"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 73

“You should have mastered something like magic control ages ago.”

“Up until recently, I was able to conceal it even from Imperial Magicians. But as my dragon transformation progresses, my magic power seems to be increasing little by little.”

“Oh? So, in addition to your original magic, you now have to suppress the dragon’s magic as well? That sounds troublesome. Even as an elf, I have quite a lot of magic power, but honestly, I can’t even begin to imagine your level.”

Under the blazing sun, the two continued their conversation.

Then—

“Hm?”

Ryu adjusted his sunglasses and squinted toward the northern sky.

“What’s wrong?”

“Something’s coming.”

(This magic power… No way…)

A shadow cast itself over the clouds.

Judging by its size, the creature was as massive as a passenger ship.

It folded its wings as it broke through the clouds, revealing its form.

Someone on the deck screamed.

“KYAAAAAAAH!!!!!!”

“What the hell is that!?”

“If it charges, the ship will be destroyed!!”

“RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!”

“Run? Where the hell do we run!?”

The captain and crew, alerted by the commotion, turned their eyes to the northern sky.

“Is that the monster that’s been terrorizing the Muir sea region…?”

“There’s nothing we can do against that one…”

“And to think the Imperial Ambassador is aboard this ship…!”

The beast’s crimson eyes snapped open, locking onto the ship below.

Panic erupted on deck, but that didn’t matter.

With its powerful legs, it would simply crush the ship beneath it.

“Grurururu…”

Its target— the deck.

The distance between them closed steadily.

Three— Two— One—

“GRURURUUUUAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!”

The fire dragon spread its mighty wings wide and swung its legs down onto the deck—

—Or at least, it tried to.

At that very instant, an overwhelming force erupted from the deck.

“!?!!?!”

The sheer pressure weighed down on its massive body.

Its balance faltered; its vision blurred.

Staggering, the dragon barely managed to regain its footing and took off again.

Even as it distanced itself from the ship, it felt as if something had grabbed its neck.

A crushing presence overwhelmed it.

And at last, the fire dragon realized—

(This magic power… No way… Is it… the Dragon God…!?)

The memory of the moment it was freed from the Hero’s control flooded back vividly.

Hovering high above, the dragon nervously looked down at the deck—

And locked eyes with Ryu.

(……!!!! There’s no mistake… That person is…!!!!)

(What’s with this ‘Dragon God’ stuff? I’m nothing that grand.)

(You… You can understand my words!?)

(I can understand instinctively. This is my first time, so it’s a bit awkward.)

(To be able to communicate in the dragon language… Truly, you are the Dragon God!)

It felt more like a form of telepathy, but Ryu decided to let it slide.

Anyway, what’s with all this ‘Dragon God’ talk?

Dragon-kind— no, all monsters— recognize dragons as their rulers. And you, who stand above all dragons, are akin to a god. That’s why, ever since that incident, I’ve been calling you that in my heart. Oh, and thank you for back then. I apologize for not expressing my gratitude sooner.

You sure talk a lot…

Actually, I was cast out from my pack… It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone to talk to.

The dragon launched into a long-winded explanation.

After being freed from the Hero’s curse, it had immediately returned to its nest, only to be rejected.

“A weakling who could be controlled by mere humans has no place here,” the leader had declared, exiling it.

With no home to return to, the dragon drifted south, carried by the wind, until it arrived at the Muir sea region.

Since it was an oceanic area, there were no territorial disputes with other dragons, and it was a comfortable place to stay.

Thus, it had been island-hopping, raiding ships for food.

(So this time, you set your sights on my ship.)

(Yes… Attacking the ship of my savior, the Dragon God, is beyond disgraceful… I feel both shame and regret… Ugh…)

The fire dragon grimaced in the sky.

Have you already wiped out all the ships in the Muir region?

We don’t recognize human nations, but I’ve hunted all over the northern seas.

Don’t you think you overdid it? You’ve basically earned yourself a bounty from the Adventurer’s Guild. Not that you’d understand, but there’s a profession among humans dedicated to hunting creatures like you. If you keep this up, they’ll be after you soon.

I WILL NEVER BOW TO MERE HUMANS!!!

And yet, who was the one controlled by a ‘mere human’?

……Oh. By the way, that guy was called a ‘Hero’?

Yeah. ‘Hero’… well, I guess ‘trash human’ works too.

Ryu now understood why the dragon had gone on a ship-wrecking spree in the Muir region.

The food on those ships… It was absolutely delicious… Before I knew it…

Do you know where those ships came from?

I never thought about it.

They come from an island nation called Hinomaru, about three days east of here. If you’re looking for a home, why not settle there? No adventurers, and plenty of good food.

What…!?

Yet, for once, the fire dragon didn’t immediately agree.

Something on your mind?

…There’s a rule among dragons.

Oh? Let’s hear it.

It’s a very simple law:

—A dragon must always serve the strongest.

The reason S-rank dragons formed packs was that they naturally gathered under the strongest leader in the area.

The leader of the pack had been the one to exile the fire dragon.

(…………) (…………)

So basically, since you were kicked out of your pack, you want me to take care of you now?

…But being alone is lonely… And I get hungry… I can’t help it!!!

Don’t just blurt that out like it’s normal.

At that moment, Ryu remembered a conversation with his beloved sister.

“Axel is always so cute~”

“Well, yeah, but why bring that up all of a sudden?”

“I want a familiar too~”

“A familiar, huh? Not sure if there’s a suitable one for you, but I guess we could check with the slave traders.”

“No! Forcing a contract on one would be cruel!”

“I-I see… Then, if I ever come across the right one, I’ll introduce it to you.”

“Thank you! I’ll be waiting!”

Fine. I’ll take you under my protection…

!!!!!!

But you’re way too big. Shrink.

That’s impossible…

By now, the deck had fallen into complete silence.

Everyone watched the fire dragon above with bated breath.

Meanwhile, Ryu sipped his fruit water through a straw, and Esther absentmindedly rolled candy around in her mouth.

“Esther.”

“Whoa! You scared me! What is it?”

“Can you make a potion that shrinks bodies?”

“If I have the ingredients, I can.”

“Seriously? That’s good to know. Is the effect temporary or permanent?”

“Permanent. The alchemy society considers it taboo, but I’ll make it for you.”

“I owe you one. Also… will it work on dragons?”

“As long as it’s alive, yes.”

“Impressive. Oh, and can we make it so they can change size at will?”

“With the right ingredients, probably.”

“Got it. You’re amazing, Esther. You’re the best.”

“Stop giving me weird nicknames!”

Ryu already saw Esther as a legend in the making.

Seems like my friend can make a potion to shrink you. Will you take it?

Of course! Ahh… To think I’d be allowed into the Dragon God’s pack… What an honor…

Don’t call it a ‘pack.’

Then what should I call it?

The answer is obvious—

—You’re part of the team.