I, Reincarnate as the Leader of the Villainous Knight Order - Chapter 146: The Birth of a Dragon Knight

Chapter 146: The Birth of a Dragon Knight

“Your Highness! Jeanne has gotten close to the location of the Evil God, so I request permission to scout! I’ll go with one subordinate, using Jeanne and Jest!”

I catched up to Ernest while passing the First Knight Order and reported. It caused Ernest to turn around in surprise, and the First Knights began to stir. As expected, I could hear the word “Dragon Knight” being murmured here and there. Some seemed shocked at my polite demeanor. But in this operation, Ernest is technically my superior.

“Vandière, isn’t that dangerous? The dragon knights in the stories had saddles, but… we don’t have anything like that right now, do we?”

He asked with genuine concern, making the small bit of unease I had inside grow larger.

“Since Jeanne suggested it, it should be fine. I… probably won’t get thrown off.”

“Wait a moment.”

Ernest raised his hand, stopping the formation.

“If it’s dangerous, I cannot allow it! Are you aware that you’re an invaluable asset to us!?”

“That’s exactly why I believe I can handle any situation if something goes wrong. Please grant me permission.”

It would be a disaster if we couldn’t make it in time to help Jest’s father because permission wasn’t granted. While I was wondering how to persuade him, Jest and Jeanne appeared from behind. They both were on horseback and were seemingly drawn by the halted formation.

“Master, what’s wrong? You’re not going?”

“Jeanne… The Crown Prince is worried that I might get thrown off if I ride on you.”

When I relayed Ernest’s concerns, Jeanne burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, as if I would drop you, my lord. I’ll use wind magic to make sure you stay on, so there’s no issue.”

“Will I be able to do it properly…?”

“Don’t worry. Even if Jest accidentally drops Simon, I’ll catch him. Your Highness, it’s fine to let us go, right? If need be, you can follow the direction we fly. And if not, we’ll find you from above and rejoin you during your break.”

In stark contrast to Jeanne’s confidence, Jest’s comment sounded a bit worrisome. Thankfully, Simon didn’t hear it, or he would have been quite anxious.

“If it’s safe… then I permit it. But don’t overdo it.”

“Understood. I’ll leave my horse with the subordinates and then we’ll set out. Jeanne, Jest, let’s head back.”

“Very well.”

“Okay!”

We returned to the Third Knight Order, where we left our horses in their care. Jeanne and Jest moved to an open space and began to chant a spell that sounded like a low cry. Though their voices were soft, the nearby horses neighed anxiously. The reason wasn’t the spell, but the sudden appearance of two large dragons, like towering buildings.

Even Jest, who I hadn’t seen in a while, was as big as a small two-story house. Jeanne, on the other hand, was closer in size to a small gymnasium. Both lowered their bodies to the ground.

“Master, will you climb up my arm? Or I could flick you onto my back with my tail.”

“Justin! Getting flicked by the tail is fun! Simon! Hurry up and get on!”

“Wait, wait! Jest and I can handle being thrown because I can use body enhancement, but it’s dangerous to toss Simon!”

Though Simon hadn’t heard Jest’s comment, he was startled by my words.

“Huh?! What do you mean?! Am I not just supposed to get on, not be thrown?!”

“No, no, Jeanne meant you could either climb her arm or have her flick you onto her back. Jest just thought it’d be fun to flick you, so he told you to get on his tail.”

“From Jest’s tail to his back…? That sounds fun! Jeanne’s size would probably give me a sprain or a fracture, but I should be fine with Jest! Alright, Jest, I’m counting on you!”

Ignoring my concerns, Simon eagerly approached Jest’s tail. As soon as he mounted it, Jest flicked him as if launching him up to the height of a second-story roof. But Simon smoothly spun mid-air, landing on Jest’s back.

However… the scales on Jest, having returned to their original size, were hard and slick. It caused Simon to lose his footing and slam his groin against Jest’s raised spine. He collapsed onto his knees, clutching himself and falling face-first onto Jest’s back.

Everyone in the Third Knight Order witnessed this moment, and several of them instinctively squeezed their legs together in sympathy. With no other choice, I used body enhancement to step onto Jest’s arm and move onto his back, lightly tapping Simon’s waist with my fist.

(Note: I bet every guy reading this feels the pain.)

“I told you it was dangerous. This is what happens when you don’t listen.”

“I’m done for… I’m crushed… I’ll never be able to marry now…”

“You’re not bleeding or anything, so you’ll be fine. For now, save your strength. If it’s really bad, you can get someone to heal you with magic when we return. Their wind magic is supposed to keep us from falling. But just in case, hold onto the spikes around the neck.”

The dragon forms of Jess and Jeanne had spike-like protrusions running from their heads down to the base of their necks. Even if Jest’s wind magic wasn’t perfect, holding onto those spikes should prevent anyone from falling too easily. After waiting for Simon to recover, I moved onto Jeanne’s back as well. And for the first time in this world, I soared into the open sky.