"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 60

~Flora’s Perspective~

A fierce battle is unfolding right before our eyes. According to our ally, the adventurer, the enemy is a former A-rank adventurer.

“I’ll hold off the leader! So everyone, leave the wizards to me!”

“Haha! Not bad! You might become an A-rank in the future, huh?”

“Chatting like that shows quite a bit of confidence!”

“Well, that’s because we have an excellent healer on our side!”

“Ugh…”

While we are fighting well in coordination, the enemy, despite their individual strengths shining, shows no sign of cooperation.

If anything, their healer is just casting healing spells from the back. Therefore, our chances of winning will decrease the longer it turns into a war of attrition, but if we can exploit the enemy’s weaknesses before that, the goddess of victory might smile upon us.

Baron Arden is still watching without fleeing, probably anticipating this. As expected of someone entrusted with the position of Chief of Staff by my father. Well, regarding the Western Front, there is a strict gag order in place, so even I, the general’s daughter, could hardly obtain any information, but he must have some foresight as well.

However, there is one major mistake.

That is…

You’re underestimating A-rank adventurers a bit too much, Ryu Arden. Even if you lend your support, you’ll be taken out in an instant. Or perhaps you might just be watching from the sidelines.

According to your father, he is quite intelligent.

However, when it comes to magic, it’s different.

Magic can basically only be learned at the academy or by apprenticing under a skilled magician. Not only does he not attend the academy, but I’ve also never heard of him being an apprentice to anyone. I’m not quite sure about those gloves with the magic circle, but they probably have nothing to do with magic. The fact that Father assigned him the non-combat role of strategist is proof of that.

In short, I’m the only one qualified to help.

At the Imperial Royal Academy, the pinnacle of the empire’s educational institutions, with my top-ranking skills, I should be able to help a little. I don’t think I can match A or B ranks, but I should at least be able to provide support or buy some time.

If only our side could keep winning like this, but reality is a cruel thing.

“Hey!!!”

“Ugh…!”

Finally, one of the female adventurers has been blown away.

It seems that everyone will step back for a moment to regroup.

“Lena-chan, you should start getting ready to escape soon…”

“How can I run away when my brother is about to fight? That would be such a waste!”

“No, that’s not it. I want you and that older brother to escape together.”

“Ah, big brother has moved!”

“Huh…?”

(Were you really planning to help us?!)

At that moment, for some reason, my body moved unconsciously.

“F-Flora-san?!”

Should I escape as a member of the noble Grace family?

No, that’s not right.

As a descendant of the valiant Grace, I must let Arlen escape and save my comrades fighting over there with my own hands.

“Brother! Stop Flora!”

“Hey, wait!”

“I’ll hold them off and buy us some time! You take Lena and escape!”

Please, Ryu Arden! You should be able to bring your sister back safely even in this situation! With your admirable courage to assist adventurers, surely!

I have finally lined up with the adventurers. My heart won’t stop pounding with tension and excitement.

“M-Miss?! What are you doing?!”

“I will also fight alongside you as a member of the Grace family! Keep your head up!”

The distance to the enemy is sufficient. Let’s regroup and coordinate from here…

…Huh?

“Hah, you idiot! I’ll half-kill you just enough so you don’t die! You’re an important hostage, you know!”

“Ah”
Before I knew it, the enemy leader was right in front of me.

Clearly a different speed than before.

Were you slacking off until just now?

Did the enemy use some kind of secret weapon?

Or was it just my arrogance?

No, that’s not important right now.

Even though the world is slowing down, my body won’t move at all.

There is no way to escape this situation… none at all.

No matter how much I struggle, tears just flow from my eyelids.

Father, Mother, Sister, Lena-chan, and… Baron Arden. I’m sorry for disappointing you.

The moment I gave up on life.

Ryu Arden chanted something.

In a voice that seems to shake the soul.

“Aoryu”

In an instant, a gigantic blue dragon, so massive that one had to look up to see it, appeared behind the enemy.

It’s a monster I’ve never seen before, but I can instinctively understand it.

That is the Demon King’s Dragon.

Even the enemy leader, who had been wearing a sneering smile until now, involuntarily turned around and fell into a daze.

“……What?”

The dragon swiftly swallowed six enemies whole with its large mouth.

And then the dragon stopped just before making contact with my face.

A gust of wind makes my hair flutter gently.

The dragon took off as if nothing had happened, soaring up to the heavens and disappearing beyond the clouds.

Having witnessed the series of events, I lost all my strength and fell backward.

“Ah”

However, the person who spoke earlier gently supported my back.

“Damn it. This is why the Grace bloodline…”

“Thank you very much.”

“Can you stand on your own feet now?”

“Yes”

He immediately turned on his heel.

“Big brother!!!!!!!”

“Oops”

I caught Lena-chan who came flying.

“Something amazing happened!!!”

“Oh, I see, it was something amazing, huh? Anyway, I’m just glad everyone is safe.” *pet pet*

“Hehehe”

Its back was larger and more majestic than any sacred peak.

A strange sensation I’ve never felt before.

Could this possibly be the image of her brother that Rena-chan saw?

The one who was strange from the beginning wasn’t Rena-chan, but me…?

“Alright, it’s about time to head out.”

“But big brother, just a little longer… please hold me…”

“Alright, let’s take a little break.”

“Yay!!!”

Ryu Arden.

Who on earth are you…?