"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 75

“We have finally arrived. Only those with permission from the Shogunate Navy may prepare to disembark.”

The Hinomaru Ferry docked at the port and dropped its anchor.

“We’re finally on land!”

“Ahhh! Solid ground at last!”

“Baruru!”

Life on the ship wasn’t bad, but due to its structure, it still swayed with the waves.

That’s why many tourists, like Esther, raised their hands in joy upon arrival.

Since immigration procedures were already completed at sea, there was no need to stop at the upcoming gate.

“That’s an unusual type of roof. What’s that gray paneling?”

“Those are kawara tiles. Skilled craftsmen make each one by hand, making them durable enough to last 30 to 50 years.”

“Hooh~. Not bad, kid. You sure know a lot.”

“I’ve read just about every book on Hinomaru.”

Even Ryu’s techniques, like Black Armor – Raijin Takemikazuchi and Blue Armor – Susanoo-no-Mikoto, were inspired by Hinomaru’s ancient texts.

Once they passed through the kawara-tiled gate, an incredible Edo-era cityscape unfolded before them.

Stone-paved streets stretched out, filled with people and horses going back and forth.

Two-story wooden houses lined both sides, with merchants and craftsmen eagerly calling out to potential customers from beneath their rooftops.

“The rumors were true. It’s lively here.”

“First stop: the sweets shop!!!” Sniff sniff!

“Hold on, hold on. First things first—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Let’s buy some kimono.”

“Fine… I guess.”

With so many tourists around, they didn’t stand out too much, but wearing kimono would help them blend in better.

Since plenty of foreign visitors thought the same way, there was bound to be a kimono shop catering to them.
They hopped onto Axel and rode off to find one.

“By the way, what do you think of that admiral from earlier—Togo Heihachiro?”

“Hmm… He seemed honest, but also a bit shady. No doubt he’s skilled, though. He hides it well—just like a certain Viscount Arden I know.”

“Don’t compare me to that guy.”

“Kahaha!”

Esther’s small ears twitched as she laughed.

“What about you? What do you think?”

“Well… I’m just glad the Fire Dragon we met before didn’t land in Hinomaru.”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“If Togo had found it, he would have cut it down instantly.”

“You mean… an S-rank Fire Dragon?”

“Yeah. In one strike.”

In an island nation like Hinomaru, the Navy held more power than the Army.

And the top samurai of the Navy couldn’t afford to be weak.

Ryu pointed at a shop with a sign that read “Edo Kimono.”

“That should be the kimono store.”

“Being able to read kanji is handy.”

“I could teach you.”

“Eh… I’ll pass…”

Inside, a young female clerk noticed them right away.

“Are you looking for kimono?”

“Yeah, for both me and this small one.”

“Understood. Let me take your measurements. Let’s start with the young lady—”

“I’m NOT a young lady! I am an ancient elf who has lived for—”

Ryu gently covered Esther’s mouth.

“Mmmph!”

“Sorry, she’s at that age.”

“No worries! She’s adorable. Welcome anytime~!”

Since elves were a rare species, the clerk had probably never seen one before.

As the clerk crouched to measure Esther, the hairpin in her hair caught the light.

“What a beautiful ornament. Is that a kanzashi?”

“Yes! It’s a traditional Hinomaru craft. We sell them here too—would you like to buy one?”

“I’ll take five.”

“Understood~!”

They’d make great souvenirs for Lena, his mother, and Stingray.

He’d give Esther one now and keep the last as a spare.

After getting their measurements, they waited for a while…

“Thank you for your patience! Would you like to change here?”

And so, they borrowed the fitting room.

When they stepped out…

“You two look amazing!!!”

Esther wore a yellows-and-sakura-patterned kimono with a plum-blossom kanzashi.

Ryu wore a deep indigo kimono adorned with cranes.

Both looked perfectly in place.

Especially Ryu—with his black hair and katana, he could easily pass as a local samurai.

Oh, and by the way…

Ryu was absurdly handsome.

The female clerk was totally mesmerized.

“Thanks for everything. Let’s go, Esther.”

“Indeed. Your service was much appreciated.”

“Y-Yes… Please come again…”

Back on Axel, they rode off.

“Next stop: the sweets shop.”

“YESSS!!! I’ve been waiting for this!!!”

(At first, I thought the Shogunate’s power struggles would reach the city too… But it seems Tokugawa is keeping everything under control. No need to rush—I’ll let Esther enjoy herself for now.)

For today, he’d let the long journey’s fatigue melt away.

“Sniff sniff… This way! Axel, faster!”

“Axel, do NOT speed up. That’s dangerous.”

“Baruru.”

Even the townsfolk smiled at Esther’s excitement.

Since it was lunchtime, the sweet shop was packed.

So they grabbed seats outside and even got a portion for Axel.

Esther’s eyes sparkled.

“Sweets, sweets~♪”

“What… is that song…?”

“Baruru…”

There were so many choices that Esther couldn’t decide, so she just bought everything.

The tea came free with the sweets.

First, she stuffed a dark blue-colored bun into her mouth.

“Mmm! So goooood!”

“That’s probably a Hakata Torimon. It’s the shop’s best seller.”

Next, she bit into a skewered rice cake.

“This is the best thing ever!!!”

“That’s Kushi Mochi with Walnut Miso. Just the smell alone is amazing.”

Finally, she took a bite of a triangular rice cake.

“…So good…”

“That’s Yatsuhashi Black Sesame Flavor. Did it taste so good it made you go quiet?”

Realizing her mouth was too sweet, Esther reached for her tea.

“Careful. You should sip it first to check the taste.”

“I’ll be fine! I know it’ll be delicious—”

She took a big gulp.

“AAAHHH!!! BITTER! BITTER!!! PFFT PFFT!!!”

“See? I told you…”

It was thick matcha tea—one of Edo’s specialties.

The locals chuckled at the classic tourist reaction.

“Axel, you can eat as much as you want too.”

“Baruru..”

Axel ate gracefully and slowly.

More refined than Esther.

Sharing tea and sweets with companions—nothing could replace that.

Ryu set aside his goals for a moment and quietly enjoyed his treat.

(This kind of slow life… isn’t so bad once in a while.)

But trouble lurked everywhere.

Hinomaru was no exception.

A thuggish samurai walked over.

The townsfolk, recognizing him, hurried away.

“Oi. You’ve been making a lot of noise, squirt!”

“Huh…? Me?”

“Who else, shorty?!”

A mere complaint was one thing, but insults were another.

Ryu’s gaze sharpened.

“Foreigners who don’t know their place… need to be taught a lesson.”

The samurai reached for Esther.

But before he could—

Ryu grabbed his arm.

“…Oi. Do you even know who you’re messing with?”

The samurai grinned.

“I was just gonna punch this brat once, y’know?”

“Is that so──────

Then,

──────Die.”