"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 78

On the night of the full moon…

Grind, grind, grind…

The sound of herbs being crushed echoed through a room at the inn.

“……” “……”

Esther carefully added herbs and distilled water, occasionally casting some kind of magic.

She had the focused expression of a skilled apothecary, so Ryu stayed quiet, watching without interrupting.

However, for Esther, this process didn’t seem very difficult.

“Why are you staring so much?”

“Because I’m curious.”

“Well… whatever.”

Of course, anyone would be interested in watching a top-tier apothecary at work.

The mixing process was quieter than Ryu had expected.

It looked elegant in a good way but was also surprisingly simple.

“You don’t use any fancy magical tools or dangerous-looking liquids?”

“Only third-rate apothecaries rely on such things. The key ingredients are the bare minimum materials, high-purity water to bind them, and magic to enhance their properties. That’s all you really need.”

Esther continued,

“You’re the same, aren’t you? A true warrior fights with just one weapon. A swordsman needs only a sword, and a mage needs only a staff. Too many weapons just get in the way. It’s the same in every field.”

“I see. That’s just like you, Esther. Sas—”

“Don’t say it!”

Of course, this logic only worked because of her vast knowledge, refined skills, and immense experience.

“Some potions do require rare plants or high-rank monster materials. That’s something to keep in mind.”

“So, the shrinking potion doesn’t need those, but what about the memory potion?”

“I’m not sure. We need to find a pharmacology book first.”

Ryu had decided to travel to Hinomaru mainly because of Kurikara’s homeland. However, according to Esther, the pharmacology book they obtained today contained a lot of information she didn’t know. This trip might be more fruitful than expected.

As the mixing continued, the potion began to glow with a mysterious light.

Ryu was captivated by the sight.

And finally…

“Now, we just pour this into a sterilized bottle, and it’s done.”

“Want me to help?”

“Hold the bottle steady for me.”

“Got it.”

Esther poured the liquid into the bottle and sealed it.

The glow slowly faded, leaving behind a deep green color.

“It looks like that thing you spat out earlier today, Esther.”

“Stop that! You’re ruining the moment!”

It looked just like thick matcha—Esther’s worst enemy.

Afterward, the two left the inn and headed toward the deserted island where the fire dragon was hiding.

This was an uninhabited island near Hinomaru.

Grrr…

(Ugh… I’m so hungry…)

The fire dragon sensed something.

“Hmm? My master is calling me…!”

The dragon lifted its massive body and stepped out of the cave.

It spread its large wings and soared into the sky.

“Oh, here it comes.”

“Wow… It’s even bigger up close.”

The fire dragon landed on the beach, blocking the full moon with its size.

It lowered its head to meet their gaze.

(It’s been a while, Master.)

(It has. We thought the potion would take a month, but we finished it in just four days. Sorry for the wait.)

(No, no! If anything, I’m grateful… actually, relieved…)

(Relieved?)

Grrr…

“……”

“……”

“……”

(Let’s hurry home and eat.)

(Yes!!!)

Ryu opened the bottle and poured the potion into the dragon’s mouth.

Ugh, so bitter!

(Just deal with it.)

(So cruel…)

The dragon’s body quickly shrank until it was small enough to sit on Ryu’s shoulder.

“Whoa!”

The fire dragon widened its eyes.

(This… is what the world looks like to humans…)

(Esther said you can adjust your size freely. Can you?)

(Yes, I think I can shrink even more or return to my original size. I just… feel it instinctively. By the way, is that person over there Esther?)

(Now that I think about it, I haven’t introduced her yet. This small one is Esther. She saved my mother’s life, is an important friend, and the one who made your shrinking potion.)

(What an honor! Please allow me to serve you!)

(No need to be so formal. Just protect her until we return to the empire. Not to brag, but Esther’s battle power is literally zero.)

(Understood! I will protect her with my life!)

The fire dragon shrank even further and jumped onto Esther’s shoulder.

She gently patted the dragon’s head.

“〜♪”

“Such a sweet thing.”

“Shouldn’t you form a contract now? It’ll be easier to communicate.”

“Good idea.”

The dragon was eager as well.

“Gyao!”

(Yes, please!)

In this world, a familiar can have multiple masters. Some adventurer parties even shared a single familiar among all members.

This magic had many benefits.

“You know how to do it?”

“Yes. I learned it in the elf village.”

“Shall I begin the contract magic?”

(Yes, please!)

“She said yes.”

“Alright. Let’s do this.”

Esther placed her hand on the dragon’s head and began chanting. A blue light surrounded them… and then softly faded away.

“Success!”

“Gyao!”

Now, Esther and the fire dragon were magically connected.

After introducing Axel, they returned to the inn.

“Gyao!”

“She said, ‘Nice to meet you, senior.’”

“Baruru.”

The dragon seemed to respect hierarchy.

“So, what should we name her? We can’t keep calling her ‘fire dragon.’”

“How about ‘Matcha’?”

“That’s the worst name ever! Your naming sense is terrible!”

“Gyao…”

(Um, Master…)

It was a miracle that Ryu had come up with a good name for Axel. His naming sense was that bad.

Grrr…

“For now, let’s go back.”

“Yeah.”

They decided to think about the name after returning to the inn.

And so, a rare S-rank familiar was born into the world.