第８９７堀：山頂にあるもの (Part2)
"Sigh, I suppose I should teach that cat-girl over there the reality of the situation. Even if she were that man, there's no way someone like her could defeat a dragon like me."
And so, the match between me and Dragon-kun began...
"My name is Riel. Nice to meet you."
"Yes, a pleasure to meet you as well. My name is Doral. You may touch my horns as much as you like. Ah, but please, do be careful not to snap them off."
"I wouldn't do something like that."
The "discipline" session lasted about five minutes, and I successfully managed to touch his horns. It was the result of my proper guidance. You see this kind of thing often with police officers, too—people who mistake their position of maintaining public order for being someone "great." When you give those types a good, firm reality check, they usually start listening quite obediently.
Thinking this, I gently stroked his horns.
"Hmm. These are some impressive horns."
They truly were magnificent, and the texture felt like stone polished to a mirror finish, much like marble.
"Indeed. They are the symbol of the Dragonfolk. The thicker and larger these horns are, the greater the proof of one's magical power."
"Oh, so that's what they mean. By the way, that match with Riel looked like fun. Won't you spar with me too, Doral?"
"No, thank you. Please, I beg you, do not bully me."
Doral rejected Lowell's proposal instantly. That’s right—don't go picking fights with just anyone. And even if a fight is picked with you, don't take the bait. What’s important is dialogue. This is the first and most crucial step toward a peaceful resolution.
"Sister, you're scaring him. Please stop. We can't make any progress this way. Now, was it Doral-san? Is it correct to assume you came from the Dragonfolk village?"
"Yes, that is correct. I was patrolling this area today as part of the Dragon Mountain security detail."
"Security? Does that mean there’s some kind of threat?"
"Yes. There are many powerful monsters on the slopes of Dragon Mountain, and sometimes they reach the summit. My role as a guard is to protect the children who do not yet have the strength to fight."
I see. So Doral and the others were guarding the village from monsters.
"However, why do the monsters come all the way to the summit? It seems like it would be better for them to go to the forest spreading out at the foot of the mountain."
That’s true. It really is strange. As Zargis said, it would be more peaceful for them to live in the forest at the base. Just as I was thinking that, Doral spoke up...
"It is better to see it than for me to explain. Please, come this way."
He led us toward the summit, and we followed. As the crater came into view...
Wait? Is the greenery getting even denser?
"Is this... a meadow?"
Upon arriving at the summit, the first thing that caught my eye was a lush, green meadow.
"Yeah... it's a meadow."
"...And there's a forest beyond the meadow, and a river, too..."
It was true. A world of green spread out before us, with a forest and a river further in the distance. Wait, didn't we just pass through a jagged, barren rock mountain to get here? Why is there a meadow in a place like this? I thought plants didn't grow well at high altitudes? Or was it just that they were harder to grow?
While I was confused by the unexpected sight, Doral stepped into the meadow without hesitation, turned around to face us, and...
"Welcome, guests. This is the Dragonfolk village. The land known as the Last Paradise."
He puffed out his chest as he introduced it.
"Guests, huh? So that’s how you see us."
"...You allowed me to live, after all. I can tell you have no hostility. Besides, the Elder asked me to guide anyone who could defeat me to this place. I never imagined people like you would actually appear, though."
"Oh, how honest of you. Now, lead the way."
"...I understand Riel-dono's strength, but that level of strength won't work on the Elders. Please, do mind your manners."
"That’s rich coming from the guy who attacked us the moment we arrived, isn't it?"
"Ugh. This way, please follow me."
Doral-kun began to lead the way, looking frustrated at my retort.
"That's what Yuki-san and Taiki-san talk about, right? That 'Kut-koro' thing?"
"““No, that's not it!””"
For some reason, everyone retorted in unison.
Eh? It's not?
After a life-or-death struggle with a dragon, we arrived at a reconciliation through dialogue. Yes, words are truly important. It’s that thing called "OHANASHI" that magical girls use. It’s essential for love, courage, and friendship! And for "Kut-koro," too!!
Oh, and tomorrow is the 15th, so the cover for Volume 12 will be revealed!
There will also be a new announcement!
Look forward to it!!