ALL NOVEL Chapter 431
After finishing greetings with Ainel, Shione and I had no choice but to focus on not wasting the precious five days.
“The Demon of Gluttony has an appetite that devours even dragons. Its gluttonous hunger is beyond just nibbling; it possesses the power to send dragons fleeing.”
Although it didn’t seem like there was much it had consumed just yet, this was clear. The Demon of Gluttony was far from an easy opponent.
Wherever the demon appeared, its fanatics would undoubtedly show up to cause trouble.
“Even if Ainel’s retribution squad succeeds in killing the dragon, we can’t let our guard down.”
Whether the demon appears at that moment or if the ones lost in their twisted faith resort to trickery, if we were to lose the dragon’s carcass and let the demon feast upon it, with a name like gluttony, that demon would only grow stronger and more feral—easily surpassing the dragon.
We must prevent the demon from swallowing the dragon at all costs. Therefore, the supporting troops gathered under Adelhaite were preparing for intense battle under her command.
“I have something special prepared for the Baron and Young Lady, tailored just for you. Why not come this way?”
Especially Shione and I followed the princess’s call to the area where she had been secluded, overseeing the magic circle, gaining greater assistance than others.
“Our primary goal is to prevent the cult and demon from infiltrating Arael Fortress, which is in the midst of war with dragons. Furthermore, our ultimate aim is to either eliminate the demon or deal it significant damage.”
As we followed Adelhaite into a secluded corner, we saw royal knights and wizards guarding a room.
They saluted her upon her arrival and stepped aside for us to enter the small room, which was filled with treasure that looked undeniably valuable.
“To achieve this, we need the power of the Count’s House, strong against the demon, and the Baron’s resolve to twist fate. Hence, I’ve prepared items that will help you fight without hesitation on the front lines.”
Among many treasures, two uniquely prepared items were presented to us by the princess without reluctance.
“Here, take this.”
“This is… a gem?”
As Shione said, what the princess handed us was a palm-sized gemstone. It emitted a shimmering dark blue light. It was clear that this was no ordinary gem; it had an indescribable power that caught our gaze.
“Though it appears to be a finished gem, this is indeed worth much more than any mere jewel. This is the last remaining scale of a true dragon that once accompanied the royal family, not some inferior imitation threatening Arael Fortress.”
“Then this is… from the kingdom’s…!”
“The royal blood is mixed with the essence of the dragon. You are right in thinking so. This is a scale from the guardian dragon of the kingdom, left behind by the last of its kind. The empire might have a few dragon scales left, but none are in such pristine condition as this one. It is history and a true pride of the kingdom.”
No wonder this felt extraordinary.
“Your Highness, is it really okay to give us something like this?”
The essence of the kingdom and royal family’s identity. Adelhaite’s calm demeanor over such precious national treasures was somewhat astounding.
“Of course. The most valuable horns and claws of the dragon are still within the royal report, and there are a few scales left as well. The queen herself has kindly granted permission, so you needn’t feel burdened. Rather, I hope you celebrate this. It’s something I haven’t even given to Rephilia.”
Reona Rephilia. She seemed to have gone through quite a bit while working with Adelhaite until now. If she were to find out we received such a precious item after befriending Adelhaite, especially when they appeared quite close, I wondered if Adelhaite might get grabbed by the collar in a private setting.
But for now, what mattered more was understanding why Adelhaite was giving us this item, so I focused on her words.
“The dragon’s scales can easily harness the magic exclusive to our royal family. The royal family has gradually lost many of the dragon’s magics as the blood line thinned, but with me in this generation, it’s different. The essence of the magic I have revived is inscribed within those scales. Of course, it’s tailored to suit the combat style of both the Young Lady and the Baron.”
The royal dragon language magic is quite significant.
Ignoring the complex rites and understanding involved, it invokes heaven-shaking spells solely relying on innate talents and will engraved within one’s blood. But Adelhaite had merely sustained the dwindling skill until the end of her family line. To successfully revive magics that had been faded and nearly forgotten—the princess spoke in a confident voice.
“Should you throw the scales against the powerful attacks of the demon, they will become an unyielding shield. If you break your own scales during a crucial offensive opportunity, you’ll be able to unleash attacks beyond imagination. I will personally guarantee the power of the magic in the name of the royal family.”
“To receive something this precious… it’s an honor, Your Highness.”
“Across the continent, you two are the only ones capable of shattering the future I see reflected in my dragon’s eyes. That has been true since my coming-of-age ceremony, and you twisted the fate of the Great Forest and Marquis family as well.”
It was precisely us who brightened the dark future of the eastern kingdom.
“You are the ones who made the old lion, Marquis Kalia, return to the royal family in a bygone glory.”
The princess confidently declared that we had met once again with individuals who had walked a fate entirely opposite.
“From the moment I suggested we become friends, I have staked the future on you, Young Lady and Baron. I can only hope you will shatter fate once more with those items this time.”
Adelhaite, who had no qualms about giving us dragon scales, shrugged her shoulders and lightened the mood.
“My advisors will directly inform you of the operation’s details, so just follow their instructions. Though I would like to share them with you myself, I must focus on completing the magic circle for now.”
As busy as we were, Adelhaite faced the same situation with time running short for preparations for war.
Thus, she said, “We shall see each other soon on the battlefield. Until then, take care.”
Dreaming of conquering the empire to bring it to heel, Adelhaite asked to meet once again at the heart of war this winter.
*
Five days passed in the blink of an eye.
The demon-hunting squad led by Adelhaite was mostly positioned at expected points, lying in wait.
Meanwhile, the dragon hunting squad at Arael Fortress was on high alert for the dragon’s appearance that could come at any moment.
Among the hastily constructed battlements beyond the fortress, soldiers on lookout duty noticed strange signs while chatting among themselves.
“…Does it seem like the ground is trembling?”
“The ground is trembling? Are you just feeling your heart racing from being too tense? Drink some cool water and collect yourself.”
“Well… It’s true we’ve been on edge since yesterday not knowing when the dragon might show up. Give me a scoop of that cool water.”
“It’s too cold, there’s barely any lukewarm water left. Here, take this.”
Rather than quenching her anxious thoughts by gulping down the ladled water immediately, her expression grew paler as she glanced at the surface below.
“Why are you looking so pale when I’ve gone to the trouble of getting you something? Are you feeling unwell?”
“…Look at this. Isn’t the surface trembling?”
“What? The water is trembling?”
“I’ll go check the lookout tower for a moment.”
To calm her unease further, she hastened her steps to check the current situation visually.
As she climbed the ladder of the wooden watchtower, a soldier observing her from below asked in confusion.
“If you have something to report, you can just say it from down there. Why the rush to climb the ladder? It’s dangerous.”
“No, it’s just that something seems off.”
“Something seems off?”
“It feels like the ground is shaking. I won’t be at ease until I see it with my own eyes.”
“Haha, you needn’t worry. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for whether a dragon comes or not. If one appears, I’ll beat this drum enthusiastically to let everyone know, so just go down and rest—”
Before the sentinel at the watchtower could finish his sentence, the strange vibrations began to make themselves felt at the top of the tower.
Stunned, the soldier pushed the guard next to her and hugged the railing tightly while watching the mountains beyond.
“…….”
The guard, feeling a profound unease, stepped closer to check her status and noticed her wide, terrified eyes and trembling hands gripping the railing.
“You… suddenly—”
“…Drum it.”
“What did you say?”
“There’s something enormous rippling over that mountain ridge. Can’t you see it?”
As the guard hurriedly turned towards where she pointed, the sight of something terrifying began to take shape in the darkness.
When realization struck and they recognized it was a pair of gigantic wings, the soldier who had spotted the dragon’s wings began to bang the drum set up atop the tower with desperation.
“The dragon…! A dragon has appeared…!!”
Bang─! Bang─! Bang─!
The thunderous drumbeats echoed in time with the dragon’s footsteps, alerting all soldiers in the fortress.
The true winter war had begun.