2
The annoying thing about this job is that there isn’t just one superior you have to obey.
“What’s going on? Edmond, you’ll tell me, right?”
“…Y-yes… Prince Polpon.”
Ugh… My stomach hurts… It’s not enough to just obey the king. There are mountains of people higher in rank than me. Of course, I have to obey if I’m given an order. But here’s a problem. What if I receive conflicting instructions from two or more people regarding the same matter…?
“Well… You know that the eldest son of the Gilbert family has subjugated an elemental dragon—”
“Of course I know that. Really, as expected of Luke. …But why isn’t there a celebration party at the royal castle? That’s unthinkable, isn’t it?”
“…”
His Majesty Mengis, who tends to prioritize maintaining his dignity as king over practical benefits. Prince Alekdra, the first prince, who shows little interest in domestic affairs despite his position as the commander of the First Magic Corps, though his skill as a magician is undoubtedly solid. Thinking about it… Prince Polpon, the second prince, might be the most sensible. He seems to have a correct understanding of the kingdom’s current situation.
“…His Majesty is not pleased with the accelerating growth of the noble faction’s power. So, he made this decision—”
“Huh? Then all the more reason to invite them, right? I think it’s a good opportunity to show the king’s dignity not just internally but externally as well.”
“…”
…Um, I think so too. But it’s troubling if you say that to me. Please, stop saying such things to me.
“Well, it’s cruel to say such things to you. I’m sorry.”
“…No, I’m honored.”
“So I was thinking of secretly going to Luke’s celebration myself.”
“Eh…?”
“Actually, I’ve already talked to the vice-commander of the Second Magic Corps. The arrangements are in place. Edmond, I want you to come too, so be prepared.”
“I see, I see… Wh-what…”
Honestly, I think I have a good memory. I’ve handled everything quickly and flawlessly, to the point where no one could find fault… and I don’t think I’m bad at grasping situations. But just this once, I couldn’t understand at all what Prince Polpon was saying with his smiling face.
In the indescribable silence, I could clearly hear the sound of my brain short-circuiting—.
§
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…For commoners, the status of nobility might be something to envy. But there are times when I feel suffocated. This is one of those times. If I weren’t a noble, there wouldn’t be a party to celebrate my subjugation of an elemental dragon.
“…Really, it’s troublesome.”
Well, it’s fine. It’s still annoying, but this is for the prosperity of my father, mother, and the Gilbert family. However, I’d like to prioritize improving my own power right now… It’s a bit cold.
“Did you say something, Lord Luke?”
“Don’t mind it.”
“I see. …Um, I still feel uncomfortable—”
“Get used to it.”
“…Yes.”
I’m currently on Dia’s back, flying.
Apparently, this girl has a habit of collecting treasures, and it wanted to return to its original nest once to offer the treasures it had accumulated. It was a good opportunity, so I thought I’d try out a newly developed magic. Riding on its back is just a side benefit.
— [Dragon Armor of Darkness].
To put it simply, this magic is Dia’s armor. If mastered, it should dramatically improve its abilities… but it seems it will take time to get used to it.
Well, I created this magic because it looked uncomfortable to ride on in the first place.
“There are many interesting things. Don’t drop them.”
“Of course not!”
We’ve already retrieved the treasures. Now we’re on our way back to Gilbadia… It’s still cold. This point needs improvement… Really, there’s so much I want to do, it’s troublesome. —I’d like to start analyzing This in earnest soon.
I take out a magical tool from my pocket. It’s a beautiful flute. Yes, this is the magical tool that had the power to control the ice dragon Dia, albeit imperfectly.
— [Flute of Domination].
I happened to recover it because it remained unbroken at that time… I really picked up something good. I activate information magic and lightly analyze it.
“…Multiple layers of defensive magic. Even I can’t casually touch it. Kuku, quite cautious.”
Not only can it not be used, but it’s set to self-destruct if I try to carelessly remove the magic applied to this flute. Therefore, I can’t use dark magic recklessly. —Well, given enough time, I could definitely remove it. …If I had enough time, that is.
Really, the thought of having to deal with those useless nobles at a party I couldn’t care less about is depressing. But it’s just a few more days of patience. The early arrivals should be reaching my territory about now.
“I can see it, we’re almost there—”
“Ah.”
While I was thinking about such things, the town of Gilbadia came into view. At first, there would be quite a commotion when Dia flew overhead, but the people of the territory have gotten quite used to it.
We land in the backyard of my private residence with the treasures. Then Dia is enveloped in magical light, changing its huge body into a small one.
“If I do say so myself, it’s quite impressive!”
“Indeed. I’m amazed you collected so many treasures.”
“So, um… Can I go collect more when you’re free? I’m embarrassed to say, but I have a weakness for treasures…”
“I don’t mind. But don’t tarnish my name, got it?”
“I-I understand… Ahaha.”
“If you understand—What’s that?”
At that moment, I sensed magical power. And quite powerful at that.
“…What could it be?”
Naturally, Dia seems to have sensed it too. Following the trace of that presence, it seems to lead to the gate of the private residence. We automatically head there—and see it.
“…Oh?”
A magic circle suddenly appears. Shortly after, with a slight time lag, a magnificent and elegant carriage appears from empty space.
The crest of the Godwin family is displayed.
I immediately understand. This is— [Spatial Magic].
“It’s been a while, Luke.”
“Kuku… Indeed, Eleonora.”
The woman who shows herself from the carriage is my childhood friend… or so the setting goes. Still, she’s big… in various ways.
This magic is most likely hers. Spatial magic… It’s truly wonderful.
“…”
Lord Godwin gets out of the carriage following Eleonora.
“…Is that the ice dragon?”
He quietly asks.
“That… you say? A mere human—mmph!”
“Yes, that’s right, Lord Godwin. I’m ashamed to say, but its manners are not yet properly trained.”
“…”
Lord Godwin narrows his eyes for a few seconds, looking at me covering Dia’s mouth. Then,
“…I apologize for my previous discourtesy.”
He said in a small voice without bowing his head.
However, his eyes clearly conveyed an apology.
“Heh, what do you mean?”
“…………”
“Father, may I speak with Luke for a moment?”
“……Ah. But keep it brief.”
“Understood.”
Lord Godwin stared at me for a few seconds again, then started walking. He entered the private residence.
“It’s been a long time, Luke.”
“Indeed.”
“But that dragon–“
“–Human, don’t get too cocky.”
At that moment, a horrifying magical power leaked from Dia. ……This gal’s short temper really irritates me. Well, I suppose it can’t be helped since she’s lived with this temperament for hundreds of years.
“Listen, I’ll only say this once. –Don’t embarrass me any further.”
“……Eep.”
However, as my familiar, such things don’t matter.
“There won’t be a next time. Understood?”
“Y-Yes……”
“Now then, Ele– hey, what’s wrong?”
“……Luke, you… subdued such a powerful monster?”
“Huh? Oh… yeah, I did.”
What’s she saying now? Oh right, this is Eleanor’s first time seeing Dia. Well, Dia is indeed quite a strong monster…
“Kufu, kufufufufu… As expected, my eyes weren’t wrong…!”
“…………”
–A chill ran down my spine. The moment Eleanor started laughing strangely, my trouble sensor went off like crazy.
“A-Actually, Luke… I have a dream–“
“Wait, I don’t want to hear it. Don’t tell me.”
“It’s a bit embarrassing… but… w-will you listen…?”
“You should listen to me. I said I don’t want to hear it.”
“I see! You’ll listen! My dream is…!”
Eleanor’s somewhat vacant eyes had a clear sense of déjà vu.
“Hey, you–“
“–I want to be overpowered by an overwhelmingly strong man who I can’t beat even with all my strength!! I want to be made to understand that I’m nothing but a powerless woman!!”
“…………”
…I wonder what triggered this.
Why are this woman’s eyes sparkling so much?
And what’s with this desire that seems like a mix of battle maniac and masochist boiled together? She’s completely a variant of Alice. This pervert.
…………Between Alice, Dia, and Eleanor… why are there so many… I felt an intense dizziness.
“But you see, I’m too strong… Before I knew it, I was at the top of the academy. To be honest, I was in despair… But then! I finally found it! Let’s fight right now, Luke! Here! With all our might!”
“What are you saying–“
Just as I was showing an expression of disgust so strong it made me tremble, thunder roared.
“…What is it now?”
Feeling an ominous premonition that sent chills down my spine, I glanced up at the sky. And then I saw it. –The inexplicable sight of lightning racing across the sky.
Indeed, lightning tearing through the sky. The lightning I know is supposed to fall, but… As I was vaguely thinking about this, the lightning changed direction by ninety degrees and fell. Right next to me. Exuding a familiar magical presence.
“Hehe… It’s been a while, Luke. I’ve come– Huh… Who’s this human woman?”
[Mia] appeared suddenly and alone, without any context. Her body, which seemed quite small compared to Eleanor. And the immense magical power that didn’t suit her at all.
And– eyes that were dark and stagnant.
In the instant it took for my brain to recognize her, an enormous amount of thought raced through my mind that ordinary people couldn’t even imagine. An overwhelming “Why?” filling my mind. Yet,
“…Huh.”
Only this single word came out–
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