"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 71

Ryu and his group had been walking for several days since leaving Mond’s first city. They were heading to the northeastern most point of the empire, where the port town in question was located.

“We’ve finally arrived.”

“It took quite a while to get here.”

“Good job, Axel.”

“Brrr.”

Though called a port town, this place was actually Mondo’s second-largest city, home to one of the continent’s greatest trading ports. Its scale was immeasurable. So why was it still referred to as a port town? The reason was—
“It seems this place started out as just a tiny fishing village.”

“Indeed. Thanks to the Mond ducal family’s leadership, it gradually expanded and has now grown into the empire’s number one trading port.”

“So this is what Arden should aspire to become. I have to take in everything I see here…”

There was no other city that could serve as a better model.

“But on the other hand, even this massive trade port has yet to establish proper ties with Hinomaru. What you’re trying to achieve alongside your dragon transformation is an incredibly difficult task.”

Just as Esther said, while Mondo and Hinomaru were connected by regular shipping routes, true trade between them had yet to be realized. This agreement was a new endeavor even for the empire. The Empress’s decision to appoint Ryu as an ambassador and protect him so carefully made perfect sense.

“Well, somehow it’ll all work out.”

“You’re too carefree…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve thought things through.”

“Then I suppose I can relax.”

Esther knew, from her tea meeting with the Empress, that Ryu had devised numerous strategies before—and each one had impressed the Empress with its success.

There was nothing more reassuring than Ryu’s simple “It’ll be fine.”

(If, in the near future, Arden becomes the sole handler of Hinomaru’s goods, it could monopolize the empire’s market. Marquis Grace has been working tirelessly to secure contracts with allied nations, so I must do my part and not disappoint.)

A joint business venture with the Grace frontier family. Any citizen of the empire would understand what that meant. The day when the Viscount House of Arden establishes an unshakable position in the empire may not be far off.

The group was currently heading toward the docks.

“The sea breeze makes it colder than the first city.”

“So the sacred mountain was acting as both a defense and a windbreaker.”

Though the sky was clear today, snow was still piled up on the rooftops, suggesting there had been snowfall a few days ago.

After walking for some time through the bustling streets, a massive port came into view.

At the center of the harbor, countless trade and passenger ships were lined up. Further along, at the edges, even taller warships floated.

“So that’s the famous Mond fleet…”

“Now I see why no enemy nation dares attack from the sea.”

“It’s rare to see such a visible deterrent.”

“They say Mondo is the strongest on both land and sea… If you become a dragon, wouldn’t Arden be able to claim dominance of the skies?”

“I don’t want to fight in dragon form. At least let me battle as a human.”

“What a waste.”

“Speaking of the sky, I wonder what that fire dragon I punched during the Western Front battle is doing now.”
“…You mean that S-rank fire dragon?”

“Yeah. The Slave Hero was controlling it and tried to burn the frontier army’s knight commander. So I just slammed it into the ground, and the impact broke the slave magic. It left the hero behind and flew off.”

“You’re as reckless as ever… No wonder the marquis imposed a gag order.”

“The sea voyage will be boring, so I’ll tell you all about the Western Front then.”

“I look forward to it.”

A particularly striking building stood at the port, bearing a sign labeled “Information Office.” Alongside it, a sword emblem was displayed, suggesting it was also an adventurers’ guild. The adventurers here likely treated the sea as their hunting grounds.

After leaving Axel outside, the two entered the building.

“The left side is the information office, and the right side is the adventurers’ guild.”

“They’ve neatly separated merchants from adventurers. Though, rather than adventurers, they seem more like fishermen.”

As Esther muttered this, the adventurers in line turned to glare at her.

“Uh…”

“This time, it’s your fault, Esther. Reflect on it.”

“I understand…”

Most likely, these adventurers had been mistaken for fishermen so often that they were sick of it, making such comments taboo.

“Tch.”

“Don’t lump monster hunting with fishing.”

“Newcomers never understand…”

“Got some nerve, that little girl.”

Feeling the sharp stares, they quietly joined the line to the left.

Esther hid behind Ryu, mumbling complaints under her breath.

“What’s the big deal? Fishing is an honorable job too.” Grumble, grumble.

“Maybe this city has its own rules. Like, fishermen are seen as people who failed as adventurers, or maybe they often fight over hunting grounds.”

“Hmph. For a newcomer, you actually get it.”

“Yeah, those guys always interfere with our hunts.”

“Exactly. Just yesterday, we had a monster cornered, but it got caught in their nets. Then they had the nerve to claim it as theirs…”

“Seriously pissed me off.”

It seemed to be the latter case.

However, hearing their side of the story, it was clear that the fishermen likely had their own complaints as well.

“This is a tricky issue.”

“Indeed. It’s not something for us to meddle in.”

A similar conflict could arise in Arden’s future port town. They would need to be careful. Ryu had never considered tensions between fishermen and adventurers before, but now he had learned something new.

(This city is full of lessons. It’s fascinating.)

“Next, please!”

Finally, it was their turn.

“Sorry for the wait. How can I help you?”

“We’d like to book a regular ship to Hinomaru.”

“The earliest available departure is the day after tomorrow. Would that be acceptable?”

“Is there no ship leaving today?”

“There is, but due to scheduling, we do not accept same-day reservations…”

“Then perhaps this will allow for an exception.”

Ryu took out his trump card—his Imperial Ambassador’s Emblem.

The receptionist’s eyes widened in shock.

Only those among the empire’s highest ranks or nobility of significant status could possess such a mark.

“I-I apologize! I will contact the captain immediately!”

Hearing this, the nearby adventurers who had been watching quickly made their way toward the exit.

“Wait, he’s an ambassador?”

“I didn’t say anything! Ah, well… Whatever happens, not my problem.”

“You idiot! You were the one glaring at him the most!”

“Oh no… I called her ‘little girl’…”

Esther regained her composure.

“Hah! Cowards… Know your place.”

“Hooray for being an Imperial Ambassador.”

“All thanks to Her Majesty! Hahaha!”

In the end, they successfully booked a reservation.

Ryu, Esther, and Axel safely boarded the regular ship.

Hopefully, nothing would happen at sea—