Chapter 20: “Dragon Cradle,” and to the Beastmen Village 14
Having conquered up to the 30th floor of the “Dragon Cradle,” we concluded our exploration there.
We used the transfer device to teleport to the basement of the Imperial Citadel, climbed the stairs, and returned to the first floor of the castle. The sun was already beginning to set, and evening was approaching.
His Imperial Majesty had prepared dinner for us upon our return, so we dined at the Imperial Citadel and stayed overnight. The next morning, we reported our activities in the “Dragon Cradle” to His Imperial Majesty.
We presented some of the materials on the spot. As Dorozitte and Maricier had said, the Hypno Tiger and Behemoth pelts were highly valued as they were the first of their kind to be discovered.
“This Behemoth pelt will become a new national treasure. I will have it tailored into a mantle immediately. However, we have received so much from Soushi-dono and the others that we should give you some territory in return. How about we give you all the land near the ‘Twilight Garden’?”
His Imperial Majesty joked, but too many gifts could lead to economic problems. The fact that dungeon materials are created from nothing is a big factor.
Normally, dungeon materials are obtained in small quantities by Adventurers who risk their lives and consume various resources. However, if we wanted to, we could collect valuable materials without consuming almost anything. It’s easy to understand that doing too much of this could create friction in various areas.
As part of the reward for our offerings, we received some of the Chaos Flare Dragon scales we had previously donated for research purposes, and then we left the Imperial Citadel.
After that, we rested at our house in the Imperial Capital for about three days.
We had already decided on our next destination, so this was a holiday for preparation and other matters.
Geshura seemed to be conducting various experiments in his room, and he discovered that the Chaos Flare Dragon scales were metallic. By alloying them with mithril, he could create a very strong metal with high magical affinity.
However, it seems that Dwarf technology is needed to create a practical alloy and turn it into weapons and armor. In the first place, Chaos Flare Dragon scales are rare, so this discovery won’t have a significant impact on the market. Even so, it is the first discovery of its kind, which is a big deal.
Also, the small scales of the Weredragon Leader were indeed useful materials for creating armor. Scale mail, a type of armor made by arranging scale-like metal pieces, is well-known, but using these scales would allow for the creation of high-performance armor. However, this requires the skills of Elves, so it seems that advanced materials can only be handled by specialists.
As for the Great Arms’ “testicles,” which are said to be a tonic, we showed them to a pharmacist working at the Imperial Citadel, who eagerly bought them.
“Marquis Okuno-sama, I believe you understand that tonics are essential for nobles,”
The middle-aged male pharmacist said with a serious face, but later I realized that he might have misunderstood something.
And on the morning of the fourth day.
Having prepared for our journey, we were finally about to depart for the Beastmen Village in the kingdom and the Armand Duchy, where Freynil’s family lives.
Four carriages were parked in front of the house. Three were large, four-seater box carriages, and one was a wagon with a thick hood.
Maricier and Dorozitte had also joined us, bringing the total number of “Guidance of Sol” to eleven. However, Dorozitte warned us that we had become too famous, and walking through the city as we were would cause a commotion.
By the way, the carriages are pulled not by horses, but by beast-type Spirits summoned by Shizuna. Spirits are very useful as a labor force that doesn’t require care like horses.
Geshura and Dorozitte got into the wagon, and the remaining nine people boarded the box carriages, three people in each. Shizuna sat in the driver’s seat of the first carriage to keep an eye on the Spirits, and the remaining three carriages followed behind on their own.
“Milgret-san, please take care of the house.”
“Yes, Marquis Okuno-sama, please leave it to me. I will be waiting for your safe return.”
I greeted Milgret-san, who was in charge of the house, and asked Shizuna to start the carriages.
The Spirits began to pull the carriages with very smooth movements. The mansion, which was the first house I bought in this world… or rather, too big to be called a house, gradually receded from the carriage window.
“I am very happy to be able to travel with Soushi-sama again. However, I am truly surprised at how different the form of our journey has become compared to when I first met Soushi-sama,”
Freynil said with a cheerful smile from the seat facing me.
Only Freynil and I were in the passenger compartment of the first carriage. Shizuna was in the driver’s seat, but the driver’s seat was separated from the passenger compartment.
“That’s true. I never thought the situation would change so much in just a year. I never thought I would become a noble.”
“I think Soushi-sama deserved to become who you are now. Besides… no matter what position Soushi-sama is in, you are still the same Soushi-sama to me.”
“I appreciate you saying that. I don’t want to be treated like a noble by my companions. But my position has changed, and Frey has changed completely, hasn’t she?”
When I met Freynil, she was a former Saint Candidate who had been kicked out of her home and the church, but now she is the next Saint recognized by His Holiness. However, she doesn’t seem to intend to become a Saint of the Ashram Church at the moment.
“I have no intention of becoming a Saint, and I don’t have much attachment to the Armand Duchy without my mother. My desire to be with Soushi-sama has not changed from the beginning, so the current situation is no different for me than before.”
“I see… In that sense, maybe I haven’t changed at all from a year ago. No, I can also say that I have changed because I have come to think that I want to live with everyone.”
“Fufu. That’s just like Soushi-sama, the way you feel about things.”
Freynil’s face, as she narrowed her eyes, seemed a little more mature than when we first met. Well, it’s only natural since a year has passed. However, I don’t think her figure has changed much, perhaps due to the unique way Awakened ones grow.
The carriage was already heading south on the central street of the Imperial Capital. The feverish war victory mood of the past had finally subsided, and the faces of the people passing by on the street were bright but not elated. Our carriage was deliberately decorated plainly, so few people noticed that we were “Guidance of Sol.” However, many people widened their eyes when they saw the metal beast-type Spirits.
As we approached the castle gate, I felt a stronger sense of leaving this Imperial Capital. Traveling from country to country in this world takes months, unlike in my previous life. I wonder when I will return to this city next. Well, such a journey isn’t bad either.
Having received the title of Honorary Marquis of the Empire and Governor-General of the “Twilight Garden,” and intending to live a reasonably long life, I will eventually settle down somewhere. Until then, I will enjoy my life as an Adventurer as much as possible.
My main PC has finally been revived, so I will resume the serialization of “Old Man Isekai Strongest” from today.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but I look forward to your continued support.
By the way, the second volume of “Old Man Isekai Strongest” is scheduled to be released on May 10, 2025.
The book conversion work is currently in progress, and I hope you will look forward to it as well.