第８９９堀：竜人の里 (Part1)
Chapter 899: The Village of the Dragonkin
Village of the Dragonkin
Side: Kaya
"Welcome, honored guests. Welcome to the Village of the Dragonkin."
"Welcome, everyone."
The ones turning back to greet us were Gaul, the village chief, and a young boy named Doral. However...
"...It’s smaller than I expected for a village of Dragonkin."
"Whoa!? Kaya, you can't say that!?"
"Yeah, yeah. Even if you think it, you shouldn't say it out loud. I thought the same thing, though."
"Hey!! Riel, you too!! I’m so sorry! These two are just a bit naturally airheaded..."
How rude. Unlike Riel, I am not an airhead.
Besides, if they get angry over something this trivial, then that’s all they’re worth. They wouldn't be worth recruiting as Yuki’s allies. It would actually be better for us if they were wiped out right here. Plus, with intercontinental exchange just around the corner, it would be better to erase them to avoid any future trouble.
"Haha, what honest individuals you are. Lady Kaya, Lady Riel. Come now, Doral. Do not take offense at every little word."
"But, Chief! They insulted our village!!"
"You can see they meant no harm, can you not? Calm yourself. They are likely just surprised to see those of us with the giant frames of dragons living in such a modest village—or rather, a hamlet. Am I wrong?"
"Ah, yes. Exactly. Since it’s a place where dragons live, I thought there might be hidden castles or something. I’m sorry, Doral. I didn’t mean to insult you."
"...I see. I didn't intend to be insulting. I apologize."
Still, it’s a fact that I caused a misunderstanding, so I apologize properly.
"See? Doral, you must correct that short temper of yours. We are not dragons who desire to satisfy our own greed. Now, apologize to everyone."
"Y-yes! My apologies to you all."
"Well, you are a newcomer to guard duty, so this is your first time dealing with guests. Be more careful in the future."
"Understood."
Ah, I see. Doral is just a rookie who just started his job.
Seeing him flustered, he’s clearly a newcomer eager to handle things on his own. And right now, he’s being taught the ropes by his superior. That’s why there was absolutely no sense of intimidation from him.
Well, that’s neither here nor there. Right now, the focus is on the Village of the Dragonkin.
"However, Gaul-san. Is this truly the Village of the Dragonkin?"
"Yes, that is correct, Master Mauve."
"Forgive me for repeating myself, but you truly do live quite modestly."
"Haha, it seems it was quite a surprise. I suppose the image of the dragons rampaging outside is what leads to that impression."
"...Dragons rampaging outside? What do you mean by that?"
I feel a prick of suspicion at Gaul’s words and ask, but...
"I shall explain all of that in due time once we reach my home. Please, follow me. Doral, go finish your shift change. You won't be able to patrol with those wings, will you?"
"Understood. I’ll go switch out."
Doral replies and immediately runs off.
Yeah, he’s a young man full of enthusiasm. Good luck, kid. That’s how you accumulate failures and grow into an adult.
"My apologies. I have no room to lecture the youth myself, but it is the burden of my position to say such things."
"Indeed. Those in positions of leadership are always like that. And we always find ourselves comparing our own selves to the greatness of our predecessors and ancestors."
"Ho. Lady Lowel, have you had such experiences?"
"Yes. I have a great father and an excellent younger sister, and I always feel apologetic. And I rely on them as well."
"A fine answer. There is no need to do everything by yourself, after all. Relying on those around you is never a bad thing. Now, as I said, let us head to my home. This way, please."
While the conversation drifted here and there, we walked toward Gaul’s house, carefully observing the village. It really was no more than a small-scale hamlet. It was a settlement living in true, quiet modesty.
Their main industry is agriculture. It seems they till the fields to obtain food. Thinking about how the people working in those fields are all Dragonkin is, in a way, quite surreal.
While I was thinking such silly things, we arrived in front of a house.
"This is my home. It is a humble place, but please, come inside."
The interior of the house was just as modest as the thatched-roof exterior suggested. It was a gentle, calming sort of home.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable by the hearth there. You might not know what a *zabuton* (cushion) is, but these..."
"No, we know. We sit on these, right?"
"Ho. You are aware? It seems the culture of the Hero’s homeland has truly taken root here."
Gaul smiles very happily at Riel’s words. But the truth is different.
"Hey, Kaya. Isn't the misunderstanding about us being descendants of the Hero and the culture of his homeland taking root just accelerating?"
"...It is. I feel like if we don't correct this misunderstanding soon, it’s going to be a problem."
Well, it’s a minor misunderstanding, but if it keeps piling up, it could head in a strange direction. We are acquaintances of Queen Miyabi, but we are not her descendants, nor did we inherit the Hero’s culture. We are Yuki’s wives, and our culture is just what we learned from Yuki. I have to tell him that we are different from the Hero he knows.
I open my mouth to correct the misunderstanding.
"...Gaul-dono. It’s a trivial misunderstanding, but there is something I must correct."
"Yes? What might that be?"
"First, while we possess this jewel, we are not descendants of the Hero. This jewel was entrusted to us by Queen Miyabi of the High Elves."
"Ho! So that Elf is still alive! She is long-lived indeed. Far longer-lived than I. My, that is good news."
"..."
*Ehh...* Just how old is Queen Miyabi? To be longer-lived than Gaul...
If she’s been around since before the founding of the Ritea Holy Kingdom, that makes her at least 500 years old, and the High Elf kingdom already existed back then.
Wait, I shouldn't be focusing on Queen Miyabi’s age right now. I pull my drifting thoughts back and speak.
"I understand that you are acquaintances. So, can I assume the misunderstanding about us is cleared up? Queen Miyabi just told us to bring this jewel if we were going to visit this village. We are not the Hero’s descendants."
"I see. It seems I was indeed mistaken. I understand you had business with me, but why would Lady Miyabi entrust the jewel to you? She is not the type to hand such things over to others so easily, is she?"
"That is... there is a rather complicated explanation and a simple one. Which would you prefer?"
Explaining it properly would take a very long time. But I can also state it concisely.
"Hmm. I would like to hear the concise version first. Then, I shall ask about anything I do not understand."