Leviathan:Volume 7 Chapter 4
Chapter 4 - Lost Witches
Part 1
The equilateral triangular prism of pure black, towering at over a thousand meters, stood in the Old Tokyo Concession at the former district of Ginza.
People called this type of object a "Monolith." However, dragonkind simply called it a "wedge."
Of course, humans of Earth were unaware of this difference.
The only exceptions were probably Haruga Haruomi, who had frequent contact with dragons—and one other person.
That man was named Sophocles.
A tall handsome man in the prime of life with very mature airs.
His complexion was too dark for a Caucasian, his facial features too deep-set for an oriental, no negroid characteristics. Let alone his real identity, even his race was indeterminate.
Sophocles was standing on the top of the Monolith.
Again, he was dressed in a black suit today, always showing up in front of others in this attire.
"Princess, your mood seems... not too great."
"Say no more. I cannot believe that Haruomi dared to lose before our duel... Defeated by the likes of that silver dragon. What a disgrace!"
The eccentric dressed in black inquired why Princess Yukikaze was unhappy.
This was a height over a thousand meters from the ground. Strong gusts of wind were blowing across the top without any hindrances.
In spite of that, the princess and Sophocles were conversing normally.
"The Road to Kingship, a game whose participants are Tyrannoi aiming for the position of dragon king... Shouldn't this victory be seen as a brilliant comeback executed by the latecomer Pavel Galad? Such open-mindedness is only fitting for a dragon king."
"I, Yukikaze, could not care less."
Princess Yukikaze's tone was clearly sulking.
Acting in this manner when her appearance was that of a fourteen or fifteen year old made her seem very childish. In contrast, Sophocles was talking to her with a calm and respectful attitude the whole time.
"Then why did you allow that dragon to have a match against the young man?"
"Do you even need to ask? This was to tell Haruomi that he is not worthy of dueling me, Yukikaze, if he were unable to overcome a trial of that level."
"Meaning you had no intention of fighting Pavel Galad from the very start?"
"Not necessarily. However, to this day, I, Yukikaze, have confronted similar opponents countless times. It has long become stale and boring. In that case, I prefer to fight Haruomi. He—"
Princess Yukikaze was outlandish, seeking not just simple victory or life and death but also pleasure on the battlefield.
Due to this type of personality, she asserted firmly, "He is far more interesting than others and pleasing to me."
"But that young man lost."
Sophocles' tone was gloomy.
"Just as you say, princess... He is not even worthy of competing against current royalty, much less ascending to the position of dragon king. Your discerning eye has proven this."
"Hmph."
Even when praised, Princess Yukikaze still turned her head away with displeasure like a sulking child.
She was the youngest dragon king. Very youthful in mind as well as appearance—Or rather, young. Full of childishness.
Preciesely because of that, her mood would not improve simply because a suspicious human being offered her a few words of praise.
However, it was not like she would sulk nonstop.
"Fine. I, Yukikaze, shall reward that silver dragon a little as befits the victor. I shall personally send him to the afterlife."
"Take care."
"Your name is Sophocles, isn't it? What are your plans?"
"I—There is a matter that intrigues me."
If Princess Yukikaze was a conqueror and warrior, then Sophocles was the game master who saw through everything from a god's eye view. Out of a game master's sense of responsibility, he said calmly, "Pavel Galad gained the advantage by carefully setting up the combat arena. However, the young man's allies—those priestesses—have yet to exit the stage."
"Now that you mention it, there were always a few humans hanging by Haruomi's side."
"Those girls are fairly resourceful. Perhaps they may become the key to victory—The second key."
"...Oh?"
Noticing Sophocles' intent, Princess Yukikaze finally smiled.
It was a radiant smile exuding pride and ambition. It was also evidence that the beautiful maiden, reminiscent of a snow fairy, had switched to a seasoned warrior's countenance.
"In other words, you believe there could be further twists and developments."
"Who knows? Mere speculation on my part. I cannot make any guarantees to you about whether the situation would unfold in this way unless I bear witness with my own eyes."
"Hahahaha. In that case, make haste and be on your way. Use your eyes properly to watch clearly!" Recovering her former vitality, Princess Yukikaze commanded gallantly.
"In the meantime, I, Yukikaze, shall play with Pavel Galad a little while waiting for your good news. Off I go to enter the fray. Heaven and earth shall bear witness—Even with the Rune of the Sword in his possession, the dragonslaying arrow cannot be stopped!"
Part 2
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Part 3
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Part 4
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Part 5
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