My chest felt tight, my breath was shallow, and my heart raced. It was as if my entire body was boiling from the top of my head to the tips of my fingers. How long had I been running? Where was I? I had escaped, but I couldn’t even grasp those simple questions.
I remembered everything. From my childhood to this very moment, every detail flooded my mind, bursting forth like a wave, seeping into my very being. My hands still trembled. Even as I pressed one hand against them to stop the shaking, it wouldn’t relent.
“I… I can’t do this anymore… I can’t be with Lua-chan.”
I recalled the past when I had transformed into a dragon and killed so many people. Kirius-san. And the fact that I had lived in the same village as Lua-chan. I realized my true name was Kurinka. I couldn’t fathom why I had forgotten such crucial things until now.
After fleeing from Ikana Village, I found myself here in Dragon’s Valley. Logically, a normal child wouldn’t have survived or made it this far. But I wasn’t a normal child. I wasn’t a normal human. I wasn’t human at all.
I had escaped after killing many, including Seigel-san’s father. Why had I killed Kirius-san, someone I had loved so dearly? Why had I done such a thing? The metallic scent of blood clung to my hands, resurfacing in my memory.
And Seigel-san’s eyes, filled with hatred. I could never face him again. If he ever learned the truth, what would he do? It was obvious; he could never forgive me, the one who had slain his father.
Meeting Lua-chan, embarking on adventures, and encountering so many people, including Seigel-san. I had laughed more than I ever thought possible since living in Queemil. Naturally, I had been happy. But to have it all shatter like this…
No, I had already met Lua-chan long ago. Ten years ago, we had promised to go on adventures together. I had spent time with Lua-chan and the people of Ikana Village without even realizing it.
How many times had I whispered apologies? I had fled in despair, but perhaps Lua-chan would understand everything. Yet, I was terrified. What if, by some chance, Lua-chan rejected me?
“I don’t want that… I don’t want Lua-chan to leave me… And Seigel-san too… If he finds out about this, he will definitely…”
The tightness in my chest returned. I instinctively pressed my hand against it and leaned against a tree. As I looked around, I realized I had wandered far from Hunter’s Nest. The sound of leaves rustling in the night breeze felt like a wave of loneliness washing over me. Perhaps it was the late hour or the chill in the air, but it felt unusually cold, as if the wind were piercing me as punishment. It was unbearable in my current state.
But I couldn’t go back. I had enjoyed those moments, but I couldn’t be with Lua-chan. Why I was a dragon didn’t matter anymore. Even if I understood, I had no place to return to.
“I can’t show this to anyone…”
When had these wings sprouted from my back? They were large enough to tear through my robe, yet I hadn’t noticed at all. What would everyone think if they saw my current form? Just the thought made tears well up in my eyes.
No one would stand by me anymore. I recalled the fierce expressions of the Dragon Hunters who had tried to kill me.
Dragons were valuable, Seigel-san had said. It wasn’t about survival; there were countless ways to live. Even I, as a child, had managed to survive.
They hunted purely for their own gain, without a thought for the fear of being attacked. I couldn’t help but wonder if the monsters we had defeated had felt the same way.
“What is right anymore…?”
“Ah, you are…”
From the depths of the darkness came a familiar voice. The shadow slowly approached, revealing a middle-aged man with a shaved head and a casual outfit—Jag. He had been partied with Seigel-san’s father and had helped me in the past. His bright smile felt blinding in my current state.
I instinctively hid my wings deeper into the shadows of the tree, turning to face Jag.
“You’re Seigel’s companion, aren’t you? What are you doing out here? Hunter’s Nest isn’t exactly a safe place, especially for a girl alone. It’s like asking for trouble, ha ha ha!”
“Um… no, I…”
I couldn’t respond, more worried about whether Jag would notice my wings. It was dark, and at this distance, he probably wouldn’t see them. But if he got any closer, he would easily spot the abnormality sprouting from my back.
“What’s wrong? Do you have something on your mind? If you want, I can lend an ear. Though I’m not sure how much help I can be as a stranger, ha ha!”
“It’s nothing. I was just getting some fresh air. I’ll head back soon.”
“I see. I can’t leave such a cute girl alone like this. I’ll have to give Seigel a talking-to later, ha ha!”
“No, Seigel-san isn’t at fault…”
“That kid has never really grown up. He may seem calm and composed on the outside, but inside, he’s just a reckless kid.”
Jag continued to smile as he gazed up at the night sky. I couldn’t help but wish he would leave soon. What would he say if he discovered my wings? He seemed like a good person, and perhaps if I explained my situation, he might understand.
But I didn’t know how to put my feelings into words, and an overwhelming anxiety gripped me. My heart raced, far more than before.
“But he seems to take care of others. Maybe it’s because you’re a cute girl. Just don’t be fooled. He’s the enemy of women, surrounded by many.”
“I’m fine… Seigel-san is kind.”
“Surprisingly, he’s a gentleman, huh? Even after everything that happened, it’s a mystery how he still cares for others, ha ha!”
“Everything that happened?”
“Should I really say this? His father was killed by a dragon.”
“…”
My chest tightened even more. How could I ever admit that I was the one responsible?
“What’s wrong? You look pale.”
“No, it’s nothing…”
“His father, Kirius, was a legendary Dragon Hunter at Hunter’s Nest. He would often take down dragons that even dozens of skilled hunters couldn’t defeat. But even such a man eventually fell.”
Jag paced back and forth, taking deep breaths of the night air. I couldn’t move from my spot; I could only watch him.
“That day, the dragon they were hunting was a formidable opponent. It was still a young dragon, but it nearly wiped out the best hunters at Hunter’s Nest. Seigel was there too, but he fled in fear.”
Jag chuckled bitterly. I remained frozen, unable to move. I was interested in the story, but if he got any closer, I would surely be discovered.
“Then Kirius appeared and effortlessly defeated that young dragon. No one could stand against it; all the hunters at Hunter’s Nest praised him. It was a rare dragon, and its scales would sell for a high price. Everyone was filled with expectations. But Kirius didn’t bring back even a piece of the dragon’s corpse.”
Looking back, it was a strange story. No one had seen him defeat the dragon, yet everyone believed Kirius had done it. That was a testament to how much he was loved and trusted by everyone.
I felt increasingly nauseous, as if I couldn’t stand any longer. I felt like I might throw up, my heart racing uncontrollably.
“Hey, are you really okay? Do you want me to walk you back to your lodging?”
“I’m… fine…”
“I see. By the way, do you know where the dragon’s corpse ended up?”
“I don’t know…”
“Believe it or not, Kirius didn’t kill the dragon. He hid it in an abandoned house near Dragon’s Valley, a place where no one would see it. That’s an unthinkable act for a Dragon Hunter. Not only did he betray everyone’s expectations, but he also created a threat. Just think about it. How much damage do you think would result from Kirius’s decision to save that dragon? If it were to rampage again, countless unnecessary sacrifices would occur. If he had just killed it, none of this would have happened. He went mad, Seigel’s father did.”
“That’s… Kirius’s actions weren’t wrong.”
“Oh? Why do you say that?”
“Well… that is…”
“Let’s talk a little closer.”
Jag stepped closer, and I instinctively took a step back. In doing so, I stumbled over a stone and fell onto my backside.
My hidden wings were now exposed, and I quickly tried to stand up.
“Uh, um, this is…!”
“The hidden dragon has finally been revealed.”
“…Huh?”
“Suspicious of him, I followed Kirius one day. Inside his hut, I discovered the Dragon he had secretly kept. Naturally, I condemned Kirius for it. But he stubbornly offered nonsensical excuses. Perhaps being hailed as a legendary Dragon Hunter had worn him out. That’s why he resorted to such irrational behavior. But the tragedy came afterward.”
The face of Jag, as seen through my eyes accustomed to darkness, was more twisted than smiling. His mouth was stretched into a grin that seemed forced, while his eyes held no mirth.
Dangerous. My instincts screamed at me to flee, but as I tried to escape, more figures emerged from the shadows. One, two, three, four… there were more. I quickly realized they were all Dragon Hunters, armed with weapons that resembled large, serrated knives and bows fitted to one hand. I had never seen such weapons before.
“W-What do you want from us…?”
“Jag, is this the one?”
Where had they all been hiding? In the end, there were over forty of them. My bad premonition had come true; this man had known all along and had appeared before me on purpose. Among them were Dragon Hunters who had fought against the Flare Dragon, and surely they were the ones who spread the word.
I was a fool, coming here without a second thought. I must have been watched the entire time.
“Right after that, the Dragon suddenly went berserk. I don’t know if it was the shock of being discovered, but after all, it’s just a beast. The young Dragon forgot its gratitude and ended up killing Kirius.”
“Stop…”
“Afterward, the sight that greeted the young Seigel when he rushed in was that of his father’s mangled body. You’d think the enraged Seigel would attack, but the injured young Dragon simply fled somewhere. It’s a terrible story, isn’t it? Hahaha.”
“Noooooo!”
Even as I crouched down, covering my ears, reality remained unchanged. What Jag had said was probably true. My memories of what happened next were again a blank. When I came to, I found myself in Queemil. I couldn’t remember how I had acquired that room or how I had managed to live a normal life.
All the memories that were inconvenient for me had vanished without a trace. I must have sealed them away unconsciously, wanting to escape the painful reality and turn my back on the fact that I had killed Kirius.
“I saw it back then, just for a moment. You transforming into a girl. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have believed the reports from those guys over there. I’m really glad I could be sure you were a Dragon.”
“What do you plan to do with me…?”
“You know full well. I understand your desire to ask such a pointless question in hopes of surviving a little longer.”
“I don’t want to die…”
“After killing so many people? Well, I don’t care about that part. A girl who becomes a Dragon, a Dragon who becomes a girl. What interests me is this rarity alone. Should I auction you off as a slave to some curious rich folks? Or perhaps sell you through some underhanded route? I can’t even imagine how much you’d fetch. Hahaha.”
Jag. No, following Jag, the surrounding Dragon Hunters let out filthy laughter. The thought of being killed by such people made me wonder if I even deserved to live anymore. What would my beloved Lua-chan think if she saw me now? I couldn’t bear to imagine being turned away by someone I loved.
“Jag, the reward will be split among us, right?”
“Yeah, but be careful. This one has wiped out Dragon Hunters in the past. Don’t think of her as just a girl.”
“What’s going on here?”
The voice that emerged from behind the Dragon Hunters was Seigel, who appeared with an air of confidence, already drawing his great sword.
I knew exactly where that sword would be aimed. Jag would undoubtedly talk about me, and once Seigel realized I was the one who killed his father, he would surely try to kill me.
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I wanted to throw everything away and run. I shouldn’t have come to Dragon’s Valley. If only I had stayed ignorant, I could have continued to live happily.
“When a girl’s scream is heard, anyone would rush to help.”
“Oops, maybe I made too much noise. Hahaha.”
“Jag, what’s going on here? I was shocked by what’s sprouting from Roel’s back, but this is far from calm.”
“Of course. After all, right in front of you stands your enemy.”
“What kind of joke is this…?”
With a displeased frown, Seigel listened as Jag began to explain. He recounted how I had become a Dragon nine years ago and threatened Dragon’s Valley, how I had killed numerous humans, and how I had killed Kirius right before Jag’s eyes. He spoke of how I had clung to my father’s corpse, crying until I was drained of tears.
For Seigel, those events were not just a memory from nine years ago. It was as if that scene was still burned into his mind; I could see his eyelids twitching. He was trembling with rage, and seeing him like that made me feel like I didn’t care about anything anymore.
If this was how it would turn out, I truly shouldn’t have come. I would have preferred to remain in ignorance. My tears and sobs wouldn’t stop.
“If you think I’m lying, that’s fine. Either way, what needs to be done won’t change.”
“…So, Jag, are you planning to hunt Roel?”
“Yeah, I’d like your cooperation if possible. You have the merit of bringing her here, and I’ll prepare a generous reward for you.”
“I…”
Seigel tightened his grip on the great sword. With his head bowed, he slowly leveled the blade.
“You must hate her, right? After all, the one who killed your father is still living freely like this. I hate her too. Kirius was a good rival. To kill him in such a sneak attack…”
“Jag…”
“Right, you’re old enough now; you can drink. Once this is over, let’s share a drink.”
“Okay, I’ve made my decision.”
Seigel raised his head and looked at me. With the great sword still in hand, he approached me slowly, step by step.
“Se-Seigel… I… I wouldn’t mind if you killed me… I’m truly sorry…”
“What a foolish girl.”
Seigel smirked, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Indeed, I was a fool; I had lived without knowing anything until now. Even though I hadn’t known, I had deceived Seigel. I had no right to complain about anything; I accepted it willingly.
I discarded my staff and stood up, spreading my arms wide. I was now defenseless. If Seigel thrust his sword into my chest, it would all be over. As the one who had killed his father, I would fall, and Seigel would have his revenge. Yes, this was fine.
“For a Dragon that raged so violently, you’re surprisingly dignified in the end. Seigel, do it.”
“…Yes.”
Seigel replied in an unusually low voice. He kicked the ground with his toes and turned his body. Now, I was looking at Seigel’s back. What was he planning?
“This is my answer.”
He swung the great sword, which had been held horizontally, in a sweeping motion. With a mighty whoosh, the blade was aimed at Jag.
“…I don’t quite understand. Can you explain it to me, Uncle?”
“Even if everything is true, I can’t strike her down.”
“Why not?”
“Because she’s a precious person.”
“Seigel…”
Precious person. His strong tone resonated deep within my chest. Seigel had turned his back to me, to the very person who was supposed to be my enemy. That alone expressed his will more than anything else.
This man would protect me. Why? How? I wanted to ask, but it seemed he wouldn’t answer me now. Even surrounded by so many, Seigel showed no signs of fear.
“Hey, hey, are you perhaps being swayed by emotions? I’ll ask you again. That girl is the one who killed your father, and yet you aim your blade at me?”
“If you won’t back down…”
“I see… Hahaha.”
“You’ve forgotten the favor I showed you, you little brat.”
After scratching his head, Jag’s expression shifted to that of a hunter. His eyes, which had not been smiling, widened, revealing bloodshot sclera. Veins bulged on his forehead in fury. Seigel, whom I had thought was beneath him, was now openly defying him. It was evident from the change in Jag’s tone.
“Have you been getting carried away lately? Do you think you can beat me now? Hahaha… Bring it on. I’ve never heard of a Dragon Hunter who protects Dragons. Seigel, you should quit being a Dragon Hunter.”
“What I think and how I act is my own freedom.”
“Okay, I get it. Fine, I understand. You all, don’t interfere. It seems this one needs a little harsh punishment.”
The surrounding Dragon Hunters stepped back from Jag, taking a stance of observation.
“Se-Seigel… I…”
“Are you perhaps feeling reckless because of those wings?”
“If that’s the case, you’re really a foolish one. What have you been seeing in your partner?”
“Eh…?”
“Lua is a good person, right? She’s desperately searching for you even now. No matter if you become a dragon or anything else, you know what hurts her the most, don’t you?”
――――Roel is someone I will absolutely protect.
――――Because we’ll always be together.
“Lua-chan…”
Tears streamed down my dry cheeks once more. My ears burned, and my entire face felt hot as I felt ashamed of myself. What was I so worried about? There’s no way that Lua-chan would abandon me over something like this.
“I want to see you… I want to see you, Lua-chan, soon…”
I wanted her to know everything: that I was a dragon, that I was Kurinka. I wanted her to hear it all. I wanted her to understand that I was here. I wanted to hold her hand again. I wanted to share meals together again. I wanted to sleep beside her again.
“Lua-chan! I’m here!”
I shouted from the depths of my being.