"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 18

The journey of Ryu and Stingray proceeded as planned without any major hindrances, and they finally arrived at the checkpoint on the border with the neighboring territory. At the checkpoint, many merchants and adventurers were lined up, and the two of them also lined up properly at the back, as was the norm.

By the way, there are basically only two checkpoints connecting the territories, one managed by the Earl of Arden and the other by the Duke of Grace, who governs the neighboring territory. Originally, I wanted to pass through the checkpoint managed by the Earl of Arden, but this time, due to time constraints, I had no choice but to go through the one managed by the Duke of Grace. This route is a shortcut to the capital.

It was Ryu and the others’ turn.

“Next person, step forward.”

The two were urged by Grace’s guards and underwent an inspection while still on horseback.

“That boy over there. What’s his name?”

“I’m Ryu Arden.”

“Arden…? Could it be Lord Ryu, the head of the baron family???”

That’s right.

“!?!”

Is it really that surprising? This is my territory after all, so it’s only natural for me to pass through occasionally.
The guard apologized with a plastered-on smile.

“Oh dear, I apologize for that.”

“Don’t worry about it. More importantly, I want you to issue the entry permit quickly.”

“Well then, let me continue. Is that person over there your servant?”

“I am the servant, Stingray.”

“Hmm, hmm”

After that, I was thoroughly questioned about the reasons for my entry and the duration of my stay, and finally, I was released.

Ryu walks along the highway, lost in thought.

“……”

“Lord Ryu, is something the matter?”

“I thought that guard from earlier was kind of suspicious.”

“Oh really? It looked like you were just doing your job.”

“I felt like the Grace guards were acting strangely. It was as if they were sent to investigate me… that kind of reaction.”

“For example, where do you think you were dispatched from?”

“At this timing, it is highly likely that it was sent by the Empress.”

Though it’s a bit self-serving to say, you probably already know about my existence anyway.

“Yes? That wise emperor… to a local baronial family…? Don’t you have any more conclusive evidence or something?”

“I just thought so for no particular reason, so there’s no real basis for it. In short, it’s just a hunch.”

Stingray made a dissatisfied expression.

“Ha, ha…”

Tch. Always saying whatever comes to mind… That wise emperor Iris Astoria, who rules the vast Astoria Empire, would send spies to Arden, who just happened to win a war by chance? No way. Talk about being overly self-important. Seriously… still living in a fantasy world…

Actually, that guard from earlier was truly a spy sent by the Empress, but that’s a story for another time.

“By the way, I heard that Stingray played a major role in this war. It’s a bit late, but let me thank you. No, it would be more appropriate to first thank you for coming back just for the war.”

“I just did what was natural.”

The stingray continues.

“I heard that you personally struggled on the forest side, but how was it really?”

“It wasn’t really me, but thanks to the Arden Knights and the adventurers centered around the White Wolf who fought hard, we were able to win. I was just watching from the back.”

“……”

So, you were just watching the war blankly after all. And yet, rumors spread as if you fought yourself… I feel sorry for your subordinates. I’m really glad I could join the highway side under Dad’s command.

“What’s wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

“I see.”

Ryu asks again.

“……So you really do hate me, huh?”

“That’s not true. I take pride in being a servant.”

Just kidding

With a tense atmosphere, the two continued on their way. They took several breaks to rest the horses along the way, but in the end, they exchanged nothing but businesslike conversation.

“……””……”

The Grace Baron is renowned as a major wheat-producing region, and if you ride a horse for a short distance, you’ll be surrounded by fields of golden wheat. It is said that many travelers come here specifically to see this scenery.

It’s super beautiful

It’s beautiful no matter how many times I see it…

Today’s destination is the most prosperous city in the entire region of the Marquisate… no, in this whole area. Basically, I’m relying on the rough theory that if you go to a big city, there will be plenty of good inns. Since the seasoned Stingray isn’t complaining in particular, this way of thinking is probably not entirely wrong.

We lined up at the main gate of the city, underwent the second inspection of the day, and managed to get inside before sunset. After proceeding a bit down the main street, we discovered a few promising inns, but unfortunately, they were fully booked. Undeterred, we continued our search diligently and, by luck, found an inn where we could stay. After leaving our beloved horses at the stable, we hurriedly checked in ourselves.

“I would like to reserve two private rooms.”

“I’m very sorry, but we currently only have double rooms available…”

“Is that so? Then let’s find another inn.”

Before I could finish speaking, the stingray interrupted.

“Ryuu-sama, I don’t mind sharing a room, so let’s stay here.”

I absolutely refuse to camp outdoors. I guess this inn will have to do.

“……Understood. Then, please lend us a double room.”

“Understood. Here is the room key. Please enjoy your stay~”

That’s surprising. I thought she would prefer camping out to staying in the same room with me.

The two entered the room and set their bags down on the table. As it was a twin room, there were two beds, and the room itself was quite spacious. Additionally, the inclusion of dinner and a shower is a noteworthy feature of this place.

“Lord Ryu, please go ahead and take a shower first.”

Sorry.

Washing my body faster than my master is against chivalry. To put it another way, I would have liked to leave all the inn procedures to him, but Ryu wouldn’t allow it. Due to his personality, he dislikes being coddled.

“It’s a nice showerhead. The water flow and temperature are just right.”

Ryu washes his body while being moved by the high-level shower magic tool.

And after finishing the wash, I noticed “something.”

Oh no, I forgot to bring a change of clothes.

After some deliberation.

Even though she is a knight, she is still a woman. It would be quite rude to make her rummage through a man’s travel bag, so I reluctantly wrapped a towel around my waist and decided to go get it myself.

I opened the shower room door and stomped back into the room.

“Ryuu, Ryuu-sama!?”

“Sorry for showing you something weird. I accidentally forgot to change clothes.”

The moment Stingray saw Ryu’s upper body, he froze.

“Eh…”

“Hmm, what’s wrong?”

“Uh, um, no, it’s nothing…”

“Is that so? Then let’s head back.”

“Y-yes…”

The moment Ryu closed the door to the room; Stingray broke out in a cold sweat and held his head in his hands.

What the hell… what the hell is going on!!! Those painful old scars!!!!

As she said, Ryu’s entire body is marked with countless old scars. In his case, it would be more difficult to find a spot without a wound. In some places, there are marks as if something huge had bitten him. In other places, there are marks as if something huge had slashed him. Additionally, there are numerous painful scars that seem to have been deeply gouged by someone. It’s almost a mystery how he has managed to survive until now.

The impact violently shook the stingray’s brain.

I’ve seen many warriors with old wounds on their bodies, but Lord Ryu is on a whole different level. The size and number of the wounds…

And then, when he was still young, he remembered what his father, Silver, had taught him.

“Stingray, listen carefully. True strong individuals usually intentionally hide their abilities and live in a way that no one can ever notice. That’s why you shouldn’t judge people by their appearance or rumors. They naturally blend in among the masses… those exceptional individuals…”

No way… was that really it!?

Stingray has finally realized the true meaning of those words.

However, she is still in a state where she can’t sort out her thoughts.

No wonder. The man I had ridiculed so much due to my own misunderstandings and petty jealousy turned out to be a genius among geniuses, having fought unimaginable battles in the past. He had committed an unforgivable act, both as a human and as a knight. It’s no surprise that my mind went blank.

Ryu-sama, what on earth have you experienced over these past fourteen years… I can’t even begin to imagine…

Unbeknownst to him, tears were flowing down Stingray’s cheek.

Is it due to my own inadequacy, or is it the result of forcibly imagining Ryu’s past?

No one knows that.