Chapter 76

Returning to the governor's residence was, in the end, a few hours later.

I really wanted to wait until one of the prince's subordinates or someone else came to the mountaintop, but the dragon, which was in a killing mood, was poking around Zekt and the mercenaries.

I wanted to hand over the criminals, so I decided to get them down the mountain before they were eaten.

When the dragon landed again in the courtyard of the residence, it spat out the vines it had been holding. Zekt and the mercenaries, who had been tied up, fell onto the lawn with a thud.

In the courtyard, the prince, the forest people's attendant, and a large number of guards had gathered.

Sure enough, it came to this the second time around.

When I got off the dragon with Iefa, the prince asked in a stunned manner,

"Seika-dono, what is this...?"

"These are fraudsters and poachers, Your Highness."

I said,

"The story about being able to defeat the dragon was a lie. They were going to take the money, steal the eggs, and run away."

"But... and the eggs...?"

"Of course, the dragon's eggs. This dragon was in the middle of raising its young."

I told him about the facts I had seen at the mountaintop and my deductions.

The prince, who had heard this, shook his head in disbelief.

"Surely, such a thing..."

"It's the truth, and I think it's a reasonable inference. I intend to write it in the report. If you want, you can go up the mountain and see for yourself."

"But... that's dangerous. No, to begin with... why is Seika-dono so accepted by the dragon? Not only was he not attacked, but he even helped with the raising of the young? Even if it were an ordinary beast, such a thing..."

"In a sense, the dragon is a special beast."

I explained,

"Many creatures raise their young. Among them, a few also involve other individuals in the raising of the young. Many birds, foxes, raccoons, and some dogs and fish. The number is limited, but a wide variety of creatures have this trait. And—dragons are one of them."

I continued,

"I reviewed the records in the library. It seems that during the breeding 150 years ago, the older children were taking care of the younger ones. In other words, dragons are monsters that raise their young as a family."

"But..."

The prince protested,

"Perhaps for their own young, but Seika-dono is human! Not related by blood, let alone a different species, why would they accept him?"

"There are species where non-relatives also participate in raising the young. Besides, Your Highness, have you forgotten? The legend of Astiria's dragon."

The prince's eyes widened.

"You mean, hatched by the queen...? But that's just a legend..."

"If the method is known, it can be hatched. Moreover, if the legend is true, everything makes sense. It's not strange that the dragon made me take care of the eggs. The opposite has been happening all this time."

"Opposite...?"

"Right, Your Highness. To this dragon, humans are parents. The young are family. And the residents of the town, who live in the same territory, are also considered family. Naturally, the young ones are part of that family."

I continued,

"Apparently, this dragon fought alongside humans against the enemy country's army and demons. Why do you think that was? Why do you think it has watched over the town for so long without ever attacking the residents?"

"Then, surely..."

"Yes, that's right."

I said,

"The dragon of Astiria has been helping with human child-rearing for hundreds of years."

The prince seemed to catch his breath. The guards were also murmuring slightly.

I looked up at the gentle dragon, which had been quiet all along.

"At least, that's what it intended. For this creature, it was a natural thing to do."

I turned back to the prince and said,

"Please repay the favor, Your Highness."

"..."

"It's a favor of hundreds of years. For this dragon, without a mate, raising the young is a great hardship. Help it with human hands. Although the bond has been weakening due to the lack of interaction, the dragon has never forgotten the raising. My acceptance is proof of that. It's not too late. The people of Protoa can return to being the dragon's family."

I added,

"Moreover, if raised by humans, the young dragons will likely consider humans as family. If they ever leave the nest and settle near human settlements, the likelihood of them attacking humans is low. Or they might even live together and interact. Just like the dragon of Astiria."

I concluded,

"This is how you should explain it to the empire. I will write it in the report. It's not much of a threat, right? What do you think, Your Highness?"

The prince was silent for a while.

But eventually, he shook his head.

"No."

"Why not?"

"That won't... that won't convince the imperial senators. Your story lacks proof."

To the hesitant prince, I said in exasperation,

"There are fewer things in this world that have proof. I will write the report in a way that makes it easier for you to persuade them. Since I've set everything up, you should do the groundwork and talk your way through it. As a politician, you should be able to do that, right?"

"It's impossible. You don't know... the imperial council is a den of old foxes with demons in their bellies. I can't possibly..."

"Yes..."

Oh, is this guy really okay?

He lacks too much confidence.

"But... what else can we do? There are no other methods. Your plan to slay the dragon was impossible from the start."

"..."

"Seika-dono, you must have the strength to at least defeat Zekt's summoned beast. Could you not slay the dragon for us?"

...Huh??

The prince continued to say something that made me doubt his sanity.

"Since you are accepted into its home. If we can get a poison that works on dragons, we could use that as well."

"Poison? Are you serious...? After hearing my story, you say that? Come on, are you really out of your mind? Everyone is backing away from you."

"You don't understand!"

The prince suddenly shouted.

There was a clear look of anxiety in his eyes.

"I am the first prince and must achieve results in this town! If I can't solve this problem with my own strength, I can't possibly be the next king!"

"..."

"Seika-dono... I beg you again. Will you not cooperate in the slaying of the dragon?"

I lowered my eyes and shook my head.

"I refuse. Even without considering my feelings, it's not my responsibility. There's no reason for me to help."

"Is that so... then, I will have to detain you. You there!"

At the prince's command, the guards drew their swords.

I was taken aback and muttered,

"Why?"

"You are suspected of causing abnormalities in the dragon of Astiria with your own magic. Once you are detained, we will seek an explanation from Lord Lamproug. Your treatment will be fully guaranteed."

"Wait, are you saying you're going to take me hostage? My father, while known by name, is not involved in politics. Threatening him won't do much."

"Still, he is a baron of the empire. We won't know until we try."

...We won't know until we try, huh?!

I was thoroughly exasperated. This is really going off the rails.

The guards seemed to have some hesitation as well.

Of course, it's ridiculous.

I thought, irritated.

It might be better to be captured quietly and then escape...

"Iefa! Come over here!"

Suddenly, the prince called out to Iefa.

What... is he serious?

Iefa, however, silently turned her gaze to the prince.

"You are free! You don't need to follow a suspicious master anymore! Seika-dono's property will be confiscated, and you will be granted citizenship in Astiria."

"..."

"Come on, quickly over here! It's dangerous where you are..."

"Y-You, cut it out!!"

I couldn't help but shout.

In my anger, I said to the prince,

"You, at a time like this, you're talking about a woman!? Are you even a ruler!? I kept quiet about your absurd statements because it was the politics of another city, but was Iefa your goal all along!? Aren't you ashamed in front of the citizens!?"

"Wh-What...?"

"First of all, you're too short-sighted! Don't always rely on others! Don't always look for easy solutions! People won't follow you with such methods! Think about what you should do before seeking glory or women, young man! What do you mean by 'come over here, I'll set you free'? To you—"

I shouted in a fit of rage,

"Can you even have Iefa?!"

The courtyard of the residence fell silent.

"Seika-sama...?"

I was startled by Yuki's voice in my ear.

I cautiously looked at Iefa next to me. Iefa, who was staring at me with wide eyes, quickly averted her gaze.

I turned pale.

Did I... do it again?

"Hahahaha!"

Suddenly, a cheerful laugh echoed through the courtyard.

The source of the laughter was the forest person's attendant, Rize.

"Ah, sorry... Put away your swords. Let's end this farce."

"Wh-What, Rize!? That... ugh..."

The prince fell silent under the attendant's glare.

The guards, who sheathed their swords, looked somewhat relieved.

Then the forest person turned to Iefa and asked,

"Let me confirm. Iefa, is this okay?"

"Yes."

Iefa smiled and said to the prince,

"Your Highness. It's an honor, but I decline. I will return to the academy with Seika-kun."

"But, Iefa. Your will..."

"It's my will. Besides,"

Iefa said in a cold tone,

"Even if I were free, I wouldn't support you."

"B-But... but..."

"Young man,"

The forest person's attendant said reproachfully,

"It's time to back down. You've been rejected."

"Wh-What..."

Ignoring the frozen prince, the forest person said to me in a cheerful tone,

"I apologize, Seika-dono. First, I thank you for the matter of the dragon. It's a relief to know the truth. Moreover, you even captured the criminals, for which I have no words. I will handle the aftermath as you advised."

"Thank you..."

"Also, I know it's a lot to ask, but could you forget everything the prince said just now?"

"Ah, yes. I also got carried away with my words..."

"I appreciate it. When do you plan to return to the empire? I can arrange a carriage whenever you need it."

"Since the new semester is approaching, I'd like to return as soon as possible. It's also difficult to stay here for long."

"I understand. I will arrange the accommodations and a swift departure. By the way... I would like to speak with Iefa alone. Would you allow it?"

"..."

I glanced at Iefa next to me.

Iefa nodded at me.

"...Alright. Please go ahead."