CH 51

Chapter 51: Chaos Comes with Thunder

One of the drawbacks of this profession is that there isn’t just one person above you, meaning you don’t only obey one person.

“I wonder what that means. Edmond, can you explain?”

“…Yes, Your Highness Porupon.”

Ugh… my stomach hurts…

It’s not just the king.

Even the prince. If he gives an order, of course I have to obey too.

But here’s the problem.

Let’s say you receive instructions from two or more people regarding the same matter, and those instructions are completely contradictory. What should you do then?

“Well… the heir of the Gilbert family has made a contract with an elemental dragon, but I assume you already knew that…”

“Of course, I know. Truly, Luke is so amazing. But why isn’t there a celebration party for that at the royal castle? It’s unbelievable.”

“…”

King Mengis tends to prioritize maintaining the dignity of the king as a king rather than practical benefits.

Crown Prince Alexdra doesn’t show much interest in domestic affairs either, given his position as the head of the First Mage Division.

In that sense, Second Prince Porupon might be the most sensible one. He seems to have a correct understanding of the current state of the kingdom.

“…His Majesty is not pleased with the fact that the power of the noble factions is rapidly growing. That’s why he made this decision…”

“Well, then, all the more reason to hold the celebration, don’t you think? It’s a good opportunity to show the dignity of the king as a king.”

“…”

…Um, I also think so. But please don’t say that to me. I would really appreciate it if you didn’t make such comments to me.

“Well, it would be cruel to say such things to you. I’m sorry.”

“No, I apologize.”

“So, for Luke’s celebration, I was thinking of secretly going there myself.”

“Huh…?”

“Actually, I’ve already informed the Deputy Commander of the Second Magic Division. The arrangements are all set. Edmond, I expect you to come as well.”

“I see… I see….uh…huh?”

Honestly, I think I’m pretty good at memorizing things. I’ve always managed to handle things smoothly and efficiently, just skirting the line where I won’t be criticized… I don’t think I’m bad at grasping the essentials either.

But at this moment, I couldn’t understand a single thing Prince Porupon had said with that smile.

In the midst of an indescribable silence, I could clearly hear the sound of my brain short-circuiting…

…From the perspective of commoners, being a noble is something to be envied. However, there are times when it feels suffocating.

This time is no exception. If I weren’t a noble, there would have been no celebration for me conquering the attribute dragon.

“…Honestly, it’s troublesome.”

Oh well.

It’s still bothersome, but it’s for the prosperity of my father, mother, and ultimately the Gilbert family.

Nevertheless, for now, I prioritize improving my own strength… and ugh, it’s a bit cold.

“Did you say something, Master Luke?”

“Don’t mind it.”

“I see… Um, still, this feels off—”

“Get used to it.”

“… Yes.”

I am currently on the back of Dia, flying through the sky.

Dia seems to have a habit of collecting treasures, and it all started when she said she wanted to return to her nest to present the treasures she has gathered so far. It was a good opportunity for me to test the new magic I developed, and riding on Dia’s back was just an added bonus.

—”Dragon Armor of Darkness.”

If I were to describe this magic concisely, it’s Dia’s armor. If I can master it, it should greatly enhance Dia’s abilities… but it seems it will take some time getting used to it.

After all, I created the magic in the first place because Dia seemed to be uncomfortable to ride on.

“There are many interesting things here. Don’t drop them, okay?”

“Of course not!”

The treasures have already been collected.

Now it’s time to return to Gilbadia… It’s still cold. This aspect needs improvement…

Honestly, I have too many things I want to do, it’s troublesome. I should start analyzing this thing seriously soon.

I took out a magical tool from my pocket. It’s a beautiful flute. Yes, it’s a magical tool that once held the immense power to control Dia, albeit imperfectly.

—“The Flute of Domination”

It miraculously remained intact, so I kept it. It was a good find.

I activate my info magic and try to analyze it briefly.

“…Multiple layers of defensive magic. Even I, with all my power, can’t casually approach it. Kuku, very cautious indeed.”

Of course, I can’t use it, and if I try to undo the magic on this flute recklessly, it will self-destruct.

Therefore, I can’t use dark magic carelessly. But well, given enough time, I will definitely undo it and prove it.

…If I have enough time, that is.

Good grief, I feel down just thinking about having to entertain those indifferent nobles at parties and such. Only a few more days of endurance left. If they’re fast, they should be arriving at my territory soon.

“I can see it, we’re almost there!”

“Ah.”

As I was contemplating such things, the city of Gilbadia came into view. In the beginning, there was always a commotion whenever Dia flew in the sky, but the people of my territory had already gotten used to it.

For now, I descended with my treasure into the backyard of my mansion.

Then Dia was enveloped in a magical light, and her massive body transformed into something smaller.

“I must say, I’m quite impressed with myself!”

“Yeah, you’ve really gathered an impressive treasure.”

“I’m glad you think so! Um… can I go treasure hunting again when I have free time? I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I can’t get enough of treasures…”

“It’s fine. Just don’t damage my name, okay?”

“I-I understand… ahaha.”

“If you understand, then… hmm?”

At that moment, I sensed a strong presence of magic.

“Who could it be?”

And Dia seemed to have sensed it too, as she followed the presence, which seemed to lead to the gates of my mansion.

Naturally, we headed there and saw it.

“Hou…”

A magic circle appeared suddenly, followed by a magnificent carriage that appeared out of thin air.

On the carriage was the crest of the Godwin family.

I quickly understood.

This is… “Spatial Magic.”

“It’s been a while, Luke.”

“Kuku… that’s right, Eleanora.”

The woman who appeared from the carriage was my childhood friend… or so the setting goes. She’s still as big as ever… in many ways.

Most likely, this magic is hers. Space magic… Kuku, it’s truly magnificent, isn’t it?

“…”

Following Eleanora, Marquis Godwin stepped down from the carriage.

“Is this thing the Ice Dragon?”

He asked quietly.

“This thing… you say? A mere human, you dare… mogya!”

“Yes, that’s correct, Lord Godwin. I’m sorry to admit that she lacks manners.”

“…”

Marquis Godwin narrowed his eyes at me as I held Dia’s mouth shut for a few seconds.

“I apologize for my rudeness.”

Though he didn’t physically bow, his eyes did convey a sincere apology.

“Kuku, what could it be?”

“…”

“Father, may I speak with Luke for a moment?”

“Ah, fine, but make it brief.”

“Understood.”

Once again, Marquis Godwin stared at me for a few seconds before walking away and entering his private residence.

“It’s been a long time, Luke.”

“Yeah.”

“By the way, this thing…”

“Hey, don’t get carried away with your arrogance, human.”

Instantly, an overwhelming amount of mana leaked from Dia. …The low boiling point of this woman’s temper really annoys me. Well, I guess it can’t be helped, considering this has been her temperament for years.

“Listen, I’ll only say this once. Don’t embarrass me.”

“H-hiii…”

But as my familiar, it doesn’t really matter to me.

“There won’t be a next time. Got it?”

“Y-yes…”

“So, Ele… hey, what’s wrong?”

“…Luke, did you really defeat such a powerful monster?”

“Huh? Ah, yeah, I did.”

Why is she bringing this up now?

Wait, was this the first time Eleanora saw Dia? Certainly, Dia is a fairly powerful monster, but…

“Kufu, kufufufu, as expected, my eyes didn’t deceive me…!”

“…”

Shivers ran down my spine as Eleanora started laughing in a strange way, and my trouble detector went off like crazy.

“Well, actually, Luke… I have a dream…”

“Wait, I don’t want to hear it. Don’t talk.”

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but… W-will you listen to me?”

“You should listen to me too. I told you I don’t want to hear it.”

“I see! Will you listen to my dream then?”

“Hey, I said I don’t want to…”

“…That I want to be overwhelmed by an overwhelmingly powerful man, even if I give it my all!! I just want to be reminded that I’m nothing but a weak woman!”

“…”

…What in the world is triggering this?

Why is this woman’s eyes sparkling like that?

And what’s with this desire that seems to mix the instincts of a battle maniac and a m*******t? She’s definitely not just a variation of Alice. This pervert.

…Alice, Dia, Eleonora… Why are there so many of them around me like this?

I felt a strong dizziness.

“But I’m too strong… Before I knew it, I had become the top at the academy. Even though I was in despair… And yet, I finally found you! Let’s fight right now, Luke! Here and now, with all our might!”

“What are you talking about—”

Just as I was about to express my shuddering disgust on my face without hiding it, a thunderclap roared overhead.

“… What now?”

I felt a dreadful premonition as I slowly looked up at the sky. And then, I saw it – a mysterious sight of lightning soaring through the sky. Indeed, lightning is supposed to strike down, but… as I thought about it, the lightning changed its direction at a right angle and struck down. Right near me. Emitting the familiar presence of magic power.

“Ehehe… It’s been a while, Luke. I’ve come—eh… Who’s this girl?”

“Mia” suddenly appeared alone, without any context.

Compared to Eleonora, her body seemed much smaller.

And yet, her overwhelming magic power seemed to counter that.

And… her eyes were dark and murky.

In an instant, my brain was filled with an unimaginable amount of thoughts that surged through my mind.

Overwhelming ‘why?’, filled my mind.

And then, I could only utter one word—

“…Eh.”