I Became the Porter of a Somewhat Strange Hero Party

35 – Dragon Education (5)

“Wow, it was a female dragon!”

Ser-Aria exclaimed in surprise. After casually taking a sip from her flask, she continued, “I thought for sure it was a male because it emerged directly from the hatchling nest!”

“What do you mean?”

“Females are responsible for reproduction. They are also inclined to protect their species inherently.”

“…That’s not protection, it’s oppression.”

It seemed that female dragons had some limitations on their freedom. So, does that mean she just came out on her own without any permission?

“Did she escape? Could be troublesome later…”

“That’s not the case. My parents didn’t want me to live that kind of life, so I was able to freely emerge from the nest.”

If that’s the case, then there’s no need for other dragons to come looking for her.

The Blue Dragon, on the other hand, turned out to be a woman more beautiful than expected. She easily matched the party members next to me.

Her sky-blue hair cascaded down to her waist, a length that was neither messy nor untidy, but rather exuded a mysterious atmosphere.

Although the horns on her head clearly indicated her dragon lineage, at first glance, she appeared to be a noble and dignified lady of high status.

“Hmm…”

Especially Erin showed a peculiar reaction. It seemed as if something greatly displeased her. Sensing her expression, Caisius cautiously asked,

“Is it… not okay for me to be a woman?”

“No, it’s just that…”

Whether the dragon was male or female didn’t matter much. Gender wasn’t an issue when it came to extracting potions. She lowered her head slightly and said.

“Alright, I’ll take care of it.”

“…Fine.”

Somehow, it seemed like there was a problem. It’s a bit difficult to ask for things like claws and fangs when looking at that appearance…

She spoke while fiddling with the jade next to her.

“But what should we do about this?”

“How should we handle it?”

When I asked, Leticia said,

“If we put it up for auction through the national official auction, the so-called magic organizations will be eager to buy it.”

“So, should we take it to the empire and sell it?”

“No?”

“Uh?”

Clearly, we belong to the Dern Empire. If we don’t sell it there, where else can we sell it? “

“We should sell it here ~.”

“Why?”

“Empire surely takes a commission.”

“But we brought it and won’t they take too much? …”

“Puhu ♡”

Erin said.

“There aren’t only good people in the Empire. You’re so naive ~ ♡”

Is this talk all about profiteering?

“Since we’re already giving half to the kingdom, there won’t be an additional fee for selling here… Selling here seems to be the most beneficial.”

“We’ll need an auction.”

Commander Ben Grief spoke.

“It would be best to discuss the sale of the Dragon Stone with His Grace.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

I recently saw the queen’s face, and now I’m going to see His Grace’s face too.

“We will handle the rares. Please head to the duchy castle with your party first.”

“Oh, Commander?”

I called Commander Ben.

“Could you dismantle the rares and…take care of those shells for me?”

“There’s no problem, but why those…trash?”

“hahahaha, I need them a bit.”

“There’s little use for anything other than fire starters. I understand for now.”

Unlike dragon byproducts, the treatment for the materials from rares are like this. So most players combined only dragon byproducts to make potions, they didn’t use materials from rares.

Who would have known that it was an ingredient for a hidden combination method?

I gave Kaius an order. It was my first command since taking charge of handling him.

“Bring that with you.”

“…Understood.”

Caesius easily lifted the jade stone as big as his own body. It wasn’t anything grand, but it was quite remarkable that the dragon listened to him.

“Stop with that old man’s way of talking. Earlier, you were speaking perfectly fine.”

Caesius asked, slightly lowering his eyes.

“…Is it still okay?”

“Yeah.”

It felt awkward listening to a conversation spoken in that manner, as if it wasn’t some historical drama.

It was less awkward when he was in dragon form, but after transforming into a human…

“Alright. I will speak in a more casual manner.”

“Okay.”

His usual speech was somewhat stiff.

“Allen, Allen!”

“What?”

“Can I possibly get some scales?”

“Scales?”

“Yes, I’ve wanted to use arrows made of dragon scales for a long time!”

In response to Sera-Aria’s request, Kaisius looked surprised and glanced at us.

“If you give me a little, I’ll buy you delicious drinks later!”

Upon hearing Sera-Aria’s suggestion, I looked at Kaisius and spoke.

“Enough with the alcohol, how about getting us some food? I could use some scales anyway.”

“So, you’re going to provide it then?”

“Yeah. Anyway, even if the scales are torn off, they’ll grow back, right?”

“It, it’s a bit painful…”

“Ah.”

I chuckled softly.

“It will hurt less than dying.”

Upon hearing that, Kaisius gulped and swallowed his dry spit.

“Alright, I got it.”

“Thanks for cooperating. Then, how about giving me some teeth, claws, and horns as well?”

“… Are you trying to say it all at once? Having horns really hurts…”

“Wouldn’t it hurt less than childbirth?”

“….”

Caius fell silent, nodding with a gloomy expression. Seeing him like that, Frey commented with concern.

“Allen… Your expression seems wicked.”

“Did I?”

It seemed like a more convenient slave had been obtained than expected, so she stopped there.

“But why do we need those? It seems like they’re planning to make magic potions with just the ingredients…”

… How did she know?

Thinking about it, dragon scales, horns, teeth, and claws… they were all famous ingredients for potions, so I should have recognized them. I should have talked about it separately later, but I was demanding without much caution.

“Well, um…”

“…I asked you to find them for me before.”

Just as I was about to make an excuse, Clara spoke up from beside.

“…I thought I might need a little more magic power.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Frey nodded as if understanding.

“I thought Allen might have gained some magic power again.”

“hahahaha, is that even possible?”

Because she was so perceptive… But more than that, I should be grateful to Clara. I glanced at her, expressing my gratitude with a slight nod, and Clara responded with a gentle smile.

Caius, who had been observing us quietly, muttered sullenly.

“It seems like you’ve been deceived by a contract….”

To think I only found out now, it’s too late.

However, there was nothing she could change now. The contract had already been established, and unless I agreed, the contract could not be terminated.

“Then transport it to the Grand Castle.”

“…I know.”

Carrying a large jade stone, we entered the grand fortress and caught everyone’s attention. Part of it was due to the fact that we were part of a warrior party, but the dragon following behind us and the focus on the jade stone were also contributing factors.

“That horn… Is it a dragon?”

“Could it be the same one that was in the capital…?”

From the servants and attendants of the fortress, we could hear murmurs. The fortress was so big that there were many people working, and I must have heard such comments over ten times as we were passing by.

Those who recognized the value of the jade stone had slightly different reactions.

“A jade stone like this…?”

“If this is the loot from this mission… I might get a bonus this month.”

…There were even some making highly practical remarks.

Since it is the residence of a grand duke rather than a king, perhaps that’s why the path to the reception hall was not as far as the palace and much simpler.

Commander Ben Griff, who brought us here, said,

“I sent a messenger ahead to inform them. You can go right in.”

Erin nodded lightly and stood in front of the door.

“Your Grace, Erin the warrior and her companions have arrived.”

“Treat them well.”

Two knights personally opened the door to the reception hall, and one by one, starting with Erin, we stepped inside.

“Welcome, Hero Erin. And greetings to your comrades as well. I am Robert Bastian I, the ruler of the Bastian Kingdom.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness,” Erin said in a serious tone, not really fitting in. I’ve heard it before, but I still can’t get used to it… With Erin’s greeting, we all greeted together. As soon as the greetings were over, Erin brought up the main topic without delay.

“You may have heard the story, but we have decided to tame and take the dragon with us. The blue dragon here is the one.”

“Hmm, is it safe?”

“We made a contract, so it can’t act freely without the orders of the contractor.”

“I see. If there’s no safety issue, then it’s alright… but there might be some backlash from the people.”

“That’s why we plan to divide the dragon’s possessions in half with the kingdom. Although it may be difficult to heal the emotional wounds, we will compensate for the damages caused by this incident.”

“I’ve heard the story. That dragon’s possession…”

The gaze of Duke Robert was directed towards the large sapphire that Caius was holding. The duke’s reaction indicated that he had never seen anything of that size before.

“It’s remarkably huge.”

“It will probably boast a substantial value.”

“Indeed.”

Duke Robert seemed to recognize its worth.

“Can our kingdom handle the auction?”

“As long as we set the price properly, there won’t be any issues.”

“Will the empire not object?”

“It’s fine. The empire won’t risk losing big over that matter.”

So, the empire can’t really dictate how we handle our affairs? Well, considering the importance of the Hero Party against Erin’s party’s capabilities, it makes sense.

Robert, the Duke, seemed to accept that.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s an imperial warrior.”

“I hope the auction can be held as quickly as possible. When do you think it will be possible?”

“It will take at least two days, even if we prepare as quickly as possible. Don’t we need to gather participants for the auction? Of course, with such valuable items, participants will gather quickly, but we still need to make preparations.”

“Two days is fine. Then we will keep the dragon gem in our possession until then.”

“Sounds good.”

Robert, the Duke, and Erin quickly came to an agreement.

“We’ll make sure you have a comfortable stay while you’re here. Our housekeeper will guide you to the best guest room.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

After the brief conversation ended, we were escorted to our rooms by the housekeeper. But where should we accommodate this Kaius guy?

Robert, the Duke, seemed to agree with that.

“To think that an imperial warrior is like that, I believe it.”

“It would be great if we could hold the auction as soon as possible, when do you think it will be possible?”

“Even if we prepare as quickly as possible, it will take at least two days. Don’t we need to gather the participants for the auction? Of course, being valuable items, the participants will gather quickly, but we need to make preparations too.”

“Two days are fine. Well then, we will keep the dragon gem in our possession till then.”

“Let’s do that.”

Robert, the Duke, and Erin quickly reached an agreement.

“We will make sure you can spend your time here comfortably. Our housekeeper will guide you to the best guest room.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

After the short conversation ended, we were guided to the rooms by the housekeeper. However, where should we accommodate this Kaius guy?

“Is it safe to keep it in my room?” Frey asked.

“No matter how much of a dragon it is, a woman can’t share a room with a man,” Erin replied.

It would be nice if she could say things like that while walking around half-naked and doing whatever. She was very open about her body and fashion, so why was she so conservative about this?

Erin added her two cents to Frey’s opinion.

“That sounds good. Who knows what kind of perverse things a mediocre dragon might do if ordered~♡”

“But I won’t….”

I don’t have a hobby of making lizards do strange things.

However, because her appearance is that of a girl, I think it might be uncomfortable to live in the same room.

When Erin and Pray were contemplating following her opinions, Letitia spoke.

“Well, I understand what you’re worried about… But it would still be better if Allen is by your side. Without Allen, the dragon can’t really do anything.”

“Huh?”

What is she saying?

“We agreed that you shouldn’t act without orders. Allen has to control everything about the dragon.”

Could it be…?

“Are you saying that I have to sleep for you?”

“Yes. That’s what we agreed on.”

What kind of contract allows for flexibility? No, a contract can’t have any flexibility. It’s good to be precise and exact….

“Are you saying I have to come are going to have to come and help you sleep every time in a different room…?”

“That’s about it.”

It’s so annoying just to imagine it. Not only sleeping, but eating and resting too, do I have to give instructions?

“I did tell Allen to follow me earlier and he is following me now.”

“….I see.”

So we had no choice but to stay in the same room. It’s not even the same room and I can’t tell Caesius what to do in a different room.

“Eung….”

“Well, yes….”

Erin and Frey showed a reaction that Letitia didn’t seem to like, Letitia laughed and talked.

“Maybe Alan will do something weird to the dragon.”

“If it’s the weirdness of nonsense, there might be a possibility ~ ♡”

When did I show a sneaky look…

“I don’t do that kind of thing.”

“…I trust Alan.”

As expected, Clara. You are the only one who trusts me. It’s rewarding to have named you.

Ser-Aria… it doesn’t seem to be interested in this conversation just because of drinking. I’d rather be indifferent than opposed.

“…If you do something strange, I’ll kill that dragon right away~♡”

“Why, why are you trying to kill me…?”

That’s right.

“Then I won’t die?”

“So you’re saying you will? If you really do it, I’ll half-kill you~♡”

…No way.

But I couldn’t argue with someone who controlled me no matter what I said or did. It seemed unreasonable, but I couldn’t say anything against a woman who was much stronger than me.

“If she bothers me, I should become stronger…”

Anyway, thanks to Letisia and Clara believing in me, I was able to bring Caius into the room. I was grateful to both of them.

“… Should I give you the scales now?” I said, turning to Caius.

“Just give them to me later when we’re in a place where they can return to their original form,” he replied.

“Alright.”

As I was about to lie down on the bed, Caius followed me. In that moment, something crossed my mind. The fact that there was still an order I had given her.

“For now, just relax since there’s nothing specific to do.”

I had to give orders even for something like this. After hearing the command, Kaisius didn’t chase me and instead moved away from the bed, plopping down on a plush sofa.

Then, as he stared at me intently, it seemed like he became curious about something and called me.

“…Human.”

“I told you to call me Allen.”

“…Allen, let me ask you something.”

“Sure.”

Kaisius looked at me silently and asked, sounding puzzled.

“Is that body truly yours?”

“…What?”

“Oh, never mind. I was mistaken for no reason…”

“Just wait a moment.”

He spoke as if he had realized that I was the possessor.

“Even if you don’t know what’s going on right now, don’t mention this to anyone else. It’s an order.”

“…Understood.”

“So what’s the deal? Is my physical body the right one?”

“Well…”

Caesius spoke cautiously.

“The eyes of the dragon are special. Do you know that?”

“A little.”

“If you set your mind to it, you can even see the soul of life. That’s why there is a story that says not to lie in front of a dragon. Most souls tend to falter when they tell lies.”

“I saw that soul, and it seems like it doesn’t match my physical body… Is that what this story is about?”

Caius nodded. Did the dragon’s eyes also notice that his soul had changed?

“If this had been discussed elsewhere, it would have caused quite a commotion,” Caius said.

“Indeed, is it not your own body?”

“…It’s not like I wanted to take over and possess it.”

“Hmm, indeed.”

“Indeed?”

What kind of reaction is this again?

“Oh, there is a rather ancient magic that can do that. It forcibly switches the souls of the target and another entity…though it cannot specify which soul enters, it is a method that allows for the forced replacement of the soul embedded in that particular physical body.”

This story… It was a content I saw at the Estelle Kingdom Library. It was one of the things I saw when I accessed the restricted area.

But why are you telling me that story now…

“You mean to say that I ended up in this body because of that magic?”

“Well, there’s nothing else it could be. Unless it was some kind of divine prank…”

So, the story was about how I became bound to this world because of that magic from ＜Dungeon in Evil＞.

Who could have done such magic to me…

“Kaisius, do you know who did that?”

“What are you talking about?”

Caius spoke as if I was making strange noises.

“How would I know that? I’ve never seen anyone using magic, and it’s not like I have any magical power left since it hasn’t been long since I used it…”

“… It’s useless.”

“Useless, useless …!”

I thought I could find the culprit who possessed me, but it was a pity.

“…Ah, that’s right.”

It’s a dragon. The master of magic, a dragon.

As I stared at him, Caius looked at me with an uneasy expression.

“Why is that?”

“Teach me some magic.”

“…I’m sorry, Allen. Dragon magic is hard for humans to comprehend. It has a different way of calculating, and it’s originally designed to be suitable for dragons. That’s why even if I teach you, it might take countless years for you to learn.”

“Ah…is that so?”

Kaisius nodded.

“Occasionally, there are human wizards who dabble in dragon magic, but they usually manage to learn just one or two spells at most. It’s difficult for the limited human intellect to understand our mighty dragon magic…”

“Limited intellect?”

As I pointed that out, Kaisius glanced at me hesitantly.

“…It was misspoken.”

“So humans have limited intellect while dragons are great… Do you still see humans as insignificant? You said it wasn’t like that, but it was all lies?”

“Oh, no! It was really a misspo…”

“Can you teach me some magic?”

“…I apologize, Allen. Dragon magic is difficult for humans to grasp. Its methods of calculation are different, and it was originally designed to be suited for dragons. That’s why even if I teach you, it may take an unknown number of years for you to learn.”

“Ah… is that how it is?”

Kaisius nodded.

“There are occasionally human wizards who dabble in dragon magic, but most of them struggle to learn only one or two spells. It’s because it’s difficult for the limited human intellect to understand our magnificent dragon magic…”

“Limited intellect?”

As I pointed it out, Kaisius glanced at me hesitantly.

“…I misspoke.”

“So humans have a limited intellect while dragons are magnificent… Do you still see humans as insignificant? You said it wasn’t like that, but it was all lies?”

“Oh, no! It was truly a misspoke…”

It must have come out as a habit, not a lie.

You should definitely be educated about this. If you can’t correct it early on, it will only become more challenging later on.

As if I wasn’t arrogant and suffering from second year syndrome enough, if I ignore these trivial things, my arrogance and second year syndrome will not show any signs of improvement.

“Get down on the floor and lie down.”

As soon as the command was given, Kaisius banged his head on the floor.

“Just stay like that.”

“…H-how is this supposed to be relaxing…?”

“I see you’re still comfortable with keeping your mouth shut.”

“……”

I said,

“I sleep like that, please.”

“…S, alright.”