"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 68

Ryu and Esther leisurely chatted as they traveled for several days. Since they mostly stayed overnight at inns in the cities, they were not particularly exposed to danger. Unlike the frontier, there were many open areas here, and there was always a settlement within a certain distance, so there was no worry of being attacked by bandits.
Of course, monster attacks were unavoidable, but with Ryu around, it was a different story.

With all that going on, the two of them had made it to just one step away from their first destination, the Mond Duke’s territory. They were currently climbing the mountain path, and once they passed the checkpoint ahead, they would be in Mond.

From the blonde hair beneath Ryu, two pointed ears popped out cutely, slightly flushed by the mountain breeze.

“Phew~. It’s starting to get a bit chilly.”

Esther let out a white breath.

“Let’s buy ear warmers in Mond’s first city, but I do have some extra gloves. What do you want to do?”

“Shall I borrow it?”

Understood.

Ryu rummaged through the item bag, making a rustling sound.

“Uh, gloves, gloves… found them. Here.”

“Whoa… It’s so warm.”

“Shall I draw a magic circle for you later?”

“I don’t need it… But now that you mention it, why do you wear those gloves with magic circles all the time? Could it be that time of the month for boys? That’s quite unexpected for you.”

“I will explain the reason for that later.”

“Well, that’s that. You don’t have to force yourself to say it.”

“……Understood.”

(It’s not that simple, you know.)

The official reasons for this trip are the conclusion of a trade agreement with Hinomaru and the acquisition of pharmaceutical books.

The true reason is───to have Estelle make the memory retention potion.

(Memory storage is related to the brain’s nerves. If there is a drug that can regenerate from 1 to 100 like an elixir, then surely there must be a drug that can maintain 100 at 100.)

It’s quite a forceful theory for Ryu, but in this unknown world filled with magic, he believes that creating such a supernatural potion is not impossible. A good example of this is the existence of the divine elixir. Moreover, by coincidence, he has a top-tier pharmacist named Estelle by his side, who is dominating the field of pharmacology.

The necessary factors are more than sufficient.

It all started with my father’s assassination, and I met Estelle while seeking treatment for my mother.

The Empress took notice of me, and I devised a port town plan with Duke Grace.

Went to war and forced the Dragon King onto the hero.

Due to the absence of the Dragon King, the dragon transformation began.

I secured some time alone with Esther during the Hinomaru Expedition.

Each event was a challenge.

In either case, the future is filled with despair.

However, Ryu forged his own path.

(All of this is connected up to this point… no, I connected it.)

Ryu muttered softly.

“Well then, shall we start resisting───that thing called fate?”

“Hmm, did you just say something?”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just a passing thought.”

After that, I passed through the gate of the checkpoint and stepped into the Duchy of Mond.

However, honestly, nothing changes before and after passing through the checkpoint.

“The scenery hasn’t changed at all!”

“Well, that’s just how it is in mountainous regions.”

The Mond Duchy is located in a mountainous region, so don’t expect any changes in the scenery. While the imposing sacred peaks lined up in rows are not a problem for the view, you will inevitably get bored if you stare at them for too long.

Everywhere you look, it’s mountains, forests, mountains, forests. Occasionally, a herd of goats.

“Let’s celebrate just being able to pass through the checkpoint smoothly.”

“Well, it’s good that I didn’t have to stand in that line, but…”

The Mond Duchy is a well-known trading city, so the checkpoints are always crowded with merchants and travelers. However, the two of them hold the imperial ambassador’s emblem, allowing them to bypass the line.

Although they haven’t made an appointment with Hinomaru yet, ambassadors usually send a letter of application in advance and go to the site at the appointed time. Since they must never be late, those who hold this emblem can pass through the checkpoint with priority.

If we move forward by an hour…

“Finally, the village is coming into view.”

“Everyone looks like they’re dressed warmly.”

“It seems that this place is affected by cold weather all year round.”

“I’m glad it wasn’t during the snowy season.”

“Well, if it’s Axel, there shouldn’t be a problem. Right, Axel?”

“Bururu”

For a thousand-mile horse, mountain paths and snowy roads are nothing.

From Axel’s perspective, he still hasn’t run enough.

As we head towards the first city, the number of merchant carts and adventurers increases.

It is almost time to signal arrival.

And finally.

“Is that the first city of Mond?”

“It’s wider than I imagined. In terms of scale, it’s about between Grace’s first city and the capital.”

“But the defense capability is on par with the capital… no, it might even surpass it in some cases.”

Since this place is built in a basin surrounded by sacred peaks, there are only a few entrances.

“It’s surprising that there are armies willing to fight against the Duke of Mond’s forces, who know these mountains inside and out.”

“Well, there are many strange countries on the principality side.”

“I hear the Eastern Front beyond the mountains is one of the best on the continent. I wonder what kind of person Duke Mond, who has been holding it down for so many years, is.”

“I don’t want to meet them. They’re definitely a scary person.”

To briefly explain the location of the empire, to the north it borders the neutral state of the Gran Federation, to the northwest it borders the former Sel Duchy (now the Western Front), to the northeast it is separated by mountains from the allied duchies, and to the rest it faces the sea. The northeastern side has not seen a cessation of hostilities for several hundred years, and now that the Duchy of Muir has summoned a hero, the tension has reached its peak. The Empress entrusted

The Duke of Mond, who possesses one of the continent’s leading trade ports and continues to develop his territory into a commercial city while keeping the eastern countries under his control, is respectfully referred to as the “Mountain King” by the imperial citizens. Of course, he is also recognized by the royal family, so it is not considered disrespectful.

The two entered the first city of Mond.

The wooden architecture unique to cold regions, with roads designed to prevent slipping on the snow. A multitude of shops that truly embody a commercial city. In the taverns, adventurers clad in fur gear like hunters are lively with drinks in hand, and stalls line both sides of the road, defying the cold. Every shop and house has a chimney, with the smoke from wood stoves drifting away into the sky.

When night falls, the unique, gentle atmosphere of the snowy country welcomes the two of them.

The stall owner, who seemed to be bored, noticed the two newcomers.

“Hey there, travelers, your ears look pretty cold. We’ve got special winter gear just for elves. Why not buy some, miss?”

“I’m not a young lady! You brat!”

“Hahaha. That was my bad!”

The shopkeeper is a dwarf, and since I am also an elf, a long-lived race, from the outside, you can’t tell the difference.

After going through it once and finding quite a good selection of items, I bought winter gear for the two of them and, just in case, for Axel as well. While I was at it, I also asked for directions to the inn street.

“Thanks for your business!”

“I need to secure an inn before the merchants waiting at the checkpoint arrive.”

“If possible, I’d prefer an inn with a bath. I want to soak in the tub and slowly relax my body.”

“I agree. I want to warm up to the core.”

Just a little further to the inn street.

“Hey, Esther…”

“What’s wrong?”

(Suddenly, the atmosphere became serious. Could it be the important consultation that Rena mentioned?)
“When we arrive at the inn, there is an important matter to discuss.”

“Speak freely without holding back. In the elf world, there is a saying: ‘Illuminate the tomorrow of a lost friend.'”
“…I owe you one.”

(It seems like they somehow sensed it. Maybe Rena said something beforehand. I really can’t thank them enough. Really…)

I headed to the inn in silence.

Although they didn’t exchange words, there was a warm sense of trust between them, as if they were friends.

At the same time, two shadows stood atop the highest sacred peak surrounding Mond.

“Ho. So that’s the one they were talking about…”

“Are you really coming from here?”

“Ah, I can see it clearly. A thick, hard will and a vessel larger than anything else. Magnificently refined magical power. ─── And the spirit of a dragon is reflected in these eyes.”

“To be deemed worthy by Your Excellency… Truly a remarkable person, just as the rumors say. Shall we descend the mountain and go to meet him?”

“Well, let’s not. I’d like to talk to him when the opportunity arises again someday. After all, right now…”

When the person referred to as “Your Excellency” turned around, the allied forces of the principality were advancing from the other side of the mountain, staring down the imperial army led by the duke’s forces.

When I shifted my gaze back to Ryu and his group.

“!?!”

I made eye contact with Ryu.

(Did he notice me, this me!? Does he have special eyes? No, did he sense my presence…?)

“Your Excellency, what has happened?”

“N-Never mind. I’m going down the mountain and cutting through those guys like usual.”

“Ha!!”