Chapter 485: Taking Others Along
“Should I return this Black Dragon Magic Stone as well?”
I decided to check on the Black Dragon Magic Stone just to be sure.
It’s probably that the Dragon Jewel has either been tainted by the Black Spirit or has fused with it. After all, this is the only orb-like thing I have.
“Unnecessary. It is no longer a Dragon Jewel, so it is unnecessary.”
It would be troublesome if a Demon Beast were born from it again, so the Dragon’s answer seems reasonable.
It feels like there’s an attachment to what could be considered its offspring, the Dragon Jewel. And if it were to change, would it lose interest? It’s as if it no longer cares about the body that has already perished.
“If the number of Dragon Jewels decreases, won’t the number of Dragons eventually decrease as well?”
“It is not just one that a Dragon possesses. It is not just one, but one cannot hold two at once. When a child gains its own consciousness, the self and the Dragon Jewel separate, and a new Dragon Jewel is bestowed. However, many Dragons die in the process of mating. When my time comes, I too will confront with all my might to determine the male and female.”
Hmm? Is it referring to the entire Dragon race? So, do they fight to mate with the strongest individuals?
“The victor obtains the Dragon Jewel. The victor inherits the opponent’s Dragon Jewel and lays eggs.”
“…I see?”
The marriage customs of Dragons seem a bit complicated for humans!? Or maybe they’re simple? I should ask Haulon later.
“There are various types; even among Dragons, there are many. Those who grow and gain consciousness are generally the same.”
“Thank you. For now, it’s reassuring to know that if the population decreases, it won’t remain that way.”
When I talked with Karn about the country, it felt like the numbers were dwindling compared to the past, which worried me a bit.
“Desires. Do you have any wishes, child of man?”
“No, I’ve received a Dragon’s body, so not particularly—ah, could you peek inside that building with the blue roof on the island when I return?”
“Blue?”
Amidst the orange-colored earthen tiles, the buildings of the Merchant Guild and the Shipping Guild have recently been re-roofed with colorful ceramics using glaze.
Both are blue because vibrant blue is in fashion and expensive. Soleil was the one who started that trend. While the tiles aren’t as vibrant, they stand out remarkably among the oranges.
“That big building near the place with a lot of ships.”
I wonder if the Dragon can distinguish colors? The Spirits are colorful, so I think it should be able to tell.
“Is that all? Is that all you wish for?”
“Yeah. Please try not to break anything.”
I need to make sure my companions aren’t caught off guard by the Dragon peeking in!
“I will make an effort. There’s a reason for this. According to an ancient promise, I cannot fly over the northern continent without reason, but it is possible over the islands separated by the sea. Here, take one of my scales. Call for me if anything happens.”
With that, it dropped a scale and flew off toward Naruadeid.
So fast! The surface of the sea is rippling like the wake of a ship. I hope everything is alright? Oh, the ship is safe, or rather, it seems that as long as it doesn’t speed up, the Wind Spirit envelops it and keeps it afloat.
Alright, alright. Now I just have to pray that both Guild Masters don’t get so surprised they throw out their backs. Well, even if they do, they have their protective jewels, so it’s fine.
Still, it seems that Dragons can’t fly over continents with “houses” or Kanum.
As I picked up the scale, I noticed a small Wind Spirit attached to it. I see, so if I call out, I can communicate through the Spirit? There are types of Wind Spirits that can multiply too?
I used 【転移】 to the Tower. I imagine there’s quite a commotion going on… as I opened the door.
“Whoa!”
As I opened the door, I found Soleil collapsed.
There was a cushion, apparently offered by Faramia, under his head, but he was sprawled directly on the ground.
The area around the Tower has cobblestones arranged in patterns beneath the trellises of climbing roses, but in front of the warehouse, it’s just dirt for the sake of the carts. The cobblestones make it hard for the wheels to grip. Unlike the original plan, we haven’t used the carts because we’re packing things other than firewood and wheat.
Transporting everything at once is out of the question, and any bumps are absolutely unacceptable; Soleil would scream if it’s not carried by hand.
“Are you alright? What was that? Explain!”
“My lord, I had no idea you had dealings with Dragons.”
Kiel and Auro chimed in.
“Ugh…”
Soleil groaned.
“I didn’t have any dealings before, but I just did a moment ago. Well, I don’t think it will come again, and it seems it peeked into both the Merchant and Shipping Guilds of Naruadeid…”
It’s not just here, so please direct any inquiries to Naruadeid.
“Ugh…”
“…I confirmed the situation and dismissed everyone else, but it’s still a mystery. That thing won’t suddenly come again, right?”
Kiel checked in for Soleil, who was still groaning.
“It seems to have a territory, so I don’t think it will just show up out of nowhere.”
It seems that if I call, it will come, but it won’t just appear unexpectedly. Probably.
“For now, take this openwork piece and cheer up.”
I placed the Black Dragon’s Outer Shell next to Soleil’s pillow (?).
“This is quite magnificent.”
Auro’s face lit up with awe.
“The Black Dragon’s Outer Shell has been beautifully engraved with openwork by the Earth Folk.”
“Ughhhhh!!!!”
Without lifting his face from the cushion, Soleil began rummaging around and pulled out a handkerchief—my dyed blue cloth—and put on gloves, gently moving the outer shell onto the fabric.
“I can’t…”
And then he buried his face back into the cushion.
It seems he has no intention of getting up.