''Now the holy sword has finally settled down ......?

　The next day at dawn.

I was checking out the "Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner" at the entrance to the "Saint Delilah Labyrinth".

　The dragon sgoiner ...... for short, the "Holy Sword Drasgo" has a snarled sheath attached to it.

　The scabbard for the magic sword, which was in the saint's storeroom, has a magic sealant protection charm embedded in it. I'm going to process it a little more discreetly and then put it away in a bag.

　Until I put the scabbard on, Iris and Shiro (Ritogon) had a rough time with it.

　Their bodies seemed to be feeling firmer, so they both jumped in the pool and swam around with Sonia the mermaid. It was like after drinking a caffeine pill. After sheathing the holy sword, both of them threw up their arms and legs and went to sleep.

　But ...... this Holy Sword Drasgow isn't quite finished! There are still some final touches to be made.

　I'm a little confused about whether I should ...... do that or not.

　This holy sword was originally intended to kill dragons.

　Now it was meant to be used to kill dragons. This holy sword has become a very important key item.

　Originally it was a dragon slayer's holy sword, now it is a holy sword that can be used to harness the power of the dragon. It's a complex and powerful weapon.

Maybe I should have it after all: ......

　You can't give this to someone else, can you?

It's also the holy sword that has been tormenting the Earth Dragon Earthgalls. This is .......

　I was sitting at the entrance to the labyrinth, thinking about that.

'Arujido?'

　Suddenly, I heard a voice.

　I turned around to see Cutlass in his pajamas and Fynn.

'Good morning. You're up early. Cutlass, Fynn.

Good morning to you!

Aren't you the one who's up early?

...... I've got a few things to think about.

　I said.

　Then Cutlass and Fynn looked down.

...... I couldn't sleep either.

　I mumbled something like that to myself.

'What's up with you two?'

　You look kind of down.

　Cutlass has dark circles under his eyes, and Fynn's hair is a shaggy mess.

Could it be the effect of ......'s 'curse' on 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls'?

That's okay, sir, since we were out of bounds.

　They both shook their heads together.

　And then - as if a bit thoughtful, slumped over, and

I would like to ask a favor from you, sir.

　Cutlass and Fynn looked up and looked straight at me.

''Will you make me,'' they said, ''not only an 'Arujidon,'' but also your slaves - and in a more subordinate position - ''a slave of a slave''!

...... Yes?

　Oh, my God.

　You're not kidding, right? Cutlass and Fynn both have serious expressions on their faces.

　They're clutching their chests, their fists are clenched, and they're staring right at me. I'm serious. Both of them.

"Not only am I your slave, but I'm also everyone's slave. ...... Why would you do that?

...... I have royal blood in my veins.

...... That royal family has been doing terrible things to Lord Earth Dragon and has been tormenting him for a long time. We who are the descendants of such a thing can't be on equal footing with all the other slaves.

"I'm of royal blood, and I think I should pick up the pieces.

　Both Cutlass and Fynn look like they're about to cry.

'...... Were you thinking about that?'

　They nodded in response to my question.

　Cutlass bit his lip and Fynn clutched at the hem of his nightgown, shivering.

It's not your fault," he said. It's not. It's never.

　I reached out and patted their heads.

''The spirit of the 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' was truly kind. I don't hold a grudge against Cutlass and Fynn.

　...... I'm not quite a master yet. I didn't think the two of you would be so distressed.

　As soon as I got back from the "Earth Dragon Dungeon" that wasn't the "Devil Dragon's..." yesterday, I gave everyone the detailed information. I'll be able to tell you everything that the Earth Dragon Earth Gulls taught me.

　That there was an ancient dragon bone in the innermost part of the mermaid's dwelling place.

　Together with the bones, the soul of the Earth Dragon Earthgalls was found.

　What had happened to the Earth Dragon? What kind of holy sword I received, everything.

The person who killed the Earth Dragon Earthgalls was a hero in the past, and it was the king of that time who called him out.

　The king summoned a brave man who sought out the holy sword to utilize his skills and carried out the dragon slaying.

　Cutlass is a descendant of that king - or more accurately, he's a descendant of that royal family. And he's very serious.

　...... It's not surprising that he feels responsible.

"I am not the kind of person who can be ...... on an equal footing with you all, sir.

'As a member of the royal family, I have a sin to bear. I should be standing before you.

So you want to be under the thumb of everyone else - the slaves of the slaves?

　I said, and Cutlass and Fynn nodded.

　I know what you're thinking, but...

Rejected.

Arujidon: ...... "Well, that's not good enough for us!

Cutlass and Fynn, listen carefully.

　I take their hands in mine and say, "If you two were to become 'slaves' as you wish, do you think you would be able to live in peace?

If you two were to become 'slaves of the slaves' as you wish, do you think that would help everyone to live in peace?

"'...... Ah,'

"No one in my party says, 'You're slaves of slaves! Listen to me!

"So, but ......, we're responsible for ......

　Cutlass and Fynn shook their heads.

　...... Can't we just use words? I wish I had something that could convince the two of you .......

　-Okay.

Okay. Then take this.

　I handed the 'Holy Sword Dragon Goiter' to Cutlass.

''...... Eh. Huh?　What ────?!

　Cutlass took it and his eyes widened as if he was surprised.

''If you really want to take responsibility, I'll have Cutlass be the owner of the 'Sacred Sword to Utilize the Dragon'.

　I don't think it's too much to ask. Let's start over.

　I received the Holy Sword Drasgow from Cutlass and placed its sheath against her shoulder.

　Naturally, Cutlass naturally kneels down in front of me. She's a former Knight Candidate. It's like my body reflexively moved.

''This Holy Sword Drasgo is a sword that 'increases the life activity of the dragon'. Using it, you can make the dragon healthy. It's also connected to protecting the dragon, right?

Yes, Mr....

I want you to know that Cutlass is not responsible for the royal family's affairs in any way. But I respect Cutlass's feelings.

　I'll tell them as master here.

　Cutlass and Fynn are worried about it, so we're serious about it too.

'Cutlass-Mutran. And I have the same soul as her, Feen.

Yes! "Yes!　Arujidor!

I want Cutlass to take this sword and become the Guardian of Dragons. I want you to use this sword to protect Iris, Shiro and Kerkator, the sea dragon, when they are in trouble. Fynn needs to support Cutlass. It's too strong a holy sword for one person to carry alone.

　I said.

　Cutlass and Fynn nodded.

'Cutlass wants you to use this sword when the dragon needs it. Fynn needs to figure out when to do it and how to use it properly. Not for the sake of the past, but for the sake of the future.

'Yes, sir!　A certain someone! "Thank you, ...... Arujido

　Cutlass puts his hands on his chest and bows his head deeply, deeply.

　Fynn sits down on the ground and bows too.

'This Cutlass-Mutran. I will obey Arujidono's orders, even if it costs me my life!

Don't kill him. If anything happens to Cutlass, there won't be no more Guardians of the Dragon, will there?

Yes. Then, then, I will complete my mission as long as I live!

Please. Cutlass.

Yes!

　Saying that, Cutlass gave a big smile.

　When we leave here, let's transfer to the port city of Irgapha once and go to report to 'Kerkator', the 'Sea Dragon Kerkator'. The information from 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls' should be useful to 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' as well. I'll be able to tell him about the Holy Sword Drasgow then.

　And for that...

So, Cutlass, I'm sorry to be the one to keep you company.

I've been expecting you, sir. Please do so, Cutlass.

What?

　Oh, I'm turning red.

　But it can't be helped, right? I've 'rebuilt' the 'Seiken Dragon Goiter' in a big hurry, so I have to stabilize it with personalization.

I know it's a burden on Cutlass, but I'm going to be in charge of the 'Dragon Guardian', you know?

No, sir, that's not what I'm saying.

　Cutlass shyly laced the fingers of his hands together, pinching them together.

'I've just been ......ing you,'

　...... Is it the time of the telescoping spear (Shinshuku-so)?

　I didn't have time for that one, so I quickly 'readjusted' it before I went to Dolgor-san's place.

The 'Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner' is much more powerful than that one.

　It's better to take your time and readjust it. So I thought it would be a burden on Cutlass.

...... Nevertheless, I've decided to become a 'Dragon Guardian' because ...... I've decided to become a 'Dragon Guardian'.

　Cutlass looked at me with a buzz.

'I beg you, sir. 'Arujidono!　Please adjust "Seiken Dragon's Goiner" with me!　Let me use my body and my magic to protect you dragons!

'...... You're getting fine. Cutlass.

　Fynn, I'm in tears. No, I'm pretty sure you're the same person.

　I looked into the maze. Everyone else has not woken up yet.

　The sun has not yet risen outside.

　The only strong demon that was originally around here was Hydra. It was Cecil who had killed it before, with a whimper. The area around the labyrinth is patrolled by holy women's golems so that they can see when visitors are coming. So, we're safe for now.

　We might as well 'recalibrate' outside so we don't wake everyone up.

'Well, let's get out of here. Cutlass, Fynn.

Yes! I'll go with you. "Arujido.

　And so, me, Cutlass, and Fynn held hands and headed to a place to 'recondition'.





'...... here would be good.'

　We had come to a hollowed out area in the middle of a rocky mountainside.

　Here, we couldn't see our surroundings. Water gushed out of a nearby rocky outcrop and flowed slowly down the rock face. It was probably from the same source as the pools in Her Ladyship's labyrinth.

　From this side of the water, no one around me could hear me, even if I shouted a little. Just as long as we don't wake up the others.

Okay, Cutlass. Come here.

　I sat cross-legged on the ground.

'Excuse me, sir. ......

　On it, Cutlass sat down. Then, he held the 'Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner' in his hands.

　You are now ready to go.

I'll be watching your surroundings for your safety.

　With that, Fynn kicked the ground.

　He's holding his translucent body in the air, looking back and forth, back and forth, left and right. But you're firmly looking at us, too.

''Displaying the concept of the 'Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner'.



"Seiken Dragon Sgoiner.





"Dragon Activation Lv 1.



A sword that increases the life force of a dragon.







Powerful Singing Lv 1



The power of the attack with a sword that sings with joy and freedom.





...... Yeah. That's not so destabilizing.

Magic items that are 'fast rebuilt' destabilize, but the 'concept' doesn't shift so much. They are more stable than skills.

　I can see why: ...... somewhat.

　All skill crystals are the same shape. The only thing that represents that ability is the "concept".

　But each magic item has a different shape. Whether it is a sword or a spear, the shape of the item has a meaning and is related to the ability. The shape of the item itself may stabilize the "concept" or ability to some extent.

　...... It seems to me that if you make good use of that, you could make an original magic item .......

　No, that's indeed too high a hurdle.

...... Arujido?

'Sorry. Then I'll 'recalibrate' the holy sword.

Yes, sir. ............

　When I touched the holy sword, Cutlass's body trembled with a twitch.

　I'm now connecting Cutlass and the "Holy Sword Dragon Goiner" with a thread of magical power.

　It's the same as when I used Cecil's True Sacred Staff Noel Root. It's a legendary-grade item, so let's go with caution.

''Cutlass, what's the status?''

I feel like I'm being touched directly by ............

　'Huh,' said Cutlass, exhaling.

'There is ...... in ............ fushigiously. It's a sword that Arujidono is ...... touching, and yet it's ...... directly ...... touching me. Like. More than at the time of the spear, to ...... the uncanny place ......

How much does the sword weigh?

There's ...... don't feel like it. It's really ...... a part of me. ...... haha

　Cutlass warped his white throat.

　When I touch the item while it's being 'readjusted', Cutlass recognizes it as a part of her.

　After that, the item feels like it's part of her, and it barely feels heavy.

　It's the same as it was with Cecil. I wonder if this will work.

'............ Arujidodu.'

"Come on, Cutlass.

............ This 'Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner' is a pretty big sword, isn't it?

Yeah. Yeah.

............ It's surprisingly heavy for a normal person to hold it.

Yeah. I worked very hard to bring it back from the 'Earth Dragon Dungeon'.

............ What happens when you swing that sword around in such a way that it 'barely feels the weight' ......?

　That's probably because the ...... sword becomes part of the cutlass and it just doesn't feel heavy, so it's no different than a normal big sword to the enemy.

　............ Cutlass is going to be a monstrous knight-girl, wielding a two-handed sword with one hand, .......

''Yay, Cutlass, you're the strongest.''

............ It's starting to freak me out.

　Cutlass also has a cheat skill, 'Kakusei Randa'.

　The knight girl who swings her two-handed sword at high speed to accurately strike a vital point is ...... yeah, she's strong.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it.

...... It's like a ceremonial sword, isn't it? You only use it when you really need it.

　Me and Cutlass nodded.

　As we talked, I continued to stabilize the concept of 'Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner'.

　With my fingertips, I press the 'Increase' button of 'Dragon Activation LV1'...

............

　I'm going to have to tap them lightly to get them back in place.

"............ huh, uh, ...... hmm.

'Holy Sword Dragon Goiter' is beginning to accept Cutlass' magic. The sword is trembling as well as Cutlass's body is trembling as if it were beating. The "Concept" is also slowly but steadily becoming stable. Pushing... and shifting. And then push again... and then shift again, but the range of shifts is getting smaller. I just need to send the magic to it a few more times, and it will be fine.

...... and, after all, Arujidono's magic power is ...... amazing.

The magical capacity itself isn't all that great, though.

............ No, no. It's not, it's .......

　Cutlass chewed on the tip of his little finger.

　It's a good idea to reach out and stroke your belly.

Every time I get the magic of ............ my ...... 'baby boy' The person who was ...... gradually disappeared and it seems to me that ...... I am properly a "woman's girl" and it becomes clearer and clearer to me... ...there is.

...... the cutlass that was 'The Little Boy'?

　When I asked, Cutlass nodded his head.

............ I've always thought of myself as a "male child" ...... ...Even after finding out my gender, I still have a little bit of a feeling ...... that I'm the same gender as ...... It's a very good idea. But when you are under the spell of ...... one's own magic, ...... it seems to be chipping away at itself gradually.

...... Is that okay?

It's a good thing, sir.

　Cutlass then smiled shyly.

"............ Now I want to be ...... a proper 'woman's girl', so... ...Huh.

　Cutlass's fingers latched onto my hand.

...... I want you to use your magic to attack the ...... 'baby boy' inside me. Then I'll ...... be able to ...... be a real girl like you.

Cutlass: ...... Yeah, okay.

　I put my magic power into my finger that I placed on the Holy Sword Drasgo.

''As ...... master, I'll try to grant Cutlass's wish.

I'm so happy to see ...... I'm glad to see that ...... is a magical place where you can eliminate me from your life.





"Ruru.



　What?

Did "Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner" start singing ......?





"I'm glad to see you and I are going to be part of this union...





Oh, Arujidono. This is it!

It's the 'Holy Sword Dragon Goiner' 'Power Singing Lv 1'.





This is the magic that penetrates deep into the depths of my mind.... To my inner boyfriend, the girl inside me, who has been damaged 100 times over 100 by this magic... it awakens the girl inside me.

Wah, wah, wah, wah, wah!



　Cutlass turned bright red and held his face.



'Nope, no. I can't sing that ...... song, but I ...... know how I feel about it. ...... It is an embarrassment ugh!

...... Why is 'power singing'?

　Oh, I see.

　That's because Cutlass called my magic power 'something that attacks a male child'.

''Power Singing'' measures the power of the target's attack and tells me with a song.

　The Holy Sword Drasgo is already filled with Cutlass' magic power, so it's responding to her feelings.

　But that said...





Powerful Singing Lv 1

The sword that 'sings' the 'power' of 'attack' in 'freedom and fun'





　The 'concept' over here is already completely stable.

　So I auto-activated it. But this is .......





"...──ah ...... also ...... of someplace... Marijuana... ......

"──Critical to the 'male child' inside the Cutlass-Mutran. No damage to the "girl" inside Cutlass. Rather, the sweet magical power of the cutlass has made me numb.

"..... I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't... ......



　No, this holy sword needs to be 'recalibrated' quickly.



............



　Cutlass looked at me with glazed eyes.



I can't wait to ...... 'recalibrate' my ...... 'recalibrate' ...... I'm so tired of it.

No, you're not damaged. No.... Cutlass is not damaged. You know what I wish you would do?

"Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa!



　Cutlass grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

　Yeah. I knew that Cutlass' spirit - or rather, his sense of shame - is at its limit.



　The other ability, "Dragon Activation Lv 1" is also stabilized.

　Let's end this.



Execute!　''Re-tuning'' and ''Magic Tool Optimization (Personalization)''!

──── Ahhhhhh!



　Cutlass's body bounced.

　I hug my arms and clasp my hands desperately.



'──── There's no damage - rather - Cutlass - more...'

Seiken-san, it's time to stop!



"──── (pita)

............ is phew.

　Cutlass exhaled heavily in my arms.

The words of "Holy Sword Dragon Sgoiner" stopped, too. Because it was personalized. I guess that means I recognized Cutlass as my master.

'............'

　Cutlass looked over his shoulder at me.

'............ uh, Arujido,'

............ uh-huh.

.................. This holy sword is a very difficult thing to master, after all!

　Cutlass exclaimed.

　He closed his eyes, sweat pouring down his forehead.

I think it's best to use this sword only for the sake of Iris, Shiro and Kerkator!　I don't know how to use it completely yet!　It's dangerous!　It's very, very dangerous!

...... That's right.

I don't think the same thing will happen now that the 're-alignment' is over.

　But ............ I wonder what would happen if I had the holy sword the next time I 'rebuilt' Cutlass with his 'abilities'.



''It's totally sloppy, isn't it? Cutlass, you know.''



　Fluffy.

　Fynn, who was on guard in the air, comes down in front of us.

'Is that why the "dragon protector" works?　Totally'

It's all right, sir!　But I'll do my best!

　Cutlass hugged the 'Holy Sword Dragon Goiter' to his chest.

''And it shouldn't be anything like this time. The Holy Sword reacted to ...... its ...... magic power to erase my 'Otoko' and tricked me in ...... many ways... ...Ho, it's really an exception to the rule!

No, sir. I'm talking about the future.

"The future?

　Me and Cutlass' voices hummed.

　As we did so, Fynn held up his index finger and shook it, as if to remind Cutlass that

''Therefore, I'm talking about the future 'dragon protector' The Holy Sword has been "recalibrated" with the magic of Cutlass and - Arujido, right?

Yes.

Yes, sir.

　Me and Cutlass nodded.

''We can't make the Holy Sword unusable in Cutlass' place, right? We also have to think about the one who will inherit the Holy Sword. If it's being 'readjusted' with Cutlass's magic, then the next generation's wielder must also have magic similar to Cutlass, right?'

...... I wonder if that will happen.

...... means .......

　In order to pass the Holy Sword on to the next generation, it must be given to me or someone who has the same magical power as Cutlass.

　In that case, the most adaptable one would be...

'Yes, that's right. The children of Arujidoro and Cutlass are the most suitable for the next generation of Dragon Protectors!

......

　Blurting out, Cutlass' face turned bright red.

'What?　Huh?　Huh?　Hmm ────?

　Potato.

　Cutlass, which turned bright red, fainted as it was.

　I rush to catch him as he almost falls to the side.

"Oh my God, Cutlass!

　In the air, Fynn shrugs.

'Is this how a 'dragon guardian' can serve?　The next guardian has to work hard to make it too: ......'

You know what, Fihn?

'Can I help you?　The "Ahead

Too soon?

Do you think so?

'I've only personalized the holy sword, you know.

'Indeed, ...... might be.'

　Fynn looked unhappy, but he puffed out his cheeks and nodded.

'I guess it's too early for ...... Cutlass. Psychologically. Besides, ...... everyone's permission is also ......'

　...... I'm cross-legged in the air, cheekbones in hand, and mumbling something.

　Cutlass is asleep in my arms.

　He said yesterday that he didn't sleep much because he was overthinking things. I'd like to be a slave of a slave," he said. You're too serious. You're too serious, Cutlass.

You don't have to do it.

　That's the motto of our party.

　The holy sword can be finished in our generation. When the next bearer is ready to take on ...... well, you'll have to take it as it comes. I'm sure you'll be able to find it.

"Is everyone awake by now? Let's get back to it. Feen.

'...... That's right. After all, this kind of thing should be discussed with your sister ...... .......

...... fynn?

'Yes, sir. I'm sorry.

　Fynn looked up, haha, and bowed to me.

　I ducked Cutlass and Fynn floated back into the saint's labyrinth, floating in the air.







　Then we ate our meals and talked to the saint.

　In the end, we decided to split the party into two groups.

　Me and Rita, Aine and Iris (and the golem with the saintly woman) went to the 'Mermaid's Dwelling Place' to return Sonia to the sea.

　Cecil, Leticia, Raphilia and Cutlass went to the villa at the retreat. They're supposed to cook a meal and boil a bath together and wait for us to return.

　Oh yeah, did I mention that there are also preparations for the trip? Aine is going to be in charge of that part of the trip, and I've been getting detailed opinions from everyone. After the report about personalizing the holy sword for Cutlass, it looks like Fynn was also having a meeting with Aine. Everyone's looking forward to it.



　And after the meeting, we took a break...

　I took the mermaid, Sonia, and headed out to sea.



　The current in the emergency underground water system was too fast for Sonia to go up.

　So Rita and I took it in turns to carry her in our hand-made "Golem" and sometimes let her into the current of the river, then we headed slowly and leisurely to the sea.

　The mermaid, Sonia, was tiny, so it wasn't too much trouble.

　Sonia seemed to get along well with Iris, and she was full of energy and conversation. Sometimes she would spontaneously break out into song and sing a chorus with Rita, and we continued our fun excursions like that...



He's back!

Welcome home. Sonia, I'm home!

It's lumia. ────

In "The Mermaid's Dwelling", Lumia the mermaid was waiting for me.

　There are other adult and child mermaids returning as well. I think everyone is relieved that the 'Newbie Training' people are gone.

"These people saved us!

You also looked into the source of the curse that Sonia and her friends have been purifying all along.

You are the ones who have been approved by the Heavenly Dragons, Sea Dragons and Earth Dragons...!



「「「「 rah-rah 」」」」



　He started singing out of nowhere!

　The mermaids are poking their tops out of the water and the adults and children are singing along.

　I told Sonia about the earth dragon, Earthgalls, and how she was a gentle dragon. That her anger and sadness are gone and she is now resting in peace. She's making a clean and gentle harmony with no personal information properly.

''──So now be at peace. No one has cursed the world...

　The next thing I knew, Rita was holding her chest and meeting the mermaid and her singing voice.

"──A gentle song. Yeah. I love this kind of song.

Do you like it?

Yeah. It's a real singer and dancer. I didn't know they could improvise like this.

'I can run it to the Bard's Guild later. If the mermaids give me permission, that is.

That's true. It's a pity that your earth dragon has to deal with demonic dragons all the time.

　Me and Rita looked at each other and laughed.

　Iris is next to me, swaying her shoulders in time with the song. Aine also closed her eyes and listened to the song. "When I can't sleep...this could be a lullaby for me.

"The lullaby is late...

　The song began abruptly and ended abruptly.

'Now then, I would like to give you all a treasure.

We have the elders' permission. It's the treasure of clothing, food, and shelter. I owe you all a debt of gratitude, and you can have it all!

I just need one. You won't get the whole thing.

　When something like this happens, the mermaids might need it too.

The treasures of "clothing, food, and shelter" are said to be good luck charms for mermaids.

　I can't just take all of them, right?

But ...... are you sure it's safe to get them?

I'm fine... but I'd feel even worse if I didn't return the favor at a time like this.

'Mermaids are a species that doesn't dwell on the past, or rather, they often seem to lose their hidden treasures.

And I hate not being refreshed, because this was a tough case and I want ...... to be the end ritual of the day!

Your presence here will put an end to this affair.

　With that, Sonia and Lumia laid out three things on the wet rocky ground.

　They were a pendant, a bracelet, and a ring.

　The reason they are worn is because mermaids are basically a race that doesn't have things.

　It is said that if you wear it on your body, it is hard to lose it.

It's a "robe pendant," "food bracelet," and "living ring"!

It's said that if you wear them, you won't have to worry about food, clothing and shelter.

Here you go. Please choose the one you like from here.

　The mermaids spread out their arms in unison and had a big smile on their faces...

　He declared that to us.