We decide to go down from Lucky first, just in case anything happens in the cave.

　I, Ivan, and Lucky, in that order, hurry forward, trying to make as little noise as possible.



"Ivan, if anything happens, Lucky will protect you. You don't have to worry."

　Ivan nods silently. It's okay. He seems much calmer than at first.

　As we continue through the cave, more yelling is heard from the back.



"If you continue to be stubborn, I will kill each and every one of you!

My grandmother is in danger!"



　Ivan mutters to no one in particular.

　He seems to be holding back the urge to run out at any moment.

　I wanted to surprise him, but I couldn't say that I was aware of Ivan's feelings.

　Besides, from the signs, it seems that there are not that many soldiers here.

　This way, we don't have to surprise them. We're getting close now.



We're not going quietly. Lucky.

--Yes, sir.

　I hurried to the spot where the dragon had been sealed, just in time to see the sword being raised above Margret's head. As it turns out, if I had gone slower, I might not have made it in time.



Stop!

"Grandma!"



　There was Margret, the stunned mayor on his knees, and the knight who had noticed us.



　Margret was already bleeding from a cut somewhere on her body.

　The knight looked at me with a big smile on his face and swung his sword down on Margret's head.



"It wasn't supposed to be like this. It wasn't. We were getting along fine with the Suiju nation. We were trying to grow together, how could this happen ......?"



　The village chief is left cowering with his head in his hands.

　First we have to help Margret.



"Hahahaha, that's too bad. You got me the other day. ......?

"Shut up!"

　I instantly get in close to the guy and kick him in the face as hard as I can. Ivan ran over and hugged Margret for protection.



"Grandma, you're lucky to be alive. The blood is ......."

"Thank you, Ivan. Your real name is ...... now release your power. You don't have to pretend to be weak anymore."



"Grandma, don't talk. I know. I'm not going to run anymore."

　Tears fall from Ivan's eyes and they turn to ice.

　The tears fall from Ivan's eyes and turn to ice. It seems as if he is about to run out of control again, but he soon regains his stability.

　Ivan is crying and hugging Margret.



"I don't care, ...... just run away. There's nothing to tie you down anymore."

　As Margret gently ruffles Ivan's hair, the crystal that had sealed the dragon rattles and crumbles.

　Margret quickly shoves the sealed bottle of restorative into his mouth and places him on Lucky's back.



----How dare you disturb ...... my sleep! I was sleeping so comfortably ...... grrr ...... sickening--



　I hear the dragon's voice and move my body, and the cave shakes and the rocks start falling.

　Oh no!　The chief, Ivan, and the knight who was knocked out by a blow are thrown onto Lucky's back.



"Lucky!"

----"Lucky!



　I jump on him and run away from the cave at the same time. I hear the cave collapse behind me. Will this falling rock be enough to seal the dragon?