Heroes and Their Qualifications (3)
“Nicola…? Why are you here?”
An old connection.
One that goes way back.
He’s one of the few people in this world I could call a friend, and among them, Nicola was the closest. Well, if we’re being precise, even including my original world, he’s the one I could call my closest friend.
Nicola was a reliable source of information and, annoyingly strong to the boot… but we had a close relationship in our own way.
Our first meeting was when I was disciplining Nicola’s sister.
Teaching that wild girl some manners was the start of our acquaintance.
After the Demon King died, our relationship did cool off a bit, but we parted on good terms in the end.
“Hey, we finally meet after so long, and that’s the first thing you say?”
“……”
Of course, that’s all in the past now.
“Why are you here?”
Nicola is the emperor’s confidant. And not just any confidant—he’s so trusted that calling him the most loyal wouldn’t be wrong. Moreover, he’s so favored that he could commit a serious crime and not be punished for it.
And that emperor is currently pursuing me.
He’s even mobilized dragon hunters, chasing me with all his might.
So Nicola showing up here isn’t exactly a good sign for me.
Maybe, the fiercest battle might unfold right here.
Although it would be one-sided.
But still, if I can just land a good hit with the holy sword…
Ah, but I might die before that.
Still, if Valkvogel can somehow block just once, I think I could win.
“Ah~ thanks to whom I got cut and retired, now I’m traveling, and when I greet a friend I meet, why are you so on edge? I’d be hurt if you act like this, you know?”
“You got cut?”
“Mm… naturally. Because of meeting the wrong friend.”
Nicola picked up the helmet he had set on the ground with one hand.
His movements seemed to carry a weariness.
He looked as if he had been on a grueling journey, as if he hadn’t bathed in days.
It’s impossible to think he’s on official business in that state. Unless he was really banished, there’s no way an emperor’s confidant would be wandering around in such attire.
So, maybe it’s safe to assume…
No, that’s not it.
No matter how I think about it, there’s no reason to discard Nicola. Why would they cut loose someone so capable, someone other nations would eagerly snatch up? What kind of foolish leader would do that?
And what kind of madman comes to the Dragon Kingdom? There are plenty of better places to travel to than the Dragon Kingdom, so why come here? And to appear just as I arrive here. The timing is too suspicious.
“And besides, without a dragon, it’s impossible to enter the Dragon Kingdom.”
“Is that so…?”
“Mhm, finally you believe me. Ah, by the way, who are those two behind you? They seem like your companions.”
There was a jolt,
as if such a sound effect came from them.
That was the feeling.
Their faces were not visible, deeply hooded as they were, but I could almost feel the silent pressure to change the subject immediately.
Valkvogel had already turned to look behind us.
It seems I need to step in here.
“Well, that’s none of my concern. Why did you come to the Dragon Kingdom… no. Do you have a way to get in?”
Regardless of what Nicola says, there’s only one truth. He’s here on the emperor’s orders in the Dragon Kingdom. It’s clear he’s been sent to either capture and kill me on sight or to ascertain my whereabouts and escort me back to the empire.
But since he hasn’t attacked me right away, it seems Nicola’s current mission is to stall me.
To buy time until the main forces arrive.
Hmm, but is there a way to escape?
Other than entering the Dragon Kingdom, I can’t think of any good options.
If I head elsewhere, they’ll surely follow, and I can’t enter the Dragon Kingdom as Valkvogel isn’t recognized as a dragon. What can I do?
Fighting doesn’t seem like a good option either…
Maybe I’ll have to sneak in after all.
As I was pondering this, Nicola approached me.
His speed was such that I couldn’t react.
If it came to a fight, I wouldn’t last long.
“A way in… there’s really no better way than this, is there?”
Saying so, he began to pull something out from within his cloak.
Something large and solid.
It seemed to emit a faint mist, as if warmth was escaping from it.
It was an object many coveted, not easily obtained. What Nicola had just pulled out cast a sinister shadow in the sunset, its black and solid form looming.
Yes, the identity of that object was…
“…a token? How did you get that?”
It was the token of the Dragon Kingdom.
The amulet looked the same as when I had seen it before.
So solid it seemed it could smash a rock.
But more importantly, how did he…
“Ah… I cashed in some of my retirement pay to get it. You know, from the second most powerful person in the empire.”
“Sparrow dragon? That guy gave you the token?”
“Yeah. Is that strange? I might be washed up now… but back in the day, I was quite something.”
Sparrow dragon Louis.
The only living founding contributor of the empire.
I had heard that he was now old and enjoying a leisurely retirement from his position as a high-ranking official, but to think that Sparrow Dragon would travel all the way to the Dragon Kingdom just to give Nicola the token? It doesn’t fit her character.
I’ve met Sparrow Dragon before.
It was related to an incident with Troka, and we had crossed paths just once.
She was a woman whose true intentions were inscrutable, someone I didn’t care to see again.
If I’m unlucky, I might run into her again.
“And who else would I know among dragons? I’ve spent my whole life cooped up in the empire. Anyway, follow me, and if you’re with me, they’ll give you the token.”
“Is the Sparrow Dragon not here?”
“Ah… That person has her own business and went ahead. You might run into her if you’re unlucky…”
Nicola trailed off, giving an awkward smile.
Suspicious.
And to say I might run into her if I’m unlucky.
It definitely feels like he’s hiding something.
“Let’s go. You must have business in the Dragon Kingdom too.”
With those words, Nicola put on his helmet and started walking.
It all seems too suspicious.
From his behavior to the timing of our meeting.
It was too natural, as if someone had planned it long ago. If I follow him without question, I’ll surely be caught up in his pace. But if I don’t follow, I have no other way to enter the Dragon Kingdom…
As I stood there pondering, Nicola spoke with an even stronger tone.
“…We need to finish this.”
Despite the suspicious feeling, I simply started walking.
After all, this is the only way to enter the Dragon Kingdom.
I don’t know what might happen if I refuse to follow him now. If I’m unlucky, they might attack without regard for borders. So, for now, I have no choice but to follow along.
If I try to run now, I’ll just end up captured by the imperial army.
If I’m lucky, I might be able to read all the letters and make it back alive.
I glanced at the women with uneasy expressions.
Cecilia then stood firmly behind me with a resolved face.
Valkvogel bowed her head, making her expression unreadable… Well, she’s probably making a similar face.
Nicola’s retreating figure seemed somehow lonely.
Perhaps I’m wearing the same expression.
It felt like something inside me was tightening.
*
Entering the Dragon Kingdom was a success.
The knight we had seen before handed out tokens to us without a word as soon as Nicola showed his. Valkvogel received a slightly disapproving look, but it was fleeting. After a brief wait, we received our tokens and entered. Thus, we arrived in the Dragon Kingdom.
I didn’t know that having one human with a token meant the rest would get one too, but I’ve gained some new knowledge through this opportunity.
Not that it seems like knowledge I’ll particularly need to use again.
Anyway, now that we’re in the Dragon Kingdom, there are two main things to do.
Opening Bella’s letter and the letter addressed to me.
Naturally, Bella’s letter takes priority.
The one addressed to me can be left to the relevant parties, so for now, I need to set out to find Bella.
And there are things that need to be finished.
Like the incident with Valkvogel, for example.
And it’s time to have a conversation with Cecilia.
Especially since I haven’t finished talking with Nicola.
Yes, Nicola.
After escorting us into the Dragon Kingdom, he left.
I thought he was trying to lower our guard before setting up a place to stay. But he really did leave.
He said he was off to enjoy some leisure time. He might look every bit the retiree in such moments… but when he spoke those words, his expression was incredibly uncomfortable. As if the current situation was really irking him.
Is it because he can’t kill me right now that he’s suffering?
Or is there really a problem with his trip?
Well, when I asked him outright, he said he was sad he couldn’t be with me, but that’s obviously a lie. He may be first-rate in combat, but he’s third-rate when it comes to deceiving others.
It’s quite convenient to know this.
Anyway.
It’s already been an hour since we entered the lodging. It’s about time to get started.
Nicola, Bella, Cecilia, Valkvogel.
Who knows what might happen, when or where.
There’s not much time left.
First things first… Bella.
It’s the last letter, so let’s relax and take it easy.
And after everything is finished, it’s time to head home.
I’m sure I’ll be able to make it back.
