Imperial XI-1

Consider how to defeat the dragon.

As before, we could fight head-on with full force, but the damage would be significant.

And it's uncertain whether we'd emerge victorious.

After all, it's not enough to simply fight.

We need another strategy.

So, I look back at the pattern drawn on another large sheet of paper.

Actively exploit the dragon's nature.

This pattern is drawn with liquid gemstone.

It's fundamentally based on magic perception, allowing the absorption of magic particles within the pattern by channeling magic through it.

The absorption capacity far exceeds that of standard magic perception, specifically developed for this dragon.

Its inspiration comes from a sealed magical beast I saw in Puetji.

Visually, it appears completely like a magic circle.

The main drawback is that scaling it up to dragon size is extremely difficult.

Absorb the magical essence stored within the dragon, aiming to weaken it.

Will this actually be enough to defeat it?

No matter how far we go, anxiety never fades.

Driven by unease, I scour through other documents.

Last time, we managed to repel it, but couldn't finish it off.

My grip tightens on the document in my hand, my strength growing.

Before long, time passes, and we arrive at the empire as planned.

As soon as we disembark at the imperial port, a subordinate who had arrived ahead of us greets us.

"Welcome, Your Satanic Majesty. I apologize for the inconvenience, but we must urgently move you to the imperial palace."

"It's been a while. How are you feeling?... You don't look well at all."

His clothes were visibly dirty, with patches visible in several places. I really should give him proper rest and a proper paycheck...

With a gloomy expression, he boarded the prepared magical quadracycle alongside his subordinate, asking about the current situation.

The magical quadracycle accelerated in rhythm with the engine's vibrations.

"Right now, the Empire is barely maintaining its function as a nation. Much of the land has been burned, buildings destroyed, and people... have died."

"May they rest in peace. What about Empress Veronica?"

"You seem quite worn out, yet you're still actively working hard. Right now, you're putting in great effort to improve land that's proving difficult to heal."

"I see... I wish there was something I could do... or rather, what exactly do you mean by 'the land won't heal'?"

"The flames that arrived refuse to die down, the ground has turned black like scorched earth, and it's crumbling apart."

His words stuck in my mind in a way I couldn't quite explain.

Of course, I understand that things would burn and deteriorate under such extreme heat, their bonds weakening as a result.

But what is this... this intense sense of unease...

That's it—Alasaut.

That town also had areas where the ground had changed. And that town had previously experienced the advance of a dragon.

Is the same thing happening here?

Lost in thought, I entered the imperial territory.

Where once there was a beautiful view, black smoke rises from everywhere, and the air is thick with the stench of burning—unpleasant and oppressive.

Just as I'd heard, recovery had made no progress at all, and everything had turned black.

"Stop."

I halt the magic-powered four-wheeled vehicle and step down.

"Please wait, Dark Lord. The outside is still unstable."

Ignoring my subordinate's warning, I examine the blackened ground.

At first glance, it appears merely burned—but there's more to it than that.

This... there's no magical energy here? I can feel absolutely none.

Recent research has revealed that magical essence also plays a role in binding matter together.

Given that, it's no wonder repairs are so difficult.

"Please return, Dark Lord. The Empress awaits you."

"Ah, I'm coming right now."

Just as I was about to reboard the magic-powered four-wheeled vehicle, a child emerged from beside the rubble.

It was clear, now more than ever, that this disaster had left one child alone.

That's right.

I searched my pocket, looking for that thing. There it was!

I pulled out a candy made in my own country.

As soon as I handed it to the child, they ran off and disappeared somewhere.

"Please, Your Majesty. Half-hearted charity only ends up poisoning."

"I know. But I couldn't possibly turn away a starving child right before my eyes.

Not when I'm still capable of doing something."

Without a word, the two return to the magic four-wheeler.

"This country might be even tighter than we expected."

As soon as they resumed driving, they arrived at the imperial palace.

As soon as they were led into the guest room, they were immediately escorted into the audience chamber.

"Long time no see, Your Majesty Veronica."

"You!"

The Empress, upon seeing me, immediately leapt forward and grabbed me.

Only seconds later, the guard troops arrived in pursuit.

I said nothing, simply letting them do as they pleased.

He felt no threat at all.

"If you had defeated that dragon!"

"..."

From an expression he'd never seen before—furious beyond measure—tears began to well up.

"The people didn't suffer... The people didn't die."

For the first time, or perhaps the first time in a long while, the royal guards saw their master weeping.

Not even when they had seen the dragon... nor when they heard the reports of massive casualties the next day had they ever seen him cry.

The master had wept. He could not hide his astonishment at this fact.

"I did everything I could. The opponent was stronger than expected."

"Then even I... even I could have..."

Veronica, who had been clinging to me, collapsed onto the ground.

"Unconfirmed information, but the dragon is likely made of magical essence itself. Even conventional weapons would have little effect. It's like fighting a mage."

"Could you... someone who's also a mage, defeat the dragon?"

Veronica knows that neither I nor the dragon have yet settled our battle. She must know I can't win alone.

Even so...

"I can defeat it—but not by myself. I'll need the cooperation of many. Now, rise."

It's harsh, but imminent threats won't disappear just because we cry.

Even if I have to crawl on the ground, I must keep moving forward...

Veronica stands up, wiping away her tears.

After a brief pause, she regains her usual expression.

"Even if I cry, nothing will be solved....Still, a girl is crying here. Don't you have any comforting words at all?"

I've learned from my wife that offering unsolicited comfort is just taking on unnecessary work... Besides, I know you're not someone who would genuinely cry over such matters. Please look behind you.

There were many soldiers and staff officers who had made up their minds.

Veronica straightened up as if recalling something.

I apologize for the unsightly sight. Please wait in the reception room. Let us discuss how to defeat the dragon from here onward.

At last, the negotiations to defeat the dragon are beginning.