Editing Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 5 (section)

===Part 5===
Afterwards, the Student Council meeting began as scheduled.

Because Oscar was also present, today was the first time that all members were present ever since Ash joined the Student Council. Although he was worried about Eco who was lying on the sofa to become sober, Ash still attended the meeting. However, he was still dressed as a girl. One reason was that they couldn’t wait for him to change clothes by himself, thus taking up meeting time, and the second was that Rebecca thought that it would be ‘interesting’, so she told him to wear the girls’ outfit for the meeting. And also because of this, Ash often felt the strong gazes of others during the meeting, making him so embarrassed that it felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He soon realised that the people staring at him fiercely were mostly composed of Silvia, Lucca, and Jessica. Every time Ash lifted his head, Silvia and the other two quickly averted their eyes. Having dressed up like this, Ash thought that it couldn’t be helped that he would be stared at. It was just that, when he looked up and locked eyes with Max, it felt rather embarrassing. At the same time, Max also showed a slightly awkward expression. Max’s cheeks were dyed slightly red and he seemed somewhat uncomfortable, so Ash couldn’t help feeling nervous.

''—Max couldn’t possibly be fascinated by me, right?''

In the end, while Ash was absent-mindedly imagining such things, the meeting finally concluded.

“Would it be convenient for me to express my opinion?”

Oscar, who had a bored look on her face ever since the meeting began, suddenly raised her hand to speak.

“There’s something that I’ve been troubled about for quite a long time now; don’t you guys think that the rule about prohibiting Student Council members from participating in competitions is rather unfair?”

Upon hearing Oscar’s words, everyone’s expressions became serious. Every time similar events were being planned, ‘Whether the Student Council members will participate in competitions’ was a topic that always came to the meeting table.

“Have a think about it. From the students, to the spectators, to the guests who will come to visit, what is the thing that everyone wants to see? It is nothing more than a fierce competition between Dragonars that gets them enthusiastic. If the Dragonars of a mighty Maestro were to show their true skill — don’t you think that the audience will surely be thrilled?”

Oscar seemed to become more and more ecstatic as she continued to speak, and Rebecca answered

“No, in fact, there are no rules which strictly prohibit us from participating. It’s just that the members serving on the Student Council have declined in the past, so it became a tradition over time. Moreover, using Maestros to compete against ordinary students may cause us to be accused of bullying; without a fair contest, wouldn’t a competition in which the winner is already decided quite boring?”

Oscar was not discouraged, and continued to bring up new ideas.

“Then aside from the ordinary competitions, how about we also hold a <Dragonar’s Gunnar Bout><ref>Kanji was Holy Knight Combat Tournament. The word Gunnar has Norse and Viking origins which means brave and bold warrior. Thanks @Ariel Saeba for finding the reference.</ref>? In addition, since this year is the Five Hundred Years Festival, I don’t think having an exception like this will pose any problems.”

Rebecca gracefully stroked the contour of her chin with her finger as she sank into deep thought.

“Hmm, a traditional combat tournament between Dragonars? Hearing that, it does sound interesting, so what does everyone else think?”

Rebecca looked around at everyone who was present. It didn’t look like anyone was particularly opposed to it. However, Jessica had a troubled expression on her face as she raised her hand to speak.

“I’m not opposed to holding the <Dragonar’s Gunnar Bout>. It’s just unfortunate that my Rhiannon is an ordinary Hydra, so it won’t be able to participate…so I’ve decided to focus wholeheartedly on cheering Ash-sama on.”

“I’m sorry, Jessica. Is there anyone else with an opinion?”

“Umm…”

Ash timidly raised his hand. Because he was cross-dressing as a girl, every action he made amplified his sense of shame.

“What is it, Ashley?”

“Hold on, why is even Rebecca-san calling me that?”

“No, I’m so sorry. It’s because you were so cute, I accidentally…”

Rebecca made a wry smile.

“Well then, please state your opinion.”

“Umm, I wanted to ask what I should do? Although I have essentially been appointed as a Dragonar, we can’t let Eco awaken in the arena, right? I was thinking that it might be better if I was retracted from the competition like Jessica?”

“Ash-sama…!”

Jessica’s face lit up, and she watched Ash with intent eyes. But Oscar helped him cool her down.

“No, Ash, by all means, I hope that you will also compete.”

“Hey hey…you know about the situation between me and Eco, so please don’t say something unreasonable!”

After Ash firmly refuted her, Oscar revealed a somewhat pleased smile.

“Did you forget? You’re the ‘Genius Dragon Tamer’. So what if Eco can’t be your mount, can’t you just pick any dragon that you like?”

“That method is not unfeasible…”

Recently, because Eco was occupying more and more space within Ash’s mind, he actually forgot about his own nickname and talents. That was why he didn’t even think about an alternative in which he could use other dragons as his mount.

“Right? I propose that if I defeat you in the competition, then you need to abandon your identity as a man, and take on the name of Queen Ashley which is to be engraved in the royal history of the Chevron Kingdom.”

“Please don’t go and decide things on your own! No matter how you think about this proposal, I’m the one that it’s unfavourable to!”

“Is that so? If you can defeat me, I’m willing to withdraw all of my demands. In addition to that, once I become the King of Chevron, I can make a promise to you that the Chevron Kingdom and Knight Country will have an everlasting alliance.”

“Really!?”

Ash thought, if it was such a generous condition, competing against Oscar in the arena wasn’t so bad. Oscar truly desired to become the King, so that was why she was so eager to get her hands on Eco’s power. She was also the type who would do whatever it took to accomplish her goals, and Ash had already personally experienced the horror of that from her. And that was to say nothing of her forcing him into accepting Ashley as his ‘second life’ at the moment.

More particularly, for the sake of the future of the Knight Country, perhaps accepting Oscar’s challenge would be a wise move. Although I’m not sure whether the words of Oscar can be trusted, it feels far better than the Third Prince Uriel and his like.

The problem was that Oscar was a powerful opponent whose strength was nearly tied with Rebecca’s. In contrast, Ash would have to borrow someone else’s dragon to compete. In terms of combat compatibility, Ash was at an indisputable disadvantage.

“What’s this, you’re hesitating? If you’re the kind of coward who flees before a challenge, I would advise you not to call yourself the ‘Avalon Knight’.”

“Kuh…!”

Even though he knew that it was an immature provocation, Ash couldn’t help swallowing and holding himself back when told that in such a way.

“Fine, I’ll accept your challenge. For me, for Eco, and for the future of the Knight Country! One more thing. If I win, you also need to give up on forcing Rebecca to marry you!”

Oscar nodded contentedly.

“It’s settled then. If you win, I will no longer ask for anything from Eco or Rebecca. However, the probability of this occurring could be described as minimal.”

Oscar casually accepted the request.

“Ash, are you really okay? You don’t have to take even my problem into your considerations.”

Rebecca’s voice revealed a rare tone of worry, but Ash firmly nodded and said

“Leave it to me. Ever since Eco was born, I can’t remember how many battles I’ve experienced. I won’t lose.”

Although it was only a verbal display of gallantry, Ash still made that promise to her with resolute confidence.

“You’ve become stronger, Ash.”

Rebecca narrowed her eyes, and cast a gentle smile towards him.

“Muu~”

Silvia, Lucca and Jessica all showed expressions of wariness as they watched the way that Rebecca was acting towards Ash.

 

“Now then, it’s time to discuss our final topic for today. Who is willing to lend their Pal to Ash…”

“I-If you don’t mind my Lancelot, I’m happy to lend it to you, okay?”

“If it’s now…Gawain would definitely be quite happy to be Ash’s mount.”

The first people to express their willingness to lend out their Pals were Silvia and Lucca.

“Unfortunately, I cannot lend you my Arianrhod.”

Max coldly turned his face away, but his response was already within Ash’s expectations.

“Aah! I have never hated myself for not being a Dragonar like today…”

Jessica, who was still in the stage of being a Breeder lay on the table as she clutched her head and wailed.

“So, your decision, Ash? How about I lend you Cú Chulainn — but you need to have the ability to control it.”

“There’s no way I can do that! Even if I spent a few months of my time, I don’t know if I’d be able to control Cú Chulainn freely…”

Ash didn’t simply express that out of modesty, but because he truly thought so. Even though Ash was known as a Genius Dragon Tamer, it would be extremely difficult for him to control Cú Chulainn in such a short amount of time. Even if he devoted all of his efforts to it, it was also highly possible that it could end up as a repeat of Gawain’s predicament before the challenge. If things didn’t go smoothly, let alone taking a few months, it was possible that it would even take several years.

“Indeed, everyone, do you think you could allow me to express my thoughts again?”

At that time, Oscar raised his hand to speak again.

“With only me and Ash holding a bet in the outcome of the battle, don’t you think that it’s a little unfair? Since it’s rare and we’re going to the trouble to spar like this, why doesn’t each participant ask for a reward that they hope to obtain when they win? However, I cannot agree to conditions that will mess with people’s lives.”

“As if you’re one to talk! You clearly enjoy toying with my life!”

Oscar turned a deaf ear to Ash’s protests, and looked towards Rebecca instead.

“What do you think, Rebecca?”

“Indeed. I think this proposal isn’t a bad idea either. How about everyone else?”

“President! I-If I win, I request to become engaged to Ash! A-Also, Oscar-san must withdraw all of his unreasonable requests to Ash!”

When Rebecca looked towards everyone else, Silvia immediately stammered as she made that declaration. She openly demonstrated her love for Ash, she no longer wanted to hide it — even though her entire face was blushing such a fierce red that it seemed as though steam was about to burst out of her head.

“What engagement? T-That can’t be allowed!”

Seemingly completely sober now, Eco suddenly stood up. But Silvia’s determination remained firm.

“If you think so, then do your best to assist Ash, and help him to obtain victory. Isn’t that right, Eco?”

“Kuh…you dare to oppose me!”

The two of them stared at each other while fierce sparks crackled in the air between them. On the side, Lucca slowly and timidly raised her hand.

“If I can obtain victory…I want to take Ash to the Ecbald Village…so he can meet…the chief — ogifu-sama<ref>ogifu-sama: Respectful way of addressing one’s own stepfather, foster father, or father-in-law. In this case, Lucca is referring to the chief as her foster father.</ref>.”

Although her attitude was somewhat timid, a firm will could be seen in amethyst-like eyes.

“So, Lucca. From the perspective of an Ecbald, what is the meaning of going with you to see the chief?”

“Of course…to hold a sacred wedding.”

Although Ash had already vaguely expected that answer, but when he actually heard such serious words, he still felt incomparably frightened.

“Ah, I’m really too incapable!”

Jessica, who was not qualified to partake in the competition, had a heartbroken look as she held her head and groaned. Ash pretended to inadvertently look at Max. The control of the meeting was now in the hands of the passionate Oscar, and the sensible-natured Max didn’t seem to have joined in to the conversation. Aside from occasionally fixing the position his glasses with his fingertips, he continued to look down in silence.

“Hey, do you have any conditions to set, Max?”

Seeing Max like that, Ash began to talk to him. After Max seemed to have steeled his determination and lifted his head, he steadily looked at Ash, but in a fluster, he wildly averted his gaze elsewhere, before returning his gaze to Ash’s body after a moment. For some reason, Max blushed.

“…Max?”

After Ash perplexedly tilted his head, Max made a shocking declaration that caused his eyes to nearly pop out.

“I-If I win, I request to go on a date with Ashley for one day!”

After he spoke out his wish like the bombardment of a cannon without warning, Max suddenly shut his mouth again, seemingly returning to his usual state. And then his face suddenly went pale and he trembled.

“N-No! I’m not a pervert! Even if Ashley is the ideal appearance of a lover in my dreams, he is actually Ash, I understand that! But when he looks so cute, I can’t help it! Ahh what am I saying! It’s all Ashley’s fault!”

After Max shouted that out loudly with a sense of self-abandonment, he dashed out of the meeting room.

“…It looks like Ashley has awakened a certain something within Max.”

After watching Max’s figure as he left, Rebecca said so with a wry smile. Jessica then asked her a question

“Then Rebecca, what conditions do you want to set?”

“Me? I still don’t have a clue right now, so I’ll think about it again when I win.”

After Rebecca skilfully deflected Jessica’s question, she suddenly revealed a somewhat troubled expression.

“But now that everyone has the motivation to win, it looks like the naïve idea of finding someone to lend Ash their Pal has been reduced to empty words. Moreover, this is going to be an official competition, so it’s necessary to keep one’s Pal in the best condition.”

A solemn silence filled the meeting room. What Rebecca said was correct. Just earlier, Silvia and Lucca were vying over who would lend their Pal to Ash, but they were now burning with competitive spirit.

''—Damn it, that Oscar! The present situation was the whole purpose of the proposal that you made at the beginning!''

Ash resentfully clenched his teeth, but unfortunately, it was too late. In this way, originally, the best dragon candidates of Lancelot and Gawain could no longer be lent to Ash. Max also seemed unwilling to lend out Arianrhod, so Ash was now caught in a dilemma.

“Ah geez! That’s enough! We’ll be fine if we just take Brigid!”

Ash quickly raised his head, as Eco suddenly interrupted the meeting. She seemed to have fully recovered from her drunken state, and had changed back to her usual tone.

“Hey hey, what are you saying? This can’t be compared to the ‘Aries Dragon Riding Festival’, do you understand?”

“Brigid? I have not heard of that name.”

Ash explained to Oscar, who had a look of surprise on her face.

“Brigid is an Asia. It’s helped me out numerous times before Eco was born. It’s my friend Raymond’s Pal.”

“Using an Asia to compete! What a ground-breaking idea! You want to fight against me and Tristan with a mere Asia? Let alone mentioning their strength, simply using an Asia as a mount to compete in the <Dragonar’s Gunnar Bout> defeats the purpose of the rules.”

Ash was not in a particularly good mood. To begin with, if Oscar didn’t make such an unnecessary proposal, Ash would’ve been able to borrow Lancelot or Gawain. In addition, Oscar was also right, the <Dragonar’s Gunnar Bout> was a tournament meant for Dragonars and their Maestros. Allowing Brigid to compete was basically against the rules. But Eco didn’t back down on this.

“In that case, I’ll also ride Brigid together with Ash. With me as a far more noble Maestro than any others, Ash and I will compete together, do you have a problem with that?”

Eco placed her hands on her hips with a haughty look. Oscar couldn’t help laughing upon seeing that.

“Oh, what a hopeless horse.”

“Who did you call a horse!? I’m clearly a dragon!”

Oscar didn’t look at the fuming Eco, but instead looked at Ash solemnly.

“I would advise you to practice cross-dressing as a girl more often, Ashley.”

Even though the end of the meeting had not yet been announced, Oscar elegantly walked out the door after leaving behind those arrogant words.

“You should work on your feminine charm, you filthy insect.”

After also leaving behind those foul words, Celes, who had been standing beside the door the whole time followed Oscar and exited.

—There were five days left until the beginning of the Five Hundred Years Festival.


“Lovely Ashley ~A.S.B.1365.10~” is closed.

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==References and Translation Notes==
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