Chapter 111
『Master Earth—! If you are there, please show yourself! Master Earth—!』
Ignoring my own confusion, the girl on the screen keeps yelling at the top of her lungs.
What did she just say?
Pair?
Mate?
Why? [Sub29: it’s actually a pun, 番い (tsugai: pair), つがい (tsugai: mate), ホワイ(owai: why)]
I’m just a two-year-old, right?
And she mentioned a Holy Dragon?
Dragon king species?
What does all of this mean?
She does seem to have a different kind of magical power than humans, that’s for sure…
Can dragons take on human forms?
Or are they, like me, using a vessel?
『…No good. I can’t make sense of this.』
In the surveillance room, I bury my face in my hands.
What should I do here?
Should I go out and meet her?
No, I can’t.
I can smell trouble brewing, and I’ve been tangled up in enough problems to know.
No doubt about it.
That girl is the type you should avoid getting involved with.
Damn it, Gwyve, you’re bringing me trouble again, I swear…
『…Anyway, I should call Ann and the others.』
I use thought transmission to connect with everyone.
Please help.
In the dungeon surveillance room―――
A few minutes later, almost all of my subordinates have gathered in the surveillance room.
Ann, Elibel, Una, Dos, Tres.
Pururu, Berg, and also Tsumugi.
They all seemed to have been in the depths, but came running as soon as I called.
The surveillance room feels a bit cramped with all of them here.
「Father, is it true that a Holy Dragon has appeared?!」
The first to speak is Una.
『I don’t know. But at least, she said so herself.』
I operate the brilliantly colored sphere and enlarge the image of Gwyve and the girl so everyone can see.
Everyone’s eyes are on the scene displayed.
「…Indeed, the magical power and soul’s aura I feel from this girl are different from humans. And that white dress is certainly what the nobles of the Harshalud Kingdom wear. However, I have never heard of the Holy Dragon, the Guardian Dragon of the kingdom, going abroad… But…」
「…Un. Compared to humans, the concentration of her magical power and soul is much denser. But if she’s a Holy Dragon, her behavior is strange.」
Dos nods in agreement with Una’s statement.
Now that I think about it, they were in Harshalud Holy Kingdom just until recently.
Do they know anything about the Holy Dragon?
There wasn’t much information about the Holy Dragon in the knowledge I gained from Elibel’s ruins.
『Um…』
I glance briefly at Elibel.
It’s a look that begs for an explanation.
Elibel sighs and nods.
「The Holy Dragon is a species of the Dragon King, like you. The Harshalud Holy Kingdom worships the Holy Dragon as a Guardian Dragon—or rather, as a messenger of God.」
『A messenger of God?』
「That’s right. Didn’t I explain it before? In this world, when humans or animals die, their souls go to the Holy God. When demons or monsters die, their souls go to the Chaos God.」
『Ah, right. You did mention that before.』
It was when I revealed to Elibel that I’m a reincarnate.
Well, we’re keeping that a secret from the others.
「The religion that worships the Holy God is called ‘Holy God Religion,’ and Harshalud Holy Kingdom is its head temple. In other words, it’s a theocratic nation. According to their scriptures, the Holy Dragons are messengers of the Holy God and are believed to live and protect the sacred land of the Holy God Religion. Well, nobody knows for sure, though.」
And Elibel continues.
「I don’t know all the details either. When I was alive, the Borhelic Kingdom and the Harshalud Holy Kingdom didn’t get along. Our kingdom didn’t regard the Holy God or the church as particularly important.」
『Really?』
That’s surprising.
I thought religion was always inseparable from the country, like in my previous life.
「Borhelic Kingdom rose to power due to the mining and processing of magic stones. It had a strong pragmatic orientation. If there was time to offer prayers to God, they believed one should struggle and wrack their brains instead. This is also true for the Magic City Endymion and Hà Giang Empire. Of course, there were nobles who had personal faith, and several churches of the Holy God Religion were built」
Alright, so it’s dependent on the country, huh?
I mean, I don’t believe in any god myself.
At the very least, if I’ve been reincarnated, then those teachings about a Holy God must be wrong.
I totally agree that it’s better to take action than to waste time praying to a god whose existence is uncertain.
「That’s pretty much all I know about the Holy Dragon. If you have anything to add, Una, please do. You’ve lived in the Holy Kingdom, so maybe you have more details on this, right?」
Elibel turns the conversation over to Una.
「Well… at least among adventurers, the existence of the Holy Dragon was known, but there wasn’t much belief in it.」
「……Un. But many merchants were believers.」
Dos supplements what Una had said.
Well, adventurers are realists after all.
So that’s how it is…
「But at least among the nobles and royal family of the Holy Kingdom, it was revered. There were also rumors that if you made a huge donation to the church, you could meet the Holy Dragon.」
「The actual situation is unclear. But within the Holy Kingdom, there were believers who were attracted by such slogans.」
They’re raising donations using the Holy Dragon as bait?
Is that even legal?
Who’d have the nerve to pay money to meet a dragon?
「But as for the Holy Dragon itself, there isn’t much information available. You might gather more if you become a believer of the church… but…」
Here, Una pauses.
「I can’t… no matter if it’s a lie or a mission, I could never bow to any dragon other than my father.」
「….Un. I feel the same way.」
Saying so, they both look at me.
Huh?
What kind of reaction am I supposed to have?
Looking around, everyone else seems to be looking at me with the same expression.
What’s going on here?
Unable to withstand the awkward silence, I change the subject.
『So, by the way,』
「What is it?」
『I’ve been wondering… if that girl really is a dragon, why isn’t anyone surprised that she turns into a human?』
「Oh, that. It’s pretty common. Not just dragons, but powerful monsters who’ve lived for many years can take on human forms. Their power gets limited, though. There are some oddballs among monsters who want to live among humans.」
『I, I see…』
「Wow, really?」
It seems that Tres didn’t know either.
Good. I’m not the only one being left out.
『That said, it depends on the monster. At least, my race and Pururu’s kind can’t become human, even if we acquire immense magical power.』
Ann explains.
Then, Elibel sends me a thought transmission.
『Well, in that regard, you’re the exact opposite, aren’t you? Despite being originally human, you don’t want to turn human.』
『Shut up. Leave me alone.』
She really had to send a sarcastic message.
It’s fine, isn’t it?
It’s hard for me to understand why I should want to become human after being reincarnated as an Earth Dragon.
If you become an Earth Dragon, you should live and die as an Earth Dragon.
At least, that’s what I think.
Well, for now, I am in the form of this borrowed lizardman.
『Anyway, we’ve strayed from the topic a bit, let’s get back to it. What are we going to do about Gwyve and that girl?』
「Hey, you’re the one who sidetracked the conversation…」
Elibel murmurs exasperatedly.
La la la, I can’t hear you.
『By the way, Lord Earth, why did these two come here?』
「Oh, right. I didn’t hear about that either.」
「Puuu?」
Ah, I hadn’t told them, had I?
Well, I don’t really know either.
『Well, to be honest, I’m not quite sure myself. I just felt like it might lead to some trouble.』
「Ah… indeed.」
Elibel nods along.
Everyone else reacts similarly.
「Anyway, let’s talk to Gwyve first. Berg, open the line.」
「Roger that.」
Berg operates a brilliantly colored sphere.
The whole surveillance room is bathed in a yellow light for a moment.
He must have activated some sort of magic.
「With this, if you speak touching this sphere, you can send a thought transmission to Gwyve from here. I’ve made it so that everyone can hear the response.」
Wow, that’s handy.
With that thought, I swiftly touch the brilliantly colored sphere.
『Hey, can you hear me, Gwyve?』
As I speak and check the screen, Gwyve reacts.
『Ah, is that you, Earth? It’s been a while.』
『Yeah, it has.』
Gwyve’s voice resonates throughout the surveillance room.
『Suddenly, the underground turned into a forest. I was shocked. What kind of magic did you use?』
『Ah, I’ll explain that later. For now, could you tell me why you’re here today?』
I get straight to the point.
What, you think we should chat a bit more?
You really think a shut-in like me has social skills?
『Humu, actually… This girl here insisted on meeting you.』
Saying that, Gwyve directs his gaze to the parasol-holdingg girl riding on his back.
『This girl is Holy Dragon Elja Lude. She’s a Dragon King species, just like you.』
Yeah, I know.
That girl was shouting it out just a moment ago.
But I decide to play along, pretending I didn’t know.
『Why would she want to meet me? You know I’m an introverted shut-in, right?』
It’s depressing to admit, but let’s gloss over that.
『Well… umm… 』
Gwyve starts to mumble.
His expression is awkward, like he’s done something wrong.
『Previously, there was a kind of gathering among dragons. During that time, I… uh… I talked about you to this girl. I even shared memories, images and all. And then… she… kind of… fell in love with you at first sight.』
Wait, what?
『So, she was really persistent, asking to meet you. I had no choice but to bring her here.』
『What the hell are you talking about?!』
Isn’t this ignoring my wishes entirely?!
『Forgive me, Earth.』
No, I don’t need your apologies!
『My esteemed uncle, Gwyve? You’ve been quiet. What’s wrong?』
The parasol girl, Elja, chimes in.
Her voice is syrupy sweet.
『Oh, are you perhaps having a thought transmission with Master Earth? Please connect me too. I want to hear my beloved Earth’s voice.』
『Wait a sec, Earth. Can we connect this girl to our line?』
Wait, why are you making the decision on your own?
Despite my internal protests, Elja begins to speak to me.
Through the monitor.
『How do you do, Master Earth! I am the Holy Dragon, Elja Lude. I’ve come to meet you.』
「Hm? What’s with this girl? She’s here to meet you?」
Elibel turns towards me.
『Umm… Yeah… Seems like it..』
『Either way, we can’t let our guard down. For now, we should see how this plays out――』
Ann starts to say, shifting her gaze back to the monitor, when it happens.
『Earth, my dear! I’ll just come out and say it! I want you to be my mate!』
Elja shouts this out loud.
「…What?」
『…Excuse me?』
「…Puru?」
Elibel, Ann, and Pururu are all confused, each in their own way.
『It was love at first sight! From the moment I saw you in the images from Uncle Gwyve, I haven’t been able to get you out of my heart. Please, I beg you, let me see you!』
Elja continues her monologue.
For some reason, I feel a chill.
I glance behind me to see my subordinates with expressionless faces.
Wait, what?
『The color of your scales is deeper than the sand of the Ford Desert, your fangs and claws are so gallant! All of it captivates my heart and won’t let go! So, please―――』
Elja’s passionate appeal to me continues.
Simultaneously, I feel a growing chill from behind.
Bam!!
Crush!!
Shuuuuu……..
Eh?
Did I just hear some loud noises?
I turn around to find Ann crushing a desk, Elibel smashing a sphere, and the spot where Pururu was seated is melted.
…What?
What’s going on with you three?
『I… I’m sorry, Lord Earth. My hand slipped.』
「My hand slipped too…」
「Puuu….」
Wait a minute, that doesn’t look like a slip at all. It looks more like they crushed…
And why do all three of them look so scary…?
Wait, what is this?
Why are Ann, Elibel, and Pururu so mad?
『Earth, my dear! Please, accept my love!』
BOOOMMM!!!
A thunderous noise echoes throughout the surveillance room.
I see the desk right in front of Ann is smashed to bits.
It’s freezing.
Why is that?
The temperature in the surveillance room feels like it’s dropped below zero.
『I’ve reached my limit…』
Ann walks over to me, snatching the brilliantly colored sphere from my hands.
And then…
『Could you please stop that dreadful noise, ‘Holy Dragon Elja Lude’ or whatever you call yourself?』
Ann cranks up the volume and connects the line.
It seems like she’s made it so Elja can hear too.
Wait a second! What are you doing, Ann?!
『Hm? What is this rude voice?』
The projected image of Elja scrunches her face in displeasure.
However, that doesn’t stop Ann from continuing.
『The one who’s being rude is you. You suddenly show up and demand to see Lord Earth? To mate? Your joke goes too far. Why does Lord Earth need to appear before a stranger whose intentions are not clear? Please leave. You’re a nuisance.』
Ann speaks out, letting her irritation and distaste seep through her words.
『What… who are you? Are you disrespecting me, the ‘Holy Dragon,’ a top-tier dragon, on purpose?!』
『My name is Ann. I’m one of Lord Earth’s loyal servants. I’ll say it again. There’s no way we would let someone as suspicious as you meet Lord Earth. So, please leave. ―――Get. Out.』
Ann emphasizes her last words with deep emotion.
『You… how dare a mere servant like you speak to me, a Holy Dragon, like this…』
Wow, she’s really pissed.
The magical power leaking from her is causing the forest trees to rustle.
And why aren’t Elibel and the others trying to stop Ann?
Instead, they look like they want her to do more.
Why is that?
『Let me meet him! Let me meet my beloved Earth! If you don’t, you’ll experience the power and terror of a Holy Dragon!』
Wow, this Holy Dragon is sounding more and more like a third-rate villain.
And Ann? She snorts in amusement.
『If you’re that desperate to meet him, there’s a teleportation gate leading to our dungeon behind you. If you pass through there, you can reach where Lord Earth is. Although, it’s not designed to be easily conquered by someone like you.』
Wait, why would she provoke a dragon like that?
And why is nobody stopping her?
Watching the projection, Elja pauses, appearing to think for a moment before opening her mouth.
『Fine! I’ll show you how suitable I am for Earth with my power! Ann, was it? I’ll remember your name!』
『I don’t want to remember your name.』
「Me neither.」
「Puu~」
Ann’s statement is met with nods of agreement from Elibel and Pururu.
『You…you’ll remember it! I’ll conquer your dungeon soon and come over! I’ll make you regret disrespecting me!』
With that said, Elja heads toward the teleportation gate leading to the middle layer of the dungeon.
Wait, what?
Isn’t the conversation taking a weird turn!?
In a panic, I turn to Elibel and the others.
『Hey, hey? Isn’t this conversation heading in a strange direction――』
「Berg, please activate all the traps in the middle layer dungeon. Also, transfer control of the environment areas to us―――」
『To all the antlings and the monsters of Yuguru Great Forest, prepare for battle and gather in the middle layer of the dungeon immediately. I repeat, ready yourselves for battle and gather in the middle layer―――』
Hold on a second?
Why are both of them so eager?
Without sparing a glance in my direction, the two of them are calmly preparing to unlock the middle layer.
Everyone else seems to be cooperatively advancing their tasks.
『………Eh? What’s going on here?』
My muttering disappears unheard in the bustling noise.
Thus, the first challenger to the middle layer of our dungeon is about to arrive.
That challenger is the Holy Dragon, Elja Lude.
The Dragon King species is challenging our middle layer dungeon.
……..How did this happen?
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