness. Our job isn't this kind of thing."

The prince, who had been watching Zect and his followers leave for the town, then turns to me.

"Seika-dono, you're you. Provoking such a roughneck is not wise."

"Apologies. My attendant was in danger, and I couldn't help it."

The prince falls silent.

I sigh softly and ask the one question I wanted to ask.

"Back to the topic, Your Highness. Has the dragon slaying been approved by the queen and the people?"

"Um, that is..."

"The dragon in the old capital is a symbol of Astiria. Do the queen and the people agree with slaying a long-time neighbor?"

"...It's none of your business."

The prince says, as if convincing himself.

"I am the chief of Proto-Astir. This matter is entirely entrusted to me."

"Is that the queen's will?"

"The chief's authority is defined by law. The law supersedes the king's will."

Rule of law.

It's a good thing, but its flaws are showing now.

"My mother and the people will surely understand."

"But..."

"Seika-dono, this is a matter between Proto-Astir and our country. It's not your responsibility. Please don't interfere."

"...You're right. I overstepped."

"I will definitely resolve the dragon issue. You just need to witness it and report back."

"...Yes, I see."

I feel very uneasy.

The prince seems to be acting rashly and making decisions on his own. In fact, that's probably the case.

Those mercenaries also seem suspicious.

But, there's no point in saying more now.

No choice.

I might as well do the one other thing I need to do.

"Eifa."

I turn to Eifa, who had returned.

She doesn't seem injured.

That's good, but...

"Um, y-yes. What? Ah, Seika-kun, thank you earlier..."

"Why didn't you use magic?"

"Wh-what...?"

Taken aback by my stern voice, Eifa stammers.

"What were you hesitating about? You could have died."

"Well, I was... surprised..."

"Does being surprised mean you'll die? Or do you expect someone else to save you?"

"..."

"Seika-dono! There's no need to scold her like that! She was attacked by a terrifying monster, it's natural to be frightened. Eifa, don't worry. You're a woman, after all..."

"What does that mean, being a woman?"

I glare at the prince.

"Your Highness, this is between me and Eifa. It's not your responsibility, right?"

"Ugh, but..."

"Eifa. I'm not saying you have to protect yourself, but at least use magic. Or, if not magic, run or ask for help. Just take action. I'll help you until you can handle things on your own. Understand?"

"Y-yes..."

"Hmm."

I pat Eifa's head, which is hanging in disappointment.

"...Isn't that a bit too harsh, Seika-dono? Eifa is a woman. Why does she need to learn to fight?"

"Stop with the 'woman, woman' nonsense. This child has power. What's the point of not using it when it's needed?"

"..."

"The gate seems to be clear. Let's head back to the carriage. Come on, Eifa."

"Y-yes."

I take Eifa's tearful hand and walk to the carriage.

It's a bit pitiful, but there's no choice.

Everyone freezes in fear sometimes.

At such times, people need a strong push to act.

In my case, it was when my only close fellow disciple was eaten right in front of me.

I haven't forgotten that day.

The demon I sealed in a phase is still used as a pawn.

I don't want this child to go through that.