Chapter 72

The ride on the dragon wasn't that bad, even compared to a youkai.

The wind was strong up in the sky, making it cold even in summer. But in the end, it was the same for the dragon, and I could make it somewhat comfortable with a curse.

As long as the shaking was minimal, it would be fine.

"Well, then..."

I used Shiki's vision to look down at the town below.

Where should I land...? Ideally, it would be outside the city walls, but it's quite a walk to the governor's residence, so it's a hassle.

Actually, it might be better to go directly to the residence. There's a large garden there, and I won't scare the livestock or carriage horses.

"Can you land inside the city walls?"

"Growl!"

The dragon growled. I couldn't tell if it was a yes or no, but it probably means yes. That's what I think.

"Alright, over there!"

I let the light figure, which was leading the way, descend into the town. The dragon followed it and gradually descended.

At that moment, the shikigami left on the mountain caught sight of an unpleasant scene.

I couldn't help but frown. If it's coming now... that means it's that, right?

I couldn't just go back now. But it seems there's still a bit of time, so I might as well show my face at the residence before returning to the mountain.

I'm tired of guarding the egg by myself anyway.

The dragon lowered its left wing and turned left, descending into the town. The vast governor's residence gradually came into view.

When we were just a few dozen feet from the ground, the dragon spread its wings wide and grabbed the air. The pressure magic activated, and the dense air it created was violently scattered as the massive body landed boldly in the garden of the governor's residence.

I took a deep breath and looked up. I realized something.

"Oh..."

Right in front of me, on the second floor of the residence, was a large room with the windows wide open. A few well-dressed people were looking at me with stunned expressions, as if they had been working. Papers and gold coins that had been on the desk were scattered dramatically by the gust of wind the dragon caused.

Oops, I've done something terrible... That must be a forest person's attendant, which means... Prince Cecil's figure is there too.

This is perfect. It might be a bit rude, but there's no time, so it can't be helped.

"Sorry to barge in like this, everyone! It's Seika! I'm back!"

In the midst of the wind caused by the pressure difference, I raised my voice.

"Because of the urgency, I had to come like this! To make a long story short... I've become friends with the dragon."

Everyone was speechless, still in shock. I felt a bit uneasy but decided to get to the point.

"I've figured out the cause of this incident! I want to explain, so I'm sorry for the suddenness, but could someone come with me to the mountaintop? It would be helpful if someone could use fire magic!"

As expected, there was no response. The prince, the forest person, and the other people were all frozen in place, keeping a large distance from the window.

...This is a problem.

I guess landing directly with a dragon wasn't a good idea...

I want to go back soon, but if I leave like this, no one will understand why I came back. At the very least, I need someone to help me...

"...Oh."

At that moment, I saw a girl.

There you are.

Then, she'll do. It's perfect that she can handle fire. I would have preferred someone from Astiria, but everyone is too scared, so it can't be helped.

"Eifa"

I reached out my hand to the girl with dull blonde hair.