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Chapter 180 - Tourism Crisis
The president didn’t have the courage to retort, “If you know we’re busy, then please go back.” Instead she politely smiled and said, “Not at all. Instead of standing here, how about we go up and have a cup of tea…”
“No, thank you. I must return immediately after relaying the message. We too are busy due to His Majesty’s sudden arrival…” the attendant trailed off.
In that instant, an inexplicable sense of camaraderie developed between the two parties. ‘You too? Hey, me too!’ They exchanged sympathetic looks, before the attendant coughed dryly.
“What I’m here to relay is that tomorrow…” the attendant trailed off, as if the next words were difficult to speak. Everyone swallowed dryly at the attendant’s pause—what could it be? The attendant fought back a grimace and shut their eyes tightly, before saying, “His Majesty’s dragon arrives in Aluna!”
* * *
The sounds of cheers erupted from all around them, while flowers rained down from above. Tania frowned at the petals being tossed madly her way. “Ah-ah-ah-achoo!” Tania had been struggling in this state for the whole tripe.
As she sniffled, Girgantia asked from below her, “You catch a cold?”
Hearing Girgantia’s voice, the cheers grew louder.
“Did you hear that? The dragon spoke!”
“Heavens. If I’d known, I would’ve ordered a recording spell from the mages, even if it cost me an arm and a leg!”
Tania and Girgantia were rendered speechless by the crowd’s fanaticism. It’d been like this ever since they departed from the imperial palace. Most of the distance had been covered by flight, but they couldn’t fly forever since they both needed to rest. Whenever the two tired, they would land to eat, before resuming their travels until it was time to retire for the day—lather, rinse and repeat.
“Could that girl be the dragon knight?!”
“I see! The battle knight of legend!”
Tania did a spit take at the words she overheard. ‘Excuse me? Dragon knight?’ Weren’t those warriors of legend? Humans who possessed the mighty power to subdue dragons and tame them as steeds, and of course, one of the stereotypical occupations of a male lead in a romance novel? “Just how am I… I guess I am like a dragon knight?” The strong denial in Tania’s voice died down mid-way and turned into a questioning tone.
After a long procession down a lane with petals raining on them, the entrance of Aluna finally came into view. Standing in front of the entrance was the president of the tourism association, who greeted warmly, “Welcome, Dame Dragon Knight! Everyone has been waiting for your arrival since dawn.”
“My name is Tania. I’m Her Majesty’s handmaiden…”
“Ah, for the good dame, we’ve prepared a voucher for 10 years free use of any hotel in Aluna, as well as a certificate that allows you to eat as much as you want at any restaurant.”
“Yes, thank you. I’m indeed Dragon Knight Tania. Do you happen to have anything else?”
“Wow, look at that switch in attitude. Ouch! Don’t step on my tail!” Girgantia grumbled.
The president shed tears of joy at the sight of Tania subduing the dragon with a single stomp. ‘I thought we were ruined, but who knew things would turn out like this!’
From the moment the villa attendant announced the dragon’s arrival, the tourism association had kicked into high gear.
“Are the pamphlets finished!”
“We’re done ordering the flowers!”
Overnight, banners and decorations bearing the image of dragons were attached all over the city, which read: ☆★Celebration★☆ We welcome Dragon Girgantia and Dragon Knight Tania – Aluna Tourism Association. Similarly, pamphlets were scattered all around, with the tagline that read ‘A dragon is coming—that dragon of legend! This may be a one and only opportunity of a lifetime!’
The association’s prediction was spot on. As soon as word spread that Girgantia was coming to town, visitors flocked to Aluna. The chance to see a dragon, a being said to be long-extinct, proved to be irresistible, and curiosity overcame fear. Naturally, this was also partly thanks to an added statement on the pamphlet that claimed ‘the creature is under the perfect control of the dragon knight. Rest 120% assured!’
A father in the crowd carrying his child on his shoulder said, “That’s a dragon, son. Now try offering this for it to eat,” before placing a piece of candy in the child’s hands.
Earning a disdainful glare from Girgantia, he muttered, “Who’d eat something like that?”
Realizing the dragon wasn’t giving him the time of day, the child burst into tears. Wondering whether candy wasn’t the answer, the father handed a chicken skewer to his son to offer instead.
Girgantia promptly gobbled it up and shamelessly asked, “Got more?” After all, meat was the best.