Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

Parnam, capital of the Kingdom of Friedonia.

With the antiquated, but still impressive, castle, the orange roofs that gave the city its color, and the round city walls that encircled them, it was a city that felt, in some way, nostalgic.

However, beneath all of that were Soumas reforms to public hygiene, as well as the installation of a sewer system and transportation network, which had produced a city that was efficient and livable in a way that belied its old-fashioned appearance. This city was like a symbol of the Kingdom of Friedonia as it began to amass power.

Now, for all that Parnam was undergoing rapid advances, there were also occasionally bizarre rumors that spread inside the city. Urban legends, one might call them.

Last year brought rumors of the moving mannequin, and the kigurumi adventurer. These naturally subsided when sightings of moving mannequins came to an end, and when mentions of the kigurumi adventurer had started to bring responses of, Oh, you mean Little Musashibo.

However, of late, a new rumor had begun to take their place.

It was...

The Dark Shadow That Moves through the Night Sky.

This was how one metal goods seller, Mr. A, related the tale:

I was hitting the bottle pretty hard that day, so I dont remember so well, but... I was drunk off my hind end, on my back, staring up into the sky, when something passed overhead. It was all... blackish, coiled, and long.

Here was another account from a merchant, Mr. S:

I was comin back from my delivery to the castle that day. It was a clear day, and ya could see the moon and clouds right clear, but for some reason, the area round me went and got real dark all of a sudden. That was when I realized there was a big ol shadow passin overhead. It was blockin out the moons light. I got right scared, and my legs gave out, but the shadow flew over top of the castle and then, poof, it vanished. Heres hopin it aint an ill omen of things to come...

There were many sightings such as these, and it caused uncertainty among the townsfolk who were concerned that a monster might have come. However, when Chris Tachyon broadcast the truth behind these sightings from the castle, things began to calm down.

They say the two responsible for these rumors received a harsh reprimand about it later from their guardians.

I was now on Nadens back, flying through the night sky. The fantastical situation of flying through the sea of clouds beneath a starry sky on a ryuus back made my heart dance. It got me so pumped that, without even meaning to, I started humming the opening theme to an anime I watched long ago.

Incidentally, on our route back to the kingdom, we passed over the Orthodox Papal State of Lunaria. In my former world, it may have been fair to ask if I was infringing on their airspace, but here, while civilizations may have mastered the skies, there was no concept of airspace rights. In this world, there was yet to be a system of international law that would allow other countries to take issue with wyverns and other such flying creatures being used to pass over their territory at high altitudes.

There was one clear, simple reason for that: They couldnt enforce it.

For instance, if a wyvern entered a countrys airspace, there were no radar systems in this world with which they might detect it. It wouldnt be possible to monitor all of their airspace, without a system like radar, using only patrols.

Because of that, such patrols were limited to the areas over major cities. This was done to prevent a small aerial force from entering their airspace to drop bombs over a city, or to drop off spies. Also, if a group was flying in formation close to the surface, they would be quickly spotted by those on the ground, and it would be possible to catch them.

So, turning that around, as long as we didnt fly near the ground, in a formation, or over cities, it would be possible to pass over another country.

I sent Poncho to other countries to gather cooking ingredients in the past. On those occasions, we sent messengers to those countries to secure proper permission for him to land there. However, when passing over another country at high altitude like we were doing now, there was no need to tell them about it.

That said, if anything did happen, the country in question couldnt be held accountable for it. This was a situation where we couldnt complain even if they shot us down; but Naden was flying higher than the average wyvern could, so I wasnt worried about that. That was why, when traveling from the Star Dragon Mountain Range to the Kingdom of Friedonia, we cut across the Orthodox Papal State of Lunaria.

Naden flew the route that our relaxed trip had taken nearly a week to cover in a mere two to three hours.

Hey, Kazuma... is this really okay? Naden asked. The closer we got to the capital, Parnam, the more worried her questions sounded. Parnam is the capital of Friedonia, right? Flying inside their territory is one thing, but if I fly over the cities, wont it become a diplomatic issue and cause them to attack us?

I patted Naden on the back to reassure her. Itll be fine. Ive already notified them.

You say youve notified them, but... weve been in the air all this time!

Its a bit too much effort to explain, but, well, just think of it as my magic.

I had used a mannequin with the Factory Arm #1 that Id left part of my consciousness in with Living Poltergeists so that it could do paperwork while I was away to write a message. The message said, Be back soon. Will be riding in on a long, coiled creature. Dont be surprised. So they knew we were coming. The Factory Arm #1 was incredibly creepy to look at, but it could be used to relay messages like this, so it was still handy.

Im more curious how you were able to explain the situation to an entire kingdom, though... Naden said.

I couldnt read her expression when she was in ryuu form, but Nadens voice sounded dubious.

Well, lets just say... Im in a position to do that, I said.

You say you have four fiances, too, so youre no ordinary guy, are you, Kazuma? Maybe youre really important in the kingdom? Like a major noble?

Im an ordinary guy, I said. One whos been forced into an extraordinary position, thats all.

When I gave her an answer she could infer as much as she wished from, the city of Parnam with its lightmoss streetlamps and the moonlit Parnam Castle came into view.

Im back, I thought.

The way that I felt, even though Id only been gone for about half a month, was proof that this castle had already become my place to return home to.

Naden, land in that castles courtyard, I directed.

The castle?! Thats okay?!

Its fine.

That was where people were waiting for me to come home.

Naden remained floating in the air, holding me in her mouth until she could put me down on the ground. Then she immediately took on human form herself and landed, too.

The castle courtyard was pretty large, but it was still a bit too tight a fit for Naden to land there in her ryuu form. If she tried to land that way, the royal gardeners would probably cry. We technically had a heliport-like space for wyverns to land, too, but the courtyard was closer to the inside of the castle.

When we landed in the courtyard, the guards went stiff as if they couldnt believe what they were seeing, but they immediately saluted us and rushed inside. Not long after, Liscia, Hakuya, Juna, and Roroa came out.

When Roroa saw me, she immediately raced over and, using all of her momentum, leapt at me and gave me a flying tackle hug. Welcome home, darlin!

Urgh... I-Im home, I managed to say.

Roroa was light and delicate, so I hadnt been knocked on my rear end or anything like that, but I had to spin around about one and a half times to kill her momentum. Roroas arms were securely fastened around my waist, and she was snuggling up against me like a cat, pressing her face into my chest.

Darlin, Ive been so lonely without you.

Lonely? I objected. Its only been about a week.

If I cant see your face, whether its a day or a year, its all the same. Juna was actin restless, too, and while Big Sister Cias been feignin calmness, her brow was all wrinkled up.

Roroa! Liscia and Juna shouted.

While they both shouted at her for spilling the details of how theyd been while I was gone, Roroa laughed and hid behind me.

Ah... It was a bit vague, but it felt like Id come home.

Liscia, Juna, Im home, I said, smiling.

Oh! Welcome home, Your Majesty. Juna fixed her posture and bowed.

Welcome home. Liscia spoke in an exasperated tone. You came back so suddenly, I was surprised.

Suddenly? I asked. Didnt you get the message saying Id be back?

It took too long before it came. Do you have any idea how many messenger kuis Aisha sent, worrying about your safety, Souma?

...Oh. Now that she mentioned it, Id left Aisha and the others behind in that village. I guess we could have picked them up on the way here, huh.

I heard the Star Dragon Mountain Range were going to be explaining the situation to them, though, I said.

Its meaningless unless youre the one to tell them yourself, Liscia retorted. In the letter she sent me, Carla said that Aisha nearly took a swing at the messenger who came from there.

What? Thats scary...

Carla and the others desperately stopped her. Honestly, it almost turned into a diplomatic incident. Though it seems they acknowledged the fault was largely with them for taking you so suddenly, and then the envoy began apologizing.

Aisha... When it comes to me, she can be so indiscriminate, I sighed.

Starting an all-out war with the dragons wouldnt be funny. Show some self-restraint, please.

It just shows how much she cares for you, doesnt it? Liscia retorted. Make it up to her the next time the two of you are together.

Okay...

Then I addressed Hakuya, who had been sitting out of the conversation.

Did anything unusual happen while I was away?

I looked Liscia straight in the eye as I spoke.

Besides, though Nadens birth and abilities may be special, shes an incredibly ordinary girl.

Whoa, Souma! Naden objected.

But I hadnt meant that in a bad way. The way she laughed, cried, dealt with her complexes, sulked, fell in love... There couldnt have been many girls in this era who were so girly.

I find that ordinariness charming, I said. So... Im sure I can love her.

I see... Liscia cast her eyes downward, looking as if she was considering something. Then, when she looked up again, she turned to Naden. I know how Souma feels now. So... Naden, its your turn.

O-Okay! Naden burst out.

Liscia nodded, then turned back to me. Souma, could you give Naden and me some time alone now?

Alone... Huh? She wanted to interview Naden privately?!

Thats...

Roroa, Juna, take care of Souma, Liscia directed.

Roroa and Juna took me firmly by the arms. I tried to shake them off, but they definitely werent letting go.

Well, thiss an order from the future first primary queen, after all, so there aint much else we can do about it, Roroa said.

Hee hee, Juna giggled. I suppose not. We have no other choice here.

They said they had no choice, but didnt they kind of seem to be enjoying it?!

When I looked to Hakuya for help...

It seems this is a family discussion, so Ill take my leave, was all he said before quickly leaving the room.

He ran away?!

Liscia took Nadens hand and started to walk away from us. Now then, Naden, its a bit awkward to do this here, so lets go back to my room. Oh, but before that... How about a bath first? Liscia added, running her fingers through Nadens long black hair.

Huh? A bath?

Your hairs all tangled. As a girl, you need to take better care of it. Come, Ill wash it for you.

Huh? Were going together? Huh?

Dragging Naden, who was at a total loss for what was happening, along with her, Liscia left the room. I tried to stop her, but Juna and Roroa pulled on me hard.

No, sire, you cant do that. Its best to let girls work these things out themselves.

Leave this to Big Sister Cia, darlin. You stay right here for Nadies sake.

Juna, Roroa... I said slowly.

It seemed like everyone had Nadens best interests in mind. I was happy to see them doing their best to accept her, even if it might have left them with complicated feelings. However, Roroa and Junas smiles had an intimidating edge that left no room for dispute.

Before that, were gonna make you tell us what happened between you and Nadie in the Star Dragon Mountain Range, and why she likes you so darn much! Roroa shouted.

You wont be getting any sleep tonight, so prepare yourself, Juna added.

...Go easy on me, please, I sighed.

Sorry, Naden. Please, do your best on your end.

How is it? Youre not itchy anywhere, are you?

I-Im fine...

Im Naden. I was currently in a bath, being washed by Lady Liscia.

S-Someone, explain this situation to me!

To calm myself down, I reviewed a little of the situation so far.

In order to form a dragon knight (or, in my case, would it be a ryuu knight?) contract with Kazuma, I had come to the Kingdom of Friedonia where he lived. But Id been hit with the shocking revelation that Kazumas real name was Souma Kazuya, and he was the king (but he wasnt crowned yet, so only provisionally).

And that was how Id gotten here.

I was buck naked, and an equally naked Lady Liscia was washing my hair for me. Lady Liscias clear, white skin made even my heart race, despite being a member of the same gender. I was sitting with my legs in a W position, while Lady Liscia stood on her knees behind me, scrubbing my long black hair. While her chest might not have been as large as the blue-haired ladys, I could feel her very pretty swells pressing against the back of my head.

...Yeah, I needed to say it in my head one more time...

Someone, explain this situation to me!

What in the world was going on here? I had the candidate to become Friedonias first primary queen washing my hair for some reason.

I turned to Lady Liscia and hesitantly asked, Um, Lady Liscia? If I may ask, why exactly are you washing me...?

Because your hair was a mess, thats why. Youve got good material to work with, so you should pay better attention to your appearance... Well, not that I was one to talk, until recently, at least.

I-I see...

Pai said something similar before, hadnt she?

Then Liscia grinned. Also, you can just call me Liscia.

I couldnt. Youre going to be the queen of this country in the future, arent you?

You came here to become one, too, didnt you? Souma seems to be charmed by how normal you are, so Id be happy if you would treat me like you would a friend. Okay, close your eyes now.

Ah...!

I closed my eyes when she said that, and then she poured a bucket of hot water over my head. The soap suds that were stuck to my head were washed away, and my hair clung tightly to my skin. I shook my head vigorously.

When she saw me do that, Lady Liscia... Liscia gave me a wonderful smile.

Youre like Tomoe when you do that.

Tomoe?

My adopted little sister. Shes an eleven-year-old mystic wolf girl, and shes just the cutest.

Really? I might want to meet her, then...

If you marry Souma, shell be like your little sister, too. Be nice to her.

While talking about things like that, we got into the tub. It was a large, round tub, and three women could have fit into it easily. While I was still feeling tense, I sunk myself into the water.

Just so you know, this bath is exclusively for members of the kings family, Liscia, who was soaking in the water across from me, explained. I often bathe here with Aisha, Juna, Roroa, and Tomoe.

Family... D-Does Souma come in here with you, too, sometimes? My heart raced at the thought.

Liscia shook her head with a wry laugh. Souma says, Were lucky enough to have a nice big tub in the castle, so Id rather use that one, so hes always going to the bathing area used by the castle guards. He plans his trips there around when there wont be many people there.

I-I see...

Did you want to get in this tub with Souma, Naden? Liscia teased.

No! I think Id still be a little... embarrassed... Burble, burble.

Wait, what did I mean, still?! Hold on! I know I was the one who said it, but that was way too embarrassing!

I sank my face half way into the water. Liscia watched me with a smile.

Naden... You wanted to form a dragon knight contract with Souma, right? That basically means you want to be his wife...

...Yeah.

What made you decide you wanted to marry Souma?

Liscia was looking me straight in the eye. The look on her face was a gentle one, but she wouldnt look away, and was trying to thoroughly evaluate what kind of person I was. Even if I gave her a nice-sounding answer to get into her good graces, shed see through me in no time.

Thats why I straightened my back and answered with my honest feelings.

Because... Souma showed me the me I had never known! I decided to stand up in the tub, and hit her with exactly how I felt. He taught me that I was a type of dragon called a ryuu. He taught me how to fly. He taught me what I always wanted to know, about what sort of being I am. Thats why I want to be with Souma, the one who understands me! I want to be the dragon Souma rides!

I heard all of that in Soumas explanation, Liscia said quietly. But can you say with certainty that those feelings are your own? Madam Tiamat was the one who sent Souma to your side, wasnt she?

Shed hit upon a sore point. But... if I backed down here, what kind of woman would I be?

I brought my hand to my chest, then looked straight back into her eyes. Youre right, Madam Tiamat may have arranged for Souma and me to meet. But, I can say without a doubt, my desire to be with Souma is entirely my own.

Liscias eyes went wide when she heard my once-in-a-lifetime confession.

I turned the question on Liscia. Or what... Are you going to tell me that a love that starts out prearranged by someone else isnt real love?

I felt a little sad as I said it.

Liscia leaned forward hard, sinking the upper half of her body into the water with a splash. She stayed like that, with nothing more than bubbles rising to the surface. Was it about ten seconds that she stayed under? I got worried, so I called out to her.

U-Um... Liscia?

Bwah!

With a loud splash, Liscia came back up. Wh-What was that?! I sat back down in the tub, and Liscia shook the water from her hair, scratching at her cheek awkwardly.

Sorry. Your confession there made me feel a little embarrassed myself.

Wha?! What are you saying, Liscia?!

Like I said, sorry. But you had the perfect comeback there. Is a love that starts out prearranged by someone else not real love? If you put it that way, mine was the same, and I dont think any of the others could argue with you, either. I mean, all of our meetings were arranged in some way.

Liscia smiled as if indulging in fond memories.