"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 70

When Ryu finally confessed his worries about transforming into a dragon, Esther readily accepted it and immediately expressed her willingness to help. With this, he was finally able to take a step forward in his plan.

Gaining the support of the empire’s top pharmacist, who was also highly skilled in medicine, was not just any step—it was a tremendously significant one.

By the way, aside from his relatives, this was the second ally he had gained, following the village chief who lived on the outskirts. Marquis Grace was on good terms with him, but trust was still lacking. Since they were both nobles, this was inevitable.

With all the necessary pieces in place for the plan and the added bonus of enjoying an open-air bath with a new ally, Ryu was able to sleep soundly that night.

As Ryu had predicted, Duke Mondo did not appear again that night. He was probably wreaking havoc on the battlefield by now.

In truth, that brief moment when their eyes met would have a significant impact on events several years later—but neither of them had any way of knowing that.

The Next Morning

Ryu slowly opened his eyes while lying in bed, savoring the light and fuzzy sensation of just waking up.

“……”

(I slept well last night. The sense of security from gaining a trustworthy ally must have indirectly helped me relax. And getting to soak in an open-air bath after so long also played a big part.)

He recalled last night’s bath.

At first, Ryu had planned to go in after Esther, but she insisted that he go in first. In the end, Ryu grabbed his change of clothes and headed to the bath.

Since he had nothing to hide anymore, he placed his clothes, including his gloves and other gear, into the laundry basket, wrapped a towel around his waist, and sat on the bath stool. After that, as he was washing his hair with a shower-type magic tool—

“Here I am, making my grand entrance!!!”

The door burst open with great force, and Esther appeared, wrapped in a towel.

“So that was your plan all along…”

“Hahaha! A pharmacist who doesn’t examine a patient’s body is no pharmacist at all! …Wait, what’s with those scars?!?!”

“You’re a busy one… Well, for now, just sit over there. I’ll wash your back while we’re at it.”

Ryu gently washed the small back in front of him.

“Want me to wash your hair too?”

“Oh? You sure are generous with your services.”

“I’m practicing for when I have a daughter. Her size would probably be about the same as yours.”

“Size…? Are you saying I’m tiny?”

“Hm?”

“Don’t play dumb… You little brat…”

After lathering the soap in his hands, Ryu carefully massaged it into her hair.

“So, what’s with those scars?”

“They were given to me by the ‘dragon acquaintance’ I mentioned earlier.”

“Don’t tell me you actually fought that dragon…?”

Anyone could tell at a glance—his scars were far beyond the level of a simple scuffle.

“Yeah, something like that.”

“You’re as vague as ever.”

If he started explaining in detail, it would never end. Besides, just the topic of dragon transformation already involved a vast amount of information. If he started talking about souls, physical bodies, and the deep abyss world, even Esther would surely get confused.

But if there was one thing to mention, it was that his opponent had not been an ordinary dragon—it was the Dragon King, Bahamut.

“Changing the subject, how likely is it that you can create a memory-retaining potion?”

“Hmm… About 50%.”

“That’s higher than I expected.”

“Since ancient times, there have been potions that preserve parts of the body. According to tradition, the genius pharmacists who laid the foundations of medicine in the distant past created all sorts of potions just for fun—potions that made wings grow for a day, turned bl00d blue, and even changed a person’s gender.”

“…That’s incredible. Those ancient pioneers were truly remarkable.”

“We owe modern medicine entirely to them.”

Of course, that level of alchemy was something far beyond what they could achieve now. It was the playful indulgence of those chosen heroes of their era—both Ryu and Esther understood this well.

“Before you evolve, I just need to reach that level. You’ll be sticking with me all the way, got it?”

From her words, Ryu caught a glimpse of Esther’s burning determination. To him, this was the best kind of threat he could receive.

“…I owe you one.”

“Hahaha!”

“How about I pay you with a hundred years’ worth of candy and the right to eat at the Arden estate anytime?”

“Hmm… Not bad.”

Her back looked bigger than ever.

“Now it’s my turn. I’m going to thoroughly examine your scales and scars!”

“…Go easy on me.”

Esther had the eyes of a researcher. She might be the first and last person in history to study such a rare specimen. Of course, that was enough to get her bl00d pumping.

After she patted and examined his back and hands—

“Alright, show me the lower half now.”

“Absolutely not! Spare me! It’s the same as the upper half!”

“Stop complaining!”

“It’s completely unrelated to the memory-retaining potion!”

“…It’s part of my research. I haven’t had the chance to study a male specimen in detail.”

Esther’s gaze wavered slightly.

So that’s what this was about.

“That’s what we call curiosity, you know.”

“Quit being stubborn! Now, hurry up and show me!”

“Stop pulling my towel, you closet pervert elf!”

Ryu managed to restrain the struggling Esther and successfully defended his towel.

“Geez… You’re such a stingy noble.”

“A noble who studies other nobles’ naked bodies are the weird one here.”

“Ugh… So cheeky…”

On a serious note, his scars were linked to his soul, and his silver scales held a value equal to or greater than the Dragon King. Given that, Esther’s current knowledge wasn’t enough to uncover anything—yet. It was clear that this little routine would be repeating itself regularly.

Suddenly, Esther’s face paled.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just felt a chill coming from the direction of the capital…”

“It’s probably your imagination. Come on, let’s get into the bath first.”

“You’re right. Catching a cold during our journey would be the worst.”

The two dipped their feet in first before slowly submerging their bodies.

“Fwoooah…”

“Aaaah…”

Since Mondo had a cold climate year-round, and today was no exception, the hot water felt even more heavenly than usual.

The moonlight beautifully reflected off the water’s surface, casting a glow over the two.

“I envy your smooth skin, Esther.”

“Wh-why are you saying that all of a sudden…?”

Esther sank her face halfway into the water and blew bubbles.

The Next Morning

Ryu thought back on last night’s events as he lay in bed, then glanced at the bed beside him.

(Esther isn’t here…?)

He sat up and looked around, but she was nowhere in the room.

(Where did she go?)

“Hm?”

Feeling something odd near his feet, he lifted the blanket—

“Mmm… mumble mumble…”

“So, you were here.”

The little elf was clinging to his left leg, fast asleep.

“Seriously, what kind of sleeping posture is that?”

Despite himself, a smile formed on Ryu’s lips.

(Axel isn’t awake yet either… I guess I’ll sleep a bit more.)

Two hours later, Ryu and his group departed from the inn and headed for Mondo’s trade port.