第１１０５堀：竜騎士の仕事 (Part1)
**Chapter 1105: The Dragon Knight’s Duty**
**Side: Yuki**
Since Wafy had immediately plunged into research mode, I left the rest to Comet and Agil and stepped out of the room.
I wish I could say this meant I could take a leisurely nap, but that wasn’t in the cards. Once the preliminary information gathering was finished, the next step would be to head out to the field.
As for the personnel needed for that…
*Flap, flap.*
Right on cue, that sound reached me from above. I looked up to see a wyvern just about to land at the academy, with two figures perched on its back.
Alright, might as well call out to them.
"Oh, if it isn't the legendary Dragon Knight and her lover, the talk of the town!"
"Hey!? Stop calling us that!"
"Whoa!? Don't just change direction like that, Amanda!?"
"Wait, where are you touching!? I'm working right now!"
"No, no, that's because you banked so suddenly! Whoa!?"
"Nngh! Eoid!!"
*Thud!*
They went flying off into the air again today, quite spectacularly.
Amazing. Even after becoming a married couple, they still manage to trigger "lucky lecherous" moments.
Though, when they went to the Hayden Magic Academy, they weren't exactly... calm, either. Come to think of it, they’d occasionally veer off toward Kagura’s place during training.
As I was reminiscing about that, a voice came from beside me.
"Master. It is heartening to see that the two of them haven't changed, but at this rate, Eoid-sama will..."
"I know, Kirue. It’d be a problem for us if he ended up incapacitated. Besides, it’s rare to see you out here on guard duty."
"The wives are all extremely busy, after all."
It’s a bit late to mention it, but regarding my security here at the Lancer Magic Academy, Kagura and the others were already occupied with other tasks, leaving everyone stretched thin. I’d actually been hoping to enjoy a bit of "lonely time" for once, but I wasn't granted that luxury, and Kirue ended up coming along as my aide.
Well, she wasn't just here to guard me, of course.
"How is the improved magic-leakage prevention tool holding up?"
"As of now, I feel no particular difference from the previous version. Since the duration has been extended, we must simply observe the progress."
"I see. Well, this If Continent is unique. While undead like you, Kirue, are fine around the Great Forest, we still don't fully understand where magic is absent, so please stay cautious."
"Understood. I will remain vigilant."
"Good. Now, let’s go save Eoid."
With that, I began walking toward Eoid, who was—for some reason—back in the air.
Honestly, that guy is incredibly durable. Or is he just dexterous? Or is Amanda’s restraint so precise that she can send a human body flying through the air so spectacularly without actually causing any injury?
"Honestly! You shouldn't be touching a woman's chest just because of a little turbulence!"
"That was an involuntary reflex! And besides, that was your fault for spinning Wai-chan around just to tease me!"
"What was that! Are you saying my steering is bad!?"
"The Principal tells you that all the time, doesn't she? Oh, or should I contact Aslin-chan and Steve?"
"I'm sorry. Please, anything but that."
"Gyaoo."
Oh, rare. Eoid actually won an argument against Amanda.
Though, that was clearly Amanda’s fault for mishandling Wai-chan. It’s unheard of for a rider to lose their composure and botch their steering just because of a little banter. Then again, they aren't exactly career soldiers, so I suppose it’s within the margin of error.
More importantly, she is the only wyvern rider on the If Continent—the Dragon Knight. It’s quite a sight to see the mount, Wai-chan, bowing its head in apology right along with her.
"It seems Aslin and Steve are quite feared, though."
"Indeed. There is no room for coddling during training. Especially since Aslin-sama is entrusting you with the 'life' of a monster. In that regard, she never permits anything half-hearted."
"...Well, I’ve heard as much. I can believe it of Steve, but that Aslin..."
I just can't picture that girl being strict with others. She’s always smiling and stays in her "little girl" form. Well, she does revert to her original teenage form occasionally, but she usually stays in the smaller one to match Labyris and Firia.
"That is how it is. Women are full of surprises."
"Yeah, I suppose so... Anyway, let’s get them to notice us. Hey! You two!"
Since work couldn't start until they noticed us, I called out again.
"Who's there—oh! Yuki-san!"
"It’s been a while, Yuki-san."
"Gau."
They finally noticed me, and the two of them—plus one—came running over.
"Hey, long time no see. So you’re stationed here now? I thought you were doing diplomatic work over in Weed."
"Ahaha, thanks to the Gates, travel has become so frequent that the paperwork is a breeze. So, we’re basically stationed back here now, handling patrols for the Great Forest and acting as liaisons for the various nations."
"Liaisons? We have the Gates, and I gave everyone communication devices, so is there really a need for Wai-chan to be flying around?"
"Ah, the 'liaison' part is true, but in reality, we’re often requested to perform reconnaissance for the different countries."
"Ah, I see. You can fly, so it makes sense to use that mobility."
"Yes. Even though things have become so peaceful, it seems there are still bandits and thieves about. Plus, there have been reports of monster herds in various regions, so we’ve been scouting those out."
"Wait a minute. Bandits I get, but monster herds?"
On the If Continent, where magic is depleted, monster herds outside the Great Forest? Is that even possible?
"Have you actually confirmed these herds yourself?"
"Ah, um, well, that’s... regarding the various nations..."
When I pressed for details, Amanda grew uncomfortable and faltered.
"Ah, my apologies. I should have asked for permission before inquiring about that."
"I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize. That was my lack of consideration."
Using the mobility of the Dragon Knight to investigate the state of a nation’s territory is, in itself, a matter of state secrecy. Asking her to divulge that without authorization was out of line. I’d only been able to discuss such things before because I was speaking directly with leaders like Popuri. Amanda, working as a dispatched agent from the Lancer Magic Academy, couldn't just reveal that on her own.
"It’s good to hear you’re handling your duties well. Oh, and Kirue is here too."
To move past the awkwardness of her being unable to answer, I shifted the focus to Kirue, who was standing by as my guard. Amanda and Eoid were acquainted with her, after all.
"Kirue-san, you’re here as well."
"It has been a long time."
"Yes, it has been a while for both of you. You look well. And Wai-chan, what was that banking maneuver earlier?"
"..."
Ah, it seems Kirue chose Wai-chan as the scapegoat to help Amanda save face. Well, a mount shouldn't be banking sharply just because its master is being an idiot; it really should be making its own decisions. But I suppose that’s just how they are.