I see.

　I finally understood why Aine was so obsessed with The Horned Serpent.

　She was going to boost ...... me in a boyish way with the dishes in The Horned Serpent.

　That's why when the mermaid gave me the "Food Armband", she hid the "Horned Serpent" right away. If you use that item, you'll know the effect right away.

　...... Yeah.

　............ I'd better pretend that I don't know about this matter.

　Let's find out what she's up to and see what she's up to in the flesh. It'll be interesting to see what she's up to.

Thanks for the info. "Kelkator, the Sea Dragon.

"I don't know what it is, but I hope it helped.

　With his body bent dexterously and in a seiza-like state, 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' responded.

　By the way, Iris and Rafilia are sitting upright next to him.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more information on this.

The two of you and White have had enough of sitting on your stomachs.

'Yes, brother.' 'I'm sorry. Master." '......suu. Guu...... muy muy muy

But don't tell anyone else that I found out about the effects of the Horned Serpent. Is that all right with you?

Yes, sir.

　Iris and Raphilia raised their hands.

　''Alright, let's stop talking about this.

''Also, thank you for recognizing Cutlass as the 'Dragon Protector'. ''Kercator the Sea Dragon.''

　I looked at 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' and lowered my head.

　The sea dragon also returns the bow in the same way.

　After confirming that the other side has raised its head, I continue.

''And while we're at it, there's something I'd like to ask you in relation to the Jiryuu, if that's okay?''

"Okay. I'll tell you.

Thank you.
Before the Earth Dragons Earthgalls disappeared, they gave us information about the Ruins of the Ancient Elves. But Rafilia here is like a descendant of that ancient elf - a descendant of that ancient elf. I want to show her the ruins.

I want to see the remains of the Ancient Elves, too.

　Rafilia cheerfully raised her hand.

I'm sure there are some treasures left in the ruins that haven't been excavated by anyone else. If you find something good, it will make life easier for the master and everyone else.

If you know anything about The Ancient Elves, could you tell us?

　As I said, the sea dragon made a thoughtful gesture for a while.

　And then...

"I have heard that the ancient elves are of a race that builds a system of contraptions...

The system?

'One of the land people I met told me such a thing. I've met a man of the land who said that they were a race that invented all kinds of worries in their heads and prepared for them. Then there may be some such people left in the city, but there is always the possibility that ...... some system is alive and kicking.

　I see.

　Come to think of it, the Valley of the Mist, where White slept, was also based on the ancient elven system.

　There's even a magical bath left on top of the mountain. They must have been good at making things like that.

What kind of city system is that?

"...famous for their living quarters and the like, where they can live without going out. I've heard it's for emergencies.

「「「「──── e」」」」

''──specifically, it's something that can live unaffected by the outside temperature and doesn't have a shortage of water. The fact that they are a worrisome race means that they were always prepared for life. I hear there were baths that flowed, etc.''

「「「「 Oh, oh, oh, oh! 」」」」

　Me, Iris, Raphilia, and Cutlass all shouted together.

　That's amazing, 'Ancient Elves'.

　Maybe we can find a facility in those ruins where we can live without working.

''That's about all I know.''

'Thank you. That's enough!

""Thank you so much!"

　We bowed our heads towards the Sea Dragon Kerkator.

　The sea dragon looked away as if embarrassed...

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that it is not a good idea to have a newborn baby. It's not that I don't want to offend the Heavenly Dragon, either - but of course, I'm sure you guys will understand.

　...... Why are you putting in a weird preamble, Sea Dragon Kelkator?

''And I have one suggestion.''

　As if to cheat, Kerkator snapped his fangs and said, "I will help you get there.

"I will help you get there.

「「「「......What? 」」」」

"You are heading north to find the remains of the Ancient Elves, are you not?　Then I suggest you go by boat. I'll tell you the best time to go north of us. We can influence the currents to some extent here, too.

Really?

'I'm worried about my people going to a remote place. The sooner you go, the sooner you return, the better. If you are in a state of 'activation', as you are now, you can send your voices to me, even if you are not here. You can call me when you are ready. I'll come for you.'

Thank you for 「「「「!

　Me, Iris, Raphilia, and Cutlass all bowed together again.

　''That's great, Kerkator the Sea Dragon.

　Now we can easily go to explore the 'Ancient Elf City'. I looked at the map and it looks like it's quite a distance away, so I was thinking a lot about how to get there. We don't know what we'll find on the way.

　But as long as Kerkator the Sea Dragon can take us there and back, we can go back and forth without any worries.

　Also, thanks to the 'Holy Sword Drasgo', it's now possible to contact the sea dragon even when I'm not in the Holy Land.

　Of course, since Kairyu has his own schedule, I can't just casually use it as a taxi, though.

''There's one last request from me.

　I said.

'If you notice anything unusual in the world of people, could you tell me?　Some of the sea-dwellers you know who have a relationship with the earth, don't you?

'Oru ...... is limited to intelligent sea creatures and sub-humans, such as mermaids.

'No problem. If you hear from those people that something unusual is happening in the human world, tell me the next time you see them.

'...... Are you talking about the 'White Guild' relationship?　Big brother.

　Iris suddenly murmured.

'Yeah. I'm still curious.'

'The Guildmaster of the 'White Guild' has already disappeared, Iris thinks, but ....... That was a residual thought from 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls', wasn't it?

Yes, Iris. But the execution squad under your command might still be around, right?

I...

''You're thinking, Master, that the boss might disappear and the mid-boss and his subordinates might do their own thing.

　Iris, haha, held her mouth, and Raphilia took over the words that followed.

'Power struggles in an organization where the head is gone ...... that's a common story in stories.

Maybe I'm overthinking things.

　Or, to be honest, I don't want to think about it.

　Even if the head of the organization changes, only the atmosphere of the workplace remains, and the members of the organization read that atmosphere and reconstitute the same kind of organization - I don't want to think about it.

　Just thinking about it makes me feel gloomy.

I'm sure the 'White Guild' disappeared and the 'True White Guild' or the 'Gel White Guild' or some other power struggle split between the original family and the original ...... I don't have that much time on my hands, no matter how much. So, this is an insurance policy, just in case.

　I looked at the phantom 'Sea Dragon Kerkator'.

''So, if it's too much trouble, you can say no.''

''No ...... your concern is understandable. It's also about the security of the sea.'

　The sea dragon nodded as his golden eyes widened.

''Very well. I'll gather some information before the next time we meet.''

Don't rush. We're going on holiday now.

"...... A free-spirited life. You're a brave man of the sea dragon. It's exactly the kind of person I deserve.

　The sea dragon laughed with a voice that sounded like he was growling.

I'm not sure if this is the case with you," he said, "but the currents flow freely through the sea, and yet lead the fish and the ship to the right place. "That's just the way it is.

　After saying that, 'Sea Dragon Kelkator' disappeared.

''The connection to the Sea Dragon Kelkator has been lost.

　Iris said that and deactivated the 'illusory space (Genensukukan)'.

''It's ......, but Iris is still fine. Do you want to try to connect with 'Dragon Seed Awakening Empathy 《Dragonic Brave Sympathy》' again?

Okay. I've heard enough to make a difference.

　We've accomplished our goal. I was able to tell them about the 'Earth Dragon Earthgulls', and they agreed to allow Cutlass to become the 'Dragon Protector'. He also agreed to help me explore the ruins of the ancient elves.

　The last bit of information gathering was ...... my kind of worry.

'Good job everyone. Let's go home and get ready for the transition to the recreational area.

　Then we started to walk towards the ground.








　When we went outside, we found that the rain had stopped.

　The water has receded and we can now pass through the flooded road.

　It's as if we were in the sanctuary for a longer time than we thought.

"Supi...

　Before I knew it, White was asleep in Rafilia's arms.

I've already sheathed the "Holy Sword Drasgow", and White has been awake for a long time today, so he's tired.

You can find out more about ......

...... um, yeah. Cutlass.

　The next thing I know, Cutlass is looking at me with a bright red face.

　His big eyes were bugging out.

　Not just his face, but also his earlobes were bright red.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out what I'm talking about just now. ............ There's no need to do anything unreasonable!

　Then Cutlass just covered his face.

There are other people in Arujido who should be favored!　I'd appreciate it if you could give me a little bit of a ...... spill at the end of that ......... ...I'm glad to see you have .......

I know. Lady Cutlass.

　Suddenly, Iris put her hand on Cutlass' shoulder.

'Iris knows exactly how you feel, Cutlass-sama.

Do you understand, Miss Iris?

Yes, sir. When the time comes, Iris will call Master Fynn for you!

...... Yeah.

　Cutlass's eyes became dazzling.

I'm sure Mr. Fynn is a person that the Magic Sword Reggie would approve of. If Mr. Cutlass replaces Mr. Fihn, then everything will go smoothly. Of course, Iris will act as an observer and report back to Master Cutlass about what's happening!　There's nothing wrong with that!

No, sir!

Is that right?

It was me who made a promise to Haeryu-sama. It's not just a matter of time before you get back on the right track. This is what you are not supposed to do as a 'dragon protector'!

　Cutlass declared once and for all, holding up the 'Holy Sword Dragon Goiter'.

　It was admirable.

　It's because of such a cutlass that 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' must have been accepted as 'dragon protector' as well. I don't care about royal blood. I know that Cutlass will always be on the side of the dragon, no matter what happens.

In that case, I'll help you.

Cooperation, sir?

Yes. I hope that Mr. Cutlass can earn his master's favor.

"Wait a minute, Rafilia.

　I held up my hand and stopped Raphilia's line.

　I felt like I knew what I was thinking.

'Cutlass gets feyn when I see a lot of skin on her. So, you're not thinking that I'm going to make him wear a string swimsuit (stringworm) like Raphilia and train him not to become a fiehn, are you?

I didn't mean to impose on you, sir.

　Raphilia shook her head with a serious look on her face.

　I see.

　I guess I was thinking too much. No matter how much Rafilia is, there is no way she is thinking about such a hard thing all of a sudden──.

The first step is to blindfold the master and change in front of him!

You're thinking big!

If he doesn't see you, it won't matter if you change your clothes when he's near you. If you get used to it, little by little, you should be able to expose yourself to the Master one day!

"The... ...... Rafillia...

What is it? Mr. Cutlass.

I've got the Valhalla Armor. If I use it to create a body for Fynn, I'll be ...... able to remain me, even if I have to expose my skin in front of my master.

I don't think it's a good idea to rely on tools from the start, do you?

Ha!

　Cutlass's eyes widened.

　Iris folded her arms and nodded yes, yes.

　Raphilia and Cutlass clasped their hands together with a shudder.

'I see!　I'm a 'dragon protector', so it's not good for me to rely on tools to fulfill my promise to the Sea Dragon!

Sir!

Then, I beg you. Rafilia, train my weakness, please!

You're welcome!

And Iris will do everything in her power to help!

　Then the three of them stared at me.

"'Please, Master!　Please go with me (Boku) (Cutlass) for your training!

　He put on a very serious face and bowed his head.

　It's impossible for me to refuse everyone's request...



Let the training begin. Master Cutlass!

Good luck. Just one more. Iris is watching over you!

"Oh, I can feel her gaze on me, and I feel a thrill when she doesn't look at me. ...... Ugh.



　Before traveling to a deserted island, Cutlass' training was to be carried out without delay.

　But I was blindfolded and couldn't see anything ...... or do anything other than sit there

　I've been trying to figure out what Aine has been hiding about The Horned Serpent and...



I just hope we can get to ...... a deserted island tour without any problems.



I can now connect with "Kerkator the Sea Dragon" at any time, so I should be able to get some information about the sea.

　It's a holiday for everyone in the party, so I hope it's a fun and safe one: ...... and

　This is what I was thinking about.