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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5

2021-09-24T16:31:26Z

Zxzxzx: Fix formatting

==Chapter 5 – The Princess of Darkness and the Mechanical Dragon==
===Part 1===
Two weeks had already passed since the start of the new school term. Days passed as Ash attended his classes as a second-year student in the Senios course while also partaking in student council activities. Another large event awaited them later in the month.

—Aries Dragon Riding Festival.

It was a dragon riding festival that was focused on athletic events. Last year’s festival was still fresh in Ash’s mind, and it wasn’t something he would ever forget. He raced against Silvia. He had a chance encounter with Milgauss and was attacked by Anya. It was also the birth of Eco, who had been asleep up until then. Ash’s turbulent school life started exactly a year ago at the Dragon Riding Festival.

However, now was not the time to reminisce about the past. A responsibility for officers of the student council was to enter Fianna Forest in advance in order to set up devices in strategic locations to drive beasts away — [Magic Incense Burners]. The route of the dragon riding race included Fianna Forest, but many ferocious beasts inhabited the forest. In order to prevent participants from being attacked by beasts, setting up Magic Incense Burners in advance was an important task for the student council officers. Ash and the others already had experience with this last autumn, so there was nothing unfamiliar about it. As long as everyone divides the work and cooperates, it’ll be easy to complete — that was what Ash thought before they set off.

===Part 2===

—After school that day.

Led by Ash, the officers of the student council changed into their Academy dragon riding uniforms and gathered at the entrance of the forest. As for the groups, this had been decided by drawing lots prior to their departure. As expected, sparks went flying between the girls during this process, and Ash was suppressed by their sheer aura. Although it was sufficient to divide the work up between three groups last year, five groups were necessary this year due to the expansion of the route through the forest. As such, the student council made a special invitation to Anya and Linda as helpers. According to the fair, open and transparent lottery process, the groups were determined to be:

A Rebecca and Lucca (Cú Chulainn)
B Max and Raymond (Arianrhod)
C Eco and Linda (Gawain)
D Silvia, Cosette and Jessica (Lancelot)
E Ash and Anya (Brigid)

“Sorry for asking you to help out even though things are so busy with your job at the student restaurant.”

Anya made a somewhat embarrassed smile upon hearing Ash’s apology.

“It’s okay, you guys help me out a lot normally anyway. Moreover, I think a task like this is more suitable for me.”

“It’s a relief to hear you say that.”

Ash also responded with a smile, but suddenly became unsure of where to direct his gaze. Since Anya didn’t have a dragon riding uniform, what she wore instead was her usual combat attire. Since it was a tribal outfit, Anya wasn’t shy about it…but thinking about it calmly, it was quite revealing, and it unreservedly exposed much of Anya’s tan skin. When she was their enemy, Ash had hardly realised this, but he couldn’t help but feel his heart race whenever he gazed at her bare abdomen and thighs.

“…Hm?”

Ash suddenly noticed something odd. He immediately understood after looking at Anya for a while. She was still wearing a cat ear hairband on her head. It was probably because she forgot to take if off when she changed from her waitress uniform into her combat outfit. She was clearly wearing her combat attire, but also had cat ears on her head. It was quite a refreshing look.

“What’s wrong, Ash?”

Anya asked, noticing Ash’s gaze.

“Umm, your cat ears…I think you forgot to take them off?”

“Nya!?”

Anya was so surprised that she almost jumped up, and she grasped at her head with both hands.

“W-What should I do? T-These cat ears take up a lot of space…”

They had to carry a lot of Magic Incense Burners today, so it was best to have a minimal amount of other luggage on hand.

“Why don’t you just keep wearing it then?”

“Uuh, it’s so embarrassing…”

Anya cheeks became flushed. Ash found it somewhat amusing that she didn’t mind wearing her revealing native attire, yet she was embarrassed about wearing cat ears. After chatting with Anya like this for a while…

—Doon…!

A dark aura surged from behind, and Ash immediately sensed danger.

“—You two seem rather friendly.”

The person staring at them with narrowed eyes was Silvia.

“I didn’t expect Anya-san to make a surprise ambush!”

Jessica puffed out her cheeks.

“The atmosphere between Ash and Anya…seems nice…”

Lucca whispered softly beside Jessica.

“It’s quite regrettable…”

Even Linda, who normally acted rather maturely, made a rare expression of her opinion.

“You…if you keep showing that lovestruck look on your face, watch out or I’ll crush you!”

Eco proudly declared as she folded her arms in front of her chest.

“Everyone, it’s not good for you mind or body to get angry over such a trivial matter, you know?”

As expected of Rebecca, she displayed the calmness of a mature woman. Yet, Ash felt no trace of joy in her eyes and couldn’t help but shiver.

“Geez, I really wish they’d spare us some of the attention…right, Max?”

Raymond shrugged as he sought agreement from the friend by his side. Raymond looked rather depressed because he had been placed in the same team as Max.

“No. I’m actually looking forward to the beautiful Ashley…isn’t it her turn to appear yet?”

Unfortunately, not only did Max disagree with Raymond, but he also responded like that with a serious expression. This scene felt rather cute in Ash’s eyes. It was precisely because he had experienced so many desperate battles that such a peaceful daily scene felt precious. While Ash soaked in such emotions, Eco’s attention eventually focused on Brigid.

“Hey, Brigid? You have to keep an eye on Ash, and don’t let him do anything strange to Anya!”

Upon being glared at by Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor, Brigid broke into a cold sweat and kept nodding its head at the same time.

===Part 3===

After bidding farewell to everyone, Ash and Anya ventured into the forest. For students, this was a familiar route.

“Let’s go, Brigid!”

Ash entered a state of human-dragon integration with Brigid as he tugged on its reins. As sunlight poured through the leaves and branches to illuminate their path, Brigid galloped along briskly. At that moment, Ash felt a soft sensation against his back.

“Hey, Ash? Isn’t this a bit too fast…?”

Anya nervously whispered. Perhaps because she wasn’t accustomed to riding on a dragon, she had been holding on tightly to Ash for a while now. She might not have realised, but a slight bulge was pressing up against Ash’s back. Ash couldn’t help but feel anxious when he became acutely aware of the sensation. To distract himself, he said to Brigid,

“Good, keep going just like this. We’ll arrive at the first set up point fairly soon!”

Perhaps sensing the momentum in Ash’s voice, Brigid let out a courageous roar.

“Phew…that’s the second one set up. Four to go now.”

Ash wiped the sweat from his brow after activating a Magic Incense Burner behind a bush.

“Thankfully, no beasts showed up during the activation process.”

While remaining vigilant of their surroundings, Anya squeezed her way through some bushes as they walked back.

“Having said that, even if we do encounter one, I’ll use my whip to drive them away for you. Dealing with beasts is my forte.”

In fact, Anya had already repelled three beasts. With just a single crack of her whip, the beasts would retreat in fear. It seemed the sharp sound generated by the whip made them fearful. Even if his opponents were beasts, Ash didn’t want to cause harm to them. As such, he had been relying on Anya’s technique ever since they entered the forest.

“It’s really reassuring to have you by my side, Anya.”

“…!”

Anya was astonished when Ash said that to her with a smile.

“Geez, the way that you casually say such embarrassing things is troubling. Maybe it’s just your innocence…but because of that, all of the girls around you are—”

Unfortunately, because Anya’s voice was too soft, it didn’t reach Ash’s ears.

“Sorry. I didn’t catch that just then…”

“If you didn’t hear then don’t worry about it!”

“…?”

Ash couldn’t understand why Anya’s face turned completely red.

“Guuuuu…”

Brigid let out a weak roar. It appeared that it had been running for too long.

“Brigid seems tired too, so shall we take a break?”

Ash suggested, and Anya finally smiled.

“In that case, how about some special sandwiches and coffee from <La Tene>?”

Anya jogged over to Brigid and took off the satchel that was tied to the saddle. Anya had already distributed lunch boxes and water to each group before their departure.

“It just so happens that I’m feeling hungry, so that’d be great. The manager of <La Tene> always seems to look after us.”

“It’s because you guys are loyal customers, so don’t worry about it.”

Anya responded with a smile as she spread out a picnic rug next to Brigid. Brigid took a comfortable nap under the sunshine that simmered through the leaves and branches above. Thanks to a double serving of meat before they set off, it seemed there was no need for Brigid to have anything now.

“Here, Ash.”

After opening the lid of the lunch box, Anya handed it over to Ash. It was stuffed full of colourful sandwiches.

“I think I’ll have a pork cutlet sandwich first then.”

“Help yourself to as much as you like.”

Anya cutely replied. In that instant, Ash grew nervous as he felt as though Anya acted like a newlywed wife. She was simply adorable because she still wore cat ears on her head like usual.

“Thanks for the meal!”

Ash took a bite of the pork cutlet sandwich in an attempt to distract his lust with his appetite.

“Mmm, it’s delicious.”

The crispiness of the batter and the soft yet elastic fibres of the thick-cut pork complemented each other, and it went perfectly with the sweet and spicy sauce. When paired with shredded lettuce, the taste was less greasy than it appeared. Suddenly, a mellow fragrance filled their surroundings.

“Would you like some coffee?”

Anya smiled as she handed the flask lid which doubled as a cup to Ash. It was filled to the brim with coffee that emitted steaming vapor. Ash couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Haha, your tone has totally transformed into that of a waitress!”

“S-Sorry! I’m so used to it that I accidentally—”

At that moment, the flustered Anya suddenly fumbled.

“Uwah…!”

It was too late for Ash to dodge, and so the brown liquid spilled onto his thigh.

“Kya! Y-You have to take that off straight away…!”

Anya extended her hands toward Ash’s belt in a panic. She didn’t seem to realise just how bold her actions were.

“N-No! I was just surprised, but it’s not actually that hot!”

Ash managed to regain his calm. However, Anya was still in a state of panic and constantly tried to take Ash’s pants off.

“Wait, it’s okay really! Just calm down first — huh!?”

This time, it was Ash’s hand that slipped. The hand that he had reached out with in an attempt to placate Anya had accidentally slipped into an unintended location. That place was — underneath the native outfit covering Anya’s chest.

—T-This sensation…!

Her slightly raised breasts unquestionably transmitted a soft and elastic sensation to his hand. The palm of his hand felt a protrusion that was reminiscent of a flower bud.

“…………!?”

[[Image:SnRK V11 203.png|thumb]]

Anya fell into even more of a panic as she attempted to untangle herself from Ash’s hand. At that moment—

—Zoop.

Her clothing slid away in an unexpected direction—.

“Nya!?”

And then, the slightly bulging breasts of the tan-skinned girl were exposed under the sunlight that filtered through the treetops.

“Uh…umm…”

Ash and Anya both froze stiffly in place, and after a few seconds—

“Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”

A flurry of tears was mingled with a scream that echoed in the depths of the forest.

===Part 4===

After some twists and turns — Ash and Anya finally managed to deploy all of the Magic Incense Burners before sunset.

“Huh? This place, isn’t this…”

Ash suddenly urged Brigid to stop. A cliff stood before them. It was both a terrifying and nostalgic place — a place full of memories. It was where Ash had fallen one year ago. It was also where Ash was saved by the newly born Eco.

“Speaking of which, this is also where you and I met for the first time, Anya.”

Ash murmured with feelings of nostalgia as he jumped down from Brigid.

“Yeah, you’re right…”

Anya followed Ash and gracefully landed on the ground.

“Umm…Ash?”

Anya suddenly lowered her head to Ash as if she had recalled something.

“I’m really sorry for what happened back then! It’s my fault that you fell off the cliff…”

“Anya!? It’s been so long ago since that happened. Are you still hung up on it?”

“At the time…I was supposed to be the only one to fall off the cliff. But you pushed me aside and saved me, right? You took the fall for me…and for that…I never properly apologised to you.”

Anya lowered her head dejectedly as tears welled up in her eyes.

“D-Don’t make that kind of face! Besides, I was saved by the birth of Eco, so you don’t need to worry about it, okay?”

“But…”

“More importantly, if not for that accident, Eco might not even be born yet. As long as it ends well, then everything else if fine.”

Ash desperately tried to console her.

“Thank you…you really are kind, Ash.”

Anya wiped her tears away with her fingertips and finally smiled. After immersing himself in nostalgia at the edge of the cliff for a while, Ash suddenly seemed to remember something and took out his silver pocket watch to confirm the time.

“It’s almost time for us to head back.”

He said to Anya with a hint of reluctance.

“………”

She didn’t respond. Anya’s entire body grew tense.

“What’s wrong?”

Ash sharply asked, to which Anya replied,

“Don’t you think it’s weird? Just then, the presence of the birds, beasts and insects in the forest…it’s all disappeared.”

“Now that you mention it, it does seem a bit too quiet…”

Upon saying that, Ash paused and gasped. After all, it was because Anya’s expression was as serious as when they first met. Is it really necessary to be so concerned about the current situation…although Ash found it strange, perhaps Anya was particularly sensitive to this abnormal phenomenon given that she grew up in a tribe that was surrounded by nature.

“Ash! At the bottom of the valley…there’s something hiding there!”

“What did you say!?”

The instant that Ash gazed down from the top of the cliff…

“Guuuuu!”

Brigid suddenly roared and exhaled a breath of flame. An astonishing amount of atmospheric pressure and a loud noise suddenly erupted at the same time. The flames were sprayed directly at a rock on the other side of the cliff. A cloud of dust was kicked up, and fragments of debris continued to fall. Stones fell like rain towards the bottom of the valley.

“Brigid, what happened to you all of a sudden…?”

Ash whispered in surprise. In an instant, the surrounding air began to vibrate — something beyond Ash’s comprehension slowly floated and surfaced from the bottom of the valley.

===Part 5===

“Eco-san, the last Magic Incense Burner has been activated. This concludes our job now.”

Only when Linda said that with a cheerful voice did Eco raise her head in surprise and recall that she was actually riding on the back of a Maestro. When Linda began to activate the Magic Incense Burners, Eco couldn’t help but feel a bit drowsy under the comfort of the early spring sunshine. The one responsible for transporting Eco and Linda was Gawain, who had been borrowed from Lucca. Because Gawain was extremely loyal to its master, they were initially worried about whether it would allow Eco and Linda to ride it — but since it was Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor and Linda, who was suspected to have the same dragon riding ability as Ash, even Gawain obediently obliged.

“This was a surprisingly easy job.”

“Hmm~”

Eco uttered as she stretched her body.

“Nii-san is very considerate, which is why we only needed to set up three of them.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Eco glanced at Linda from the corner of her eye. With an innocent smile on her face, Linda seemed to be a rather clever girl at first glance. In fact, she had been the subject of various compliments among the officers of the student council, with descriptions such as:

“Very polite.”

“Maturity unlike that of a freshman.”

“As expected of Ash’s little sister.”

…And so on. As such, despite being a freshman, she was selected to help with the activities of the student council. However, Eco still couldn’t lower her guard against Linda. Because of what happened that night, various thoughts still lingered in her mind.

—…I want to be onii-chan’s bride. I have to…uh…

—As long as it’s for onii-chan…I’m willing to do anything…

—Onii-chan…don’t…don’t leave me…I don’t want to be alone…if I can’t be with you, I won’t be able to live on…

Linda’s words didn’t seem to be mere sleep talk. In other words, perhaps…because it was dream talk, it was an indicator of her usually repressed emotions. The <Seikoku> engraved on Linda’s lower abdomen was also rather intriguing. What kind of dragon resided in Linda’s body? Moreover, why did Linda have the same abilities as Ash? A genius dragon tamer — it was an ability that was already far beyond common sense. Why did this ability only manifest in Ash and Linda?

—Well, there’s no need to worry for now. After all, I don’t want to suddenly ask questions and make our relationship awkward…

Eco thought and convinced herself of this. At that moment—

“Uooooohhh…!”

A prolonged roar echoed in the distance.

“That voice…it’s Brigid!”

An ominous premonition cast a shadow across Eco’s mind. The voice sounded urgent, as if it was trying to convey some kind of emergency.

“I can’t tell the voice of dragons apart…but if that’s really Brigid, then it must mean that something has happened to nii-san, right?”

Linda worried for Ash’s safety as an apprehensive look spread across her face.

“It’s disturbing…Gawain, let’s move in the direction of that voice immediately!”

Gawain promptly responded by flapping its wings with enough vigour to sweep away all of the surrounding branches.

===Part 6===

—Voon….

A noise emitted from a particular device stimulated Ash’s ears. The full figure of what floated up from below the cliff finally revealed itself.

“…H-Hey, is this for real!?”

Ash was dumbfounded. As for Anya, she was too shocked to even make a sound. The thing was extraordinarily similar to a dragon. It had a head with sharp horns attached to a long and thick neck. It had a majestic body with four limbs and razor-sharp claws. Its wings were sharp and pointed. Every part of it was similar to a dragon. In addition, its body was larger than that of an average Maestro. The problem was…it wasn’t a living thing. What covered its entire body was neither silvery-white fur nor scales, but jet-black armour plates. From the top of its head to the tip of its wings, the entire thing was constructed of metal. Mounted on each of its shoulders were long and wide-barrelled magic cannons. In the centre of its head, an eerie sphere glowed red, as if it was keeping an eye on Ash and Anya. Perhaps the sphere really did have the function of vision.

“A mechanical…dragon!?”

Ash was stunned. Who made this? What purpose was it made for? Why was it lurking in Fianna Forest? Suddenly, Ash recalled the report that Silvia had shown him.

—‘A mysterious giant dragon appeared in the forest at night!?’

Since the beginning of spring, a gigantic dragon flying at night had already been spotted several times. The mighty figure that stood before him at this moment was indeed consistent with the eyewitness reports. No, its size was even greater than he had guessed based on the sightings. In terms of physique, the only one capable of surpassing this dragon was probably the Holy Dragons’ Emperor, Eco.

“…Since its mechanical, does that mean it uses the unique technology of the Empire? Did you hear anything about this from Milgauss, Anya?”

“I didn’t. I’ve never heard of anyone developing something like this…”

Anya shook her head in disbelief. At that moment, the mechanical dragon slowly descended and landed in front of Ash. The ground made a slight grumble.

“Hmm, thou actually saw through our camouflage. Colour me impressed.”

The voice that descended from above startled Ash. On the mechanical dragon’s head — there stood a slim figure. A girl in a dark dress gracefully rode on top of the mechanical dragon. No, perhaps it was more suitable to describe it as being ‘on board’ rather than ‘riding’? The young girl’s appearance was reminiscent of a dazzling silver crescent moon against the backdrop of a dark night sky. She seemed to be around fifteen years old and gave off a refined aura. Her slanted eyes had a commanding presence, and her pupils were emerald in colour. She had gorgeously long blonde hair, with curls that hung down on both sides in front of her chest. It was a hairstyle that seemed like it would be fashionable among nobility.

[[Image:SnRK V11 213.png|thumb]]

She was armed with a spear in her right hand, and its terrifying shape was somewhat similar to the magic sword that Milgauss once had.

“Who on earth…?”

Ash asked with a surprised tone, to which the girl softly giggled…

“That face…thou must be Ash Blake, correct?”

“How do you know me!?”

“A stupid question. Not only didst thou successfully defend Fontaine City against the <Schwarz Drachen Panzer> led by Klaus, but thou also stopped Prince Uriel’s conspiracy at the very last moment. Moreover, thou repelled the Necroplant that was morphed from the Mother Dragon. Every country around the world has their eyes on thee and young dragon Eco, as well as the movements of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights.”

The girl’s words were spoken with an imperial accent, cementing the fact that she was indeed from the Empire.

“You know that much!?”

“Moreover — thou art very important to us.”

“…Us?”

It seemed that she was not alone. Just as Ash tried to question her further, the girl spoke first and asked sharply,

“By the way, where art thy Pal? Surely that Asia is not the Holy Dragon Emperor, Eco?”

The girl glanced alternately at Ash and Brigid.

“I’m not going to tell someone like you about Eco’s whereabouts. More importantly, what is that thing that you’re riding!?”

“How insolent! What dost thou mean by ‘that thing’!?”

The girl glared at Ash coldly. It seemed as though she was quite attached to the mechanical dragon.

“This child is the greatest masterpiece of the Maschinen Drache, and mine dear Pal — Brünhilde!”

“Hold on! The term ‘Pal’ is sacred. You can’t just use it on a mechanical toy!”

“Didst thou just say…a toy? It seems thoust accidentally said something thou shouldn’t have.”

Anger surfaced on the girl’s expression, and it seemed as if veins could appear on her temples at any moment. Despite her seemingly calm demeanour, she was quite quick to anger.

“Let’s go, Brünhilde!”

As soon as the girl raised her spear up high, it emitted a faint glow from the tip. The Maschinen Drache — Brünhilde made a deep metallic hum as it took a heavy step. Ash couldn’t help but shiver. After all, many shiny black machine gun barrels were mounted on Brünhilde’s abdominal armour.

“Karlsnautr, fire!”

===Part 7===

Ash guided Brigid to run in a zig-zagged pattern to evade a rain of bullets. Yet, Brünhilde’s gunfire grew more intense and continued to draw close.

“Hmph, the Asia’s movements gradually seem to be getting sluggish, it seems?”

The girl’s comment chillingly entered their ears. In actuality, Brigid’s fatigue had indeed reached its limit.

“Guuuuu…!”

The next instant, a bullet finally pierced Brigid’s hind leg. The large calibre round penetrated through its hard scales.

—Doon!

Brigid’s body violently shuddered, and both Ash and Anya fell from the saddle.

“Ungh!”

Ash’s back crashed onto the ground, assaulting him with a sharp, aching pain. Anya seemed to have hit her head as she lost consciousness.

“Grrr…”

Even despite its wounded hind leg, Brigid stood its ground in front of Ash and Anya. It let out a growl from the depths of its throat, as if to intimidate Brünhilde.

“No, Brigid!”

Ash shouted in anguish towards Brigid from behind. However, Brigid remained as firm as a mountain, determined to use itself as a sacrificial shield.

If this continues, I’ll rob my best friend Raymond of his Pal…

“Hmph, this is exactly why I despise living creatures. I’ll turn thou into a taxidermy mount and display thee in the corridor of my castle!”

After the girl uttered such cruel words, Brünhilde slowly advanced. The reason that she didn’t immediately attack was probably because she was convinced of her victory.

—Thump thump…

With every step, Brünhilde drew closer. To Ash, it sounded like the footsteps of death incarnate. He came to a grim realisation of just how powerless he was when separated from Eco. The girl’s attitude changed from one of mockery to seriousness as she coldly commanded,

“Brünhilde, ready thy cannons!”

Instantly, Brünhilde began to move. Accompanied by a deep mechanical hum, the magic cannons mounted on its shoulders took aim at Ash and the others.

“…!”

Ash gasped in astonishment.

“Farewell, Ash Blake. Be blown to pieces along with that useless dragon!”

There was no longer an option for escape. All Ash could do was figure out a way to move his paralysed body, hold onto Anya, and try to shield her. And then—

“Balmung, fire!”

Just as the girl yelled, the deafening cannons unleashed a sequential blast.

—Boom! Boom!

Two magic blasts drew out perfect parabolic arc in the air as they flew towards Ash and the others.

===Part 8===

“Hmm. I didn’t expect that of the famous Ash Blake — so that’s all he was capable of. It’s honestly a disappointment.”

The girl stood on Brünhilde’s head as she waited for the dust to disperse.

“There is no doubt that they are an obstacle to the Exalted Leader. Naturally, Eco’s Knight — Ash, is a target that must also be eliminated. The Exalted Leader will surely understand.”

Just after the girl coldly whispered as if trying to persuade herself—

“—You idiot! Don’t get yourself killed without my permission!”

An ardent voice reverberated from beyond the veil of dust and debris.

===Part 9===

“I’m…still……alive……?”

Amidst the haze and dust, Ash slowly raised his head.

“—You idiot! Don’t get yourself killed without my permission!”

Ash’s heart was instantly filled with courage upon hearing such words of reproach. There was no mistaking that the voice belonged to Eco.

“Nii-san, Anya-san, are both of you okay!?”

Linda’s anxious voice also reached his ears.

“You infidel! Not only have you invaded the territory of my country, but you’ve also brought suspicious weaponry! It seems everything written in the report was true!”

Silvia’s awe-inspiring voice followed.

“…It seems the ‘Leader’ that she spoke of is her boss.”

What followed after was Rebecca’s cautious voice.

“My Ashley was almost killed…how dangerous.”

Ash deliberately pretended not to hear a word that Max said. Then, as a gust of wind blew past, the dust finally settled—. Four Maestros — Cú Chulainn, Lancelot, Arianrhod and Gawain all stood in front of Ash, deploying defensive magic that seemed as impenetrable as a fortress. Rebecca and Lucca rode on Cú Chulainn. Silvia, Cosette and Jessica rode Lancelot. On Arianrhod were…Max and Raymond. Riding on Gawain were Eco and Linda. Taking the lead, both Rebecca and Silvia had already equipped their Arks. Their fiery red and ice blue colours were a stark contrast.

[That was really close, Ash. You owe me a big one this time, okay?]

Navi’s voice was telepathically conveyed to him. The reason why all of his comrades had been able to rescue him in time was because Navi sensed the danger and alerted them.

“Thank you, Navi.”

Ash wiped beads of cold sweat from his brow as he thanked Navi.

Rebecca urged Cú Chulainn to take a step forward, and then said to the girl,

“First, tell us your name and the organisation that you belong to. Then, explain this dangerous vehicle—”

“No, wait! That face…I’ve definitely seen it before!”

Silvia appeared flustered as she interrupted Rebecca.

“Could it be, but that’s impossible…no, but…that beauty…I couldn’t possibly forget. This person…no, you can’t be…!”

The creaking sounds that could be heard from the seams of Silvia’s Ark were clear evidence that she was trembling all over.

“Hmm. If I recall, thou art the Fourth Princess of the Lautreamont Knight Country, Silvia — I didn’t think I’d run into a familiar face here.”

After the girl cast a sharp glance at Silvia, she looked around at everyone else.

“Halt, ye fools!”

The air of majesty that she commanded made it difficult to believe that she was only around fifteen years old. Ash couldn’t help but back away. The girl then proudly declared her name.

“I am one of the Seven Winged Generals of the Magic Association <Demiurge> — Annegert Lara Walpurga von Zepharos!”

“Magic Association? No, more importantly, the surname of Zepharos…!?”

Ash stood there with a dazed expression. It was so sudden that he couldn’t process the situation. No matter how vast the world was, there was only one meaning behind the ‘Zepharos’ surname.

“It’s as you imagine, Ash. Although our countries are not on friendly terms with each other, the Knight Country’s royal family and the royalty of the Zepharos Empire have met several times in the past…and that is why I know…”

After Silvia paused to take a breath, she continued,

“There is no doubt. She is the Sixth Princess of the Zepharos Empire.”

“……!”

Ash was so shocked that he couldn’t utter a single word. At that moment, Annegert scoffed and said,

“Well, you can rest assured. I am only here now of mine own will. Everything I have said and done has nothing to do with the Imperial government.”

Upon hearing Annegert’s arrogant statement, Ash retorted,

“Do you think we’ll just believe what you say!? How did you obtain such a ridiculous weapon? Was it not developed by the Imperial Army?”

“…Preposterous. How could those crude and oil-smothered Imperial soldiers possibly give birth to such a lovely child? Behold its beautiful form! Everything is the result of the technological capabilities that <Demiruge> has cultivated.”

In that moment, Annegert appeared extraordinarily innocent, much like a girl fascinated with a doll.

“The Magic Association <Demiurge>…huh. I may not have heard of the name, but if what she said is true, then the organisation must have financial and technological capabilities comparable to that of a country, right?”

Rebecca solemnly whispered. Beads of cold sweat appeared on Rebecca’s forehead as well, much unlike her usual calm appearance.

“That is the end of my self-introduction. It looks like all the actors have assembled.”

Annegert sneered like a wicked witch.

“Fufu. I wonder which would be stronger between mine Brünhilde and the dragons that you have raised. Wouldn’t it be an interesting contest? It’s just—”

After saying that much, Annegert paused, and then revealed a serious expression. Her cold gaze darted straight to Eco.

“I’m also well aware that the situation will become troublesome if Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor is awakened.”

Annegert brandished her spear and shouted as if casting a spell.

“Rain down, o grace of Pluto. Dye the light of Avalon in darkness with ye black power…”

Brünhilde’s eye gleamed as it responded to the chant of Annegert’s spell. The mechanical figure emitted a dark aura. And then, the aura was gradually absorbed by Annegert’s spear. It was a mysterious and strange sight to behold. A sense of unease took hold in Ash’s mind. Perhaps it was an instinctive fear. The unpleasant shivers that coursed through his body reminded him of something he had encountered in the past…

“Behold and be awed! The name of my great spear is Gungnir! Reveal thyself, <Ouroboros>!”

In an instant, a dark aura was ejected from Annegert’s spear.

“Eco!”

Ash immediately charged out in an attempt to protect Eco, but — the aura released by Gungnir swiftly struck Eco like a bolt of lightning.

“Noooooooooo!”

Eco let out a horrid scream out of fear. Her petite body suddenly floated.

“Eco-san!”

Linda also tried to grab Eco’s legs, but her hands couldn’t reach. In an instant, Eco’s body was already floating several metres above the ground.

“Kuh…what…is this…my…my body can’t move……”

A jet-black snake restrained Eco. In fact, dozens of snakes densely swarmed together almost in the form of an altar. And it was as if Eco was being offered as a sacrifice on the altar. The swarm of <Ouroboros> relentlessly buried themselves under Eco’s armpits and behind her knees. They then entangled themselves around her wrists and ankles. Eco’s distance from the ground continued to grow with each passing moment.

“Help me…Ash……”

Eco struggled in tears as she was strung up in the air.

“Let go of Eco!”

Ash glared at the <Ouroboros> and tried to attack, but…

“Guh!”

Just touching them caused his entire body to be repelled away. It felt as if his entire body was assaulted by a dark aura. Ash’s back slammed onto the ground, leaving him breathless.

“Fufu, it’s useless. If ye want to release her, then try and catch up to Brünhilde.”

—Boom!

A sinister sneer formed in the corner of Annegert’s mouth, and a burst of magical flames erupted from behind Brünhilde. In the blink of an eye, the pitch-black machine had already ascended into the sky.

“What should we do…?”

All Ash could do was gaze at the trajectory of Brünhilde in a daze. Feelings of despair gradually darkened his emotions — but Rebecca’s sharp voice reinvigorated Ash.

“Ash! Your top priority is to rescue Eco!”

“I-I understand!”

Ash immediately straightened his posture. It felt like he had gone back to how things were a year ago.

“Max, Lucca and I will chase down the enemy! Linda, you’re responsible for taking care of Anya and Brigid! Let’s go, Cú Chulainn!”

Under Rebecca’s orders, Cú Chulainn majestically ascended.

“Let’s follow them!”

Silvia also commanded Lancelot and flew into the sky. Immediately afterwards, Arianrhod also flapped its wings and took off whilst carrying Max. Lastly, Lucca jumped onto Gawain and took off. Having finally reunited with its master, Gawain seemed as lively as a fish in water.

—I’m sorry, everyone…!

Ash endured the pain in his back as he stood up. Behind him, Linda and Cosette were taking care of Anya, while Raymond and Jessica tended to Brigid. Ash also felt quite regretful for dragging Linda into this situation when she had just enrolled at the school. Perhaps sensing his emotions, Linda gazed at him with a sincere expression.

“Nii-san, it’s okay. Please don’t worry about me. I may not look it, but I’m quite resilient.”

Ash was deeply moved by his little sister’s mature words.

“—Ash-sama.”

Jessica also spoke to him with a rare, serious expression.

“It doesn’t look like Anya-san or Brigid have any life-threatening injuries. We’ll take cover in the forest momentarily.”

“Thank you, Jessica.”

Ash firmly nodded.

—That’s right. I have to do what I must…!

Ash clenched his fists as he looked up at Eco.

“Ugh…ahh…”

Restricted by the entanglement of the constantly writhing <Ouroboros>, Eco appeared to contort her body due to the increasing agony.

“Just hold on a bit longer, Eco!”

===Part 10===

The battle between an ‘aircraft’ and ‘four dragons’ thus unfolded above the forest. In order to capture Brünhilde, the team composed of Cú Chulainn, Lancelot, Arianrhod and Gawain continued to fly at high speed in an organised formation. However, Brünhilde’s agility exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“Kuh, how is it this fast!? It’s clearly such a heavy machine…”

Silvia voiced her frustrations as she commanded Lancelot by its reins. After they finally managed to get close to Brünhilde from behind, the distance was gradually widened again.

“Huh!? Watch out!”

As the one furthest in front, Rebecca issued a warning. Silvia also took notice. Brünhilde’s armour began to undergo an odd transformation.

“—Doragvemdr, fire!”

The girl’s voice cut through the cold sky. Accompanied by a loud bang, something was unleashed all at once. They were small white cylinders that seemed distinctly different from ordinary shells. Like a school of fish scattering in water, the shells released trails of white smoke as they fanned out in a radial pattern. It was almost as if each and every cylinder had a will of its own.

“Disperse! They’re probably…missiles!”

Immediately after Rebecca shouted, the mysterious cylinders turned one after another. After a brief moment of silence, they darted towards everyone. Because they were small and fast, it was a difficult task to shoot all of them down.

“Are all of them homing types!?”

Silvia murmured in disbelief.

“Fufu. These missiles are the pinnacle of Magica Technica! They can reach the speed of sound, and they’ll chase a target to the ends of the earth as long as they sense magical energy!”

The girl snickered coldly while Brünhilde continued to glide gracefully through the air.

“This is nothing! Lancelot, deploy a Hexagonal Shield!”

Under Silvia’s orders, Lancelot let out a fierce roar. As a result, a myriad of small hexagons immediately appeared in the air, forming a sturdy defensive barrier. The next instant, several missiles collided with the Hexagonal Shield!

“Huh!? What’s going on…?”

The situation didn’t proceed as Silvia expected — none of the missiles exploded. The missiles simply pressed against the surface of the barrier and stopped there.

—Zaa…!

In an instant, the front of the missiles radiated light, producing a phenomenon similar to electrical discharge. A piercing, crackling sound was emitted.

“What!?”

Unexpectedly, the Hexagonal Shield dispersed as easily as a puff of smoke. The tip of the missile then dropped off and the remainder resumed its trajectory. The halved missiles then aimed at Lancelot’s flanks. Lancelot immediately twisted its body, but the missiles grazed its hips before finally exploding.

“Guuuuuuuuuu…!”

The immense pain evoked an anguished roar from Lancelot. Although it had avoided a direct hit, its silvery-white fur was charred, and it also sustained burns on its skin. After losing its balance in mid-air, Lancelot made a painstaking effort to restabilise itself. Silvia barely managed to hold on and avoid being thrown off.

“Silvia! Are you okay!?”

Rebecca cried with worry. Silvia loudly replied,

“Please be careful! My defensive magic was forcibly undone by them! It seems like defensive magic is ineffective against those things called Doragvemdr—”

“Got it! Max, Lucca, don’t rely on defensive magic!”

Rebecca quickly relayed the instructions.

“Yes, understood…!”

Lucca replied with a soft voice — but Max was one step too late. After being cornered by the missiles, he had ordered Arianrhod to use its defensive magic. The missiles easily defused the defensive barrier and exploded near its forelimbs.

“Uwaaah!”

Due to the tremendous shockwave, Max’s glasses were blown off.

“Max!?”

Silvia’s voice was almost overshadowed by Arianrhod’s cry of pain. It roared as it lost speed and fell, eventually crashing into Rubina Lake. Even if the others wanted to go to the rescue, the fierce missile pursuit didn’t allow them to.

—Max! Arianrhod! Please be safe…!

Silvia prayed to herself. Annegert leisurely gazed down at Rubina Lake as a grin spread across her face.

“‘Twas our goal was to break the defensive magic of the dragon race. That was made possible with knowledge of Magica Technica. What happens when two sound waves of opposite phase overlap? The sound waves will cancel each other out entirely. We applied this principle to the magic of the dragon race.”

The tone of Annegert’s voice was akin to that of a calm scientist.

“Thanks for the detailed explanation, but do you think we have time to listen!?”

Silvia gripped the reins tightly as she evaded the successive missiles that homed in on her. Although Rebecca and Lucca had been forced into defensive manoeuvres, they still seemed calm.

—As expected of Rebecca-san and Lucca. If this continues, I might be the next one to get shot down…

As soon as that thought surfaced in her mind, Silvia shook her head.

—No no! How could think something as pathetic as that, Silvia Lautreamont! Didn’t you decide to become the future Paladin?

Perhaps the Silvia of a year ago really would’ve been dragged down by her own cowardice. But at this moment, she continued to motivate herself.

—Ash. Thanks to you, I feel like I’ve become stronger!

Perhaps sensing Silvia’s emotions, Lancelot let out a fierce roar. The white smoke trails left by the missiles criss-crossed against the darkening sky, forming a web-like pattern. But in that moment, Brünhilde suddenly descended.

“Wait! Are you trying to run!?”

Silvia yelled, but Annegert simply responded with mockery.

“‘Tis the end of the game with ye. Fufu, the spell cast on Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor is nearly complete.”

“Spell?”

By the time that Silvia frowned, Brünhilde was already gliding away towards the horizon of the evening sky.

“Don’t get distracted! Concentrate on dealing with the missiles in front of you!”

Silvia returned to her senses as soon as she heard Rebecca’s stern instructions. There were still dozens of missiles circling around intricately in the air, chasing after the three dragons.

“Silvia! Since it’s come to this, let’s all join together and defeat the missiles in one go!”

Rebecca’s voice was carried into her ears by the wind.

“Understood!”

Despite the situation they found themselves in, Rebecca’s voice was still full of confidence. It’d be nice if I could be like Rebecca someday — Silvia hoped as she prepared to engage.

===Part 11===

“Haa, haa…”

Ash’s dragon riding suit was already in tatters. His body was covered in grazes and bruises. Linda and the others had already taken refuge in the forest earlier, so it was only Ash and Eco that remained. While the sunset shrouded one end of the horizon, Silvia and the others were engaged in an aerial struggle against guided missiles. From time to time, loud noises like those of fireworks could be heard, and they dyed the evening sky a deep red.

[—Are you okay, Ash?]

Navi worriedly asked via telepathy.

“…I’m fine. I can’t fall until I rescue Eco.”

Although Ash stubbornly said so, it was already the fifth time that he had been repelled by the <Ouroboros>. It was as if the snakes were protected by an invisible barrier, and they couldn’t be touched from the outside at all.

“No…Ash. If you keep going, your body…won’t hold up…”

Eco worried about Ash as she murmured in pain. She was still suspended in mid-air, with her entire body being assaulted by pitch-black snakes.

[It’s too dangerous to go on like this. The <Ouroboros> appear to be draining Eco’s magical energy…]

As if in response to Navi’s speculation, the momentum of the <Ouroboros> continued to rise. Each one of the serpents grew longer and thicker. In contrast, Eco’s face grew more and more pale.

[…In any case, this is too odd. To be able to supress Eco’s power to such an extent…I can only think that this is a weapon of Brünhilde specifically designed to oppose Avalon. If that much is possible…could it be…]

“Navi? Have you got any ideas!?”

[No. I shouldn’t say anything in the absence of conclusive evidence. It’s just…]

“Even a guess is okay. Please just tell me what you’re thinking!”

Ash urged Navi with desperation as if she was the only ray of hope.

[…Perhaps Annegert targeted Eco from the beginning, and that was why she snuck into the Knight Country.]

“What do you mean?”

[In order to prepare for the Aries Dragon Riding Festival, the officers of the student council will set up Magic Incense Burners in the forest — even citizens of Ansarivan are familiar with such traditions. With just a little investigation, the people on Annegert’s side would’ve easily been able to discern the actions of the student council officers.]

“Indeed…”

[Unlike in an urban area, once you’ve been isolated in the forest, she can attack freely. It’s also convenient for her to conceal Brünhilde. It’s an excellent opportunity for her to do something bad to Eco.]

“Damn it! So, we unsuspectingly walked into the forest where Annegert was waiting for us…”

Just as Ash clenched his teeth in frustration, a pitch-black mechanical figure made a loud noise as it landed on the ground.

“—It looks like the <Ouroboros> are almost fully grown.”

Annegert leisurely said as she stood atop Brünhilde’s head. She then slowly waved her spear, Gungnir.

“The time hast come. Activate — <Shackles of the Ouroboros>!”

As soon as she said so, Gungnir unleashed a dark aura.

“Kuh…!”

Ash instantly braced himself, but the pitch-black aura passed directly above his head and surrounded the swarm of <Ouroboros>. The <Ouroboros> then morphed.

“Nooooo!”

Eco let out an agonising cry. One after another, the <Ouroboros> were sucked into <Avalon’s Bracelet> that she wore on her wrist. Most of the <Ouroboros> had already been subsumed by <Avalon’s Bracelet>. When the last snake finally disappeared — Eco, who was left in mid-air, fell straight down.

“Eco!”

Ash ran forth with all the strength that he could muster, sliding into the position where Eco fell. At the very last moment, Ash embraced Eco in mid-air and then landed on his back.

“Are you okay!?”

“I’m fine! But the bracelet that Mother gave me…”

With a pale expression, Eco showed Ash <Avalon’s Bracelet>.

“W-What’s going on with…that!?”

Ash fell silent. <Avalon’s Bracelet> which originally shone with a silvery-white brilliance was now dyed black, much like oxidised silver. It gave off an unsettling, and even ominous feeling.

“Unforgivable…”

Eco left Ash’s arm as she stood up unsteadily.

“Hey, you! What have you done to the bracelet that Mother gave me? It’s a memento of her as well!”

Her eyes glowed with the burning embers of rage.

“Fuhahaha! Thou definitely hast thy priorities the wrong way around.”

Annegert scoffed as she said so in front of Eco. It was the first time that she didn’t seem to sneer or ridicule them, rather, she was genuinely amused.

“Young dragon Eco, art thou sure that’s what thee should be worrying about? Allow me to gift thee a hint. Try removing thy bracelet!”

Although Eco frowned, she touched the bracelet as if a thought had occurred to her.

“No…I can’t take if off. It won’t budge!”

A look of despair appeared on Eco’s face. —It was <Avalon’s Bracelet> from the Mother Dragon. As long as she wore that bracelet, Eco would not inadvertently turn into her dragon form. In other words, it was a control device. And if she was unable to remove the device, then…

“Like this, I won’t be able to dragonise…”

Ash couldn’t help but shudder upon hearing Eco mumble that to herself. In the past, whenever facing a strong foe, the overwhelming combat power of Holy Dragon Emperor Eco was a great help. As for Brünhilde, it was different from past enemies, and impossible to know just how strong it was. Since he had been forcibly separated from his companions, it was the ideal time for him to be riding Holy Dragon Emperor Eco, but he could no longer do so.

“Hmph. I didn’t expect things to progress this smoothly. It’s honestly gone beyond the level of pleasure and into the realm of boredom. I was expecting ye to entertain me a little more.”

After saying that much, Annegert stopped, and the smile vanished from her face.

“‘Tis checkmate. Brünhilde, ready the cannons!”

Annegert spoke in the Imperial language and then raised Gungnir up high. Accompanied by a deep mechanical hum, the two magic cannons mounted on Brünhilde’s shoulders slowly began to move.

—Damn it! Some <Avalon Knight> I am! With Eco immobilised, there’s absolutely nothing I can do! What can I do? What can I do to save everyone?

Ash’s clenched fists continued to tremble. But all he could do was painfully accept his own powerlessness.

“Balmung, fire!”

Just as the two cannons unleashed a thundering boom—

“Don’t give up!”

An awe-inspiring voice resounded. An elegant and beautiful lady suddenly descended before his eyes.

“Navi!?”

Just as Ash cried out, Navi deployed a Hexagonal Shield. The magic shells which arced through the air produced massive explosions upon hitting the barrier, but Navi’s defensive magic remained steadfast.

“Think back, Ash, Eco! Before Eco was able to dragonise, you fought against Milgauss and the others regardless! Only dragonisation has been sealed by the <Ouroboros>! Your other abilities have not been sealed!”

Indeed, it was too soon to despair — and Ash changed his mindset. The corruption of <Avalon’s Bracelet> had been such a shock to them that they’d even forgotten such an important thing. Indeed, only dragonisation had been affected—

“Eco…”

Ash placed his hands on Eco’s shoulders and gazed at her face. If he wanted a sword to fight with, then he had to rely on Eco for help. However, due to the attack of the <Ouroboros>, Eco had already lost most of her magical energy. Perhaps it was cruel to rely on Eco in such a state. Perhaps sensing Ash’s worries…

“Of course! Who do you think I am?”

Eco proudly puffed out her chest.

===Part 12===

“Fire! Keep firing!”

In response to Annegert’s voice, the two Balmung cannons continued to rumble and roar. However, the defensive barrier deployed by the woman who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere seemed impenetrable against Balmung’s assault.

“Hmph, I didn’t expect ye to have backup. Her horns and hair colour…it seems she’s somehow related to Eco…but defensive magic is useless against us! Keep firing! Doragvemdr, fire!”

Annegert raised her spear up high as she issued new orders. Doragvemdr was probably able to undo the defensive magic of the dragon species. As such, Annegert’s trump card remained unchanged.

“…Huh?”

However, an unexpected development occurred. Much to Annegert’s surprise, Doragvemdr did not activate.

“Tsk, no more bullets huh. It seems I used too many during aerial combat—”

At that moment…

“Uooooooooooh!”

Ash charged forward, abandoning the safety of the defensive barrier that Navi had deployed. Moreover, he ran straight towards Annegert like a madman. It was seemingly absurd behaviour.

“What’s going on!? I don’t understand, I don’t understand this guy at all…kuh, use Karlsnautr as well! It doesn’t matter if you expend all ammunition!”

Upon hearing Annegert’s enthused voice, Brünhilde began to fire the machine guns mounted on its abdomen. The sounds of cannons and gunfire seemingly intensified the atmosphere of the battlefield. However, Ash still gradually approached her in a fearless manner. His eyes weren’t those of a madman, rather, they were brimming with desire. Ash’s figure suddenly vanished. He had made use of the smoke and dust produced by Balmung’s cannon fire to conceal himself.

“Could it be…even now, he intends to reverse the situation?”

===Part 13===

—Boom! Boom! Dodododo!

The sound of cannons and the continuous firing of a machine gun overlapped with each other. Anyone’s body would be riddled with bullets if they stopped for even a moment. Yet, Ash madly sprinted across the battlefield without any regard for it. It was most certainly not an act of self-destruction. It was the battle plan that he had come up with and shared within a very short period of time. Concealing himself within the dust and smoke kicked up by Balmung, he continued straight ahead. He had no choice but to trust in Eco and Navi as he continued to race forth. He ran, ran, and kept on running. All of a sudden, a cold evening breeze blew past, sweeping away the dust that had been kicked up by the cannon fire.

“Oh no!”

Ash’s figure was immediately revealed before Annegert’s eyes. Unsurprisingly, he made eye contact with Annegert.

“…Hmph. I didn’t think thou would be stupid enough to charge at me on thine own. As a token of respect for thy stupidity, I’ll gift thee with the biggest shot!”

Annegert held the magic spear Gungnir with both hands and stabbed the tip of the spear into the ground. It was the first time that she had done such a thing.

“Brünhilde, prepare to fire the main cannon!”

“What…so Balmung aren’t the main cannons!?”

Ash was stunned as he watched Brünhilde slowly part its upper and lower jaws. Accompanied by a deep mechanical whir, what appeared from its mouth was an enormous muzzle. Its calibre was similar to the main gun of a large magical ship. Judging by the Bright Dragon Crystal that was embedded on top of it, it appeared to be some kind of magical cannon.

“…H-Hey, no matter how you look at it, that’s clearly an anti-magic ship weapon, isn’t it!?”

Did she really plan to unleash that upon a mere human? Ash suddenly felt as though his legs would go numb. He was strongly reminded that he was just an infantryman as a knight without his Pal’s help. —Even so, he continued to race forward! Indeed, it was because Ash had decided to entrust everything to Eco and Navi. Even if Brünhilde’s main cannon unleashed an inferno of flames, he would not stop.

“Accumulating magical energy. Ten, nine, eight…”

In contrast, Annegert’s voice remained cold and ruthless, as if she was an extension of the mechanical weapon itself. With a monotonous voice, she began a countdown. It didn’t seem like intimidation at all. She truly intended to blow Ash away with the main cannon.

“Uoooh!”

Ash yelled as if in an attempt to drown out Annegert’s countdown. He unleashed a roar from the depths of his throat as he accelerated forward.

“…Four, three, two, one.”

Annegert’s countdown mercilessly came to an end.

—Eco!

Just as Ash exclaimed so in his heart…

“—Espolón!!!”

A shout came from behind. In that instant, Ash was bathed in a warm glow. The various components of an Ark began to be equipped on Ash’s body. Even with the majority of her magical energy drained, Eco still beautifully bestowed her Ark. Ash’s <Seikoku> violently reacted in response to the aura of the Ark. His <Seikoku> pulsed as if enlivened, and gradually covered his entire body. Ash felt his entire body grow hot as he wholeheartedly accepted Eco’s feelings. Annegert’s cold voice mercilessly interrupted Ash’s thoughts.

“Main cannon — Dáinsleif, fire!”

Having transformed into an Ark Dragonar, Ash immediately summoned Excalibur and pulled it out of its scabbard in a single breath. He crossed the blade and its scabbard to form a cross as he faced the main cannon head on. The tremendous pressure was reminiscent of a dragon’s flames, making it difficult for Ash to maintain his footing. Even with the Ark, there was still an immense amount of heat. However, Ash refused to fall with just that. After all, he wouldn’t be able to protect his companions unless he defeated Annegert—

“I will…protect everyone!”

Ash endured the blast of Dáinsleif…

—Boom!

Ash finally took a step forward. Even though it was only a step, it was unbearably heavy…!

“Kuh!? Thou can actually withstand Dáinsleif!?”

“Checkmate—”

Ash declared, as if in reply to his opponent. Thanks to his desperate sprint earlier, the range of Brünhilde’s Dáinsleif had already been reduced to its minimum. It was now Ash’s turn.

“O all-conquering steel that slashes through all, the holy sword destined for the knight of all knights—”

Along with each word that Ash uttered, the <Seikoku> covering his body warmly responded. Everything had been for this moment. All of the magical energy in his Ark was injected into the holy sword.

“Tsk, you mustn’t face Excalibur…fly, Brünhilde!”

Brünhilde continued to unleash Dáinsleif while it simultaneously prepared to emit magical energy from its back—

“Fourth Dragon Riding Dance — Vine of the Crown of Thorns!”

A delicate cry echoed across the distant sky. At the same time, the pattern of a <Seikoku> was carved into the evening sky, with Lucca at its centre. The figures of Rebecca and Silvia riding on their dragons could also be seen on each side of the pattern, as if guarding Lucca. Moreover, although it seemed as if Max had been defeated, he re-joined the team. The seriously injured Arianrhod also flew in the air, filled with vitality. Rebecca, Silvia, Max, as well as their respective Pals were all battle-scarred. Max had lost his glasses, and his forehead was bleeding as well. Even so, Lucca and Gawain were unscathed. Ash then came to a shocking realisation — Rebecca and the others had wiped out a vast number of missiles and devoted everything to protecting Lucca for this moment, because she possessed the trump card of performing a Dragon Riding Dance. Since they had been fighting separate battles on land and in the air, there was no time for discussion at all, but their timing was exceedingly coincidental. Ash couldn’t stop his eyes from growing moist. It was his first time seeing the Fourth Dance, and its effect was different from the others. A myriad of thorned vines formed by magic crossed over each other and constricted Brünhilde’s lower body.

“Mere trickery…tear them off!”

Annegert shouted. Brünhilde used its tremendous strength to tear the thorned vines off, one after another — but that momentary distraction was more than enough for Ash.

“Its name is — Excalibur!!!”

The single blow unleashed by Excalibur turned into a raging torrent that swallowed up the immense heat of Dáinsleif and slowly advanced forward—.

“Kuh! Endure it, Brünhilde!”

Despite her longstanding calmness, Annegert couldn’t help but cry out in distress at this moment. And then — an impact powerful enough to shake the entire forest fanned out. The slash that Ash had poured all of his strength into landed a direct hit on Brünhilde’s abdominal armour.

===Part 14===

…What followed was silence. Much to Ash’s surprise, Brünhilde was still standing firm and Annegert still held her spear as she stood on top of Brünhilde.

“Kuh, how is it that tough?”

Completely exhausted, Ash couldn’t help but drop to one knee. At the same time, his Ark and Excalibur disintegrated into particles of light and disappeared. All of his magical energy had been expended in that blow. Perhaps having calmed down, Annie Group sneered,

“It seems the goddess of victory smiles upon me.”

“No, you’re wrong.”

Ash lifted his head as he revealed a smile. Just as Annegert frowned, a change occurred in Brünhilde. The armour on its abdomen shattered like glass and shards began to peel off. The attack from the holy sword Excalibur had certainly landed a hit. However, Ash’s smile froze in the next moment.

“Hey…wait! What is that…!?”

Ash’s eyes widened as his body was frozen in place. An unexpected object was concealed in Brünhilde’s abdominal region.

“What’s going on?”

Eco ran up behind Ash. Having exhausted all of her magical energy, Eco looked rather haggard but still somewhat vibrant. Ash found her rather cute in this way, but he immediately pointed to the interior of Brünhilde.

“That…look at that…”

Eco followed the direction that Ash pointed in with curiosity, and then widened her eyes as well.

“What…! What is that!?”

Hidden in Brünhilde’s abdominal cavity — was a cylindrical object. The cylinder was made of glass and filled with a transparent liquid. The thing suspended in the liquid completely upended Ash’s imagination. —A lone naked girl floated in the liquid, much like a foetus. Her hair was dark and waist-length. Her body still appeared rather young, at around twelve years old. Her pale skin was like that of a newborn baby. And the most distinguishable feature of the girl was — slightly curved horns on the left and right sides of her head.

“…Could it be that that girl is also a dragon!?”

Eco was so shocked that even her voice trembled. At that moment, Annegert simply spoke with a pitiful tone as if she had made a minor mistake,

“Oh, my beloved Brünhilde! What a sorry state thou art in! It must hurt…it must be painful…let us go home at once, and I’ll patch thee up straight away!”

[[Image:SnRK V11 253.png|thumb]]

Surprisingly, Annegert seemed totally disinterested in the fact that the girl had been seen. She simply continued to lament the damage that had been done to the mechanical dragon. To Annegert, was that girl just ‘a component of Brünhilde’?

“Wait! That girl—”

“The conclusion of our battle will be decided next time!”

—Boom!

An explosion resounded. Completely ignoring Silvia and the others who were still in the air, Brünhilde took off and flew away at a tremendous speed.

“Kuh…!”

A powerful gale hit them, and Ash quickly protected Eco. While shielding his eyes from the cloud of dust, he stared into the distant sky. At some point, the sun had already sunk, and the sky was stained with the colours of night. The remnants of Brünhilde’s flight trajectory faintly remained in the centre of the night sky.

“…I wonder what’s about to begin.”

Ash could only whisper that in amazement. The mystery was more puzzling than ever, but one thing was certain — and it was that someone was plotting something….

“The Imperial Princess ~A.S.B.1366.04~” is closed.

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2

2021-09-24T16:21:59Z

Zxzxzx: Fix formatting

==Chapter 2 – Rebecca’s Graduation Ceremony==
===Part 1===
The day after the student council’s new organisation was announced.

In a room in the new Apollo House, Ash lay in a light sleep. He was almost awake and his mind was already clear and sober, but he felt that it would be a pity to wake up like this, so he turned his back to the rising rays of sunlight that shot in through the window.

“Ngh…ngaw…”

Eco began to bite on Ash’s side whilst still asleep.

“Uhh…don’t, Eco…”

Although he said that, Ash was actually filled with simultaneous joy and nostalgia. After all, this was a long-awaited nibble. Nibbling was a characteristic only seen in newborn young dragons, and Eco was probably about to progress from that stage…or so Ash originally thought, but it seemed that she still had this characteristic. However, Ash didn’t have much time to continue enjoying it. Eco’s nibbling grew harder and more intense with each passing second, and it had already exceeded the level of mere ‘nibbling’. Naturally, Ash had already become accustomed to it. As Eco’s jaw gradually increased in strength, he casually rolled over. This caused her sharp teeth to gently part from his flank.

“Unyu…!”

Eco made a displeased grunt as if she was a dragon that had accidentally allowed its prey to escape. Even in a state of deep sleep, she probably still had the feeling of ‘letting prey escape’. Eco then tossed and turned for a while, until she finally ended up resting her head on Ash’s shoulder. She then curled up and began to breathe in a steady, regular pattern. Her adorable appearance made Ash’s heart skip a beat. Up until this point, she had been cute much like a small animal. But it was different now — when she snuggled up close to Ash with an angelic sleeping face, she was undoubtedly a girl. Ash gazed carefully at Eco’s sleeping face. In the latter half of the next month, Eco would celebrate her first birthday. In the process of living together, she had gradually begun to look more and more like a girl.

“Eco…”

Finally, Ash’s gaze rested on Eco’s lips.

[[Image:SnRK V11 035.png|thumb]]

Her rich, cherry coloured lips exuded a certain lustre. Ash found his eyes glues to her rosebud-like lips. Eco really is cute — such thoughts welled up in his mind.

“……”

Ash gulped.

—I really want to kiss her.

Ash normally suppressed himself with sound reason and logic, but he was unusually excited and uninhibited this morning. He obeyed his instinctual emotions and slowly yet surely approached Eco’s face.

—Knock knock.

Someone suddenly knocked on his door. Like a child caught in the middle of a prank, Ash instantly shot up.

“Hngh!?”

Because Eco had been resting on Ash’s shoulder, she abruptly fell onto the bedsheets as a result.

—…Knock knock.

The knocking repeated itself. It certainly wasn’t an auditory hallucination. Ash flipped open the cover of the silver pocket watch beside his pillow, noting that it was only eight o’clock. Although it wasn’t considered early, it was still spring break, so it wasn’t a particularly appropriate time for a visitor.

“Who could it be…?”

Ash rubbed his drowsy eyes as he walked over to the door. The locks in the new Apollo House had been upgraded to a two-tier system. Ash unlocked the first one and slowly opened the door.

“…!”

Ash was taken aback as soon as he caught a glimpse of the person outside through the crack in the doorway.

“Rebecca-san!?”

Indeed, the person who stood leisurely in front of his room door was the <Scarlet Empress>.

“W-Why are you here at this time!? Is there an emergency?”

After heaving a sigh, Rebecca crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“You’re too lax, Ash. It may be spring break, but you’re the president now, so you should be trying your best to do simple things like sleeping early and rising early.”

“I’m sorry…”

Ash shrunk back. Upon seeing this, a smile emerged on Rebecca’s face.

“Oh, I didn’t come here to lecture you though. U-Umm…there’s something I have to discuss with you.”

Rebecca’s attitude took a turn as she suddenly appeared shy and her gaze wandered about unsteadily.

“You wanted to discuss something with me, Rebecca-san?”

Ash gazed at Rebecca in surprise. Whilst it was possible for Ash to seek Rebecca out for advice or discussion, the opposite of that was totally unimaginable.

“I’ll be waiting for you in St. Durham Square at eleven o’clock today, and I’d be very grateful if you can come. That’s all I wanted to say…so make sure you come, alright?”

After repeating this confirmation, Rebecca walked off. Ash stood in a daze as a wave of her sweet and refreshing fragrance lingered over him. Rebecca’s request was certainly a surprise, but what was even more concerning was her expression and demeanour. She was practically like a maiden in love who gave off a warm, affectionate vibe. The next instant, a snow-shite hand extended from beside Ash, pinching his cheek hard and pulling it to the side.

“Ash17:00, 22 September 2021 (CEST)[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([[User talk:Zxzxzx|talk]]) 17:00, 22 September 2021 (CEST)?”

At some point unbeknownst to him, Eco had snuck up behind Ash.

“Eho!? Wore walweady awake?”

“Thanks to a certain someone who suddenly bounced up, my neck hurts, you see.”

Eco answered with displeasure as she let go of Ash’s cheek.

“S-Sorry…”

“Never mind that. So, you’re going on a date with Rebecca today? You’ve got guts to make secret appointments behind my back, you know?”

A chill ran down Ash’s spine as he faced the glare of her fiery red eyes.

“I-I-It’s not a date! It seems like she wants to discuss something serious with me.”

“Rebecca wants to discuss something with you? That’s rather unusual.”

Eco tilted her head in surprise.

“I also get the feeling that Rebecca-san seems to be acting is somewhat different from usual.”

“Okay…fine, I get it.”

After Eco heaved a deep sigh, she let go of Ash’s cheek.

“It feels like I’m the bad person if I stop you from seeing Rebecca, so I’m letting you go.”

“Really!?”

“In return, you have to treat me to a crepe when you come back! Also, if you dare to do anything weird to Rebecca…I’ll trample you!”

Eco sternly commanded before letting out a yawn and returning to bed.

===Part 2===

With an endlessly clear blue sky overhead, it was truly excellent weather for a date.

“…Geez, what am I getting excited about!?”

After muttering such words of reprimand to himself, Ash stepped into St. Durham Square. In order to commemorate the completion of the Academy’s reconstruction, street vendors who would not normally be seen had set up stalls everywhere. Among the vendors, there was also a stall that sold the crepes that Eco wanted. The restaurants and shops that faced the square also had gorgeous decorations at their entrances or windows, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. There were clearly a lot more tourists around than usual. Ash marched through the crowd and eventually stood beside the statue of St. Durham. It was a customary meeting point that people used when dating. In any case, Ash felt relieved that he had arrived earlier than Rebecca. About five minutes later, when Ash’s silver pocket watch indicated that it was ten to eleven—.

—Clack.

The sound of something knocking on the cobblestone road caught Ash’s attention. He couldn’t help but look toward the direction of the sound. A beautiful lady walked into the square.

“…!”

Ash’s eyes widened. The instant that the beautiful woman entered his field of view, time seemed to stand still. Even the colours of the square seemed to change all of a sudden. The citizens and tourists who were present also focused their attention on the sudden visitor. She simply continued to stride forward, and the crowd naturally parted to the left and right for her.

“She…it can’t be……!”

Ash fell silent as he was mesmerised by the movements of the beauty. Her fiery red hair was elegantly tied up with a ribbon and hung over the left side of her chest. Her pure white blouse clearly accentuated the lines of her cleavage. On her lower body was a black miniskirt and knee-high lace-up boots. Ash watched on in fascination as the beauty crossed the square, the heels of her boots clicking with each step. At last, she stood before Ash and stopped.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ash.”

As her awe-inspiring voice met his ears, the spring breeze carried a refreshing scent with it.

“Umm……you’re Rebecca-san, right?”

“Ufufu. And who else would I be?”

Her appearance made her seem like a totally different person compared to when she was in her uniform. Although the citizens in the square were all awed by Rebecca’s beauty, none of them seemed to have discovered that she was in fact the former student council president of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

“It’s because…you feel completely different compared to how you normally are, Rebecca-san…”

“Yet here you are, neatly dressed in your uniform today. It’s currently spring break, so there’s no need to wear your uniform outside the Academy, you know?”

“S-Sorry…”

“Oh, there’s no need to apologise. But, Ash? Don’t you have anything to say about my casual dress?”

Rebecca straightened her back and posed like a model. It was as if her standing posture was enveloped in bright red flames, and she even gave off a somewhat sacred aura.

“Y-You’re very beautiful, and it really suits you…!”

If Ash had the talent for poetry, he might’ve been able to give her more intimate compliments, but this was already the best that he could manage with his vocabulary. Fortunately, it seemed at least his sincerity had been conveyed.

“Thank you, Ash.”

Rebecca smiled contently and then began to walk.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, let’s talk while we eat.”

===Part 3===

Ash and Rebecca left St. Durham Square side by side.

—It’s almost like a date…

Everyone who passed by would first take notice of Rebecca’s beauty, and then stare at Ash who walked beside her. Ash began to feel embarrassed by the countless number of gazes that were directed at him. In any case, the current Rebecca seemed completely mismatched with him. However, he gradually began to hear various voices from his surroundings.

“Hey, isn’t that Ash Blake-sama!?”

“It really is! It’s the Nation-Saving Hero Ash Blake-sama!”

“Who is Ash-sama’s companion? Could it possibly be his lover!?”

“I feel as though I’ve seen that beauty somewhere…?”

It seemed even Ash was unaware that both his name and appearance had already become widely known. In particular, Ash sensed a warmth and passion from the eyes of women.

“Fufu. You’ve already become a celebrity.”

Rebecca jokingly said.

“C-Certainly not…I’ve still got a long way to go.”

“This charm is one of your strengths, so just be aware of it in the future. Ash Blake, the young dragon Eco, and Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights have indeed become famous. Especially in the Chevron Kingdom, Avalon’s popularity has risen exponentially.”

“Really!? I always tried to be careful to avoid being in the spotlight…”

“That’s probably something that Oscar — no, Oscaia I did. She publicly declared that she was able to ascend to the throne only because of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights.”

“I don’t think Oscar meant any harm, but it’s a bit troubling to have too much fame and attention.”

“Going by past examples, trends in the Kingdom will spread to the Knight Country in about a years’ time. In another year, perhaps Avalon will be all the rage here in the Knight Country.”

Rebecca said with a hearty laugh.

“Kuh…by that time, I may no longer be able to walk down a main street like this anymore.”

Upon seeing Ash’s shoulders droop in disappointment, Rebecca revealed a mischievous smile.

“Oh, it should be possible with a bit of a makeover. In fact, it seems no one recognises me as Rebecca Randall. Maybe it’s because I leave too strong an impression when I’m wearing my uniform.”

“I see, a makeover huh. In that case, I should wear glasses like Max to try it out.”

“No no, don’t you have the special move called ‘Ashley’?”

“What!? How did that turn into my special move!?”

For Ash, his experience of cross-dressing was a past that he did not want to look back on.

“Haha, I’m just kidding. Max is probably the only one who would be happy about you cross-dressing. Having said that, no one in the world should recognise that that lovely girl is actually Ash Blake in disguise. From this perspective, don’t you think that cross-dressing is unexpectedly useful?”

“Well, I suppose you’re right about that…”

Ash nodded with an anguished expression just as Rebecca suddenly stopped.

“I think this store is good.”

What stood before them was a building constructed of red bricks. The design of the door was rather ornate, creating an atmosphere that was somewhat intimidating for entry. It seemed like a specialty restaurant of Chevron cuisine.

“Do you like Chevron cuisine, Ash?”

Upon hearing this abrupt question, Ash scratched his head.

“Rather than a question of whether I like it or not, Chevron cuisine seems to have a high-end feel, so…I’ve pretty much never had it.”

“Then, this is a good opportunity. To celebrate Oscaia I’s coronation, this store just so happens to be running a discount promotion.”

Rebecca took Ash by the arm. As soon as he was drawn in, his elbow met with Rebecca’s bosom.

“…!”

The surprisingly soft sensation caused Ash to subconsciously hold his breath.

“Oh my, why is your face so red?”

Like a little devil, Rebecca mischievously peered at Ash’s face.

“I-It’s nothing! L-Let’s head in then.”

With Rebecca’s touch and a fragrance that was reminiscent of a mature woman, Ash walked through the restaurant’s door.

===Part 4===

Since it was just after eleven o’clock, there weren’t many people in the restaurant. The only customers who had arrived earlier than them were an old couple and a pair of young lovers. Even though Ash was unfamiliar with Chevron culture, he could feel the owner’s commitment. Everything in the restaurant from styling to decoration was clearly Chevron-style. Upon a stage at one end of the restaurant was a young performer who played the lyre. Their graceful melody was reminiscent of court music. Perhaps it was a piece of music from the Kingdom. With the waitress’ guidance, Ash and Rebecca sat down at the innermost table. In reading the menu, Ash found that it was indeed a high-end restaurant, but they also had unexpectedly inexpensive meals available. Both Ash and Rebecca ordered a simple set lunch meal. While waiting for their food to be served, Rebecca gazed at Ash with strangely passionate eyes.

“Fufu. This atmosphere makes it feel like a tryst.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Ash nervously answered. He had been restless and unable to calm down.

“What’s the matter, Ash? You’re not nervous, are you?”

“Well, actually…”

Ash made a stiff smile. He was sitting at a table opposite the <Scarlet Empress> in a restaurant. Moreover, a particularly dolled-up Rebecca rested her chin over her folded arms on the table. As she gazed up slightly at him, the smile on her face even appeared to be one directed towards a lover. It would’ve been odd if he wasn’t nervous. Rebecca chuckled as she said,

“Oh my, those aren’t the words that a hero praised by the Paladin should say, right?”

“It’s because I’m here with you, Rebecca-san.”

“……!”

After Ash said so in a straightforward manner, Rebecca displayed a rare expression of surprise. Perhaps it was just Ash’s imagination, but it appeared as though her cheeks were slightly flushed.

“…You’ve matured a lot too. I didn’t expect you to say that so lightly.”

Rebecca’s expression was tinged with a hint of reluctance as she averted her gaze from him. In that moment, Rebecca looked so cute that it was difficult to even imagine her usually decisive manner. Just as Ash’s heart pounded restlessly, the waitress finally delivered their meals. Each meal was only served with a small portion in the centre of the plate. For growing young people, it was on the light side, but this was probably a tradition of Chevron cuisine. Moreover, Chevron cuisine seemed to place special emphasis on the presentation of each dish. Every plate was colourfully decorated to give people the sensation that they were admiring an array of gemstones. It almost seemed like a pity to eat it. The two of them put their hands together at the same time and offered a prayer to Saint Rosa Maria.

“Alright, let’s eat.”

Rebecca gracefully picked up a knife and a fork, and Ash followed suit. The first course that Ash chose was sautéed duck breast.

“I’ve heard that duck meat is the most flavourful of all poultry.”

“Really? It’s my first time having duck.”

Ash gulped and then placed a bite-sized piece of meat into his mouth. The instant that he bit down, he was impressed by the crispiness of the skin and tenderness of the meat. At the same time, the sweet and spicy flavours of the sauce and meat juices on the tip of his tongue intertwined for a lively duet that left both his mind and body in awe.

“It’s so good…!”

“Fufu. That’s great.”

Rebecca revealed a mature smile as she seemed to have finally recovered her usual calmness. Ash and Rebecca discussed the dishes that sat before them while they ate. Because the atmosphere between them was so pleasant, Ash momentarily forgot about the focus of today. Rebecca also seemed to avoid the subject. The sweet serenade of the lyre also added to the pleasant atmosphere. Just as their bavarois desserts were brought to the table — Ash braced himself and finally asked,

“Umm, Rebecca-san? When you said that you wanted to discuss something with me, what did you mean…?”

In an instant, as if a spell had been undone, Rebecca’s expression became serious.

“There’s actually something that’s been bothering me. It’s about…my future.”

In that moment, Ash thought to himself, ‘she’s finally going to say it’. Rebecca wasn’t just the former student council president, she also possessed immense strength and ability as an Ark Dragonar. Ash had always been curious about Rebecca’s future pathway. From Ash’s standpoint, he naturally hoped that Rebecca would continue to stay in Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights. But, if Rebecca wanted to use the opportunity of her graduation to take another pathway, then he couldn’t stop her.

“…Do you know about the ‘Maestro Award’?”

Upon hearing this abrupt question, Ash tilted his head.

“Uh…I think I might’ve heard of it, or maybe not…”

“Back when I was in my second year of the Senios course, Paladin Oswald personally presented me with that award. I think it would’ve been a fairly big deal at the time…”

“Sorry. I didn’t have a Pal back then, so I was too busy worrying about myself…”

“Ah that’s right, Ash Blake used to be called ‘The Academy’s Number One Problem Child’.”

Rebecca made a wry smile as she explained,

“The Maestro Award is given to students for their achievements at the Dragon Riding Academy. A so-called newcomers award, if you will. It’s said that the criteria for the award is very strict, and if you want to find any of the winners before me, you’ll have to go back at least ten years.”

“Ten years!?”

Ash widened his eyes. When it was equated to a newcomer’s award, he thought that someone must’ve been selected every year.

“Naturally, I’m still proud of having received that award…but the problem lies in its prize.”

“What kind of prize was it?”

“To join the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars as an officer cadet. At the time, I signed the contract without hesitation…”

Rebecca directed her gaze to the untouched bavarois as she softly sighed.

“In the past, I’d always aimed to work for the Order of Holy Dragonars. I even went to their training facility as a special trainee and asked Captain Ursula to train me…but, Ash. Now, the Order of Holy Dragonars isn’t that attractive anymore.”

Rebecca lifted her face. Her emerald eyes wavered slightly as she stared straight at Ash.

“Now, I want to be a member of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights and support you as I stand by your side.”

Rebecca made a shy expression and she gently extended her right hand. The back of Ash’s left hand which sat on the white tablecloth was smothered by a warm touch. Rebecca placed her hand over Ash’s hand — the distance between them seemed to shorten all at once, and Ash’s heart skipped a beat. With a sincere look in her eyes, Rebecca then said,

“No matter what obstacles appear, I want to be with you.”

“Rebecca-san…”

“For you, I plan to return the Maestro Award back to Paladin Oswald. As for the contract to join the Order of Holy Dragonars, I intend to cancel it—”

[[Image:SnRK V11 053.png|thumb]]

Just when Rebecca resolutely said so…

“Don’t underestimate my intelligence network! I know you’re in here, Rebecca!”

A caustic voice resounded through the restaurant. The performer had already taken cover in the back room as their elegant melody abruptly stopped. An uncomfortable silence filled the restaurant. The restaurant’s atmosphere gradually grew more serious, and the lingering silence seemed as though it was on the verge of collapse. Suddenly, a sequence of heavy footsteps like those of a funeral procession resounded. It seemed that the unknown visitors wore iron-soled boots.

“That voice just then, it couldn’t possibly be…”

Ash trembled as he spoke, and his entire body stiffened up. The voice that yelled out earlier was certainly familiar, and he had previously experienced this heavy atmosphere as well. Unsurprisingly, the person who majestically appeared was dressed in a full suit of armour — First Princess Veronica Lautreamont. Behind her, in addition to the captain of her personal guard, Glenn McGuire, a platoon of brawny knights also marched in single file.

“So, you personally came for me, Your Highness…”

Rebecca knelt down politely in front of Veronica.

“Rebecca. You were awarded the prestigious Maestro Award, but I’ve heard that you plan to nullify your contract to join the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars…”

Veronica spoke in a cold voice, and at the same time, she shoved a document into Rebecca’s hands.

“This is the contract that you signed with the Order of Holy Dragonars when you received the Maestro Award. Didn’t you plan to join the Order as an officer cadet immediately after your graduation?”

“Umm…”

Rebecca couldn’t help but hesitate. Due to her serious personality, it probably made her quite uncomfortable to break the contract. Veronica’s insight and mobility was also impressive given that she was able to determine Rebecca’s mood and come to Ansarivan. This was also proof of the high hopes that she had for Rebecca.

“Rebecca. Don’t you think that invalidating a contract that has been officially signed is an act which goes against the spirit of chivalry?”

With a pained expression, Rebecca remained silent. At that moment, Ash finally returned to his senses. Because he had been so startled by the situation, he remained seated in a daze, and only now did he hurriedly kneel down beside Rebecca.

“Princess Veronica, I implore you! Indeed, I also believe that a contract should not be broken. However, a long time has passed since the contract was originally signed. It’s reasonable for one’s life goals to change, is it not? I think Rebecca-san’s feelings right now are most important.”

“Huh!? Ash!? Y-You were here as well…?”

Surprisingly, Veronica’s momentum weakened as soon as Ash voiced his opinion. On that topic, Ash thought back. Veronica’s attitude towards Ash seemed to have dramatically changed ever since the dinner banquet that was held in Fontaine Palace. The reaction that she displayed was like that of an innocent maiden. If Veronica could understand his sincerity, perhaps—

“S-Shut up! Ash, I may owe you a great debt, but these two matters shouldn’t be confused!”

Unfortunately, the slight expectation that Ash had fell short. After all, in order to persuade Rebecca, Veronica had travelled all the way here, and her attitude wasn’t going to be softened just by Ash’s intervention.

“…Sorry to interrupt, Veronica-sama. I think, by now, it’s no longer possible to persuade her with words. How about enacting ‘Plan B’?”

Her guard captain Glenn politely interjected.

“Yes…I suppose it can’t be helped.”

Veronica finally seemed to regain her composure.

“Rebecca. I’ve heard that the Dragon Riding Academy hasn’t held its graduation ceremony yet, is that right?”

Veronica suddenly changed the subject.

“…Yes. We did our best to complete the reconstruction work before the beginning of the new semester. Although the reconstruction was successfully completed, the graduation ceremony was repeatedly delayed…and it has been decided that it is scheduled to be held at the end of this month.”

Rebecca calmly responded.

“Then, for this year’s graduation ceremony, why don’t I plan a special event?”

“…?”

“On the day of the graduation ceremony — you will bet your own future on an official duel against one of my knights. If you win and determine your own path, then I will allow you to void the contract. You will be free to do as you wish. However, if you are defeated, then you will obediently join the Order of Holy Dragonars. Moreover, you will not be given the elite path of an officer cadet, and instead, you will start from scratch as a rookie knight!”

“Princess Veronica! With all due respect, this is—”

“You keep your mouth shut, Ash!”

Veronica bellowed at Ash, and then glared at Rebecca.

“What’s wrong, Rebecca?”

“…It sounds like it’ll be a rather memorable graduation ceremony.”

Ash couldn’t help but shudder as he saw a blaze instantaneously ignite in Rebecca’s eyes.

“I understand. The fault for this lies with me, yet you’ve still given me an opportunity, Your Highness Veronica. I thank you for your generosity.”

Despite the respectful choice and tone of her words, Rebecca’s eyes were undoubtedly burning with the fighting spirit of a knight. Ash was reminded that Rebecca was most certainly a true knight.

“The deal is struck. As for your opponent, I will select them from the elites of the Order of Holy Dragonars. That is all!”

After Veronica made such an announcement resolutely, she flipped her cloak as she prepared to turn around and leave. But…she suddenly stopped. Clang…her iron boots ruffled and made noise.

“By the way, Ash? It might be a bit late to ask, but…why are you here? You wouldn’t be…here alone with Rebecca…on a date, would you?”

—Dooooon!

An astonishing air of intimidation suddenly erupted. Like a frog being glared at by a snake, Ash couldn’t help but sweat.

“N-No! I swear to Saint Rosa Maria, I haven’t done anything untoward!”

“…Hmm. You swear to the Saint, huh. If you say so, then I’ll believe you.”

Ash exhaled and heaved a sigh of relief, but it only lasted for a moment.

“By the way, Ash!”

“Y-Yes!”

Ash straightened his posture, and Rebecca coughed dryly to clear her throat.

“Umm, well…whenever you feel like it…you can come to visit me in the palace.”

“Huh?”

“Anyway, farewell!”

This time, Veronica actually took her leave. In this manner, he somehow managed to survive—

“By the way, Ash?”

Rebecca suddenly leaned towards Ash with a troubled look on her face.

“What’s the matter?”

The two of them grew so close that there was barely any distance left between their noses. Ash found himself at a loss in the face of such a peerless beauty.

“Ash, I’m thinking, there isn’t…something going on between you and Her Highness Veronica, is there? I got the feeling that Her Highness was watching you, as if with a strangely passionate gaze.”

“N-No, that’s impossible!”

“Hmm, how suspicious…”

Rebecca drew even closer. Ash couldn’t help but panic in the face of her unexpected questioning.

===Part 5===

The days that followed flew past—.

Today was the day of the graduation ceremony. All of the students in the academy had already become aware of Rebecca’s wager to determine her future. After the graduation certificates were issued in the morning, everyone waited in the arena for the match the start. The audience stands were already full. Most of the audience members were students who had come to cheer for Rebecca, as well as citizens who had caught wind of the rumour and came to join the festivity.

First Princess Veronica had arrived well in advance. She sat in an area specially reserved for the royal family, surrounded by the members of her personal guard. The officers of the student council and members of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights also gathered in a corner of the gallery. Eco and Silvia sat on the left and right sides of Ash respectively, while Lucca and Jessica sat behind him. Mirabel and Anya also attended, along with the particularly conspicuous maids Cosette and Eunice. Raymond and Max sat side by side next to this group of gorgeous women.

—A bell rang out, indicating that there was still fifteen minutes before the match would begin. The audience members made use of this time to enjoy their food. Although this was a very important match for Ash and the others, it was only a form of entertainment for everyone else. Salespeople offering lunchboxes, snacks, drinks and liquor were all busily running all over the arena.

“We have crepes from street vendors for sale, they’re freshly baked!”

Eco’s ears twitched as soon as she heard such words.

“Wait, crepe vendor! Me, me!”

Eco quickly stood up and waved at her.

“I want a strawberry crepe!”

“Right away!”

The crepe vendor trotted over to Eco with a smile on her face. She was a lively girl who looked to be just a little older than Ash.

“Hey, don’t just randomly order stuff! Didn’t you just have lunch?”

Ash reprimanded Eco as she puffed out her cheeks.

“It’d bring shame to the dragon race if I didn’t eat a crepe that was right in front of me! It’s my family motto!”

“Don’t copy other people! And what kind of family motto is that!?”

Silvia spiritedly said to Eco, who had boldly made such a declaration.

“What does it matter!? I just wanted to talk about it suddenly!”

“Don’t fabricate a family motto just because you ‘wanted to talk about it suddenly’!”

With Ash in between them, Eco and Silvia began to quarrel.

“Umm…”

The crepe vendor still had a businesslike smile across her face as she remained rooted in place, so Ash hurriedly took his wallet out. She had gone out of her way to come to the seating area for the student council, so he would’ve felt sorry for her if they didn’t buy anything.

“Sorry…I’ll pay for it. Please give me one strawberry crepe.”

The instant that Ash spoke to her, the girl’s eyes lit up.

“Excuse me! Are you Ash Blake-sama of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights!?”

The girl asked with flushed cheeks, making Ash feel somewhat confused.

“Huh? Uh, yeah…”

“It’s an honour to meet you! Uh, this…consider it a gift for protecting the Knight Country. No need to pay!”

“No, I couldn’t possibly—”

“I love you, Ash-sama! Kyaa, I said it~”

The girl ran off before Ash could finish his sentence. Left in Ash’s hands were two crepes which had been wrapped with thin paper. The crepes were probably baked just a while ago as they still emitted warmth. The sweet scent of strawberries and cream stimulated his nostrils. The next moment, a terrifying aura was emitted from beside Ash.

“I can’t let my guard down for even a moment…”

“Geez. You have such a lustful expression, Ash!”

At some point, Eco and Silvia became allies as they glowered viciously at Ash. Both of them crossed their arms as their eyes burned with rage. At the same time, Ash noticed that Mirabel, Jessica, Lucca and Anya also had uneasy expressions on their faces.

“No, wait! I didn’t do anything at all, you know!? That girl selling crepes suddenly gave me a present…since she gave it to me anyway, do you want to have it?”

“Of course!”

With a haughty expression, Eco firmly extended her hand.

“Shouldn’t you decline on this occasion!? Don’t you have any pride?”

Silvia scolded Eco in amazement.

“But the crepes are innocent. Ah, mmm…! Yum~! It tastes just like the crepes from the street stalls!”

Thanks to the crepes, Eco had become as docile as a kitten. With a thud, she sat back down next to Ash.

“Hmph, such a snob…”

Perhaps having run out of energy to get angry, Silvia also sat down in her seat.

“Though, I wonder who Princess Veronica assigned…”

Ash casually asked, after waiting until Silvia’s mood had recovered.

“…It does make me wonder. The match is about to begin, but aneue hasn’t announced her opponent, so something feels a bit weird.”

Silvia pensively frowned. The only dragon waiting next to the stage at this moment was Cú Chulainn. As for the other knight, not even their Pal had appeared yet.

“I don’t think it’s Captain Glenn. He’s still on duty as a guard at the moment.”

Ash looked towards Veronica’s personal guard. Captain Glenn was still busy issuing various instructions to his subordinates as they focused on protecting Veronica’s perimeter.

“Yes. It doesn’t seem like it’ll be Glenn-san or any member of her guard. No, wait. If aneue is serious about winning, then perhaps…”

“Princess-sama?”

Silvia suddenly frowned and sank into silence, causing Ash to feel an ominous premonition. At that moment, the audience erupted with cheers. It seemed that Rebecca’s figure had appeared in front of the audience. She wore a crimson Ark, and it was also her second form. The magic spear Gáe Bolg was firmly gripped in her right hand. Rebecca walked towards the centre of the arena and then lightly hopped onto Cú Chulainn’s head, who was standing by. The audience became even more enthusiastic with each moment. Cú Chulainn let out a majestic roar, and then with a heavy thud, it stepped up and walked onto the stage. Rebecca waved her hand with a smile in response to the cheers of the audience. She didn’t look the least bit nervous, and totally calm.

“As expected of Rebecca-san.”

Just as Ash muttered to himself with a hint of pride — a thundering roar caused the air in the venue to tremble. The shocked audience members lifted their heads and gazed to the sky in unison.

“That’s…!?”

Ash also caught sight of it. A single Maestro gradually approached from the far end of the sky. The Maestro’s enormous body inspired a sense of grandeur. It was probably the largest Maestro that existed. Like a falling meteor, the Maestro landed in the centre of the stage with a loud boom. Its wings fanned a roaring wind, and the audience members that sat in the front row were almost blown away.

“—Sorry to keep you all waiting.”

The Ark Dragonar that rode on top of the Maestro’s head spoke with a clear voice.

“It can’t be…!”

As if to compensate for the sentence that Ash was unable to finish…

“<Silent Virginia> — Captain Ursula and Maestro Galahad!”

Silvia uttered both of their names. It seemed that a decision had been made for Rebecca’s opponent to be Captain Ursula L. Selwyn today.

—Uooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh!

An ocean of enthusiastic cheers surged forth from the audience. The majority of the audience leaned forward to get a closer look at Ursula’s beauty. It could be said that the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars didn’t have any achievements last year, but even so, Ursula’s popularity remained undiminished.

“That sister of mine! She’s so immature to send the captain out in a match like this…”

Silvia bitterly said. Puzzled, Ash asked,

“Hey, Princess-sama? Now that I think about it, I…hardly know anything about what kind of person Captain Ursula is. As a Dragonar, what category does she fall into?”

Silvia furrowed her brow as distress appeared to dominate her expression.

“…Hmm. She’s a very admirable person…but doesn’t seem to be very good at leadership. She’s said so herself publicly. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why the Order of Holy Dragonars didn’t perform well last year. However—”

Silvia paused for a moment and swallowed.

“If we’re talking about a one-on-one battle, Captain Ursula could be described as the strongest in the world. For example…even Captain Glenn is no match for Captain Ursula at all.”

“No match at all!?”

Captain Glenn was the leader of Veronica’s personal guard, and if he didn’t even compare to her, just how strong was she?

“It may not sound nice to say this…but if I had to describe Captain Ursula with a single word, it would probably be ‘monster’.”

“Monster…”

Ash couldn’t help but sweat upon hearing such an astonishing description.

“Hmph, I can’t just pretend not to hear that! If we’re talking about the strongest in the world, it’s naturally going to be me and Ash as partners!”

Eco proudly interjected. She had already polished off both crepes, and a bit of cream lingered around the side of her mouth. Ash was about to wipe it off with his fingers, but he wasn’t afforded the opportunity. Because…Ursula made a proposal to Rebecca in that moment.

“Allow me to give you a handicap, Rebecca. If your attacks can damage my Ark even by a scratch, then it’s my loss.”

Her voice was certainly not too loud. Moreover, her tone seemed rather calm. Yet, her clear voice seemed to have reached every corner of the venue. A commotion was immediately stirred up among the audience. Ash glanced at the royal box without reservation. Although Veronica appeared unhappy at first, her expression gradually turned into a wry smile. It seemed that the offer of a handicap was Ursula’s own decision, which explained Veronica’s change in expression. However, the reason why that became a smile was likely just evidence that she trusted Ursula. The combat instructor serving as the referee loudly declared,

“The one-on-one battle begins now! The basic rules are in accordance with those of the Dragonars’ Gunnar Bout, though as proposed by Ursula L. Selwyn, a handicap will be given to Rebecca Randall. Both sides, get ready!”

The next moment, Ursula began to recite a chant.

“Appear, the two-dimensional sacred sword — its name is Fragarach.”

What appeared with a flash of light was an unbelievable sword. At first glance, only the sword’s hilt could be seen, but upon closer inspection, it was possible to see that the blade was composed of magic. Due to the constant flow of magical energy, the part that was equivalent to a blade turned it into a sword with very different properties when compared to a conventional steel sword.

“What does the ‘two-dimensional’ part of the name mean?”

Doubting his own ears, Ash turned to look at the side profile of Silvia’s face.

“It’s a sword where the blade’s thickness is extremely close to zero…that is, the blade is a perfectly flat surface. No matter how hard the material is, the sacred sword Fragarach can cut it apart like paper. Even an Ark would be no exception to that—”

“…!”

Just as Ash gasped in amazement, the bell rang to signal the start of the match.

===Part 6===

Simultaneously as the bell rang, Rebecca ordered Cú Chulainn to take flight.

“Magic spear Gáe Bolg — [Wheel of Fortune]!”

She suddenly opened fire and performed her ultimate technique.

—Boom!

Surprisingly, Ursula didn’t take any evasive action. The [Wheel of Fortune] was a weapon that put the consequence of a ‘hit’ first and then established the cause of the ‘attack’ later. Regardless of what evasive manoeuvres were taken, it was impossible to avoid a direct attack. Perhaps because of that — Ursula deliberately took Rebecca’s attack head-on. The shockwave kicked up a cloud of dust. The attack’s trajectory was undoubtedly straight at Ursula. Rebecca herself also felt the impact of landing a hit. However — as the dust settled, the scene laid out before Rebecca’s eyes was unbelievable.

“…Not a bad attack. With your current strength, you could serve as the leader of a hundred man squadron in the Order of Holy Dragonars.”

An extremely calm voice made its way to Rebecca’s ears. Ursula leisurely held her sacred sword, completely unscathed. There weren’t even any indications that she had put up a defensive magic shield. It appeared as though the sacred sword Fragarach had slashed the destined fate of Gáe Bolg apart, along with all of its magical energy.

“It’s my turn next.”

—Boom!

Accompanied by a shockwave, the figures of Ursula and Galahad disappeared. As if they had actually disappeared, they were gone from Rebecca’s field of view.

“—What!?”

While Rebecca was flabbergasted, she heard a whisper right by her ear.

“Too slow.”

As she heard that faint voice, an impact suddenly came from behind Rebecca.

“Kuh…!”

She wasn’t hit by the blade. She had been hit with the hilt — by the time that Rebecca had realised this, her body was already falling like a meteorite. If she had been slashed with the blade, then the outcome of the match would’ve been decided already.

“Ngh!”

Rebecca unleashed the energy that had accumulated in her Ark and finally managed to stop in mid-air. A powerful feeling of gravity invaded her body, making her weight feel several orders of magnitude heavier than before. In terms of regulations for the Dragonars’ Gunnar Bout, falling off one’s dragon meant defeat. Her feet couldn’t touch the ground no matter what.

“Guuuuu!”

The next instant, Galahad provoked Cú Chulainn.

“Grrrrr!”

Both dragons extended their forelimbs as a fierce struggle brewed between them. As soon as Ursula leapt off her Pal, she made a beeline for Rebecca, mercilessly brandishing a blade of magical energy.

“Kuh…!”

Rebecca somehow managed to dodge the series of attacks at the very last moment. Although she had thought to use her magic spear to parry, such an idea could be described as reckless considering the characteristics of Ursula’s weapon.

—Screech!

Ursula’s blade scraped over Rebecca’s breastplate, leaving a horizontal scratch across Cú Chulainn’s refined cuirass. Before the sacred sword Fragarach, even an Ark was equivalent to nothing more than a thin sheet of paper. Feeling mortified, Rebecca used the power of her Ark to float through the air. As soon as she made it back onto Cú Chulainn’s head, she immediately launched an assault on Galahad with her magic spear.

“Guuuuuuuuuu!”

Just as Galahad let out a displeased roar, Rebecca and Cú Chulainn flew up high into the air. Common sense wouldn’t help in dealing with the sacred sword Fragarach. The ‘Two-Dimensional Blade’ wasn’t a bluff, but a genuine article. Close-quarters combat was too dangerous, so the best option was to deliver a fatal blow from a distance—

“Ha!”

Rebecca unleashed homing-type magic bullets one after another. On the other hand, Ursula mounted Galahad again and dodged the magic bullets that came flying at her in sequence. The next moment, everything in Ursula’s surroundings began to explode. This wasn’t part of Rebecca’s strategy, rather, it was caused by Ursula. The evidence of that was…even despite the whirlwind caused by the explosions, Ursula remained in place, calmly hovering in mid-air. By evading — no, Ursula had cleverly manipulated the magic bullets so that they all collided with each other. In this way, the fate that was destined by the [Wheel of Fortune] had automatically been cancelled. Moreover, it appeared as though Ursula still wasn’t serious yet.

“Time for me to make a move—”

Ursula faintly whispered and then quickly moved right in front of Rebecca.

“Wha…!”

In Rebecca’s eyes, it was an instantaneous movement. She had finally managed to put some distance between them, but it ended up being completely pointless. A ruthless blade attacked Rebecca. There was no time left to dodge. Rebecca reflexively blocked it with her magic spear.

—Clang!

It was almost an absurd sight as the magic spear was instantly divided into two. Even so, Ursula’s hand did not stop, and she continued to attack at a pace that the naked eye could not keep up with. At the same time, the whirlwind generated by the sacred sword culminated in shockwaves that impacted Rebecca’s body.

“Urgh…!”

Rebecca let out a pained moan as the Ark that covered her upper body suddenly shattered into pieces. The shocking thing was that each and every piece was actually a beautiful diamond. A countless number of diamonds glimmered as they flew through the air. Those constantly rotating diamonds were like a cluster of stars. Surrounded by scenery that seemed to be from a fantasy world, Rebecca’s consciousness also faded into darkness.

===Part 7===

“Rebecca-san!”

Ash was so shocked that he stood up almost subconsciously. Eco, Silvia and the members of the student council around them all stood up in unison. Rebecca’s naked body continued to fall in a straight line—

“Uooohhh!”

Cú Chulainn instantly sprung into action. It raced past Galahad and then sharply descended. Just as Rebecca was about to fall off the stage, Cú Chulainn caught her on its back. Engulfed by Cú Chulainn’s soft fur, Rebecca was saved from defeat. However, Ursula was not so soft-hearted that she would stop attacking because of this. She immediately ordered Galahad to descend and the two dragons began to brawl.

“Guuuuu!”

“Grrrrr!”

Cú Chulainn deployed a Hexagonal Shield to block Galahad’s body charge. Numerous hexagons manifested to form a protective barrier. However, Galahad’s mighty onslaught continued. Just as Cú Chulainn retreated, Galahad unleashed a fiery breath at zero distance!

—Booooooom!

Like the shattering of glass, the Hexagonal Shield collapsed. Immediately afterwards, Galahad slammed into Cú Chulainn with its body again.

“Guuuuhhhhh…!’

Cú Chulainn was brought to its knees on the spot.

“This is checkmate.”

Accompanied by a frighteningly clear voice, Ursula jumped and landed on Cú Chulainn’s back, and then she coldly glanced down at the naked Rebecca. Rebecca didn’t budge an inch. She lay face down, with her bare back exposed in front of Ursula. Just as Ursula had declared, it was already ‘checkmate’. Even the Pal that she relied on, Cú Chulainn, had suffered serious injuries and was immobile under Galahad’s suppression.

“You did your best, Rebecca.”

Remaining expressionless, Ursula lifted the sacred sword high up over her head. As if she had no interest in Rebecca at all, her eyes drifted elsewhere.

“What is Captain Ursula planning to do? Isn’t the outcome already known…”

Just as Silvia murmured in confusion, Ursula said,

“Rebecca Randall. As proof that I have defeated you, I will remove one of Cú Chulainn’s horns. In future, whenever you see your Pal’s asymmetrical horns, you will remember this defeat. If you don’t want this to happen, then stand up.”

Ursula actually pointed her sacred sword at Cú Chulainn’s left horn.

“Ah, that woman, how could she…!”

With teary eyes, Eco covered her own horns with both hands. To a dragon, it was surely a particularly horrifying sight. Ash clenched his teeth. If this continued, Rebecca would truly lose. Cú Chulainn’s horn would be taken away, and that would be a humiliation for the rest of their lives. Ash absolutely couldn’t allow such a thing to happen. However, this was an official match, an in front of the royal family no less. If Ash tried to help, he would completely violate the rules. So, I have to at least convey my thoughts to her — Ash thought.

“Please, Rebecca-san!”

Ash loudly shouted with such volume that it even startled himself.

“The Rebecca-san that I know isn’t someone who would be defeated so easily!”

Eco, Silvia, Lucca, Jessica, Mirabel and the others also looked to Ash in surprise, but Ash didn’t pay any heed to them at all. Ash was well aware that yelling like this was completely inconsistent with his usual image, but even so, he couldn’t help himself. He couldn’t stand that this would be how Rebecca would separate from him. With all the strength that he could muster, he entrusted his emotions to his voice.

“I want you to stay by my side forever, Rebecca-san!”

===Part 8===

The duration of time that Rebecca was unconscious for was actually only a few seconds. However, her body couldn’t move as she wanted it to. Her hands and feet were numb, and her whole body felt as heavy as a sandbag. The reason why her back felt so cold was because her Ark had been destroyed. With her back laid bare, she wondered how unsightly she probably looked at this moment. The other students who saw her like this were probably frustrated and disappointed.

—Is this as far as I go? Or is Captain Ursula just way stronger than the average person…?

Regardless of the reason, Rebecca had been utterly defeated. Just like twisting a child’s hand, Ursula had defeated Rebecca with ease. Rebecca was quite shocked that her strongest move, [Wheel of Fortune], had been disintegrated in such a way. Even though she had regained consciousness, she was basically an empty shell. At this moment, the audience’s mood was at its boiling point. The cheers which came from all directions simply swept over Rebecca’s back. Amidst those cheers, a single voice clearly reached Rebecca’s ears.

“The Rebecca-san that I know isn’t someone who would be defeated so easily!”

—Is…that Ash!?

Rebecca’s fingers twitched slightly.

“I want you to stay by my side forever, Rebecca-san!”

Without a doubt, it was Ash’s voice. Ash had belted that out without a shred of embarrassment.

—As I thought, I still…like Ash.

In that instant, something seemed to rush towards Rebecca’s chest. Her entire body felt hot like it was on fire.

—That’s right, I can’t just go down like this…!

This time, Rebecca’s body could finally move freely. Just before the cold blade was about to hit Cú Chulainn’s horn — Rebecca slid herself in front of Ursula and released the remaining magical energy in the gauntlets that she had managed to keep intact. At the same time, she used both hands to halt the sacred sword’s blow.

“Guh…!”

Heat emanated from the sacred sword, and Rebecca’s body also generated heat. Every millimetre that the sacred sword advanced, intense frictional heat was generated. At last, a creaking sound was made, and a terrifying heat reached Rebecca’s hands. Her gauntlets were about to melt at any moment…and the situation was ever so worrying. Even so, Rebecca endured. For a short while, the arena became silent.

“—”

Although only for a moment, it was the first time that Ursula’s eyebrows jerked in reaction.

===Part 9===

“Rebecca-san…!”

A surge of enthusiasm burned in Ash’s chest as he watched Rebecca’s heroic gesture of blocking Ursula’s attack at the very last moment. The sacred sword Fragarach — its blade was supposedly two-dimensional. No matter how thinly a sword was made, it was still a three-dimensional object that would never be free from the shackles of three dimensions. Yet, it seemed that the Maestro Galahad had made the impossible possible. By constructing a two-dimensional blade, it had created a weapon capable of cutting through everything. Looking from the side of the sword, only a straight line that was thinner than a thread could be seen. Thinking rationally, using both hands to block such a blade could be described as an act of bravery. With any momentary misjudgement, the sacred sword could easily slip past Rebecca’s hands. If one wasn’t careful, fingers could easily be cut off. Even so, Rebecca’s had rushed over there without hesitation. Moreover, she clamped the two-dimensional blade between her hands in front of everyone’s eyes. Rebecca had also turned the impossible into possible.

===Part 10===

“…Most impressive, Rebecca. You’re the first person to block my sacred sword with your bare hands.”

Although her eyebrows slightly twitched, Ursula still spoke as calmly as a narrator,

“I understand why Her Highness Veronica was reluctant to let you go. But if you continue like this, your hands will be scorched and cut into pieces.”

Rebecca had no reply. No, she didn’t have the time to answer. She had exhausted all of her energy just to maintain this stalemate. Just as Ursula said, her hands which blocked the sacred sword had already been severely burned and she had reached the limits of her pain endurance. There was barely any sensation left in her hands. Still, Rebecca smiled.

“I’ve won, Captain Ursula.”

—Zoon…!

In the distant horizon, a star unleashed a dazzling flash of light. It was Rebecca’s final trump card. Rebecca’s [Wheel of Fortune] hadn’t actually been completely broken. The star of hope that was waiting up high in the sky had responded to Rebecca’s strong emotions at this moment. With Ursula as its target, it flew straight towards her.

“…So, this is your move.”

Ursula’s expression remained calm, but there was very little that she could do. The sacred sword Fragarach was sealed in place by all the strength that Rebecca had left. Naturally, she could evade this attack by letting go of the sacred sword, but Rebecca had speculated that Ursula wouldn’t choose such an option. To maintain pride as an Ark Dragonar, it was impossible to abandon the Ark Weapon that their Pal had dedicated to them. Even more so for Ursula as the captain of the Order of Holy Dragonars. At last, Ursula used the gauntlet on her left arm to protect her head against the magic blast. Intense flashes of light simultaneously exploded with a loud bang. With the resulting shockwave, Rebecca herself was almost thrown off, but she managed to cling onto Cú Chulainn’s back. She continued to stare at Ursula as she stood in place.

“………”

At first glance, Ursula seemed to maintain her composure. Not a scratch could be seen on her Ark. However, that magic bullet from earlier should have landed a direct hit on Ursula’s forearm…

“Kuh. I used all of my strength, but it missed?”

Rebecca bitterly said, just as a change occurred.

—Crack.

Although it only seemed like a crack at first, Ursula’s gauntlet actually shattered, exposing her pure white skin. Her arm was so beautiful that it seemed difficult to believe that it belonged to a knight.

“The victor is — Rebecca Randall!”

The instant that the referee announced that sentence with a serious tone — a thunderous round of cheers and applause erupted in the venue.

===Part 11===

“—I was thinking…but I didn’t think it was true, Captain Ursula.”

Enveloped in a bath of confetti that danced all over her body, Rebecca walked towards Ursula.

“In order to have everything come to an end, you decided that this would be the result from the beginning, didn’t you?”

Ursula silently withdrew the sacred sword Fragarach, and then quickly turned around. Her eyes seemed to rest on Galahad as if she wanted to swiftly jump back onto it.

“Please wait a minute, Captain Ursula! With my current strength, I’ve exhausted everything I have just to scratch your Ark…you saw this coming from the start, didn’t you? That’s why you proposed a handicap — isn’t that right?”

Ursula didn’t respond and simply kept her back to her. Rebecca continued,

“In the first place, someone praised as a saint like you couldn’t possibly take aim at Cú Chulainn’s horn. In doing so, was your intent to inspire me…?”

Ursula finally looked back over her shoulder and smiled.

“Regardless of the reason, a loss is a loss.”

“Captain Ursula…”

“And, one more thing. Compared to my encouragement, Ash Blake’s voice was much more effective, right?”

“—!”

Rebecca’s heart suddenly throbbed. She was startled by how hot her face felt. She was regarded as the <Scarlett Empress>, and although she warned herself that she couldn’t allow her face to be flushed like a young girl — at this moment, it felt like her entire body was on fire.

“Continue to work hard in your training, Rebecca Randall.”

Leaving these words behind, Ursula leapt onto Galahad’s head. In this manner, Rebecca Randall officially determined that she would continue to remain in Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights after graduation.

“Rebecca VS. Ursula ~A.S.B．1366.03~” is closed.

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11

2021-09-22T15:28:05Z

Zxzxzx: Create full text page

__TOC__

{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword}}

<noinclude>
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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Volume 10]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12|Volume 12]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page

2021-09-22T15:26:09Z

Zxzxzx: Update for V10/V11

To re-iterate the registration procedure:

*You are required to register which chapters you wish to work on. One portion of text per translator, please.

*Registration is on a "First Come, First Served" basis. Please register your intended chapters on the project's registration page.

*Maximum number of translators per volume is two, unless the volume is a collection of smaller stories. Another way to interpret this is no more than two translators should be working on the same "story arc".

*Translators may only register for portions of one volume at a time within each project. This is to prevent "biting off more than you can chew".

*The Registration page is not a binding contract, and translators are encouraged to negotiate between themselves which portions to register for.

*Anonymous Translated Contributions are required to inform [[User:Thelastguardian|thelastguardian]] and the designated Project Supervisor of the intend Chapters as shown on the corresponding Registration page before any major contribution.

*Portions that are not updated for a significant time may be taken over by another translator after getting permission from the Project Supervisor. The new translator is encouraged to start over to maintain consistency, but the old translation will not be deleted at least until the new translation is finished (and probably not for some time after that). More information is available [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1433 here].

== ''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi'' ==

=== Volume 1 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zakashi|Zakashi]] - '''Completed'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Kenji|Kenji]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 2 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 3 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 4 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 7 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 8 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 5 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 6 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 7 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 8 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 9 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 9 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 10 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 10 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 11 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 3.5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 4.5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]-'''<big>COMPLETED</big>'''

=== Volume 12 ===
:*Prologue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 1 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 2 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 3 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 4 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 5 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 6 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 7 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Chapter 8 - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Epilogue - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]
:*Afterword - [[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]]

=== Volume 13 ===
:*Prologue -
:*Chapter 1 -
:*Chapter 2 -
:*Chapter 3 -
:*Chapter 4 -
:*Chapter 5 -
:*Chapter 6 -
:*Chapter 6.5 -
:*Chapter 7 -

=== Volume 14 ===
:*Chapter 8 -
:*Chapter 9 -
:*Chapter 10 -
:*Chapter 11 -
:*Chapter 11.5 -
:*Chapter 12 -
:*Chapter 13 -

=== Volume 15 ===
:*Chapter 13.5 -
:*Chapter 14 -
:*Chapter 15 -
:*Chapter 16 -
:*Chapter 17 -
:*Chapter 18 -
:*Chapter 19 -
:*Chapter 20 -
:*Chapter 21 -
:*Chapter 22 -
:*Chapter 23 -
:*Epilogue -

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[[Category:Registration Page]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi

2021-09-22T15:23:53Z

Zxzxzx: /* Updates */

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 7 cover]]

'''''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi''''' (星刻の竜騎士, lit. ''The Star-Marked {{furigana|Dragon Knight|Dragner}}''), also very well known as '''''Seikoku no Dragner''''', is a Japanese light novel series written by Shiki Mizuchi and illustrated by Kohada Shimesaba. The completed series has 20 volumes and is published by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF%E6%96%87%E5%BA%ABJ MF Bunko J]. In April 2014, an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel, which ended in June 2014.

== Story Synopsis ==
Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy is for boys and girls who had made contracts with dragons. Ash Blake had a Seikoku on his hand, a proof of being a contractor, but he didn't have any dragons for his partner. One day, a dragon within him wakes up from a certain incident. However, the dragon that appeared was different from other dragons. It wasn't in a form of a dragon but had a form of a girl!?

"''You'' are not my master; ''I'm'' the one who is your master," she says.

Courtesy of FairGame

=== Story Arcs ===
{{SNRK:Toggle}}

== Translation ==

=== [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===

'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Names and Terminology Guidelines]]
'''All edited translations are to be in British English.'''

===Appreciation===

'''If you appreciate the efforts of the translators/editors of the Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi Baka-tsuki Project, why don't you thank them in this [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 forum]'''

===Feedback===

'''If you enjoy the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
:*17 September, 2021 - Volume 11 completed
:*28 March, 2021 - Volume 10 completed
:*4 July, 2020 - Volume 9 completed
:*12 January, 2019 - Volume 8 completed
:*26 March, 2018 - Volume 7 completed
:*26 October, 2016 - Volume 6 completed

[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Updates|'''Past updates''' can be found here]]

== The ''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi'' series by Shiki Mizuchi ==
{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 1: The Knight of Eco'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Volume 1]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Volume 2]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Volume 3]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Volume 4]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Volume 5]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 1 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Streets of Ansarivan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Necromancia's Attack]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 2 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Silver Knight]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Veronica and Silvia]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 3 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Month of Gemini's Selective Training Camp]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 4 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Knight Princess's proposal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Fontaine City, the capital of the Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Paladin Oswald]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Mordred's tombstone]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ancient palace's abandoned garden]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Masquerade]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Avalon's Imperial Princess]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 5 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Tragedy of Apolo house and Mirabel's decision]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ash's and Silvia's study group]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Navi's visit and practical skill test]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lost memories, Albion Forest]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]

<div style="clear:both"> </div>
</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 2: The Avalon Knight Dragner'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Volume 6]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Volume 7]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Volume 8]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Volume 9]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Volume 10]]
|-
|}

<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc2 mw-customtoggle-Arc2Close mw-customtoggle-Arc2Open" style="color:blue;background:#cee0f2;cursor:pointer" align="center">click here to expand/collapse</div>
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=== Volume 6 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 6 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Return of Rebecca Randall]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Baron of Sonic]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Return of Anya]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Chevron Royal Family's 'Iron rule']]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Oscar's Deeply Laid Plan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ansarivan's Five Hundred Years Festival]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 7 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 7 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco's Bright Dragon Crystal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ice Blue Princess Vs Elfin Dancer]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Night Before the Finale, The Calm Before the Storm]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Ashley Trapped]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Fight of the Sacred Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Birth of a Demon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uranus and Pluto]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 8 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 8 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 – Bad News and the Return of Veronica]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 – The Dark-Eyed Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 – Peaceful Life and the Sound of Approaching Military Boots]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 – The Academy City’s Underground Labyrinth]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 – Kriemhild’s Song]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 – Attack of the Demonic Dragons]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 – Ash and Eco’s Determination]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 – The Knight Who Drives a Maestro On]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 9 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 9 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Ancient Magic Ship Escavaron]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Nation-Saving Hero]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Academy City Aims for Reconstruction]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Beginning of a New Life, and an Investigation of the Omen]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Celes’ Confession]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Destination, Imperial Capital Arkham]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uriel Strikes Back]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Battlefield~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - Cassandra of Corruption]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Roar~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 10 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 10 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ursula’s Visit]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Lucca’s Past]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Elves’ Great Secret]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Routine Daily Life and the Omen in its Shadow]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Dark Elf’s Revenge]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Calamity of Albion]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Twin-Winged Oratorio]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]

<div style="clear:both"> </div>
</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="7" | <h2>'''Story Arc 3: The Ancient Bloodline'''</h2>
|-
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Volume 11]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12|Volume 12]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13|Volume 13]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14|Volume 14]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15|Volume 15]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16|Volume 16]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17|Volume 17]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 11 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ash's Determination and the New Student Council Organisation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Graduation Ceremony]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Ash's Little Sister]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5|Chapter 3.5 - Linda's <Seikoku>]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Aries' Onboard Party]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5 - Linda's Miscalculation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Princess of Darkness and the Mechanical Dragon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 12 ===
[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 12 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 13 ===
[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 13 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6.5|Chapter 6.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 14 ===
[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 14 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11.5|Chapter 11.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 15 ===
[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 15 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 13.5|Chapter 13.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 17|Chapter 17 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 18|Chapter 18 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 19|Chapter 19 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 20|Chapter 20 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 21|Chapter 21 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 22|Chapter 22 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 23|Chapter 23 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 16 ===
[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 7|Chapter 7]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 17 ===
[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 17 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="3" | <h2>'''Final Story Arc'''</h2>
|-

| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18|Volume 18]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19|Volume 19]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 20|Volume 20]]
|
|-
|}

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=== Volume 18 ===
[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 18 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 19 ===
[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 19 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 9.5|Chapter 9.5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 20 ===
[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 19|Chapter 19]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 25|Chapter 25]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

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</div>

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([http://www.zxzxzx.info/seikoku-no-ryuu-kishi/ Blog])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:Fukukaze|Fukukaze]] (Will give this a go once I've caught up a bit more with the novel.)
*[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]<br />
*[[User:Kenji|Kenji]]

===Editors===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Ayushdeep4|Ayushdeep4]] ([[User talk:Ayushdeep4|talk]])
*[[user:Foggy_glasses|Foggy_glasses]] ([[User talk:Foggy_glasses|talk]])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:ClavelSangrante|ClavelSangrante]] ([[User talk:ClavelSangrante|talk]])
*[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]]
*[[User:Tjobbear|Tjobbear]]
*[[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]]
*[[User:Platypi4E4|Platypi4E4]] ([[User talk:Platypi4E4|talk]])
*[[User:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">Yoyoyo5678</span>]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]])
*[[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]])

== Series Overview ==

:*星刻の竜騎士（ドラグナー） (June 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3420-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 II (September 24, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3508-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 III (January 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3696-9
:*星刻の竜騎士 IV (April 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3895-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 V (July 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3975-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VI (October 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-4271-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 VII (January 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4374-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VIII (April 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4548-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 IX (July 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4645-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 X (October 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4847-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XI (January 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-4960-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 XII (April 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5157-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIII (July 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5246-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIV (November 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-0406-6072-1
:*星刻の竜騎士 XV (April 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-0406-6377-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVI (June 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-066778-2
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVII (November 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-067167-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVIII (March 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067469-8
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIX (July 24, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067715-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 XX (November 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067953-2

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[Category:Shiki Mizuchi]]

[[Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi

2021-09-22T15:23:05Z

Zxzxzx: Update for V11

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 7 cover]]

'''''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi''''' (星刻の竜騎士, lit. ''The Star-Marked {{furigana|Dragon Knight|Dragner}}''), also very well known as '''''Seikoku no Dragner''''', is a Japanese light novel series written by Shiki Mizuchi and illustrated by Kohada Shimesaba. The completed series has 20 volumes and is published by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF%E6%96%87%E5%BA%ABJ MF Bunko J]. In April 2014, an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel, which ended in June 2014.

== Story Synopsis ==
Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy is for boys and girls who had made contracts with dragons. Ash Blake had a Seikoku on his hand, a proof of being a contractor, but he didn't have any dragons for his partner. One day, a dragon within him wakes up from a certain incident. However, the dragon that appeared was different from other dragons. It wasn't in a form of a dragon but had a form of a girl!?

"''You'' are not my master; ''I'm'' the one who is your master," she says.

Courtesy of FairGame

=== Story Arcs ===
{{SNRK:Toggle}}

== Translation ==

=== [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===

'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Names and Terminology Guidelines]]
'''All edited translations are to be in British English.'''

===Appreciation===

'''If you appreciate the efforts of the translators/editors of the Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi Baka-tsuki Project, why don't you thank them in this [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 forum]'''

===Feedback===

'''If you enjoy the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
:*17 September, 2021 - Volume 11 completed
:*28 March, 2021 - Volume 10 completed
:*4 July, 2020 - Volume 9 completed
:*12 January, 2019 - Volume 8 completed
:*26 March, 2018 - Volume 7 completed
:*26 October, 2016 - Volume 6 completed
:*5 July, 2014 - Volume 5 completed
:*18 April, 2014 - Volume 1 completed
:*27 October, 2013 - Volume 4 completed
:*11 September, 2013 - Volume 3 completed
:*12 May, 2013 - Volume 2 completed

[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Updates|'''Past updates''' can be found here]]

== The ''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi'' series by Shiki Mizuchi ==
{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 1: The Knight of Eco'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Volume 1]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Volume 2]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Volume 3]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Volume 4]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Volume 5]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 1 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Streets of Ansarivan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Necromancia's Attack]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 2 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Silver Knight]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Veronica and Silvia]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 3 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Month of Gemini's Selective Training Camp]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 4 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Knight Princess's proposal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Fontaine City, the capital of the Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Paladin Oswald]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Mordred's tombstone]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ancient palace's abandoned garden]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Masquerade]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Avalon's Imperial Princess]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 5 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Tragedy of Apolo house and Mirabel's decision]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ash's and Silvia's study group]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Navi's visit and practical skill test]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lost memories, Albion Forest]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 2: The Avalon Knight Dragner'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Volume 6]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Volume 7]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Volume 8]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Volume 9]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Volume 10]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 6 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 6 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Return of Rebecca Randall]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Baron of Sonic]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Return of Anya]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Chevron Royal Family's 'Iron rule']]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Oscar's Deeply Laid Plan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ansarivan's Five Hundred Years Festival]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 7 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 7 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco's Bright Dragon Crystal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ice Blue Princess Vs Elfin Dancer]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Night Before the Finale, The Calm Before the Storm]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Ashley Trapped]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Fight of the Sacred Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Birth of a Demon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uranus and Pluto]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 8 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 8 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 – Bad News and the Return of Veronica]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 – The Dark-Eyed Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 – Peaceful Life and the Sound of Approaching Military Boots]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 – The Academy City’s Underground Labyrinth]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 – Kriemhild’s Song]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 – Attack of the Demonic Dragons]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 – Ash and Eco’s Determination]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 – The Knight Who Drives a Maestro On]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 9 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 9 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Ancient Magic Ship Escavaron]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Nation-Saving Hero]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Academy City Aims for Reconstruction]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Beginning of a New Life, and an Investigation of the Omen]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Celes’ Confession]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Destination, Imperial Capital Arkham]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uriel Strikes Back]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Battlefield~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - Cassandra of Corruption]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Roar~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 10 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 10 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ursula’s Visit]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Lucca’s Past]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Elves’ Great Secret]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Routine Daily Life and the Omen in its Shadow]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Dark Elf’s Revenge]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Calamity of Albion]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Twin-Winged Oratorio]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]

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{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="7" | <h2>'''Story Arc 3: The Ancient Bloodline'''</h2>
|-
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Volume 11]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12|Volume 12]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13|Volume 13]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14|Volume 14]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15|Volume 15]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16|Volume 16]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17|Volume 17]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 11 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ash's Determination and the New Student Council Organisation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Graduation Ceremony]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Ash's Little Sister]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5|Chapter 3.5 - Linda's <Seikoku>]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Aries' Onboard Party]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5 - Linda's Miscalculation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Princess of Darkness and the Mechanical Dragon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 12 ===
[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 12 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 13 ===
[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 13 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6.5|Chapter 6.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 14 ===
[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 14 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11.5|Chapter 11.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 15 ===
[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 15 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 13.5|Chapter 13.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 17|Chapter 17 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 18|Chapter 18 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 19|Chapter 19 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 20|Chapter 20 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 21|Chapter 21 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 22|Chapter 22 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 23|Chapter 23 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 16 ===
[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 7|Chapter 7]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 17 ===
[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 17 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="3" | <h2>'''Final Story Arc'''</h2>
|-

| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18|Volume 18]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19|Volume 19]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 20|Volume 20]]
|
|-
|}

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=== Volume 18 ===
[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 18 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 19 ===
[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 19 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 9.5|Chapter 9.5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 20 ===
[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 19|Chapter 19]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 25|Chapter 25]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([http://www.zxzxzx.info/seikoku-no-ryuu-kishi/ Blog])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:Fukukaze|Fukukaze]] (Will give this a go once I've caught up a bit more with the novel.)
*[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]<br />
*[[User:Kenji|Kenji]]

===Editors===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Ayushdeep4|Ayushdeep4]] ([[User talk:Ayushdeep4|talk]])
*[[user:Foggy_glasses|Foggy_glasses]] ([[User talk:Foggy_glasses|talk]])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:ClavelSangrante|ClavelSangrante]] ([[User talk:ClavelSangrante|talk]])
*[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]]
*[[User:Tjobbear|Tjobbear]]
*[[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]]
*[[User:Platypi4E4|Platypi4E4]] ([[User talk:Platypi4E4|talk]])
*[[User:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">Yoyoyo5678</span>]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]])
*[[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]])

== Series Overview ==

:*星刻の竜騎士（ドラグナー） (June 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3420-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 II (September 24, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3508-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 III (January 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3696-9
:*星刻の竜騎士 IV (April 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3895-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 V (July 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3975-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VI (October 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-4271-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 VII (January 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4374-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VIII (April 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4548-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 IX (July 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4645-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 X (October 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4847-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XI (January 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-4960-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 XII (April 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5157-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIII (July 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5246-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIV (November 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-0406-6072-1
:*星刻の竜騎士 XV (April 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-0406-6377-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVI (June 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-066778-2
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVII (November 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-067167-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVIII (March 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067469-8
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIX (July 24, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067715-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 XX (November 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067953-2

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[Category:Shiki Mizuchi]]

[[Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword

2021-09-22T15:21:10Z

Zxzxzx: Add Afterword

==Afterword==
Happy New Year. I’m Shiki Mizuchi.

The third arc entitled [The Ancient Bloodline] has finally been unveiled. As you may have guessed from this, the subsequent narrative will focus on ‘bloodline’. As this volume enters a new school term, Ash has also been promoted. Moreover, Ash’s little sister — Linda, has finally appeared. Will the future become even more turbulent!? Making her gorgeous debut on the front over of this volume is Linda. Emphasis should be on the twin ponytails which differentiate her from Raquel.

Next, I’d like to express my acknowledgements. To my first editor-in-charge — Shoji-san, my gratitude for you is beyond words. If I didn’t meet you, the [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi] work would not have been born. I wish you success in your new endeavours, and I look forward to the day when we can work together again.

My second editor-in-charge, Ikemoto-san, you gave me many meaningful advice from a logical perspective. I think I’ll definitely cause you a lot of trouble in the future but let us work together to make <Seikoku> more entertaining!

Shimesaba Kohada-sensei. In addition to Linda on the cover, you also drew many god-tier illustrations for this volume. I expect many new characters to appear in the future, so they’ll be in your care.

RAN-sensei. Thank you for your serialisation of the manga version of [Seikoku] in the monthly magazine. I also happily read your ‘Dubbing Report’ in Comic Alive (December 2012 issue). I look forward to seeing you again.

Lastly, to all of my readers. Every time I re-read the emails and letters that you send me, I profoundly feel how wonderful it is to be a writer. Please continue to watch over the activities of Ash and the others in the future.

Well then, let us meet again next time! In the next volume — Ash and the others head to the Labrock Trade Union!?

January 2013, Shiki Mizuchi

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue

2021-09-22T15:19:51Z

Zxzxzx: Add Epilogue

==Epilogue==
===Part 1===
After Annegert’s retreat, Ash and the others immediately returned to the Academy and reported the entirety of the incident to Mirabel.

—This is no trivial incident. Perhaps it would be best to suspend the Aries Dragon Riding Festival.

Mirabel made a swift judgement, but Ash felt a little remorseful. After all, the day of the Dragon Riding Festival was also Eco’s birthday. In actuality, he had secretly embraced the idea of celebrating Eco’s birthday and the Dragon Riding Festival as one, so as to enjoy a grand celebration, but that had inevitably been cancelled. Following this, the knights of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars were tasked with guarding Fianna Forest. It was no longer the time to be holding a competition or a birthday party. It could be surmised that a large organisation was backing Annegert.

—The Magic Association <Demiurge>.

Ash still hadn’t the faintest idea about what kind of organisation it was. Moreover, not only did the Sixth Princess of the Zepharos Empire sneak into the Knight Country, but she also attacked Ash and the others with a Maschinen Drache — in the end, Mirabel decided to keep it a secret from the public. If the matter was arbitrarily disclosed, it would inevitably develop into a diplomatic issue. Moreover, even if the Knight Country formally sought an explanation from the Empire, they would probably play dumb.

===Part 2===

“Haa…”

That night, Eco gazed up at the night sky through the window as she heaved a sigh for the umpteenth time.

“Zzz…zzz…onii-chan…munya…”

Sleeping on the bed beside her, Linda uttered innocent words of sleep talk. Perhaps due to immense fatigue, she fell asleep on the way back from Fianna Forest to the Academy. As such, after explaining this to the dormitory supervisor, Ash obtained permission for her to spend the night in Apollo House. A brilliant full moon brightly shone in the centre of the night sky. Even though her magical energy had been drained by the <Ouroboros>, Eco still bestowed her Ark to Ash. Although Eco didn’t mention it to Ash, it was actually life-threatening for a dragon to consume magical energy to such an extent. Perhaps everything went smoothly in the end thanks to the bloodline of the Holy Dragons’ Emperor family. Eco also wished that she could sleep as soundly as Linda. After all, with enough sleep, her magical energy would be restored. However, Eco’s consciousness stubbornly staved off any drowsiness. <Avalon’s Bracelet> that was gifted to Eco by the Mother Dragon was still pitch black in colour. The metal that composed the bracelet had been corroded by the so-called <Ouroboros>. As long as the curse remained, Eco would be unable to dragonise.

“—You can’t sleep?”

At that moment, Ash finally returned. He had been running around all over the place to report the abnormal situation to Mirabel and various other parties as soon as he returned to the Academy.

“Yeah…”

“It’s okay. I’ll definitely help you to restore the bracelet to its original form. I promise.”

“Thank you, Ash.”

Eco sensed the strong emotions that were carried by his words. He was incredibly reliable now and could hardly be compared to the person that he was a year ago. However, the bracelet wasn’t the only thing eating away at Eco.

“You know, I’ve been worried about that girl who was locked up inside Brünhilde…”

“I wonder what Navi thinks. Isn’t there any information about that girl in the Dragweiss?”

“Navi has been in the Dragon Workshop ever since we returned to the Academy. She said that she doesn’t want to answer anything until she was definitive evidence.”

“…I see. It’s just that…if Brünhilde is a weapon specifically designed to be used against Avalon — then perhaps that girl holds the key.”

Eco nodded and clenched her fists at the same time.

“I may not know who that girl is…but one thing is certain — it’s absolutely weird for her to be locked up inside that kind of destructive weapon!”

“Yeah, I think so too. She was treated as just a part of Brünhilde. As a person, I definitely can’t abide by or forgive such behaviour.”

“Also, if that girl is a dragon, then that makes her one of my kin. I can’t just sit back and watch!”

With a sincere expression on her face, Eco made a declaration upon the moonlit night.

“I want to save that girl!”

“The Ancient Bloodline I” is closed.

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5

2021-09-22T15:17:48Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 5

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5

2021-09-22T15:13:18Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 4.5

==Interlude – Linda's Miscalculation==
The entrance ceremony was extraordinarily grand. Following that, there was an orientation party at the girls’ Maeve House dormitory. Linda enjoyed her time in classes, and she made many friends. Everything seemed to be going along smoothly, but — that night, Linda was soaking in the dormitory’s large bath while she worried over something. What bothered her was nothing other than her brother. The scene of Ash and Silvia’s kiss was still vividly burned in her mind.

“Why? Such a noble princess is actually with my brother…”

However, Princess Silvia wasn’t the only problem. There were simply too many women surrounding Ash. Before Linda arrived at Ansarivan Academy, she firmly believed that her brother would not have a girlfriend. It was because of her certainty that there was only one girl in the world who could understand the charm of such an ordinary brother — herself. But she was wrong. Moreover, completely wrong…!

“Uuh…”

Linda sank her entire head beneath the surface as she blew bubbles in the water.

“Why are you so upset, Linda?”

“You look like you’ve been really tired lately…?”

The ones who spoke to her were her roommates, Rosalie and Selma. Rosalie Thorndike was a slender girl with a model-like figure. Having grown up in the city, she was the daughter of a good family and also acted with elegance. On the other hand, Selma Hamilton was a gentle girl with a figure that was even smaller than Linda’s. However, her breasts were so developed that it was difficult to believe she was only twelve years old. She seemed to have a complex about it, and she currently had a towel wrapped tightly around her chest.

“I-I’m not upset about anything…”

Linda denied it with hesitation, and even she knew that it wasn’t persuasive at all.

“Haha, I’m sure it’s about your brother, right? It must be tough as a younger sister when you have such an incredible older brother.”

Rosalie revealed a mischievous smile as she sank into the bath next to Linda.

“Linda’s brother is amazing after all.”

Selma also followed Rosalie, nervously dipping her body into the hot water.

“Uh, yeah…that’s roughly what it is.”

Linda decided to give vague confirmation.

“By the way, your <Seikoku>…is in a very sensitive place.”

Rosalie suddenly shifted her interest to Linda’s <Seikoku>.

“Yeah. And its style is also completely different to our ones…”

Rosalie and Selma peered down at Linda’s lower abdomen from the left and right. The hot water was transparent and unable to shield Linda’s naked body.

“Wait, don’t keep staring!”

Linda’s entire face went red. Although they were all girls, it was still embarrassing when her lower abdomen was being stared at.

—Kaa.

The door to the large bath was carefully opened. The one who appeared in the doorway was an adorable girl with pointed ears — Lucca Sarlinen. She was their senior who had begun serving as the dormitory leader of Maeve House from this year. Lucca was a member of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, as well as the secretary of the student council. She was already quite famous among the freshmen.

“She’s so beautiful…”

Linda and the others couldn’t help but stare at the naked body that was as beautiful as a fairy. All of a sudden, Linda recalled the birthday party. Lucca was also there at the time, but unlike Eco, Silvia and Rebecca, she wasn’t too conspicuous. As far as Linda was aware, she didn’t seem overly close with Ash.

“…At the very least, Lucca-senpai should be different, right?”

Linda softly murmured with hopeful feelings. And then…

“Umm, Lucca-senpai!”

Rosalie suddenly shouted toward Lucca’s back.

“Huh…?”

Lucca, who had been washing her hair, turned around to Rosalie with foam still in her hair.

“Lucca-senpai, you’re quite close with Ash-senpai, right? If possible, would you please be able to tell us things about Ash-senpai?”

As soon as Rosalie raised this question, all of the other girls who were present swiftly gathered around. The naked girls surrounded Lucca one by one.

“Umm…Ash has a very strong sense of justice. Moreover, he treats everyone well. He’s willing to put other people before himself…”

Upon hearing Lucca’s comments on Ash, everyone unanimously sighed in elation. As if acting on behalf of everyone, Rosalie asked another question.

“Umm, Lucca-senpai…could it be that you also like Ash-senpai?”

“I-I…need to go…!”

Lucca’s entire body grew hot, and she rushed out with a patter of footsteps even though she still had shampoo in her hair.

“How should I put it…she’s really easy to read…”

Rosalie smiled wryly as she watched Lucca depart.

“Linda-chan’s brother is really popular~.”

Selma also said with a smile.

“What brother…I don’t know one!”

Linda sank her head in the hot water once more as she blew bubbles under its surface.

“Girl’s Talk ~A.S.B.1366.04~” is closed.

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4

2021-09-22T15:12:06Z

Zxzxzx: Fix formatting

==Chapter 4 – Aries' Onboard Party==
===Part 1===
—The third day of the month of Aries.

The school orientation season had begun, and the city streets of Ansarivan were bustling with activity. The lively atmosphere also spread into the Academy.

In the afternoon, Silvia was in a certain room on the first floor of Julius Hall sorting out various documents. Given Silvia’s serious nature, she preferred to prioritise her position as the Vice President of the Student Council rather than enjoy what little remained of her spring break. There were five days left before the opening ceremony, and the number of documents that were sent to the Student Council just kept on increasing—

“Geez, why don’t any of the other officers show their faces?”

Silvia frowned as she glanced around the room. The only person sitting in the room was Silvia. Her surroundings were empty, and somewhat lonely even.

“Well, it is still spring break after all.”

Cosette brought her a cup of black tea. The world’s most high-quality tea leaves — the aroma of El Gloriana from Chiron suddenly wafted into the empty room.

“Thank you, Cosette.”

Silvia put her pen down and savoured the black tea. However, her relaxation only lasted for a moment before displeasure resurged once more.

“Even so, Cosette. It may be spring break, but don’t you think that this situation where nobody turns up when no meetings are held is a bit disappointing?”

“Not to worry, Princess-sama. You’ll surely see each other every day once the new school term begins. You and your beloved Ash-sama can express your mutual love as much as you please.”

“Pfft!”

Silvia was so astonished that all the black tea she savoured was spat out. Various important documents were stained by the black tea, but it was not the time to worry about it. After all, she couldn’t pretend not to hear what Cosette had said.

“W-What do you mean by mutual love!? Are you suggesting that I, Silvia Lautreamont, am concerned with such worldly desires…!?”

Silvia retorted as she wiped the edges of her mouth with a handkerchief. Her heart pounded so wildly in her chest that even she felt surprised by the sensation.

“Oh my, really, Princess-sama. Your face is bright red.”

“It’s all because of you<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>!”

“By the way—”

As if Silvia’s complaint was nothing more than wind passing by her ears, Cosette clapped her hands together.

“I’ve heard that Ash-sama’s younger sister has enrolled in the Academy.”

“It’s so obvious that you’re trying to change the subject — wait, did you say Ash’s little sister!?”

Silvia reflexively stood up.

“Yes. Knowing how diligent Ash-sama is, I believe the reason for his absence from Student Council activities today is because of his younger sister. After all, Ash-sama probably can’t keep his eyes away from her.”

“I see. If that’s the reason, then I suppose it can’t be helped…though, speaking of which…Ash’s little sister…hmm.”

“Ufufu. Are you curious?”

“U-Umm…more or less.”

“After all, she might become your little sister in the future, Princess-sama.”

“Fuwah!? What are you saying!?”

Silvia’s body grew hot all over.

“Ufufu. You’ve always been the youngest one, Princess-sama, so it’ll be your first time being called ‘onee-sama’.”

“Hmm. Onee-sama huh…i-it doesn’t sound too bad…n-no, it hasn’t been decided that I’ll be addressed that way! Stop teasing people so much!”

“You’re so adorable, Princess-sama.”

Although irritated by Cosette’s provocations, Silvia quietly returned to her seat. It was because there was something that she wanted to discuss with Cosette.

“…By the way, Cosette?”

Silvia glanced up at Cosette.

“What’s the matter, Princess-sama?”

“Today should be the third day of the month of Aries, right…?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Didn’t you help me with an investigation last summer during the break? Regarding my past with Ash…”

Cosette slipped into thought for a while, and then finally smiled as she seemed to remember.

“Ufufu, I do recall such a thing now. I carefully investigated the <Orphan Ceremony> that you attended, Princess-sama.”

“Yes, thanks to you, I discovered that Ash was my benefactor back then. However, I actually learnt something else.”

Upon hearing this, Cosette seemed to have picked up on what Silvia’s intentions were.

“Ufufu, you truly are so innocent, Princess-sama. You remembered the birthday of the person that you hold dear.”

Cosette covered her mouth as she attempted to hold back a giggle. Although it wasn’t particularly amusing to Silvia, she decided to bear with it given the importance of the matter.

“T-Then…may I discuss it with you? I’ve been thinking that I’d like to give Ash a birthday present if possible, but I’m not sure what would make him happy…and I have no idea what the boys in our year would prefer…”

“Very well, let us head to the shopping district first. I, Cosette, shall do my utmost to assist you.”

Treating Cosette like a saviour, Silvia grasped her hands and looked up at her.

“I’ll leave it to you then, Cosette. You’re the only one I can count on right now!”

===Part 2===

In the evening.

“Phew…”

Silvia staggered as she finally arrived at the boys’ dormitory, Apollo House. It was because she had expended too much mental energy running around the shopping district. Silvia gazed down at the small box with a ribbon tied around it and nervously whispered,

“…Hey, Cosette. Is this really okay?”

Silvia’s final choice was a tie clip. It was made of silver with the carving of a dragon’s head, and Silvia believed that it would suit Ash. She also asked the metal engraver to write Ash’s initials on it.

“Ufufu, it will be okay. It’s not about what you give, rather, what’s important are the feelings that you put into the gift, Princess-sama. Ash-sama will certainly be able to understand your feelings, Princess-sama.”

“I see…”

Cosette’s words offered Silvia a sense of relief and salvation. Silvia walked into the large entranceway of Apollo House, obtained permission from the dorm supervisor to enter, and then made her way to Ash’s room. The male students who passed by Silvia in the corridor all displayed expressions of surprise as they retreated against the wall. At the same time, they also bowed to her with reverence.

“There was a gap like that between me and Ash a year ago…”

Silvia sorrowfully whispered to herself, just as she arrived at the entrance to Ash’s room. With her hands shaking due to nervousness, she knocked on the door.

[Yes, coming—]

A lovely voice that didn’t belong to Ash answered the door.

“Huh!?”

Silvia frowned. It wasn’t Eco’s voice, and it meant that there was a girl other than Eco currently in Ash’s room. Just as Silvia sank into thought, the door opened,

“Sorry for the wait. Uh…?”

Silvia gasped. A girl with twin tails examined Silvia with suspicion. A delicate and adorable young girl — that was her first impression. She was around twelve years old, which meant she was probably a student in the Junios course. She was wearing an apron and had a soup ladle in her hand. It appeared she was in the midst of cooking. At that moment, what came to Silvia’s mind were the words ‘child wife’.

—W-What is this…!?

Silvia’s thoughts were thrown into disarray because there was a girl younger than Ash cooking in his room. Moreover, the aroma of spices wafted out of the room.

[[Image:SnRK V11 133.png|thumb]]

—Doon.

Silvia was left dumbfounded, and the giftbox in her hand fell to the ground. She had worked so hard to choose a birthday present for Ash today, but he had unexpectedly brought a girl much younger than him to his room and asked her to cook…! Silvia shed tears of regret as she ran off.

“Ash…you idioooooooooottttt!”

===Part 3===

“The hot water was amazing.”

Ash returned to his room with billows of white steam rising from his entire body. The large bathhouse in the new Apollo House had the latest equipment. Because it was so comfortable, he accidentally spent a long time in there. Ash opened the door to his room without much thought—

—Pop!

A harsh sound suddenly rang out, causing Ash to let out a ‘whoa’ in fright.

“Nii-san, happy birthday!”

With a party popper in her hand, Linda had a mischievous smile on her face.

“Birthday?”

Although initially surprised, he eventually understood. Indeed, it was only then that Ash realised it was his birthday.

“Come, come in quickly.”

Linda led Ash by hand into the room.

“This is…!”

While Ash was bathing, all of the furnishings in the room had been reorganised. There were flower decorations everywhere, and even a banner that read ‘Happy Seventeenth Birthday!’ was hung up. It was a small dinner party venue. Set up on the table was a cake and various dishes. It turned out that while Ash was away, Linda decided to show off her cooking skills to make a grand meal.

“Hey, hey…”

An adorable voice came from beside the wall. It seemed Eco didn’t realise Ash had returned and was still working hard to decorate the room. She stretched her arms up high as she tried to stick a floral decoration on the wall. Ash smiled and placed his hand on Eco’s head.

“Hwa!?”

Eco was taken aback and dropped the floral decoration on the floor.

“Geez, don’t scare me!”

“Haha, I’m sorry.”

Ash picked up the floral decoration and stuck it up where Eco had originally wanted to put it.

“I didn’t expect you two to join forces…that really surprised me.”

“I-I was forced to, okay!?”

Eco puffed out her cheeks, folded her arms across her chest and turned her head away.

“Dragon’s don’t have a habit of celebrating their birthdays. More importantly, I don’t even know when my birthday is. But, because Linda wanted to celebrate your birthday no matter what, I…hmph, to start with, let me just say happy birthday.”

“Just as usual, you’re not honest at all.”

Ash made a wry smile while Eco raised her eyebrows in anger. He thought that she’d begin to yell at him, but reality was contrary to his expectations.

“…This is a gift from me.”

Eco removed a pink crystal from her pocket and handed it to Ash.

“Isn’t this a Bright Dragon Crystal!? Moreover, it’s pink, so this is…Uranus!? Did you make this just for me?”

Ash carefully examined the crystal that was the size of a small stone. It was extremely clear and transparent, something that one would not tire of admiring. Like a gemstone cut by a master craftsman, it exuded a colourful light. It felt constantly warm, as though Eco’s body temperature radiated from it.

“Y-Yeah! You’d better cherish it!”

“Of course. Thank you, Eco. It must have been difficult to make such a beautiful crystal, right?”

“I secretly visited Lucca the other day…and asked her for help.”

Eco’s cheeks turned red, and it looked like steam was about to erupt from her head at any moment.

“Wait. You asked Lucca for help, which means…!”

Ash’s cheeks grew hot. It was because he recalled the first time that Eco produced Uranus with Lucca’s assistance.

“W-What are you imagining!? Watch out or I’ll crush you!”

Eco lifted one foot, and Ash immediately retreated.

“Umm, nii-san?”

Linda inserted herself between the two of them with ingenious timing.

“My present is this birthday cake. If possible, I would’ve liked to give you something that can be kept forever just like Eco-san’s…but I just moved to Ansarivan and don’t have much money…”

“N-No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Linda.”

Ash stroked Linda’s head. Standing in place allowing Ash to touch her head, Linda looked much the same as she did when she was seven years old.

“—Oh my. You seem to be having a good time.”

A charming voice resounded, and a corner of the room was shrouded in a dazzling light as Navi descended. She touched the ground gently, leisurely sat down on the bed’s edge, and then slowly crossed her legs. Perhaps because of tonight’s birthday party, she wore an elegant dress.

“Kya! W-Who are you? Where did you come out from…!?”

Linda clung to Ash’s arm in shock.

“It’s okay, Linda. I should’ve introduced her. Navi is actually one of our companions as well.”

“A companion?”

Linda looked a little relieved, but still hid herself behind Ash.

“Hey, Ash?”

Navi revealed a coquettish smile and extended her hand toward Ash.

“This is my gift. Will you accept it?”

“O-Of course.”

A thick, sweet aroma entered his nostrils, and Ash couldn’t help but feel his heart go aflutter.

“Then, please accept it…”

Navi wrapped her hand around Ash’s neck and instantly pulled him over.

“Uwah!?”

Ash’s vision was occupied by the sight of her large breasts. The next moment, his face was pressed between the deep valleys of her cleavage. The sensation was such that he almost felt like he had kissed them. Surrounded by a soft sensation along with a warm and sweet aroma, Ash felt like he was in heaven. However, he gradually felt short of breath. Those breasts which were the pinnacle of softness completely sealed Ash’s mouth and nostrils.

“Pwah!”

Just a second before he was about to suffocate, Ash managed to escape from Navi’s bosom, sending oxygen into his lungs with all his strength.

“Phew…I thought I was going to die. Was that your present, Navi!?”

“Oh my, is that enough for you already? As long as you want, I can give all of me to you.”

“…!”

Ash couldn’t help but quiver upon hearing such an alluring temptation. Navi looked more gorgeous than she normally did tonight.

[[Image:SnRK V11 141.png|thumb]]

“Hey, Ash? If you keep that look on your face…I’ll crush you, okay?”

“Nii-san? What exactly is your relationship with this woman? I request that you explain it right now.”

Ash only returned to his senses upon feeling the sharp gazes that Eco and Linda directed at him.

“A-Anyway, it might sound a bit strange since it’s my birthday we’re celebrating, but shall we get started? It’ll be a shame if all of the dishes that you cooked get cold.”

Ash took the initiative to sit down at the table.

“Hmph, I guess it can’t be helped…”

“It’s not what I wanted, but it’s certainly reasonable…”

Despite their reluctance, both Eco and Linda obliged with Ash’s request.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, I’ll also join you.”

Navi really seemed to like the bed, so she settled herself there. And so, the small dinner party consisting of just four people began—

“…By the way, I wasn’t expecting it to be Ash’s birthday today. If Linda hadn’t told me, it might’ve passed by. Navi didn’t tell me either.”

While chewing on a mouthful of roast chicken with herbs, Eco directed a glare towards Navi.

“Oh, I’m only the Dragweiss at best — I won’t disclose information unless you or Ash ask me for it.”

“If that’s the case, can you keep your uselessly large breasts away from public view?”

Eco said as she stared at Navi’s chest. Her seemingly soft cleavage could be seen from the neckline of her dress.

“Fufu, that’s a separate matter.”

Navi leisurely sat on the bed, with a mischievous smile floating on her face. Linda thoughtfully carried a plate with a slice of cake over to Navi.

“Umm…Navi-san, please feel free to have some as well.”

“Hehe, I’m not just being polite. It’s because I don’t need to eat — but since you’ve offered, I shall indulge.”

Navi sat up as she took the plate and fork. Under Linda’s watchful gaze, Navi took her first bite.

“Oh my.”

In that instant, it was a rare occasion on which Navi widened her eyes.

“The information transmitted through my sense of taste is rather pleasant. Is this the so-called meaning of ‘delicious’?”

Navi looked genuinely amazed. Seeing Navi like that, Ash couldn’t help but jump in.

“That’s great, it looks like Navi also likes Linda’s cake.”

“Is that so? That’s good then…”

Linda nodded somewhat unnaturally. Perhaps it was because she still didn’t fully understand the existence known as Navi. Ash hoped to himself that they would gradually become familiar with each other.

“…Hey, why did you hide that it was your birthday?”

Eco cast a dissatisfied gaze at Ash, to which he simply smiled.

“N-No, it’s not like I deliberately tried to conceal it, you see? It’s because I don’t usually pay attention to birthdays, and it was never really a topic of conversation.”

In fact, if Linda hadn’t organised this dinner party, Ash might’ve even forgotten about his birthday.

“Hmm—?”

Yet, Eco gazed at him with suspicion. She then said something that completely defied Ash’s expectations.

“Silvia seems to be very clear on it though.”

“Kuh!”

Ash violently coughed as he accidentally choked on some mashed potato.

“Are you okay, nii-san!?”

Linda hurriedly slapped him on the back, and Ash finally regained his breath.

“Umm, nii-san? Please wait a moment.”

Linda left the table and walked over to a cabinet by the door. When she returned to the dining table, she brought with her a small box that was tied with a ribbon.

“This is…the gift that Princess Silvia personally came to deliver while you were in the bath.”

“Huh!? Princess-sama was here?”

“Yes, I answered the door…and perhaps the situation was a bit uncomfortable. As soon as she saw me in an apron, she yelled [Ash…you idioooooooooottttt!] and then ran off. She seemed to have misunderstood something…”

What went through Silvia’s head was already self-explanatory.

“The next time I see Princess-sama, I’ll introduce you to her…but, did you recognise that it was the princess straight away, Linda?”

“No. After the princess ran away, a maid calling herself Cosette showed up…it’s thanks to her that I found out.”

“I see, and so you introduced yourself to Cosette-san?”

“Of course.”

Upon hearing Linda’s response, Ash felt a sense of relief. Silvia should’ve heard Cosette’s explanation by now, thus resolving the misunderstanding.

“By the way, nii-san?”

Ash’s relief was only momentary as Linda leaned over and narrowed her eyes at him.

“Even if Her Highness Silvia mistakenly believed that I was your lover — was it necessary for her to run back whilst crying?”

“Uh, umm!”

Ash tried to keep a straight face. It was only natural that Linda found it strange. If Silvia was just an ordinary friend, there would be nothing to be surprised about even if there were girls other than Eco in his room.

“…You wouldn’t happen to have a strange relationship with a Princess of the Lautreamont Knight Country, would you?”

“N-No, that’s not possible!”

Ash quickly denied it, but—

“How is that not possible? You two clearly kissed right in front of me.”

Eco interjected as if she could no longer bear to remain silent.

“H-Hey! What are you saying in front of my little sister…!?”

Ash immediately tried to cover Eco’s mouth, but it was already too late.

“Oh…I have many questions.”

Linda whispered softly, as if trying to calm herself down.

“Anyway, before we get too deep into this party…shouldn’t we listen so that you can personally explain how far you and Her Highness Silvia have progressed in your relationship? Do you not agree, Eco-san?”

“Yes, I’d like to hear all about it as well.”

“H-Hey! Since when have you two been on the same side!? Navi, can you help me say something here?”

Backed into a corner, Ash had no choice but to turn to Navi for assistance.

“Ufufu. I’d also be happy to explain all of Ash’s interpersonal relationships, you know?”

It seemed that he had asked the wrong person. Navi normally concealed herself in the Dragon Workshop, but she was able to peer into the human world whenever she pleased.

“H-Hey, don’t I have any privacy…!?”

Ash clutched his head in distress, but Linda nonchalantly handed Navi a pen and a sheet of paper. It seemed that she wanted Navi to draw a relationship diagram.

“Please, can’t we do something more ordinary for fun? Please?”

Ash’s plea went completely unheard, and a long interrogation thus began—.

===Part 4===

—The fifth day of the month of Aries.

Because he had been taking care of Linda, Ash had neglected the activities of the Student Council for some time, so he decided to visit Julius Hall after lunch. Ash walked through the campus grounds which still had traces of winter but were gradually moving into spring. Under the gentle sunlight, his brand-new tie clip shone brilliantly. The new school term had already started. Students came and went across the campus grounds. The petite students who wore somewhat loose-fitting uniforms were certainly freshmen. It was obvious at a glance. I was the same back when I first enrolled…Ash found himself caught in a wave of emotion. As soon as many students caught sight of Ash’s figure—

“Good afternoon, new Student Council President!”

“Thank you for your hard work! I’d also like to join Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights one day!”

“Kyaaaaa! Ash-samaaaaa!”

—Various responses were provoked. Although the third person had a shrill voice much like Jessica’s, it was a female student that he didn’t know.

“Haha…”

Responding with an unaccustomed smile, Ash continued walking forward. He didn’t have a Pal for several years, he was known as ‘The Academy’s Number One Problem Child’, and yet now there were students everywhere who showed respect to him. In all honesty, it made Ash feel a bit uncomfortable. Once the crowd thinned out, Ash naturally said to himself,

“I wonder if things went alright for Linda…?”

Linda had finally moved into the girls’ dormitory, Maeve House, yesterday. It was because she received a notice from the Academic Affairs Office that ‘the delayed internal renovation project has been completed’. Although Linda was quite concerned about Ash’s relationship status — or more precisely, his female relationships, she probably thought about continuing to live in her brother’s room, but such wilful behaviour would not be allowed.

—Try to have more moderation in your life, nii-san!

Leaving such words behind, Linda departed from Apollo House. It’d be nice if she became less dependent on me throughout her upcoming campus life…Ash sincerely prayed.

===Part 5===

Already present in Julius Hall was Silvia, who was hard at work sorting out various documents, while Cosette diligently assisted her from the side.

“Hey, Princess-sama.”

Silvia’s shoulders trembled the instant that Ash greeted her.

“O-Oh, so it’s you, Ash! I-It feels like I haven’t seen you in a while. Geez, as the new Student Council President, you’re a bit too relaxed, don’t you think?”

Silvia’s attitude was the complete opposite of what she verbally expressed, as she looked unbearably nervous. It seemed that she couldn’t even look at Ash directly. Ash easily realised why that was.

“Princess-sama, look.”

Ash walked over to Silvia and showed off his tie. His silver tie clip exuded a dazzling glow. Ash also liked the design of the dragon’s head.

“T-That’s…!”

Silvia stared at the tie clip, stiff as a stone.

“Thank you, Princess-sama. Also, I’m really sorry for apologising so late…I think you should’ve heard by now that I was busy because of my little sister…”

“U-Umm…do you like it?”

Perhaps because she was still too embarrassed, Silvia seemed to avoid making eye contact with Ash. Her gaze remained planted to the floor.

“Of course! It’s a very cool design, and I’m very happy that you selected it just for me. I’ve most certainly received your feelings, Princess-sama!”

“T-That’s great…”

Silvia breathed a sigh of relief as she lay down on the table. It was probably because all of her tension had suddenly been released. Ash couldn’t help but smile as it was the first time that he had seen Silvia in such a weakened state.

“…By the way Ash, isn’t Eco with you?”

Silvia lifted her head and looked around in suspicion. Indeed, it was a rare situation because Ash didn’t bring Eco with him.

“Oh, Eco has been on the Escavaron since yesterday.”

“On the Escavaron? What’s happening there?”

Silvia frowned.

“I heard that Jessica planned a ‘sleepover party’ only for the girls…she came to pick Eco up last night.”

“What did you say!? I never heard about that…”

Silvia dejectedly dropped her shoulders. Seeing the tears that were welling up in her eyes, it seemed she was upset about being excluded.

“W-Whoa, Princess-sama!?”

Ash hurriedly searched for the words to comfort her.

“Your identity is somewhat special after all, so I’m sure Jessica couldn’t help but worry about it, you know? I don’t think anyone would dare to invite the princess of a country to join their ‘sleepover party’…”

“Mmm, I didn’t think that girl would have such worries. Ah…a ‘sleepover party’ huh…! It sounds like such a touching phrase to me given that I had no friends a year ago! If possible, I really hope that they’d let me join them without having any worries…”

Not expecting that Silvia would feel so regretful, Ash couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ll go and tell them ‘Please remember to invite Princess-sama next time’ then.”

“No, that would be too embarrassing…it’d be as if I really wanted to participate.”

“Is that not the case?”

“No, you’re right…”

“Haha. You really aren’t honest.”

Silvia’s expression immediately improved the moment that Ash laughed. She then sternly raised her eyebrows.

“That’s enough chit-chat! Hurry up and get started with your work!”

“G-Got it!”

With Silvia’s urging, Ash quickly got to work. Just as Silvia reviewed the information at hand, her gaze rested on one of the documents. She stared closely at one of the documents as she made a deep hum.

“What’s wrong, Princess-sama?”

“No, this report…it looks a bit odd.”

After receiving the file from Silvia, Ash also began to read through it.

“What…‘a mysterious giant dragon appeared in the forest at night’!? What is this?”

“It’s said that a dragon flies over Fianna Forest every night. According to witness testimonies, local newspapers have reported on it. It’s said that that dragon is even larger than Cú Chulainn and Tristan.”

“If that’s true, then it would be the biggest Maestro in existence.”

“It doesn’t seem to be a Maestro though. It’s said that even under bright moonlight, that dragon’s body is black. If it’s a Maestro, it should have silvery-white fur that glimmers under light.”

“Indeed.”

“More importantly, it’s hard to believe that such a dragon has appeared in the skies above Fianna Forest.”

“If it’s a dragon from Ansarivan, it should be looked after in the Dragon Houses.”

Ash folded his arms and sank into thought. It was possible that the witnesses had mistaken some other unidentified flying object for a dragon. If that was the case, then it all made sense. But, what kind of flying object would be mistaken for a dragon? It was a curious matter.

“Well, sitting here and thinking about it isn’t going to get us anywhere. Let’s hold onto this case until a new eyewitness report appears. After all, we still have a mountain of documents to go over.”

Just as Silvia said, there was a pile of documents stacked as tall as a mountain in front of them. Ash painfully felt how difficult the job of Student Council President was.

===Part 6===

“—It’s going to be sunset soon.”

Cosette stood by the window and whispered with a calm voice.

“…Phew. Let’s stop here for today. In any case, is this new organisation of the Student Council okay? No one comes if there aren’t any meetings. It’s a bit lonely.”

Silvia complained, to which Ash scratched his head.

“Uh, that might be…because I’m not as popular as Rebecca-san?”

“That’s not the issue! You put her up on too much of a pedestal. However, it’s true that you’re not as awe-inspiring as her.”

“I see, awe-inspiring huh…certainly, that isn’t quite like me.”

Ash made a wry smile as he looked up at the ceiling.

“Having said that, you also have your own strengths.”

“Huh?”

“I-I see…every side of you.”

After saying that much, Silvia blushed and turned her back to him.

“Ufufu. That’s good to hear, Princess-sama.”

Cosette joked with a giggle.

“Ugh, why do you always have to say unnecessary things!?”

Just as Silvia was embarrassed to the point that she wanted to leave—

“Oooooohhhhh!”

A Maestro landed on the school grounds in front of Julius Hall.

“Hey, isn’t that Lancelot!?”

Silvia exclaimed in surprise. Its silvery-white fur shimmered under the sunset outside, and it was most certainly Lancelot. It had grown remarkably recently, and its physique had also grown larger. If it continued to grow, it would eventually become comparable in size to Cú Chulainn and Tristan. However, it was something of a mystery that it had come here since its master didn’t call for it. Last year was truly a disaster. There were incidents with Mordred, Cassandra and the pharmacist Kiira who had likely escaped — a bundle of loose ends had piled up. In contrast to the thoughts that weighed on Ash’s mind, Silvia and Lancelot’s exchange was rather leisurely.

“What’s wrong, Lancelot?”

Silvia leaned out the window and stroked Lancelot’s fur.

“Guu…”

Lancelot seemed to comfortably enjoy Silvia’s caresses.

—Am I just overthinking things?

Ash heaved a sigh of relief as he stroked his chest. Seeing Lancelot’s calm demeanour, it probably wasn’t an emergency.

“Hm? You want me to ride on you?”

Silvia tilted her head in bewilderment.

“Uoooh!”

Lancelot roared majestically, expressing its affirmation. Moreover, it also cast an evocative gaze at Ash.

“Huh? Are you suggesting that we both ride on you?”

Once more, Lancelot roared in affirmation.

“What’s going on here…?”

Despite the doubts that she had, Silvia decided to step out the window frame and jump down. After momentarily floating through the air, she landed on Lancelot’s back. Dressed in her normal uniform, she mounted the saddle. Even the slightest of evening breezes would cause her skirt to lift. Such immoral thoughts caused Ash’s heartrate to accelerate.

“Princess-sama, this is somewhat improper.”

Cosette expressed her opinion as Silvia’s personal maid, to which Silvia unhappily turned away.

“It can’t be helped! It doesn’t feel like an emergency, but Lancelot came all this way just to pick me up, so it must mean that something has happened or is about to happen.”

“Yes, what Princess-sama said is right.”

Ash also stepped out the window, jumping and then landing softly on Lancelot’s back.

“I shall accompany you.”

Cosette also jumped out and landed behind Ash.

“Isn’t this what you’d call improper?”

Silvia commented as if in retribution for Cosette’s earlier remark.

“I’m a maid, so it doesn’t matter.”

Cosette dismissively said without a trace of guilt. Ash couldn’t help but smile as he witnessed this interaction between master and servant, but it was only for a moment—

“Excuse me, Ash-sama.”

Cosette suddenly hugged onto Ash’s waist. It was necessary when flying on Lancelot, so there was nothing wrong with it, but…

—This is bad. Cosette-san’s chest is touching me…

Ash felt nervous and restless. Cosette was usually quite modest, but her breasts were just the opposite — soft and full of weight, they strongly expressed themselves.

“Oh my, Ash-sama? Why are you leaning forward? What’s wrong?”

Cosette asked in puzzlement.

“I-It’s nothing!”

Ash was already exhausted just answering like that. Silvia then said to him,

“Hey, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up and hold onto me.”

When Silvia turned around, her expression was rather serious and didn’t show any traces of shyness. As soon as she mounted a dragon’s back, she seemed to switch into a resolute princess knight.

“G-Got it!”

Ash hurriedly grabbed onto Silvia’s waist from behind. In contrast to her ample bosom, her waist was so slender that it seemed fragile. Moreover, her lustrous blonde hair exuded the sweet scent of shampoo. Unaware of the thoughts that traversed through Ash’s mind, Silvia awe-inspiringly declared,

“You can set off at any time, Lancelot!”

===Part 7===

Lancelot flew in a straight line as if piercing through the evening sky.

“Wait, Lancelot!? How high are you planning to go?”

Even Silvia began to feel uneasy, but Lancelot steadily continued to climb. What is Lancelot thinking? Where is it taking us? Ash had no clue either. Like a fish in water, Lancelot comfortably and powerfully flapped its wings. That was the only emotion of Lancelot that was clearly conveyed to Ash.

—Boom!

Lancelot suddenly accelerated into charged into the clouds. As if smashing through a rock, Lancelot penetrated the thick clouds. Finally, their field of vision grew vast and unobstructed all at once. The sky hadn’t fully transformed into night and still appeared blue. A crescent moon as slender as a thread hung in a corner of the sky. Tiny stars also shone faintly. Their view was surrounded by a majestic sea of clouds. And what appeared in front of them was the shadow of a large ship.

“Isn’t that the Escavaron?”

Ash couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Ooooohhh…!”

Lancelot belted out a roar as if to announce its arrival. It then softly landed on the deck of the magical ship Escavaron.

“What on earth is…!?”

Silvia simply froze in place, forgetting even to jump off Lancelot’s back.

“What’s going on?”

Ash looked around the deck, stunned and in disbelief. It was because the Escavaron’s deck had been transformed into grand party venue. Upon a neatly arranged round table was a colourful array of dishes. Dragon crystal lanterns were set up all around the venue, emitting a gorgeous and brilliant luminosity. All of a sudden, grandiose music began to loudly play. At the same time, the dragon crystal lanterns began to produce a vivid spectrum of colours. Surprisingly, a small stage had been set up in a corner of the venue. The music that was being played came from a miniature orchestra. The members of the orchestra included Eco, Rebecca, Lucca, Jessica, Anya, Navi, Raymond, Max and Linda. Moreover, their conductor was Mirabel. The girls were all dressed in lovely dresses, with the exception of Anya — who for some reason was dressed as a cat-eared maid. As for the instrument that each person was responsible for — Linda and Lucca had flutes, Jessica a clarinet, Anya a trumpet, Rebecca a saxophone, Navi a horn, and Eco on percussion. On the other hand, the two boys wore tuxedos and bow ties. They were responsible for bass as Raymond played a trombone while Max played the tuba.

“This song is…”

Ash realised upon listening to the melody that resounded through the night sky. It was the [Birthday Song] that every citizen of the Knight Country was familiar with.

“I see. My birthday was on the third, and I recall that Princess-sama’s birthday is on the seventh, right? Today is the fifth, so it’s right in between both of our birthdays…”

Ash finally understood the purpose of the mysterious party on the ship. It seemed that they had been preparing this for quite some time while both Ash and Silvia were in the dark.

“In other words, the reason why no one visited Julius Hall these past few days is because of this…”

Silvia murmured as if she had also just realised.

“It’s a really heart-warming performance.”

Standing behind Ash, Cosette also appeared quite fascinated.

—Ding! Ding ding ding ding ding!

Suddenly, Ash’s attention homed in on Eco. Although Eco had absolutely no experience with playing any musical instruments, she was skilfully hitting the percussion instruments. It seemed that she had used the excuse of a ‘girls only sleepover party’ so that she could practice playing along with everyone else. The performance finally reached a climax, and the sound of a horn loudly and elegantly resounded. Mirabel then turned around and bowed. The performers followed Mirabel and also gave a graceful salute. Ash, Silvia and Cosette responded with a warm round of applause.

===Part 8===

“Mmm, this roast beef is delicious! Hey Linda, if you don’t take your portion now, it’s going to be gone.”

“Huwa! Geez Eco-san, is it okay for you to eat so much!?”

“Huh? It doesn’t matter. After all, dragons eat five meals a day!”

“Eco-san is certainly a dragon huh…in any case, it really surprised me that they prepared such a grand banquet. In comparison, the birthday party that we organised for nii-san barely amounts to anything…”

“Hey, that’s not the case at all, okay?”

Ash, who had originally been observing the interaction between Eco and Linda, noticed Linda’s sudden depression, and thus he said with a reprimanding tone,

“The dishes and the cake that you made just for me were delicious. More importantly, they conveyed your sincere feelings, so why are you feeling so down?”

“Nii-san…!”

With tears welling up in her eyes, Linda leaned towards Ash. While Ash stroked his little sister’s head, he once again expressed his gratitude to Eco and Linda.

“Eco, Linda, thank you for the wonderful performance. It really surprised me, and I didn’t expect that the two of you were practicing musical instruments in secret.”

“Wasn’t my percussion performance great?”

Eco immediately acted triumphantly.

“Yes, it was very cool.”

In actuality, Eco’s personality was a good fit for the percussion instruments, and she successfully brought the performance to a climax.

“You were great on the flute was well, Linda. I didn’t know you had such talents.”

“It’s not a talent…it’s just a bit of learning here and there. Everyone around me is much more amazing.”

“It can’t be helped. Dragonar Academy has music classes, so everyone has some experience when it comes to brass instruments.”

“I see…I’d also like to take music lessons sooner. Playing the flute seems fun.”

“Before my Pal was born, things were actually pretty idle, so a lot of time could be spent on hobbies.”

“…In other words, since your Pal didn’t exist until your first year in the Senios course, you were idle for the three years of your Junios course?”

“Haha…uh, that’s right.”

Ash could only make a wry smile when faced with his little sister’s sharp accusation.

“By the way, that dress looks good on you.”

“I-Is that so?”

Ash casually complimented her, and Linda gazed down shyly at her own dress in response. She was wearing a knee-length mini-skirt dress which was reminiscent of butterflies flying through a field in spring.

“Did you borrow this from someone?”

“Yes, it’s actually thanks to Cosette-san. When she was helping Eco-san with a dress, she also helped to prepare one for me. Cosette-san is a really nice person.”

Linda said as she stood beside Eco. When they stood beside each other in beautiful dresses, they almost looked like real sisters. However, Ash couldn’t shake a strange feeling.

“No, wait a minute. She helped to prepare outfits for Eco and Linda? In other words, Cosette-san knew about this banquet long in advance…?”

Ash made a wry smile. When Ash was working with Silvia in Julius Hall during the day, Cosette prepared snacks and tea just like usual, and she even acted the same as she normally did. Even when Lancelot came to pick up Ash and Silvia, she still maintained a poker face.

“She’s impossible to figure out, just like usual…”

Just as Ash muttered to himself…

“—Hey, take it away as soon as there’s a free plate! The next dish is still waiting!”

A sharp voice came from behind them. Ash, Eco and Linda looked back in surprise — to find a group of maids dressed in cat ears and cat tails. The waitresses of the student restaurant <La Tene> were busily working in every corner of the venue. Speaking of which, all of the food at tonight’s banquet was done by <La Tene>. The owner of that shrill voice just then was Anya. It seemed she was in charge of the cat-eared maids tonight. The reason why she wore a maid’s outfit during the performance was probably because she was about to get to work. In addition to being a navigator for Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, Anya still continued to work at <La Tene>.

“Anya is such a hard worker.”

Ash couldn’t resist a smile as he whispered to himself. At that moment—

“Hey, Ash! This is bad!”

“There’s a large magical ship approaching us. What should we do?”

Raymond and Max suddenly ran over. Compared to the panicked Raymond, Max maintained a calm demeanour.

“Magical ship!?”

Ash took a small telescope from Max’s hands and then began to search for the mysterious magical ship. At last, the ship’s outline came into the focus of the telescope.

“Seriously…”

Ash murmured to himself. At the least, it was different to any of the magic ships that Ash had seen in the past.

—Boom!

Suddenly, the soundwave of a deafening rumble caused the Escavaron to tremble.

“Is that a cannon attack!?”

Raymond clutched his head in panic and crouched down on the spot.

“Which country does that magic ship belong to?”

Max also froze up because he was overly nervous. Beads of cold sweat formed on Ash’s brow, but in the next instant — a cluster of beautiful patterns were drawn in the night sky, flashing dazzlingly like stars.

“…Fireworks?”

Ash froze in surprise.

“Those are fireworks? It’s my first time seeing them.”

Having just arrived from the countryside, Linda leisurely expressed her thoughts.

“—Whoo. The grand finale is here!”

Accompanied by a mischievous voice, a figure soared right above the Escavaron like a comet. Aiming straight at the deck, the comet violently landed on the ship with a boom. It was a Maestro with an enormous and majestic body. Its head, neck and chest were all decorated with grand golden ornaments, making it seem as if its entire body radiated light. The most distinctive feature of that dragon was the gem embedded in its forehead. Its colour was a black even darker than the shade of night — the Pluto that Ash was familiar with.

“Oscar…no, Oscaia I!”

Upon hearing Ash’s loud call…

“Hmph. Just Oscar is fine. Besides, this is the relationship between us!”

…Oscar raised the hem of her elegant dress with one hand, held the crown on her head with the other, and then briskly jumped onto the deck. After landing on the deck with a thud, she immediately threw herself into Ash’s arms.

“Ash…my dear Ash! How I’ve missed you!”

“Whoa, Oscar!?”

Unable to withstand the force of Oscar’s impact, Ash fell to the ground. Even so, Oscar continued to embrace Ash with not a care in the world. A feminine fragrance that never existed before wafted from her body. Moreover, the sensation of her ample bosom—. Gradually, a crowd began to form around Ash and Oscar. In addition to the officers of the student council, the car-eared maids led by Anya also ran over one after the other, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen of the Chevron Kingdom.

“Wait a minute, you guys! You’re too close!”

Eco’s eyebrows twitched as she yelled out.

“You’re still the same as ever, Eco, so jealous. But I refuse!”

Without hesitation, Oscar pressed her body even closer to Ash.

“It really is you, Oscar. I’m pleased to see you as well. How did you find out about tonight’s party though…?”

It was Rebecca who answered Ash’s question from the sidelines.

“I sent her a letter to let her know in advance. I thought that if it was Oscar, she’d definitely be happy to come.”

“I see…by the way, Oscar! What’s the meaning of that magical ship? When it comes to large magical ships in the Chevron Kingdom, shouldn’t there only be the Claíomh Solais?”

“Oh, you mean that?”

Oscar turned her head and gazed at the large magical ship that had stopped in mid-air and maintained a certain distance from the Escavaron.

“Haha. Did it scare you? It’s the new flagship of the Chevron Kingdom — the Claíomh Solais II! It was originally being built by Uriel in secret, but I took over and completed it. In a way, it’s fortunate that we were able to defeat Uriel before the completion of the second ship.”

“…Indeed.”

After all, if the second ship had been completed sooner, Ash and the others would’ve had to deal with both the first and the second ship at the same time.

“Never mind that for now, Ash. Since I became queen, you never came to visit me in the Kingdom…you’re so cold. On the other hand, I’ve been waiting and looking forward to my first night with you.”

“Wait wait! The subject suddenly jumped too far ahead!”

Ash was stunned and attempted to escape from Oscar. Oscar’s kindness was certainly a joyful matter, but the glares that Ash had begun to receive from Eco and the other girls were pricking at him like needles. Naturally, Oscar must’ve noticed the stares from the other ladies, but paid it no heed at all. She held Ash’s face with her hands and seductively said,

“To tell the truth, those guys in the Kingdom’s government want to promote me as the <Eternal Virginia>.”

“What!?”

“Because a so-called ‘Virginia’ will be the same as Saint Rosa Maria, having a sacred image. In that regard, the captain of the Order of Holy Dragonars also seems to be known as the <Silent Virginia>. Indeed, it seems the men of this world really seem to like ‘virgins’, so it should attract a fair amount of popularity. By the way, the one who proposed this idea was the prime minister, Count Delacroix.”

“Huh…so you have a prime minister.”

Ash was surprised. He’d always thought that, given Oscar’s personality, she was more likely to have an autocratic style of government.

“Even I feel like an inexperienced amateur when it comes to politics. Count Delacroix may be a young, but he is a good person. At present, I want to learn politics from him first.”

“I see. You’re working hard too, Oscar. As the commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, I also need to move forward.”

“It’s okay to move forward, but I hope you don’t forget about me. Although our relationship can no longer be made public, you’ll always be my—”

Oscar’s blue-green eyes became moist, and she unscrupulously brought her lips together with Ash’s. Although a murderous intent was fiercely directed at him from the other ladies, Ash seemed to be locked in place by a spell, unable to move. That was just how breathtaking Oscar was tonight—.

“Graaaa! I was only watching quietly, but you actually went and did that!”

Along with a fierce rebuke, a petite figure rushed out from under the shadow of the Maestro Tristan.

“Whoa!”

In an instant, Oscar was knocked away, left panting for breath in a corner of the deck.

“Geez, you don’t have any awareness when it comes to being a queen!”

The person who unrelentingly performed a roundhouse kick on the queen of a nation wore a black maid outfit. It was a maid with only one eye and dazzling silver hair that was tied into a ponytail. Naturally, Ash was also familiar with this girl.

“Oh, it’s Celes!”

“Hmph, long time no see…Ash.”

The instant that they came face to face, Celes seemed to act shy, and her eye wandered about unsteadily.

“How should I put it…it’s been a while and you seem to have matured?”

Those were the feelings that Ash expressed upon coming face to face with Celes.

“What!? You insect! How can you casually say such frivolous words!? That’s the reason why women keep coming after you, one after another — wait, what is that!?”

Celes was only halfway through her complaints about Ash, but suddenly pointed to the other end of the night sky.

“Huh? What are you so surprised for — what!?”

Following the direction of Celes’ gaze, Ash was also taken aback. It wasn’t just Ash and Celes. Everyone gathered on the deck couldn’t help but feel dumbfounded upon seeing the enormous man-made object that appeared in the night sky. The large artifact gradually approached the Escavaron. At last, everyone was able to see its full shape.

“That’s…the Holy Ship Esperanza!?”

Ash couldn’t help but shout. As if in response to Ash’s voice, a small figure vigorously waved a staff on the Esperanza’s deck.

“Ash-oniichan!”

“That’s Raquel! Did you also send a letter to Raquel?”

Ash turned and asked Rebecca.

“No, I only informed Oscar…”

Rebecca tilted her head and responded, while Mirabel revealed a smile beside her.

“It was I who sent an invitation letter to Raquel. I thought that girl would be rather happy about it.”

During the time that Mirabel studied at St. Law University in the Holy Espada Agency, she also taught Raquel swordsmanship, which was why Raquel still called Mirabel ‘sensei’. Perhaps the relationship between them was deeper than Ash had initially imagined.

“The night is just getting started now!”

When Jessica shouted that in high spirits, cheers erupted from everyone else.

===Part 9===

After the Holy Ship Esperanza docked next to the Escavaron, Raquel stepped onto the deck of the Escavaron, accompanied by Cardinal Penelope.

“Ash-oniichan! Happy birthday!”

She ran like a small animal and rushed into Ash’s arms. Her right eye was blue like a sapphire and her left eye was green like an emerald — her round and large heterochromatic eyes glowed with delight.

“Thank you, Raquel.”

When she acted with such innocence and purity, there was no discomfort at all, and there was actually a sense of warmth. However—

“Hmph. Long time no see, Ash Blake. You’re starting to look more like a knight, but isn’t it about time that you let go of Her Eminence?”

Penelope flatly stated with a cold expression.

“Haha…it’s been a while indeed, Cardinal Penelope.”

Ash broke into a cold sweat as he greeted her. Raquel then finally let go of Ash and simultaneously turned around to Silvia, who had been watching on in surprise.

“Your Highness Silvia, I also wish you a happy birthday.”

“Y-You’re too kind…!”

Silvia edged back.

“It may not be much, but I’ve prepared gifts for the both of you!”

When Raquel announced that with a smile, knights clad in armour marched over in single file. They were the renowned elite troops of the Holy Espada Agency — the Espada Holy Wing Knights. However, the items that they carried were not weapons. One by one, wooden boxes that they had to hug with both hands were brought over.

“Raquel? This is…?”

Ash asked, and Raquel replied with a wide grin across her face.

“It’s a speciality of the Espada region — sparkling wine! I think it’d be very suitable for banquets, so I had it prepared. The wine has already been chilled on the ship, so you can go ahead and enjoy it right now.”

“Thank you, Raquel. It’s just that we’re all underage…”

“That doesn’t matter. Wine is the blood of Saint Rosa Maria — in Espada, wine can be drunk regardless of age. Rather, the laws of the Knight Country are too strict.”

“Haha…perhaps. Since we have your blessing, I’m sure it’ll be fine to have a drink tonight then.”

Ash made a wry smile as Raquel mischievously stuck out her tongue and smiled. At that moment, Linda suddenly tugged on Ash’s sleeve with a displeased expression on her face.

“Hmm, what’s the matter, Linda?”

“Umm, nii-san? I understand that this person is Her Eminence Raquel…but why does she call you ‘onii-chan’? I don’t understand at all.”

Linda had a puzzled expression and looked rather displeased.

“Uh, that’s…”

From the standpoint of the true little sister, perhaps Linda couldn’t accept the fact that Raquel addressed Ash as ‘onii-chan’. Raquel briskly took a step forward.

“Fufu. Ash-oniichan and I have entered into a sibling agreement. Umm, Ash-oniichan? This person is?”

“Uh—”

Linda moved before Ash could come up with an answer. She stood in front of Ash as if to protect him from something.

“Excuse me, Your Eminence Raquel. I am a freshman at Dragonar Academy and my name is Linda Blake. I’m Ash Blake’s blood-related younger sister!”

Linda boldly declared in front of the girl who was only nine years old but was the Pope, nonetheless.

“Eh! Really!?”

Raquel’s eyes widened…

“Then, Linda-san is my old sister! Please look after me, Linda-oneechan!”

Raquel made a sincere smile. She was almost like an angel.

“Huh!?”

Linda appeared puzzled and taken aback by Raquel’s reaction. The hostility that she originally had vanished in an instant.

“—Well then, everyone. Now that everyone is here, let’s raise our glasses with the Espada wine that Raquel has so kindly given us!”

Mirabel announced in an awe-inspiring voice. Cheers immediately resounded from the venue. Once everyone had received a glass of wine…

“Happy seventeenth birthday!”

…A harmonious melody reverberated in all directions.

===Part 10===

Following the climax of the banquet—.

After being dragged around by the others, Ash finally found an opportunity to step aside, so he decided to search for Silvia. He asked Cosette for Silvia’s whereabouts and learned that she had gone to the rear deck on her own. Ash walked through the bridge and followed a long passage which led to the rear deck.

“Hmm?”

Ash suddenly felt a gaze upon him, and so he turned around. However, no one could be seen behind him.

“I’m probably just overthinking it…”

He calmed himself and continued to walk along the passageway. After opening the door at the end, he stepped onto the rear deck. The evening breeze gently brushed against his cheeks. Unlike the front deck, which was the party venue, the rear deck was completely silent. —Silvia gazed up at the stars by herself. Thanks to Cosette, she had been able to change into a gorgeous dress even though she originally arrived at the Escavaron in her uniform. Her figure which was brilliant enough to illuminate the night was like a blue diamond.

“Haa…”

Not noticing Ash’s presence, Silvia heaved a sigh as if something weighed on her mind. She fanned the breeze in front of her with the palm of her hand. It appeared as though she was trying to sober up. Perhaps due to Raquel’s assurance, she accidentally drank too much wine.

“Princess-sama, may I bother you for a moment?”

When Ash called out to her, Silvia turned around.

“Huh, are you drunk as well, Ash?”

Ash’s heart skipped a beat. The slightly intoxicated Silvia was even more enchanting than usual.

“Uh…I’ve actually been looking for you this whole time.”

“Looking for me?”

Silvia widened her eyes and stared at Ash. Ash nervously pulled out a small, slender box from his pocket.

“This is, umm…a present for you. I’d originally planned to give it to you on your birthday, but I think tonight makes for a suitable occasion.”

“A gift for me?”

“Although this may be an inexpensive item to you, would you still accept it?”

“Of course!”

Silvia cried, as if trying to sweep her intoxication away. She then accepted the small box.

“Umm…may I open it?”

“Certainly.”

Ash nodded with a smile, and Silvia carefully untied the ribbon.

“Oh, isn’t this a pendant? It’s beautiful.”

It seemed that Silvia had taken a liking to it at first glance. What Ash chose was a silver pendant with an ice-blue coloured dragon in the centre of a cross.

“By the way, Ash. Umm…if possible, umm…”

Silvia handed the necklace to Ash, turned her back to him, and then gently lifted her waist-length blonde hair with both hands.

“…Can you put it on for me?”

“Princess-sama…!”

Silvia’s bold and the flamboyant display of her white neck and back caused Ash to instinctively hold his breath.

“R-Right…”

Ash answered somewhat nervously and then put his hand around Silvia’s neck. A sweet fragrance reminiscent of flowers teased his nostrils, causing his heartbeat to accelerate.

“…Ah!”

When Ash’s fingers lightly touched Silvia’s nape, her shoulders trembled slightly.

“I’m sorry, Princess-sama!”

“No, don’t worry!”

[[Image:SnRK V11 184.png|thumb]]

After such a process, she finally wore the necklace. As Ash stepped back, Silvia turned around with a bashful smile across her face.

“Mmm, it’s just like I thought. It’s perfect for you.”

The instant that a smile spread across Ash’s face, Silvia made an unexpected move.

“…Ash! My feelings for you are about to overflow!”

She fell straight into Ash’s arms.

“Princess-sama!?”

She had a seductive fragrance and scorching body warmth. Ash felt as though he was embraced by a blue flame. Silvia’s eyes were moist, and she spoke in an imploring manner,

“Please, Ash…”

She gently closed her eyes and raised her chin. Faced with Silvia’s emotions, Ash decided to respond in kind.

===Part 11===

“—No! It’s a lie, right!?”

Having followed quietly behind Ash, Linda froze on the other side of the door. The shock to her was so immense that it almost stole her breath. With a sky full of stars as the background, Ash and Silvia were kissing passionately underneath their visage. She hadn’t expected…that her brother would fall in love with the princess of a nation…!

“Uuh! I’m…so depressed.”

With tears in her eyes, Linda sat down on the spot.

“Happy Birthday! ~A.S.B.1366.04~” is closed.

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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5]]
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4

2021-09-22T15:10:51Z

Zxzxzx: Fix formatting

==Chapter 4 – Aries' Onboard Party==
===Part 1===
—The third day of the month of Aries.

The school orientation season had begun, and the city streets of Ansarivan were bustling with activity. The lively atmosphere also spread into the Academy.

In the afternoon, Silvia was in a certain room on the first floor of Julius Hall sorting out various documents. Given Silvia’s serious nature, she preferred to prioritise her position as the Vice President of the Student Council rather than enjoy what little remained of her spring break. There were five days left before the opening ceremony, and the number of documents that were sent to the Student Council just kept on increasing—

“Geez, why don’t any of the other officers show their faces?”

Silvia frowned as she glanced around the room. The only person sitting in the room was Silvia. Her surroundings were empty, and somewhat lonely even.

“Well, it is still spring break after all.”

Cosette brought her a cup of black tea. The world’s most high-quality tea leaves — the aroma of El Gloriana from Chiron suddenly wafted into the empty room.

“Thank you, Cosette.”

Silvia put her pen down and savoured the black tea. However, her relaxation only lasted for a moment before displeasure resurged once more.

“Even so, Cosette. It may be spring break, but don’t you think that this situation where nobody turns up when no meetings are held is a bit disappointing?”

“Not to worry, Princess-sama. You’ll surely see each other every day once the new school term begins. You and your beloved Ash-sama can express your mutual love as much as you please.”

“Pfft!”

Silvia was so astonished that all the black tea she savoured was spat out. Various important documents were stained by the black tea, but it was not the time to worry about it. After all, she couldn’t pretend not to hear what Cosette had said.

“W-What do you mean by mutual love!? Are you suggesting that I, Silvia Lautreamont, am concerned with such worldly desires…!?”

Silvia retorted as she wiped the edges of her mouth with a handkerchief. Her heart pounded so wildly in her chest that even she felt surprised by the sensation.

“Oh my, really, Princess-sama. Your face is bright red.”

“It’s all because of you<noinclude>[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([[User talk:Zxzxzx|talk]]) 17:10, 22 September 2021 (CEST)</noinclude>!”

“By the way—”

As if Silvia’s complaint was nothing more than wind passing by her ears, Cosette clapped her hands together.

“I’ve heard that Ash-sama’s younger sister has enrolled in the Academy.”

“It’s so obvious that you’re trying to change the subject — wait, did you say Ash’s little sister!?”

Silvia reflexively stood up.

“Yes. Knowing how diligent Ash-sama is, I believe the reason for his absence from Student Council activities today is because of his younger sister. After all, Ash-sama probably can’t keep his eyes away from her.”

“I see. If that’s the reason, then I suppose it can’t be helped…though, speaking of which…Ash’s little sister…hmm.”

“Ufufu. Are you curious?”

“U-Umm…more or less.”

“After all, she might become your little sister in the future, Princess-sama.”

“Fuwah!? What are you saying!?”

Silvia’s body grew hot all over.

“Ufufu. You’ve always been the youngest one, Princess-sama, so it’ll be your first time being called ‘onee-sama’.”

“Hmm. Onee-sama huh…i-it doesn’t sound too bad…n-no, it hasn’t been decided that I’ll be addressed that way! Stop teasing people so much!”

“You’re so adorable, Princess-sama.”

Although irritated by Cosette’s provocations, Silvia quietly returned to her seat. It was because there was something that she wanted to discuss with Cosette.

“…By the way, Cosette?”

Silvia glanced up at Cosette.

“What’s the matter, Princess-sama?”

“Today should be the third day of the month of Aries, right…?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Didn’t you help me with an investigation last summer during the break? Regarding my past with Ash…”

Cosette slipped into thought for a while, and then finally smiled as she seemed to remember.

“Ufufu, I do recall such a thing now. I carefully investigated the <Orphan Ceremony> that you attended, Princess-sama.”

“Yes, thanks to you, I discovered that Ash was my benefactor back then. However, I actually learnt something else.”

Upon hearing this, Cosette seemed to have picked up on what Silvia’s intentions were.

“Ufufu, you truly are so innocent, Princess-sama. You remembered the birthday of the person that you hold dear.”

Cosette covered her mouth as she attempted to hold back a giggle. Although it wasn’t particularly amusing to Silvia, she decided to bear with it given the importance of the matter.

“T-Then…may I discuss it with you? I’ve been thinking that I’d like to give Ash a birthday present if possible, but I’m not sure what would make him happy…and I have no idea what the boys in our year would prefer…”

“Very well, let us head to the shopping district first. I, Cosette, shall do my utmost to assist you.”

Treating Cosette like a saviour, Silvia grasped her hands and looked up at her.

“I’ll leave it to you then, Cosette. You’re the only one I can count on right now!”

===Part 2===

In the evening.

“Phew…”

Silvia staggered as she finally arrived at the boys’ dormitory, Apollo House. It was because she had expended too much mental energy running around the shopping district. Silvia gazed down at the small box with a ribbon tied around it and nervously whispered,

“…Hey, Cosette. Is this really okay?”

Silvia’s final choice was a tie clip. It was made of silver with the carving of a dragon’s head, and Silvia believed that it would suit Ash. She also asked the metal engraver to write Ash’s initials on it.

“Ufufu, it will be okay. It’s not about what you give, rather, what’s important are the feelings that you put into the gift, Princess-sama. Ash-sama will certainly be able to understand your feelings, Princess-sama.”

“I see…”

Cosette’s words offered Silvia a sense of relief and salvation. Silvia walked into the large entranceway of Apollo House, obtained permission from the dorm supervisor to enter, and then made her way to Ash’s room. The male students who passed by Silvia in the corridor all displayed expressions of surprise as they retreated against the wall. At the same time, they also bowed to her with reverence.

“There was a gap like that between me and Ash a year ago…”

Silvia sorrowfully whispered to herself, just as she arrived at the entrance to Ash’s room. With her hands shaking due to nervousness, she knocked on the door.

[Yes, coming—]

A lovely voice that didn’t belong to Ash answered the door.

“Huh!?”

Silvia frowned. It wasn’t Eco’s voice, and it meant that there was a girl other than Eco currently in Ash’s room. Just as Silvia sank into thought, the door opened,

“Sorry for the wait. Uh…?”

Silvia gasped. A girl with twin tails examined Silvia with suspicion. A delicate and adorable young girl — that was her first impression. She was around twelve years old, which meant she was probably a student in the Junios course. She was wearing an apron and had a soup ladle in her hand. It appeared she was in the midst of cooking. At that moment, what came to Silvia’s mind were the words ‘child wife’.

—W-What is this…!?

Silvia’s thoughts were thrown into disarray because there was a girl younger than Ash cooking in his room. Moreover, the aroma of spices wafted out of the room.

[[Image:SnRK V11 133.png|thumb]]

—Doon.

Silvia was left dumbfounded, and the giftbox in her hand fell to the ground. She had worked so hard to choose a birthday present for Ash today, but he had unexpectedly brought a girl much younger than him to his room and asked her to cook…! Silvia shed tears of regret as she ran off.

“Ash…you idioooooooooottttt!”

===Part 3===

“The hot water was amazing.”

Ash returned to his room with billows of white steam rising from his entire body. The large bathhouse in the new Apollo House had the latest equipment. Because it was so comfortable, he accidentally spent a long time in there. Ash opened the door to his room without much thought—

—Pop!

A harsh sound suddenly rang out, causing Ash to let out a ‘whoa’ in fright.

“Nii-san, happy birthday!”

With a party popper in her hand, Linda had a mischievous smile on her face.

“Birthday?”

Although initially surprised, he eventually understood. Indeed, it was only then that Ash realised it was his birthday.

“Come, come in quickly.”

Linda led Ash by hand into the room.

“This is…!”

While Ash was bathing, all of the furnishings in the room had been reorganised. There were flower decorations everywhere, and even a banner that read ‘Happy Seventeenth Birthday!’ was hung up. It was a small dinner party venue. Set up on the table was a cake and various dishes. It turned out that while Ash was away, Linda decided to show off her cooking skills to make a grand meal.

“Hey, hey…”

An adorable voice came from beside the wall. It seemed Eco didn’t realise Ash had returned and was still working hard to decorate the room. She stretched her arms up high as she tried to stick a floral decoration on the wall. Ash smiled and placed his hand on Eco’s head.

“Hwa!?”

Eco was taken aback and dropped the floral decoration on the floor.

“Geez, don’t scare me!”

“Haha, I’m sorry.”

Ash picked up the floral decoration and stuck it up where Eco had originally wanted to put it.

“I didn’t expect you two to join forces…that really surprised me.”

“I-I was forced to, okay!?”

Eco puffed out her cheeks, folded her arms across her chest and turned her head away.

“Dragon’s don’t have a habit of celebrating their birthdays. More importantly, I don’t even know when my birthday is. But, because Linda wanted to celebrate your birthday no matter what, I…hmph, to start with, let me just say happy birthday.”

“Just as usual, you’re not honest at all.”

Ash made a wry smile while Eco raised her eyebrows in anger. He thought that she’d begin to yell at him, but reality was contrary to his expectations.

“…This is a gift from me.”

Eco removed a pink crystal from her pocket and handed it to Ash.

“Isn’t this a Bright Dragon Crystal!? Moreover, it’s pink, so this is…Uranus!? Did you make this just for me?”

Ash carefully examined the crystal that was the size of a small stone. It was extremely clear and transparent, something that one would not tire of admiring. Like a gemstone cut by a master craftsman, it exuded a colourful light. It felt constantly warm, as though Eco’s body temperature radiated from it.

“Y-Yeah! You’d better cherish it!”

“Of course. Thank you, Eco. It must have been difficult to make such a beautiful crystal, right?”

“I secretly visited Lucca the other day…and asked her for help.”

Eco’s cheeks turned red, and it looked like steam was about to erupt from her head at any moment.

“Wait. You asked Lucca for help, which means…!”

Ash’s cheeks grew hot. It was because he recalled the first time that Eco produced Uranus with Lucca’s assistance.

“W-What are you imagining!? Watch out or I’ll crush you!”

Eco lifted one foot, and Ash immediately retreated.

“Umm, nii-san?”

Linda inserted herself between the two of them with ingenious timing.

“My present is this birthday cake. If possible, I would’ve liked to give you something that can be kept forever just like Eco-san’s…but I just moved to Ansarivan and don’t have much money…”

“N-No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Linda.”

Ash stroked Linda’s head. Standing in place allowing Ash to touch her head, Linda looked much the same as she did when she was seven years old.

“—Oh my. You seem to be having a good time.”

A charming voice resounded, and a corner of the room was shrouded in a dazzling light as Navi descended. She touched the ground gently, leisurely sat down on the bed’s edge, and then slowly crossed her legs. Perhaps because of tonight’s birthday party, she wore an elegant dress.

“Kya! W-Who are you? Where did you come out from…!?”

Linda clung to Ash’s arm in shock.

“It’s okay, Linda. I should’ve introduced her. Navi is actually one of our companions as well.”

“A companion?”

Linda looked a little relieved, but still hid herself behind Ash.

“Hey, Ash?”

Navi revealed a coquettish smile and extended her hand toward Ash.

“This is my gift. Will you accept it?”

“O-Of course.”

A thick, sweet aroma entered his nostrils, and Ash couldn’t help but feel his heart go aflutter.

“Then, please accept it…”

Navi wrapped her hand around Ash’s neck and instantly pulled him over.

“Uwah!?”

Ash’s vision was occupied by the sight of her large breasts. The next moment, his face was pressed between the deep valleys of her cleavage. The sensation was such that he almost felt like he had kissed them. Surrounded by a soft sensation along with a warm and sweet aroma, Ash felt like he was in heaven. However, he gradually felt short of breath. Those breasts which were the pinnacle of softness completely sealed Ash’s mouth and nostrils.

“Pwah!”

Just a second before he was about to suffocate, Ash managed to escape from Navi’s bosom, sending oxygen into his lungs with all his strength.

“Phew…I thought I was going to die. Was that your present, Navi!?”

“Oh my, is that enough for you already? As long as you want, I can give all of me to you.”

“…!”

Ash couldn’t help but quiver upon hearing such an alluring temptation. Navi looked more gorgeous than she normally did tonight.

[[Image:SnRK V11 141.png|thumb]]

“Hey, Ash? If you keep that look on your face…I’ll crush you, okay?”

“Nii-san? What exactly is your relationship with this woman? I request that you explain it right now.”

Ash only returned to his senses upon feeling the sharp gazes that Eco and Linda directed at him.

“A-Anyway, it might sound a bit strange since it’s my birthday we’re celebrating, but shall we get started? It’ll be a shame if all of the dishes that you cooked get cold.”

Ash took the initiative to sit down at the table.

“Hmph, I guess it can’t be helped…”

“It’s not what I wanted, but it’s certainly reasonable…”

Despite their reluctance, both Eco and Linda obliged with Ash’s request.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, I’ll also join you.”

Navi really seemed to like the bed, so she settled herself there. And so, the small dinner party consisting of just four people began—

“…By the way, I wasn’t expecting it to be Ash’s birthday today. If Linda hadn’t told me, it might’ve passed by. Navi didn’t tell me either.”

While chewing on a mouthful of roast chicken with herbs, Eco directed a glare towards Navi.

“Oh, I’m only the Dragweiss at best — I won’t disclose information unless you or Ash ask me for it.”

“If that’s the case, can you keep your uselessly large breasts away from public view?”

Eco said as she stared at Navi’s chest. Her seemingly soft cleavage could be seen from the neckline of her dress.

“Fufu, that’s a separate matter.”

Navi leisurely sat on the bed, with a mischievous smile floating on her face. Linda thoughtfully carried a plate with a slice of cake over to Navi.

“Umm…Navi-san, please feel free to have some as well.”

“Hehe, I’m not just being polite. It’s because I don’t need to eat — but since you’ve offered, I shall indulge.”

Navi sat up as she took the plate and fork. Under Linda’s watchful gaze, Navi took her first bite.

“Oh my.”

In that instant, it was a rare occasion on which Navi widened her eyes.

“The information transmitted through my sense of taste is rather pleasant. Is this the so-called meaning of ‘delicious’?”

Navi looked genuinely amazed. Seeing Navi like that, Ash couldn’t help but jump in.

“That’s great, it looks like Navi also likes Linda’s cake.”

“Is that so? That’s good then…”

Linda nodded somewhat unnaturally. Perhaps it was because she still didn’t fully understand the existence known as Navi. Ash hoped to himself that they would gradually become familiar with each other.

“…Hey, why did you hide that it was your birthday?”

Eco cast a dissatisfied gaze at Ash, to which he simply smiled.

“N-No, it’s not like I deliberately tried to conceal it, you see? It’s because I don’t usually pay attention to birthdays, and it was never really a topic of conversation.”

In fact, if Linda hadn’t organised this dinner party, Ash might’ve even forgotten about his birthday.

“Hmm—?”

Yet, Eco gazed at him with suspicion. She then said something that completely defied Ash’s expectations.

“Silvia seems to be very clear on it though.”

“Kuh!”

Ash violently coughed as he accidentally choked on some mashed potato.

“Are you okay, nii-san!?”

Linda hurriedly slapped him on the back, and Ash finally regained his breath.

“Umm, nii-san? Please wait a moment.”

Linda left the table and walked over to a cabinet by the door. When she returned to the dining table, she brought with her a small box that was tied with a ribbon.

“This is…the gift that Princess Silvia personally came to deliver while you were in the bath.”

“Huh!? Princess-sama was here?”

“Yes, I answered the door…and perhaps the situation was a bit uncomfortable. As soon as she saw me in an apron, she yelled [Ash…you idioooooooooottttt!] and then ran off. She seemed to have misunderstood something…”

What went through Silvia’s head was already self-explanatory.

“The next time I see Princess-sama, I’ll introduce you to her…but, did you recognise that it was the princess straight away, Linda?”

“No. After the princess ran away, a maid calling herself Cosette showed up…it’s thanks to her that I found out.”

“I see, and so you introduced yourself to Cosette-san?”

“Of course.”

Upon hearing Linda’s response, Ash felt a sense of relief. Silvia should’ve heard Cosette’s explanation by now, thus resolving the misunderstanding.

“By the way, nii-san?”

Ash’s relief was only momentary as Linda leaned over and narrowed her eyes at him.

“Even if Her Highness Silvia mistakenly believed that I was your lover — was it necessary for her to run back whilst crying?”

“Uh, umm!”

Ash tried to keep a straight face. It was only natural that Linda found it strange. If Silvia was just an ordinary friend, there would be nothing to be surprised about even if there were girls other than Eco in his room.

“…You wouldn’t happen to have a strange relationship with a Princess of the Lautreamont Knight Country, would you?”

“N-No, that’s not possible!”

Ash quickly denied it, but—

“How is that not possible? You two clearly kissed right in front of me.”

Eco interjected as if she could no longer bear to remain silent.

“H-Hey! What are you saying in front of my little sister…!?”

Ash immediately tried to cover Eco’s mouth, but it was already too late.

“Oh…I have many questions.”

Linda whispered softly, as if trying to calm herself down.

“Anyway, before we get too deep into this party…shouldn’t we listen so that you can personally explain how far you and Her Highness Silvia have progressed in your relationship? Do you not agree, Eco-san?”

“Yes, I’d like to hear all about it as well.”

“H-Hey! Since when have you two been on the same side!? Navi, can you help me say something here?”

Backed into a corner, Ash had no choice but to turn to Navi for assistance.

“Ufufu. I’d also be happy to explain all of Ash’s interpersonal relationships, you know?”

It seemed that he had asked the wrong person. Navi normally concealed herself in the Dragon Workshop, but she was able to peer into the human world whenever she pleased.

“H-Hey, don’t I have any privacy…!?”

Ash clutched his head in distress, but Linda nonchalantly handed Navi a pen and a sheet of paper. It seemed that she wanted Navi to draw a relationship diagram.

“Please, can’t we do something more ordinary for fun? Please?”

Ash’s plea went completely unheard, and a long interrogation thus began—.

===Part 4===

—The fifth day of the month of Aries.

Because he had been taking care of Linda, Ash had neglected the activities of the Student Council for some time, so he decided to visit Julius Hall after lunch. Ash walked through the campus grounds which still had traces of winter but were gradually moving into spring. Under the gentle sunlight, his brand-new tie clip shone brilliantly. The new school term had already started. Students came and went across the campus grounds. The petite students who wore somewhat loose-fitting uniforms were certainly freshmen. It was obvious at a glance. I was the same back when I first enrolled…Ash found himself caught in a wave of emotion. As soon as many students caught sight of Ash’s figure—

“Good afternoon, new Student Council President!”

“Thank you for your hard work! I’d also like to join Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights one day!”

“Kyaaaaa! Ash-samaaaaa!”

—Various responses were provoked. Although the third person had a shrill voice much like Jessica’s, it was a female student that he didn’t know.

“Haha…”

Responding with an unaccustomed smile, Ash continued walking forward. He didn’t have a Pal for several years, he was known as ‘The Academy’s Number One Problem Child’, and yet now there were students everywhere who showed respect to him. In all honesty, it made Ash feel a bit uncomfortable. Once the crowd thinned out, Ash naturally said to himself,

“I wonder if things went alright for Linda…?”

Linda had finally moved into the girls’ dormitory, Maeve House, yesterday. It was because she received a notice from the Academic Affairs Office that ‘the delayed internal renovation project has been completed’. Although Linda was quite concerned about Ash’s relationship status — or more precisely, his female relationships, she probably thought about continuing to live in her brother’s room, but such wilful behaviour would not be allowed.

—Try to have more moderation in your life, nii-san!

Leaving such words behind, Linda departed from Apollo House. It’d be nice if she became less dependent on me throughout her upcoming campus life…Ash sincerely prayed.

===Part 5===

Already present in Julius Hall was Silvia, who was hard at work sorting out various documents, while Cosette diligently assisted her from the side.

“Hey, Princess-sama.”

Silvia’s shoulders trembled the instant that Ash greeted her.

“O-Oh, so it’s you, Ash! I-It feels like I haven’t seen you in a while. Geez, as the new Student Council President, you’re a bit too relaxed, don’t you think?”

Silvia’s attitude was the complete opposite of what she verbally expressed, as she looked unbearably nervous. It seemed that she couldn’t even look at Ash directly. Ash easily realised why that was.

“Princess-sama, look.”

Ash walked over to Silvia and showed off his tie. His silver tie clip exuded a dazzling glow. Ash also liked the design of the dragon’s head.

“T-That’s…!”

Silvia stared at the tie clip, stiff as a stone.

“Thank you, Princess-sama. Also, I’m really sorry for apologising so late…I think you should’ve heard by now that I was busy because of my little sister…”

“U-Umm…do you like it?”

Perhaps because she was still too embarrassed, Silvia seemed to avoid making eye contact with Ash. Her gaze remained planted to the floor.

“Of course! It’s a very cool design, and I’m very happy that you selected it just for me. I’ve most certainly received your feelings, Princess-sama!”

“T-That’s great…”

Silvia breathed a sigh of relief as she lay down on the table. It was probably because all of her tension had suddenly been released. Ash couldn’t help but smile as it was the first time that he had seen Silvia in such a weakened state.

“…By the way Ash, isn’t Eco with you?”

Silvia lifted her head and looked around in suspicion. Indeed, it was a rare situation because Ash didn’t bring Eco with him.

“Oh, Eco has been on the Escavaron since yesterday.”

“On the Escavaron? What’s happening there?”

Silvia frowned.

“I heard that Jessica planned a ‘sleepover party’ only for the girls…she came to pick Eco up last night.”

“What did you say!? I never heard about that…”

Silvia dejectedly dropped her shoulders. Seeing the tears that were welling up in her eyes, it seemed she was upset about being excluded.

“W-Whoa, Princess-sama!?”

Ash hurriedly searched for the words to comfort her.

“Your identity is somewhat special after all, so I’m sure Jessica couldn’t help but worry about it, you know? I don’t think anyone would dare to invite the princess of a country to join their ‘sleepover party’…”

“Mmm, I didn’t think that girl would have such worries. Ah…a ‘sleepover party’ huh…! It sounds like such a touching phrase to me given that I had no friends a year ago! If possible, I really hope that they’d let me join them without having any worries…”

Not expecting that Silvia would feel so regretful, Ash couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ll go and tell them ‘Please remember to invite Princess-sama next time’ then.”

“No, that would be too embarrassing…it’d be as if I really wanted to participate.”

“Is that not the case?”

“No, you’re right…”

“Haha. You really aren’t honest.”

Silvia’s expression immediately improved the moment that Ash laughed. She then sternly raised her eyebrows.

“That’s enough chit-chat! Hurry up and get started with your work!”

“G-Got it!”

With Silvia’s urging, Ash quickly got to work. Just as Silvia reviewed the information at hand, her gaze rested on one of the documents. She stared closely at one of the documents as she made a deep hum.

“What’s wrong, Princess-sama?”

“No, this report…it looks a bit odd.”

After receiving the file from Silvia, Ash also began to read through it.

“What…‘a mysterious giant dragon appeared in the forest at night’!? What is this?”

“It’s said that a dragon flies over Fianna Forest every night. According to witness testimonies, local newspapers have reported on it. It’s said that that dragon is even larger than Cú Chulainn and Tristan.”

“If that’s true, then it would be the biggest Maestro in existence.”

“It doesn’t seem to be a Maestro though. It’s said that even under bright moonlight, that dragon’s body is black. If it’s a Maestro, it should have silvery-white fur that glimmers under light.”

“Indeed.”

“More importantly, it’s hard to believe that such a dragon has appeared in the skies above Fianna Forest.”

“If it’s a dragon from Ansarivan, it should be looked after in the Dragon Houses.”

Ash folded his arms and sank into thought. It was possible that the witnesses had mistaken some other unidentified flying object for a dragon. If that was the case, then it all made sense. But, what kind of flying object would be mistaken for a dragon? It was a curious matter.

“Well, sitting here and thinking about it isn’t going to get us anywhere. Let’s hold onto this case until a new eyewitness report appears. After all, we still have a mountain of documents to go over.”

Just as Silvia said, there was a pile of documents stacked as tall as a mountain in front of them. Ash painfully felt how difficult the job of Student Council President was.

===Part 6===

“—It’s going to be sunset soon.”

Cosette stood by the window and whispered with a calm voice.

“…Phew. Let’s stop here for today. In any case, is this new organisation of the Student Council okay? No one comes if there aren’t any meetings. It’s a bit lonely.”

Silvia complained, to which Ash scratched his head.

“Uh, that might be…because I’m not as popular as Rebecca-san?”

“That’s not the issue! You put her up on too much of a pedestal. However, it’s true that you’re not as awe-inspiring as her.”

“I see, awe-inspiring huh…certainly, that isn’t quite like me.”

Ash made a wry smile as he looked up at the ceiling.

“Having said that, you also have your own strengths.”

“Huh?”

“I-I see…every side of you.”

After saying that much, Silvia blushed and turned her back to him.

“Ufufu. That’s good to hear, Princess-sama.”

Cosette joked with a giggle.

“Ugh, why do you always have to say unnecessary things!?”

Just as Silvia was embarrassed to the point that she wanted to leave—

“Oooooohhhhh!”

A Maestro landed on the school grounds in front of Julius Hall.

“Hey, isn’t that Lancelot!?”

Silvia exclaimed in surprise. Its silvery-white fur shimmered under the sunset outside, and it was most certainly Lancelot. It had grown remarkably recently, and its physique had also grown larger. If it continued to grow, it would eventually become comparable in size to Cú Chulainn and Tristan. However, it was something of a mystery that it had come here since its master didn’t call for it. Last year was truly a disaster. There were incidents with Mordred, Cassandra and the pharmacist Kiira who had likely escaped — a bundle of loose ends had piled up. In contrast to the thoughts that weighed on Ash’s mind, Silvia and Lancelot’s exchange was rather leisurely.

“What’s wrong, Lancelot?”

Silvia leaned out the window and stroked Lancelot’s fur.

“Guu…”

Lancelot seemed to comfortably enjoy Silvia’s caresses.

—Am I just overthinking things?

Ash heaved a sigh of relief as he stroked his chest. Seeing Lancelot’s calm demeanour, it probably wasn’t an emergency.

“Hm? You want me to ride on you?”

Silvia tilted her head in bewilderment.

“Uoooh!”

Lancelot roared majestically, expressing its affirmation. Moreover, it also cast an evocative gaze at Ash.

“Huh? Are you suggesting that we both ride on you?”

Once more, Lancelot roared in affirmation.

“What’s going on here…?”

Despite the doubts that she had, Silvia decided to step out the window frame and jump down. After momentarily floating through the air, she landed on Lancelot’s back. Dressed in her normal uniform, she mounted the saddle. Even the slightest of evening breezes would cause her skirt to lift. Such immoral thoughts caused Ash’s heartrate to accelerate.

“Princess-sama, this is somewhat improper.”

Cosette expressed her opinion as Silvia’s personal maid, to which Silvia unhappily turned away.

“It can’t be helped! It doesn’t feel like an emergency, but Lancelot came all this way just to pick me up, so it must mean that something has happened or is about to happen.”

“Yes, what Princess-sama said is right.”

Ash also stepped out the window, jumping and then landing softly on Lancelot’s back.

“I shall accompany you.”

Cosette also jumped out and landed behind Ash.

“Isn’t this what you’d call improper?”

Silvia commented as if in retribution for Cosette’s earlier remark.

“I’m a maid, so it doesn’t matter.”

Cosette dismissively said without a trace of guilt. Ash couldn’t help but smile as he witnessed this interaction between master and servant, but it was only for a moment—

“Excuse me, Ash-sama.”

Cosette suddenly hugged onto Ash’s waist. It was necessary when flying on Lancelot, so there was nothing wrong with it, but…

—This is bad. Cosette-san’s chest is touching me…

Ash felt nervous and restless. Cosette was usually quite modest, but her breasts were just the opposite — soft and full of weight, they strongly expressed themselves.

“Oh my, Ash-sama? Why are you leaning forward? What’s wrong?”

Cosette asked in puzzlement.

“I-It’s nothing!”

Ash was already exhausted just answering like that. Silvia then said to him,

“Hey, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up and hold onto me.”

When Silvia turned around, her expression was rather serious and didn’t show any traces of shyness. As soon as she mounted a dragon’s back, she seemed to switch into a resolute princess knight.

“G-Got it!”

Ash hurriedly grabbed onto Silvia’s waist from behind. In contrast to her ample bosom, her waist was so slender that it seemed fragile. Moreover, her lustrous blonde hair exuded the sweet scent of shampoo. Unaware of the thoughts that traversed through Ash’s mind, Silvia awe-inspiringly declared,

“You can set off at any time, Lancelot!”

===Part 7===

Lancelot flew in a straight line as if piercing through the evening sky.

“Wait, Lancelot!? How high are you planning to go?”

Even Silvia began to feel uneasy, but Lancelot steadily continued to climb. What is Lancelot thinking? Where is it taking us? Ash had no clue either. Like a fish in water, Lancelot comfortably and powerfully flapped its wings. That was the only emotion of Lancelot that was clearly conveyed to Ash.

—Boom!

Lancelot suddenly accelerated into charged into the clouds. As if smashing through a rock, Lancelot penetrated the thick clouds. Finally, their field of vision grew vast and unobstructed all at once. The sky hadn’t fully transformed into night and still appeared blue. A crescent moon as slender as a thread hung in a corner of the sky. Tiny stars also shone faintly. Their view was surrounded by a majestic sea of clouds. And what appeared in front of them was the shadow of a large ship.

“Isn’t that the Escavaron?”

Ash couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Ooooohhh…!”

Lancelot belted out a roar as if to announce its arrival. It then softly landed on the deck of the magical ship Escavaron.

“What on earth is…!?”

Silvia simply froze in place, forgetting even to jump off Lancelot’s back.

“What’s going on?”

Ash looked around the deck, stunned and in disbelief. It was because the Escavaron’s deck had been transformed into grand party venue. Upon a neatly arranged round table was a colourful array of dishes. Dragon crystal lanterns were set up all around the venue, emitting a gorgeous and brilliant luminosity. All of a sudden, grandiose music began to loudly play. At the same time, the dragon crystal lanterns began to produce a vivid spectrum of colours. Surprisingly, a small stage had been set up in a corner of the venue. The music that was being played came from a miniature orchestra. The members of the orchestra included Eco, Rebecca, Lucca, Jessica, Anya, Navi, Raymond, Max and Linda. Moreover, their conductor was Mirabel. The girls were all dressed in lovely dresses, with the exception of Anya — who for some reason was dressed as a cat-eared maid. As for the instrument that each person was responsible for — Linda and Lucca had flutes, Jessica a clarinet, Anya a trumpet, Rebecca a saxophone, Navi a horn, and Eco on percussion. On the other hand, the two boys wore tuxedos and bow ties. They were responsible for bass as Raymond played a trombone while Max played the tuba.

“This song is…”

Ash realised upon listening to the melody that resounded through the night sky. It was the [Birthday Song] that every citizen of the Knight Country was familiar with.

“I see. My birthday was on the third, and I recall that Princess-sama’s birthday is on the seventh, right? Today is the fifth, so it’s right in between both of our birthdays…”

Ash finally understood the purpose of the mysterious party on the ship. It seemed that they had been preparing this for quite some time while both Ash and Silvia were in the dark.

“In other words, the reason why no one visited Julius Hall these past few days is because of this…”

Silvia murmured as if she had also just realised.

“It’s a really heart-warming performance.”

Standing behind Ash, Cosette also appeared quite fascinated.

—Ding! Ding ding ding ding ding!

Suddenly, Ash’s attention homed in on Eco. Although Eco had absolutely no experience with playing any musical instruments, she was skilfully hitting the percussion instruments. It seemed that she had used the excuse of a ‘girls only sleepover party’ so that she could practice playing along with everyone else. The performance finally reached a climax, and the sound of a horn loudly and elegantly resounded. Mirabel then turned around and bowed. The performers followed Mirabel and also gave a graceful salute. Ash, Silvia and Cosette responded with a warm round of applause.

===Part 8===

“Mmm, this roast beef is delicious! Hey Linda, if you don’t take your portion now, it’s going to be gone.”

“Huwa! Geez Eco-san, is it okay for you to eat so much!?”

“Huh? It doesn’t matter. After all, dragons eat five meals a day!”

“Eco-san is certainly a dragon huh…in any case, it really surprised me that they prepared such a grand banquet. In comparison, the birthday party that we organised for nii-san barely amounts to anything…”

“Hey, that’s not the case at all, okay?”

Ash, who had originally been observing the interaction between Eco and Linda, noticed Linda’s sudden depression, and thus he said with a reprimanding tone,

“The dishes and the cake that you made just for me were delicious. More importantly, they conveyed your sincere feelings, so why are you feeling so down?”

“Nii-san…!”

With tears welling up in her eyes, Linda leaned towards Ash. While Ash stroked his little sister’s head, he once again expressed his gratitude to Eco and Linda.

“Eco, Linda, thank you for the wonderful performance. It really surprised me, and I didn’t expect that the two of you were practicing musical instruments in secret.”

“Wasn’t my percussion performance great?”

Eco immediately acted triumphantly.

“Yes, it was very cool.”

In actuality, Eco’s personality was a good fit for the percussion instruments, and she successfully brought the performance to a climax.

“You were great on the flute was well, Linda. I didn’t know you had such talents.”

“It’s not a talent…it’s just a bit of learning here and there. Everyone around me is much more amazing.”

“It can’t be helped. Dragonar Academy has music classes, so everyone has some experience when it comes to brass instruments.”

“I see…I’d also like to take music lessons sooner. Playing the flute seems fun.”

“Before my Pal was born, things were actually pretty idle, so a lot of time could be spent on hobbies.”

“…In other words, since your Pal didn’t exist until your first year in the Senios course, you were idle for the three years of your Junios course?”

“Haha…uh, that’s right.”

Ash could only make a wry smile when faced with his little sister’s sharp accusation.

“By the way, that dress looks good on you.”

“I-Is that so?”

Ash casually complimented her, and Linda gazed down shyly at her own dress in response. She was wearing a knee-length mini-skirt dress which was reminiscent of butterflies flying through a field in spring.

“Did you borrow this from someone?”

“Yes, it’s actually thanks to Cosette-san. When she was helping Eco-san with a dress, she also helped to prepare one for me. Cosette-san is a really nice person.”

Linda said as she stood beside Eco. When they stood beside each other in beautiful dresses, they almost looked like real sisters. However, Ash couldn’t shake a strange feeling.

“No, wait a minute. She helped to prepare outfits for Eco and Linda? In other words, Cosette-san knew about this banquet long in advance…?”

Ash made a wry smile. When Ash was working with Silvia in Julius Hall during the day, Cosette prepared snacks and tea just like usual, and she even acted the same as she normally did. Even when Lancelot came to pick up Ash and Silvia, she still maintained a poker face.

“She’s impossible to figure out, just like usual…”

Just as Ash muttered to himself…

“—Hey, take it away as soon as there’s a free plate! The next dish is still waiting!”

A sharp voice came from behind them. Ash, Eco and Linda looked back in surprise — to find a group of maids dressed in cat ears and cat tails. The waitresses of the student restaurant <La Tene> were busily working in every corner of the venue. Speaking of which, all of the food at tonight’s banquet was done by <La Tene>. The owner of that shrill voice just then was Anya. It seemed she was in charge of the cat-eared maids tonight. The reason why she wore a maid’s outfit during the performance was probably because she was about to get to work. In addition to being a navigator for Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, Anya still continued to work at <La Tene>.

“Anya is such a hard worker.”

Ash couldn’t resist a smile as he whispered to himself. At that moment—

“Hey, Ash! This is bad!”

“There’s a large magical ship approaching us. What should we do?”

Raymond and Max suddenly ran over. Compared to the panicked Raymond, Max maintained a calm demeanour.

“Magical ship!?”

Ash took a small telescope from Max’s hands and then began to search for the mysterious magical ship. At last, the ship’s outline came into the focus of the telescope.

“Seriously…”

Ash murmured to himself. At the least, it was different to any of the magic ships that Ash had seen in the past.

—Boom!

Suddenly, the soundwave of a deafening rumble caused the Escavaron to tremble.

“Is that a cannon attack!?”

Raymond clutched his head in panic and crouched down on the spot.

“Which country does that magic ship belong to?”

Max also froze up because he was overly nervous. Beads of cold sweat formed on Ash’s brow, but in the next instant — a cluster of beautiful patterns were drawn in the night sky, flashing dazzlingly like stars.

“…Fireworks?”

Ash froze in surprise.

“Those are fireworks? It’s my first time seeing them.”

Having just arrived from the countryside, Linda leisurely expressed her thoughts.

“—Whoo. The grand finale is here!”

Accompanied by a mischievous voice, a figure soared right above the Escavaron like a comet. Aiming straight at the deck, the comet violently landed on the ship with a boom. It was a Maestro with an enormous and majestic body. Its head, neck and chest were all decorated with grand golden ornaments, making it seem as if its entire body radiated light. The most distinctive feature of that dragon was the gem embedded in its forehead. Its colour was a black even darker than the shade of night — the Pluto that Ash was familiar with.

“Oscar…no, Oscaia I!”

Upon hearing Ash’s loud call…

“Hmph. Just Oscar is fine. Besides, this is the relationship between us!”

…Oscar raised the hem of her elegant dress with one hand, held the crown on her head with the other, and then briskly jumped onto the deck. After landing on the deck with a thud, she immediately threw herself into Ash’s arms.

“Ash…my dear Ash! How I’ve missed you!”

“Whoa, Oscar!?”

Unable to withstand the force of Oscar’s impact, Ash fell to the ground. Even so, Oscar continued to embrace Ash with not a care in the world. A feminine fragrance that never existed before wafted from her body. Moreover, the sensation of her ample bosom—. Gradually, a crowd began to form around Ash and Oscar. In addition to the officers of the student council, the car-eared maids led by Anya also ran over one after the other, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen of the Chevron Kingdom.

“Wait a minute, you guys! You’re too close!”

Eco’s eyebrows twitched as she yelled out.

“You’re still the same as ever, Eco, so jealous. But I refuse!”

Without hesitation, Oscar pressed her body even closer to Ash.

“It really is you, Oscar. I’m pleased to see you as well. How did you find out about tonight’s party though…?”

It was Rebecca who answered Ash’s question from the sidelines.

“I sent her a letter to let her know in advance. I thought that if it was Oscar, she’d definitely be happy to come.”

“I see…by the way, Oscar! What’s the meaning of that magical ship? When it comes to large magical ships in the Chevron Kingdom, shouldn’t there only be the Claíomh Solais?”

“Oh, you mean that?”

Oscar turned her head and gazed at the large magical ship that had stopped in mid-air and maintained a certain distance from the Escavaron.

“Haha. Did it scare you? It’s the new flagship of the Chevron Kingdom — the Claíomh Solais II! It was originally being built by Uriel in secret, but I took over and completed it. In a way, it’s fortunate that we were able to defeat Uriel before the completion of the second ship.”

“…Indeed.”

After all, if the second ship had been completed sooner, Ash and the others would’ve had to deal with both the first and the second ship at the same time.

“Never mind that for now, Ash. Since I became queen, you never came to visit me in the Kingdom…you’re so cold. On the other hand, I’ve been waiting and looking forward to my first night with you.”

“Wait wait! The subject suddenly jumped too far ahead!”

Ash was stunned and attempted to escape from Oscar. Oscar’s kindness was certainly a joyful matter, but the glares that Ash had begun to receive from Eco and the other girls were pricking at him like needles. Naturally, Oscar must’ve noticed the stares from the other ladies, but paid it no heed at all. She held Ash’s face with her hands and seductively said,

“To tell the truth, those guys in the Kingdom’s government want to promote me as the <Eternal Virginia>.”

“What!?”

“Because a so-called ‘Virginia’ will be the same as Saint Rosa Maria, having a sacred image. In that regard, the captain of the Order of Holy Dragonars also seems to be known as the <Silent Virginia>. Indeed, it seems the men of this world really seem to like ‘virgins’, so it should attract a fair amount of popularity. By the way, the one who proposed this idea was the prime minister, Count Delacroix.”

“Huh…so you have a prime minister.”

Ash was surprised. He’d always thought that, given Oscar’s personality, she was more likely to have an autocratic style of government.

“Even I feel like an inexperienced amateur when it comes to politics. Count Delacroix may be a young, but he is a good person. At present, I want to learn politics from him first.”

“I see. You’re working hard too, Oscar. As the commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, I also need to move forward.”

“It’s okay to move forward, but I hope you don’t forget about me. Although our relationship can no longer be made public, you’ll always be my—”

Oscar’s blue-green eyes became moist, and she unscrupulously brought her lips together with Ash’s. Although a murderous intent was fiercely directed at him from the other ladies, Ash seemed to be locked in place by a spell, unable to move. That was just how breathtaking Oscar was tonight—.

“Graaaa! I was only watching quietly, but you actually went and did that!”

Along with a fierce rebuke, a petite figure rushed out from under the shadow of the Maestro Tristan.

“Whoa!”

In an instant, Oscar was knocked away, left panting for breath in a corner of the deck.

“Geez, you don’t have any awareness when it comes to being a queen!”

The person who unrelentingly performed a roundhouse kick on the queen of a nation wore a black maid outfit. It was a maid with only one eye and dazzling silver hair that was tied into a ponytail. Naturally, Ash was also familiar with this girl.

“Oh, it’s Celes!”

“Hmph, long time no see…Ash.”

The instant that they came face to face, Celes seemed to act shy, and her eye wandered about unsteadily.

“How should I put it…it’s been a while and you seem to have matured?”

Those were the feelings that Ash expressed upon coming face to face with Celes.

“What!? You insect! How can you casually say such frivolous words!? That’s the reason why women keep coming after you, one after another — wait, what is that!?”

Celes was only halfway through her complaints about Ash, but suddenly pointed to the other end of the night sky.

“Huh? What are you so surprised for — what!?”

Following the direction of Celes’ gaze, Ash was also taken aback. It wasn’t just Ash and Celes. Everyone gathered on the deck couldn’t help but feel dumbfounded upon seeing the enormous man-made object that appeared in the night sky. The large artifact gradually approached the Escavaron. At last, everyone was able to see its full shape.

“That’s…the Holy Ship Esperanza!?”

Ash couldn’t help but shout. As if in response to Ash’s voice, a small figure vigorously waved a staff on the Esperanza’s deck.

“Ash-oniichan!”

“That’s Raquel! Did you also send a letter to Raquel?”

Ash turned and asked Rebecca.

“No, I only informed Oscar…”

Rebecca tilted her head and responded, while Mirabel revealed a smile beside her.

“It was I who sent an invitation letter to Raquel. I thought that girl would be rather happy about it.”

During the time that Mirabel studied at St. Law University in the Holy Espada Agency, she also taught Raquel swordsmanship, which was why Raquel still called Mirabel ‘sensei’. Perhaps the relationship between them was deeper than Ash had initially imagined.

“The night is just getting started now!”

When Jessica shouted that in high spirits, cheers erupted from everyone else.

===Part 9===

After the Holy Ship Esperanza docked next to the Escavaron, Raquel stepped onto the deck of the Escavaron, accompanied by Cardinal Penelope.

“Ash-oniichan! Happy birthday!”

She ran like a small animal and rushed into Ash’s arms. Her right eye was blue like a sapphire and her left eye was green like an emerald — her round and large heterochromatic eyes glowed with delight.

“Thank you, Raquel.”

When she acted with such innocence and purity, there was no discomfort at all, and there was actually a sense of warmth. However—

“Hmph. Long time no see, Ash Blake. You’re starting to look more like a knight, but isn’t it about time that you let go of Her Eminence?”

Penelope flatly stated with a cold expression.

“Haha…it’s been a while indeed, Cardinal Penelope.”

Ash broke into a cold sweat as he greeted her. Raquel then finally let go of Ash and simultaneously turned around to Silvia, who had been watching on in surprise.

“Your Highness Silvia, I also wish you a happy birthday.”

“Y-You’re too kind…!”

Silvia edged back.

“It may not be much, but I’ve prepared gifts for the both of you!”

When Raquel announced that with a smile, knights clad in armour marched over in single file. They were the renowned elite troops of the Holy Espada Agency — the Espada Holy Wing Knights. However, the items that they carried were not weapons. One by one, wooden boxes that they had to hug with both hands were brought over.

“Raquel? This is…?”

Ash asked, and Raquel replied with a wide grin across her face.

“It’s a speciality of the Espada region — sparkling wine! I think it’d be very suitable for banquets, so I had it prepared. The wine has already been chilled on the ship, so you can go ahead and enjoy it right now.”

“Thank you, Raquel. It’s just that we’re all underage…”

“That doesn’t matter. Wine is the blood of Saint Rosa Maria — in Espada, wine can be drunk regardless of age. Rather, the laws of the Knight Country are too strict.”

“Haha…perhaps. Since we have your blessing, I’m sure it’ll be fine to have a drink tonight then.”

Ash made a wry smile as Raquel mischievously stuck out her tongue and smiled. At that moment, Linda suddenly tugged on Ash’s sleeve with a displeased expression on her face.

“Hmm, what’s the matter, Linda?”

“Umm, nii-san? I understand that this person is Her Eminence Raquel…but why does she call you ‘onii-chan’? I don’t understand at all.”

Linda had a puzzled expression and looked rather displeased.

“Uh, that’s…”

From the standpoint of the true little sister, perhaps Linda couldn’t accept the fact that Raquel addressed Ash as ‘onii-chan’. Raquel briskly took a step forward.

“Fufu. Ash-oniichan and I have entered into a sibling agreement. Umm, Ash-oniichan? This person is?”

“Uh—”

Linda moved before Ash could come up with an answer. She stood in front of Ash as if to protect him from something.

“Excuse me, Your Eminence Raquel. I am a freshman at Dragonar Academy and my name is Linda Blake. I’m Ash Blake’s blood-related younger sister!”

Linda boldly declared in front of the girl who was only nine years old but was the Pope, nonetheless.

“Eh! Really!?”

Raquel’s eyes widened…

“Then, Linda-san is my old sister! Please look after me, Linda-oneechan!”

Raquel made a sincere smile. She was almost like an angel.

“Huh!?”

Linda appeared puzzled and taken aback by Raquel’s reaction. The hostility that she originally had vanished in an instant.

“—Well then, everyone. Now that everyone is here, let’s raise our glasses with the Espada wine that Raquel has so kindly given us!”

Mirabel announced in an awe-inspiring voice. Cheers immediately resounded from the venue. Once everyone had received a glass of wine…

“Happy seventeenth birthday!”

…A harmonious melody reverberated in all directions.

===Part 10===

Following the climax of the banquet—.

After being dragged around by the others, Ash finally found an opportunity to step aside, so he decided to search for Silvia. He asked Cosette for Silvia’s whereabouts and learned that she had gone to the rear deck on her own. Ash walked through the bridge and followed a long passage which led to the rear deck.

“Hmm?”

Ash suddenly felt a gaze upon him, and so he turned around. However, no one could be seen behind him.

“I’m probably just overthinking it…”

He calmed himself and continued to walk along the passageway. After opening the door at the end, he stepped onto the rear deck. The evening breeze gently brushed against his cheeks. Unlike the front deck, which was the party venue, the rear deck was completely silent. —Silvia gazed up at the stars by herself. Thanks to Cosette, she had been able to change into a gorgeous dress even though she originally arrived at the Escavaron in her uniform. Her figure which was brilliant enough to illuminate the night was like a blue diamond.

“Haa…”

Not noticing Ash’s presence, Silvia heaved a sigh as if something weighed on her mind. She fanned the breeze in front of her with the palm of her hand. It appeared as though she was trying to sober up. Perhaps due to Raquel’s assurance, she accidentally drank too much wine.

“Princess-sama, may I bother you for a moment?”

When Ash called out to her, Silvia turned around.

“Huh, are you drunk as well, Ash?”

Ash’s heart skipped a beat. The slightly intoxicated Silvia was even more enchanting than usual.

“Uh…I’ve actually been looking for you this whole time.”

“Looking for me?”

Silvia widened her eyes and stared at Ash. Ash nervously pulled out a small, slender box from his pocket.

“This is, umm…a present for you. I’d originally planned to give it to you on your birthday, but I think tonight makes for a suitable occasion.”

“A gift for me?”

“Although this may be an inexpensive item to you, would you still accept it?”

“Of course!”

Silvia cried, as if trying to sweep her intoxication away. She then accepted the small box.

“Umm…may I open it?”

“Certainly.”

Ash nodded with a smile, and Silvia carefully untied the ribbon.

“Oh, isn’t this a pendant? It’s beautiful.”

It seemed that Silvia had taken a liking to it at first glance. What Ash chose was a silver pendant with an ice-blue coloured dragon in the centre of a cross.

“By the way, Ash. Umm…if possible, umm…”

Silvia handed the necklace to Ash, turned her back to him, and then gently lifted her waist-length blonde hair with both hands.

“…Can you put it on for me?”

“Princess-sama…!”

Silvia’s bold and the flamboyant display of her white neck and back caused Ash to instinctively hold his breath.

“R-Right…”

Ash answered somewhat nervously and then put his hand around Silvia’s neck. A sweet fragrance reminiscent of flowers teased his nostrils, causing his heartbeat to accelerate.

“…Ah!”

When Ash’s fingers lightly touched Silvia’s nape, her shoulders trembled slightly.

“I’m sorry, Princess-sama!”

“No, don’t worry!”

[[Image:SnRK V11 184.png|thumb]]

After such a process, she finally wore the necklace. As Ash stepped back, Silvia turned around with a bashful smile across her face.

“Mmm, it’s just like I thought. It’s perfect for you.”

The instant that a smile spread across Ash’s face, Silvia made an unexpected move.

“…Ash! My feelings for you are about to overflow!”

She fell straight into Ash’s arms.

“Princess-sama!?”

She had a seductive fragrance and scorching body warmth. Ash felt as though he was embraced by a blue flame. Silvia’s eyes were moist, and she spoke in an imploring manner,

“Please, Ash…”

She gently closed her eyes and raised her chin. Faced with Silvia’s emotions, Ash decided to respond in kind.

===Part 11===

“—No! It’s a lie, right!?”

Having followed quietly behind Ash, Linda froze on the other side of the door. The shock to her was so immense that it almost stole her breath. With a sky full of stars as the background, Ash and Silvia were kissing passionately underneath their visage. She hadn’t expected…that her brother would fall in love with the princess of a nation…!

“Uuh! I’m…so depressed.”

With tears in her eyes, Linda sat down on the spot.

“Happy Birthday! ~A.S.B.1366.04~” is closed.

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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4

2021-09-22T15:09:58Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 4

==Chapter 4 – Aries' Onboard Party==
===Part 1===
—The third day of the month of Aries.

The school orientation season had begun, and the city streets of Ansarivan were bustling with activity. The lively atmosphere also spread into the Academy.

In the afternoon, Silvia was in a certain room on the first floor of Julius Hall sorting out various documents. Given Silvia’s serious nature, she preferred to prioritise her position as the Vice President of the Student Council rather than enjoy what little remained of her spring break. There were five days left before the opening ceremony, and the number of documents that were sent to the Student Council just kept on increasing—

“Geez, why don’t any of the other officers show their faces?”

Silvia frowned as she glanced around the room. The only person sitting in the room was Silvia. Her surroundings were empty, and somewhat lonely even.

“Well, it is still spring break after all.”

Cosette brought her a cup of black tea. The world’s most high-quality tea leaves — the aroma of El Gloriana from Chiron suddenly wafted into the empty room.

“Thank you, Cosette.”

Silvia put her pen down and savoured the black tea. However, her relaxation only lasted for a moment before displeasure resurged once more.

“Even so, Cosette. It may be spring break, but don’t you think that this situation where nobody turns up when no meetings are held is a bit disappointing?”

“Not to worry, Princess-sama. You’ll surely see each other every day once the new school term begins. You and your beloved Ash-sama can express your mutual love as much as you please.”

“Pfft!”

Silvia was so astonished that all the black tea she savoured was spat out. Various important documents were stained by the black tea, but it was not the time to worry about it. After all, she couldn’t pretend not to hear what Cosette had said.

“W-What do you mean by mutual love!? Are you suggesting that I, Silvia Lautreamont, am concerned with such worldly desires…!?”

Silvia retorted as she wiped the edges of her mouth with a handkerchief. Her heart pounded so wildly in her chest that even she felt surprised by the sensation.

“Oh my, really, Princess-sama. Your face is bright red.”

“It’s all because of you17:09, 22 September 2021 (CEST)17:09, 22 September 2021 (CEST)!”

“By the way—”

As if Silvia’s complaint was nothing more than wind passing by her ears, Cosette clapped her hands together.

“I’ve heard that Ash-sama’s younger sister has enrolled in the Academy.”

“It’s so obvious that you’re trying to change the subject — wait, did you say Ash’s little sister!?”

Silvia reflexively stood up.

“Yes. Knowing how diligent Ash-sama is, I believe the reason for his absence from Student Council activities today is because of his younger sister. After all, Ash-sama probably can’t keep his eyes away from her.”

“I see. If that’s the reason, then I suppose it can’t be helped…though, speaking of which…Ash’s little sister…hmm.”

“Ufufu. Are you curious?”

“U-Umm…more or less.”

“After all, she might become your little sister in the future, Princess-sama.”

“Fuwah!? What are you saying!?”

Silvia’s body grew hot all over.

“Ufufu. You’ve always been the youngest one, Princess-sama, so it’ll be your first time being called ‘onee-sama’.”

“Hmm. Onee-sama huh…i-it doesn’t sound too bad…n-no, it hasn’t been decided that I’ll be addressed that way! Stop teasing people so much!”

“You’re so adorable, Princess-sama.”

Although irritated by Cosette’s provocations, Silvia quietly returned to her seat. It was because there was something that she wanted to discuss with Cosette.

“…By the way, Cosette?”

Silvia glanced up at Cosette.

“What’s the matter, Princess-sama?”

“Today should be the third day of the month of Aries, right…?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Didn’t you help me with an investigation last summer during the break? Regarding my past with Ash…”

Cosette slipped into thought for a while, and then finally smiled as she seemed to remember.

“Ufufu, I do recall such a thing now. I carefully investigated the <Orphan Ceremony> that you attended, Princess-sama.”

“Yes, thanks to you, I discovered that Ash was my benefactor back then. However, I actually learnt something else.”

Upon hearing this, Cosette seemed to have picked up on what Silvia’s intentions were.

“Ufufu, you truly are so innocent, Princess-sama. You remembered the birthday of the person that you hold dear.”

Cosette covered her mouth as she attempted to hold back a giggle. Although it wasn’t particularly amusing to Silvia, she decided to bear with it given the importance of the matter.

“T-Then…may I discuss it with you? I’ve been thinking that I’d like to give Ash a birthday present if possible, but I’m not sure what would make him happy…and I have no idea what the boys in our year would prefer…”

“Very well, let us head to the shopping district first. I, Cosette, shall do my utmost to assist you.”

Treating Cosette like a saviour, Silvia grasped her hands and looked up at her.

“I’ll leave it to you then, Cosette. You’re the only one I can count on right now!”

===Part 2===

In the evening.

“Phew…”

Silvia staggered as she finally arrived at the boys’ dormitory, Apollo House. It was because she had expended too much mental energy running around the shopping district. Silvia gazed down at the small box with a ribbon tied around it and nervously whispered,

“…Hey, Cosette. Is this really okay?”

Silvia’s final choice was a tie clip. It was made of silver with the carving of a dragon’s head, and Silvia believed that it would suit Ash. She also asked the metal engraver to write Ash’s initials on it.

“Ufufu, it will be okay. It’s not about what you give, rather, what’s important are the feelings that you put into the gift, Princess-sama. Ash-sama will certainly be able to understand your feelings, Princess-sama.”

“I see…”

Cosette’s words offered Silvia a sense of relief and salvation. Silvia walked into the large entranceway of Apollo House, obtained permission from the dorm supervisor to enter, and then made her way to Ash’s room. The male students who passed by Silvia in the corridor all displayed expressions of surprise as they retreated against the wall. At the same time, they also bowed to her with reverence.

“There was a gap like that between me and Ash a year ago…”

Silvia sorrowfully whispered to herself, just as she arrived at the entrance to Ash’s room. With her hands shaking due to nervousness, she knocked on the door.

[Yes, coming—]

A lovely voice that didn’t belong to Ash answered the door.

“Huh!?”

Silvia frowned. It wasn’t Eco’s voice, and it meant that there was a girl other than Eco currently in Ash’s room. Just as Silvia sank into thought, the door opened,

“Sorry for the wait. Uh…?”

Silvia gasped. A girl with twin tails examined Silvia with suspicion. A delicate and adorable young girl — that was her first impression. She was around twelve years old, which meant she was probably a student in the Junios course. She was wearing an apron and had a soup ladle in her hand. It appeared she was in the midst of cooking. At that moment, what came to Silvia’s mind were the words ‘child wife’.

—W-What is this…!?

Silvia’s thoughts were thrown into disarray because there was a girl younger than Ash cooking in his room. Moreover, the aroma of spices wafted out of the room.

[[Image:SnRK V11 133.png|thumb]]

—Doon.

Silvia was left dumbfounded, and the giftbox in her hand fell to the ground. She had worked so hard to choose a birthday present for Ash today, but he had unexpectedly brought a girl much younger than him to his room and asked her to cook…! Silvia shed tears of regret as she ran off.

“Ash…you idioooooooooottttt!”

===Part 3===

“The hot water was amazing.”

Ash returned to his room with billows of white steam rising from his entire body. The large bathhouse in the new Apollo House had the latest equipment. Because it was so comfortable, he accidentally spent a long time in there. Ash opened the door to his room without much thought—

—Pop!

A harsh sound suddenly rang out, causing Ash to let out a ‘whoa’ in fright.

“Nii-san, happy birthday!”

With a party popper in her hand, Linda had a mischievous smile on her face.

“Birthday?”

Although initially surprised, he eventually understood. Indeed, it was only then that Ash realised it was his birthday.

“Come, come in quickly.”

Linda led Ash by hand into the room.

“This is…!”

While Ash was bathing, all of the furnishings in the room had been reorganised. There were flower decorations everywhere, and even a banner that read ‘Happy Seventeenth Birthday!’ was hung up. It was a small dinner party venue. Set up on the table was a cake and various dishes. It turned out that while Ash was away, Linda decided to show off her cooking skills to make a grand meal.

“Hey, hey…”

An adorable voice came from beside the wall. It seemed Eco didn’t realise Ash had returned and was still working hard to decorate the room. She stretched her arms up high as she tried to stick a floral decoration on the wall. Ash smiled and placed his hand on Eco’s head.

“Hwa!?”

Eco was taken aback and dropped the floral decoration on the floor.

“Geez, don’t scare me!”

“Haha, I’m sorry.”

Ash picked up the floral decoration and stuck it up where Eco had originally wanted to put it.

“I didn’t expect you two to join forces…that really surprised me.”

“I-I was forced to, okay!?”

Eco puffed out her cheeks, folded her arms across her chest and turned her head away.

“Dragon’s don’t have a habit of celebrating their birthdays. More importantly, I don’t even know when my birthday is. But, because Linda wanted to celebrate your birthday no matter what, I…hmph, to start with, let me just say happy birthday.”

“Just as usual, you’re not honest at all.”

Ash made a wry smile while Eco raised her eyebrows in anger. He thought that she’d begin to yell at him, but reality was contrary to his expectations.

“…This is a gift from me.”

Eco removed a pink crystal from her pocket and handed it to Ash.

“Isn’t this a Bright Dragon Crystal!? Moreover, it’s pink, so this is…Uranus!? Did you make this just for me?”

Ash carefully examined the crystal that was the size of a small stone. It was extremely clear and transparent, something that one would not tire of admiring. Like a gemstone cut by a master craftsman, it exuded a colourful light. It felt constantly warm, as though Eco’s body temperature radiated from it.

“Y-Yeah! You’d better cherish it!”

“Of course. Thank you, Eco. It must have been difficult to make such a beautiful crystal, right?”

“I secretly visited Lucca the other day…and asked her for help.”

Eco’s cheeks turned red, and it looked like steam was about to erupt from her head at any moment.

“Wait. You asked Lucca for help, which means…!”

Ash’s cheeks grew hot. It was because he recalled the first time that Eco produced Uranus with Lucca’s assistance.

“W-What are you imagining!? Watch out or I’ll crush you!”

Eco lifted one foot, and Ash immediately retreated.

“Umm, nii-san?”

Linda inserted herself between the two of them with ingenious timing.

“My present is this birthday cake. If possible, I would’ve liked to give you something that can be kept forever just like Eco-san’s…but I just moved to Ansarivan and don’t have much money…”

“N-No, I’m very happy. Thank you, Linda.”

Ash stroked Linda’s head. Standing in place allowing Ash to touch her head, Linda looked much the same as she did when she was seven years old.

“—Oh my. You seem to be having a good time.”

A charming voice resounded, and a corner of the room was shrouded in a dazzling light as Navi descended. She touched the ground gently, leisurely sat down on the bed’s edge, and then slowly crossed her legs. Perhaps because of tonight’s birthday party, she wore an elegant dress.

“Kya! W-Who are you? Where did you come out from…!?”

Linda clung to Ash’s arm in shock.

“It’s okay, Linda. I should’ve introduced her. Navi is actually one of our companions as well.”

“A companion?”

Linda looked a little relieved, but still hid herself behind Ash.

“Hey, Ash?”

Navi revealed a coquettish smile and extended her hand toward Ash.

“This is my gift. Will you accept it?”

“O-Of course.”

A thick, sweet aroma entered his nostrils, and Ash couldn’t help but feel his heart go aflutter.

“Then, please accept it…”

Navi wrapped her hand around Ash’s neck and instantly pulled him over.

“Uwah!?”

Ash’s vision was occupied by the sight of her large breasts. The next moment, his face was pressed between the deep valleys of her cleavage. The sensation was such that he almost felt like he had kissed them. Surrounded by a soft sensation along with a warm and sweet aroma, Ash felt like he was in heaven. However, he gradually felt short of breath. Those breasts which were the pinnacle of softness completely sealed Ash’s mouth and nostrils.

“Pwah!”

Just a second before he was about to suffocate, Ash managed to escape from Navi’s bosom, sending oxygen into his lungs with all his strength.

“Phew…I thought I was going to die. Was that your present, Navi!?”

“Oh my, is that enough for you already? As long as you want, I can give all of me to you.”

“…!”

Ash couldn’t help but quiver upon hearing such an alluring temptation. Navi looked more gorgeous than she normally did tonight.

[[Image:SnRK V11 141.png|thumb]]

“Hey, Ash? If you keep that look on your face…I’ll crush you, okay?”

“Nii-san? What exactly is your relationship with this woman? I request that you explain it right now.”

Ash only returned to his senses upon feeling the sharp gazes that Eco and Linda directed at him.

“A-Anyway, it might sound a bit strange since it’s my birthday we’re celebrating, but shall we get started? It’ll be a shame if all of the dishes that you cooked get cold.”

Ash took the initiative to sit down at the table.

“Hmph, I guess it can’t be helped…”

“It’s not what I wanted, but it’s certainly reasonable…”

Despite their reluctance, both Eco and Linda obliged with Ash’s request.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, I’ll also join you.”

Navi really seemed to like the bed, so she settled herself there. And so, the small dinner party consisting of just four people began—

“…By the way, I wasn’t expecting it to be Ash’s birthday today. If Linda hadn’t told me, it might’ve passed by. Navi didn’t tell me either.”

While chewing on a mouthful of roast chicken with herbs, Eco directed a glare towards Navi.

“Oh, I’m only the Dragweiss at best — I won’t disclose information unless you or Ash ask me for it.”

“If that’s the case, can you keep your uselessly large breasts away from public view?”

Eco said as she stared at Navi’s chest. Her seemingly soft cleavage could be seen from the neckline of her dress.

“Fufu, that’s a separate matter.”

Navi leisurely sat on the bed, with a mischievous smile floating on her face. Linda thoughtfully carried a plate with a slice of cake over to Navi.

“Umm…Navi-san, please feel free to have some as well.”

“Hehe, I’m not just being polite. It’s because I don’t need to eat — but since you’ve offered, I shall indulge.”

Navi sat up as she took the plate and fork. Under Linda’s watchful gaze, Navi took her first bite.

“Oh my.”

In that instant, it was a rare occasion on which Navi widened her eyes.

“The information transmitted through my sense of taste is rather pleasant. Is this the so-called meaning of ‘delicious’?”

Navi looked genuinely amazed. Seeing Navi like that, Ash couldn’t help but jump in.

“That’s great, it looks like Navi also likes Linda’s cake.”

“Is that so? That’s good then…”

Linda nodded somewhat unnaturally. Perhaps it was because she still didn’t fully understand the existence known as Navi. Ash hoped to himself that they would gradually become familiar with each other.

“…Hey, why did you hide that it was your birthday?”

Eco cast a dissatisfied gaze at Ash, to which he simply smiled.

“N-No, it’s not like I deliberately tried to conceal it, you see? It’s because I don’t usually pay attention to birthdays, and it was never really a topic of conversation.”

In fact, if Linda hadn’t organised this dinner party, Ash might’ve even forgotten about his birthday.

“Hmm—?”

Yet, Eco gazed at him with suspicion. She then said something that completely defied Ash’s expectations.

“Silvia seems to be very clear on it though.”

“Kuh!”

Ash violently coughed as he accidentally choked on some mashed potato.

“Are you okay, nii-san!?”

Linda hurriedly slapped him on the back, and Ash finally regained his breath.

“Umm, nii-san? Please wait a moment.”

Linda left the table and walked over to a cabinet by the door. When she returned to the dining table, she brought with her a small box that was tied with a ribbon.

“This is…the gift that Princess Silvia personally came to deliver while you were in the bath.”

“Huh!? Princess-sama was here?”

“Yes, I answered the door…and perhaps the situation was a bit uncomfortable. As soon as she saw me in an apron, she yelled [Ash…you idioooooooooottttt!] and then ran off. She seemed to have misunderstood something…”

What went through Silvia’s head was already self-explanatory.

“The next time I see Princess-sama, I’ll introduce you to her…but, did you recognise that it was the princess straight away, Linda?”

“No. After the princess ran away, a maid calling herself Cosette showed up…it’s thanks to her that I found out.”

“I see, and so you introduced yourself to Cosette-san?”

“Of course.”

Upon hearing Linda’s response, Ash felt a sense of relief. Silvia should’ve heard Cosette’s explanation by now, thus resolving the misunderstanding.

“By the way, nii-san?”

Ash’s relief was only momentary as Linda leaned over and narrowed her eyes at him.

“Even if Her Highness Silvia mistakenly believed that I was your lover — was it necessary for her to run back whilst crying?”

“Uh, umm!”

Ash tried to keep a straight face. It was only natural that Linda found it strange. If Silvia was just an ordinary friend, there would be nothing to be surprised about even if there were girls other than Eco in his room.

“…You wouldn’t happen to have a strange relationship with a Princess of the Lautreamont Knight Country, would you?”

“N-No, that’s not possible!”

Ash quickly denied it, but—

“How is that not possible? You two clearly kissed right in front of me.”

Eco interjected as if she could no longer bear to remain silent.

“H-Hey! What are you saying in front of my little sister…!?”

Ash immediately tried to cover Eco’s mouth, but it was already too late.

“Oh…I have many questions.”

Linda whispered softly, as if trying to calm herself down.

“Anyway, before we get too deep into this party…shouldn’t we listen so that you can personally explain how far you and Her Highness Silvia have progressed in your relationship? Do you not agree, Eco-san?”

“Yes, I’d like to hear all about it as well.”

“H-Hey! Since when have you two been on the same side!? Navi, can you help me say something here?”

Backed into a corner, Ash had no choice but to turn to Navi for assistance.

“Ufufu. I’d also be happy to explain all of Ash’s interpersonal relationships, you know?”

It seemed that he had asked the wrong person. Navi normally concealed herself in the Dragon Workshop, but she was able to peer into the human world whenever she pleased.

“H-Hey, don’t I have any privacy…!?”

Ash clutched his head in distress, but Linda nonchalantly handed Navi a pen and a sheet of paper. It seemed that she wanted Navi to draw a relationship diagram.

“Please, can’t we do something more ordinary for fun? Please?”

Ash’s plea went completely unheard, and a long interrogation thus began—.

===Part 4===

—The fifth day of the month of Aries.

Because he had been taking care of Linda, Ash had neglected the activities of the Student Council for some time, so he decided to visit Julius Hall after lunch. Ash walked through the campus grounds which still had traces of winter but were gradually moving into spring. Under the gentle sunlight, his brand-new tie clip shone brilliantly. The new school term had already started. Students came and went across the campus grounds. The petite students who wore somewhat loose-fitting uniforms were certainly freshmen. It was obvious at a glance. I was the same back when I first enrolled…Ash found himself caught in a wave of emotion. As soon as many students caught sight of Ash’s figure—

“Good afternoon, new Student Council President!”

“Thank you for your hard work! I’d also like to join Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights one day!”

“Kyaaaaa! Ash-samaaaaa!”

—Various responses were provoked. Although the third person had a shrill voice much like Jessica’s, it was a female student that he didn’t know.

“Haha…”

Responding with an unaccustomed smile, Ash continued walking forward. He didn’t have a Pal for several years, he was known as ‘The Academy’s Number One Problem Child’, and yet now there were students everywhere who showed respect to him. In all honesty, it made Ash feel a bit uncomfortable. Once the crowd thinned out, Ash naturally said to himself,

“I wonder if things went alright for Linda…?”

Linda had finally moved into the girls’ dormitory, Maeve House, yesterday. It was because she received a notice from the Academic Affairs Office that ‘the delayed internal renovation project has been completed’. Although Linda was quite concerned about Ash’s relationship status — or more precisely, his female relationships, she probably thought about continuing to live in her brother’s room, but such wilful behaviour would not be allowed.

—Try to have more moderation in your life, nii-san!

Leaving such words behind, Linda departed from Apollo House. It’d be nice if she became less dependent on me throughout her upcoming campus life…Ash sincerely prayed.

===Part 5===

Already present in Julius Hall was Silvia, who was hard at work sorting out various documents, while Cosette diligently assisted her from the side.

“Hey, Princess-sama.”

Silvia’s shoulders trembled the instant that Ash greeted her.

“O-Oh, so it’s you, Ash! I-It feels like I haven’t seen you in a while. Geez, as the new Student Council President, you’re a bit too relaxed, don’t you think?”

Silvia’s attitude was the complete opposite of what she verbally expressed, as she looked unbearably nervous. It seemed that she couldn’t even look at Ash directly. Ash easily realised why that was.

“Princess-sama, look.”

Ash walked over to Silvia and showed off his tie. His silver tie clip exuded a dazzling glow. Ash also liked the design of the dragon’s head.

“T-That’s…!”

Silvia stared at the tie clip, stiff as a stone.

“Thank you, Princess-sama. Also, I’m really sorry for apologising so late…I think you should’ve heard by now that I was busy because of my little sister…”

“U-Umm…do you like it?”

Perhaps because she was still too embarrassed, Silvia seemed to avoid making eye contact with Ash. Her gaze remained planted to the floor.

“Of course! It’s a very cool design, and I’m very happy that you selected it just for me. I’ve most certainly received your feelings, Princess-sama!”

“T-That’s great…”

Silvia breathed a sigh of relief as she lay down on the table. It was probably because all of her tension had suddenly been released. Ash couldn’t help but smile as it was the first time that he had seen Silvia in such a weakened state.

“…By the way Ash, isn’t Eco with you?”

Silvia lifted her head and looked around in suspicion. Indeed, it was a rare situation because Ash didn’t bring Eco with him.

“Oh, Eco has been on the Escavaron since yesterday.”

“On the Escavaron? What’s happening there?”

Silvia frowned.

“I heard that Jessica planned a ‘sleepover party’ only for the girls…she came to pick Eco up last night.”

“What did you say!? I never heard about that…”

Silvia dejectedly dropped her shoulders. Seeing the tears that were welling up in her eyes, it seemed she was upset about being excluded.

“W-Whoa, Princess-sama!?”

Ash hurriedly searched for the words to comfort her.

“Your identity is somewhat special after all, so I’m sure Jessica couldn’t help but worry about it, you know? I don’t think anyone would dare to invite the princess of a country to join their ‘sleepover party’…”

“Mmm, I didn’t think that girl would have such worries. Ah…a ‘sleepover party’ huh…! It sounds like such a touching phrase to me given that I had no friends a year ago! If possible, I really hope that they’d let me join them without having any worries…”

Not expecting that Silvia would feel so regretful, Ash couldn’t help but smile.

“I’ll go and tell them ‘Please remember to invite Princess-sama next time’ then.”

“No, that would be too embarrassing…it’d be as if I really wanted to participate.”

“Is that not the case?”

“No, you’re right…”

“Haha. You really aren’t honest.”

Silvia’s expression immediately improved the moment that Ash laughed. She then sternly raised her eyebrows.

“That’s enough chit-chat! Hurry up and get started with your work!”

“G-Got it!”

With Silvia’s urging, Ash quickly got to work. Just as Silvia reviewed the information at hand, her gaze rested on one of the documents. She stared closely at one of the documents as she made a deep hum.

“What’s wrong, Princess-sama?”

“No, this report…it looks a bit odd.”

After receiving the file from Silvia, Ash also began to read through it.

“What…‘a mysterious giant dragon appeared in the forest at night’!? What is this?”

“It’s said that a dragon flies over Fianna Forest every night. According to witness testimonies, local newspapers have reported on it. It’s said that that dragon is even larger than Cú Chulainn and Tristan.”

“If that’s true, then it would be the biggest Maestro in existence.”

“It doesn’t seem to be a Maestro though. It’s said that even under bright moonlight, that dragon’s body is black. If it’s a Maestro, it should have silvery-white fur that glimmers under light.”

“Indeed.”

“More importantly, it’s hard to believe that such a dragon has appeared in the skies above Fianna Forest.”

“If it’s a dragon from Ansarivan, it should be looked after in the Dragon Houses.”

Ash folded his arms and sank into thought. It was possible that the witnesses had mistaken some other unidentified flying object for a dragon. If that was the case, then it all made sense. But, what kind of flying object would be mistaken for a dragon? It was a curious matter.

“Well, sitting here and thinking about it isn’t going to get us anywhere. Let’s hold onto this case until a new eyewitness report appears. After all, we still have a mountain of documents to go over.”

Just as Silvia said, there was a pile of documents stacked as tall as a mountain in front of them. Ash painfully felt how difficult the job of Student Council President was.

===Part 6===

“—It’s going to be sunset soon.”

Cosette stood by the window and whispered with a calm voice.

“…Phew. Let’s stop here for today. In any case, is this new organisation of the Student Council okay? No one comes if there aren’t any meetings. It’s a bit lonely.”

Silvia complained, to which Ash scratched his head.

“Uh, that might be…because I’m not as popular as Rebecca-san?”

“That’s not the issue! You put her up on too much of a pedestal. However, it’s true that you’re not as awe-inspiring as her.”

“I see, awe-inspiring huh…certainly, that isn’t quite like me.”

Ash made a wry smile as he looked up at the ceiling.

“Having said that, you also have your own strengths.”

“Huh?”

“I-I see…every side of you.”

After saying that much, Silvia blushed and turned her back to him.

“Ufufu. That’s good to hear, Princess-sama.”

Cosette joked with a giggle.

“Ugh, why do you always have to say unnecessary things!?”

Just as Silvia was embarrassed to the point that she wanted to leave—

“Oooooohhhhh!”

A Maestro landed on the school grounds in front of Julius Hall.

“Hey, isn’t that Lancelot!?”

Silvia exclaimed in surprise. Its silvery-white fur shimmered under the sunset outside, and it was most certainly Lancelot. It had grown remarkably recently, and its physique had also grown larger. If it continued to grow, it would eventually become comparable in size to Cú Chulainn and Tristan. However, it was something of a mystery that it had come here since its master didn’t call for it. Last year was truly a disaster. There were incidents with Mordred, Cassandra and the pharmacist Kiira who had likely escaped — a bundle of loose ends had piled up. In contrast to the thoughts that weighed on Ash’s mind, Silvia and Lancelot’s exchange was rather leisurely.

“What’s wrong, Lancelot?”

Silvia leaned out the window and stroked Lancelot’s fur.

“Guu…”

Lancelot seemed to comfortably enjoy Silvia’s caresses.

—Am I just overthinking things?

Ash heaved a sigh of relief as he stroked his chest. Seeing Lancelot’s calm demeanour, it probably wasn’t an emergency.

“Hm? You want me to ride on you?”

Silvia tilted her head in bewilderment.

“Uoooh!”

Lancelot roared majestically, expressing its affirmation. Moreover, it also cast an evocative gaze at Ash.

“Huh? Are you suggesting that we both ride on you?”

Once more, Lancelot roared in affirmation.

“What’s going on here…?”

Despite the doubts that she had, Silvia decided to step out the window frame and jump down. After momentarily floating through the air, she landed on Lancelot’s back. Dressed in her normal uniform, she mounted the saddle. Even the slightest of evening breezes would cause her skirt to lift. Such immoral thoughts caused Ash’s heartrate to accelerate.

“Princess-sama, this is somewhat improper.”

Cosette expressed her opinion as Silvia’s personal maid, to which Silvia unhappily turned away.

“It can’t be helped! It doesn’t feel like an emergency, but Lancelot came all this way just to pick me up, so it must mean that something has happened or is about to happen.”

“Yes, what Princess-sama said is right.”

Ash also stepped out the window, jumping and then landing softly on Lancelot’s back.

“I shall accompany you.”

Cosette also jumped out and landed behind Ash.

“Isn’t this what you’d call improper?”

Silvia commented as if in retribution for Cosette’s earlier remark.

“I’m a maid, so it doesn’t matter.”

Cosette dismissively said without a trace of guilt. Ash couldn’t help but smile as he witnessed this interaction between master and servant, but it was only for a moment—

“Excuse me, Ash-sama.”

Cosette suddenly hugged onto Ash’s waist. It was necessary when flying on Lancelot, so there was nothing wrong with it, but…

—This is bad. Cosette-san’s chest is touching me…

Ash felt nervous and restless. Cosette was usually quite modest, but her breasts were just the opposite — soft and full of weight, they strongly expressed themselves.

“Oh my, Ash-sama? Why are you leaning forward? What’s wrong?”

Cosette asked in puzzlement.

“I-It’s nothing!”

Ash was already exhausted just answering like that. Silvia then said to him,

“Hey, what are you dawdling for? Hurry up and hold onto me.”

When Silvia turned around, her expression was rather serious and didn’t show any traces of shyness. As soon as she mounted a dragon’s back, she seemed to switch into a resolute princess knight.

“G-Got it!”

Ash hurriedly grabbed onto Silvia’s waist from behind. In contrast to her ample bosom, her waist was so slender that it seemed fragile. Moreover, her lustrous blonde hair exuded the sweet scent of shampoo. Unaware of the thoughts that traversed through Ash’s mind, Silvia awe-inspiringly declared,

“You can set off at any time, Lancelot!”

===Part 7===

Lancelot flew in a straight line as if piercing through the evening sky.

“Wait, Lancelot!? How high are you planning to go?”

Even Silvia began to feel uneasy, but Lancelot steadily continued to climb. What is Lancelot thinking? Where is it taking us? Ash had no clue either. Like a fish in water, Lancelot comfortably and powerfully flapped its wings. That was the only emotion of Lancelot that was clearly conveyed to Ash.

—Boom!

Lancelot suddenly accelerated into charged into the clouds. As if smashing through a rock, Lancelot penetrated the thick clouds. Finally, their field of vision grew vast and unobstructed all at once. The sky hadn’t fully transformed into night and still appeared blue. A crescent moon as slender as a thread hung in a corner of the sky. Tiny stars also shone faintly. Their view was surrounded by a majestic sea of clouds. And what appeared in front of them was the shadow of a large ship.

“Isn’t that the Escavaron?”

Ash couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Ooooohhh…!”

Lancelot belted out a roar as if to announce its arrival. It then softly landed on the deck of the magical ship Escavaron.

“What on earth is…!?”

Silvia simply froze in place, forgetting even to jump off Lancelot’s back.

“What’s going on?”

Ash looked around the deck, stunned and in disbelief. It was because the Escavaron’s deck had been transformed into grand party venue. Upon a neatly arranged round table was a colourful array of dishes. Dragon crystal lanterns were set up all around the venue, emitting a gorgeous and brilliant luminosity. All of a sudden, grandiose music began to loudly play. At the same time, the dragon crystal lanterns began to produce a vivid spectrum of colours. Surprisingly, a small stage had been set up in a corner of the venue. The music that was being played came from a miniature orchestra. The members of the orchestra included Eco, Rebecca, Lucca, Jessica, Anya, Navi, Raymond, Max and Linda. Moreover, their conductor was Mirabel. The girls were all dressed in lovely dresses, with the exception of Anya — who for some reason was dressed as a cat-eared maid. As for the instrument that each person was responsible for — Linda and Lucca had flutes, Jessica a clarinet, Anya a trumpet, Rebecca a saxophone, Navi a horn, and Eco on percussion. On the other hand, the two boys wore tuxedos and bow ties. They were responsible for bass as Raymond played a trombone while Max played the tuba.

“This song is…”

Ash realised upon listening to the melody that resounded through the night sky. It was the [Birthday Song] that every citizen of the Knight Country was familiar with.

“I see. My birthday was on the third, and I recall that Princess-sama’s birthday is on the seventh, right? Today is the fifth, so it’s right in between both of our birthdays…”

Ash finally understood the purpose of the mysterious party on the ship. It seemed that they had been preparing this for quite some time while both Ash and Silvia were in the dark.

“In other words, the reason why no one visited Julius Hall these past few days is because of this…”

Silvia murmured as if she had also just realised.

“It’s a really heart-warming performance.”

Standing behind Ash, Cosette also appeared quite fascinated.

—Ding! Ding ding ding ding ding!

Suddenly, Ash’s attention homed in on Eco. Although Eco had absolutely no experience with playing any musical instruments, she was skilfully hitting the percussion instruments. It seemed that she had used the excuse of a ‘girls only sleepover party’ so that she could practice playing along with everyone else. The performance finally reached a climax, and the sound of a horn loudly and elegantly resounded. Mirabel then turned around and bowed. The performers followed Mirabel and also gave a graceful salute. Ash, Silvia and Cosette responded with a warm round of applause.

===Part 8===

“Mmm, this roast beef is delicious! Hey Linda, if you don’t take your portion now, it’s going to be gone.”

“Huwa! Geez Eco-san, is it okay for you to eat so much!?”

“Huh? It doesn’t matter. After all, dragons eat five meals a day!”

“Eco-san is certainly a dragon huh…in any case, it really surprised me that they prepared such a grand banquet. In comparison, the birthday party that we organised for nii-san barely amounts to anything…”

“Hey, that’s not the case at all, okay?”

Ash, who had originally been observing the interaction between Eco and Linda, noticed Linda’s sudden depression, and thus he said with a reprimanding tone,

“The dishes and the cake that you made just for me were delicious. More importantly, they conveyed your sincere feelings, so why are you feeling so down?”

“Nii-san…!”

With tears welling up in her eyes, Linda leaned towards Ash. While Ash stroked his little sister’s head, he once again expressed his gratitude to Eco and Linda.

“Eco, Linda, thank you for the wonderful performance. It really surprised me, and I didn’t expect that the two of you were practicing musical instruments in secret.”

“Wasn’t my percussion performance great?”

Eco immediately acted triumphantly.

“Yes, it was very cool.”

In actuality, Eco’s personality was a good fit for the percussion instruments, and she successfully brought the performance to a climax.

“You were great on the flute was well, Linda. I didn’t know you had such talents.”

“It’s not a talent…it’s just a bit of learning here and there. Everyone around me is much more amazing.”

“It can’t be helped. Dragonar Academy has music classes, so everyone has some experience when it comes to brass instruments.”

“I see…I’d also like to take music lessons sooner. Playing the flute seems fun.”

“Before my Pal was born, things were actually pretty idle, so a lot of time could be spent on hobbies.”

“…In other words, since your Pal didn’t exist until your first year in the Senios course, you were idle for the three years of your Junios course?”

“Haha…uh, that’s right.”

Ash could only make a wry smile when faced with his little sister’s sharp accusation.

“By the way, that dress looks good on you.”

“I-Is that so?”

Ash casually complimented her, and Linda gazed down shyly at her own dress in response. She was wearing a knee-length mini-skirt dress which was reminiscent of butterflies flying through a field in spring.

“Did you borrow this from someone?”

“Yes, it’s actually thanks to Cosette-san. When she was helping Eco-san with a dress, she also helped to prepare one for me. Cosette-san is a really nice person.”

Linda said as she stood beside Eco. When they stood beside each other in beautiful dresses, they almost looked like real sisters. However, Ash couldn’t shake a strange feeling.

“No, wait a minute. She helped to prepare outfits for Eco and Linda? In other words, Cosette-san knew about this banquet long in advance…?”

Ash made a wry smile. When Ash was working with Silvia in Julius Hall during the day, Cosette prepared snacks and tea just like usual, and she even acted the same as she normally did. Even when Lancelot came to pick up Ash and Silvia, she still maintained a poker face.

“She’s impossible to figure out, just like usual…”

Just as Ash muttered to himself…

“—Hey, take it away as soon as there’s a free plate! The next dish is still waiting!”

A sharp voice came from behind them. Ash, Eco and Linda looked back in surprise — to find a group of maids dressed in cat ears and cat tails. The waitresses of the student restaurant <La Tene> were busily working in every corner of the venue. Speaking of which, all of the food at tonight’s banquet was done by <La Tene>. The owner of that shrill voice just then was Anya. It seemed she was in charge of the cat-eared maids tonight. The reason why she wore a maid’s outfit during the performance was probably because she was about to get to work. In addition to being a navigator for Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, Anya still continued to work at <La Tene>.

“Anya is such a hard worker.”

Ash couldn’t resist a smile as he whispered to himself. At that moment—

“Hey, Ash! This is bad!”

“There’s a large magical ship approaching us. What should we do?”

Raymond and Max suddenly ran over. Compared to the panicked Raymond, Max maintained a calm demeanour.

“Magical ship!?”

Ash took a small telescope from Max’s hands and then began to search for the mysterious magical ship. At last, the ship’s outline came into the focus of the telescope.

“Seriously…”

Ash murmured to himself. At the least, it was different to any of the magic ships that Ash had seen in the past.

—Boom!

Suddenly, the soundwave of a deafening rumble caused the Escavaron to tremble.

“Is that a cannon attack!?”

Raymond clutched his head in panic and crouched down on the spot.

“Which country does that magic ship belong to?”

Max also froze up because he was overly nervous. Beads of cold sweat formed on Ash’s brow, but in the next instant — a cluster of beautiful patterns were drawn in the night sky, flashing dazzlingly like stars.

“…Fireworks?”

Ash froze in surprise.

“Those are fireworks? It’s my first time seeing them.”

Having just arrived from the countryside, Linda leisurely expressed her thoughts.

“—Whoo. The grand finale is here!”

Accompanied by a mischievous voice, a figure soared right above the Escavaron like a comet. Aiming straight at the deck, the comet violently landed on the ship with a boom. It was a Maestro with an enormous and majestic body. Its head, neck and chest were all decorated with grand golden ornaments, making it seem as if its entire body radiated light. The most distinctive feature of that dragon was the gem embedded in its forehead. Its colour was a black even darker than the shade of night — the Pluto that Ash was familiar with.

“Oscar…no, Oscaia I!”

Upon hearing Ash’s loud call…

“Hmph. Just Oscar is fine. Besides, this is the relationship between us!”

…Oscar raised the hem of her elegant dress with one hand, held the crown on her head with the other, and then briskly jumped onto the deck. After landing on the deck with a thud, she immediately threw herself into Ash’s arms.

“Ash…my dear Ash! How I’ve missed you!”

“Whoa, Oscar!?”

Unable to withstand the force of Oscar’s impact, Ash fell to the ground. Even so, Oscar continued to embrace Ash with not a care in the world. A feminine fragrance that never existed before wafted from her body. Moreover, the sensation of her ample bosom—. Gradually, a crowd began to form around Ash and Oscar. In addition to the officers of the student council, the car-eared maids led by Anya also ran over one after the other, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen of the Chevron Kingdom.

“Wait a minute, you guys! You’re too close!”

Eco’s eyebrows twitched as she yelled out.

“You’re still the same as ever, Eco, so jealous. But I refuse!”

Without hesitation, Oscar pressed her body even closer to Ash.

“It really is you, Oscar. I’m pleased to see you as well. How did you find out about tonight’s party though…?”

It was Rebecca who answered Ash’s question from the sidelines.

“I sent her a letter to let her know in advance. I thought that if it was Oscar, she’d definitely be happy to come.”

“I see…by the way, Oscar! What’s the meaning of that magical ship? When it comes to large magical ships in the Chevron Kingdom, shouldn’t there only be the Claíomh Solais?”

“Oh, you mean that?”

Oscar turned her head and gazed at the large magical ship that had stopped in mid-air and maintained a certain distance from the Escavaron.

“Haha. Did it scare you? It’s the new flagship of the Chevron Kingdom — the Claíomh Solais II! It was originally being built by Uriel in secret, but I took over and completed it. In a way, it’s fortunate that we were able to defeat Uriel before the completion of the second ship.”

“…Indeed.”

After all, if the second ship had been completed sooner, Ash and the others would’ve had to deal with both the first and the second ship at the same time.

“Never mind that for now, Ash. Since I became queen, you never came to visit me in the Kingdom…you’re so cold. On the other hand, I’ve been waiting and looking forward to my first night with you.”

“Wait wait! The subject suddenly jumped too far ahead!”

Ash was stunned and attempted to escape from Oscar. Oscar’s kindness was certainly a joyful matter, but the glares that Ash had begun to receive from Eco and the other girls were pricking at him like needles. Naturally, Oscar must’ve noticed the stares from the other ladies, but paid it no heed at all. She held Ash’s face with her hands and seductively said,

“To tell the truth, those guys in the Kingdom’s government want to promote me as the <Eternal Virginia>.”

“What!?”

“Because a so-called ‘Virginia’ will be the same as Saint Rosa Maria, having a sacred image. In that regard, the captain of the Order of Holy Dragonars also seems to be known as the <Silent Virginia>. Indeed, it seems the men of this world really seem to like ‘virgins’, so it should attract a fair amount of popularity. By the way, the one who proposed this idea was the prime minister, Count Delacroix.”

“Huh…so you have a prime minister.”

Ash was surprised. He’d always thought that, given Oscar’s personality, she was more likely to have an autocratic style of government.

“Even I feel like an inexperienced amateur when it comes to politics. Count Delacroix may be a young, but he is a good person. At present, I want to learn politics from him first.”

“I see. You’re working hard too, Oscar. As the commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, I also need to move forward.”

“It’s okay to move forward, but I hope you don’t forget about me. Although our relationship can no longer be made public, you’ll always be my—”

Oscar’s blue-green eyes became moist, and she unscrupulously brought her lips together with Ash’s. Although a murderous intent was fiercely directed at him from the other ladies, Ash seemed to be locked in place by a spell, unable to move. That was just how breathtaking Oscar was tonight—.

“Graaaa! I was only watching quietly, but you actually went and did that!”

Along with a fierce rebuke, a petite figure rushed out from under the shadow of the Maestro Tristan.

“Whoa!”

In an instant, Oscar was knocked away, left panting for breath in a corner of the deck.

“Geez, you don’t have any awareness when it comes to being a queen!”

The person who unrelentingly performed a roundhouse kick on the queen of a nation wore a black maid outfit. It was a maid with only one eye and dazzling silver hair that was tied into a ponytail. Naturally, Ash was also familiar with this girl.

“Oh, it’s Celes!”

“Hmph, long time no see…Ash.”

The instant that they came face to face, Celes seemed to act shy, and her eye wandered about unsteadily.

“How should I put it…it’s been a while and you seem to have matured?”

Those were the feelings that Ash expressed upon coming face to face with Celes.

“What!? You insect! How can you casually say such frivolous words!? That’s the reason why women keep coming after you, one after another — wait, what is that!?”

Celes was only halfway through her complaints about Ash, but suddenly pointed to the other end of the night sky.

“Huh? What are you so surprised for — what!?”

Following the direction of Celes’ gaze, Ash was also taken aback. It wasn’t just Ash and Celes. Everyone gathered on the deck couldn’t help but feel dumbfounded upon seeing the enormous man-made object that appeared in the night sky. The large artifact gradually approached the Escavaron. At last, everyone was able to see its full shape.

“That’s…the Holy Ship Esperanza!?”

Ash couldn’t help but shout. As if in response to Ash’s voice, a small figure vigorously waved a staff on the Esperanza’s deck.

“Ash-oniichan!”

“That’s Raquel! Did you also send a letter to Raquel?”

Ash turned and asked Rebecca.

“No, I only informed Oscar…”

Rebecca tilted her head and responded, while Mirabel revealed a smile beside her.

“It was I who sent an invitation letter to Raquel. I thought that girl would be rather happy about it.”

During the time that Mirabel studied at St. Law University in the Holy Espada Agency, she also taught Raquel swordsmanship, which was why Raquel still called Mirabel ‘sensei’. Perhaps the relationship between them was deeper than Ash had initially imagined.

“The night is just getting started now!”

When Jessica shouted that in high spirits, cheers erupted from everyone else.

===Part 9===

After the Holy Ship Esperanza docked next to the Escavaron, Raquel stepped onto the deck of the Escavaron, accompanied by Cardinal Penelope.

“Ash-oniichan! Happy birthday!”

She ran like a small animal and rushed into Ash’s arms. Her right eye was blue like a sapphire and her left eye was green like an emerald — her round and large heterochromatic eyes glowed with delight.

“Thank you, Raquel.”

When she acted with such innocence and purity, there was no discomfort at all, and there was actually a sense of warmth. However—

“Hmph. Long time no see, Ash Blake. You’re starting to look more like a knight, but isn’t it about time that you let go of Her Eminence?”

Penelope flatly stated with a cold expression.

“Haha…it’s been a while indeed, Cardinal Penelope.”

Ash broke into a cold sweat as he greeted her. Raquel then finally let go of Ash and simultaneously turned around to Silvia, who had been watching on in surprise.

“Your Highness Silvia, I also wish you a happy birthday.”

“Y-You’re too kind…!”

Silvia edged back.

“It may not be much, but I’ve prepared gifts for the both of you!”

When Raquel announced that with a smile, knights clad in armour marched over in single file. They were the renowned elite troops of the Holy Espada Agency — the Espada Holy Wing Knights. However, the items that they carried were not weapons. One by one, wooden boxes that they had to hug with both hands were brought over.

“Raquel? This is…?”

Ash asked, and Raquel replied with a wide grin across her face.

“It’s a speciality of the Espada region — sparkling wine! I think it’d be very suitable for banquets, so I had it prepared. The wine has already been chilled on the ship, so you can go ahead and enjoy it right now.”

“Thank you, Raquel. It’s just that we’re all underage…”

“That doesn’t matter. Wine is the blood of Saint Rosa Maria — in Espada, wine can be drunk regardless of age. Rather, the laws of the Knight Country are too strict.”

“Haha…perhaps. Since we have your blessing, I’m sure it’ll be fine to have a drink tonight then.”

Ash made a wry smile as Raquel mischievously stuck out her tongue and smiled. At that moment, Linda suddenly tugged on Ash’s sleeve with a displeased expression on her face.

“Hmm, what’s the matter, Linda?”

“Umm, nii-san? I understand that this person is Her Eminence Raquel…but why does she call you ‘onii-chan’? I don’t understand at all.”

Linda had a puzzled expression and looked rather displeased.

“Uh, that’s…”

From the standpoint of the true little sister, perhaps Linda couldn’t accept the fact that Raquel addressed Ash as ‘onii-chan’. Raquel briskly took a step forward.

“Fufu. Ash-oniichan and I have entered into a sibling agreement. Umm, Ash-oniichan? This person is?”

“Uh—”

Linda moved before Ash could come up with an answer. She stood in front of Ash as if to protect him from something.

“Excuse me, Your Eminence Raquel. I am a freshman at Dragonar Academy and my name is Linda Blake. I’m Ash Blake’s blood-related younger sister!”

Linda boldly declared in front of the girl who was only nine years old but was the Pope, nonetheless.

“Eh! Really!?”

Raquel’s eyes widened…

“Then, Linda-san is my old sister! Please look after me, Linda-oneechan!”

Raquel made a sincere smile. She was almost like an angel.

“Huh!?”

Linda appeared puzzled and taken aback by Raquel’s reaction. The hostility that she originally had vanished in an instant.

“—Well then, everyone. Now that everyone is here, let’s raise our glasses with the Espada wine that Raquel has so kindly given us!”

Mirabel announced in an awe-inspiring voice. Cheers immediately resounded from the venue. Once everyone had received a glass of wine…

“Happy seventeenth birthday!”

…A harmonious melody reverberated in all directions.

===Part 10===

Following the climax of the banquet—.

After being dragged around by the others, Ash finally found an opportunity to step aside, so he decided to search for Silvia. He asked Cosette for Silvia’s whereabouts and learned that she had gone to the rear deck on her own. Ash walked through the bridge and followed a long passage which led to the rear deck.

“Hmm?”

Ash suddenly felt a gaze upon him, and so he turned around. However, no one could be seen behind him.

“I’m probably just overthinking it…”

He calmed himself and continued to walk along the passageway. After opening the door at the end, he stepped onto the rear deck. The evening breeze gently brushed against his cheeks. Unlike the front deck, which was the party venue, the rear deck was completely silent. —Silvia gazed up at the stars by herself. Thanks to Cosette, she had been able to change into a gorgeous dress even though she originally arrived at the Escavaron in her uniform. Her figure which was brilliant enough to illuminate the night was like a blue diamond.

“Haa…”

Not noticing Ash’s presence, Silvia heaved a sigh as if something weighed on her mind. She fanned the breeze in front of her with the palm of her hand. It appeared as though she was trying to sober up. Perhaps due to Raquel’s assurance, she accidentally drank too much wine.

“Princess-sama, may I bother you for a moment?”

When Ash called out to her, Silvia turned around.

“Huh, are you drunk as well, Ash?”

Ash’s heart skipped a beat. The slightly intoxicated Silvia was even more enchanting than usual.

“Uh…I’ve actually been looking for you this whole time.”

“Looking for me?”

Silvia widened her eyes and stared at Ash. Ash nervously pulled out a small, slender box from his pocket.

“This is, umm…a present for you. I’d originally planned to give it to you on your birthday, but I think tonight makes for a suitable occasion.”

“A gift for me?”

“Although this may be an inexpensive item to you, would you still accept it?”

“Of course!”

Silvia cried, as if trying to sweep her intoxication away. She then accepted the small box.

“Umm…may I open it?”

“Certainly.”

Ash nodded with a smile, and Silvia carefully untied the ribbon.

“Oh, isn’t this a pendant? It’s beautiful.”

It seemed that Silvia had taken a liking to it at first glance. What Ash chose was a silver pendant with an ice-blue coloured dragon in the centre of a cross.

“By the way, Ash. Umm…if possible, umm…”

Silvia handed the necklace to Ash, turned her back to him, and then gently lifted her waist-length blonde hair with both hands.

“…Can you put it on for me?”

“Princess-sama…!”

Silvia’s bold and the flamboyant display of her white neck and back caused Ash to instinctively hold his breath.

“R-Right…”

Ash answered somewhat nervously and then put his hand around Silvia’s neck. A sweet fragrance reminiscent of flowers teased his nostrils, causing his heartbeat to accelerate.

“…Ah!”

When Ash’s fingers lightly touched Silvia’s nape, her shoulders trembled slightly.

“I’m sorry, Princess-sama!”

“No, don’t worry!”

[[Image:SnRK V11 184.png|thumb]]

After such a process, she finally wore the necklace. As Ash stepped back, Silvia turned around with a bashful smile across her face.

“Mmm, it’s just like I thought. It’s perfect for you.”

The instant that a smile spread across Ash’s face, Silvia made an unexpected move.

“…Ash! My feelings for you are about to overflow!”

She fell straight into Ash’s arms.

“Princess-sama!?”

She had a seductive fragrance and scorching body warmth. Ash felt as though he was embraced by a blue flame. Silvia’s eyes were moist, and she spoke in an imploring manner,

“Please, Ash…”

She gently closed her eyes and raised her chin. Faced with Silvia’s emotions, Ash decided to respond in kind.

===Part 11===

“—No! It’s a lie, right!?”

Having followed quietly behind Ash, Linda froze on the other side of the door. The shock to her was so immense that it almost stole her breath. With a sky full of stars as the background, Ash and Silvia were kissing passionately underneath their visage. She hadn’t expected…that her brother would fall in love with the princess of a nation…!

“Uuh! I’m…so depressed.”

With tears in her eyes, Linda sat down on the spot.

“Happy Birthday! ~A.S.B.1366.04~” is closed.

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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5]]
|-
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</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5

2021-09-22T15:05:28Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 3.5

==Interlude – Linda's <Seikoku>==
—Because she’s Ash’s little sister, I originally wanted to maintain a good relationship with her…but it ended in a disaster.

That night. Eco stared at Linda’s sleeping face indifferently as she reflected on that. It was already half past eleven. Normally, Eco would’ve been asleep by now.

“Su, su…”

However, Eco found it difficult to remain calm because she was sleeping in the same bed as Linda. Though perhaps due to her accumulated stress, Linda fell asleep almost immediately. As for Ash, he was sleeping with a blanket on the floor just like he used to. He exhaled with a regular rhythm, unaware of Eco’s thoughts. The usual Eco would immediately express her displeasure if she encountered something she disliked. But when faced with Linda, her hands seemed to be tied. As soon as she considered her to be Ash’s little sister, she couldn’t help but act polite.

“Mmm~…ngh…”

Suddenly — Linda bit Eco!

“Hwa!?”

Eco exclaimed in surprise and almost rolled off the bed.

“What is this, geez…”

After murmuring so, Eco suddenly frowned.

“…?”

Is she dreaming of something sad?

Linda shed tears.

“…I want to be onii-chan’s bride. I have to…uh…”

Those were the words that came from her cherry-coloured lips.

“Bride!?”

Eco was taken aback. She then recalled the story that Ash had recounted to her earlier.

—Don’t little girls always say that they want to be the bride of their father or brother? It’s nothing unusual, and you might even call it a necessary part of growing up.

—Once they grow up a bit, they’ll completely forget about such things. I’m sure Linda’s already forgotten all about that by now too.

Eco’s lips trembled. If what Ash said was correct, Linda should’ve ‘graduated’ from being in love with her brother a long time ago. However, on further thought, upon learning that Ash and Eco were living together, Linda’s reaction seemed a bit…no, it was definitely not normal. As if to fuel Eco’s speculation, Linda continued to talk in her sleep.

“As long as it’s for onii-chan…I’m willing to do anything…”

Her voice was almost like a whine that carried traces of desolation.

“Onii-chan…don’t…don’t leave me…I don’t want to be alone…if I can’t be with you, I won’t be able to live on…”

In that instant, Linda suddenly moved. She buried her face in Eco’s chest. It was as if she treated Eco as Ash. Perhaps feeling gradually relieved, Linda’s sleeping face became peaceful — her sorrowful sleep talk also ceased.

“…Is this Linda’s true nature?”

Eco murmured to herself as she was filled with an inexplicable sense of crisis. Is Linda’s mature attitude all just a façade? What if her sleep talk just now is her true mature? What if Linda is someone to pay more attention to precisely because she’s Ash’s little sister? Just as Eco felt a sense of terror, Linda suddenly rolled over. As she rolled over, her pyjamas lifted, revealing her adorable belly button. Yet, it was most certainly not her belly button that caught Eco’s attention.

“This is…!”

Imprinted on the area between Linda’s upper and lower abdomen was a pattern that Eco had never seen before. It was an extremely large <Seikoku> that didn’t lose to the one on Ash’s left arm in size. It was fundamentally different from an ordinary <Seikoku>. At the very least, it differed from the family crest of Avalon or Nehalennia. What kind of larva did the Mother Dragon entrust to her? Unfortunately, this question — was no longer one that could be asked of Mother.

“What’s going on here…?”

“Secret of Linda ~A.S.B.1366.03~” is closed.

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3

2021-09-22T15:03:33Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 3

==Chapter 3 – Ash’s Little Sister==
===Part 1===
—The month of Pisces was about to end.

There were no activities for the student council today, so Ash spent a leisurely day in the new Apollo House. In his hand, he held the [Ansarivan Times] that he had borrowed from Max. Rebecca’s interview had been published on the front page. Although Ursula had given her a favourable handicap, she was still considered to be a rising star. The fact that Rebecca had decided not to join the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars had also become a topic of discussion amongst the people. Because Rebecca chose Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, interest in Ash and the others increased around the world.

“Hmm hmm~”

The sound of Eco humming a tune reached his ears. She lay on the bed and she earnestly read a book. Recently, in addition to picture books and fairy tales, Eco had also begun to read novels aimed at young girls such as [Tale of the Dragonar in the Sky]. According to Cosette who had lent her various books, Eco’s reading ability already rivalled that of a first-year student in the Junios course. As expected of a dragon.

“…Wah!”

Eco suddenly exclaimed as her shoulders trembled.

“What is it, Eco!? Did you see some kind of terrifying scene?”

Ash asked as he tilted his head.

“N-No, it’s nothing!”

Eco hurriedly slammed the book shut whilst also attempting to avoid Ash’s gaze. She looked rather flustered and her face was quite red. It was also unusual to see her lying on the bed rubbing her thighs together.

—Could it be that she saw some kind of heart-pounding romantic scene…?

Although Ash had his suspicions, he decided not to press the matter further. He casually opened the cover of his silver pocket watch and noticed that it was already past noon.

“It’s almost time for lunch.”

Eco’s expression brightened as soon as Ash changed the subject.

“Of course! After all, dragons need five meals a day!”

This was one thing that hadn’t changed about Eco since her birth. She swiftly jumped up from the bed and landed on the ground with a thud. Her skirt was lifted by the air and almost flipped up entirely.

“…!”

Ash quickly looked away.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing.”

This time, it was Ash’s turn to become flustered. Just as he was about to walk over to the door…

[I have a letter for Ash Blake-san!]

Accompanied by a brisk knock on the door, the postman’s energetic voice arrived from the outside. The sender was Ash’s mother.

“Mother hasn’t sent me any letters for such a long time.”

“Your mother huh…what does it say inside?”

Eco nervously asked. Upon hearing the word ‘mother’, perhaps she thought of the late Mother Dragon.

“Well, I think it’s probably just a simple and routine update.”

Ash said in a low voice so as to put Eco at ease. He then unsealed the envelope.

To my dear Ash,

How are you? Your mother and everyone in the village have been enjoying a leisurely life. Thank you for the monthly living allowance that you send me, it’s a great help to the family. Your mother is truly fortunate to have an incredible son like you.

“What’s the monthly living allowance?”

Eco interrupted, and so Ash replied,

“Thanks to my appointment as a Dragonar, I receive a salary from the Knight Country’s government. I’ve always sent a portion of it to my mother. I hope it makes her life a bit better at least.”

“Oh, that’s amazing.”

Eco looked at Ash in admiration. Ash couldn’t help but feel somewhat embarrassed as it was rare for Eco to give him praise. Incidentally, the Knight Country’s government continued to pay Ash a monthly salary even after he declared the independence of his own country. Likewise, Rebecca, Max and the others who belonged to Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights also continued to receive salaries. From Ash’s point of view, it didn’t feel quite right, but this was a well-intentioned gesture from Paladin Oswald, so Ash decided to accept it with gratitude.

“Alright, I’ll keep going—”

Your mother believes that you’ll definitely be able to join the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. You should aim to become a respected Dragonar. Naturally, you can come back to Alba Village whenever you want. I would love to see your Pal soon.

After reading up to there, Ash paused and sighed.

“…You see, mother doesn’t know anything yet, and I haven’t told her everything myself either.”

Ash’s hometown was a poor village near the border, and it was difficult to receive information from the rest of the world there.

“…She might pass out if she learns about you.”

“Really…”

Ash returned his gaze to the letter again.

What comes next is the main subject. To tell the truth, I’ve kept a secret for the past five years in order to surprise you. Linda will soon be enrolling at Dragonar Academy.

“What!?”

Ash was so shocked and surprised that he almost jumped up on the spot.

“Wait, what’s wrong?”

Eco asked in confusion upon seeing the surprised look on Ash’s face. —Ash and Linda were five years apart. As such, Linda was seven years old when Ash first joined Dragonar Academy. Accepting the <Orphan Ceremony> was a national obligation, so Linda must have also gone into Albion Forest. In other words, during Ash’s first year in Ansarivan, Linda also received a larva from the Mother Dragon. However, since he never received any news from his hometown, Ash had always thought that Linda didn’t make the selection. After all, in recent times, only a very small number of children were able to obtain a larva from the Mother Dragon. The probability of not being chosen was overwhelmingly higher.

“Geez, both mother and Linda, I can’t believe they kept it secret for so long. But, that’s also partly my fault since I never went back home to visit my family…huh!?”

The next instant, Ash frowned as he stared closely at the letter.

Linda’s dragon carriage is scheduled to arrive in Ansarivan at one o’clock in the afternoon on the last day of the month of Pisces.

It was the first time that she would’ve left Alba Village. Although she appeared rather strong, she could get quite lonely on the inside.

You must pick her up at the station in St. Durham Square.

By the time that Ash had read that, he had already dropped the letter.

“Hey! Isn’t today the day that Linda arrives in Ansarivan! You’re a bit too leisurely, mother!”

With a distressed look, Ash grabbed the coat that was hanging on the rack. He tried to put it on as fast as he could, but he ended up a bit stuck.

“Wait a second, are you planning to go by yourself!? I’m coming as well!”

Eco also removed her spring coat from the wardrobe and put it on quickly.

“I’m just going to pick up my little sister, so it’s not going to be any fun at all.”

“B-But…this is my first time…meeting your family, so I’m a bit curious. W-Wouldn’t it be weird if I wasn’t curious?”

Eco lowered her head as she fidgeted. Her adorable appearance caused Ash’s heart to skip a beat. At the same time, he also felt happy that Eco wanted to ‘meet his family’.

“I understand. Come with me then, Eco.”

“Okay!”

Eco’s cheeks were dyed with a rose colour as a wide smile spread across her face.

===Part 2===

The shopping district of Ansarivan was once again lively today. Because it was still the spring break, many tourists were out and about. Various crowds gathered outside shops which sold souvenirs.

“Hey, Ash? What kind of person is your little sister?”

Eco asked just as the entrance to St. Durham Square came into view.

“Well…”

Ash gazed into the distance. To be honest, Ash had almost forgotten about Linda until he received his mother’s letter. In any case, Ash recalled memories from when he still lived in his hometown—

“Hmm, Linda…is wilful and likes to act spoilt. She’ll keep saying ‘I’m going to be onii-chan’s bride!’ all day long so it’s a bit nerve-wracking…”

“Hold on a second!”

“Huh? What’s the matter!?”

Ash couldn’t help but act timid as Eco suddenly stomped on the ground like a dragon.

“Aren’t you and Linda blood-related siblings? What does she mean when it comes to being your bride!?”

Eco raised her eyebrows. All of the bystanders around them were startled by Eco’s fierce attitude and they cast glances at them in surprise. The majority of them probably thought of it as a lovers’ quarrel.

“N-No, don’t take it seriously. Don’t little girls always say that they want to be the bride of their father or brother? It’s nothing unusual, and you might even call it a necessary part of growing up.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Once they grow up a bit, they’ll completely forget about such things. I’m sure Linda’s already forgotten all about that by now too.”

“Phew…that’s a relief. And here I thought the number of rivals had increased again.”

“Huh? Did you say something?”

“I-It’s nothing!”

Eco dismissively replied and then walked forward on her own. Ash chased after Eco, while also reminiscing about his childhood. Thanks to his mother’s letter, the past which he had almost forgotten gradually caused his memories to resurface.

“Now that I recall, it was pretty tough every night. Linda would always capriciously say ‘I want to sleep with onii-chan!’, and then she’d immediately climb into my bed…”

“Climb into your bed!?”

Eco stopped in her tracks once again. Her lips trembled.

“N-No, it happened when we were just kids! Don’t you and I sleep on the same bed as well…?”

“D-Don’t say something so embarrassing!”

Eco’s face suddenly turned red. She covered her cheeks with both hands and jogged forward, almost bumping into other pedestrians several times.

“Hey, wait up!”

Ash hurried after Eco. At last, Ash and Eco arrived in St. Durham Square. The damage that had been inflicted upon it by the Necromancia no longer appeared to exist. The people who came and went through the square had probably forgotten about the incident that happened a year ago. After all, peace was a good thing…

“The dragon carriage hasn’t arrived yet.”

Eco murmured as she looked around the station.

“Yeah…”

Ash flipped his silver pocket watch open and confirmed that it was just after one o’clock in the afternoon, though it was somewhat common for dragon carriages to be late. Perhaps one could even say that it was fortunately late today…

“Let’s wait here for a while, it should be here shortly.”

Ash and Eco stood beside each other in front of the station as they waited for the carriage’s arrival. All of a sudden, Linda’s figure flickered through Ash’s mind. The last time that they saw each other was when Linda was seven years old. Since then, five years had already gone by…so how had Linda grown up? On top of his anticipation, Ash also felt a little uneasy. Ash had hardly thought about his little sister over the past five years. Even when the academy had extended breaks, he found a bunch of reasons to avoid going back home. Knowing Linda’s personality, it wouldn’t be surprising if she was mad at him. His mother’s letter didn’t mention anything in particular either, so that possibly aroused more suspicion. In actuality, what was Linda thinking?

“Uoooooohhh…!”

A large dragon carriage pulled along by two Asias slowly waltzed into the square. The two elderly people who were in charge of the carriage clearly appeared to be the owners of the Asias. The loud roar was meant to attract the attention of nearby pedestrians — that is, in place of a horn. The crest of Dragonar Academy was emblazoned on the side of the majestic passenger compartment.

“Is that the carriage?”

“Yes, it should be.”

It was a large dragon carriage used for the express purpose of escorting the freshmen of Dragonar Academy to Ansarivan. It could be regarded as a special sight within Ansarivan during this season. Ash had also taken such a carriage when he first arrived in Ansarivan. At that moment…

“Guuuuu…!”

Just after they passed through the entrance of the square, one of the Asias began to riot. For whatever reason, the Asia looked extraordinarily excited.

“Whoa!”

In an instant, one of the drivers was mercilessly thrown off.

“Wait, what’s going on!?”

Eco cried.

“It might be some kind of illness.”

Ash calmly observed the restless Asia. It was an old dragon, so it was possible that it was suffering from an illness.

“In any case, we have to figure something out before anyone gets hurt!”

“Wait! Are you planning to approach an irrational Asia just like that!?”

“Don’t worry, Eco. I’m [The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon] after all.”

Ash directed a smile at Eco to put her at ease before rushing over towards the dragon carriage. If this continued, the carriage would likely flip. If that happened, the passengers were sure to have serious injuries.

—I just have to ride that Asia and get it to calm down!

Ash was filled with confidence. After all, he had much experience in this area due to riding various dragons over the past year.

“—Please leave it to me!”

A lovely voice pierced through the commotion in the square.

“Wha…!?”

Ash couldn’t help but freeze. A petite figure instantly rushed out from the carriage and then leapt up high — she landed right on the saddle of the restless Asia and swiftly pulled on the reins at the same time. Because of her hood, her face couldn’t clearly be seen. However, based on their voice and figure, it was probably a girl in her early teens. That coincided with the age of a freshman. Despite it being spring, she was wearing a hooded jacket which made her particularly conspicuous. She looked like a traveller from the countryside.

“What is that child doing!?”

Ash couldn’t help but feel dumbfounded. The girl seemed to greatly underestimate the dragon race. If this continued, it wouldn’t be surprising if she was thrown onto the ground by the irrational Asia and then chewed or torn to pieces.

“Grrrrr…”

However — the instant that the mysterious girl mounted the Asia, it suddenly bent its knees, let out a weak cry, and then obediently calmed down…its fierce outburst seemed as though it had never happened in the first place.

—Woooo!

Cheers and applause instantly erupted in St. Durham Square.

===Part 3===

“Are you alright? What did you…!?”

Just after the incident finally came to an end and all passengers had safely disembarked the carriage, Ash ran up to the mysterious girl. The girl turned to Ash and stared at him with her hood on. All of a sudden, the girl laughed.

“W-What’s so funny?”

The girl finally lowered her hood.

“Nii-san, long time no see.”

“Linda!? It really is you…!?”

Ash froze in place out of surprise. Linda’s mature smile was far removed from the Linda that remained in Ash’s memories. Not only had she grown much taller, her limbs had also become slender. She hardly looked anything like she did when they grew up together in their hometown. If there was just one thing that remained unchanged, it was probably her hairstyle. Just like she used to, she tied her light brown hair on both the left and right side.

“…………”

Ash carefully examined the girl who stood in front of him. In his memories, Linda was shy and something of a cry-baby. She had to rely on Ash at every turn, which constantly troubled him. For Ash, her most memorable expression was when she puffed out her cheeks. However, the little sister who stood in front of him now was mature even in her speech, making her feel like an entirely different person. With her refined facial features, she’ll probably become quite a beauty in a few years’ time…Ash couldn’t help but think.

“Geez, what are you so surprised about? By the way, nii-san!”

“W-What is it?”

“I heard a lot of interesting rumours from everyone while I was riding in the dragon carriage!”

“What kind of rumours?”

[[Image:SnRK V11 103.png|thumb]]

“Unless there’s someone with the exact same name and surname as you, it seems like you’ve become quite amazing. Commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights — Ash Blake-san?”

Ash was taken aback. Since Linda had come to Ansarivan, he thought that he’d eventually have to explain things to her…but he was surprised that she had already discovered this.

“I’m very worried. Please explain this at once.”

“W-Well, a lot of things happened, so…—wait, let’s not worry about that for now! Why did you ride on that Asia? You might’ve been lucky there, but if you weren’t careful, you could’ve died!”

Ash intended to reprimand her, but unexpectedly…

“Aren’t you mistaken? It knelt down after listening to my orders.”

Linda displayed a relaxed expression.

“What did you say…?”

Ash was momentarily confused. There was immense hidden meaning behind Linda’s words.

“Did you ride that dragon with absolute certainty?”

“Of course. I’m serious.”

“……”

Ash could still remember. It was the first time that he rode a dragon in the Junios course. The dragon that he rode was Lancelot — back then, it was still just a young Strada. At that time, Ash didn’t have his own Pal yet, so he naturally had no experience when it came to riding a dragon. Even so, Ash managed to successfully ride Lancelot. Back then, an unprecedented conviction stood strong in his heart. Could it be that, like Ash, Linda also possessed the same qualities to ride any dragon? All of a sudden, a conversation between him and the Mother Dragon resurfaced in his mind.

—What you mean is…if I didn’t defy you and accepted Lancelot…Eco would’ve become someone else’s Pal?

—That’s right. The person had already been selected. Like you, that person also bears the <Holy Grail>.

Was Lucca the one who was originally meant to receive Eco…Ash had always vaguely thought that. It was because he had seen with his own eyes the talents that Lucca possessed when they trained together in the Ecbald Forest. But, was it really Lucca? Linda was able to tame a violent Asia in the blink of an eye, which was clearly unusual.

“Could it be…”

Could it be that the candidate whom the Mother Dragon originally intended to entrust Eco to was Linda? Beads of cold sweat slid down Ash’s cheeks. No, until I figure out what the <Holy Grail> means, I can’t draw conclusions…Ash reminded himself. Unaware of what was going through Ash’s mind, Linda continued to ask,

“By the way, onii-san? That pretty girl over there…is she your friend?”

Linda cast her gaze behind Ash. Eco stood there politely. This caused Ash to finally return to his senses as he placed his hand on Eco’s shoulder.

“Allow me to introduce you. This is my Pal — her name is Eco.”

“I-It’s nice to meet you.”

Although Eco stuttered out of nervousness, she still gave a proper greeting. She then gently removed the beret on her head.

“Horns…!?”

Linda gasped at the sight of Eco’s round horns. In any case, their first order of business was to explain the situation to Linda…just when Ash thought so—

“You were so incredible just then!”

“We managed to survive thanks to you!”

“How did you get that Asia to obey you!?”

The passengers onboard the dragon carriage — the new students surrounded Linda on all sides. One of the freshmen suddenly focused on Ash.

“Who is this?”

“Umm…he’s my brother.”

In an instant, the atmosphere amongst the crowd seemed to freeze over.

“Huh!? So, you mean that…this person is the Commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knigths, Ash Blake-sama!?”

In the blink of an eye, the freshmen’s interest immediately turned to Ash. Almost all of the people who surrounded Ash were girls.

“I’m sorry! We have urgent business to attend to…hey, Eco, Linda, let’s go!”

Ash simultaneously took both Eco’s and Linda’s hands, and began to run without looking back.

===Part 4===

—In an alley some distance away from St. Durham Square.

“It’s been a long time since I last came to this shop.”

Eco looked up at the signboard of the restaurant named <Dragon Fang Restaurant> as a sense of nostalgia stirred within her. Because they had been going to <La Tene> more often lately, they hadn’t been here in quite a while, but the various meat delicacies offered here were deeply engraved in Eco’s memory.

“The name <Dragon Fang Restaurant> certainly feels like something that belongs in Ansarivan.”

Linda also gazed at the heritage-style building in admiration.

“We won’t draw much attention here, and the food quality is decent too.”

Following Ash’s lead, Eco and Linda walked into the store. The spice-filled air of the restaurant stimulated Eco’s already strong appetite.

“Huh~…”

Linda seemed momentarily surprised by the lively atmosphere of the restaurant, but she immediately recovered and chased after her brother with a serious expression. Eco also endured the sensation of her belly which felt like it would start growling at any moment as she followed behind. Under the waitress’ guidance, Ash’s group sat down at a table for four. As usual, Eco planned to sit next to Ash — but Linda beat her to it. In a surprisingly natural manner, Linda took the seat next to Ash.

“What’s wrong, Eco?”

“N-Nothing…”

I’ll be patient for now…Eco told herself as she sat down in the seat opposite Ash. After all, Linda was one of Ash’s relatives, so she wanted to maintain a good relationship with her if at all possible. It would be wrong to kick up a fuss over a trivial matter like seating. At last, the waitress came over with a smile to take their order.

“—Well, that’s how the situation is.”

After enjoying their meal, Ash explained the main things that had transpired thus far. That went from Eco’s birth, to their struggle against the Dark Dragon King Mordred, Prince Uriel’s conspiracy, the foundation of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, the death of the Mother Dragon, and the coronation of Queen Oscaia I.

“I never would’ve imagined that so many things happened around you, nii-san…”

With so many unbelievable events described, Linda was left dumbstruck and speechless. She seemed to have completely forgotten about the rack of spare ribs that sat before her.

“………………”

Eco looked at the siblings with a feeling of estrangement. She somehow felt as though Linda had stolen her position. Having said that, it was understandable given that the siblings had reunited after not seeing each other for five years.

“To be honest, all of this is a bit far-fetched…so I’m a bit dubious. But everyone was talking about rumours of you in the dragon carriage…so I guess it’s all true, right?”

“Yeah, it is. It can’t be helped if you don’t believe everything straight away. If I was in your position, I’d probably laugh at it in disbelief.”

“It just seems like you’re already so far away, so I’m worried.”

“What are you saying? No matter what happens, we’ll always be family. You can rely on me just like you did back in Alba Village.”

“Thank you, nii-san.”

A smile finally returned to Linda’s face as she picked up her spoon to take a mouthful of the stewed meat.

“Mmm……it’s delicious!”

Linda exclaimed as her eyes widened in surprise.

“Stew is your favourite dish, right? I thought you’d be happy with this.”

“Nii-san, you remembered…!”

Linda’s eyes grew moist. Eco watched the interaction between the siblings and began to notice that something felt amiss. It was because the smile on Ash’s face was one that Eco had never seen before. Perhaps that was the expression of an ‘older brother’. Regrettably, as Eco had no siblings, she found the sensation to be incomprehensible.

—Like I thought, it’s better if I give them some space…

Just as a glum expression surfaced on Eco’s face, Ash and Linda began to chat. They talked about their hometown of Alba Village. They talked about their mother who had raised both of them singlehandedly. They talked about the various villagers such as the village chief. Despite her displeasure, they were all topics that Eco wasn’t familiar with, so she had no way of joining the conversation. Suddenly, Eco felt a chill run down her spine as her entire body trembled.

—What…?

Eco immediately realised that the cause of it was Linda.

“………………”

While Linda listened to Ash, she constantly stared at Eco. Her intense gaze made Eco feel instinctively afraid.

—What’s her motive…?

Eco was puzzled. In actuality, their eyes only met for a brief moment. As if nothing had happened, Linda casually smiled and replied to her brother. Eco was unable to grasp Linda’s true intent, nor was she in the mood to reach for the dessert in front of her.

“Umm, Eco-san?”

Linda suddenly revealed a mature smile and leaned forward.

“W-What is it?”

“It’s all thanks to you that nii-san is here today. Will you continue to protect nii-san as his Pal from here on?”

Linda extended her hand towards Eco.

“N-Naturally…of course I will.”

Although a little frightened by her aura, Eco still took Linda’s hand.

“…!”

In that instant, Eco shuddered.

“What’s wrong, Eco?”

Ash asked in suspicion.

“I-It’s nothing. Shaking hands is just a bit embarrassing…”

Eco quickly eased the atmosphere and let go of Linda’s hand.

—Just then…I’m sure I felt an incredible amount of hostility. Moreover…she really seemed to emphasise the words ‘as his Pal’ in particular…

Eco had absolutely no idea what was going through Linda’s mind.

—Ash’s little sister, Linda Blake.

On the surface, she seemed rather smart and polite. Although Eco didn’t want to admit it, Linda seemed much more mature than herself, and that was an undeniable fact. However, Eco felt as though something was odd about her. For some reason, Eco vaguely felt that daggers were concealed behind Linda’s smile.

—These so-called siblings, they’re so hard to understand…

Eco heaved a deep sigh in her mind. She could hardly even remember what lunch tasted like.

===Part 5===

After leaving the restaurant, Ash and Eco arrived at the school affairs office of Dragonar Academy so that they could assist Linda with completing her enrolment procedures. The freshmen who were new to the Academy City formed a long line at the window. It seemed they would have to wait for a while.

“Shall I accompany you in line?”

Ash asked.

“Huh…that’s a surprise.”

It was a response outside of his expectations.

“Nii-san? I’m not a kid anymore, so I can queue up and complete the enrolment procedures on my own.”

It seemed that she didn’t like being treated like a child. Perhaps she’s already grown to that troublesome phase…Ash thought as he made a wry smile.

“Well, Eco and I will wait for you in the lobby then.”

After watching Linda walk to the end of the line, Ash and Eco went into the lobby. They sat down on an empty sofa and waited for Linda to return.

“………………”

All of a sudden, Ash noticed something. Eco had been rather silent up until now.

—Speaking of which…

During lunch, Ash and Linda had talked enthusiastically about the past, so Eco might’ve felt left out. Only now did Ash think about this.

“Sorry Eco. Was that boring for you?”

Ash asked as he scratched his head.

“N-No…it’s nothing like that. She’s a family member that you haven’t seen for a long time, so don’t worry about me, I’m fine. Besides, I’m the one who insisted on coming along…”

Eco fidgeted as she responded in a voice that could barely be heard.

“Oh, so that’s what you were hung up about. That’s not like you, Eco.”

“How rude! Even I’d care about that!”

Eco turned her face away in anger. It appeared that Eco had returned to being her usual energetic self.

“I’m sorry, I’ll definitely make it up to you.”

Ash made a wry smile as he placed his hand on Eco’s head and stroked her fluffy hair.

“Mmm~…”

Eco scrunched up her neck as if it tingled. Her cheeks became a light shade of red, perhaps out of embarrassment. Ash heaved a sigh of relief in knowing that her mood had recovered for now. At that moment…

“Nii-san, it’s no good!”

Linda ran over, breathing heavily. Simplifying her explanation somewhat — the girls’ Maeve dormitory began to undergo renovations a few days ago in order to accommodate the new freshmen. However, due to a miscalculation by the builders, several rooms were still undergoing renovation works.

“Could it be the room that you just so happened to reserve…?”

Linda nodded upon hearing Ash’s question.

“Yes, they said that my room is still being renovated. But it should be done within a few days…so complaining won’t help. My top priority now is to find a place to stay.”

Linda didn’t seem to be particularly panicked as she calmly analysed the situation.

“I see. I wonder what I can do…”

Ash muttered as he folded his arms. In short, there were two options that came to his mind. The first option was the penthouse of the girls’ dormitory, Epona House — Silvia’s royalty-exclusive room. If Silvia learnt that Linda was Ash’s little sister, she would probably oblige without so much as a word. The second option was the magic ship Escavaron. Once Ash and the others returned to the Academy, there was no shortage of vacant rooms on board the ship. Lately, it felt as though it almost belonged to Mirabel. Ash felt that neither option presented any major problems. The former option meant that Cosette would be present, while the latter meant Eunice, so either sounded just fine. I just have to let Linda pick from one of those two options — just as Ash thought that…Linda suddenly made an unexpected request.

“Can I stay in your room temporarily, nii-san?”

“Huh!? My room?”

“What are you so surprised about? We used to sleep together anyway, and it’s only natural that siblings share the same room, right?”

“Uh, that may be the case…but, if a girl wants to live in the boys’ dormitory, you’d have to get permission first.”

“I’ll go and apply then.”

Linda immediately spun around and walked over to the window of the school affairs office.

===Part 6===

Ash was surprised by the Academy’s straightforward agreement without any questions asked. Perhaps the Academy judged that there were no issues given the clear relationship between them as siblings. A while later, Ash and the others arrived at the new Apollo House. Fortunately, no one was around to see them as they walked through the corridors and up the stairs, so they arrived safely at Ash’s room on the third floor.

“This is my room.”

“So, this is it…it’s more beautiful than I expected.”

Linda whispered in admiration as she put her luggage down by her feet.

“Ah, that’s because it was just built. Would you like some tea?”

She didn’t respond. And that was because Linda turned around and stared at Eco who stood by the door.

“By the way, Eco-san? Don’t you need to return to the Dragon House?”

“Wait…how did things turn out like this!? This is my room too!”

Having acted politely towards Linda up until now, Eco finally reached her limit.

“Huh!? Wait a minute!”

Linda revealed a serious expression as she gazed at Ash with suspicion.

“Umm, nii-san? You wouldn’t happen to be living in this room…together with Eco-san, would you?”

Her expression was gentle, and the corners of her mouth even lifted in a smile as she asked that question. Yet, there was no smile that could be detected in her eyes at all. Her gaze seemed prickly and she directed it piercingly at Ash’s skin. Ash felt a mysterious aura emanating from his little sister. Ever since she was young, she’d always advocated her own opinions and acted wilfully — that behaviour of hers seemed to resurface now.

“Yeah…that’s right. Eco may be a dragon, but as you can see, she’s no different from an ordinary human girl. Moreover, she shouldn’t be living in the Dragon House. That’s why I take care of her in this room.”

“Strictly speaking, I should say that I’m Ash’s master!”

Eco proudly declared as she folded her arms in front of her chest.

“Haha…I haven’t heard that line in a while.”

Ash made a wry smile, and at that moment…

“That won’t do————!”

Having maintained a calm demeanour up until this point, Linda suddenly had an emotional outburst. Linda’s furious attitude made both Ash and Eco back away in unison.

“Nii-san, you’re so shameless! You’re unworthy of being a knight! And what exactly is going on in this room? No matter how you look at it, there’s only one bed. Could it be…that you’re sleeping in the same bed?”

“Uh, yeah…”

Linda blushed as her entire body quivered.

“Wait! Don’t get any weird ideas, alright!? I haven’t done anything wrong!”

“Really?”

Linda narrowed her eyes and took a step towards Ash.

“Can you swear to Saint Rosa Maria that you haven’t laid even a finger on Eco-san?”

“No, if it’s a finger you’re talking about, then…”

Not being very good at lying, Ash couldn’t help but hesitate. Eco also lowered her head shyly as her ears turned red. Linda looked alternately at Ash and Eco, and then clenched her fists in front of her chest.

“I don’t believe it! You’re already a celebrity now, right? You’re the hero who saved the Knight Country and the Kingdom, as well as the Student Council President! Perhaps no one thought it was a problem when you and Eco-san lived together in the past. But from now on, shouldn’t you change your mindset!?”

“U-Uhh, umm…”

“In any case, nii-san, you should lead a student’s regular lifestyle, and Eco-san should act as nii-san’s Pal! It’s fortunate that I’ve come to Ansarivan at this point in time. Starting today, I’ll be monitoring both of you!”

Standing before Linda who pointed her finger at them, both Ash and Eco looked at each other, dumbfounded.

“Linda Blake ~A.S.B.1366.03~” is closed.

<noinclude>
{| style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5|Chapter 3.5]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2

2021-09-22T15:00:16Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 2

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1

2021-09-22T14:55:39Z

Zxzxzx: Add Chapter 1

==Chapter 1 – Ash’s Determination and the New Student Council Organisation==
=== Part 1 ===
—Year 1366 of the A.S.B. calendar, the month of Pisces.

The magic ship Escavaron of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights had already been moored in the Academy City Ansarivan for quite some time.

“Huh…as expected of super-ancient magical engineering technology, it’s quite intriguing.”

Whilst in the cockpit, Mirabel wiped sweat from her forehead as she held a tool in her other hand. She lay prone on the ground under the navigator’s seat. Driven by her insatiable curiosity, she would observe how internal mechanisms worked so long as she found any panel that was seemingly removable. Mirabel had already repeated such a routine here for a while.

Last month, Oscaia I had just ascended to the throne in the neighbouring country. After that, the tumultuous days of the past vanished as if they had all just been a lie, and they enjoyed a smooth, trouble-free period that continued to this day. Mirabel considered this to be an excellent opportunity for her research activities.

“—Princess-sama, excuse me.”

The door was pushed open, and her personal maid Eunice walked in. Mirabel rescinded her status as the Third Princess of the Lautreamont Knight Country in exchange for joining Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights. Yet, Eunice continued to address her as ‘princess-sama’, nonetheless.

“Oh, is it already teatime?”

Mirabel glanced back in surprise. After all, she had only just tasted that black tea at nine o’clock in the morning.

“No, I’m here to deliver letters.”

Eunice said, while presenting a stack of letters at the same time. There were so many that she had to secure them with both hands.

“What is all of that?”

Mirabel frowned as she asked, and in response, Eunice made a wry smile.

“They’re mainly petitions sent by students because they want to join Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights…”

Mirabel was both amazed and proud of the number of letters before her. She understood the thoughts and feelings of the students. After all, Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights had just shown off their incredible aptitude, and they were anchored right next to the Academy. Moreover, including Knight Commander Ash, most of their members were also students. Mirabel had actually foreseen that people would want to join their group. Having said that, she couldn’t simply accept everything with joy.

“We’re really popular, but I still want to avoid accepting too many students if possible. Our foundation as an independent country isn’t solid yet, and the number of people that the Escavaron can accommodate is limited.”

“Indeed.”

“Aside from these petitions, are there any other letters?”

“Yes. We have also received interview requests from media outlets all over the world.”

“Again? They certainly don’t know when to give up…”

As the commander, Ash did his best not to appear in public so as to avoid the spotlight. Nonetheless, given his immense achievements, it was only natural that reporters would come knocking on his door.

“It would be best to politely decline. Our actions are most certainly not for the sake of status or honour. And, perhaps…spies from the Empire might disguise themselves as reporters.”

“That is indeed a possibility. The Empire seems to have been somewhat quiet as of late, but…by the way, Princess-sama?”

Mirabel couldn’t help but feel a bit curious when Eunice suddenly switched to a serious tone.

“It’s about time that you get dressed…”

“Oh, sorry. How forgetful of me.”

Mirabel hadn’t realised until now that she was dressed only in her underwear, which was rather inappropriate. After acquiring her long-awaited holy relic — the magical ship Escavaron, its analysis was just about the only thing that weighed on her mind. Following the same routine this morning, she went straight to the cockpit and didn’t even bother spending the time to get dressed after taking a bath.

“Here, princess-sama. Please put this on.”

With Eunice’s assistance, Mirabel slid her arms into the sleeves of a blouse. It was at that moment when the door suddenly opened…

“Good day, Mirabel-san — uwah!?”

Ash appeared at the doorway.

“—!?”

Mirabel’s face immediately became hot. Eunice was buttoning up her blouse, but she hadn’t put her skirt on yet.

“Nooooooooooo!”

Mirabel made a high-pitched shriek as she crouched down on the spot. She was so embarrassed that her cheeks felt like they were about to burst into flames.

“You mustn’t look, Ash-sama!”

Eunice exerted an impressive amount of strength as she pushed Ash back out through the doorway.

[[Image:SnRK V11 022.png|thumb]]

…A few minutes later.

“I’m sorry…”

Ash made a deep bow and apologised when he was finally allowed to enter the cockpit. In actuality, a clear view of Mirabel’s underwear had already been imprinted in his mind — that included details such as its violet silk material and bright lace decoration.

“…No. It’s my fault for getting dressed in the cockpit.”

Let’s put this matter to rest — Mirabel lightly coughed a few times as if to convey this, and then sat down in the captain’s seat.

“So, what’s the matter today?”

“Well, there’s isn’t actually anything in particular, but…I just felt like talking to you, Mirabel-san.”

“Eh!?”

Mirabel’s cheeks were dyed an even deeper shade of red compared to when she was seen in her underwear. She fidgeted shyly, her thighs rubbed against each other, and she exuded an alluring charm.

“I wanted to talk to you about Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights.”

“About the Knights?”

Mirabel’s expression seemed to indicate a complicated blend of simultaneous relief and disappointment.

“Yes. It’s been a month now since Oscar’s ascension to the throne. I’ve thought about it a lot during this time, but I just can’t see what we should do or what we should be aiming for…”

Ash expressed his feelings in a sincere manner.

“Indeed, we’ve made great progress in the past month. The Chevron Kingdom and Lautreamont Knight Country have signed a treaty of alliance, and Raquel has also officially recognised us as an independent country.”

“Yes. With things going so smoothly, I’m honestly a little scared, but I suppose it’s only natural when reflecting on the achievements of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights.”

“Yes. And in terms of funding, both Paladin Oswald and Oscar have offered their assistance. Thanks to them, the cost of maintenance for the magic ship has fallen — but it feels as if something is still amiss.”

“That’s probably because of the relationship between Mordred and Cassandra-anesama, right? The whereabouts of Kiira Brava Henriksen are still unknown as well.”

“That’s one of the reasons. However, there are still other things that worry me.”

When Ash said that, for some reason, the corners of Mirabel’s mouth formed a smile.

“Mirabel-san?”

“Hey, Ash? Aren’t you forgetting something important?”

At that moment, Mirabel’s demeanour shifted to that of an educator admonishing a student.

“There is no doubt that you are now the Commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, in other words, a head of state. The people praise you as a Nation-Saving Hero…but in reality, you’re still just a student.”

“Yeah, that’s true…”

Mirabel gazed at the puzzled look on Ash’s face and then stood up.

“Your current priority should be your academic studies.”

“Can I really do that?”

Ash gazed back at Mirabel with a slightly anxious expression.

“You’re still a student of this Dragon Riding Academy, and that fact has not changed. I will also continue to serve as this Academy’s headmistress for a while.”

Ash had already heard about this matter. Although Mirabel wanted to quit her post and devote herself to research, both the Knight Country’s government and the students hoped that Mirabel would continue.

“That’s right. How about this?”

Mirabel clapped her hands together in a rarely seen gesture.

“Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights can just inherit the functions of the entire student council.”

“What!?”

Ash couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

“Yes, that would be for the best. After all, most of the current members are also officers of the student council. As the headmistress, I’d like to make it a formal request. Will you accept?”

Mirabel seemed quite pleased with her sudden flash of inspiration, and her expression was rather bright in comparison to Ash’s confused look. Upon seeing Mirabel’s expression, Ash also began to think that it was a good suggestion. Rather than a half-hearted approach where he was neither fully the Commander of the Knights or a student of the Academy, the best option was to fulfil his duties as a student first and foremost. Moreover, as for the future of the Knights, he had time to think about it while continuing his studies.

“Thank you, Mirabel-san. Thanks to you, all of my worries have cleared up!”

Ash stood up on impulse and took Mirabel’s hands. He clasped both of Mirabel’s slender hands with his own.

“16:55, 22 September 2021 (CEST)16:55, 22 September 2021 (CEST)16:55, 22 September 2021 (CEST)16:55, 22 September 2021 (CEST)16:55, 22 September 2021 (CEST)~~!”

Mirabel’s eyes widened as she froze on the spot.

“Huh? Mirabel-san…?”

Ash tilted his head in confusion.

“Umm, Ash-sama? If this continues, it might be a bit too much for princess-sama to handle…”

Eunice said to Ash with a wry smile. At that moment…

“—I know you’re here, Ash!”

When the door was pushed open, Eco unreservedly appeared.

“What are you dawdling for? We have a meeting in Julius Hall soon!”

Silvia followed after her.

“Good morning, Ash-sama.”

A few seconds later, it was Cosette who offered a gentle greeting.

“…Hey, Ash. What the hell are you doing to aneue!?”

Silvia’s expression instantly changed.

“You’re not planning to make a move on Mirabel too, are you?”

Eco’s infuriation seemed to resemble a dragon baring its fangs.

“I-It’s not like that! This is a misunderstanding!”

Ash hurriedly let go of Mirabel’s hands.

“The enemy of women must be dealt with by the hammer of death — that’s my family motto!”

“I’m going to trample you!”

Silvia unleashed her iron fist, while Eco erupted with a heavy kick.

===Part 2===

At eleven o’clock in the morning, in the meeting room of Julius Hall.

“The reason that you’ve all been gathered here today is—”

Rebecca coolly stood up and began to speak.

“I’m going to announce what should have been decided last autumn.”

“Why so formal…what is it?”

Jessica asked with a look of surprise.

“Yes, it’s about the student council’s new organisational structure.”

Those words caused Ash to breathe a sigh of relief. Just as Rebecca said, the student council’s new structure was supposed to have been decided in the autumn of last year. If two or more people wanted to have the same position, it would be put to a vote. However, because the <Schwarz Drachen Panzer> led by Klaus had destroyed many Academy facilities, the students spent a lot of time rebuilding the Academy.

The devastated Apollo House had just been rebuilt, and its inauguration ceremony was only a few days ago. Including Ash and Eco, the male students of the Senios course who originally lived in Apollo House moved back into the dormitory and enjoyed peaceful lives. Along with the completion of the new Apollo House, most of the Academy City had also been reconstructed. As such, it was only natural that Rebecca would bring up the topic of a new organisational structure at this time.

“Even the graduation ceremony for the third years of the Senios course was postponed again following a postponement. I should’ve graduated a long time ago.”

Rebecca smiled as she looked down at her uniform. She then cast her sharp gaze towards Ash.

“Ash.”

“Yes!”

Ash sensed the unusual atmosphere and hurriedly stood up. Rebecca gazed straight at Ash and awe-inspiringly declared,

“I hope that you can take over as the next Student Council President.”

“I’m going to take over as the Student Council President!?”

Ash’s entire body tensed up. He recalled what Rebecca said to him last summer. Back then, Julius Hall had just been unsealed and Ash was cleaning the interior. When it was just him and Rebecca…

—I want you to become the next Student Council President. I’m going to graduate in half a year’s time, so I need to start looking for candidates to be my successor.

Indeed, it had already been more half a year since then. The time for a successor to be determined had finally arrived. The air in the room was filled with tension as everyone focused their attention to Ash. Ash suddenly recalled the events that transpired a year ago. Back then, Eco wasn’t born yet, and he was still regarded as the Academy’s Number One Problem Child. The idea of holding such a position would’ve been a dream as distant as clouds in the sky. Unexpectedly, he had just been nominated as the successor by the current president, Rebecca. The heavy responsibility that came with it caused Ash to tremble. However, he was no longer the same person that he once was. In addition to his irreplaceable partner, Eco, he was also blessed with the support of many friends, such as Silvia. I should be able to do it now — Ash thought to himself. As if everything had been arranged by the hand of fate, Ash naturally answered,

“I humbly accept.”

Following a moment’s silence, Ash was surrounded by a warm round of applause.

===Part 3===

That afternoon.

An impromptu assembly was held in the auditorium, and a grand announcement of the new student council organisation was made.

President: Ash Blake
Vice President: Silvia Lautreamont
Secretary: Lucca Sarlinen
Treasurer: Maximillian Russell
Disciplinary Affairs Officer: Jessica Valentine
General Affairs Officer: Raymond Kirkland
Mascot: Eco

The only member who could be considered as new was Raymond. They had worked together since Ash’s foundation of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, so he was entrusted with general affairs. On the other hand, Jessica’s appointment as the Disciplinary Affairs Officer was a subject of much debate. Because Jessica always coveted Ash’s seed, there were doubts as to whether she could be the Disciplinary Affairs Officer…although some people raised such objections, it was decided because of Jessica’s overwhelming enthusiasm and the fact that there were no other candidates. The impromptu assembly concluded with Mirabel’s declaration.

“I hereby announce — Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights will henceforth be provisionally based in Ansarivan. At the same time, they will carry out activities as members of the Academy’s student council.”

“Prologue of Part III ~A.S.B.1366.03~” is closed.

<noinclude>
{| style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations

2021-09-22T14:50:22Z

Zxzxzx:

==Novel Illustrations==
These are novel illustrations that were included in volume 11.

<gallery>
File:SnRK V11 001.jpg|'''Cover'''
File:SnRK V11 004.jpg
File:SnRK V11 005.jpg|'''Page 5'''
File:SnRK V11 006.jpg|'''Page 6'''
File:SnRK V11 007.jpg|'''Page 7'''
File:SnRK V11 022.png|'''Page 22'''
File:SnRK V11 035.png|'''Page 35'''
File:SnRK V11 053.png|'''Page 53'''
File:SnRK V11 103.png|'''Page 103'''
File:SnRK V11 133.png|'''Page 133'''
File:SnRK V11 141.png|'''Page 141'''
File:SnRK V11 184.png|'''Page 184'''
File:SnRK V11 203.png|'''Page 203'''
File:SnRK V11 213.png|'''Page 213'''
File:SnRK V11 253.png|'''Page 253'''
File:SnRK V11 261.png|'''Page 261'''
</gallery>

<noinclude>
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue

2021-09-22T14:50:15Z

Zxzxzx: Fix link

==Prologue==
The Wise Dragon King Imbolc’s bloodline was split into two, namely, Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Family and Nehalennia’s Dark Dragon King Family. A never-ending war broke out between the two families that repeated itself generation after generation.

—From the ‘Old Testament of the Stella Biblia’.

—Alba Village.

It was a small village on the outskirts of the Lautreamont Knight Country. The villagers mainly relied on forestry and agriculture to make a living. Although their harvests were small and their lives not considered luxurious, the villagers were nonetheless cheerful and lived hardy lives.

On a particular evening just when summer was drawing to a close…

“Heeey, Linda—!”

Ash walked along a path through the woods as he searched for his little sister. Although Linda usually would’ve been home at this time, she had yet to return today. At last, Ash’s field of view widened as he arrived at a plaza that was used as a playground by the children of the village. Unsurprisingly, around five children were there. The sun had already set, but they seemed to be chatting rather enthusiastically. Linda was also among them. Although she was almost obscured by everyone else — her double-braided hair and bright green dress were quite unmistakable.

“…Hmm?”

Ash had originally intended to call out to her loudly, but he suddenly paused. It was because he felt a disturbing aura. On closer inspection, the other children surrounded Linda and questioned her with stern expressions.

“If that’s the case, then why doesn’t Linda-chan’s dad come back?”

The one who sharply asked such a question was a girl who seemed like the leader.

“T-That’s because…uuh…uuuh…”

Linda had already been crying for a while. Linda was only five years old, making her the youngest among her friends. She was definitely a notch smaller compared to everyone around her. Even from afar, Ash could tell that her shoulders were trembling ever so slightly.

—This again…

Ash heaved a sigh. Although the children normally had a cordial relationship, things ended up like this whenever they quarrelled. Ash’s father was a peculiar character, and the impression of ‘a useless guy who abandons his family to travel’ was deeply ingrained in the villagers’ minds. The fact that his father was not originally from Alba Village but was a traveller from the outside world probably played a great role in that.

“It can’t be helped…”

As her older brother, he still intervened in disputes between the girls — he felt that it was a bit immature, but when he saw her crying like that, his pride was of no importance.

“Hey, Linda! It’s dinnertime—!”

Ash shouted in a cheerful voice that was at complete odds with the mood, and he then smiled at the girls. With his warm demeanour, he pretended not to notice the fickle atmosphere surrounding the group. The girls quickly sat down, seemingly surprised by Ash’s attitude.

“All of you should go home as well. When the sun goes down, you’ll be gobbled up by the witch Morrígan!”

Upon hearing Ash’s reference to a cautionary fairy tale, the girls exchanged glances. Finally, they got up one after the other and began making their way home obediently in groups. When the girls disappeared from the end of the forest path, Ash directed his gaze towards Linda.

“Are you okay, Linda?”

The instant that he placed his hand on his little sister’s head—

“Onii-chan—!”

Linda burst into tears and threw herself into Ash’s arms.

“Haha. You’re such a spoilt child, Linda.”

Ash made a wry smile as he gently stroked her head.

“Hey, onii-chan? Why don’t we have papa?”

Linda asked in a soft voice as she sobbed. How many times has she asked this question now…Ash thought to himself as he gazed into the distance. It was a question that he had asked his mother several times as well.

“Well, I wonder why. But Linda has a brother, doesn’t she? I’ll protect you in father’s stead. Is that no good?”

Linda buried her face in Ash’s chest as she shook her head.

“Onii-chan……I love you…”

“I love you too, Linda.”

Ash gently embraced her slender body. She was his only sister.

—That’s right, I have to protect Linda.

Ash made an oath to himself.

“Come on.”

Ash turned around and offered his back to Linda who seemed to have finally stemmed her tears. He then knelt down on one knee.

“Yay! Piggyback!”

Linda cheered as she rushed over to Ash’s back. Her slender arms wrapped around his neck.

“Okay, let’s go home.”

Ash carried Linda on his back and began to walk home. As he walked along the forest path, Linda’s stomach growled.

“Huwah…”

Linda’s pressed her face against Ash’s shoulder in embarrassment. Ash made a wry smile as he turned his head and said,

“By the way, tonight’s dinner is your favourite stew.”

“Huh, stew!?”

Linda gleefully said, and at the same time, her belly growled again.

“It’s you this time, right?”

“No, it’s obviously you.”

“Uuh…”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed now, is there? We’re siblings, right?”

“You’re right…but it’s still a bit embarrassing.”

After that, Linda coyly went silent.

“Hey, onii-chan.”

After a while, she spoke with a somewhat serious tone.

“What is it?”

“I want to be your bride, onii-chan…”

Ash almost laughed out loud, but somehow managed to hold it together. It was because he sensed the serious intent which emanated from behind him. Ash was well aware that siblings could not get married. Having said that, it was a little too soon to break the truth to a five-year-old girl.

“Alright. When you grow up, Linda.”

Ash answered Linda with a hint of loneliness in his voice. By the time that Linda had grown up into a fine young lady, she would probably have forgotten all about this idea of ‘wanting to be her brother’s bride’. Unaware of Ash’s thoughts, Linda gleefully kicked her feet.

“It’s a promise then! You absolutely have to keep your promise!”

“H-Hey, stop moving around so much!”

Ash continued walking in this manner, and the home where his mother was waiting gradually came into view.

“Ash’s Childhood ~A.S.B.1359.08~” is closed.

<noinclude>
{| style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
|-
| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Illustrations]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue

2021-09-22T14:49:07Z

Zxzxzx: Add Prologue

==Prologue==
The Wise Dragon King Imbolc’s bloodline was split into two, namely, Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Family and Nehalennia’s Dark Dragon King Family. A never-ending war broke out between the two families that repeated itself generation after generation.

—From the ‘Old Testament of the Stella Biblia’.

—Alba Village.

It was a small village on the outskirts of the Lautreamont Knight Country. The villagers mainly relied on forestry and agriculture to make a living. Although their harvests were small and their lives not considered luxurious, the villagers were nonetheless cheerful and lived hardy lives.

On a particular evening just when summer was drawing to a close…

“Heeey, Linda—!”

Ash walked along a path through the woods as he searched for his little sister. Although Linda usually would’ve been home at this time, she had yet to return today. At last, Ash’s field of view widened as he arrived at a plaza that was used as a playground by the children of the village. Unsurprisingly, around five children were there. The sun had already set, but they seemed to be chatting rather enthusiastically. Linda was also among them. Although she was almost obscured by everyone else — her double-braided hair and bright green dress were quite unmistakable.

“…Hmm?”

Ash had originally intended to call out to her loudly, but he suddenly paused. It was because he felt a disturbing aura. On closer inspection, the other children surrounded Linda and questioned her with stern expressions.

“If that’s the case, then why doesn’t Linda-chan’s dad come back?”

The one who sharply asked such a question was a girl who seemed like the leader.

“T-That’s because…uuh…uuuh…”

Linda had already been crying for a while. Linda was only five years old, making her the youngest among her friends. She was definitely a notch smaller compared to everyone around her. Even from afar, Ash could tell that her shoulders were trembling ever so slightly.

—This again…

Ash heaved a sigh. Although the children normally had a cordial relationship, things ended up like this whenever they quarrelled. Ash’s father was a peculiar character, and the impression of ‘a useless guy who abandons his family to travel’ was deeply ingrained in the villagers’ minds. The fact that his father was not originally from Alba Village but was a traveller from the outside world probably played a great role in that.

“It can’t be helped…”

As her older brother, he still intervened in disputes between the girls — he felt that it was a bit immature, but when he saw her crying like that, his pride was of no importance.

“Hey, Linda! It’s dinnertime—!”

Ash shouted in a cheerful voice that was at complete odds with the mood, and he then smiled at the girls. With his warm demeanour, he pretended not to notice the fickle atmosphere surrounding the group. The girls quickly sat down, seemingly surprised by Ash’s attitude.

“All of you should go home as well. When the sun goes down, you’ll be gobbled up by the witch Morrígan!”

Upon hearing Ash’s reference to a cautionary fairy tale, the girls exchanged glances. Finally, they got up one after the other and began making their way home obediently in groups. When the girls disappeared from the end of the forest path, Ash directed his gaze towards Linda.

“Are you okay, Linda?”

The instant that he placed his hand on his little sister’s head—

“Onii-chan—!”

Linda burst into tears and threw herself into Ash’s arms.

“Haha. You’re such a spoilt child, Linda.”

Ash made a wry smile as he gently stroked her head.

“Hey, onii-chan? Why don’t we have papa?”

Linda asked in a soft voice as she sobbed. How many times has she asked this question now…Ash thought to himself as he gazed into the distance. It was a question that he had asked his mother several times as well.

“Well, I wonder why. But Linda has a brother, doesn’t she? I’ll protect you in father’s stead. Is that no good?”

Linda buried her face in Ash’s chest as she shook her head.

“Onii-chan……I love you…”

“I love you too, Linda.”

Ash gently embraced her slender body. She was his only sister.

—That’s right, I have to protect Linda.

Ash made an oath to himself.

“Come on.”

Ash turned around and offered his back to Linda who seemed to have finally stemmed her tears. He then knelt down on one knee.

“Yay! Piggyback!”

Linda cheered as she rushed over to Ash’s back. Her slender arms wrapped around his neck.

“Okay, let’s go home.”

Ash carried Linda on his back and began to walk home. As he walked along the forest path, Linda’s stomach growled.

“Huwah…”

Linda’s pressed her face against Ash’s shoulder in embarrassment. Ash made a wry smile as he turned his head and said,

“By the way, tonight’s dinner is your favourite stew.”

“Huh, stew!?”

Linda gleefully said, and at the same time, her belly growled again.

“It’s you this time, right?”

“No, it’s obviously you.”

“Uuh…”

“There’s no need to be embarrassed now, is there? We’re siblings, right?”

“You’re right…but it’s still a bit embarrassing.”

After that, Linda coyly went silent.

“Hey, onii-chan.”

After a while, she spoke with a somewhat serious tone.

“What is it?”

“I want to be your bride, onii-chan…”

Ash almost laughed out loud, but somehow managed to hold it together. It was because he sensed the serious intent which emanated from behind him. Ash was well aware that siblings could not get married. Having said that, it was a little too soon to break the truth to a five-year-old girl.

“Alright. When you grow up, Linda.”

Ash answered Linda with a hint of loneliness in his voice. By the time that Linda had grown up into a fine young lady, she would probably have forgotten all about this idea of ‘wanting to be her brother’s bride’. Unaware of Ash’s thoughts, Linda gleefully kicked her feet.

“It’s a promise then! You absolutely have to keep your promise!”

“H-Hey, stop moving around so much!”

Ash continued walking in this manner, and the home where his mother was waiting gradually came into view.

“Ash’s Childhood ~A.S.B.1359.08~” is closed.

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Illustrations]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
|-
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi

2021-09-22T14:45:38Z

Zxzxzx: V11 Chapter 1 title correction

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 7 cover]]

'''''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi''''' (星刻の竜騎士, lit. ''The Star-Marked {{furigana|Dragon Knight|Dragner}}''), also very well known as '''''Seikoku no Dragner''''', is a Japanese light novel series written by Shiki Mizuchi and illustrated by Kohada Shimesaba. The completed series has 20 volumes and is published by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF%E6%96%87%E5%BA%ABJ MF Bunko J]. In April 2014, an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel, which ended in June 2014.

== Story Synopsis ==
Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy is for boys and girls who had made contracts with dragons. Ash Blake had a Seikoku on his hand, a proof of being a contractor, but he didn't have any dragons for his partner. One day, a dragon within him wakes up from a certain incident. However, the dragon that appeared was different from other dragons. It wasn't in a form of a dragon but had a form of a girl!?

"''You'' are not my master; ''I'm'' the one who is your master," she says.

Courtesy of FairGame

=== Story Arcs ===
{{SNRK:Toggle}}

== Translation ==

=== [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===

'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Names and Terminology Guidelines]]
'''All edited translations are to be in British English.'''

===Appreciation===

'''If you appreciate the efforts of the translators/editors of the Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi Baka-tsuki Project, why don't you thank them in this [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 forum]'''

===Feedback===

'''If you enjoy the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
:*28 March, 2021 - Volume 10 completed
:*4 July, 2020 - Volume 9 completed
:*12 January, 2019 - Volume 8 completed
:*26 March, 2018 - Volume 7 completed
:*26 October, 2016 - Volume 6 completed
:*5 July, 2014 - Volume 5 completed
:*18 April, 2014 - Volume 1 completed
:*27 October, 2013 - Volume 4 completed
:*11 September, 2013 - Volume 3 completed
:*12 May, 2013 - Volume 2 completed

[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Updates|'''Past updates''' can be found here]]

== The ''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi'' series by Shiki Mizuchi ==
{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 1: The Knight of Eco'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Volume 1]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Volume 2]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Volume 3]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Volume 4]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Volume 5]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 1 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Streets of Ansarivan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Necromancia's Attack]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 2 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Silver Knight]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Veronica and Silvia]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 3 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Month of Gemini's Selective Training Camp]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 4 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Knight Princess's proposal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Fontaine City, the capital of the Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Paladin Oswald]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Mordred's tombstone]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ancient palace's abandoned garden]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Masquerade]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Avalon's Imperial Princess]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 5 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Tragedy of Apolo house and Mirabel's decision]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ash's and Silvia's study group]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Navi's visit and practical skill test]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lost memories, Albion Forest]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 2: The Avalon Knight Dragner'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Volume 6]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Volume 7]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Volume 8]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Volume 9]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Volume 10]]
|-
|}

<div class="mw-customtoggle-Arc2 mw-customtoggle-Arc2Close mw-customtoggle-Arc2Open" style="color:blue;background:#cee0f2;cursor:pointer" align="center">click here to expand/collapse</div>
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=== Volume 6 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 6 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Return of Rebecca Randall]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Baron of Sonic]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Return of Anya]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Chevron Royal Family's 'Iron rule']]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Oscar's Deeply Laid Plan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ansarivan's Five Hundred Years Festival]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 7 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 7 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco's Bright Dragon Crystal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ice Blue Princess Vs Elfin Dancer]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Night Before the Finale, The Calm Before the Storm]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Ashley Trapped]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Fight of the Sacred Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Birth of a Demon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uranus and Pluto]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 8 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 8 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 – Bad News and the Return of Veronica]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 – The Dark-Eyed Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 – Peaceful Life and the Sound of Approaching Military Boots]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 – The Academy City’s Underground Labyrinth]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 – Kriemhild’s Song]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 – Attack of the Demonic Dragons]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 – Ash and Eco’s Determination]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 – The Knight Who Drives a Maestro On]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 9 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 9 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Ancient Magic Ship Escavaron]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Nation-Saving Hero]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Academy City Aims for Reconstruction]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Beginning of a New Life, and an Investigation of the Omen]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Celes’ Confession]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Destination, Imperial Capital Arkham]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uriel Strikes Back]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Battlefield~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - Cassandra of Corruption]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Roar~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 10 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 10 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ursula’s Visit]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Lucca’s Past]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Elves’ Great Secret]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Routine Daily Life and the Omen in its Shadow]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Dark Elf’s Revenge]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Calamity of Albion]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Twin-Winged Oratorio]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="7" | <h2>'''Story Arc 3: The Ancient Bloodline'''</h2>
|-
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Volume 11]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12|Volume 12]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13|Volume 13]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14|Volume 14]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15|Volume 15]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16|Volume 16]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17|Volume 17]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 11 ===
[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ash's Determination and the New Student Council Organisation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Graduation Ceremony]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Ash's Little Sister]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5|Chapter 3.5 - Linda's <Seikoku>]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Aries' Onboard Party]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5 - Linda's Miscalculation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Princess of Darkness and the Mechanical Dragon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 12 ===
[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 12 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 13 ===
[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 13 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6.5|Chapter 6.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 14 ===
[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 14 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11.5|Chapter 11.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 15 ===
[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 15 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 13.5|Chapter 13.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 17|Chapter 17 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 18|Chapter 18 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 19|Chapter 19 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 20|Chapter 20 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 21|Chapter 21 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 22|Chapter 22 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 23|Chapter 23 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 16 ===
[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 7|Chapter 7]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 17 ===
[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 17 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Afterword|Afterword]]

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{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="3" | <h2>'''Final Story Arc'''</h2>
|-

| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18|Volume 18]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19|Volume 19]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 20|Volume 20]]
|
|-
|}

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=== Volume 18 ===
[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 18 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 19 ===
[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 19 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 9.5|Chapter 9.5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 20 ===
[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 19|Chapter 19]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 25|Chapter 25]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Afterword|Afterword]]

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==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([http://www.zxzxzx.info/seikoku-no-ryuu-kishi/ Blog])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:Fukukaze|Fukukaze]] (Will give this a go once I've caught up a bit more with the novel.)
*[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]<br />
*[[User:Kenji|Kenji]]

===Editors===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Ayushdeep4|Ayushdeep4]] ([[User talk:Ayushdeep4|talk]])
*[[user:Foggy_glasses|Foggy_glasses]] ([[User talk:Foggy_glasses|talk]])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:ClavelSangrante|ClavelSangrante]] ([[User talk:ClavelSangrante|talk]])
*[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]]
*[[User:Tjobbear|Tjobbear]]
*[[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]]
*[[User:Platypi4E4|Platypi4E4]] ([[User talk:Platypi4E4|talk]])
*[[User:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">Yoyoyo5678</span>]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]])
*[[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]])

== Series Overview ==

:*星刻の竜騎士（ドラグナー） (June 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3420-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 II (September 24, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3508-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 III (January 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3696-9
:*星刻の竜騎士 IV (April 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3895-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 V (July 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3975-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VI (October 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-4271-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 VII (January 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4374-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VIII (April 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4548-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 IX (July 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4645-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 X (October 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4847-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XI (January 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-4960-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 XII (April 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5157-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIII (July 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5246-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIV (November 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-0406-6072-1
:*星刻の竜騎士 XV (April 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-0406-6377-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVI (June 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-066778-2
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVII (November 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-067167-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVIII (March 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067469-8
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIX (July 24, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067715-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 XX (November 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067953-2

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[Category:Shiki Mizuchi]]

[[Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi

2021-04-04T13:04:25Z

Zxzxzx: Update V11 chapter titles

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 7 cover]]

'''''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi''''' (星刻の竜騎士, lit. ''The Star-Marked {{furigana|Dragon Knight|Dragner}}''), also very well known as '''''Seikoku no Dragner''''', is a Japanese light novel series written by Shiki Mizuchi and illustrated by Kohada Shimesaba. The completed series has 20 volumes and is published by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF%E6%96%87%E5%BA%ABJ MF Bunko J]. In April 2014, an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel, which ended in June 2014.

== Story Synopsis ==
Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy is for boys and girls who had made contracts with dragons. Ash Blake had a Seikoku on his hand, a proof of being a contractor, but he didn't have any dragons for his partner. One day, a dragon within him wakes up from a certain incident. However, the dragon that appeared was different from other dragons. It wasn't in a form of a dragon but had a form of a girl!?

"''You'' are not my master; ''I'm'' the one who is your master," she says.

Courtesy of FairGame

=== Story Arcs ===
{{SNRK:Toggle}}

== Translation ==

=== [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===

'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Names and Terminology Guidelines]]
'''All edited translations are to be in British English.'''

===Appreciation===

'''If you appreciate the efforts of the translators/editors of the Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi Baka-tsuki Project, why don't you thank them in this [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 forum]'''

===Feedback===

'''If you enjoy the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
:*28 March, 2021 - Volume 10 completed
:*4 July, 2020 - Volume 9 completed
:*12 January, 2019 - Volume 8 completed
:*26 March, 2018 - Volume 7 completed
:*26 October, 2016 - Volume 6 completed
:*5 July, 2014 - Volume 5 completed
:*18 April, 2014 - Volume 1 completed
:*27 October, 2013 - Volume 4 completed
:*11 September, 2013 - Volume 3 completed
:*12 May, 2013 - Volume 2 completed

[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Updates|'''Past updates''' can be found here]]

== The ''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi'' series by Shiki Mizuchi ==
{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 1: The Knight of Eco'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Volume 1]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Volume 2]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Volume 3]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Volume 4]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Volume 5]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 1 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Streets of Ansarivan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Necromancia's Attack]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 2 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Silver Knight]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Veronica and Silvia]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 3 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Month of Gemini's Selective Training Camp]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 4 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Knight Princess's proposal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Fontaine City, the capital of the Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Paladin Oswald]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Mordred's tombstone]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ancient palace's abandoned garden]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Masquerade]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Avalon's Imperial Princess]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 5 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Tragedy of Apolo house and Mirabel's decision]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ash's and Silvia's study group]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Navi's visit and practical skill test]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lost memories, Albion Forest]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 2: The Avalon Knight Dragner'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Volume 6]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Volume 7]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Volume 8]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Volume 9]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Volume 10]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 6 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 6 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Return of Rebecca Randall]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Baron of Sonic]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Return of Anya]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Chevron Royal Family's 'Iron rule']]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Oscar's Deeply Laid Plan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ansarivan's Five Hundred Years Festival]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 7 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 7 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco's Bright Dragon Crystal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ice Blue Princess Vs Elfin Dancer]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Night Before the Finale, The Calm Before the Storm]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Ashley Trapped]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Fight of the Sacred Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Birth of a Demon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uranus and Pluto]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 8 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 8 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 – Bad News and the Return of Veronica]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 – The Dark-Eyed Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 – Peaceful Life and the Sound of Approaching Military Boots]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 – The Academy City’s Underground Labyrinth]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 – Kriemhild’s Song]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 – Attack of the Demonic Dragons]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 – Ash and Eco’s Determination]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 – The Knight Who Drives a Maestro On]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 9 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 9 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Ancient Magic Ship Escavaron]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Nation-Saving Hero]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Academy City Aims for Reconstruction]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Beginning of a New Life, and an Investigation of the Omen]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Celes’ Confession]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Destination, Imperial Capital Arkham]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uriel Strikes Back]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Battlefield~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - Cassandra of Corruption]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Roar~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 10 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 10 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ursula’s Visit]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Lucca’s Past]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Elves’ Great Secret]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Routine Daily Life and the Omen in its Shadow]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Dark Elf’s Revenge]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Calamity of Albion]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Twin-Winged Oratorio]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="7" | <h2>'''Story Arc 3: The Ancient Bloodline'''</h2>
|-
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Volume 11]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12|Volume 12]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13|Volume 13]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14|Volume 14]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15|Volume 15]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16|Volume 16]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17|Volume 17]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 11 ===
[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ash's Determination and the New Student Council System]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Graduation Ceremony]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Ash's Little Sister]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5|Chapter 3.5 - Linda's <Seikoku>]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Aries' Onboard Party]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5 - Linda's Miscalculation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Princess of Darkness and the Mechanical Dragon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 12 ===
[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 12 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 13 ===
[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 13 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6.5|Chapter 6.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 14 ===
[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 14 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11.5|Chapter 11.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 15 ===
[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 15 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 13.5|Chapter 13.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 17|Chapter 17 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 18|Chapter 18 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 19|Chapter 19 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 20|Chapter 20 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 21|Chapter 21 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 22|Chapter 22 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 23|Chapter 23 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 16 ===
[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 7|Chapter 7]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 17 ===
[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 17 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="3" | <h2>'''Final Story Arc'''</h2>
|-

| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18|Volume 18]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19|Volume 19]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 20|Volume 20]]
|
|-
|}

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=== Volume 18 ===
[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 18 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 19 ===
[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 19 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 9.5|Chapter 9.5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 20 ===
[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 19|Chapter 19]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 25|Chapter 25]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

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</div>

==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([http://www.zxzxzx.info/seikoku-no-ryuu-kishi/ Blog])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:Fukukaze|Fukukaze]] (Will give this a go once I've caught up a bit more with the novel.)
*[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]<br />
*[[User:Kenji|Kenji]]

===Editors===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Ayushdeep4|Ayushdeep4]] ([[User talk:Ayushdeep4|talk]])
*[[user:Foggy_glasses|Foggy_glasses]] ([[User talk:Foggy_glasses|talk]])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:ClavelSangrante|ClavelSangrante]] ([[User talk:ClavelSangrante|talk]])
*[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]]
*[[User:Tjobbear|Tjobbear]]
*[[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]]
*[[User:Platypi4E4|Platypi4E4]] ([[User talk:Platypi4E4|talk]])
*[[User:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">Yoyoyo5678</span>]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]])
*[[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]])

== Series Overview ==

:*星刻の竜騎士（ドラグナー） (June 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3420-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 II (September 24, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3508-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 III (January 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3696-9
:*星刻の竜騎士 IV (April 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3895-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 V (July 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3975-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VI (October 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-4271-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 VII (January 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4374-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VIII (April 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4548-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 IX (July 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4645-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 X (October 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4847-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XI (January 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-4960-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 XII (April 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5157-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIII (July 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5246-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIV (November 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-0406-6072-1
:*星刻の竜騎士 XV (April 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-0406-6377-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVI (June 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-066778-2
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVII (November 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-067167-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVIII (March 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067469-8
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIX (July 24, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067715-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 XX (November 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067953-2

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[Category:Shiki Mizuchi]]

[[Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi

2021-03-27T15:31:46Z

Zxzxzx: V10 update

{{Status|Active}}

[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|300px|thumb|Volume 7 cover]]

'''''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi''''' (星刻の竜騎士, lit. ''The Star-Marked {{furigana|Dragon Knight|Dragner}}''), also very well known as '''''Seikoku no Dragner''''', is a Japanese light novel series written by Shiki Mizuchi and illustrated by Kohada Shimesaba. The completed series has 20 volumes and is published by [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF%E6%96%87%E5%BA%ABJ MF Bunko J]. In April 2014, an anime adaptation began which covered the events of volumes 1-4 of the light novel, which ended in June 2014.

== Story Synopsis ==
Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy is for boys and girls who had made contracts with dragons. Ash Blake had a Seikoku on his hand, a proof of being a contractor, but he didn't have any dragons for his partner. One day, a dragon within him wakes up from a certain incident. However, the dragon that appeared was different from other dragons. It wasn't in a form of a dragon but had a form of a girl!?

"''You'' are not my master; ''I'm'' the one who is your master," she says.

Courtesy of FairGame

=== Story Arcs ===
{{SNRK:Toggle}}

== Translation ==

=== [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|Registration]] ===

'''Translators are asked to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Registration Page|register]] for chapters they want to work on'''

===Format Standards===

'''Every Chapter (after editing) must conform to the general format guidelines.'''
*[[Format_guideline|General Format/Style Guideline]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Names and Terminology Guidelines]]
'''All edited translations are to be in British English.'''

===Appreciation===

'''If you appreciate the efforts of the translators/editors of the Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi Baka-tsuki Project, why don't you thank them in this [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 forum]'''

===Feedback===

'''If you enjoy the series, why don't you tell us in the [http://www.baka-tsuki.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=5484 Feedback thread]'''

== Updates ==
:*28 March, 2021 - Volume 10 completed
:*4 July, 2020 - Volume 9 completed
:*12 January, 2019 - Volume 8 completed
:*26 March, 2018 - Volume 7 completed
:*26 October, 2016 - Volume 6 completed
:*5 July, 2014 - Volume 5 completed
:*18 April, 2014 - Volume 1 completed
:*27 October, 2013 - Volume 4 completed
:*11 September, 2013 - Volume 3 completed
:*12 May, 2013 - Volume 2 completed

[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Updates|'''Past updates''' can be found here]]

== The ''Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi'' series by Shiki Mizuchi ==
{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 1: The Knight of Eco'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Volume 1]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Volume 2]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Volume 3]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Volume 4]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Volume 5]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 1 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco the Dragon Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Streets of Ansarivan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Necromancia's Attack]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 1 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 2 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi v2 p001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Silver Knight]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ironblood Valkyrie]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Veronica and Silvia]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Avdocha the Convicted]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 2 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 3 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V03 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Month of Gemini's Selective Training Camp]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Battle at Willingham Mausoleum]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Afterword|Afterword]]

<br style="clear:both"/>

=== Volume 4 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V04 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Knight Princess's proposal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Fontaine City, the capital of the Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Paladin Oswald]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Beowolf's conspiracy]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Mordred's tombstone]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ancient palace's abandoned garden]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Masquerade]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Avalon's Imperial Princess]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 4 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 5 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK v05 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Tragedy of Apolo house and Mirabel's decision]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ash's and Silvia's study group]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Navi's visit and practical skill test]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Lost memories, Albion Forest]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5 Afterword|Afterword]]

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</div>

{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="5" | <h2>'''Story Arc 2: The Avalon Knight Dragner'''</h2>
|-
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Volume 6]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Volume 7]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Volume 8]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Volume 9]]
| width="20%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Volume 10]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 6 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V06 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 6 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Return of Rebecca Randall]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Baron of Sonic]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Return of Anya]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Chevron Royal Family's 'Iron rule']]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Oscar's Deeply Laid Plan]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Ansarivan's Five Hundred Years Festival]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 6 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 7 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V07 004.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 7 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Eco's Bright Dragon Crystal]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Ice Blue Princess Vs Elfin Dancer]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Night Before the Finale, The Calm Before the Storm]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Ashley Trapped]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - The Fight of the Sacred Knights]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Birth of a Demon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uranus and Pluto]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 7 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 8 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V08 000b.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 8 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 – Bad News and the Return of Veronica]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 – The Dark-Eyed Girl]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 – Peaceful Life and the Sound of Approaching Military Boots]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 – The Academy City’s Underground Labyrinth]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 – Kriemhild’s Song]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 – Attack of the Demonic Dragons]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 – Ash and Eco’s Determination]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 – The Knight Who Drives a Maestro On]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 8 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 9 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V09 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 9 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - The Ancient Magic Ship Escavaron]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - The Nation-Saving Hero]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Academy City Aims for Reconstruction]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Beginning of a New Life, and an Investigation of the Omen]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Celes’ Confession]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - Destination, Imperial Capital Arkham]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - Uriel Strikes Back]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Battlefield~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 - Cassandra of Corruption]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 - The Battle of Hévin-LeCoultre ~Roar~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 10 ([[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10|Full Text]]) ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 003.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 10 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ursula’s Visit]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Lucca’s Past]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - The Elves’ Great Secret]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Routine Daily Life and the Omen in its Shadow]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 - The Dark Elf’s Revenge]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 - The Calamity of Albion]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 - Twin-Winged Oratorio]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword|Afterword]]

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{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="7" | <h2>'''Story Arc 3: The Ancient Bloodline'''</h2>
|-
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Volume 11]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12|Volume 12]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13|Volume 13]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14|Volume 14]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15|Volume 15]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16|Volume 16]]
| width="14%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;" |[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|center|thumb|x150px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17|Volume 17]]
|-
|}

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=== Volume 11 ===
[[Image:Seikoku_No_Dragner_11_001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 - Ash's decision and new Student Council system]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 - Rebecca's graduation ceremony]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 - Ash's little sister]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 3.5|Chapter 3.5 - Linda's "Star Mark"]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 - Aries's party aboard a warship]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 4.5|Chapter 4.5 - Linda's miscalculation]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 - Darkness Princess and mechanical dragon]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 12 ===
[[Image:SnRK V12 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 12 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 12 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 13 ===
[[Image:SnRK V13 002.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 13 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 6.5|Chapter 6.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 13 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 14 ===
[[Image:SnRK V14 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 14 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 10|Chapter 10 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 11.5|Chapter 11.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 12|Chapter 12 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 14 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 15 ===
[[Image:SnRK V15 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 15 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 13.5|Chapter 13.5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 17|Chapter 17 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 18|Chapter 18 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 19|Chapter 19 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 20|Chapter 20 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 21|Chapter 21 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 22|Chapter 22 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Chapter 23|Chapter 23 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 15 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 16 ===
[[Image:SnRK V16 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 1|Chapter 1]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 5|Chapter 5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 6|Chapter 6]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 7|Chapter 7]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 9|Chapter 9]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 16 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 17 ===
[[Image:SnRK V17 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 17 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 17 Afterword|Afterword]]

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{|style="text-align:center; margin: 5px 5px clear:both; font-size:100%; background-color:#cee0f2; width:100%;"
| colspan="3" | <h2>'''Final Story Arc'''</h2>
|-

| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:center;"|[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18|Volume 18]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19|Volume 19]]
| width="33%" style="background:#cee0f2; text-align:left;"|[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|center|thumb|x200px|link=Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 20|Volume 20]]
|
|-
|}

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=== Volume 18 ===
[[Image:SnRK V18 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 18 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Prologue|Prologue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 1|Chapter 1 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 2|Chapter 2 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 3|Chapter 3 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 4|Chapter 4 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 5|Chapter 5 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 6|Chapter 6 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 7|Chapter 7 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 8|Chapter 8 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Chapter 9|Chapter 9 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 18 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 19 ===
[[Image:SnRK V19 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 19 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 9.5|Chapter 9.5]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 10|Chapter 10]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 11|Chapter 11 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 12|Chapter 12]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 13|Chapter 13 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 14|Chapter 14 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 15|Chapter 15 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Chapter 16|Chapter 16 ]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 19 Afterword|Afterword]]

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=== Volume 20 ===
[[Image:SnRK V20 001.jpg|thumb|x200px]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 17|Chapter 17]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 18|Chapter 18]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 19|Chapter 19]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 20|Chapter 20]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 21|Chapter 21]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 22|Chapter 22]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 23|Chapter 23]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 24|Chapter 24]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 25|Chapter 25]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 26|Chapter 26]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Chapter 27|Chapter 27]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
*[[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 20 Afterword|Afterword]]

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==Project Staff==

*Supervisor:
*Project Manager:

===Translators===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Zxzxzx|zxzxzx]] ([http://www.zxzxzx.info/seikoku-no-ryuu-kishi/ Blog])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:Fukukaze|Fukukaze]] (Will give this a go once I've caught up a bit more with the novel.)
*[[User:TJYYEO|TJYYEO]]<br />
*[[User:Kenji|Kenji]]

===Editors===

'''ACTIVE'''
*[[User:Ayushdeep4|Ayushdeep4]] ([[User talk:Ayushdeep4|talk]])
*[[user:Foggy_glasses|Foggy_glasses]] ([[User talk:Foggy_glasses|talk]])

'''INACTIVE'''
*[[User:ClavelSangrante|ClavelSangrante]] ([[User talk:ClavelSangrante|talk]])
*[[User:Alviam099|Alviam099]]
*[[User:Tjobbear|Tjobbear]]
*[[User:JesseAlexander|JesseAlexander]]
*[[User:Platypi4E4|Platypi4E4]] ([[User talk:Platypi4E4|talk]])
*[[User:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">Yoyoyo5678</span>]] ([[User talk:Yoyoyo5678|<span style="color:blue">talk</span>]])
*[[User:Winlex|Winlex]] ([[User talk:Winlex|talk]])

== Series Overview ==

:*星刻の竜騎士（ドラグナー） (June 25, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3420-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 II (September 24, 2010) ISBN 978-4-8401-3508-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 III (January 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3696-9
:*星刻の竜騎士 IV (April 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3895-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 V (July 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-3975-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VI (October 25, 2011) ISBN 978-4-8401-4271-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 VII (January 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4374-5
:*星刻の竜騎士 VIII (April 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4548-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 IX (July 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4645-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 X (October 25, 2012) ISBN 978-4-8401-4847-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XI (January 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-4960-0
:*星刻の竜騎士 XII (April 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5157-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIII (July 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-8401-5246-4
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIV (November 25, 2013) ISBN 978-4-0406-6072-1
:*星刻の竜騎士 XV (April 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-0406-6377-7
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVI (June 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-066778-2
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVII (November 25, 2014) ISBN 978-4-04-067167-3
:*星刻の竜騎士 XVIII (March 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067469-8
:*星刻の竜騎士 XIX (July 24, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067715-6
:*星刻の竜騎士 XX (November 25, 2015) ISBN 978-4-04-067953-2

[[Category:Light novel (English)]]
[[Category:MF Bunko J]]
[[Category:Shiki Mizuchi]]

[[Category:Genre - Comedy]]
[[Category:Genre - Ecchi]]
[[Category:Genre - Fantasy]]
[[Category:Genre - Harem]]
[[Category:Genre - Romance]]

Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10

2021-03-27T15:28:48Z

Zxzxzx: Create full text page

__TOC__

{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi:Volume 10 Novel Illustrations|Novel Illustrations}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Prologue}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue}}
{{:Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword}}

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 9|Volume 9]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 11|Volume 11]]
|-
|}
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword

2021-03-27T15:27:15Z

Zxzxzx: Fix link

==Afterword==
How was [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi X] as the conclusion of the second arc? The number of published volumes has finally reached the double digits. It’s all thanks to the unrelenting support of the readers that this work has become what it is today. I will do my best to create a worthy sequel in order to repay this feeling of gratitude.

I am very pleased that the environment surrounding the [Seikoku] series has grown hotter and hotter. First off, MF Bunko J’s tenth anniversary compilation album [Song J] was released in July. The album contains an image song for [Seikoku] called [Astral Flow]. The vocalist of the song is actually Shimotsuki Haruka-san! I’ve actually been a fan of hers for a long time. When I heard news from my editor that the lead singer would be Shimotsuki-san, I couldn’t help but feel excited. As for the lyrics and arrangement, that was entrusted to a well-known composer of Nico Nico Douga — Vocaloid P Inai Yuu-san. My acquaintance with Inai-san has been of great benefit to me. Incidentally, because one of my hobbies is playing music, I also secretly participated in the song writing process (laughs).

“This is the ultimate comicalisation!” — RAN-sensei’s superb drawing skills as captured in the third volume of the manga will go on sale at the same time as the tenth volume of the novel. Not only does the third volume of the manga perfectly capture the content of the second novel volume, it also includes a short story exclusive to the manga version. RAN-sensei accepted the author’s proposal and adapted it into a one-shot. I look forward to seeing what kind of reaction this will bring, and I also hope to have such an opportunity again. In addition, the serialisation in the monthly Comic Alive magazine has already reached the selective training camp and Lucca’s debut, so don’t miss out on it!

Moreover, a [Seikoku] drama CD has also been produced. In fact, I visited the recording studio at the end of August, and the performance of the impressive voice actor line-up made me thoroughly excited. Until now, I’d always had an uncertain and vague impression of each character’s voice, but I think I’ll have a clear impression of their voices going forward now. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the cast members who came to the recording studio despite their busy schedules, Groove Co., Ltd. as the sound management studio, and everyone from Media Factory’s Video Division.

I’m almost out of space. Editor Shoji-san provided many valuable suggestions while I was drafting this volume. I really appreciate it. I’m deeply grateful to Shimesaba Kohada-sensei. This is the third time that Eco has appeared on the cover, and it’s like I can see Eco’s growth from the first to the fifth and now the tenth volume. As the author, I’m deeply moved. Please continue to support me in the next and subsequent volumes. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the readers who have supported [Seikoku] and me as an author thus far.

Well then, let us meet again next time. The third arc will officially begin with the next volume!

October 2012, Shiki Mizuchi

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword

2021-03-27T15:26:47Z

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==Afterword==
How was [Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi X] as the conclusion of the second arc? The number of published volumes has finally reached the double digits. It’s all thanks to the unrelenting support of the readers that this work has become what it is today. I will do my best to create a worthy sequel in order to repay this feeling of gratitude.

I am very pleased that the environment surrounding the [Seikoku] series has grown hotter and hotter. First off, MF Bunko J’s tenth anniversary compilation album [Song J] was released in July. The album contains an image song for [Seikoku] called [Astral Flow]. The vocalist of the song is actually Shimotsuki Haruka-san! I’ve actually been a fan of hers for a long time. When I heard news from my editor that the lead singer would be Shimotsuki-san, I couldn’t help but feel excited. As for the lyrics and arrangement, that was entrusted to a well-known composer of Nico Nico Douga — Vocaloid P Inai Yuu-san. My acquaintance with Inai-san has been of great benefit to me. Incidentally, because one of my hobbies is playing music, I also secretly participated in the song writing process (laughs).

“This is the ultimate comicalisation!” — RAN-sensei’s superb drawing skills as captured in the third volume of the manga will go on sale at the same time as the tenth volume of the novel. Not only does the third volume of the manga perfectly capture the content of the second novel volume, it also includes a short story exclusive to the manga version. RAN-sensei accepted the author’s proposal and adapted it into a one-shot. I look forward to seeing what kind of reaction this will bring, and I also hope to have such an opportunity again. In addition, the serialisation in the monthly Comic Alive magazine has already reached the selective training camp and Lucca’s debut, so don’t miss out on it!

Moreover, a [Seikoku] drama CD has also been produced. In fact, I visited the recording studio at the end of August, and the performance of the impressive voice actor line-up made me thoroughly excited. Until now, I’d always had an uncertain and vague impression of each character’s voice, but I think I’ll have a clear impression of their voices going forward now. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the cast members who came to the recording studio despite their busy schedules, Groove Co., Ltd. as the sound management studio, and everyone from Media Factory’s Video Division.

I’m almost out of space. Editor Shoji-san provided many valuable suggestions while I was drafting this volume. I really appreciate it. I’m deeply grateful to Shimesaba Kohada-sensei. This is the third time that Eco has appeared on the cover, and it’s like I can see Eco’s growth from the first to the fifth and now the tenth volume. As the author, I’m deeply moved. Please continue to support me in the next and subsequent volumes. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the readers who have supported [Seikoku] and me as an author thus far.

Well then, let us meet again next time. The third arc will officially begin with the next volume!

October 2012, Shiki Mizuchi<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Afterword

2021-03-27T15:26:03Z

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==Afterword==

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue

2021-03-27T15:25:07Z

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==Epilogue==
Afterwards, around two months passed.

—Year 1366 of the A.S.B Calendar, the month of Aquarius. The fifteenth day.

In the northeast of the continent — the Holy Espada Agency was situated on a peninsula commonly known as the ‘Dragon’s Wing’. Not only was the Holy Espada Agency a city-state surrounded by magnificent walls on all sides, it was also the headquarters of the Rosa Maria faith. In this place, the Cathedral of Saint Rosa Maria had gained a reputation for its world-class ceiling frescoes. The main hall of the grand cathedral had a seating capacity of three thousand people, and it was already full at this time. The majority of them were royalty and nobles of the Chevron Kingdom. The adoptive parents of Oscar who gave her the narcotic had been pardoned and sat in the front row. Under Oscar’s orders, former Third Prince Uriel was also allowed to attend. Other royalty and nobility such as Paladin Oswald of the Lautreamont Knight Country, First Princess Veronica, and Fourth Princess Silvia were also invited to attend. As Veronica’s subordinate, Avdocha also attended the gathering. Sitting quietly beside Avdocha as if in embarrassment was a girl with a mask on her face. She was the imperial girl with Pluto for both of her eyes — Kriemhild. Because she was associated with Pluto, Oscar had sent an invitation letter especially for her. In addition, seats were arranged specifically for Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, led by Ash and Eco.

The Pope Racquel IV stood by the altar. Placed upon it was a gleaming golden crown and the magnificent treasured sword Tír na nÓg. A figure walked down a red carpet towards the altar, step by step. She was ranked one hundred and eighth in the royal succession — Oscar Brailsford. She had abandoned her cross-dressing habits for a gorgeous-looking dress. Behind her, responsible for holding the hem of the surprisingly long dress was a figure with a serious expression — Oscar’s personal maid Celes.

During the past two months, Oscar had performed feats of incredible resourcefulness, making her seem like a superhuman capable of being in multiple places at one time. After returning home in a whirlwind on Tristan, she swiftly swept through the Second Prince’s army that had taken the initiative, as well as the allied forces of the Fourth and Fifth Princes. They had broken Racquel IV’s strict ruling and started a civil war before the mourning period for Zacharias III was over. As such, they were undeserving of sympathy. After that, Oscar flew all over the kingdom and successfully extinguished any flames that could lead to war. Upon witnessing Oscar’s outstanding abilities, factions supporting Oscar within the palace also began to appear. Eventually, all citizens of the kingdom expressed their full support for Oscar, and even the media began to praise Oscar’s heroic deeds.

Ash and the others also supported Oscar behind the scenes as Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights. Since they operated covertly from beginning to end, most of the world was unaware of the achievements that Ash and the others had accomplished. However, this was exactly the outcome that Ash and the others desired. After all, the motive of their activities was not the pursuit of fame and status. However, it was also an indisputable fact that Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights had recently attracted the attention of various foreign and domestic media outlets. Personally, Ash’s only desire was for everything to proceed smoothly and peacefully….

On the other hand, the shock caused by the death of the Mother Dragon still lingered. The traditional activity of the Lautreamont Knight Country known as the <Orphan Ceremony> had become a part of history, and the opportunity to cultivate a new generation of dragon Breeders was now forever lost—. The recent extended silence of Second Princess Cassandra and Dark Dragon King Mordred was also worrying. The Second Princess had allowed the Dark Dragon King to live off her body, and her whereabouts were a mystery. Presumably, this was a matter which would continue to simmer in the Knight Country’s court for a long time.

The whereabouts of Kiira Brava Henriksen were also still unknown. According to the Albion Forest Military Order that was put in charge of the search, Kiira had probably survived and escaped from the forest. A dangerous pharmacist with the ability to concoct various drugs remained on the loose…that was another worrying issue.

The list of troubling problems only continued to grow. However, Ash cleared his mind and reminded himself that his current focus was a major moment of Oscar’s life. Eventually, the voice of Racquel IV solemnly resounded through the quiet cathedral.

“Then, Oscar Brailsford shall henceforth be renewed as Oscaia I, and the coronation ceremony will begin—”

“The Avalon Knight Dragner V” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue

2021-03-27T15:24:45Z

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==Epilogue==

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8

2021-03-27T15:23:49Z

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==Chapter 8 – Twin-Winged Oratorio==
=== Part 1 ===
“I am the true descendant of the illustrious Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Family…mine own name is Eco Pendragon Aurora…”

Eco immediately tossed <Avalon’s Bracelet> up into the air as soon as she jumped out of the magical ship. After chanting her lengthy full name, she loudly declared,

“I shall bewray mine own true form here!”

Her petite body was instantly enveloped by a dazzling radiance. An enormous amount of magical energy erupted from her body as gale force winds swirled about.

“Hmm. It’s still just as spectacular…”

Silvia stood on the Escavaron’s deck as she gazed down at Eco’s transformation, but just moments later, she became the one who was gazed down upon.

Three mighty angular horns. A silvery pink mane. Bright red eyes which seemed to peer into the abyss of the world. Her enormous body made the Escavaron look like a mere toy. An elegant piece of jewellery hung around her neck. The majestic Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor sat alongside the Escavaron. Perhaps bewildered by the inconsistency between her mind and her body, Eco momentary looked a bit dazed — but she abruptly shifted her gaze to Silvia who stood upon the deck.

“Grrr…”

Beads of cold sweat dripped down Silvia’s forehead. Without Ash, did Eco really have no way of maintaining her own will?

“Calm down, Eco!”

If an ungoverned Eco went out of control here, not only would the Escavaron be wrecked, the entire Ecbald Autonomous Region could also be destroyed. All of their efforts until now would be in vain. Although avoidance of this outcome was necessary, Eco turned a deaf ear to Silvia as she made a heavy stomp.

“Grrr…”

Silvia was so frightened that tears welled up in her eyes and her knees trembled unwillingly.

“Guuu…”

Through her slightly opened mouth, Eco’s densely packed teeth could be seen.

“Eco, no! I can assure you that I don’t taste good at all!”

Silvia slumped to the ground, frightened to the point that she almost wet herself—

“Ah.”

However, Eco’s demeanour instantly softened as she extended her right forelimb out. It seemed as though she was beckoning for Silvia to get on.

“Y-You…you were purposely toying with me, weren’t you!?”

Silvia grumbled in anger as she sat on Eco’s forelimb. Eco then lifted her forelimb and carried Silvia to the top of her head. Although the height made Silvia feel a little timid, she eventually found the courage to stand firm. Eco had clearly maintained her consciousness. Silvia no longer had anything to be afraid of. Although sweating profusely, a smile of relief spread across Silvia’s face.

“Let’s go, Eco! Our goal is the Necroplant’s body!”

“Uoooooooooooooooh…!”

Along with a thundering roar, Eco’s three horns and the sharp claws on all of her limbs glowed pink. And then, she soared into the night as if slashing the darkness apart—.

=== Part 2 ===
At the same time, in The Shrine of Jylhä’s <Inner Sanctuary>.

“Haa, haa, haa, haa…”

Ash spread himself on the ground, panting breathlessly and sweating profusely.

“Haa, haa, hu…”

Lucca also lay beside Ash, similarly exhausted. The way that her sweaty silvery hair clung to her cheeks was somewhat enticing. Both Ash and Lucca’s fatigue had reached its limits. They had hardly slept these past two days as they desperately continued their training. Casting their gaze to the lake, Lancelot and Gawain could also be seen grazing there to rest. Maestros were certainly in a league of their own — their expressions and breathing appeared calm and steady. It seemed as if they still had the stamina to take off into the skies again.

“Hey, Lucca…”

Despite his exhaustion, Ash managed to summon a small ounce of strength. He turned his face to the side and began a conversation with Lucca.

“Was my earlier performance worthy of around eighty points?”

Lucca sat up and gazed at the sky. A faint outline of the trajectory that Ash and Lucca had made was still visible in the sky. It was a twin-winged emblem majestically splayed out across the sky. Ash thought that he’d done a pretty decent job, but—

“…Seventy points.”

Contrary to his expectations, Lucca’s scoring standards were rather strict.

“Really…”

Ash dejectedly looked down as if disappointed. Having said that, it was the first time that he had scored seventy points, so it was a definite improvement.

“If I had another month, no, even if I only had another two weeks…”

After voicing his grievances, Ash gazed into Lucca’s eyes.

''—It’s fine. I believe that you can do it, Ash.''

''—You’re right. I also have faith in you, Lucca.''

They were able to communicate with each other just by making eye contact. Putting their Dragon Riding Dance performance aside, the mental results were certainly sufficient. After learning about how the other thought, a spontaneous surge of confidence arose between them. Lucca opened a flask and then poured tea into the lid which acted as a teacup.

“Here, Ash.”

“Oh, thank you — wait, isn’t this thick black liquid that one?”

“Yes, this is the last cup…<Arlandel’s Spiritual Herbal Tea>.”

“I see, I think it’s best that you drink it yourself, Lucca…”

“No. You’re more exhausted than me, Ash.”

“In that case…”

After drinking half the cup, Ash handed it back over to Lucca.

“Mmm…thank you.”

After staring at the edge of the flask lid for a while, Lucca finally drank its remaining contents. After drinking it, both of Lucca’s ears went bright red and she averted her eyes from him. In the past, Ash might’ve felt confused by such an expression. However, Ash was no longer the same. He immediately realised that Lucca’s mind was filled with thoughts of an indirect kiss. Ash began to feel embarrassed simply because he’d gotten caught up in Lucca’s mood. It was at that moment — a flash of light burst before their eyes, and a shining door emerged out of thin air.

“Whoa! What is that…?”

Ash widened his eyes as Celes peered across from the edge of the door.

“So this is where the two of you are!”

“Celes? Is this door your doing…?”

“Of course not! When I brought Oscar to The Shrine of Jylhä in preparation…the door suddenly appeared by itself!”

“…How did that happen?”

Ash wondered to himself, and Lucca murmured,

“It seems like the time has come. That’s why…the door opened automatically.”

“I see, so that’s how it is.”

“Now is not the time to leisurely nod and ponder! Do you know how critical the situation outside is!?”

Celes’ right eye emitted a fierce glow.

“If you don’t come up with something, the entire Ecbald Forest may get wiped out!”

Upon hearing that, both Ash and Lucca stood blankly on the spot, completely dumbfounded.

=== Part 3 ===
Once Eco was in flight, Silvia looked down upon the vast forest that lay below.

“Hmm…what should I say?”

The Necroplant continued to erode the forest as it slowly moved forward. On the other hand, the <Gates> that totalled a number of twelve illuminated a pale light which clearly disclosed their location from the sky above.

“It’s already too late to start destroying the <Gates> one by one. We’ve got no choice but to take down the main body directly.”

While Silvia muttered that to herself, she was suddenly shocked by something that caught her eye. The Shrine of Jylhä was located along the Necroplant’s current path.

“No! We have to stop it from getting close to the shrine!”

Regardless of how powerful Kiira was, she was probably unaware of the fact that Ash and Lucca were currently training in the <Inner Sanctuary>. It had probably become Kiira’s top target of destruction purely because it was a sacred site for the Ecbalds.

''—I absolutely can’t allow the Necroplant to get close to The Shrine of Jylhä—!''

Silvia knelt down on one knee and gently stroked Eco’s head.

“Eco, do you understand me? First, hit the enemy from the side to change their direction of travel! After that, drive them out of the forest!”

That was the plan that Silvia had come up with. In fact, allowing Eco to use a breath of fire was the most effective way, but the breath of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor was too powerful. It would not be worthwhile if the forest was transformed into a patch of scorched earth. Eco followed the instructions and glided ahead steadily.

—Zoooooooooon!

Eco then landed directly beside the Necroplant. Due to her rapid descent from the skies, her enormous body and tail crushed a large area of the forest. Although Silvia felt somewhat heartbroken by this, there was no choice but to seek forgiveness from the Ecbald Tribe for collateral damage of this level.

“Uoooooooooooh!”

Eco let loose a tremendous roar as she stood up on her hind legs. As Silvia’s perspective was elevated to a higher degree, she once again had a panoramic view of the vast forest.

“Let’s go!”

As Silvia shouted, Eco’s hind legs forcefully kicked the ground.

—Dooooon!

A loud noise and earthquake shook the entire forest, as if two large mountains had collided with each other. Eco’s sturdy forelimbs pushed against the trunk of the Necroplant. Her sharp claws pierced into the bark, and thick black sap trickled down like streams of blood. Despite the immense pressure that Eco exerted on it, the Necroplant remained on course, insistent on advancing in the direction of The Shrine of Jylhä.

“Grrrr…!”

“Don’t give up!”

Just as Silvia cried out as if in prayer—

“Ha! So even a glorious Dragonar can be at their wit’s end, huh? There is a limit to stupidity though!”

A spiteful taunt came from atop the Necroplant.

“Open your eyes and feast them upon this!”

With a cruel snicker, Kiira snapped her fingers. In response to that signal, the Necroplant stopped moving. After a while, an entanglement of vines slowly descended from above.

“Wha—!?”

Silvia gasped. Like a butterfly caught in a spider’s web — a completely constricted Rebecca was dangled before her eyes.

“President!”

Silvia yelled as her face turned pale. Rebecca’s entire body was limp, and she gave no response. She had probably fainted and fallen unconscious, or perhaps — a most terrifying thought flashed through Silvia’s mind. Silvia’s fists trembled in disbelief. Her bright red Ark had vanished. Her uniform was in tatters and it looked like torn rags that clung to her skin. Fresh red scars could clearly be seen on her exposed skin.[[Image:SnRK V10 219.jpg|thumb]]“Grrr…”

Eco was probably taken aback by this as well. She seemed to release a regretful, low-pitched growl from the depths of her throat.

“Don’t worry, there’s still breath in her yet. Fufu…”

“Are you using her as a hostage? How despicable!”

“What are you talking about it? Even without any hostages, as long as I have Gawain here with me, I’ll be able to wipe the Ecbald Tribe off the face of this world in a single night.”

“If that’s the case, what’s your intention in capturing her…?”

“It’s plain and simple. I just want to see what expressions humans make in their moment of despair — just like your face right now. It’s gorgeous. Haha!”

“I can’t believe a woman as deplorable as you can exist in this world!”

Silvia clenched her fists as her body quivered.

“Hmph. I didn’t want myself to turn out like this. The Mother Dragon is to blame as the ultimate culprit.”

“…The Mother Dragon’s criteria are indeed strict. If not for a true miracle, I would have dropped out of the selection.”

Indeed, on that fateful day when she was seven years old — Silvia had also participated in the <Orphan Ceremony>. If she had participated alone, there was no doubt that she’d have been eliminated. However, she happened to run into Ash, and that reversed her situation. Lancelot, who was originally meant to be awarded to Ash, ended up residing in Silvia’s body.

“—But, Kiira! Even if you were eliminated, it’s far too unreasonable for you to resent the Mother Dragon!”

“You’re only able to say such self-righteous words because you succeeded in becoming a Breeder! You wouldn’t understand the pain of not being chosen!”

“You are…certainly correct. However, even if my position differs from yours, there’s one thing that I can say with certainty — it’s not the Mother Dragon’s fault that you’ve been reduced to what you are now!”

“…Oh. Then, pray, tell me whose fault it is then?”

“Naturally, it was caused by your own weakness!”

Silvia fearlessly declared.

“What!?”

For the first time, Kiira seemed to waver.

“I was once a weak person myself, so that’s how I can relate. In the past, I always put a wall up around myself to keep others at a distance. But in truth, I was just afraid that other people would see through my weaknesses…”

“…What are you trying to say?”

Just as Kiira interrupted Silvia, something in a bush shone brightly. The light flickered on and off like some kind of signal. Silvia confirmed the source of light in the periphery of her vision without making a move as she continued to stare at Kiira.

“If not for a friend, I’d have spent all of my time and effort on study and dragon training…I wouldn’t be who I am now if I didn’t get to know Ash. At the very least, I can say with confidence that I’m stronger than I was before! And that’s why I can’t help but look down on your weakness, Kiira!”

“Tsk. You’re damn talkative…!”

“To begin with, did you ever consider Lucca’s feelings after you abandoned your hometown? If you truly regarded Lucca as a precious friend, you should’ve offered your blessings to her! But, given how narrow-minded you are…I’m guessing you didn’t even say ‘congratulations’, right?”

“…!”

Seeing Kiira pause to gasp, Silvia seized the opportunity to continue her assault.

“Even if you couldn’t become a Breeder, there were still so many ways that you could have lived your life as Lucca’s friend, right!? In the end, you’re just frustrated that you lost to Lucca, and became corrupted because you couldn’t bear to face the reality of it — you’re an immature brat!”

“What…did…you…say…?”

While Kiira was still stunned, Silvia jumped up.

“Give me an Ark!”

“Guuuuuuuuuuuu!”

After Eco roared, a blue light engulfed Silvia’s body. In an instant, Silvia had transformed into a majestic princess knight. With a golden crown on her head, the armour that covered her body was as radiant as the brilliant full moon that hung in the night sky. Although it was only a replica that Eco had constructed, it was common knowledge that it was just as good as the original. Silvia flew through the air, summoning her Ark Weapon.

“Dragonar Gun Arondight — [Royal Halberd]!”

A pale light erupted from the muzzle of the manifested Dragonar Gun. With a flash of light, the vines that entangled Rebecca were instantly torn apart. Rebecca’s body drifted through the air.

“Damn you!”

As Kiira yelled, the Necroplant tried to recapture Rebecca once more.

“Now, Cú Chulainn!”

As Silvia shouted, Cú Chulainn, who had been waiting in ambush among the forestry lurched forward.

“Uoooooooooohhhhh!”

It extended its forelimbs to catch Rebecca, and then flapped its injured wings to fly away. It escaped the onslaught of the Necroplant in the nick of time.

“Excellent, we rescued the President!”

Having returned to Eco’s head, Silvia clenched her fists after watching Cú Chulainn fly towards the Escavaron. Silvia had taken note of an earlier signal that Cú Chulainn was lying in ambush nearby in the forest. The flickers of light in the periphery of Silvia’s vision were none other than Cú Chulainn’s signal. Thanks to that signal, Silvia understood what Cú Chulainn’s intentions were. Given its severe injuries, the best thing that Cú Chulainn could do was a tactical retreat with Rebecca.

“You damn bitch! Did you deliberately say all of that just to make an opening!?”

Contrary to the fury that Kiira displayed, Silvia remained calm.

“That was one of my intentions. I had to cooperate with Cú Chulainn in order to safely rescue the President. However, I didn’t say all of that just to upset you, Kiira. If you can’t even understand that, then you really are just a shallow child.”

“Nghh…”

“You can’t even find the words to deny it? Very well, it’s our turn to attack! Eco, we have to push the Necroplant out of the forest for sure this time!”

“Graaa!”

Following Silvia’s order, Eco bared all of fangs as she roared. Magical energy erupted from her entire body, and the surrounding area was filled with a radiant silvery light. Eco charged forward, hitting the Necroplant with everything that she could muster. The violent impact caused the earth to tremor.

“Goooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhh!”

Eco then extended her forelimbs and slowly pushed the Necroplant away. The Necroplant’s body finally began shifting to the side.

“Damned thing—!”

Just as Kiira prepared to give new orders to the Necroplant—. Silvia pointed to the sky — or more precisely, to the full moon that illuminated the night sky with incredible luminosity.

“Kiira, keep your eyes open and look carefully. The moon is beautiful tonight. I’m sure it’s the perfect stage for those two to show off their skills.”

“…What does that mean?”

Just as Kiira murmured in a low voice — two specks of light with elongated trails flew into the night sky, unleashing a dazzling brilliance. Like rising meteors that went against all common sense, they soared into the sky at an alarming speed.

“That is…!”

“It’s time for you to stand in awe now!”

“It can’t be—!”

“That’s right, it’s Ash and Lucca!”

After making that loud declaration, she revealed a triumphant smile. In the centre of the night sky — Ash and Lucca flew at extremely high speed as they gradually traced the outline of a twin-winged emblem.

“That’s impossible! The only Dragon Riding Dance that needs two Dragonars is the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’. But, why…?”

“It’s obviously so that the curse of <Galatea> can be lifted! In order to save Oscar, and to save the Chevron Kingdom which can only be protected with Oscar’s help — those two are risking their lives as they resolutely challenge the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’!”

“Huh, so that’s what it’s for. Certainly, it might be possible to heal her with the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’. But, you’re all deluded! It’s impossible for any race other than the Ecbald Tribe to perform a Dragon Riding Dance!”

“Whether it’s impossible or not, I’ll let you be the judge of that after you see the two of them dance for yourself!”

—Zoon!

Echoing Silvia’s enthusiasm, Eco also continued to push forward with all her might. The Necroplant’s body continued to be pushed all the way to the western end of the forest.

“You can do it, Eco! Once we push it to the plains outside the forest, we won’t have to worry about the safety of the Ecbald Tribe anymore, so we can set the Necroplant ablaze!”

After Silvia yelled with an energetic voice, Eco responded in kind with a spirited roar. At that moment—.

=== Part 4 ===
Kiira was confused. Dancing the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ with Lucca was the dream that Kiira once had. It was a dream that could never be achieved. Logically speaking, there was no one in this world capable of acting as Lucca’s partner. That was the only consolation that Kiira had. She didn’t want to see anyone else dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ with Lucca. She didn’t even want to imagine it. It was something forever impossible — a dream that no one could make come true. Because of that, Kiira treated it as a good memory that she locked deep in her heart. However — as if to forcibly pry open the treasure chest that she kept hidden deep in her heart…the twin-winged emblem gradually took shape in the night sky, stroke by stroke. Even from a distance, it was clear that their flight speed was beyond imagination. No, it wasn’t just their speed that was surprising. The coordination and synchronisation of Ash and Lucca was incredible. Unless the two of them truly understood and deeply trusted one another, it would be impossible for them to match each other so seamlessly. The two of them were firmly united in the depths of their hearts—.

“Tsk. You guys…it seems like any more chatter will be useless.”

Once her anger tipped over its boiling point, her mind gradually regained its calm. Kiira had experienced similar mental states like this in the past.

“…Gawain, show off your flying skills too!”

=== Part 5 ===
After Kiira shouted, the entire Necroplant began to act odd. Magical energy gushed out of its body like a raging wave. The Necroplant was clearly affected by Kiira’s emotions.

“This isn’t good! Get away from it!”

“Grrr!”

Eco obeyed Silvia’s instructions, jumping away to maintain a distance from the Necroplant. A whirlwind of magical energy appeared to surround the Necroplant now. The surrounding trees were snapped in half one after another.

“Kuh!”

Silvia struggled to stay firmly planted on Eco’s head. If not for the assistance that her Ark provided, she probably would’ve been blown away by the powerful winds.

—Dodododododododododododo…!

The earth rumbled as a tremendous boom rung out.

“…The Necroplant is floating? She really plans on having such an enormous mass fly into the air!? Besides, does a plant-based life form…really have a way to fly!?”

As if to defy Silvia’s notion of common sense — the Necroplant slowly floated into the air. The absurdity of it was like watching a city float into the air. A hazy cloud of dust filled the air, obscuring Silvia’s vision. Dirt and rubble fell from the sky, blowing towards Silvia along with the gusty winds.

“Kuh…!”

The harsh conditions made it impossible for Silvia to even keep her eyes open. All she could do was lie on Eco’s head as she endured the strong winds. However, the air pressure only continued to increase, almost breaking through the protection granted by her Ark.

“Guuuuhhh…!”

Even despite her enormous body, Eco was unable to resist the force of the winds as she was steadily forced to retreat.

“Hold on, Eco!”

“Guuuhh…!”

After a while, the wind gradually died down. Silvia looked up in amazement.

“That can’t be…”

The Necroplant was well and truly flying. Its creepy appearance was exposed for all to see under the illumination of moonlight. It was almost as if scenes from the end of the world were being played out before their eyes.

“—My Pal Gawain! Concentrate all of your magical energy on offense!”

The Necroplant began to act erratically as soon as Kiira screamed her new orders. Branches, vines and tree roots entwined with each other intricately, gradually constructing a long and thick cylinder. Silvia’s eyes widened. The Necroplant’s entire shape and appearance had transformed in order to strengthen its offensive ability. It eventually became a floating fortress, with a cannon that could rival even the main gun of a large magical ship. Its new form completely complied with Kiira’s orders, and it poured all of its magical energy into an attack. The muzzle was clearly aimed at a corner of the night sky — where Ash and Lucca were.

“Damn it! She’s totally serious!”

Silvia was in awe as she understood Kiira’s intentions. If such a large calibre magical cannon was to be fired, it would not only hinder their Dragon Riding Dance, but it would also result in collateral damage for Ash and Lucca. Kiira had gone astray in the first place because of her zealous obsession with Lucca. And now, she wanted to mercilessly kill Lucca—

“Eco! We can’t let her have her way no matter what!”

“Uooooooooooohhh!”

In response to Silvia, Eco ascended from the ground with a flutter of her wings.

“As if!”

Kiira barked as she stood above them on the Necroplant. A countless number of vines rained down from the sky and attacked Eco. In an instant, Eco’s limbs and wings had become entangled.

—Pew! Pew!

In addition, a stream of seed pellets struck her in succession. Attacked on both sides by a web of vines and a barrage of seeds, it became increasingly difficult for them to approach the Necroplant. Seizing the moment in which Eco was constrained, the Necroplant’s body began to glow green. It looked like it was accumulating magical energy. Silvia couldn’t help but shudder as she sensed an immense magical reaction.

“I’ll set you free straight away!”

After Silvia raised the [Royal Halberd] up, she used the power of her Ark to soar through the air. She circled around Eco’s body, cutting away at the branches and vines that entangled Eco’s limbs.

“Good, now you can fly—”

Just as Silvia cut the last vine and shouted back to Eco…

—Boom!

A seed pellet landed a direct hit on Silvia’s abdomen.

“Kuha!”

The powerful impact generated a crack in her Ark, and her body lost its buoyancy — causing her to fall into the ocean of trees.

=== Part 6 ===
''—Silvia was shot down!''

In disbelief, Eco prepared to land so that she could locate and retrieve Silvia.

[Don’t, Eco. Do you want Silvia’s efforts to be in vain? Before the next wave of attacks arrive, you must protect Ash and Lucca from the Necroplant’s magic cannon.]

Navi dissuaded Eco via telepathic communication.

''—But, I can’t just abandon her like that…!''

[Don’t worry about Silvia. I sensed signs of life from her, and her damaged Ark is also functioning as a life support system.]

''—But…''

[If Silvia was still here and conscious, what do you think she would tell you?]

Despite Navi’s calm tone of voice, her words seemed to stick in Eco’s mind. It seemed as though Eco immediately sobered up as a result.

''—I understand!''

After shrouding her entire body in magical energy, Eco flew up and made a beeline for the Necroplant which floated above. While doing so, she also dodged left and right to evade the seed projectiles fired at her. Unlike the somewhat unpredictable nature of the vines, the trajectory of these projectiles was quite simple. Even so, the barrage of seeds was a fierce wall that prevented Eco from advancing, and the Necroplant seized this opportunity to widen their distance. Growing increasingly anxious, Eco asked Navi for assistance.

''—Navi! What do I have to do to stop her!?''

[Well…since it’s already transformed into this, the only way is to shoot through the core.]

''—Core? You mean that the Necroplant has a weakness? Besides, how do you know!?''

[Oh, don’t forget that I am the Dragweiss. Of course I know about the Mother Dragon’s biological structure.]

''—So, if the Mother Dragon’s weakness was her core, then the same goes for the Necroplant?''

[Good answer. Since the Necroplant was transformed from the biological tissue of the Mother Dragon as its base, it would inevitably have the same weakness. However, its outer skin is composed of extremely thick tissue, and even you may not be able to penetrate the core…I can’t guarantee it.]

Just as Navi sighed…

“Magical energy has been charged! Take aim at the target!”

Kiira sharply yelled. The Necroplant’s cannon barrel began to move in accordance with those instructions. The cannon slowly fine-tuned its angle and direction as it prepared to bombard Ash and Lucca who were soaring back and forth through the night sky.

''—Kuh! It doesn’t look like I’ll be able to stop it! In that case…!''

Eco steeled her determination. If there was no way for her to stop the bombardment from happening, then she would just have to act as a sacrificial shield.

''—No matter what, I can’t let it disturb Ash and Lucca…!''

Eco quickly changed course after giving up on approaching the Necroplant. Even if she did manage to break through the seed barrage and web of vines to approach the Necroplant, it would be difficult for her to stagger the gigantic fortress. In that case, it was more pragmatic for her to act as Ash and Lucca’s shield instead. Eco darted off at full speed and then stopped at the midpoint that stood between the Necroplant and Ash and Lucca.

''—Navi! Teach me how to cast the most durable defensive magic shield!''

[Understood. I will teach you the sturdiest of all magical barriers, the absolute defence — <Sacred Shield>.]

Navi agreed to Eco’s request without any further words.

=== Part 7 ===
“Now, fire!”

Immediately after Kiira’s order, a powerful flash of light erupted through the air, almost whitening the entirety of the night sky. The accumulated magical energy of the fortress-like Necroplant gushed from the muzzle without reservation. The magical energy became an astonishingly thick beam of light which pierced through the sky from bottom to top.

“Uooooooooohhhhh!”

Positioned along the direct path between the Necroplant and Ash, Eco let loose a deafening roar and then deployed a shield in front of her to defend against the magic attack. The emblem of the ultimate shield was one and the same as the family crest of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor. While the shield exuded a noble lustre reminiscent of a diamond, it endured the magical beam that was fired from the Necroplant.

“Impertinence! Hurry up and blast straight through that obstruction!”

Under Kiira’s orders, the magical cannon’s firepower visibly and significantly increased. Even so, Eco obstinately resisted. She stubbornly remained in the line of fire and showed no intention of retreat from her position. While Eco desperately endured the assault, Ash and Lucca continued their dance in the air. The outline of the pair of wings had already been completed to perfection. They would probably be done once the feather lines were drawn. At some point, the pair of wings drawn by the Dragon Riding Dance just so happened to overlap with Eco’s wings.

“That is…!”

Kiira’s eyes widened and she fell silent. In her eyes, it was as if another pair of wings had sprouted from Eco’s back.

=== Part 8 ===
''—Kuh. What’s going on in the forest!?''

Ash’s mind was filled with various doubts as he performed the Dragon Riding Dance. In a corner of his vision, he spotted Eco’s transformed figure as Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor. Amidst the dark forest, Eco’s fur had a silvery glow that revealed her location. Even without Ash there to act as her knight, she had made her own decision to join the battle, and that was a testament to the seriousness of the situation. Moreover, it was obvious that Eco had put herself in the role of a sacrificial shield in order to protect Ash and Lucca’s airspace.

''—Eco…!''

Ash clenched his teeth. Circumstances permitting, he hoped to be by Eco’s side as soon as possible.

—Voom!

Suddenly, the wind rustled his ears as Lancelot and Gawain passed by each other closely in the air.

“Kuh!”

The distance between them was only a finger’s width at best. If their trajectory deviated even slightly, there was the possibility of a head-on collision. The moment that they passed by Gawain, Ash took notice of one thing — Lucca’s eyes seemed to be telling him something. She felt the same pain as Ash.

''—That’s right. I must focus on the Dragon Riding Dance for now…!''

Eco and the others had stepped up and fought hard. Even if Ash ditched the Dragon Riding Dance to help them — would they actually feel happy about it? No, it was the exact opposite. Doing so would be tantamount to a betrayal of Eco and the others. Ash cleared his mind and averted his gaze from Eco. He then gave the Dragon Riding Dance his undivided attention. Once they reached the second half, the difficulty of the dance continuously increased. From here on, not a single distraction was allowed. The wind screeched again as Lancelot and Gawain passed by each other in the air. In that fleeting instant, Ash and Lucca’s eyes met. This time, Lucca seemed to respond with a smile.

=== Part 9 ===
''—Kuh! The shield won’t hold for much longer…! What kind of magic is she using!? This is insane!''

Eco had been pushed to the brink of desperation. By following Navi’s guidance, she had successfully deployed the <Sacred Shield>. However, the Necroplant’s attack showed no signs of weakening or pause, in fact, it felt as though it was an endless stream of magic. At some point, Eco had become cornered. The <Sacred Shield> that she had managed to put up would soon be gone.

''—Navi, how is this possible!?''

[As expected of a monster that has been transformed from the biological tissue of the Mother Dragon, its magical energy is on another level. After all, the Mother Dragon accumulated a tremendous amount of magical energy during her long history…]

Navi’s tone also seemed to convey a slight sense of urgency.

[The situation isn’t good. If this goes on, you won’t be able to protect Ash and Lucca…]

''—Argh, enough! If you’re going to say such pointless things, you might as well just shut up! Even if the <Sacred Shield> disappears, I won’t leave this spot!''

[Eco, what are you trying to do!?]

''—Isn’t it obvious!? I have this uselessly big body! I’ll use my body as a shield!''

Eco could clearly imagine the look on Navi’s face as she gasped. She was surely stunned. Eco herself recognised that this was an irrational act. Despite having the body of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor, it wouldn’t last long against such an astonishingly powerful magical cannon. Even so — this was where she had to hold her ground. She absolutely couldn’t allow Ash and Lucca’s Dragon Riding Dance to be interrupted…! Unexpectedly, Navi didn’t seem to have any intention of dissuading Eco.

[…You’ve gotten stronger, Eco.]

Instead, she gave her blessing like a mother to a child, gently encouraging Eco. And so — the <Sacred Shield> collapsed. The royal crest of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor family fragmented, shattering into magic crystals that scattered through the air like snowflakes.

''—It’s coming!''

And then, a tremendous amount of heat assaulted Eco’s body. Eco hastily outstretched her forelimbs in order to catch the blast of magical energy. The tremendous impact almost caused Eco to fall out of the sky. However, she clenched her teeth and held steady. An incredible burning sensation spread from her palm all the way through her entire forearm.

''—It’s so hot! How is it this hot…!?''

A sensation of pain that could knock her out at any instant coursed through Eco’s body. Despite the immense torture that she endured, she remained steadfast in holding her position. After all, Ash and Lucca were performing a Dragon Riding Dance behind Eco—. Eco didn’t make a single sound as she simply swallowed all of the groans that the pain might have induced. If she let out a single moan, Ash would immediately hear and understand. As such, Eco couldn’t reveal any single piece of information which could inform Ash of her suffering. Ash’s first and foremost task right now was to complete the Dragon Riding Dance. Therefore, Eco decided to sacrifice herself in order to protect Ash as his Pal!

''—Nothing will make me back down—!''

Just as Eco roared in her mind as a means of self-reassurance…

''—Huh?''

The power of the Necroplant’s magical attack suddenly weakened.

''—What’s happening…?''

Eco felt confused. It stood to reason that the Necroplant’s body should still have a lot of magical energy stored up. Yet, its offensive power gradually declined — eventually, it came to a complete halt. In the next moment, a powerful light obscured all of Eco’s vision. The light gave off an extremely peaceful and warm feeling, much like the gentle spring light that spilled through the crevices of foliage in a forest.

=== Part 10 ===
“This place is…?”

Having returned to the form of a human girl, Eco tilted her head in confusion as she found her entire body shrouded by a white light. Here, her sense of direction became ambiguous as she couldn’t tell front from back or left from right, and the soles of her feet also seemed to float in the air.

“—Eco.”

At that moment, upon hearing a charismatic voice calling her name, Eco turned around and looked back. A graceful woman stood there in silence. She had green hair and emerald eyes. Upon her head were the horns of an adult dragon.

“Are you…the Mother Dragon?”

When Eco asked with hesitation and confusion, the woman nodded.

“You still have a consciousness!”

“No, strictly speaking…I’m already dead. To put it another way…I’m a fragment of the Mother Dragon’s memories, I should say.”

“I don’t understand if it’s that complicated! The thing is, what’s going on…with this current situation?”

Eco turned and looked around.

“Eco, listen to me carefully. My body is under the complete control of Kiira Brava Henriksen’s drug. However, your inner cry has awakened me, albeit temporarily.”

“…!”

Eco held her breath as she gazed at the Mother Dragon’s face.

“From here on…I’ll use all of my strength to interfere with the Necroplant so that I can create a unique opportunity for you. Please…you must seize the opportunity to extinguish that abominable Necroplant.”

“…I understand.”

In truth, there were so many things that Eco wanted to say. After all, the person before her was like her mother. However, upon actually meeting each other, the words just didn’t come out…. Seeing the tears that filled Eco’s eyes and her tightly pursed lips, the Mother Dragon suddenly extended her hand. She then gently stroked Eco’s head.

“…Mother?”

“You’ve suffered a terrible fate…and I have failed to be a competent mother. I’m truly sorry.”

“I don’t want to hear an apology now! Idiot idiot idiot!”

Eco burst into tears. She didn’t actually want to say such mean things. She just wanted to grasp every minute and second that she could spend with her mother. But, as if to dissolve the wish that she hoped for — the distance between Eco and the Mother Dragon instantly widened.

“Mum!”

Eco cried out as teardrops scattered from her eyes.

“I want to tell you that you don’t have to apologise to me at all, mum!”

Upon actually meeting each other, Eco found herself speechless. However, there was just one thing that she had to say, because she knew that she would definitely regret it in the future if she didn’t say it out loud now. So, Eco opened her mouth and shouted,

“I’m really happy that I got to be Ash’s Pal! Thank you so much for letting me meet Ash…!”

In that moment — Eco saw the Mother Dragon reveal a brilliant smile reminiscent of a blooming flower bud.

=== Part 11 ===
[Eco? Are you okay? Please respond, Eco!”

Navi anxiously uttered a stream of words. As if drawn to her voice, Eco returned to the real world. Her scalded forelimbs immediately ached with severe pain.

—It hurts…I’m back, Navi.

[You’re finally awake, Eco.]

It seemed as though Navi just thought Eco was unconscious.

''—I just met my mum.''

[…What nonsense are you talking about? Anyway, look at the Necroplant! It suddenly began to deform, and now it’s revealed its core! Why would it reveal the location of its own weakness?]

Eco widened her eyes. Just as Navi said, the Necroplant was still undergoing a transformation. Kiira appeared to be anxiously shouting something, but the Necroplant completely ignored her. Moreover, a longitudinal crack seemed to emerge from its hardened bark, revealing a purple sphere within.

''—That’s the core!''

Eco suddenly realised that it was the ‘unique opportunity’ which the Mother Dragon had said she would create. There was a limit to how long the Mother Dragon could interfere with the Necroplant’s consciousness. If she missed this opportunity, Eco and the others would no longer have a chance of winning. That was why it was ‘unique’.

''—Thank you…I won’t waste the opportunity that you’ve worked so hard to create, mum!''

Eco used her remaining strength to glide through the air.

[…Eco? What are you going to do?]

''—I’m going to copy what Silvia did when she destroyed the Claíomh Solais! Shooting at zero distance will definitely destroy the core!''

Eco used her sharp claws to hold onto the bark of the Necroplant. She then directly faced the core that was larger than her own head.

''—Take this! <Sacred Breath>!''

Eco converted all of her magical energy into a single breath and unleashed it at the core.

=== Part 12 ===
''—Incredible…!''

Ash felt as if he had become one with the wind. Although Ash was distracted by the combat situation of Eco and the others, Lucca’s glance had given him a reminder, and before he knew it, he had united with the wind, flying freely through the air. In his present state, it was as if his flight route materialised in front of him. His synchronisation with Lucca was also perfect. They were able to naturally fly at the same speed and make turns at the same time. At the beginning of their special training, Ash had found such basic skills insurmountably difficult, but it was now all a breeze. Before he knew it, an incredible sense of excitement spontaneously swept across Ash’s mind.

''—I see, so Lucca feels the same as me?''

Ash finally realised. It wasn’t just their flight speed and trajectory that was in perfect harmony. Even their minds were. So — Ash and Lucca initiated a full-speed sprint for the final stroke of their trajectory. With all of their feelings on the line, they traced the final stroke.

“Dragon Riding Dance, Zeroth Dance — ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’!”

They shouted in unison, having at last completed the two wings.

=== Part 13 ===
Waiting in The Shrine of Jylhä, Celes held hopes and prayers close to her heart as she looked up at the night sky. Celes’ prayers were not in vain. The Dragon Riding Dance ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ perfectly concluded with a grand declaration.

“It’s wonderful…!”

Celes gazed at the pair of wings painted in the night sky as she exclaimed in admiration. The left and right sides were perfectly symmetrical. Even the fine details of the feathers were exquisitely drawn. It was such a beautiful work of art that she wanted to share it with the entire world.

The pale moon also added a mysterious brilliance to the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’. No, the dazzling full moon itself seemed to be part of the portrait of the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’. And so, the completed Dragon Riding Dance evoked its magical effect. The wings released a dazzling light, dyeing the entire night sky with a shade of white.

“Kuh! It’s such a blinding light…! As a bearer of Pluto, it feels a bit uncomfortable…”

Celes groaned as she shielded her right eye with one hand. At that moment, something extraordinary occurred. A thick black miasma suddenly erupted from Oscar’s body as she lay on the altar.

“Whoa! What’s happening…is this part of the curse?”

As Celes anxiously entered a defensive stance, the miasma dissipated like smoke under the pure radiance of the light.

“Ngh…”

And then, a faint moan entered Celes’ ears. Oscar’s fingers faintly twitched.

“Oscar? Hey, Oscar!”

Celes rushed over to the altar and grasped Oscar’s shoulders. Her once cold, stiff and doll-like body had regained its warmth and softness. Moreover, a fiery determination lit up her void-like eyes.

“Oscar!”

Celes felt so moved that she burst into tears and was about to bury her face in Oscar’s arms—.

“Fuwaaaaaaaa…”

However, Oscar suddenly let out a big yawn and said,

“Mmm, that was a good sleep.”

“Y-You idiot!”

—Pow!

Celes suddenly kicked and sent Oscar hurtling away.

“T-That hurts! What are you throwing a tantrum for!? …Besides, why am I dressed like a girl? No wait, I am a girl, so that’s not really a valid question. I’m a bit speechless! Anyway…where is this? It looks unfamiliar, but…”

In an instant, Celes threw herself into Oscar’s arms.[[Image:SnRK V10 253.jpg|thumb]]“Ah…you’re…you’re truly healed! Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!”

Celes cried and bawled like a child.

“It looks like…I’ve made you worry.”

Oscar put away her grin as she gave Celes a sweet, gentle embrace. And then, she raised her eyes to gaze at the glorious twin-winged emblem that was emblazoned across the night sky.

“It feels like…I’ve been dreaming. A very long dream.”

“A dream?”

“Indeed. In my dream, even if Ash and the others were injured in battle, they continued fighting nonetheless. It seems…Ash and the others have saved me once again. I’ll have to thank them later.”

“Yes, that’s right. The depth of their kindness is a debt you may never be able to repay…”

“I can’t thank you enough either, Celes. You’ve been by my side the whole time, haven’t you?”

After saying so, Oscar placed her hand on Celes’ head.

“D-Don’t say such embarrassing things out loud!”

Celes’ face instantly reddened.

“Guu?”

Having watched everything in silence from the side, Tristan slowly stood up.

“…I also made you worry.”

Oscar couldn’t help but smile as she stroked her Pal’s nose. Tristan purred and seemed glad to enjoy Oscar’s caress. After watching that for a while and immersing herself in the warm atmosphere, Celes wiped the tears from her eyes as she revealed a serious expression.

“Listen to me, Oscar. There’s no time for you to rest right now! Defeat those incompetent princes as soon as possible and seize the throne!”

A fearless smile emerged on Oscar’s face as she took Celes’ hand and stood up.

“Hmph, very well. My body is feeling a bit rusty, so I’ll treat it as a bit of exercise for my muscles—”

“The Resurrection ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8

2021-03-27T15:20:56Z

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==Chapter 8 – Twin-Winged Oratorio==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 219.jpg|thumb]]
=== Part 4 ===
=== Part 5 ===
=== Part 6 ===
=== Part 7 ===
=== Part 8 ===
=== Part 9 ===
=== Part 10 ===
=== Part 11 ===
=== Part 12 ===
=== Part 13 ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 253.jpg|thumb]]

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| Back to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7|Chapter 7]]
| Return to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Epilogue|Epilogue]]
|-
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7

2021-03-27T15:18:47Z

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==Chapter 7 – The Calamity of Albion==
=== Part 1 ===
“Ungh.”

With a still hazy consciousness, Eco slowly lifted her upper body.

“Oh, that’s amazing, Eco-chan. You didn’t oversleep this morning.”

Cosette walked up to the bedside with a smile across her face.

“What time is it right now…?”

“It’ll soon be eight-thirty.”

“Really…”

Eco sleepily looked around at the room. Not only was it Silvia’s personal bedroom, it also happened to be the Lautreamont Knight Country’s embassy. Aside from a bed that was in the room, it didn’t show too many other signs of life. Desks and bookshelves occupied most of the space in the room, giving it a quiet atmosphere.

Silvia had once left the Escavaron when Ash was determined to establish his own independent country — but she eventually returned as an ambassador. Although her role as ambassador was probably just an excuse for her to stay by Ash’s side, Silvia was a responsible person after all, and she seemed to want to take her job as ambassador seriously.

Eco had moved into Silvia’s room ever since Ash left the Escavaron to train. Living by herself in the room that she normally shared with Ash, Eco found it overly spacious and increasingly lonely. Since she didn’t want to live by herself, both Silvia and Cosette welcomed her. However, Silvia was nowhere to be seen this morning. She had probably gone off to do her morning training as usual. It was certainly very much like Silvia to do so. Even without Lancelot, she never lacked self-discipline and continued to train herself.

“It’s tonight, isn’t it?”

Cosette muttered as she stood in front of a calendar which hung on the wall. Those words instantly dispersed the drowsiness that clouded Eco’s mind. It had just become the tenth day since Ash and Lucca began their training. Today was the optimal day to borrow the power of the full moon to maximise the effects of the Dragon Riding Dance, but—

“…!”

Eco jumped out of bed as if she had suddenly thought of a problem. She dashed over to the window, stood up on her tiptoes, and then looked up at the sky through the round window.

“Mmm, the weather is great today!”

Eco loudly avowed.

“It seems that tonight will be the best full moon for a Dragon Riding Dance.”

Cosette also replied cheerfully. It was at that moment that…Eco’s vision suddenly faded to black.

“What’s happening!?”

Eco felt as though she had been thrown into the night sky. Her sense of space in every direction had become blurred and uncertain. After a while, a ladylike yet hazy silhouette appeared. She possessed green eyes and green hair. The two horns on her head appeared to indicate that she was an adult dragon.

“Who are you…?”

Although it was their first meeting, Eco strangely felt a sense of nostalgia. The lady stared at Eco with a lonesome gaze. After a while, the lady squeezed a faint and weak voice from her mouth.

[—Farewell, Eco.]

=== Part 2 ===
“Are you alright, Eco-chan?”

Eco awakened to Cosette grasping her by the shoulders and shaking her. The lacquer black space disappeared, and she had returned to Silvia’s room. Eco lay down on the bed as she accepted Cosette’s care.

“What’s wrong with me…?”

Eco propped up her upper body and looked down intently at her own body. She couldn’t find any abnormalities.

“I was shocked when you suddenly fainted. Even your pupils dilated, and it seemed as if…your soul had been transported somewhere else. By the way, it’s already two o’clock in the afternoon.”

“I slept for that long? I finally managed to wake up early, but in the end…”

Eco was momentarily stunned. She thought that she had been unconscious for five minutes at most — she didn’t expect that several hours had passed in the real world. Eco recalled the vision that she had seen. On that topic, Cosette’s analogy was quite correct. Eco had indeed fallen into a state where her soul was summoned to another location.

“…I saw a rather strange woman.”

“A woman?”

“Well, although she was a woman, she had horns on her head…that’s why I think she was a dragon.”

“—She is the Mother Dragon.”

A sharp voice suddenly came from behind, and Eco spun around to see — a materialised Navi leisurely sat in a chair.

“That woman…is the Mother Dragon?”

“Her body is like mine in that she uses magic to construct its form — however, she is most certainly the Mother Dragon.”

“She’s the Mother Dragon…”

Eco whispered to herself as she touched <Avalon’s Bracelet> on her wrist. Eco had visited Albion Forest during the summer break. Although the purpose of that trip was to answer the summons of the Mother Dragon — Ash was the only one who ended up seeing the Mother Dragon. Although the Mother Dragon gave the bracelet to Eco through Ash, Eco still regretted not being able to meet the Mother Dragon in person. She hadn’t expected that she would meet the Mother Dragon in this manner…and Eco couldn’t help but feel confused due to the sudden nature of the situation. Having said that, even though it was a rare occasion for them to see each other, the Mother Dragon only said “Farewell, Eco.”

“…What the heck? The first word that a mother says to her daughter is ‘farewell’? What is she trying to do?”

Eco stared at the bracelet with a complicated expression. However, Navi said something to Eco that seemed completely out of the blue.

“It seems the Mother Dragon is conscious of the fact that her death is approaching—”

=== Part 3 ===
An emergency meeting was held on the ship at half past two in the afternoon. Although she normally never attended such meetings, Navi made an exception today. In addition, even chief Lars and head priestess Frederica attended.

“According to Navi’s report, the Mother Dragon…is close to death.”

Mirabel was the first to speak. An uproar instantly engulfed the meeting room.

“Quiet. Navi, do you have any more information that you can add?”

When asked by Mirabel, Navi seemed to hesitate before coming up with a reply.

“I’m not entirely sure about the details either. But…I thought it would still be quite some time until Mother’s life reached its end. It’s hard to imagine that she’d be so weak that she would die during this period…”

“Do you mean to say that someone hurt the Mother Dragon—?”

Silvia questioned with a sharp glint in her eyes.

“Although I wouldn’t dare to make such an assertion, I do have a bad premonition about it. Something abnormal must have happened in Albion Forest…”

Given the pained expression on Navi’s face, it was clear that the situation was no small matter. With a solemn expression, Lars said,

“It appears that this is an urgent situation. We should verify the status of the Mother Dragon as a matter of urgency.”

“The issue is that we should welcome Ash and Lucca’s return tonight. If the Escavaron is dispatched now—”

Mirabel couldn’t seem to decide on a course of action.

“No, there is no need to mobilise the Escavaron.”

Having remained silent until now, Frederica finally voiced her opinion.

“Why do you say that?”

Mirabel tilted her head as she asked.

“The <Three Forests> have been connected since ancient times, and one can pass freely between them. The only ones who can open that <Gate> are Ecbald clergy.”

Frederica asserted with pride as a member of the clergy.

“In that case, it makes things much simpler. Could you please open the <Gate> now? As for those who will go into Albion Forest, is there anyone who would like to volunteer—”

Mirabel looked around at everyone as she asked.

“I’ll go. Although I miss Ash…I feel that I should go to Albion Forest as a representative of the dragon race.”

“Aneue! Please allow me to go as a representative of the Knight Country! I also have a bad feeling about this.”

Silvia stood proudly as she expressed her strong determination.

“Since Princess-sama intends to go, I am duty-bound to follow her.”

Standing by the doorway, Cosette volunteered herself with a gentle tone.

“Then, as Ansarivan’s Student Council President, I shall also accompany them.”

Lastly, Rebecca valorously made her decision. With that, the party that would head to Albion Forest was decided.

=== Part 4 ===
Eco and the others all rode atop Rebecca’s Maestro Cú Chulainn towards the so-called <Gate> that head priestess Frederica had described — they went along a path through the forest that continued all the way up north. Chief Lars also rode his Maestro Rosberg in accompaniment so that he could send them off, with Frederica riding with him.

“That is the Ecbald Forest’s <Gate>.”

After a while, Lars pointed at a place that seemed like a plaza as he said so. The dense branches and foliage that normally provided cover produced a beautiful round opening there. In the centre of the plaza, ancient boulders were arranged in a ring, giving the place a solemn atmosphere. The members of the clergy had already arrived in advance and waited for the arrival of Eco and the others by the boulders. There were around thirty of them in all. It was a marvel to see Ecbald people dressed in religious outfits surrounding the circular formation of boulders. It even brought on a sense of nervousness.

“Head priestess, everything has been prepared.”

One of the priests reported to Frederica.

“Thank you.”

After expressing her gratitude, Frederica climbed down from Rosberg’s back.

“Hmm, so this is a so-called Stone Circle. It’s my first time seeing the real thing with my own eyes.”

Silvia voiced her admiration as she overlooked the stone formation.

“I can feel a mysterious power. Is that also a legacy of the elves?”

Eco asked in wonder.

“That is correct, Eco. For generations, the Ecbald tribe has protected this Stone Circle and The Shrine of Jylhä.”

Lars answered as he gazed off into the distance. Frederica then issued her orders,

“Please ride Cú Chulainn to the centre of the Stone Circle.”

Rebecca followed the instructions, riding Cú Chulainn forward to a side of the Stone Circle before pausing for a moment, and then carefully crossing over. Cú Chulainn barely managed to fit inside the Stone Circle.

“There are a few things to pay attention to here. Firstly, the opening of the <Gate> is limited to once per day. Secondly, the <Gate> can only stay open for a maximum of five hours. If we were purebred elves, it would’ve been possible to control at will like a switch, but as we have mixed human blood, this is the extent of our abilities.”

“I understand, head priestess.”

Rebecca replied confidently to Frederica, who seemed a little apologetic.

“Very well, I shall open the <Gate>—”

Frederica declared with a solemn air about her.

“O <Gate> forged by our mighty ancestors in ancient times long past…”

Frederica began to recite a chant. The other members of the clergy also followed her. Eco’s sixth sense told her — magical energy was slowly taking shape around the Stone Circle. And then, a gust of wind blew around them, and a complicated and intricate magic circle appeared on the ground. Soon, the entire plaza was filled with blue and white luminosity—

“Open the path to Albion Forest here!”

As Frederica yelled that with a firm voice, a pillar of light erupted from the ground. Eco’s vision became a vast expanse of whiteness and she felt as if she was floating in the air.

=== Part 5 ===
After the beam of light disappeared, Eco’s vision also returned to normal.

“Ugh…”

Eco clung onto Cú Chulainn as she slowly opened her eyes. The place that they stood upon now was also a plaza which had a Stone Circle at its centre. At first glance, the scenery was familiar, but the clergymen led by Frederica were missing. The colour of the sky was also distinctly different from how it looked in the Ecbald Forest. The weather in the Ecbald Autonomous Region was clear and fine, while the weather here was grey and overcast. Moreover, white snow petals drifted down from the sky. Eco couldn’t help but shiver. The atmosphere of the surrounding environment was also completely different from the Ecbald Forest. Looking around, Eco felt a sense of nostalgia well up inside her.

“No doubt, this is definitely Albion Forest…”

As if in response to Eco’s words, Cú Chulainn began to move. It lifted its heavy limbs as it stepped out of the Stone Circle. The complex pattern of the magic circle still continued to emit a pale blue glow. Rebecca, who had been staring intently at the magic circle, pensively folded her arms in front of her chest.

“If my guess is correct, we should be sent back to the Ecbald Forest as long as we step onto that magic circle again.”

“Which means that we have five hours to act before that magic circle disappears. Let’s set off for the Mother Dragon’s location without any further ado!”

Silvia clenched her fist beside Eco.

“That’s the spirit, Princess-sama.”

Cosette smiled as she responded to Silvia.

“There’s just one problem…is it that easy to find the Mother Dragon?”

Eco frowned as memories of her summer vacation flashed through her mind. On that day — Ash was the only one who was able to succeed in meeting the Mother Dragon. Both Eco and Silvia were harassed by illusions from beginning to end. Eco still had an unpleasant impression of her separation from Ash at that time…

[—I’m not sure if it’s fortunate or unfortunate, but that’s not a problem you have to worry about.]

Having returned to the Dragon Workshop, Navi communicated with Eco telepathically.

“—Navi? What do you mean?”

[Even I find it unbelievable, but…the Mother Dragon’s labyrinth barrier has actually been lifted. Cú Chulainn should be able to take you to where the Mother Dragon is right away.]

After explaining so, Navi ended her dialogue.

“Eco? What did Navi say?”

Silvia asked. Rebecca and Cosette also directed their attention to Eco.

After Eco relayed Navi’s information to everyone—

“Ooooohh!”

Cú Chulainn suddenly roared and then began to tread forward with earth-shaking footsteps.

“Then let us follow Navi’s suggestion and entrust Cú Chulainn with the task of leading the way.”

Just as Rebecca made a content smile—

—Pah!

With a sudden flap, Cú Chulainn soared up and above the forest.

“Wha…!”

Eco’s eyes widened. Albion Forest looked completely different. The sight of Albion Forest now was vastly different from the scenery that Eco recalled when she looked down on it from Lancelot’s back during the summer vacation. No, the appearance of the forest itself probably hadn’t changed. Rather, it was due to the Mother Dragon’s magical enchantment being lifted that the forest’s true appearance was revealed. An enormous old tree beyond all imagination that towered into the sky stood in the centre of the forest. The group immediately realised that that was the Mother Dragon’s body.

“That’s Albion Forest’s…true appearance?”

Silvia also looked down at the forest below with a blank expression.

“Umm…Mother Dragon-sama must be a plant, right?”

Cosette asked, as if she had realised something in hindsight.

“Yes, that’s right. What’s the matter?”

Silvia replied, as if puzzled by the question.

“Don’t you all think…that she seems to be moving?”

Just as Cosette tilted her head in bewilderment—

—Pew! Pew!

Something suddenly swept past Cú Chulainn’s flank with a whistling whir.

“Guuu!”

Cú Chulainn made an anguished groan. Slight burn marks could be seen on the fur of its sides.

“Is that an anti-air attack?”

Silvia yelled in amazement.

“…I command you in the name of Rebecca Randall. Bestow upon me the Ark that you have created!”

Rebecca’s powerful voice resounded through the grey sky as snowflakes drifted down.

“Uooooooooooooohhhhh!”

Cú Chulainn let loose a roar that was loud enough to rattle everyone’s eardrums. Rebecca’s body became shrouded in a dazzling light, and bright red armour emerged from thin air. Piece by piece, it was assembled over Rebecca’s naked body. At last, she equipped a cloak that fluttered in the wind — thus completing the second form of her Ark.

“Appear…the certain hit magic spear! Gáe Bolg!”

Rebecca had prepared herself for battle in almost no time.

“Go, Cú Chulainn!”

Under Rebecca’s orders, Cú Chulainn began to glide through the air with caution. It flicked its body to the left and the right, dodging the mysterious projectiles while it slowly closed the distance.

“Hah!”

Rebecca suddenly used the magic spear Gáe Bolg to attack. Clang! —A sharp sound rang out, and a ball-like object like the ones used for Dragon Riding sports flew into Eco’s arms.

“Whaa!?”

In astonishment, Eco reflexively hugged the object. It had a warm and hard sensation to it.

“Hey…Rebecca. This is really dangerous!”

Eco raised her fist in protest. Eco was struggling to cope with just holding onto Cú Chulainn so that she wouldn’t be thrown off when they dodged projectiles. So, it was hard to blame Eco for getting angry when an inexplicable object suddenly came flying at her during such a moment.

“Sorry sorry, I didn’t mean it. So, what on earth is that projectile?”

Rebecca made a wry smile as she answered from above Eco.

“Projectile? …Are you talking about this thing?”

Eco stared at the object in her arms. The surface was dark brown and felt quite rough to touch. Silvia and Cosette also looked carefully at it.

“Looking closely, it appears to be a plant seed.”

“Although it looks too big to be a seed, I can’t think of a more apt description than a seed. Moreover, they were fired at us from Mother Dragon-sama’s body…”

“What reason does Mother have for attacking us?”

Eco was puzzled. Perhaps due to its unique reproductive system, the Mother Dragon couldn’t be compared to an ordinary mother. Even so, the Mother Dragon was a motherly existence to Eco. Eco felt sincerely happy when she received <Avalon’s Bracelet>. Why would her mother attack her indiscriminately? While Eco was emotionally hurt, the seed pellets continued to fire relentlessly and passed by Cú Chulainn at high speed.

“Hmm…they might be seeds, but their speed is incredible. Even Cú Chulainn would be seriously injured if it took a head-on shot. Not to mention that if we were hit…it might be a one-hit kill.”

A cold sweat broke on Silvia’s forehead as she began to feel anxious.

“Please rest assured. In order to protect Your Highness’ life, I shall do everything that I must.”

Cosette revealed a smile as if to appease Silvia.

“Hmm. Continuing on like this indefinitely isn’t going to work. You three, make sure you hold on tightly to Cú Chulainn!”

Rebecca steeled her resolve as she shouted resolutely.

“Cú Chulainn! Activate a defensive shield and then charge at Mother at full speed!”

Rebecca’s decision absolutely mortified both Eco and Silvia.

“Uooooooooooooohhhhh!”

Cú Chulainn obeyed Rebecca’s order without hesitation. Cú Chulainn created a Hexagonal Shield in front of itself, and then charged towards the great ancient tree’s roots like a meteor—.

=== Part 6 ===
“How is this possible!? This is the Mother Dragon?”

Silvia couldn’t help but cry out after Cú Chulainn charged through a rain of projectiles and landed at the base of the enormous tree.

“What’s the matter…?”

Eco felt her heart sink for a while as she gazed at the body of the Mother Dragon. The trunk and branches of the large ancient tree had undergone unbearable changes. The bark was greasy and viscous as if it had been coated with tar, and it was also dyed jet black. Purple spots appeared all over the trunk, giving it a frightening appearance. It was clearly a tree, but it gave off a horrific impression of something that had been corrupted. Moreover, a dark and dense layer of magic was continuously ejected from the centre of the tree.

“What is this…is a monster like this really my ‘mother’?”

Eco’s fists trembled without rest.

“Kukuku…”

Haughty laughter suddenly drifted down from the tree.

“You guys are pretty good if you’re able to break past this one’s anti-air shooting—”

As Eco looked up, she locked eyes with a slender girl. The girl was casually dressed in a long cloak as she sat on a branch. Her slender eyes were like those of a lynx that had locked on to its prey. The girl’s appearance gave off a mysterious impression. Judging by the shape of her ears, she appeared to belong to the Ecbald Tribe, but her skin was dark. During their stay in the Ecbald Forest, Eco had seen all kinds of Ecbald women, and all of them had skin as white as snow. Yet, this girl’s skin was such a dark colour that it seemed to deny all of that. She didn’t just have a dark complexion either. Her entire being gave off an aura that seemed synonymous with darkness.

“You’re the one who crafted the narcotic, Kiira Brava Henriksen, aren’t you!?”

When Silvia asked that, Kiira simply revealed a mysterious smile. She looked mature and didn’t appear to be a girl of the same age as Lucca. Given the long, slender forms of her limbs, she actually seemed closer to Rebecca in age.

“Correct. You were actually able to deduce my identity at a glance…I see. You guys must be Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights who defeated Uriel, I presume?”

“You’re quite perceptive, but it doesn’t seem as though we have time for leisurely introductions. What have you done to the Mother Dragon? I can vaguely sense a presence similar to that of a Necromancia…”

Upon hearing Rebecca’s question, Kiira stood up on the branch where she had been sitting.

“This thing is called a Necroplant. I allowed the Mother Dragon to absorb into her roots a drug that I specially developed called <Necroma>. It results in a mutation of her body. Unlike the Necromancias which can be mass-produced as long as dragon ashes are used, this Necroplantis a unique existence.”

“Then, the six hundred and sixty-six people that you asked Uriel for…”

Despite the sullen expression on Rebecca’s face, a smile remained on Kiira’s face.

“As you’ve guessed, I extracted all of their Astral into a crystal and used that as an ingredient for <Necroma>.”

“Why…why did you commit such an unconscionable act!?”

Eco couldn’t help but shed tears.

“Why, you ask? It’s obviously for the sake of revenge! I will never forgive the Mother Dragon who refused to make a contract with me! I’ve hated her for so many years, and now the time for my revenge has finally arrived!”

“Y-You lowlife…you did this to the Mother Dragon for such a trivial reason?”

Silvia was infuriated.

“A trivial reason? Huh, what the hell do you know!?”

“I sympathise with your past, but everything you did has ruined the <Orphan Ceremony>. Children will never again have the chance to obtain a Pal, and you’re the one who has deprived those like you who hoped of becoming a Dragonar from ever doing so. Do you have the conscience to face the grave sins that you’ve committed?”

“A conscience? Piss off! My heart has long since been decimated by my hatred of the Mother Dragon. Open yours eyes and gaze upon my black skin! As I fell into darkness, my skin naturally turned black too.”

“Is that really possible!?”

Eco muttered to herself in amazement.

“Pride, envy, rage, sloth, greed, gluttony, lust — the Holy Espada Agency has named those as the <Seven Deadly Sins>. Ecbalds whose minds have been corrupted by any three of them will have their skin turn black as if to make it publicly known that they have sinned.”

Kiira coldly answered as if it had nothing to do with herself.

“I suppose you’d be guilty of rage against Mother, envy of Lucca, and greed born out of your strong desire for revenge — those three? Your mind is so corrupted that I’d actually feel relieved if you were also slothful.”

Kiira flatly ignored Rebecca’s provocation.

“The Ecbald tribe have always been proud of their pearl white skin, and the darkening of their skin is an ominous sign to them. It’s because it would make them look exactly like the cold-blooded enemy of their noble elven ancestors — the dark elves. I’m not the same as those Ecbalds though. I’m actually quite pleased that I look like this now. I was reborn as a dark elf from the moment that I vowed vengeance against the Mother Dragon!”

“…If that’s the case, then allow me to ask one last question.”

Rebecca spoke in a tough tone, perhaps having understood that there was no room for negotiation between both sides.

“It’s not that I can’t understand your notion of revenge, but I have doubts about how you’ve gone about it. If you just wanted to kill Mother, then there was no need for a drug that sacrificed so many human lives. Isn’t that right?”

“Hmm, you’ve got a keen eye. Naturally, my revenge isn’t going to end so soon. After the <Orphan Ceremony> ended, those Ecbald people just threw flattery at Lucca, but completely abandoned me—”

Kiira clenched her fists and then slammed one of them against the Necroplant’s trunk.

“They’re just as guilty! I’m going to ride this thing back home in triumph. And then, I’ll turn my hometown, the Ecbald Forest, into ashes!”

A dark aura erupted and enveloped Kiira’s entire body.

“They’d better be ready! This one is my Pal!”

Perhaps in response to Kiira’s feelings, the Necroplantacted abnormally.

—Doooooooooonnnnn!

Like an awakened dragon, the demonic tree’s power began to produce tremors. Like blood vessels, the roots of the tree buried in the earth gradually began to pop out. One by one, they uprooted themselves and intertwined intricately to form a set of feet. They looked like the legs of a spider.

“She can move!?”

Even Rebecca, who usually kept her cool, couldn’t help but cry out in astonishment — it was a testament to just how bizarre the image was. Both Eco and Silvia had already been frightened to the point that they could no longer speak.

“Rebecca-sama. We must hurry back to the Stone Circle and pass this news onto the Ecbald people…!”

Cosette’s tone was imbued with a rare sense of urgency.

“Retreat! Cú Chulainn!”

Rebecca decisively gave an order to Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn obediently roared and then shifted direction. Although it swiftly spread its wings and attempted to launch into the sky—

“It’s too late now!”

When Kiira yelled that, a countless number of tentacles sprouted from the body of the Necroplant. Aside from deformed roots and branches that formed some of the tentacles, there were also slender yet agile vines.

“Guuuu!”

Restrained by the tentacles, Cú Chulainn had difficulty lifting off into the sky.

“If you can’t fly then run! Get as far away from the Necroplantas you can at full speed!”

Under Rebecca’s orders, Cú Chulainn gave up on flying and instead ran like mad on the ground. Cú Chulainn’s size was the largest among the Maestros, and that meant the dense forest was disadvantageous terrain for it. However, they had no choice but to deal with the terrain disadvantage and make a break for it while they could.

“Go! Necroplant! …That’s right, since you’re my Pal, I have to give you a nice name.”

Kiira cackled with elation as she stood on the tree and then revealed a triumphant smile after thinking about the name for a while.

“…No, there’s really nothing to think of here. Your name is Gawain!”

Cú Chulainn raced through the forest with Rebecca on its head, while Eco, Silvia and Cosette rode on its back. Eco firmly grasped onto Cú Chulainn’s back as she turned around to look back.

—Necroplant.

It was a half-dragon, half-plant life form made by having the Mother Dragon’s body absorb a drug. The huge ancient tree which once had a sacred aura had now become an alien existence that seemed neither dragon nor plant. It also used a countless number of tree roots intertwined into feet as a mode of transport. All of the birds which inhabited the forest scattered in fear. Even seemingly brave wild animals fled with their tails between their legs. Perhaps a silver lining was that the Necroplant’s movement speed was rather slow. Due to its enormous size, it constantly had to demolish all surrounding trees in order to advance forward. But, even so—

“They’re coming…!”

Eco shouted as an instinctive fear chilled her spine.

—Whip! Whip!

A vast number of vines sprouted from the Necroplant and successively commenced an assault on Cú Chulainn as their movement produced sharp whistles in the wind. No, there were more than just vines attacking.

—Boom! Boom!

The projectiles which had given Rebecca and Cú Chulainn trouble when they initially made their way into the forest returned. Scores of projectiles drew an arc in the air as they landed and exploded at Cú Chulainn’s feet. Cú Chulainn narrowly dodged the onslaught by dashing from side to side while continuing to sprint forward.

“It seems like we’ll just have to bite the bullet and confront it…”

However, Cosette dissuaded Rebecca who mumbled that on top of Cú Chulainn’s head.

“Rebecca-sama, we cannot fight right now. Our top priority is to arrive safely back at the Stone Circle. That Necroplant feels extremely abnormal.”

“Hmm. You make a logical argument, but…”

“Please allow me to take care of our defences—”

While Rebecca muttered to herself in the face of this dilemma, Cosette swiftly stood up and spun around as she looked straight behind. She then removed a short, stick-like object from one of her pockets which made a rattling metallic sound. In the blink of an eye, the stick had elongated into a silver polearm.

“Hold on! You’re not planning to use such a simple weapon against our pursuers, are you?”

While Silvia yelled out in surprise, Cosette lightly jumped up and landed on Cú Chulainn’s rear as she entered a battle stance. A ferocious aura enveloped her curvaceous body and her dense hair also stood on end. The violent imagery of her fighting aura was clearly reflected in Eco’s eyes as a dragon. In that moment, she instinctively felt even more frightened of her than the Necroplant.

“Ha!”

Cosette unleashed an astonishing aura from her body. The polearm emitted a flash of light from top to bottom! As a result, the approaching vines were mercilessly sliced apart.

—Zing! Ziiin!

The endless stream of seeds which were fired in succession were taken down by Cosette one after the other—

“Ufufu, do you see now? Rebecca-sama, please rest assured that I will take care of the rear guard. Please focus on leading all of us back to the <Gate>.”

Cosette said with a smile and a giggle. Eco and Silvia couldn’t help but stare at Cosette in wonder. Even Rebecca seemed shocked by her aura and prowess as she answered,

“I understand, Cosette-san.”

With no further objections, she gave her undivided attention to the front. After a while, Cú Chulainn roared.

“Good! We’re getting closer and closer to the <Gate>!”

Rebecca breathed a sigh of relief as she yelled back to the others. They had finally returned to the plaza containing the Stone Circle. Given that night had fallen all around them, perhaps they’d stayed in the forest for longer than they thought. A dazzling burst of light was released from the magic circle inside the Stone Circle. The magic activated by the clergy hadn’t yet lost its effectiveness.

“Go! Cú Chulainn!”

As Rebecca ordered, Cú Chulainn leapt and landed perfectly inside the Stone Circle.

=== Part 7 ===
After they were shrouded in a blinding light, the group instantly regained visual clarity upon return.

“We’re finally back—!”

Eco couldn’t help but cry out loud. The clergymen led by head priestess Frederica had remained in formation around the Stone Circle.

“Head priestess, the situation is dire! Please close the gate immediately!”

Perhaps taking note of the sharpness in Rebecca’s urgent tone, Frederica asked no further questions and responded immediately.

“Close the gate!”

Following Frederica’s orders, the clergymen began to recite the chant for closing the gate. The method for closing the gate seemed simpler than it was to open it as the magic circle disappeared almost instantaneously.

“Phew…it seems we made it.”

Although Silvia felt a wave of relief, Rebecca still appeared worried as a frown hung across her face.

“Rebecca? Is something bothering you?”

In response to Eco’s question, Rebecca nodded as she said,

“Yes. I’m very curious as to how Kiira originally planned on using the Necroplant to attack the Ecbald Forest. After all, it’s theoretically impossible to travel overland from Albion Forest all the way to the Ecbald Forest.”

Eco had a sudden realisation.

“Do you mean to say that Kiira may also use the <Gate>? I thought only the clergy could open the <Gate> though?”

“I hope that’s the case. The problem is that the Necroplant’s body belongs to the Mother Dragon. When it comes to opening and closing the <Gate>—”

—Boooom!

All of a sudden, a loud boom shook the plaza. The large boulders that formed the Stone Circle were instantly blown away. At the same time, a gigantic magic circle that encompassed the entire plaza appeared on the ground. After that, tough-looking vines gradually began to emerge from the ground.

“As I thought, Kiira planned on using the <Gate> in the first place…”

Rebecca remarked in a bitter voice. After a moment—

“You Ecbald people with wax-white faces!”

Kiira slowly emerged from the magic circle.

“Kiira Brava Henriksen has returned!”

Kiira’s pose was majestic, reminiscent of a Dragonar riding on top of a dragon’s head.

“…It can’t be helped. I’ll hold things off here.”

Even when faced with a difficult and perilous situation, Rebecca maintained her composure.

“Head priestess Frederica, please take Eco and the others back to the Escavaron for refuge.”

“T-That’s fine, but…”

Frederica was visibly shaken given that she still didn’t have a clear grasp of the situation and what had happened.

“Please wait, President! You might be one of the strongest, but can you really handle this on your own?”

Silvia asked in doubt.

“Who do you take me for? I’m the Student Council President of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy, Rebecca Randall.”

After making such a bold declaration, Rebecca turned her back to Eco and the others.

=== Part 8 ===
Just as night was about to fall, Celes stood in front of altar at The Shrine of Jylhä. The moon had already begun to show its face in the eastern horizon. Just as anticipated, it was a perfect full moon. It was the most suitable night to perform a Dragon Riding Dance. If tonight’s opportunity was missed, they would have to wait another month.

“You’ll soon be free, Oscar.”

“Kuhh…”

Having brought Celes and Oscar here, Tristan uttered an anxious groan.

Celes spoke softly to Oscar who had been laid down next to the altar. ''That voice really doesn’t suit Tristan’s mighty image'' — Celes thought. However, Celes also felt reassured to see Tristan in good health and without any abnormalities. Even though Oscar had become a doll with no free will, she was still connected to Tristan through their Astral Flow. Moreover, she continued to supply Tristan with Astral. According to head priestess Frederica, The Shrine of Jylhä was the most sacred place in the Ecbald Autonomous Region. In other words, The Shrine of Jylhä was the location that would produce the strongest effect if Ash and Lucca were to successfully perform a Dragon Riding Dance over the forest.

“Don’t worry. Ash and Lucca will definitely succeed in their Dragon Riding Dance. I believe in them.”

Just as Celes muttered a prayer while stroking Tristan’s flank — an earth-shattering boom suddenly erupted. Vibrations buzzed through the air for a while.

“W-What? An earthquake!?”

Celes hurriedly crouched down beside Oscar. However, the tremors didn’t quite feel like an earthquake. Moreover, the sound wasn’t so much related to the ground — it sounded more like an explosion.

“Grrrrr…”

As expected, Tristan appeared to raise its guard as the fur all over its body stood erect.

=== Part 9 ===
Eco, Silvia and the clergymen led by Frederica all headed straight for the Escavaron. Along the way, they all witnessed areas of the forest being continuously eroded by the Necroplant. The screams of the Ecbald Tribe echoed through the night—

“Wait, what’s happening!? Why are those tentacles coming here…isn’t Rebecca holding them off from behind!?”

Upon hearing Eco’s complaint, Frederica answered while running beside them,

“It looks like…all of the <Gates> scattered throughout this forest have been forcibly opened.”

As expected of someone bearing the great responsibilities of head priestess, Frederica was able to calmly analyse the situation even in the face of a crisis.

“What did you say!? I thought there was only one <Gate>?”

“There is a total of twelve <Gates> which link Albion Forest and the Ecbald Forest>.”

“That’s so many! If all of them have been infiltrated by the Necroplant…this is no small matter!”

Silvia said with a grim expression, while Frederica nodded solemnly in agreement.

“Please don’t worry. I know the locations of all of the <Gates>. Although it might be a long detour, as long as we avoid those locations, we should be able to arrive back to the Escavaron safely and avoid those threats.”

It seemed that they had no choice but to put their faith in Frederica and move forward.

=== Part 10 ===
Several minutes later—.

Just as Frederica said, Eco and the others did not encounter any threats or obstructions along the way, and they smoothly made their way out of the forest. The majesty of the moored Escavaron entered their view. A large number of people seeking refuge had formed a crowd surrounding the magic ship. At some point, the area outside the forest had become something of a temporary shelter.

“Is there anyone with serious injuries? We’ll send you to the Escavaron’s infirmary!”

The person shouting loudly to provide instruction was Jessica. Dressed in a pink nurse’s uniform, she was doing her best to convey instructions to the crowd. Frederica paused upon seeing this.

“I will stay here to treat the wounded with Jessica. Medical treatment is also an important responsibility for the clergy.”

“I understand. Thank you for escorting us back.”

After Silvia replied, Frederica and the clergymen separated from them and headed towards the location of the refugees.

“Well, let’s head to the cockpit first. We should give aneue an update on the situation first—.”

Both Eco and Cosette nodded in agreement with Silvia’s proposal.

Mirabel, Eunice and Anya sat in the Escavaron’s cockpit. Raymond and Max were missing because they had ridden out on their Pals to search for residents Mirabel made an annoyed groan after listening to the who might not have escaped in time. explanation from Eco and Silvia.

“The pharmacist Kiira used a drug that she developed to turn the Mother Dragon into a life form called a Necroplant…it’s quite sudden and hard to believe.”

Mirabel rested her chin on her fingers as she pondered, lost deeply in thought.

“If we use our main cannon to bombard the Necroplant’s body…the resulting aftershock and collateral may destroy the homes of the Ecbald Tribe. Moreover, Ash and Eco should be coming back soon. Just as previously predicted, tonight is a perfect full moon. It seems like we’ll have to protect Ash and Lucca while they perform the Dragon Riding Dance, and at the same time—”

“Excuse me.”

At that moment, the entrance to the cockpit was opened and Chief Lars entered the room. Bandages were wrapped all over his body, he looked bruised all over, and he could only walk with the assistance of crutches.

“I’m deeply ashamed, Mirabel-dono. As the Chief, I should be the one who stands up to protect his people, but I’m the first one who has lost the ability to fight…we’ve also forced you to use the Escavaron as a shelter despite its invaluable combat power…I’m truly sorry.”

Although Lars was old and weakened, he was still a magnificent Dragonar. He was also a great veteran of the Xenoglavia War. However, even a seasoned verteran like Lars had instantly suffered defeat. This only reinforced the incredible strength of the Necroplant in Eco’s mind. If this continued, it would only be a matter of time before the entire Ecbald Forest was completely destroyed. Rebecca would also be in grave danger since she was all alone.

However, Ash and Lucca had still yet to return. In the first place, Ash and Lucca’s mission was to successfully perform a Dragon Riding Dance in order to save Oscar. They couldn’t hope to rely on them as part of the combat force. Frustratingly, because Ash had chosen Lancelot as his Pal for the mission, Silvia was unable to fight and thus forced to retreat. Moreover, Eco didn’t have the courage to transform into Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor without Ash’s presence. In the past, Eco was only able to liberate that form with confidence because Ash was there as her knight. Without Ash by her side, it was possible that she’d lose control of herself just like that time when she was forcibly awakened by the Imperial Army.

“—Eco. As things stand, it seems we have no choice but to pin our hopes on you.”

Having remained silent until now, Silvia finally spoke as she placed a hand on Eco’s shoulder. Silvia probably felt the same way as Eco because she couldn’t enact any change on her own. However, the thing that Eco feared the most right now was someone urging her into battle.

“B-But I…if Ash isn’t here as my knight…I don’t have the confidence that I’ll be able to maintain my consciousness the whole time.”

“Is now the time for such listless words? Look at what’s going on around you! We won’t survive without your power!”

Silvia’s words were perfectly reasonable. If possible, Eco also wanted to do her part for everyone. But, if Eco transformed without the certainty of having Ash by her side, what would happen in the off chance that things didn’t go well? A terrifying vision surfaced in Eco’s mind. The Escavaron completely ravaged. The forest a sea of flames.

“What!? Aren’t you the same? Without Lancelot, you’ve decided that all you can do is stand by and watch…why are you telling me to go by myself? That’s just mean!”

''No. That’s not what I actually wanted to say'' — even though that’s what she thought, Eco had lashed out at Silvia anyway, speaking hurtful words in the heat of the moment.

“You…!”

Silvia raised her right hand, and Eco instinctively shut her eyes. …However, the pain that she anticipated never came to pass.

“Silvia?”

Eco gingerly opened her eyes. She saw Silvia standing before her with her right fist raised but unmoving. And then, Silvia made a ridiculous proposal that overturned all of Eco’s expectations.

“If that’s the case, then why don’t I ride you!? How about that?”

Eco stared straight ahead. She couldn’t figure out what Silvia meant at all.

“Huh!? Of course not! Dragons don’t allow anyone other than their contracted master to ride them! All students at the Dragon Riding Academy should know at least that much as part of their common knowledge!”

“Of course. That’s precisely why I proposed the idea! I’m certain that I’ll be able to pair up with you!”

Silvia folded her arms and proudly puffed out her chest.

“…Are you serious?”

“Yes, I am serious. If you feel uneasy about being alone, then I’ll substitute for Ash as your partner. My Pal just so happens to be absent anyway.”

“We’re going to join forces since both of our partners are missing? I have to warn you that getting thrown off me isn’t the worst thing that could happen…I might even trample you to death, you know?”

“That doesn’t matter. I believe in you, Eco.”

“What!?”

Eco was so embarrassed that her cheeks felt like they were ablaze.

“Aren’t you Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor!? I don’t believe that you’re the same as other dragons. You’re not going to get so mad that you lose your mind just because someone other than your master is riding you.”

“That would be the ideal situation…argh! Cosette, can’t you try and persuade Silvia!? If you’re her personal servant, you should step forward and remind her when she’s wrong!”

However, Cosette revealed a soft smile.

“I believe that if Princess-sama and Eco work together, you’ll be victorious and will return safely in triumph.”

“Oh…both of you are seriously idiots!”

Despite her somewhat blunt reply, Eco extended her fist towards Silvia. Silvia also smiled as she extended her fist. After they briefly bumped fists — Eco and Silvia swiftly marched out of the cockpit.[[Image:SnRK V10 206.jpg|thumb]]“What troublesome children…. They didn’t even discuss it with me before setting off like that.”

After Mirabel sighed and complained, a smile spread across Anya’s face as she sat in the navigator’s seat.

“I think Eco and Her Highness Silvia will be alright though.”

“I hope so…”

At that moment, an alarm for emergency communications suddenly went off.

“Who is it at a time like this?”

“Connecting!”

Anya quickly activated the communications device.

[Mirabel-sensei, bad news!]

The person who appeared on-screen was Raquel IV. Raquel’s expression appeared to be one of panic, and this gave Mirabel an ominous premonition. What was there that could throw Raquel into a state of panic at this time — there seemed to be only a single possibility.

[…Civil war has finally broken out in the Chevron Kingdom!]

Sure enough, Mirabel’s ominous premonition came to pass.

“So those aiming for the throne started a war before the mourning period for Zacharias III was over?”

[Indeed…at present, the forces that support the Second Prince as the legitimate heir and the coalition forces of the Fourth and Fifth Princes have begun a small-scale battle. The other princes are also aggressively preparing for battle. In the worst-case scenario, the entire Kingdom may turn into a battlefield…]

Since it was rare to see Raquel in such a state of panic, Mirabel couldn’t help but laugh despite knowing that her reaction was somewhat rude.

[Huh!? W-Why are you laughing when there’s an emergency, sensei?]

“It’s nothing. I just thought that the sight of you panicking was a very age-appropriate reaction.”

[T-That’s enough! Mirabel-sensei!]

“Don’t worry. I have faith in Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights. Moreover, I also believe in the strength of the young man named Ash Blake—”

“The Death of Mother ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 7

2021-03-27T15:16:27Z

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==Chapter 7 – The Calamity of Albion==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===
=== Part 4 ===
=== Part 5 ===
=== Part 6 ===
=== Part 7 ===
=== Part 8 ===
=== Part 9 ===
=== Part 10 ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 206.jpg|thumb]]

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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 8|Chapter 8]]
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6

2021-03-27T15:14:52Z

Zxzxzx: Add page content

==Chapter 6 – The Dark Elf’s Revenge==
=== Part 1 ===
The fifth day since Ash and Lucca entered The Shrine of Jylhä’s <Inner Sanctuary>—.

After Ash blacked out on the first day, he had finally managed to overcome this obstacle thanks to Lucca teaching him her tips and tricks for high-speed flight. However, taking into account their limited remaining time, such progress was not particularly smooth. Half of their ten-day training period was already over.

“Phew…”

After climbing down from Lancelot’s back, Ash dropped himself onto the lush meadow. He spread himself out on the ground as he stared at the endless sky. In this magical space constructed by the elves, the flow of time inside was identical to the outside world. It was dusk, and the sky was filled with dark red clouds as a result of the sunset. He felt rather comfortable as a cool evening breeze blew across his sweaty body.

“Lucca and Gawain really are amazing.”

Ash couldn’t help but voice his admiration as he cast his gaze towards a corner of the sky. There, he could faintly see a trace of the flight path that Lucca and Gawain had left behind. The left side of the trajectory depicted on the rock slate — the ‘single wing’, had been accurately drawn. It had been perfectly reproduced in accordance with the pattern on the rock slate, down to the details of the wing’s sharp outline and its delicate feathers. Even though it looked perfect to Ash, Lucca only scored herself seventy-five points out of a hundred.

“If something of that calibre is only worth seventy-five points, then my performance…would only be thirty points at best, right?”

At a distance from the perfect ‘single wing’, the trail that had been left behind by Ash and Lancelot was clearly visible. Although it was barely recognisable as the shape of a wing, there were still many unresolved problems with it.

“Kuu~”

At that moment, Lancelot let out a cry of frustration as it lowered its head.

“Oh, it’s not your fault. The biggest problem is still my lack of experience.”

Ash made a wry smile. After living together like this for a few days, Ash had coincidentally discovered Lancelot’s cowardly side which he had never previously seen. Strangely, it might have ended up somewhat like its master.

“I mean, I drew a complete monstrosity yesterday, and I wasn’t even able to finish drawing the day before, so it’s true that I’ve been improving day by day. Although we still have more training and challenges ahead of us in the future, let’s do our best together.”

“Oooooohhh!”

Lancelot responded with a mighty roar this time.

—Clang! Clang!

Hearing the characteristic clang of metalware, Ash turned back to look. He found Lucca sticking her head out of the house’s window with a ladle and a pan in her hand, held high above her head as she tapped them against each other. A plume of white smoke also puffed out of the chimney on the roof.

=== Part 2 ===
As soon as Ash stepped through the entrance, a herbal scent immediately rushed into his nostrils. After a days’ worth of intensive training, his stomach growled with hunger.

“Welcome home, Ash.”

Lucca popped her face out from the kitchen entrance.

“Yeah, I’m home.”

''It feels like we’re a newlywed couple''…Ash thought to himself as he washed his hands in the bathroom. He then walked over to the living room. The dining table was lined with various dishes which were all piping hot. Lucca had cooked all of those dishes herself. There was bread which had been baked in a stone kiln, grilled hare with herbs, deep-fried white fish, mushroom and vegetable soup, as well as juice which had been squeezed from fruit and vegetables.

“Tonight’s dinner also looks plentiful and rich.”

Ash savoured the aroma of the dishes while he waited for Lucca to return from the kitchen. During this training period together, Ash had come to realise that Lucca had a homely side to her. Although somewhat rude, Ash initially felt uneasy when Lucca took the initiative to say,

“Leave the cooking to me.”

''As the adopted daughter of the well-respected Chief, is it possible that Lucca has absolutely no cooking experience…?'' Ash had been suspicious of that. His unease was amplified by the terrible experience he had in the cook-off between Eco and Silvia. However, he was given a pleasant surprise. According to Lucca, it was only natural for women in the Ecbald Tribe to learn how to cook. Even as the chief’s daughter, she was no exception. Moreover, Lucca used their training space to hunt, fish, gather fruits, vegetables, herbs and the like…she single-handedly took care of all chores both inside and outside the house. Thanks to her competence in that area, Ash was able to stay focused on his training every day.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ash.”

Lucca walked out of the kitchen while wiping her hands with her apron, but — Ash’s jaw almost dropped to the floor the instant that he saw her outfit.

“Lucca! Why are you dressed like that…?”

“This? Because it’s really hot today…”

Lucca simply tilted her head with a confused expression. Ash felt so embarrassed that he wasn’t sure where to look. Aside from an apron, Lucca was completely nude. The parts of her body exposed beyond the apron and in open view were — her slender shoulders, the depression of her collarbone, her slim arms and luscious legs. In contrast to Lucca’s usual image, it was difficult to imagine her wearing such a bold outfit. Ash suddenly thought of a question. ''Is she completely naked underneath the apron? Or is she at least wearing underwear?''

“Do you not like it, Ash?”

Lucca spun around on the spot for Ash to see.

“Whaa!”

Ash quickly covered his eyes with both hands. However, he couldn’t resist the momentary temptation to take a peep through his fingers. Her platinum blonde hair lightly floated through the air. Her back was as white as fresh snow. Her tight buttocks were covered by white and green striped underwear. Ash breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming that Lucca was indeed wearing underwear below her apron.

“Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

“Yep.”

After Lucca answered, she also sat down at the dining table. And thus began their dinnertime on the fifth day of training.

Ash started by using a knife to slice open the hare meat that had been grilled with herbs. Rich meaty juices spilled out from the cut despite the crispy outer appearance. He then used a fork to send the meat into his mouth. Aromatic herbs and spices spread across the tip of his tongue. The meat was fresh and tender, not as greasy as it looked, and had a refreshing taste overall. Ash felt as though he could eat an almost endless amount of such meat. Like a gourmet, he nodded and made noises such as ‘umu’, and couldn’t help but declare,

“Mmm, it’s delicious!”

Lucca had also just cut a piece of hare meat and placed it in her mouth. She reacted in the same way as Ash, nodding frequently as she murmured,

“Yes, it’s delicious.”

“This deep-fried fish also tastes good. I used to fish quite often in my hometown as well, but…”

“No. Ash, you should focus on training right now.”

“Haha, that’s true…”

When Ash sardonically laughed, Lucca also consumed a piece of the deep-fried white fish.

“But, this juice…it’s as strong as always.”

After raising the glass with his left hand, Ash hesitated. The dark green liquid was rather viscous, and just by looking at it, it seemed like it would be difficult to swallow. Even so, Ash closed his eyes and gulped it all down. Lucca followed suit, raising the glass with her left hand and then closing her eyes. In a somewhat macho manner, she gulped it all down.

“…?”

Ash suddenly noticed that something was amiss. Ordinarily speaking, Lucca wasn’t one to drink things in such a crass manner. If Ash ripped the bread with his hands, Lucca would also begin to rip the bread the following moment. If Ash drank his soup, Lucca would immediately follow him. Only then did Ash discover a significant fact.

“Lucca, are you imitating my actions?”

Lucca shook her head.

“It’s not imitation…I’m predicting your next move while eating. It seems like my hit rate tonight has improved compared to before.”

“Predicting? Why do you need to do that?”

“If the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ is to succeed…the key is synchronisation with your partner.”

“Synchronisation…”

“I always remind myself that my breathing and behaviour must be like yours so that I can enhance my sense of unity with you. If you’re thinking about something, and I can also understand it…then it helps to improve the completion of our performance.”

“I see.”

Ash felt admiration for Lucca’s intricate consideration of such matters. In other words, Lucca had been paying attention to the issue of synchronising with Ash from day one. The fruits of her labour had been put on display at the dining table tonight.

“In that case, I should also carefully observe you. I’ll work hard so that I can accurately understand your feelings.”

“I’ll feel embarrassed if you stare at me too often…”

Lucca’s cheeks turned red. Her abashed expression caused Ash’s heartrate to accelerate.

''—Speaking of which…''

Ash delved into thought as he chewed on a piece of bread. These past five days, Lucca had unveiled breathtaking dragon riding technique. In terms of overall performance, Rebecca and Silvia were probably superior. However, in terms of ‘flying’ alone, it would be no exaggeration to say that Lucca completely dominated the entire academy.

''—It’s pretty difficult for me to reach that level…''

Even though Ash had a certain degree of confidence in actual combat, he couldn’t help but feel admiration for Lucca every time he watched her perform a Dragon Riding Dance. Lucca was a genius through and through. The more he faced that fact, the more convinced he became of a certain idea. That idea was — if he hadn’t given Lancelot to Silvia in the <Orphan Ceremony>, it was possible that Lucca would’ve ended up as Eco’s master. The conversation that he had with the Mother Dragon resurfaced in his mind.

''—Actually…according to the original plan, Eco should’ve remained in my care for a few more years.''

''—What you mean is…if I didn’t defy you and accepted Lancelot…Eco would’ve become someone else’s Pal?''

''—That’s right. The person had already been selected. Like you, that person also bears the <Holy Grail>.''

It would’ve been a talented Dragonar who was younger than Ash. If that person was Lucca, she was a match in both age and talent. However, the <Holy Grail> that the Mother Dragon spoke of was still a mystery….

“Hey, Lucca. The truth is—”

With his determination firm, Ash decided to tell Lucca about the Mother Dragon’s revelation.

After listening to Ash’s recount, a solemn expression hung over Lucca’s face.

“Ash, whether your guess is correct or not…I don’t know. I think there are many people in this world…who are stronger than me.”

“How could there be? I don’t think there are many.”

Ash retorted almost reflexively.

“Umm, Ash…”

Lucca put her fork down.

“I like Gawain. It’s like my family. That’s why there’s nothing wrong with keeping things the way they are.”

“Lucca…”

“Besides, even if I really am the <Avalon Knight>…I don’t think I could be as outstanding as you, Ash. Everyone was saved precisely because that person was you.”

The sincere expression in Lucca’s eyes enraptured Ash’s heart. At the same time, he felt inspired and encouraged. To begin with, the fact that Ash had suddenly raised this topic during dinner probably meant that he had become cowardly and confused. Perhaps his slow progress in training for the Dragon Riding Dance had gradually put a dent in his confidence.

“Thank you, Lucca.”

Upon seeing Ash smile—

“You’re welcome.”

—Lucca also directed a smile at Ash.

=== Part 3 ===
After dinner, Ash trained by himself in an attempt to make further progress.

“I’m sorry, Lancelot.”

“Ooh.”

Lancelot simply knelt down as if to say, “don’t worry about it”. Grateful for Lancelot’s cordiality, Ash swiftly straddled over, with both feet firmly in the stirrups whilst he grabbed the reins with both hands. He then looked up at the moon in the sky. <Esapce Elfiore> was just like the outside world in that both day and night existed. The first quarter of the new moon hung high in the night sky. The shape of the moon in this space seemed to mirror the real moon phase outside. And just as Rebecca had predicted, the moon slowly grew closer to a full moon each day. Only five days remained until the full moon.

“Let’s go, Lancelot!”

“Uooooooh!”

The surrounding air trembled at high frequency. Its magnificent wings gradually filled with magical energy. Lancelot’s eyes, horns and the sharp claws on each of its four limbs emitted a pale light amidst the darkness, illuminating all that surrounded them. The next instant, Lancelot spread its wings to soar and climb straight up into the sky, as if it was aiming for the very moon itself. At the same time, the ring that the Chief had entrusted to Ash emitted a glow. The magical power released by the jade gemstone spread throughout Ash’s entire body via his <Seikoku>. In his current state, he certainly did have the same attributes as an Ecbald. An incredible feeling of excitement spontaneously surged through his body. Did Lucca’s encouragement have an effect? Lancelot also seemed to sense Ash’s positive mood as it soared vibrantly through the night sky.

''—I’m in good shape tonight.''

A smile naturally formed on Ash’s face. He focused and carefully traced out the trajectory of the side of the wing that he was responsible for. The delicacy of the line was almost like a work of art. Ash was shocked and intimidated the first time that he saw the trajectory. But that was no longer the case. As he was now, Ash was confident that he could complete it.

“Faster! Higher!”

As Ash drew a trail of light in the night sky, he continued to climb higher. He soon reached the extremities of the wing, which was the most difficult part of the dance. Ash recalled how Lucca and Gawain had handled this part of the dance. Lucca barely slowed as she swiftly made sharp turns at each bend. On the contrary, not long ago, Ash and Lancelot inevitably had to slow down whenever they reached this point. As expected, Lancelot altered its stance as it prepared to slow down around the sharp turns.

“Don’t worry Lancelot! I’m sure we can do it now!”

Ash quickly flicked the reins to dispel Lancelot’s fears. Whenever they performed a Dragon Riding Dance, they would often encounter situations that tested their limits. If he could fly faster, higher and more beautifully, that would also enhance the effect of the magic’s activation. Moreover, the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ required synchronisation with a partner. It would be meaningless if he couldn’t keep up with Lucca’s speed.

“Oooooh!”

Lancelot bravely rushed toward the turning point. It swerved its enormous body at the last second, and then turned around like a whip. As such, they drew out the tip of the wing upon the canvas of the night sky. Instantly, a powerful centrifugal force beyond any imagination was generated. Ash’s weight rapidly increased and blood rushed to the left half of his body.

“Guh!”

Ash gripped the reins with every ounce of strength that he could muster as he shouted in his mind.

''—Hang tight, Lancelot! Remember the trajectory that Lucca and Gawain drew!''

“Guuuuoooohhhh…!”

Eventually, Lancelot couldn’t help but groan in agony.

“Huh?”

All of a sudden, the land and sky reversed. Unable to withstand the physical load, Lancelot was deprived of its freedom. Lancelot’s enormous mass was easily sent hurtling away like a cannonball. It had completely lost control. The rein in Ash’s right hand fractured and tore under the immense load. If Ash even relaxed for a moment, he would instantly be blown away by the powerful winds like a single leaf. A fall from this height would inevitably result in death.

''—Do your best to hold on, please, Lancelot…!''

Ash desperately clung onto Lancelot’s body as he forcefully shoved a horrifying image out of his mind. Lancelot’s figure drew an arc in the night sky as it spiralled downward toward the ground.

“Uwaaaaaaaaaahhh!”

=== Part 4 ===
“Ugh…”

Ash regained consciousness as he felt a cool breeze brush up against his cheek. As he awoke, he found himself lying under the shade of a tree. It was already dawn in <Espace Elfiore>. Upon glancing around, he found himself to be in the middle of a vast grassland. The small freestanding house that served as their home stood by itself in the distance. Lancelot and Gawain could be seen curled up and asleep beside it.

''How did I end up asleep here?''

When Ash tried to prop up his upper body, a sudden pain assaulted his back.

“I remember…that’s right!”

After some straining, he finally recalled the events of the night. Indeed, Ash and Lancelot had fallen from the sky. Although Lancelot had spurted magical energy in the opposite direction to soften most of the impact, it was still a considerable blow for Ash. Ash was thrown into the air and his back abruptly impacted the ground when Lancelot made an emergency landing — however, he couldn’t recall anything after that. Ash slowly and carefully lifted his upper body. Only then did the blanket over his shoulders slide down — causing Ash’s eyes to widen.

“Uwah! Lucca!?”

Lucca was nestled up and asleep right beside him. Given her light snores, it seemed as though she was sound asleep. She held a large Bright Dragon Crystal in her right hand. Judging by the intermittent flickering of the crystal, its magic still seemed to be in effect. Lucca’s entire body seemed linked to that magical reaction as it emitted a slight glow and everything under the blanket felt refreshingly comfortable.

“So this is a healing Oracle huh…”

It was only then that Ash realised — Lucca was actually sleeping and casting healing magic at the same time.

“In any case…”

Ash was troubled when faced with the issue of where to rest his gaze. Lucca was stark naked. Although her innocent sleeping face drew a heartfelt smile from Ash, her fairy-like beauty and figure also enchanted him. As if entranced by a spell, Ash couldn’t pull his eyes away—

“W-What am I looking at!?”

Ash suddenly returned to his senses. With his cheeks burning as hot as a fire, he quickly covered Lucca with the blanket. It was then that he discovered another important fact.

“—Huh…why aren’t I wearing any clothes either!?”

Although he still had underwear, it appeared that everything except for his underwear had been taken off by Lucca during the course of his treatment. Ash re-examined his physical condition from head to toe. His head, arms, legs and shoulder to chest area were all wrapped up in bandages. Ointment had been applied to his knees and elbows. Even just moving his body a little produced severe pain from all over his body. Ash tried to stand — the pain in his knees and ankles was mind-numbing, but he managed to stand still despite the immense difficulty. Ash breathed a sigh of relief.

“Phew. Since I can stand, I should be able to ride Lancelot without a problem…”

''Having said that, judging by Lucca’s focused approach to treatment, is it possible that the injuries I sustained were actually quite serious'' — such anxiety briefly crossed Ash’s mind. Looking at each item of clothing which lay on the ground, all of them were horribly torn apart and even some shocking blood stains remained on them. However, it was no time to harbour fear. Their training had already entered its sixth day. Just when Ash put his clothes back on…

“Nnh…Ash?”

Wrapped under the blanket, Lucca stirred slightly and in slow motion. She then abruptly opened her amethyst eyes and searched for Ash’s silhouette. After a while, their eyes met.

“I’m sorry for making you worry…”

“…Ash!”

Despite rarely showing any emotion, Lucca threw herself into Ash’s arms. The blanket that covered Lucca’s body fluttered in the wind.

“Whoa! Lucca?”

Ash couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. Only a blanket covered Lucca’s body, and even through the blanket, Ash could clearly feel Lucca’s bodily warmth and the soft touch that was unique to a young maiden’s body. Lucca buried her face into Ash’s chest as she wept.

“It’s such a relief…I’m so glad that you’re safe, Ash…”

“Thanks for your concern, Lucca.”

Ash put his arms around Lucca’s back. She felt incredibly slender as he held her in his arms. Even with such a fragile body, Lucca had used healing magic to heal Ash all night.

“We might only have four days left — but I’ll definitely make the Dragon Riding Dance a success.”

Ash resolutely uttered such words by Lucca’s ear.

“You’re mistaken, Ash…”

Noticing the sudden look of sorrow on Lucca’s face, Ash felt confused.

“What am I wrong about…?”

After Lucca wiped her tears away with her fingers, she gazed up at Ash with a solemn expression.

“Today is the eighth day, so there are only two days left. You’ve been in a coma during this time…”

“What!? Because of my carelessness…our precious training time…”

Ash’s mind went blank. It was as if he had hit his head and his vision turned black. Lucca suddenly made a move. The blanket that covered her body slid down all the way to the ground.

“…!”

Ash’s eyes widened in shock, but he couldn’t even say a word. After all, Lucca stood on her tiptoes and sealed his lips. Through their linked lips, Ash was able to feel the sincerity of Lucca’s emotions. After a while, Lucca drew her lips away. Perhaps due to the extreme embarrassment she felt, everything from her ears to her neck was dyed red like a rose.[[Image:SnRK V10 157.jpg|thumb]]“This is a spell…”

After burying her face into Ash’s chest again, she quietly whispered,

“Don’t despair. Don’t forget that you have me by your side…”

“Lucca…”

“We might not have much time left — but let’s continue to do our best.”

Lucca’s positivity and optimism moved Ash’s feelings. Indeed, it was no time to despair. The loss of two days’ time would certainly have a major impact, but Ash was not alone. Lucca wholeheartedly supported Ash and would fight by his side—

“Thank you, Lucca. Your spell was very effective.”

“Yes!”

Lucca responded to Ash with a wide, bright smile.

=== Part 5 ===
In the depths of the forest—.

After several days of searching, Kiira Brava Henriksen finally arrived at the centre of the forest. Approximately two days’ worth of preserved food remained in her bag. Naturally, there was a good reason as to why a member of the Ecbald tribe struggled in the forest despite being regarded as fairies of the forest. Several layers of illusion magic were used to create a labyrinthian barrier in the forest. While Kiira was exploring a few days ago, she happened to encounter an <Orphan Ceremony> being held. There were around a hundred children involved in the ceremony. Most of the children were deemed to be eliminated as they were bewitched and manipulated by the labyrinthian magic so that they couldn’t even get close to the sanctuary where the Mother Dragon resided. Even so, Kiira successfully made it to her destination. What towered in front of her was an enormous old tree. Its sturdy trunk and the intricately intertwined branches which formed a canopy were reminiscent of a dragon’s body. Even though Kiira grew up in a forest, she found it difficult to imagine how long it would take for a tree to grow so large.

“Hmph. You may have deceived me when I was seven years old…but to think that this tree is actually your true visage.”

After muttering that in anger, Kiira removed the hood that covered her head. In the darkness, only Kiira’s eyes revealed a brilliant glow.

“Get out here now, Mother Dragon!”

Kiira glared at the enormous old tree in front of her as if she was making a declaration of war.

“I am Kiira Brava Henriksen! Do you remember my name!?”

As if reacting to her statement, the surrounding scenery suddenly distorted. The next instant, Kiira found herself standing in a familiar place. The forest had disappeared, and what appeared in its place was a stalactite cave instead. A sweet fragrance filled the air. As a pharmacist, Kiira immediately recognised the herb that dragons loved — Ansal. Numerous Bright Dragon Crystal lights hung from the high ceiling and shone brilliantly. A lake lay ahead, and the light that was cast from the ceiling reflected off the lake giving it a bright golden colour. On the other side of the lake was a shrine that gave off a classical aura. The scenery before her eyes was exactly as it was seven years ago. Indeed, this was none other than the Mother Dragon’s territory. Seven years ago, Kiira and Lucca had also wandered into this territory. Yet, the Mother Dragon had cruelly and mercilessly shattered Kiira’s dream. She only gave an embryo to Lucca. To the Mother Dragon, Kiira was just an accessory to Lucca. Kiira had never been able to forget the despair and humiliation she suffered that day.

“—As a result of that hatred, I turned into a dark elf…”

At that moment, a silhouette appeared in front of the shrine as if formed from the surrounding air.

“I know why you’ve come here.”

It was a gentle woman who seemed like a dignified lady. Her waist-length hair was dark green in colour. The most surprising thing was that she had two horns atop her head. The intricate branches of her horns gave the impression of a mature dragon. Although somewhat surprised, Kiira maintained her composure.

“You’re the Mother Dragon? Back then, you appeared in the form of a dragon, but I didn’t expect that you could take on a human form…no, whether you’re human or dragon doesn’t matter. I have only one purpose, and that is to kill you!”

“You’re an impatient one, but my life is running out anyway. Is there any meaning in coming here to kill me with your own two hands?”

“Of course there is!”

Kiira sneered. She felt excitement surge from the depths of her body.

“You won’t be dying naturally, but at the hands of Kiira Brava Henriksen — as long as that happens, I’ll be satisfied!”

“…It seems there is no room for negotiation. Given that is the case, I will just have to resist.”

After the Mother Dragon declared that she would not wait idly for death, an abnormality took place in the lake.

—Doooooooooonnnnn!

As the water in the lake parted to the left and right, a group of Hydras appeared along with a grand splash of water. No, it was inaccurate to describe it as a ‘group’. It was an enormous dragon with seven heads.

“What!?”

While Kiira was dumbfounded, the dragon’s abdomen split apart. From there, a countless number of tentacles gushed out from its abdominal cavity. With a sharp whistle as they whisked through the air, the tentacles attacked Kiira one after another.

“Kuh…!”

After the tenatcles wrapped around Kiira’s four limbs, they mercilessly lifted her up. Kiira’s feet left the ground and she was strung up in mid-air. Like a saint being crucified on a cross, Kiira’s arms were pulled to the left and right as she was held in mid-air. After glancing viciously at Kiira while she was restrained, the Mother Dragon coldly said,

“It is my guardian beast and the defensive system of Albion — Leviathan.”

“…I see. I thought it was strange. Even though I’m an Ecbald, the forest seemed too convenient. Even taking that labyrinth enchantment into account, it’d render most people helpless but wouldn’t be a major hurdle for an Ecbald.”

“I sympathise with your experience. However, since you insist on cutting off the lifeline of the dragon species — I have no choice but to follow the vote of the ancient wise dragon council to treat you as a foreign enemy. If I give the order, Leviathan can tear your body to pieces right away, you know?”

“…Fine. I surrender then.”

“A wise decision.”

“—Did you really think I’d say that?”

A wicked smile formed on Kiira’s face as she hung in mid-air.

“I already know all about your tricks. Your defence is illusory magic, right? Illusions that activate directly in the target’s mind — probably highly effective against ordinary people. After all, the best evidence is that no threat has been made to your life over the course of history. However—”

With a tyrannical smile, Kiira clenched her teeth. More accurately speaking, she was biting down on the medicine that she had concealed in her molars—.

“You didn’t…!”

For the first time, the Mother Dragon revealed a look of surprise.

“I’m an Ecbald pharmacist. I came prepared with a drug to combat your illusory mental attacks!”

The Mother Dragon’s illusions manipulated a substance in a target’s brain to induce strange hallucinations. Since that was the case, using medicine to counteract the effect could potentially break the illusion — that was the conclusion Kiira came to after some thought. Naturally, the chance of success was low. After all, the drug she concocted wasn’t guaranteed to counteract the Mother Dragon’s illusions. Even so, Kiira combined the deep knowledge accumulated by the Ecbald tribe with the scientific methods of the Zepharos Empire to continuously improve. With full devotion of her effort, Kiira finally succeeded in developing a psychotropic drug which gave her an opportunity to fight against the Mother Dragon’s trump card.

“Incredible…I am deeply impressed by your dedication. However, illusion though it may be, if Leviathan attacks you, your spirit will still be hurt. Even if your body is safe, your psyche cannot escape death.”

After saying that, the Mother Dragon silently raised her right hand.

“Goooooooooohhhhh!”

Upon seeing this signal, Leviathan let loose a grand roar. The tentacles that bound Kiira’s body continued to strengthen their grip. If this continued, Kiira would probably be torn to pieces by Leviathan just as the Mother Dragon declared. However — in the next instant, the surrounding scenery distorted and Kiira’s vision was clouded by darkness.

=== Part 6 ===
Kiira awoke underneath the enormous old tree.

“Phew. It seems like the drug has taken effect.”

Now, no hallucinations could continue to affect Kiira’s mind. Although it was a potentially fatal gamble, the ultimate winner proved to be Kiira.

“Hmph. Without the protection of illusions, you’re just a mere old tree.”

As Kiira mumbled that triumphantly, she squatted down beside the root of the giant tree. She then took a small vial out of her pocket that was filled with a purple liquid.

“Do you know what this is, Mother Dragon? Oh, I guess you can’t answer now even if you wanted to.”

After satirically saying so, she unplugged the vial.

“This is called <Necroma> — I named it myself.”

Kiira stared at the purple liquid as if it was her pride and joy.

“I asked Uriel to provide me with materials as a condition for preparing the narcotic <Galatea>. Uriel quickly and easily agreed. He immediately offered me six hundred and sixty-six prisoners without a second question.”

Kiira slowly tilted the medicine bottle, and the purple liquid dripped onto the tree’s roots. The drug soaked into the soil almost instantaneously.

“If I was only going to kill a plant, there would be a plethora of physical methods. But wouldn’t that be too boring? You’ll ingest the drug that I personally concocted through these thick roots. As for what will happen afterwards…hmph, we’ll just wait and see.”

Kiira’s eyes were set ablaze and gave off an eerie glow.

“I’ll watch you die with my own eyes first. Even if it takes a few days, I’ll stay right here with you—”

“Necroma ~A.S.B.1365.12” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 6

2021-03-27T15:13:23Z

Zxzxzx: Create page structure

==Chapter 6 – The Dark Elf’s Revenge==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===
=== Part 4 ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 157.jpg|thumb]]
=== Part 5 ===
=== Part 6 ===

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5

2021-03-27T15:12:09Z

Zxzxzx: Fix title

==Chapter 5 – Routine Daily Life and the Omen in its Shadow==
=== Part 1 ===
Two days had passed since Ash and Lucca began their training.

“Muu~”

Eating a crepe upon the deck of the magical ship Escavaron, Eco whined despondently like a sullen creature.

“La la~”

Cosette’s mood was the exact opposite of Eco’s, as she hummed a tune while hanging the laundry up to dry. It was certainly a maid-like idea to use the deck of a magic ship as a drying area. A large expanse of forest was situated beyond the Escavaron. The bright sun shone over them once more today, giving off a vibe that was nothing like winter.

“It just feels like…”

Despite the beautiful scenery laid out in front of them, Eco appeared somewhat gloomy. Even now, Ash and Lucca were alone. Naturally, Eco had faith that Ash wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity…he was unlikely to anyway. Their current priority was to cure Oscar and prevent an imminent crisis, namely, civil war in the Chevron Kingdom.

''I don’t think Ash and Lucca will develop an improper relationship…right? But, they’re going to spend ten days in a specially enclosed space with no interaction but between themselves. Ash is a gentleman, but he’s still a healthy young man. In that sense, it would be stranger if nothing happened between the two of them at all''…Eco couldn’t help but feel restless as soon as such thoughts surfaced in her mind.

“Hah…even if I’m worried, it’s not like I can charge into the <Inner Sanctuary> to find out — uwah!”

—Flap!

Eco was startled by something that suddenly obscured her vision. A moist cloth had covered her face, and the scent of detergent could be smelt from it.

“Oh dear.”

Seeing Eco’s limbs stiffen in fright, Cossette helped to peel the cloth from her face.

“Pwah! Ugh, and here I was wondering what that was!”

“Ufufu, I’m sorry.”

Despite giving a verbal apology, a wide grin remained on Cosette’s face. Eco suddenly frowned. The piece of ‘cloth’ that Cosette held in her hand had caught her attention.

“Hold on, Cosette! Is that Silvia’s underwear!?”

“It is indeed. What’s the matter?”

“Let me see it for a bit!”

“Certainly. Here you go.”

“W-What…what is this!? There’s too much lace! Does Silvia normally wear this kind of underwear?”

“Yes, that’s right. However, Her Highness used to prefer more conservative styles in the past.”

“A-Are you saying…this is because of her relationship with Ash?”

“It’s a possibility, ufufu.”

“—Hey, what are you two whispering about over there?”

It was as if the devil had heard mention of itself. Upon arriving on the deck and seeing Eco and Cosette holding her underwear whilst having a discussion, an irritated expression immediately spread across Silvia’s face.

“Hey! Isn’t that my underwear!?”

“Silvia, you came at the perfect time! Would you care to explain the meaning of this flashy underwear?”

Eco seemed to exude a dark aura from her entire body.

“No, wait. I’ve found an even more elaborate pair of knickers here, you know!?”

“Hey…are you trying to change the subject?”

“No no, it’s not like that! You can see for yourself!”

In the direction of Silvia’s finger — there was a pair of bright red panties which immediately drew their attention. Eco gulped and widened her eyes as she examined the underwear. Indeed, that pair of panties had even more lace than Silvia’s, and it was styled with a pattern of red rose petals. Moreover, for the rear area…there was almost nothing but a string.

“S-Such underwear is way too vulgar!”

Just staring at it caused Eco to blush. Regardless of the situation, she would never dare to put on such alluring underwear….

“Hey, Silvia…the colour of that underwear is as red as flame. Do you think it belongs to Rebecca?”

“Hmm, the President is also the first person that came to mind.”

“—The two of you certainly are examining it quite carefully. That underwear is indeed mine. Is there a problem?”

At that moment, the person in question appeared again. Confronted by the sudden arrival of Rebecca, both Eco and Silvia positioned themselves as if they were facing an enemy.

“Rebecca, could you please explain to us!? Don’t you think that it’s a bad idea for the Student Council President to wear such provocative underwear?”

Eco pointed straight at Rebecca’s nose as she sought to rebuke her.

“I also agree with Eco, President! What is the meaning of this underwear!?”

“Why, of course, it’s underwear for decisive victory.”

“What!?”

Rebecca’s confident and unwavering reply almost caused Eco to trip over backwards.

“A-Against whom is this underwear used for decisive victory?”

Silvia was sweating profusely as she continued her in-depth inquiry.

“Fufu. That’s a secret.”

Rebecca maintained a smile as she exuded a calm demeanour from beginning to end. With that, it became clear which of the two sides had the higher ground. With just a smile, Rebecca had sealed the mouths of both Eco and Silvia, leaving them without a chance for further questioning.

“Leaving that aside, it’s almost time for afternoon tea. Eunice-san is calling for everyone, so remember to come to the dining room later.”

After explaining that, Rebecca swiftly turned around and departed. As soon as her figure disappeared from the doorway, Silvia immediately whispered in a low voice,

“Although she said it was a secret…there aren’t any boys aside from Ash whom the President currently fancies, right?”

“Leaving you aside…if I have to compete with Rebecca as a woman, I don’t feel like I have much chance of winning.”

“Eco! Are you just ignoring me or what? I must admit that I am also no match for the President…but to begin with, Ash is to blame for being too frivolous! Just when did he win over the heart of the President when she’s so out of his league?”

“I guess it was during the preliminaries for the Dragonars’ Gunnar Bout?”

“Hmm. That makes sense…something wasn’t quite right then.”

Perhaps due to the appearance of a common enemy (?), the two of them began to talk with even more vigour.

“Now now, you two should go for some delicious tea and snacks first.”

With a wry smile, Cosette hurried the two of them along.

=== Part 2 ===
Mirabel alone stayed in the Escavaron’s cockpit. When she casually checked her pocket watch, she realised that it was almost teatime. This meant that Eunice would soon come to see her. ''Should I wait for Eunice, or should I head to the dining room myself'' — just as Mirabel thought about such trivialities…

[—Good afternoon, Mirabel-sensei.]

With a slightly static noise, an unexpected foreign call was suddenly received. Displayed on the monitor was a young girl with bright blue hair that curled around her face. She wore a large papal mitre on her head and held a sceptre with a winged cross in her right hand. Her eyes were shaped roundly, and the left and right side glowed like jade and sapphire respectively. Even through the display, the sacred aura that the girl exuded could still be felt. She was the ruler of the Holy Espada Agency, Raquel IV.

“Your Eminence? Is something the matter?”

Although the other party was an adorable nine-year-old girl, she was still the Pope after all, so Mirabel stood up to show her respect.

[Yes. Although it’s not a matter of great urgency…information obtained by the Church indicates that the situation in the Chevron Kingdom is reaching a trigger point. There are approximately a hundred princes who were previously restrained by Prince Uriel’s dominance, but they’re now steadily ramping up their military forces.]

“Is that so? Although this was within our expectations, I didn’t think they’d act so swiftly…”

[Indeed. Just in case, I also issued a statement to strictly forbid any fighting for the throne before the mourning period is over, but…it doesn’t seem to have been effective. At least for now, no one has taken any bold militaristic actions, but political conflict within the palace seems to be in full swing. However…this is fairly commonplace if you look at the history of the Kingdom.][[Image:SnRK V10 123.jpg|thumb]]Although it was difficult to imagine such words coming from a nine-year-old child, it was not particularly surprising to Mirabel since she knew Raquel quite well.

“Annoyingly, there are simply too many princes. As soon as such an immense battle for the throne breaks out, the scale would be unprecedented, right?”

[Indeed. Moreover, according to the Church’s analysis, there’s no single candidate in the running who is powerful enough to bring an early conclusion to the battle.]

Mirabel almost smiled when she heard Raquel use the term ‘Church’s analysis’. Given that Raquel had said so, it gave implicit affirmation that the Church had its own intelligence organisation. Slight negligence in such areas sufficiently indicated that she was still just a child.

“Speaking of that — it seems Prince Uriel expressed similar opinions to Ash. He claimed that aside from himself, the other princes were all incompetent and mediocre…I guess that wasn’t just his narcissism.”

[Indeed. If such incompetent princes are allowed to start a war, civil order in the Kingdom may even break down. As the Pope, I do not wish to see such a disaster befall our faithful followers…]

The majority of people in the Chevron Kingdom were believers of the Rosa Maria faith. It was inevitable that Raquel would be worried.

“Don’t worry, Raquel.”

As if to allay her fears, Mirabel boldly addressed her by name. At the same time, she reminisced about the past when she was Raquel’s swordsmanship instructor.

[Mirabel-sensei?]

Raquel seemed surprised as a look of astonishment covered her face.

“Among those with a right to succeed the throne, there was one person who openly accepted Prince Uriel’s challenge.”

[You’re talking about Oscar Brailsford, right? The problem is…most people are already aware that she’s actually a woman now.]

“Even so, the only person with the charisma to unify the Kingdom now is Oscar. She has the ability to get rid of antiquated stereotypes and become the first ruling queen in the history of the Kingdom. This is by no means a dream. We’re actively working to achieve this goal.”

[About that…the Escavaron is currently stationed in the Ecbald Forest, right? Have you found any clues about her treatment?]

“Yes. If the secret technique of the Dragon Riding Dances — that is, if the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ can succeed, it’s possible that we can save Oscar from the curse of the drug. At least according to the Chief, it has healing properties.”

[The Zeroth Dance? I’ve heard about the legend…but, who will be Lucca’s partner? Given the Chief’s age, I don’t think he’ll be able to do it.]

''I didn’t think she had such a clear grasp of the situation''…Mirabel thought to herself in admiration of Raquel.

“We’ve decided that Ash will be Lucca’s partner.”

[Eh? Ash-oniichan!?]

Raquel displayed a rare expression that seemed fitting for a girl her age.

“Apparently, even an ordinary human can obtain the same attributes as an Ecbald just by putting on the ring that the Chief lent to him.”

[T-That’s the first time I’ve heard of this! That’s amazing! So, Ash-oniichan is training with Lucca right now?]

“Yes, that’s right. He’s spending some time alone with that cute girl named Lucca in a special space constructed by magic…it seems they’ll be eating and sleeping together as well…”

[U-Umm, Mirabel-sensei? You’re not angry, are you? As I thought, your feelings for Ash-oniichan are—]

“W-What are you saying!? I’m not mad!”

[I-I’m sorry!]

“N-No, please don’t be…it’s not like me to feel so distraught.”

After Mirabel cleared her throat, she began to dissect the root cause of the matter.

''Why did I lose my cool…?'' Even Mirabel couldn’t answer this question.

[Very well. The task of curing Oscar will be entrusted to Ash-oniichan and Lucca for now…]

After saying that much, Raquel suddenly hesitated and paused.

“I think I can understand your situation. From the standpoint of the Holy Espada Agency, you’d like to put something else in play as insurance to prevent anything from happening, right?”

[Yes…it’s just as you say. If Oscar cannot be cured in time, the Holy Espada Agency may request assistance from Avalon’s Holy Dragon Emperors’ Knights…]

“I understand. I don’t want to see a neighbouring country fall into a state of civil war either, and I think our commander — Ash, shares the same sentiment. Naturally, we can only put our faith in Ash and Lucca and patiently await the good news.”

[Yes, of course!]

With an innocent and bright smile across her face, Raquel nodded energetically in agreement.

“Phew…although it took a while to relieve Raquel of her worries, the way forward is bound to have some bumps.”

Having closed the communication channel, Mirabel returned to the captain’s seat. She began to stare into space and converse with herself.

“I wonder what you’re doing now, Ash…”

As soon as his name escaped her lips, Mirabel’s heart throbbed with an enormous thump.

''—In other words, I need you, Princess Mirabel.''

Ash’s words resurfaced in her mind. Perhaps that was an unintentional statement on Ash’s part. Moreover, he had probably said similar things to the other girls…. But for some inexplicable reason, Mirabel’s heart was deeply moved by those words. Ever since childhood, she had always been alone in her room. At best, Eunice was the one person with whom she conversed. Because Mirabel had always lived in such isolation, it was the first time in her life that someone told her that she was needed.

“N-No. What on earth…is going on with me?”

Her face felt hot. No, it wasn’t just her face. Her entire body felt like it was overheating. Mirabel couldn’t understand why she felt this way.

“Ash…”

''Ash is probably working hard on his special training with Lucca right now. He’s alone with that cute, fairy-like Lucca in an enclosed space….''

“T-There’s no need to worry. Ash will surely devote himself to training. If I harbour doubts about them, isn’t that just disrespectful to Ash and Lucca?”

Mirabel muttered to herself as if to provide self-comfort. But even though she could understand the logic, her heart refused to let go. Mirabel was well educated, but she had never read a book which explained such feelings. Analysis of the Escavaron had progressed rather smoothly, but Mirabel grew more and more confused about herself.

“It’s no good. There seems to be something wrong with me…”

Her body was abnormally hot and restless. ''What should I do to suppress this strange sensation?'' Mirabel inadvertently glanced around as if she had a secret to hide from public view. There was no one in the cockpit but Mirabel.

“………”

It was almost an involuntary action. Mirabel gently placed both hands over the clothing on her chest. And then, with a circular motion, she slowly began to stimulate her breasts with both hands. This was most certainly not any kind of knowledge that she had acquired from books. It was entirely instinctive behaviour.

“Ah…”

Mirabel couldn’t help but let out a cry.

“Mmm, ah…”

Her moaning breaths naturally found a rhythm. She squeezed her thighs together and rubbed them against each other as she gradually intensified the movement of her fingers.

“If this was…Ash’s finger…”

''—In other words, I need you, Princess Mirabel.''

Once more, Ash’s voice reverberated through her mind.

“Ahh!”

That alone made Mirabel’s body shudder and feel tender.

“N-No…I can’t. I-If I do something so shameless…n-not even Saint Rosa Maria will forgive me…”

Mirabel tried to summon the last ounce of self-control that remained. Yet, as if to ridicule such efforts, her body continued to grow even hotter. At last, she could no longer hold back, and she reached up to untie the ribbon around her shirt collar—.

“Excuse me.”

All of a sudden, a dignified voice came from behind her.

“—!”

Mirabel gasped and immediately stiffened.

“Aneue? Afternoon tea has already begun. What are you still dawdling here for? It’s not like you to miss teatime at all…”

Mirabel panicked. ''I absolutely can’t let anyone know that I immersed myself in the ecstasy of such immoral behaviour…!''

“I-It’s nothing! I’ll be there soon!”

Mirabel hid herself behind the captain’s seat as she answered loudly, though her voice came out shaky. However, that only served to arouse Silvia’s suspicions.

“Aneue, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”

Silvia strode forward and peered at Mirabel’s face.

“Your face is slightly red. Do you have a fever?”

“I-I don’t have a fever! I was just too focused on the analysis of the Escavaron!”

“Is that so?”

Without any further questioning, Silvia turned around and left. Only then did Mirabel breathe a sigh of relief, but the next instant—

“Aneue?”

Silvia suddenly spun around.

“W-What’s the matter?”

“If you don’t hurry up, your favourite black tea will get cold, you know?”

With that reminder, Silvia finally left the room for real this time.

“Phew…”

After letting out a long sigh, Mirabel collapsed weakly into her seat. Her heart still continued to pulsate rapidly. In the first place, the reason why she ended up in such an embarrassing situation was because of—

“Ash Blake, you truly are such a sinful man…”

=== Part 3 ===
“…It’s been almost seven years.”

Whilst Eco and the others were enjoying their afternoon tea, there was a single girl who had successfully infiltrated the largest sacred land in the Knight Country — Albion Forest. As if to mock the rigorous guard of the Albion Forest Military Order, the girl’s cloak gently fluttered as she proudly marched forward. For this girl, the knights on patrol were no different than mere scarecrows.

“There’s a saying that goes ‘Ecbalds lurking in a forest are like leaves hidden in a forest’ — though I don’t think that description is vivid enough.”

The girl muttered a saying that had been passed down in the Chevron Kingdom since ancient times. Without warning, the girl stopped and lifted the hood on her head. She then raised her head and looked up.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long…”

What emerged from underneath her hood was — a pair of dark brown pointed ears. Her skin was a darker colour than that of the Tantalos Tribe, and she exuded a mysterious aura. Her slender amethyst eyes had a sharp glare to them, as if confining a flame that burned within. Her face was beautiful and surreal, yet it also seemed to inspire terror. It had much resemblance to the role of villain that was cast in many myths and legends — a dark elf.

“I’m back, Mother Dragon.”

The girl murmured as if cursing with her breath. No, it was most certainly a curse.

“Ever since you rejected me in the <Orphan Ceremony> seven years ago — not once have I forgotten my grudge against you…”

The girl raised her fist and punched the tree beside her.

“Why!? Mother Dragon! Why did you refuse to pick me? If you had granted my wish in the first place…”

Affected by her heightened mood, Kiira’s vision began to distort. The verdant green of the forest flipped and became a field of red. It felt as though a horde of spiders were crawling all over her skin. Before she knew it, sweat had inundated Kiira’s entire body. She was unable to stop her fingers from trembling. Ever since the Mother Dragon rejected her, Kiira had been tormented by these terrible symptoms. In truth, these symptoms could be suppressed by drugs. Kiira also possessed the necessary knowledge to do so. However, Kiira gave up on using drugs to manage her condition. She did so to prevent herself from forgetting about her resentment and desire for revenge—.

“…I’m finally ready, Mother Dragon.”

Muttering that to herself with a gloomy voice, Kiira put her hood back on again.

“The day of your death approaches—”

“Mirabel’s Romance ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5

2021-03-27T15:11:09Z

Zxzxzx: Add page content

==Chapter 5==
=== Part 1 ===
Two days had passed since Ash and Lucca began their training.

“Muu~”

Eating a crepe upon the deck of the magical ship Escavaron, Eco whined despondently like a sullen creature.

“La la~”

Cosette’s mood was the exact opposite of Eco’s, as she hummed a tune while hanging the laundry up to dry. It was certainly a maid-like idea to use the deck of a magic ship as a drying area. A large expanse of forest was situated beyond the Escavaron. The bright sun shone over them once more today, giving off a vibe that was nothing like winter.

“It just feels like…”

Despite the beautiful scenery laid out in front of them, Eco appeared somewhat gloomy. Even now, Ash and Lucca were alone. Naturally, Eco had faith that Ash wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity…he was unlikely to anyway. Their current priority was to cure Oscar and prevent an imminent crisis, namely, civil war in the Chevron Kingdom.

''I don’t think Ash and Lucca will develop an improper relationship…right? But, they’re going to spend ten days in a specially enclosed space with no interaction but between themselves. Ash is a gentleman, but he’s still a healthy young man. In that sense, it would be stranger if nothing happened between the two of them at all''…Eco couldn’t help but feel restless as soon as such thoughts surfaced in her mind.

“Hah…even if I’m worried, it’s not like I can charge into the <Inner Sanctuary> to find out — uwah!”

—Flap!

Eco was startled by something that suddenly obscured her vision. A moist cloth had covered her face, and the scent of detergent could be smelt from it.

“Oh dear.”

Seeing Eco’s limbs stiffen in fright, Cossette helped to peel the cloth from her face.

“Pwah! Ugh, and here I was wondering what that was!”

“Ufufu, I’m sorry.”

Despite giving a verbal apology, a wide grin remained on Cosette’s face. Eco suddenly frowned. The piece of ‘cloth’ that Cosette held in her hand had caught her attention.

“Hold on, Cosette! Is that Silvia’s underwear!?”

“It is indeed. What’s the matter?”

“Let me see it for a bit!”

“Certainly. Here you go.”

“W-What…what is this!? There’s too much lace! Does Silvia normally wear this kind of underwear?”

“Yes, that’s right. However, Her Highness used to prefer more conservative styles in the past.”

“A-Are you saying…this is because of her relationship with Ash?”

“It’s a possibility, ufufu.”

“—Hey, what are you two whispering about over there?”

It was as if the devil had heard mention of itself. Upon arriving on the deck and seeing Eco and Cosette holding her underwear whilst having a discussion, an irritated expression immediately spread across Silvia’s face.

“Hey! Isn’t that my underwear!?”

“Silvia, you came at the perfect time! Would you care to explain the meaning of this flashy underwear?”

Eco seemed to exude a dark aura from her entire body.

“No, wait. I’ve found an even more elaborate pair of knickers here, you know!?”

“Hey…are you trying to change the subject?”

“No no, it’s not like that! You can see for yourself!”

In the direction of Silvia’s finger — there was a pair of bright red panties which immediately drew their attention. Eco gulped and widened her eyes as she examined the underwear. Indeed, that pair of panties had even more lace than Silvia’s, and it was styled with a pattern of red rose petals. Moreover, for the rear area…there was almost nothing but a string.

“S-Such underwear is way too vulgar!”

Just staring at it caused Eco to blush. Regardless of the situation, she would never dare to put on such alluring underwear….

“Hey, Silvia…the colour of that underwear is as red as flame. Do you think it belongs to Rebecca?”

“Hmm, the President is also the first person that came to mind.”

“—The two of you certainly are examining it quite carefully. That underwear is indeed mine. Is there a problem?”

At that moment, the person in question appeared again. Confronted by the sudden arrival of Rebecca, both Eco and Silvia positioned themselves as if they were facing an enemy.

“Rebecca, could you please explain to us!? Don’t you think that it’s a bad idea for the Student Council President to wear such provocative underwear?”

Eco pointed straight at Rebecca’s nose as she sought to rebuke her.

“I also agree with Eco, President! What is the meaning of this underwear!?”

“Why, of course, it’s underwear for decisive victory.”

“What!?”

Rebecca’s confident and unwavering reply almost caused Eco to trip over backwards.

“A-Against whom is this underwear used for decisive victory?”

Silvia was sweating profusely as she continued her in-depth inquiry.

“Fufu. That’s a secret.”

Rebecca maintained a smile as she exuded a calm demeanour from beginning to end. With that, it became clear which of the two sides had the higher ground. With just a smile, Rebecca had sealed the mouths of both Eco and Silvia, leaving them without a chance for further questioning.

“Leaving that aside, it’s almost time for afternoon tea. Eunice-san is calling for everyone, so remember to come to the dining room later.”

After explaining that, Rebecca swiftly turned around and departed. As soon as her figure disappeared from the doorway, Silvia immediately whispered in a low voice,

“Although she said it was a secret…there aren’t any boys aside from Ash whom the President currently fancies, right?”

“Leaving you aside…if I have to compete with Rebecca as a woman, I don’t feel like I have much chance of winning.”

“Eco! Are you just ignoring me or what? I must admit that I am also no match for the President…but to begin with, Ash is to blame for being too frivolous! Just when did he win over the heart of the President when she’s so out of his league?”

“I guess it was during the preliminaries for the Dragonars’ Gunnar Bout?”

“Hmm. That makes sense…something wasn’t quite right then.”

Perhaps due to the appearance of a common enemy (?), the two of them began to talk with even more vigour.

“Now now, you two should go for some delicious tea and snacks first.”

With a wry smile, Cosette hurried the two of them along.

=== Part 2 ===
Mirabel alone stayed in the Escavaron’s cockpit. When she casually checked her pocket watch, she realised that it was almost teatime. This meant that Eunice would soon come to see her. ''Should I wait for Eunice, or should I head to the dining room myself'' — just as Mirabel thought about such trivialities…

[—Good afternoon, Mirabel-sensei.]

With a slightly static noise, an unexpected foreign call was suddenly received. Displayed on the monitor was a young girl with bright blue hair that curled around her face. She wore a large papal mitre on her head and held a sceptre with a winged cross in her right hand. Her eyes were shaped roundly, and the left and right side glowed like jade and sapphire respectively. Even through the display, the sacred aura that the girl exuded could still be felt. She was the ruler of the Holy Espada Agency, Raquel IV.

“Your Eminence? Is something the matter?”

Although the other party was an adorable nine-year-old girl, she was still the Pope after all, so Mirabel stood up to show her respect.

[Yes. Although it’s not a matter of great urgency…information obtained by the Church indicates that the situation in the Chevron Kingdom is reaching a trigger point. There are approximately a hundred princes who were previously restrained by Prince Uriel’s dominance, but they’re now steadily ramping up their military forces.]

“Is that so? Although this was within our expectations, I didn’t think they’d act so swiftly…”

[Indeed. Just in case, I also issued a statement to strictly forbid any fighting for the throne before the mourning period is over, but…it doesn’t seem to have been effective. At least for now, no one has taken any bold militaristic actions, but political conflict within the palace seems to be in full swing. However…this is fairly commonplace if you look at the history of the Kingdom.][[Image:SnRK V10 123.jpg|thumb]]Although it was difficult to imagine such words coming from a nine-year-old child, it was not particularly surprising to Mirabel since she knew Raquel quite well.

“Annoyingly, there are simply too many princes. As soon as such an immense battle for the throne breaks out, the scale would be unprecedented, right?”

[Indeed. Moreover, according to the Church’s analysis, there’s no single candidate in the running who is powerful enough to bring an early conclusion to the battle.]

Mirabel almost smiled when she heard Raquel use the term ‘Church’s analysis’. Given that Raquel had said so, it gave implicit affirmation that the Church had its own intelligence organisation. Slight negligence in such areas sufficiently indicated that she was still just a child.

“Speaking of that — it seems Prince Uriel expressed similar opinions to Ash. He claimed that aside from himself, the other princes were all incompetent and mediocre…I guess that wasn’t just his narcissism.”

[Indeed. If such incompetent princes are allowed to start a war, civil order in the Kingdom may even break down. As the Pope, I do not wish to see such a disaster befall our faithful followers…]

The majority of people in the Chevron Kingdom were believers of the Rosa Maria faith. It was inevitable that Raquel would be worried.

“Don’t worry, Raquel.”

As if to allay her fears, Mirabel boldly addressed her by name. At the same time, she reminisced about the past when she was Raquel’s swordsmanship instructor.

[Mirabel-sensei?]

Raquel seemed surprised as a look of astonishment covered her face.

“Among those with a right to succeed the throne, there was one person who openly accepted Prince Uriel’s challenge.”

[You’re talking about Oscar Brailsford, right? The problem is…most people are already aware that she’s actually a woman now.]

“Even so, the only person with the charisma to unify the Kingdom now is Oscar. She has the ability to get rid of antiquated stereotypes and become the first ruling queen in the history of the Kingdom. This is by no means a dream. We’re actively working to achieve this goal.”

[About that…the Escavaron is currently stationed in the Ecbald Forest, right? Have you found any clues about her treatment?]

“Yes. If the secret technique of the Dragon Riding Dances — that is, if the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ can succeed, it’s possible that we can save Oscar from the curse of the drug. At least according to the Chief, it has healing properties.”

[The Zeroth Dance? I’ve heard about the legend…but, who will be Lucca’s partner? Given the Chief’s age, I don’t think he’ll be able to do it.]

''I didn’t think she had such a clear grasp of the situation''…Mirabel thought to herself in admiration of Raquel.

“We’ve decided that Ash will be Lucca’s partner.”

[Eh? Ash-oniichan!?]

Raquel displayed a rare expression that seemed fitting for a girl her age.

“Apparently, even an ordinary human can obtain the same attributes as an Ecbald just by putting on the ring that the Chief lent to him.”

[T-That’s the first time I’ve heard of this! That’s amazing! So, Ash-oniichan is training with Lucca right now?]

“Yes, that’s right. He’s spending some time alone with that cute girl named Lucca in a special space constructed by magic…it seems they’ll be eating and sleeping together as well…”

[U-Umm, Mirabel-sensei? You’re not angry, are you? As I thought, your feelings for Ash-oniichan are—]

“W-What are you saying!? I’m not mad!”

[I-I’m sorry!]

“N-No, please don’t be…it’s not like me to feel so distraught.”

After Mirabel cleared her throat, she began to dissect the root cause of the matter.

''Why did I lose my cool…?'' Even Mirabel couldn’t answer this question.

[Very well. The task of curing Oscar will be entrusted to Ash-oniichan and Lucca for now…]

After saying that much, Raquel suddenly hesitated and paused.

“I think I can understand your situation. From the standpoint of the Holy Espada Agency, you’d like to put something else in play as insurance to prevent anything from happening, right?”

[Yes…it’s just as you say. If Oscar cannot be cured in time, the Holy Espada Agency may request assistance from Avalon’s Holy Dragon Emperors’ Knights…]

“I understand. I don’t want to see a neighbouring country fall into a state of civil war either, and I think our commander — Ash, shares the same sentiment. Naturally, we can only put our faith in Ash and Lucca and patiently await the good news.”

[Yes, of course!]

With an innocent and bright smile across her face, Raquel nodded energetically in agreement.

“Phew…although it took a while to relieve Raquel of her worries, the way forward is bound to have some bumps.”

Having closed the communication channel, Mirabel returned to the captain’s seat. She began to stare into space and converse with herself.

“I wonder what you’re doing now, Ash…”

As soon as his name escaped her lips, Mirabel’s heart throbbed with an enormous thump.

''—In other words, I need you, Princess Mirabel.''

Ash’s words resurfaced in her mind. Perhaps that was an unintentional statement on Ash’s part. Moreover, he had probably said similar things to the other girls…. But for some inexplicable reason, Mirabel’s heart was deeply moved by those words. Ever since childhood, she had always been alone in her room. At best, Eunice was the one person with whom she conversed. Because Mirabel had always lived in such isolation, it was the first time in her life that someone told her that she was needed.

“N-No. What on earth…is going on with me?”

Her face felt hot. No, it wasn’t just her face. Her entire body felt like it was overheating. Mirabel couldn’t understand why she felt this way.

“Ash…”

''Ash is probably working hard on his special training with Lucca right now. He’s alone with that cute, fairy-like Lucca in an enclosed space….''

“T-There’s no need to worry. Ash will surely devote himself to training. If I harbour doubts about them, isn’t that just disrespectful to Ash and Lucca?”

Mirabel muttered to herself as if to provide self-comfort. But even though she could understand the logic, her heart refused to let go. Mirabel was well educated, but she had never read a book which explained such feelings. Analysis of the Escavaron had progressed rather smoothly, but Mirabel grew more and more confused about herself.

“It’s no good. There seems to be something wrong with me…”

Her body was abnormally hot and restless. ''What should I do to suppress this strange sensation?'' Mirabel inadvertently glanced around as if she had a secret to hide from public view. There was no one in the cockpit but Mirabel.

“………”

It was almost an involuntary action. Mirabel gently placed both hands over the clothing on her chest. And then, with a circular motion, she slowly began to stimulate her breasts with both hands. This was most certainly not any kind of knowledge that she had acquired from books. It was entirely instinctive behaviour.

“Ah…”

Mirabel couldn’t help but let out a cry.

“Mmm, ah…”

Her moaning breaths naturally found a rhythm. She squeezed her thighs together and rubbed them against each other as she gradually intensified the movement of her fingers.

“If this was…Ash’s finger…”

''—In other words, I need you, Princess Mirabel.''

Once more, Ash’s voice reverberated through her mind.

“Ahh!”

That alone made Mirabel’s body shudder and feel tender.

“N-No…I can’t. I-If I do something so shameless…n-not even Saint Rosa Maria will forgive me…”

Mirabel tried to summon the last ounce of self-control that remained. Yet, as if to ridicule such efforts, her body continued to grow even hotter. At last, she could no longer hold back, and she reached up to untie the ribbon around her shirt collar—.

“Excuse me.”

All of a sudden, a dignified voice came from behind her.

“—!”

Mirabel gasped and immediately stiffened.

“Aneue? Afternoon tea has already begun. What are you still dawdling here for? It’s not like you to miss teatime at all…”

Mirabel panicked. ''I absolutely can’t let anyone know that I immersed myself in the ecstasy of such immoral behaviour…!''

“I-It’s nothing! I’ll be there soon!”

Mirabel hid herself behind the captain’s seat as she answered loudly, though her voice came out shaky. However, that only served to arouse Silvia’s suspicions.

“Aneue, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”

Silvia strode forward and peered at Mirabel’s face.

“Your face is slightly red. Do you have a fever?”

“I-I don’t have a fever! I was just too focused on the analysis of the Escavaron!”

“Is that so?”

Without any further questioning, Silvia turned around and left. Only then did Mirabel breathe a sigh of relief, but the next instant—

“Aneue?”

Silvia suddenly spun around.

“W-What’s the matter?”

“If you don’t hurry up, your favourite black tea will get cold, you know?”

With that reminder, Silvia finally left the room for real this time.

“Phew…”

After letting out a long sigh, Mirabel collapsed weakly into her seat. Her heart still continued to pulsate rapidly. In the first place, the reason why she ended up in such an embarrassing situation was because of—

“Ash Blake, you truly are such a sinful man…”

=== Part 3 ===
“…It’s been almost seven years.”

Whilst Eco and the others were enjoying their afternoon tea, there was a single girl who had successfully infiltrated the largest sacred land in the Knight Country — Albion Forest. As if to mock the rigorous guard of the Albion Forest Military Order, the girl’s cloak gently fluttered as she proudly marched forward. For this girl, the knights on patrol were no different than mere scarecrows.

“There’s a saying that goes ‘Ecbalds lurking in a forest are like leaves hidden in a forest’ — though I don’t think that description is vivid enough.”

The girl muttered a saying that had been passed down in the Chevron Kingdom since ancient times. Without warning, the girl stopped and lifted the hood on her head. She then raised her head and looked up.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long…”

What emerged from underneath her hood was — a pair of dark brown pointed ears. Her skin was a darker colour than that of the Tantalos Tribe, and she exuded a mysterious aura. Her slender amethyst eyes had a sharp glare to them, as if confining a flame that burned within. Her face was beautiful and surreal, yet it also seemed to inspire terror. It had much resemblance to the role of villain that was cast in many myths and legends — a dark elf.

“I’m back, Mother Dragon.”

The girl murmured as if cursing with her breath. No, it was most certainly a curse.

“Ever since you rejected me in the <Orphan Ceremony> seven years ago — not once have I forgotten my grudge against you…”

The girl raised her fist and punched the tree beside her.

“Why!? Mother Dragon! Why did you refuse to pick me? If you had granted my wish in the first place…”

Affected by her heightened mood, Kiira’s vision began to distort. The verdant green of the forest flipped and became a field of red. It felt as though a horde of spiders were crawling all over her skin. Before she knew it, sweat had inundated Kiira’s entire body. She was unable to stop her fingers from trembling. Ever since the Mother Dragon rejected her, Kiira had been tormented by these terrible symptoms. In truth, these symptoms could be suppressed by drugs. Kiira also possessed the necessary knowledge to do so. However, Kiira gave up on using drugs to manage her condition. She did so to prevent herself from forgetting about her resentment and desire for revenge—.

“…I’m finally ready, Mother Dragon.”

Muttering that to herself with a gloomy voice, Kiira put her hood back on again.

“The day of your death approaches—”

“Mirabel’s Romance ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 5

2021-03-27T15:10:06Z

Zxzxzx: Create page structure

==Chapter 5==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 123.jpg|thumb]]
=== Part 3 ===

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4

2021-03-27T15:09:02Z

Zxzxzx: Add page content

==Chapter 4 – The Elves’ Great Secret==
=== Part 1 ===
Riding the Maestro Rosberg, Lars lead Ash and his party to the western part of the forest. Lucca and Gawain followed closely behind Rosberg. Silvia and Lancelot followed behind them, with Ash and Eco also riding on top. At the back of the pack were Rebecca and Cú Chulainn. Lastly, Celes and Cosette remained at the chief’s residence to look after Oscar.

After advancing through the forest for a fair while, their view suddenly widened into an open space. The surrounding environment changed from the dimly lit forest to a landscape that was drenched in sunlight.

“Whew.”

Ash couldn’t help but hold his hand in front of his eyes as he momentarily struggled to adapt to the harsh sunlight.

“It’s so beautiful…!”

Eco said as her red eyes shone in admiration. A dazzling lake lay before them. It was as if a blue mirror had appeared in the depths of the forest. Everything around them was silent and calm, as if it were a hidden location that had been forgotten by the ebb and flow of time. Just looking at the reflective colour of the lake soothed and gave comfort to Ash.

“That is…?”

Ash suddenly noticed a man-made building that stood by the shore of the lake. It was an incredible structure that had no roof nor walls. The stone pillars which were erected there appeared as if they were surrounding something. Upon each of the pillars were fine and delicately engraved arabesque patterns.

“Mmm. That is the legacy of the extinct elves – The Shrine of Jylhä.”

After Lars answered with a stern expression, Rosberg stopped at the entrance to the shrine.

“The legacy of the elves…huh?”

Ash gazed at the shrine as he imagined what the ancient past might’ve been like.

“—Welcome to The Shrine of Jylhä.”

A graceful figure abruptly emerged from amongst the crowd of pillars. It was an Ecbald girl with a soft expression and vivid appearance. The clothing that the girl wore was most like a priestess’ outfit. Standing amongst the surrounds of nature in the Ecbald Autonomous Region, her long, pure white gown vibrantly stood out.

“I am the head priestess, Frederica.”

Ash was surprised to learn that she was the head priestess. Given that she only appeared to be in her teens, Ash found it difficult to connect her appearance with the sacred and solemn role of a head priestess in his mind. Though, he had just heard from the chief that the Ecbald tribe were all quite long-lived. Thus, Frederica’s actual age was probably older than what she appeared to be.

“It’s nice to meet you. I’m Ash Blake…”

Ash hurriedly hopped down from Lancelot to extend his greeting.

“Frederica, so—…”

“I understand the situation. Now, please come over here—”

After listening to Lars’ explanation, Frederica quietly turned around and led the group of visitors into the temple.

=== Part 2 ===
“This is the trajectory illustration of the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’!?”

An enormously imposing and stately rock enshrined within the temple captivated Ash’s gaze. The surface of the rock was engraved with a crest that seemed to resemble the insignia of a royal family. If Ash wasn’t in the position of a challenger, perhaps he would’ve been fascinated by the beautiful emblem out of pure appreciation for its art—.

“This is insane…”

Just looking at it almost drove Ash mad. Based on the depiction, it was probably fine to regard it as a pair of wings. However, the picture was so detailed that it was terrifying. It meant that a challenger would have to bring every single feather to life. Just memorising the complete trajectory was a difficult task in itself. Moreover, Dragon Riding Dances were focused on both speed and accuracy, and its challengers weren’t given any allowance to slowly trace out that route. All that considered, this was not the time to shy away because the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ was the only way to save Oscar. After reinforcing his motivation, Ash turned to Lucca.

“We don’t have time to waste, so let’s start training today.”

“Yes.”

Lucca clenched both fists in front of her chest as she nodded in agreement. Lars then revealed a serious expression as he exchanged glances with Ash and Lucca.

“If you’re going to perform the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’, it’s best to do so on a night with a full moon. Moonlight is capable of enhancing the effects of a Dragon Riding Dance.”

“A full moon…huh. In that case…kuh…”

“The next full moon will be in around ten days. If you miss that, you’ll have to wait another month or so. If you delay it for that long, the Chevron Kingdom may already have erupted in flames.”

Rebecca explained, noticing that Ash didn’t seem to remember the length of time between each of the moon phases.

“In ten days…!”

Ash broke into a sweat upon realising the time pressure on them. As if to break the silence, Frederica solemnly said,

“According to the ancient books in this shrine, the most important thing for the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ is the relationship between the two Dragonars. The challenging Dragonars must care for each other, be kind to each other, and deeply understand each other. There’s a common saying in the East called ‘A-un Breathing’, and that is the state you two should strive towards.

“A-un…”

Although it sounded unfamiliar, Ash felt an inexplicable affection for the word.

“In order to cultivate mutual understanding between the two of you, I think the best way would be…for Lucca-ojousama and Ash-dono to live together in the <Inner Sanctuary> of this shrine for the next ten days.”

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhh!”

In contrast to Frederica’s calm demeanour, Ash and the others all screamed in unison. Amongst them, the loudest voices belonged to Eco and Silvia.

“Is there something to be surprised about?”

Frederica tilted her head in confusion, though continued nonetheless,

“The two of you will breathe the same air, eat the same food, and spend the same time together. If you’re able to establish a mutual relationship in which you can understand each other without even speaking, you’ll naturally be able to complete the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’.”

“I understand. But…what kind of place is the The Shrine of Jylhä’s <Inner Sanctuary>?”

Ash asked Frederica as he glanced around at the inside of the shrine. As he gazed around, all he could see was an altar inside. There didn’t seem to be a door that led to an <Inner Sanctuary> anywhere. In the first place, how could the interior of a temple possibly be any good for Dragon Riding training?

“It’s normal for you to feel confused. After all, the <Inner Sanctuary> of this shrine is not a physical room. It is a special space constructed by the ancient elves using all of their magical powers. Its official name in the ancient language is <Espace Elfiore>.”

After listening to Frederica’s explanation, Ash began to understand.

“That’s fine with me. What about you, Lucca?”

“Yes, no problem.”

As if she had the utmost faith in Ash, Lucca nodded and agreed without hesitation. The next instant—

“Hold on!”

“I object!”

Eco and Silvia raised their eyebrows as they interrupted in protest. Even Rebecca stepped forward to express her opinion.

“I can’t say that I’m impressed about a young man and woman spending ten days alone in a closed room. As the Student Council President of Ansarivan Academy, I can’t overlook this kind of thing.”

Ash was shocked to hear even Rebecca’s opposition. It wasn’t so surprising for Eco and Silvia to object, though Rebecca’s shared sentiment with them was unexpected…

“I-In that case, why don’t we settle for a compromise? In order to avoid a situation where Lucca and I will be alone, we can have someone else join us…”

“That won’t do. Only the Dragonars attempting the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ have the right to enter the <Inner Sanctuary>. As the head priestess, I cannot abide anyone breaking the rules.”

Frederica rejected Ash’s proposed compromise without hesitation.

“Haah…I guess there’s no choice but to accept. But…Ash, if you dare lay a hand on Lucca, you’re going to be in for some serious consequences, you know?”

“I agree with Eco! Moreover, if you take into account the lifespan of an Ecbald person, the fourteen-year-old Lucca is almost equivalent to a seven-year-old human! If you dare lay a hand on her, that’s a crime!”

“I-I know!”

Seeing both Eco and Silvia act so aggressively, Ash couldn’t help but retreat.

“I trust that you will act like a gentleman.”

“Of course, Rebecca-san!”

Although Rebecca’s tone seemed calm on the surface, it gave Ash an inexplicable sense of pressure deep in his gut. When the <Scarlett Empress> had such lofty expectations for him, he couldn’t afford to disappoint.

“Well, it seems like things have settled down. Frederica, please open the door to the <Inner Sanctuary> for these two Dragonars.”

Urged Lars, who had watched the situation develop with a wry smile across his face.

“Very well.”

Frederica nodded and began to recite a chant.

“Jylhä Aalto Kronvar Somersalmi…”

Soon, the stone floor in front of the altar began to transform.

—Doooooooon…

Accompanied by the sound of shifting earth, a section of the floor began to glow. A magic circle similar to a <Seikoku> appeared on the stone floor. No, the magic circle appeared more complex than an ordinary <Seikoku>. It was probably a rather high-level magic ritual.

“This is a magical teleporter. Ash-dono and Lucca-ojousama, please come over here with the dragons—”

Following Frederica’s instructions, Ash and Lucca respectively mounted Lancelot and Gawain, and then moved on top of the magic circle. The area that the magic circle covered was vast enough that even two Maestros standing upon it side-by-side left ample room.

“I’ll start the teleportation now—”

Frederica declared, and with that, a dazzling burst of radiance instantly enveloped both Ash and Lucca.

=== Part 3 ===
Their field of vision faded into a vast expanse of white, and their bodies amazingly seemed to float in mid-air. After a while—

“This is the <Inner Sanctuary>?”

Ash was dumbfounded the instant that he opened his eyes.

“It’s also my first time here.”

Likewise, Lucca turned her head as she continuously looked around. Surrounding the two of them was an endless expanse of natural scenery. The dazzling sun hung high in a corner of the azure sky. Contrary to the outside world where winter was approaching, the climate of the <Inner Sanctuary> was warm and comfortable to the point that it felt hot when wearing a coat. Before them was a vast verdant grassland upon which a large slate of rock was situated — it looked exactly the same as the one that was enshrined on the altar. There was also a small glimmering lake beyond it. A small wooden cottage stood by the shore of the lake. It was probably a place exclusively intended for the challengers to live.

“Ooooooooh…!”

Lancelot and Gawain both let out energetic roars. They looked excited and impatient to soar into the sky.

“Hey, stop!”

Ash hurriedly pulled on the reins to keep Lancelot grounded.

“Stop!”

Lucca also stroked the back of Gawain’s neck before it finally settled down. It seemed that this place was a rather comfortable location for the dragon species.

“I can’t believe that such a vast space was constructed with magic…”

The scene before his eyes caused Ash to reaffirm the greatness of the elven race that had existed in ancient times.

[—It appears that both of you have safely arrived in <Espace Elfiore>.]

At that moment, a solemn voice resounded through Ash’s mind. He was not overly surprised though, given that he had experienced telepathic dialogue with both Navi and Racquel IV.

“Is that you, Frederica-san?”

[I apologise for using telepathy to communicate with you. How is the situation on that side?]

“Hmm. Although I’m a bit surprised by the surroundings here…there aren’t any major problems to speak of.”

[Then, I’ll make preparations for the magic ritual first — this is so the teleportation magic will activate ten days from now. After all, teleportation magic isn’t something that can simply be activated at will…]

Hearing the slight stutters in Frederica’s words, Ash understood what she meant.

“I understand. So, we’ll be staying here for the next ten days.”

[I’m pleased that you understand, Ash-dono. By the way, there are reserves of wheat flour and spices, but you two will have to be self-sufficient for any other food.]

The surprising words left Ash dumbfounded.

“What? When you say that we’ll need to be self-sufficient, what…”

[You’ll need to hunt small animals, catch fish, pick nuts and wild plants…there are many ways. The <Inner Sanctuary> also faithfully reflects the relationships in the ecological food chain, so you don’t have to worry about a lack of food.]

“Seriously!?”

Ash almost fell off Lancelot’s saddle.

[Ash-dono, you might feel unaccustomed to such a lifestyle, but it shouldn’t be an issue given that Lucca-ojousama was born and raised in the forest.]

“Yes, I’m used to it.”

Lucca nodded as she affirmed Frederica’s presumption. It appeared as though any issues regarding their livelihood would be best handled by Lucca.

[Lastly, I have a message for you from the Chief. “Focus on your training. Try not to get hurt.” —That is all.]

“Thank you. Please give our regards to the Chief.”

After saying that, their communication channel with Frederica ended.

=== Part 4 ===
For safety reasons, they normally would’ve changed into their Dragsuits, but neither of them had expected the situation to evolve in this way, and so neither had brought their Dragsuits. They simply had to start training in their uniforms.

“Instructor, could you please give me some tips on how to perform a Dragon Riding Dance first?”

Ash jokingly asked.

“C-Calling me ‘Instructor’ is too…”

Lucca felt so embarrassed that she buried her face into Gawain’s face.

“Uuh…”

“I’m sorry, really. I didn’t mean to tease you or anything.”

Ash couldn’t help but smile upon seeing how Lucca’s shy reaction was much more pronounced than he had expected.

“In actuality, you are quite experienced when it comes to Dragon Riding Dances.”

“That’s true…”

“So regardless of whether it’s some mental concept, or tips on what to pay attention to, I hope you’ll be able to give me some pointers.”

Lucca finally lifted her face.

“I’m not going at giving verbal explanations. It should be faster with actual experience…”

Ash made a wry smile.

“Then, could I trouble you for a ride on Gawain? I haven’t ridden a dragon with you since the Selective Training Camp.”

“Yes. I only started to notice you because of that time…”

Lucca’s elven ears were dyed the colour of roses and seemed so hot that they could emit heat.

“I-I see.”

Not expecting Lucca to make such a statement, Ash also blushed in turn. Lucca looked much cuter than usual on this particular day. Moreover, the two of them also happened to be the only people around. Within <Espace Elfiore>, there was no concern that anyone could interrupt whatever was going on…. Just as Ash worried over such things, Lucca leaned toward him from Gawain’s back.

“…Ash? You’re not thinking about anything dirty, are you?”

The distance between their faces almost startled Ash. Her amethyst-like eyes glistened with a watery reflection.

“Uwah! I wasn’t thinking about that!”

“I don’t mind…”

“Lucca!?”

“N-Nothing! Please forget what I just said…”

Lucca buried her face in the fur of Gawain’s back again.

After Lucca finally calmed down, Ash straddled onto Gawain’s back.

“Hold on tight.”

“Got it.”

“Heeding Lucca’s warning, Ash decided to hug her firmly from behind. Her waist was very slender, much like that of a glass doll. Lucca’s body warmth was faintly transmitted to Ash through the contact of their bodies. If they were wearing their Dragsuits, then perhaps Ash’s mind wouldn’t be so distracted by Lucca’s body given that a layer of hard armour would separate them…. Suddenly, Ash’s nose picked up a herbal fragrance. It was different from the usual fruity scent that most female students had. However, Ash thought that this scent was very fitting for Lucca.

“Then, let’s start off by tracing out ‘one wing’.”

Upon hearing Lucca’s voice, Ash’s consciousness was brought back to reality.

“Got it — wait, you’ve already memorised the trajectory for ‘one wing’?”

A surprised expression formed across Ash’s face as Lucca lightly nodded to confirm the fact.

“After seeing the slate just then…I’ve memorised most of it.”

“That’s incredible.”

Ash was once again in marvel of Lucca’s talent. She had memorised an extremely complex trajectory in such a short span of time. It was no exaggeration to describe her talent as sheer brilliance.

“Let’s do some warmup exercises first.”

Gawain let loose a roar in response to Lucca’s intentions. Its enormous body gradually accumulated magical energy. It then spread its wings and took flight. With the wind against their faces, both of them moved farther and farther away from the ground. Ash focused his mind as he hugged on tightly to Lucca’s waist.

''—Come on, I have to learn all of this!''

After a while, with their warmup exercises done, Gawain paused and hovered motionlessly in mid-air.

“‘One Wing’…commence.”

Just as Lucca murmured that to herself, Gawain began to move.

—Zooo!

A gust of wind whistled into his ears.

“Kuh!”

Ash clenched his teeth. He had experienced a dance during the Selective Training Camp — [The Amrita of Purification]. That one was certainly magnificent in its own right, but it just couldn’t be compared to this one. In addition to their flight speed, the centrifugal force generated by each turn was on a different level.

“Wait…this is too much!”

“The show is just getting started.”

“Huh, seriously!?”

“Don’t speak or you’ll bite your tongue!”

It was rare for Lucca to voice such stern criticism, so Ash quickly shut his mouth. Their speed instantly increased, and they continued to gain altitude as well. At some point, their distance from the ground had reached the point where they had a panoramic view of the entire lake. The air around them grew colder and thinner.

''—H-Hold on! Just how high are we going to fly!?''

Just as Ash thought so, they took a sudden turn and dive. Gawain completely stopped using magic and began to free fall. From Ash’s perspective, this was no different from an uncontrolled crash. The ground’s surface seemed to approach them at a terrifying speed.

''—We’ll die…if this goes on, we’re definitely going to die!''

Just as they were about to crash into the ground, Gawain forcefully unleashed its magical energy. While an enormous crater was generated on the ground, Gawain swiftly began its ascent again. Ash breathed a sigh of relief. However — Ash immediately realised that this flight was no different than a death-defying act, and that this was just the overture of the oratorio. It was truly an experience in all directions. Lucca and Gawain danced to their heart’s content, as if to exemplify that the essence of a Dragon Riding Dance was just beginning to unfold. The sky-spiralling performance continued without rest. Ash could feel the blood gradually draining from his face. The next moment, his vision suddenly faded to black.

“Huh!?”

Ash was in a state of momentary shock. Even though his eyes were wide open, he couldn’t see a thing at all.

“No way! Why…uwaaaaaaaaaaahhh!”

Whether it was on a physical level or a mental level, Ash was on the verge of collapse. Just as Ash screamed, he was thrown off from Gawain’s back. His body floated lightly through the air, much like a projectile fired from a crossbow.

“—Ash!?”

After hearing Lucca’s cry, his consciousness drifted away.

=== Part 5 ===
“Ngh…”

The instant that Ash opened his eyelids ever so slightly—

“Ash!? Ash!”

Lucca’s tearful face smothered the entirety of Ash’s blurred vision. There was a sort of soft sensation against the back of his head. It was then that Ash realised he had been asleep on Lucca’s lap.

“Am I…still alive?”

It appeared that his body was fine. Ash still vividly remembered what had happened just before losing consciousness. He was thrown into the air because the grip strength in his arms had faltered. Lucca had probably noticed just in time and ordered Gawain to turn back to help. If not for Lucca’s prompt realisation, Ash probably would’ve plummeted to the ground — sharing the same fate as a smashed piece of fruit. Ash couldn’t help but shudder as soon as the thought entered his mind. Although he still felt chills run down his spine, he tried to get up nonetheless.

“Don’t force yourself!”

Unexpectedly, Lucca firmly held Ash’s head down. The sensation of her soft yet elastic thighs put Ash in a daze. Inadvertently, Ash also took notice of another icy sensation. There was actually a wet towel on his forehead. Although Ash was grateful for Lucca’s kindness, this wasn’t the time to relish it.

“There’s something I’m curious about. Before I lost consciousness, why did my vision go completely dark…?”

“That’s a blackout. I’ve also had that experience.”

“Blackout…”

Ash was also familiar with the term. When he first joined Dragonar Academy, the instructor on Strada riding technique had explained it. When there was tremendous pressure on the Dragonar, it could result in brain anaemia as blood was concentrated in the lower body. It would result in symptoms such as darkening vision and breathing difficulties. Moreover, the condition induced by pressure in the opposite direction was known as redout. As suggested by the name, one’s vision would be tinged red because blood was concentrated in the blood vessels of the eye. Ash nervously gulped. What lay ahead was more training for the Dragon Riding Dance — that was bound to be accompanied by the risk of blackout and redout.

“I didn’t think I’d face such a setback as soon as we started training…”

Ash couldn’t help but heave a deep sigh. However, he would not be able to move forward by pitying himself. His most immediate goal was to get used to the speed and strong centrifugal forces of Dragon Riding Dances.

“Lucca, it looks like you’ll have to bear with me for a while…will you still accompany me?”

“Yes, gladly.”

Upon seeing Ash’s extended hand, Lucca faintly nodded as she outstretched her own to clasp his.

“The Shrine of Jylhä ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 4

2021-03-27T15:07:53Z

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==Chapter 4 – The Elves’ Great Secret==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===
=== Part 4 ===
=== Part 5 ===

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3

2021-03-27T15:06:45Z

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==Chapter 3 – The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~==
=== Part 1 ===
The next morning. The magic ship Escavaron took off as originally scheduled with its destination set for the Ecbald Autonomous Region. The weather was bright and sunny, warm enough that the fact that it was already winter seemed like a lie. The winds that blew felt smooth and refreshing. As a result, their journey benefited from the good weather and proceeded smoothly—. It was already afternoon by the time that the ‘Ecbald Forest’ entered the view of Ash and the others—.

=== Part 2 ===
“Ooooooooooohhh!”

As soon as the Escavaron landed at the entrance to the forest, the dragons which had been resting in the hangar immediately jumped out and headed toward the forest. —Aside from the five Maestros, there was an Asia and a Hydra. The silhouettes of those dragons were instantly engulfed by the vast, magnificent forest. Generally speaking, dragons enjoyed forests with a sacred atmosphere. Naturally, as the Ecbald Forest was one of the <Three Forests>, it needed no explanation.

“It must’ve bored them to death having to stay inside the hangar during the whole flight. Let them go and enjoy a bit of freedom.”

Rebecca smiled as she watched the dragons pour out of the Escavaron.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Ash agreed, while Eco took a stretch beside him.

“Mmm, the air here smells so fresh! I also want to take a nap.”

Eco was probably tired of waiting and eager to enter the forest as soon as possible. The rounded corners of her young dragon horns seemed more lustrous than usual as they emitted a faint glow.

“Ash.”

Lucca stood in front of Ash.

“Leading the way…leave that to me.”

“Yeah, of course. Once we enter the forest, we’ll be relying on you, Lucca.”

Upon hearing those words from Ash, Lucca’s cheeks turned slightly red.

<nowiki>“Hmm~~~~~~~~~!!”</nowiki>

The gazes of Eco and the others were immediately affixed to Ash, causing him to break into a cold sweat.

And so, Ash and the others ventured into the forest with Lucca as their leader. Since it might’ve seemed impolite for a large group of people to suddenly visit, the group entering the forest had already been decided beforehand. The first of those was Lucca, who was responsible for leading the way. As the representative of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights, Ash. The descendant of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor family and Ash’s Pal, Eco. The Fourth Princess of the Knight Country and ambassador to the Escavaron, Silvia. Silvia’s attendant, Cosette. President of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy’s Student Council and skilled at negotiation, Rebecca. Lastly, the living shell of Oscar and her caregiver Celes. Because Oscar had lost the ability to walk on her own, she had to sit in a wheelchair and be pushed along by Celes.

Unfortunately, Mirabel decided to stay on board the ship. Although Ash had hoped that she would join them, and Mirabel herself held an interest in the Ecbald people who were distantly related to the ancient elves — there were still many unsolved mysteries about the magic ship Escavaron. Mirabel wished to conduct an analysis of the ship whilst it was parked and stationary.

Under Lucca’s guidance, Ash and his party continued their advance into the forest. The tree branches and their leaves formed a natural barrier, and the faint rays of sunlight that meandered through the gaps in the foliage almost seemed heavenly. Their destination was the chief’s residence in the Ecbald Autonomous Region.

“Hey, Lucca. What kind of person is the chief? I always had the impression that chief is someone to be feared…”

Ash directed his question at Lucca as she continued forward without looking back.

“He’s a strict but kind person. Everyone has respect for him.”

Although usually slow to react, Lucca answered the question without having to think. It seemed that the chief had the popular support of his people. Such a person might hold an important clue to the narcotic’s antidote.

“Huh…?”

Inadvertently, Ash noticed a curious sight. There were hut-like buildings scattered amongst the trees.

“What is that…?”

Lucca raised her head and looked at the tree which Ash was pointing to.

“It’s an Ecbald-style house. The Ecbald people are accustomed to living on trees.”

“Really? It’s the first time that I’ve heard of this.”

While Ash gazed at the treehouses as if he was a sightseer…

“—Uoooooooooooooooooooohhhh!”

A sudden, startling roar broke the tranquillity and invited noise into the forest. The forest began to stir as if it had a life of its own. The frightened wild birds all scattered in unison. Moreover, the sound of drums, flutes and harps began to play all around them.

“Wait! What’s happening?”

Ash couldn’t help but freeze on the spot out of surprise.

“Hey, it’s so loud!”

Eco’s body also trembled as she wrapped her arm around Ash’s tightly.

“Hwah! C-Could it be…a super-ancient vengeful spirit!?”

Silvia’s face turned pale as she held onto Cosette with a tightening embrace.

“Oh my, it’s okay, don’t be afraid.”

As expected from Cosette, she remained as calm as water even in an abnormal situation, and she simply gave Silvia gentle back rubs. In fact, Ash found it hard to even imagine what Cosette’s face would look like if she was afraid.

“………”

Rebecca and Celes stood by Oscar’s wheelchair, guarding her and keeping a careful watch of their surroundings.

“—Chief Lars’ daughter, Lucca, has returned!”

A shout came from afar.

“Lucca, could that be someone you know?”

Ash nervously asked.

“It’s a normal occurrence…”

Lucca blushed as she lowered her head in embarrassment. At that moment…

“Lucca! It’s not winter vacation yet, so why are you home?”

A majestic voice resounded loudly through the forest. After a while, accompanied by low-pitched footsteps that seemed to shake the entire forest, a single Dragonar appeared from its depths. It was an intrepid Ecbald man who looked to be roughly forty-five years old. He was tall and muscular in build. He was dressed in native Ecbald-style clothing with a flaxen brown colour tone. He also wore exotic ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets. The man seemed to exude a rugged and wild nature which was rather different from the stereotypical image of Ecbald people. His skin was tanned a healthy wheat colour which seemed completely disparate from the delicate image of a fairy. However, the most unusual thing was his unique riding style — he sat cross-legged on the Maestro’s head. If the students of the Dragon Riding Academy were to imitate him, they would surely be scolded by the instructors for being ‘improper’. After taking a glance at Ash, the man loudly declared his name.

“I am Lars Nordenskiöld Sarlinen! Chief of the Ecbald Autonomous Region!”

=== Part 3 ===
The chief’s residence was located deep within the forest.

“It’s incredible…”

Ash gazed up in amazement. Before his eyes was a plant that seemed to have come out of a fairy tale — a super gigantic broad-leaved tree. Moreover, a traditional Ecbald-style building sat on the tree. The house might’ve been repeatedly rebuilt to stay in line with the tree’s growth, so its appearance was rather complex and strange. It looked like a combination of several wooden buildings. Lars skilfully leapt down from his Pal’s head and landed at the front door of the tree. However, Ash and the others were unable to follow suit. Lars considerately lowered a rope ladder for them to use.

“You guys can climb up with this.”

Ash grabbed the end of the rope ladder and turned around to look behind him.

“Umm, who’d like to go first? I don’t mind going last.”

Originally, Ash’s only intention was to abide by the spirit of chivalry and show courtesy towards women, but his intentions were misunderstood.

“Hey, Ash. Do you really want to…peek at our underwear that badly?”

Silvia was the first to retort with trembling clenched fists. It was only then that Ash noticed — indeed, all of the ladies wore skirts today.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t notice! I’ll go up first then.”

“Of course you will!”

Ash eagerly climbed up the ladder as if he was deliberately avoiding any opportunity for Silvia to scold him further. Once Ash had climbed up the tree, Eco, Silvia, Rebecca, Cosette and Lucca followed in that order. Celes and Oscar were last.

“Are you okay, Celes?”

“Don’t underestimate me! I don’t need your help!”

After stubbornly refusing to accept any help, Celes picked up Oscar who was in a dress. However, the rope ladder was a shaky tool to begin with, making it even more difficult for Celes to get up whilst carrying another person. However, if she tried to concentrate on climbing up the ladder, Oscar would fall off if she wasn’t careful.

“—Nngh.”

At that moment, the Maestro which had been dozing off under the tree — Lars’ Pal slowly stood up.

“Huh? W-Wait a minute…!”

Celes was taken aback as she clamoured in confusion. Ignoring her cries, the Maestro extended its forelimbs. It used its forelimbs to support Celes and Oscar, gently lifting the two of them up. In the blink of an eye, Celes and Oscar had been escorted to the entrance of the chief’s residence. Moreover, the Maestro also cleverly picked up Oscar’s wheelchair and elevated it up to the entrance.

“T-Thank you…”

With a dazed expression, Celes thanked it.

“Fuuun.”

After responding in a sleepy tone, the Maestro returned to its peaceful slumber.

=== Part 4 ===
Following the guidance of a maid, Ash and the others arrived at the drawing room. The style of the drawing room was unique in that guests could sit directly on the floor. An incense burner mounted on the wall filled the room with the scent of cedar trees. The most surprising thing was how spacious the room was, making it especially unbelievable that this structure had been built atop a tree.

“—Apologies for the wait.”

After a while, Lars appeared in the drawing room. He dauntlessly sat down cross-legged and then glanced around at everyone.

“H-Honoured to meet you. I am Ash Blake…”

Although slightly intimidated by Lars’ intrepid demeanour, Ash still declared his name.

“Oh, so you’re Ash Blake-dono? I’ve heard tales of your deeds. You defended Fontaine City together with your Pal Eco, and shortly after that, you declared an independent country with the magical ship Escavaron as territory. You snubbed ''that'' Prince Uriel off, didn’t you?”

“You know about all of that?”

“Of course. The Knight Country’s government has had a long history with the Ecbald Autonomous Region. News like that reaches me very quickly. It’s just…I never imagined even Lucca would be on board the Escavaron…”

After saying that, Lars stared straight at Ash. At this point, Ash realised something of significance — was Lucca’s identity similar to that of Silvia? An Ecbald princess?

“In having your dear daughter join our campaign…does that present a problem?”

Ash quivered as he inquired.

“No, I don’t mind.”

Ash was surprised by Lars’ unexpectedly swift and outspoken expression of approval.

“Lucca personally told me about the selective training camp. Thanks to your help, Lucca was able to ride Gawain again, and she was even successful in performing a Dragon Riding Dance. As her father, I will not forget your act of kindness, Ash-dono.”

“P-Please raise your head!”

The unexpected development had already been enough to make Ash panic, but the words that Lars uttered after lifting his head were even more astonishing.

“You truly are a gentle person, Ash-dono. I see, it’s no wonder that Lucca is so attracted to you. Hahaha!”

“F-Father…!”

Lucca’s face reddened as she attempted to stop her father, but Lars simply laughed. Unlike the Paladin Oswald, her father seemed rather open-minded and tolerant of his daughter’s romance. Soon, a serious expression returned to Lars’ face and he gazed at Eco.

“The girl with dragon horns on her head…I see, so you’re the young dragon Eco? No, perhaps it’d be more correct to call you Holy Dragon Emperor Eco-dono?”

“T-There’s no need, you can just call me Eco like normal…”

Eco shyly lowered her head. The next person that Lars focused on was Silvia.

“And you are…Your Highness Silvia?”

“Yes. Long time no see, Lars-dono.”

Silvia revealed an invigorating smile. It appeared that she knew Lars. As the chief of the Ecbald tribe, Lars certainly would’ve had many opportunities to visit Fontaine Palace.

“Haha. I barely recognised you in that school uniform, Your Highness. Getting down to business, since you’ve personally come to visit…I presume that you must have encountered some rather daunting problems on your journey.”

After saying that, Lars directed a sharp glance at Oscar. Oscar sat in a wheelchair behind Ash and the others unnervingly like a porcelain doll. Ash sat up straight as he decided to explain what had happened thus far.

“The thing is, we’re actually looking for a way to cure Oscar—”

After listening to Ash’s explanation, Lars walked over to Oscar’s side and began to observe her for a while.

“…Hmm. These are extremely rare symptoms.”

Eventually, Lars sighed as he made a grave expression.

“The narcotic <Galatea> huh…I’ve only read about it in a book, so this is the first time that I’m seeing it with my own eyes.”

“Do you have any way of producing an antidote? If there are any herbs that you need, we can go and forage for them. No matter how dangerous the location might be, we’ll take the Escavaron to go in search of it.”

Lars shook his head as he rejected Ash’s plea.

“It’s impossible, Ash. I think you should already be aware that narcotics are taboo elixirs made by sacrificing human lives. Even if there was an antidote, it would also have to be made at the expense of precious lives.”

“That can’t…!”

Upon learning of this hellish truth, Ash clenched his fists and trembled.

“…If what you say is true…even if we capture Kiira and force her to reveal information on the antidote — we won’t be able to synthesise it. Regardless of the situation, human lives aren’t to be trifled with.”

Ash sombrely nodded as he expressed his agreement with Rebecca.

“Of course. It’s just that…it means we have to abandon hope of finding an antidote and seek an alternative way of saving Oscar…. Kuh, what are we supposed to do now?”

At this rate, the outcome would be far more complicated than just being unable to save Oscar. Once a civil war broke out in the Chevron Kingdom, there was potential for the entire continent to be plunged into chaos, let alone the Kingdom itself.

“Damn it…we came all the way here already. Why is this happening…”

Celes murmured in a regretful tone as she clenched her teeth. Tears streamed down her right cheek as she knelt on the ground in frustration. Everyone present was silenced by the cruelty of the situation and a murky atmosphere filled the drawing room.

“—No. It’s not as if there’s no alternatives at all, Ash-dono.”

Lars’ words broke the heavy silence.

“Is that true!?”

Ash eagerly leaned forward. Like someone backed into a corner, he looked into Lars’ sharp eyes with hope.

“It would be the Zeroth Dragon Riding Dance — ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’. It is the secret technique of the Dragon Riding Dance.”

Ash was shocked. He had heard Lucca mention the name of that dance before. However, Lucca didn’t seem to be familiar with its effect.

“Does this mean that the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ can activate healing magic?”

Ash sought confirmation while he suppressed his overflowing emotions.

“It might be possible, but it might also not be possible.”

“…Huh?”

“Strictly speaking, this dance is more like a religious ritual. However, once performed successfully, it might bring about a miracle.”

“Chief, I have to say that this method you’ve described is overly vague…”

Following Silvia’s question, Lars made a troubled expression.

“I do apologise, Your Highness. However, I cannot make any guarantees. After all, the last time that a performance of the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ succeeded was seven hundred years ago…”

“It’s been that long?”

Ash was stunned.

“Indeed. Are you aware that Lucca’s biological parents passed away due to a pandemic?”

“…Yes, I heard.”

Ash nodded with a solemn expression.

“Since ancient times, the Ecbald Autonomous Region has suffered from an influenza outbreak every few hundred years. Even though our people are skilled in herbal medicine, we’re powerless against pandemics of this kind. According to historical records, an infectious disease which broke out seven hundred years ago was the worst in history…it was so deadly that it almost wiped out the Ecbald tribe altogether.”

“Wiped out…”

Ash nervously gulped.

“At that time, in order to save the people who were caught in dire straits, the Dragonars of the Ecbald tribe came forward. The Dragonars bravely attempted the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’, and at last they succeeded. And so, a miracle occurred. The patients who were once on the brink of death recovered one after another, the Ecbald people survived a crisis that threatened the extinction of their kind, and they have survived to this day.”

“In that case, if Lucca can successfully perform the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’, there’s a chance that our wish may come true, and Oscar can be cured…?”

“It’s not as simple as that, Ash. As the name of ‘Twin-Winged’ suggests, the zeroth dance requires two Dragonars for successful execution.”

Ash recalled his conversation with Lucca from last night. It was once Kiira’s dream to perform the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ with Lucca….

“Then, could we please ask you to partner with Lucca—”

Ash held onto a glimmer of hope as he gazed at Lars. At present, the only Dragonars of the Ecbald tribe were Lars and Lucca. In order for the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ to succeed, they had no choice but to pin their hopes upon those two.

“…I’m deeply sorry, Ash-dono.”

“What! Why!?”

Ash was so emotionally shocked by Lars’ rejection that he almost jumped up.

“Stay calm, Ash.”

Silvia placed her hand on Ash’s shoulder.

“Lars-dono may appear to be youthful in appearance, but he is in fact, quite old. And it also seems that his Pal, Maestro Rosberg, is too old to fly at high speed now…”

“Huh!?”

As embarrassment caused his face to turn red, Ash’s gaze wandered back and forth between Lars and Silvia. No matter how he saw it, Ash thought that Lars was in his forties. He certainly appeared to be in the prime of his life….

“Her Highness Silvia is correct. After all, I’ve been alive for a century and a half. Needless to say, I also participated in the Xenoglavia War.”

“I can’t believe it…”

Eco was also considerably surprised by this. She stared intently at Lars’ face.

“Although not as exaggerated as the extinct elves, the Ecbald people are already a long-lived race when compared to ordinary humans. The average lifespan of our race is around two hundred years, and the rate of our aging is also very slow. Ash-dono, to give an example, when you turn fifty, Lucca will probably have her coming-of-age ceremony.”

“Hmm, I didn’t see this coming…”

Silvia let out a grumble. It seemed the revelation of Lucca’s long lifespan had aroused a sense of crisis for her as a woman.

“In terms of a woman’s weapons, slow aging is almost foul play.”

Surprisingly, even Rebecca’s expression became serious.

“Hey, Eco! Don’t you think so as well?”

Silvia whispered into Eco’s ear. Although her voice was quiet, it still reached Ash’s ears.

“Huh? I may look like a human female, but I’m a dragon, so I don’t think I’ll age immediately? Besides, I’m still a young dragon, so I don’t have to rush.”

Eco put deliberate emphasis on the word ‘immediately’.

“Kuh! That’s way too…!”

Leaving aside Silvia who was somewhat depressed, Ash asked Lars,

“Chief. Based on what you’ve said, doesn’t this mean that the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ won’t work either? I’ve heard that only Ecbald Dragonars possess the necessary inclination to perform a Dragon Riding Dance.”

“That would be the case, normally speaking. However, as long as you have this ring…even an ordinary human may be able to take the place of an Ecbald person.”

With a serious expression, Lars removed the ring that he wore on the little finger of his right hand.

“I will entrust you this ring.”

Ash was at a loss for words, but he accepted the ring anyway. It was a silver work of art with exquisite engravings on both sides. A large gemstone was set on top of the ring. The gemstone was an exquisite emerald that seemed to symbolise the breath of the forest itself.

“Father. Doesn’t that ring serve as proof of the chief…”

Lucca interjected from the side with a worried expression, but Lars stopped her from saying anymore with a stern look on his face.

“That doesn’t matter. The ring may indeed be a treasure that’s been handed down to the leader of each generation since ancient times, but it’s a cheap price to pay in return for Ash’s grace. Besides, I’m still the chief whether I have the ring or not, and that won’t change. I believe that the residents of the forest will also understand.”

“…Yes.”

After seeing Lucca nod to express her understanding, Lars focused his eyes on Ash.

“Try it on.”

“Alright.”

Although slightly puzzled, Ash slid the ring onto his finger. While the ring was originally worn on Lars’ little finger, it was just the right fit for the index finger on Ash’s left hand given their difference in build. Ash suddenly felt a burning sensation as if his entire body had been set alight.

“Uwah! What is this…?”

Ash hurriedly looked down at his body. The sensation wasn’t painful or unpleasant. On the contrary, it felt as though his blood surged with passion and excitement. The <Seikoku> on his left arm also reacted to the ring, glowing radiantly and emitting heat. It felt as thought a connection had formed between the ring and his <Seikoku>.

“Listen closely, Ash. That gemstone is a magic crystal refined by the elves in the distant past. In other words, you could regard it as the elven version of a Bright Dragon Crystal. It is a unique crystal, as it is the only one in the world left by the purebred elves.

“You’re giving me something that precious!? Is that really okay?”

“When you put that ring on, you can gain the same attributes as an Ecbald person.”

“So, you mean that I can also perform a Dragon Riding Dance? Thank you, chief!”

Despite Ash’s cheerful demeanour, Lars maintained a firm expression.

“I’m not sure if you’re just jolly or brave…but if a Dragon Riding Dance fails, there’s a chance that you may die. Moreover, you’re now the Commander of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights. As someone in a position of power, you cannot sacrifice your life so easily. It would also be feasible to find another suitable partner for Lucca.”

The words carried more weight because Lars himself was chief of the Ecbald tribe.

“No, it’s precisely because I’m the commander that I can’t allow anyone else to do it.”

Even so, Ash remained resolute in his determination.

“Well said, Ash!”

Upon hearing that, Eco immediately lauded him.

“Mmhmm, that’s certainly just like Ash.”

“You’re acting more and more like a leader.”

Silvia and Rebecca generously praised him. However, Lars solemnly confessed to everyone,

“This introduces a problem though. When Eco becomes the Holy Dragon Emperor…I’m afraid that it will be difficult to synchronise with Gawain due to the large difference in their body size. Ash, I’ve heard that you’re a genius dragon tamer, is that right…?”

“Yes, I can ride all dragons.”

“If that’s the case, it’d be better if you choose a Maestro that’s physically balanced to partner with Gawain.”

“I understand. Speaking of a Maestro with a similar build to Gawain…I guess Lancelot?”

“Hmm. There shouldn’t be any problems if it’s with Lancelot — Your Highness Silvia, is that okay with you?”

“Of course.”

As soon as Silvia, Eco suddenly interjected,

“Wait a minute! If you’re going to ride Lancelot, then it means that Lancelot will also feel ‘that sensation’…and I won’t approve of that!”

“That sensation? Eco, what are you talking about…?”

Ash tilted his head in confusion.

''What is Eco going on about?''

“I-It’s nothing!”

For some reason, Eco blushed and lowered her head.

''Is she just jealous that I’ll have to ride another dragon this time?''

Although Ash couldn’t pinpoint a reason for her behaviour, he decided to focus on the Dragon Riding Dance instead.

“By the way, chief. I still had a question for you.”

“What would that be, Ash-dono?”

“What kind of trajectory is drawn in the sky for this so-called ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’?”

Ash began to feel nervous as the chief became silent and didn’t answer for a while.

“…Good question. Rather than try to explain, I think it’ll be quicker if you see it for yourself once.”

Lars slowly stood up as he said with a solemn expression,

“I will guide all of you to [The Shrine of Jylha]—”

“The Head of Ecbald ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3

2021-03-27T15:05:48Z

Zxzxzx: Create page structure

==Chapter 3 – The Holy Forest ~Ecbald Autonomous Region~==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===
=== Part 4 ===

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2

2021-03-27T15:05:06Z

Zxzxzx: Fix title

==Chapter 2 - Lucca's Past==
=== Part 1 ===
Just after eight o’clock in the morning—.

A group of people prepared to have breakfast in the dining room of the living quarters whilst holding a meeting at the same time. With Ash as their leader, those in attendance included Eco, Silvia, Mirabel, Rebecca, Lucca, Jessica, Anya, Celes, Max and Raymond. Incidentally, since Navi did not require food, she abstained from attending the meeting.

“……”

Ash quietly peered sideways towards Mirabel. As usual, she had an intelligent expression fitting of her name as the <Argento Magus>. Because of an incident in the morning, she had shut herself away in her room. She had insisted on staying inside even when Captain Ursula showed up, so it must’ve been quite a blow mentally. Ash finally felt a bit relieved to see Mirabel attend the meeting of her own volition.

A dazzling array of various colourful dishes lined the table. Although meals on the ship were usually based on preserved food, this morning was a fresh change of pace. There were freshly baked bread rolls, fluffy omelettes, crispy seared bacon, sausages, a thick soup with various vegetables, and yoghurt with plenty of honey. As for drinks, there was milk tea. In addition, there were also freshly made crepes. Crepes happened to be Eco’s favourite food. Cosette had probably prepared them specially for Eco.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be able to have crepes before returning to Ansarivan…I’m so touched!”

Eco was moved to tears, and the first thing that she picked up and put in her mouth was a crepe.

“Mmm~”

Eco relished the taste as she munched down, and a joyful expression spread across her face. Seeing her like that, Ash couldn’t help but reach out for a crepe so he could try a bite as well.

“Mmm! This is…!”

The instant that he took a bite, the sweetness and acetic flavour of strawberries melded with the crispy texture of apple slices that overflowed in his mouth. At the same time, the melting cream danced vividly on the tip of his tongue. In amazement, Ash thought to himself that the quality was on par with what one could expect at a store. Cosette and Eunice were still hard at work in the kitchen. Thanks to the assistance of Bright Dragon Crystals, the firepower required for cooking was more than sufficient.

“Where did all of these fresh ingredients come from?”

Ash asked out of curiosity, to which Cosette replied,

“They’re a souvenir from Captain Ursula.”

Ash was surprised because he had never heard Ursula mention this at all. Ursula certainly thought highly and was considerate of Ash given that she silently left all of this behind. After mentally expressing his thanks to Ursula, Ash looked around at everyone’s faces.

“Well, let’s have breakfast…while we also begin to discuss the policy that we will adopt from here on out.”

Everyone’s eyes focused on Ash. Ash first decided to relay the information that he had obtained from Uriel.

“This morning, when we extradited Prince Uriel and handed him over to the Captain of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars, Ursula…he volunteered an unexpected piece of information to us.”

“Uriel? Can we believe what he said?”

Mirabel frowned.

“At first, I also suspected that it was another of his traps, but Uriel genuinely seems to care about the future of the Kingdom in his own way. I think that he can be trusted this time.”

“What did Uriel tell you?”

Rebecca asked with a sharp tone. She almost succumbed to Uriel’s malevolence last night, but she was fortunately safe and steadily recovering from her injuries. Although there was still a long way to go before she’d be fully healed, the <Scarlet Empress> wouldn’t be absent because of such trivial injuries.

“If the status quo continues, it’ll only be a matter of time before a war for the throne ensues.”

Ash’s words plunged everyone at the dining table into silence.

“From our standpoint, we can’t just sit back and wait for such a situation to happen. I believe that the actions we took were correct and I don’t have any regrets thus far about defeating Uriel. However, I don’t want to see our actions lead to continued and pointless civil strife in the Kingdom…that will indirectly cause misery in the lives of many innocent people.”

“That’s correct. I agree with Ash.”

Silvia nodded firmly to express her agreement.

“The question is, what can we do to prevent a battle for the throne? It’d be impossible to navigate around the Kingdom in the Escavaron to calm the chaos as that’d be far too inefficient…”

Mirabel placed her fingers against her chin as she tried to come up with a sound plan. Ash looked around at everyone once more.

“Uriel himself said that Oscar is the only person capable of preventing the outbreak of civil war. Moreover, in order for Oscar to succeed the throne as the Kingdom’s first ruling queen, the best way will be to have all of the princes bend the knee to her.”

“I understand what you mean. This means our top priority is to cure Oscar, right?”

Ash nodded in response to Mirabel’s question.

“Yes, what I mean to say is that unless we can free Oscar from the curse of <Galatea>, everything else is just a hollow desire.”

“Did Uriel reveal any information about the drug? As things are right now, there are too many unsolved mysteries…”

Celes anxiously asked. She had barely touched her breakfast because she was so worried about Oscar.

“I obtained some information about the court pharmacist from Uriel. Her name is Kiira Brava Henriksen.”

—Doon!

All of a sudden, a loud noise permeated the entire dining room. It seemed that Lucca had toppled her chair upon standing up. Startled and taken aback, everyone in attendance directed their focus to Lucca. Only when Lucca rode atop Gawain did she display her talent as the <Elfin Dancer>. However, she usually had a quiet nature and did everything rather slowly. No one in the room had expected Lucca to knock over her chair with such force.

“Kiira…where is Kiira!?”

Lucca cried out in a sharp voice that was completely different from her usual tone. Her face was pale, and her body trembled without rest. Although surprised by Lucca’s change in demeanour, Ash calmly replied,

“Uriel doesn’t seem to know where exactly she is either. He only said that Kiira has probably gone to one of the <Three Forests>…”

Lucca hurriedly rushed out of the dining room, as if just that piece of information was enough to narrow down her whereabouts.

“…Ash, quickly go after her. As a leader, it’s also your responsibility to pacify your team members.”

Mirabel urged Ash, who simply stood there in a daze.

“Hmm. I don’t really want you to go…but it seems like an unusual situation given her reaction. Lucca must have some kind of close relationship with that pharmacist.”

Silvia folded her arms and grumbled.

“…Geez, it can’t be helped. Ash, go and bring her back.”

Unexpectedly, even Eco expressed support for Ash to go and bring Lucca back. Lately, Eco seemed much more mature. Perhaps her awakening as Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor and successful bestowal of a complete Ark to Ash allowed her to relax and calm her mind.

“I’ll be taking your crepes though!”

While Ash was fuelled by emotion, Eco swiftly reached over and snatched all of the crepes from Ash’s plate.

“Hey, I’ve already taken a bite of those crepes!”

“An indirect kiss between us now is…nothing to make a fuss over anymore, right?”

After Eco’s cheeks turned slightly red, she bit down on the crepe that still had Ash’s bite marks on it.

“What does ‘an indirect kiss between us now’ mean? How suspicious…”

Jessica muttered to herself in a low voice. A dark, resentful aura seemed to emanate from her entire body. No, it wasn’t just Jessica. Ever since Eco had spoken those surprising words, the girls in the room had unwittingly filled the room with a tense atmosphere.

“Uh, umm, I’m…going to go and come back soon.”

Finding himself in a thorny situation, Ash hurried out of the dining room.

=== Part 2 ===
“Lucca! Wait up!”

The ship’s corridors were both narrow and complex. Ash chased after the silhouette of Lucca’s figure as he continued to call out to her. Soon, Ash arrived at the entrance to the hangar.

“Huff, huff…”

The door to the hangar was half ajar. The aroma of Ansal Herb, a favourite of the dragon species, faintly wafted out from within. Ash had a bad premonition.

“Don’t tell me…she plans to ride Gawain away!?”

After sliding into the hangar through the gap in the door, the figures of four Maestros entered his view — Cú Chulainn, Tristan, Lancelot and Arianrhod. The Hydra Rhiannon and Asia Brigid also mingled with the four Maestros. All of them had just finished breakfast and were resting leisurely. The only exception among them was the Maestro Gawain. Carrying Lucca, Gawain had moved to the gate that led to the deck. The gate had a design that was a composite of magic and mechanics, and it would automatically open or close by sensing the intent of a dragon.

“Lucca, wait!”

Ash sprinted as fast as he could.

“Gawain, make haste!”

Lucca commanded with a stringent voice.

“Lucca’s not acting calmly right now! Stop, Gawain!”

Ash bellowed as he attempted to overpower Lucca’s voice.

“Grrrrr…!”

Gawain griped as if it was in distress and lowered its neck.

''—Now’s my chance…!''

Ash seized his opportunity with Gawain’s hesitation and launched himself onto Gawain’s back.

“It’s not like you to act on your own, Lucca.”

“I have to go and see Kiira. I must…see her.”

“Why are you so fixated on Kiira? Please, tell me what’s going on?”

Ash placed his hand on Lucca’s shoulder.

“…No.”

Unexpectedly, Lucca cast Ash’s hand aside, climbed up onto Gawain’s neck and then yelled out with a pleading tone,

“Listen to my orders, Gawain!”

“Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!”

Gawain let out a roar and raised its head. The Bright Dragon Crystal embedded in the gate began to emit a dazzling glow.

—Dodododododo…

The gate slowly began to open, accompanied by a low-pitched mechanical hum. Rays of morning light from outside began to illuminate Gawain’s forelimbs.

“Kuh…!”

Ash clenched his fists. As expected, Gawain gave Lucca’s orders priority since she was its master. The gate was already halfway open. There was no time. Unease filled Ash’s mind. It seemed as though there was an unprecedented hidden past between Lucca and Kiira. If she left like this, it would probably be goodbye and there’d be no chance of meeting each other again.

''—I can’t let her leave no matter what! There has to be a way!''

Ash instantly made a decision. Gawain’s assistance was absolutely necessary for Lucca to escape. It was during this moment that Ash remembered a saying — ‘to capture a general, shoot the horse first’.

“I’m sorry Lucca!”

After giving an advance apology, Ash exerted strength into both of his arms.

“Huh!?”

Although she rarely displayed much emotion, Lucca couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. That was because Ash suddenly embraced Lucca without saying a single word. It was the so-called ‘princess hug’. As a result, Lucca’s body also left Gawain. The only person sitting on Gawain’s back now was Ash.

“Grrrrr…”

Just as Ash expected, Gawain was confused by the sudden change in rider. Ash then used his special talent as ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’ to exert dominance over Gawain.

“No! I must go to meet Kiira…fly, Gawain!”

Although Lucca was held in Ash’s arms, she still refused to give up.

“Graaaaaaaaahh!”

Gawain let out another roar, and the gate continued to open up as it responded to Gawain’s will. A cold wind poured into the hangar.

“Tsk! Sure enough, it’s going to put its master’s orders first, huh? No, it’s too early to give up!”

Ash recalled his experience with controlling many dragons in the past and deepened his consciousness into Gawain’s psyche.

“Ruuuu!”

Gawain growled in anger, unwilling to give in.

“Kuh. Gawain is pretty tough…”

Ash already had a taste of just how difficult Gawain was compared to other dragons during the training camp. Back then, Ash constantly challenged Gawain with perseverance, and he ended up with some serious injuries. However, Ash had grown a lot since then. Moreover, he could even handle Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor, Eco, perfectly.

“Take this, more—”

Ash focused all of his energy and continued to penetrate Gawain’s psyche with his thoughts. He imagined himself as a tree with roots pushing downwards, slowly cornering Gawain into a dead end. Suddenly — Gawain’s body twitched.

“Urgruuuuuuu…!”

It let out a growl that sounded distinctly different from before. It was desperately trying to fight against Ash’s intervention.[[Image:SnRK V10 053.jpg|thumb]]However, this only served as proof that Ash’s attempt at control was having an effect. Ash then decided that this was an opportune moment.

“I command you in the name of the <Avalon Knight>! Trust me, Gawain! If you truly care about Lucca, then stay here and don’t leave!”

“Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…!”

Gawain raised its back. Since Ash was holding Lucca with both arms, the best that he could do was rely on his legs to stay rooted to Gawain’s back so as not to be thrown off.

“Relax! I’ll definitely protect Lucca!”

Upon being moved by Ash’s show of determination—

“Kuuu…”

Gawain retreated from the gate and knelt down on the spot. The gate that was half open automatically shut, restoring tranquillity to the hangar.

“Are you okay, Lucca?”

Ash jumped off from Gawain’s back with Lucca in his arms, and then allowed her to stand on her own feet again.

“Ash, you’re so pushy…”

Lucca muttered as she lowered her head slightly.

“Also, being held in a ‘princess hug’ like this…it doesn’t make me happy at all.”

It seemed as though she was sulking over it. Although she usually looked unfazed about most things, she was still a maiden at heart.

“I’m sorry Lucca! But it seemed as if you’d become completely irrational…and I couldn’t stand to just watch you leave.”

“…Are you worried about me?”

“That goes without saying! Please don’t try to shoulder everything by yourself. If it’s something within my ability, I’m willing to lend a hand — besides, I made a promise to Gawain just then.”

When Ash directed a glance at Gawain, it decisively responded with a mighty roar.

“Ash…”

“Although this might bring back some unpleasant memories, can you please tell me what happened to you in the past, Lucca?”

Ash gazed at Lucca with a solemn expression. Lucca’s lips trembled, but after a while, she finally lifted her face as if she had made up her mind.

“As I am now…my mind is a mess. I don’t have the confidence…that I can explain it clearly.”

“Is that so…?”

It appeared that the shared past between Lucca and Kiira was indeed a sensitive subject for her. ''It’s probably best to give her some time to sort out her feelings'' — just when Ash thought that, Lucca made an unexpected request.

“Ten o’clock tonight…come to the deck.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll be waiting for you…”

After Lucca leaned into Ash’s ear and whispered so, she briskly dashed away.

=== Part 3 ===
Ash returned to the dining room by himself.

“Did you talk to Lucca?”

Silvia was the first to ask.

“Yeah, I had a good talk with her. Although she almost rode away on Gawain, I was lucky that I managed to catch up in time.”

“She was going to run off alone? It’s not like Lucca to do something like that…”

Rebecca mumbled in relief.

“So? Ash, did you ask about the relationship between Lucca and Kiira?”

Mirabel calmly asked.

“Uh, my intention was to give her some time to sort out her feelings. I believe that she’ll be able to tell me.”

Ash deliberately avoided mentioning that they had agreed to meet on the deck tonight. After all, if he simply stated that, he felt as though Eco, Silvia, Jessica and the others would probably insist on tagging along.

“Very well, we’ll leave Lucca to Ash then. The question now is…in order to cure Oscar, what can Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights do to achieve that goal?”

Upon hearing Mirabel’s question, although everyone appeared to nod in agreement, they all had sombre expressions. Ash himself had no idea what he could do to save Oscar. The so-called narcotic — it was an inhumane drug that was derived from human lives. The method for preparing an antidote was unimaginable, and the existence of an antidote at all was also doubtful. Was the most convenient method to locate Kiira after all? However, trying to find Kiira within the <Three Forests> was a task as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.

“……”

Unfortunately, everyone present probably shared the same thoughts as Ash. The dining room was shrouded by a heavy silence. Suddenly, Mirabel raised her head, and the expression in her eyes appeared deeply serious and calm.

“I have a suggestion, if everyone is on board…there may be other people in the Ecbald Autonomous Region who are familiar with the narcotic <Galatea>. With any luck, we might run into someone who knows how to make the antidote.”

“Aneue, that’s an excellent idea!”

Silvia passionately clenched her fist.

“I also agree!”

Celes raised her hand in agreement. It was as if her lone eye had focused upon a glimmer of light that shot into the darkness. Ash aside, the others also nodded to express their agreement.

“It doesn’t seem like anyone has an objection. So, once maintenance of our systems is complete, let’s set off for the Ecbald Autonomous Region.”

“What’s the estimated time for repairs?”

Upon hearing Ash’s question, Mirabel paused to think for a moment and then replied,

“Let’s see. If progress is fast enough, we’ll be able to take off early tomorrow morning.”

And with that, the morning meeting came to an end.

=== Part 4 ===
“…It’s almost the agreed time.”

After flipping shut the cover of his silver pocket watch in the darkness of his room, Ash slowly raised his upper body. The agreed time of his meeting with Lucca drew closer every minute. In the end, Lucca stayed in her room and never came out. Even so, Ash had faith in Lucca so he didn’t try to coerce her into speaking before their meeting. And then, the shadow of night took over…

“Ngh…snu…snu…”

Beside him, Eco lay sprawled out on the bed sound asleep. If they were still sleeping on their small bed in Apollo House right now, Ash probably would’ve been kicked off the bed long ago. Fortunately, the bed in this room was sufficiently large, so there was plenty of room even despite Eco’s poor sleep habits. However, Ash somehow felt that the frequency of Eco’s nibbling seemed to have increased. Ash couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about sneaking out of the room as he gazed at the innocence of Eco’s sleeping face, but it couldn’t be helped as he had made a promise to Lucca.

Ash tiptoed as he left the bedroom so as to avoid making any noise. He walked through the dimly lit corridors, illuminated only by nightlights as he made his way to the deck. Everyone was likely asleep. After all, their life on board the ship essentially followed the same pattern as the student dormitories. Somewhat nervously, Ash opened the metal door which led to the deck. The cold outside air rushed inwards accompanied by the sound of grinding metal.

“It’s freezing…!”

As soon as Ash opened his mouth, white breath slipped out of his lips. Upon taking a step outside, he found that the outside world had been enclosed by the cold night. A slender crescent moon hung high in a corner of the night sky, emitting a hazy glow. Without having to search, Ash immediately took notice of Lucca’s figure. Bathed in the mysterious moonlight, Lucca stood quietly at the edge of the deck. She turned her head and looked back upon taking notice of Ash’s arrival. Her limbs faintly glowed as if a backlight shone behind her. This was none other than the beauty of a fairy.

“Aren’t you cold?”

Ash couldn’t help but feel a little worried upon seeing how Lucca was dressed. Lucca was only wearing a set of thin pyjamas and a single jacket on top.

“This temperature isn’t considered cold for Ecbald people. Come and sit here.”

Lucca answered Ash’s question straightforwardly and then invited him to sit down. An Ecbald-style rug was laid out under her legs. Placed on top of it were a variety of herbs, a mortar, a magic stove and other utensils that looked like they would belong in a pharmacist’s workshop.

“Can we…talk while drinking some tea? I think…I’ll be able to speak more calmly like this.”

“Sure.”

After nodding in agreement, Ash sat down on the rug.

“When I was five years old, in the Ecbald Forest…an infectious disease broke out. Herbal medicine didn’t have any effect at all…and many Ecbald people died of the illness. My parents were no exception—”

Ash was shocked to learn that Lucca had such an unimaginable past.

“It was the Henriksen family that took me in afterwards when I became an orphan…”

“Henriksen? Is that Kiira’s family?”

Ash involuntarily leaned forward.

“Yes. The Henriksen family is well-known…aside from me, there were several other orphans who were accepted.”

“So, Kiira’s parents took you in as an adopted daughter…”

Lucca shook her head in disagreement with Ash.

“Not as an adopted daughter. I was only hired as a child servant.”

“I see…”

“But…I hardly ever felt as though I was ‘at work’. That’s because my only responsibility was to play with Kiira.”

“What was Kiira like as a child?”

“She’s the same age as me, and even her birthday happens to be on the same day. She always smiled and had a cheerful personality…she was also adventurous. She was a girl who enjoyed hunting more than herbs…”

While Lucca ground some herbs in the mortar, her eyes reflected a nostalgia for the past.

Kiira always took Lucca’s hand and they went on adventures in the forest every day. Although Lucca was only one of many servants, was poor at communicating with others, and wasn’t the best at doing work — Kiira adored Lucca the most. Lucca was also quite confused at first, but she gradually dropped her identity as a servant and treated Kiira like a friend. Before they knew it, the barrier between the young mistress and the servant had completely disappeared. Kiira genuinely longed to become a Dragonar—.

“…Please have some tea.”

Lucca poured some herbal tea into a bowl and then offered it to Ash.

“Ah, thank you.”

After Ash sat up properly, her took the bowl and placed it against his lips. The fragrance of ginger and lemon spread through his mouth. With just a sip, he felt his body start to warm up from the inside. Although the tea that Lucca made had first-class medicinal effects, its appearance and taste was often rather peculiar, except on this occasion tonight. It was so good that Ash wanted to drink it on a daily basis.

“It’s delicious. What kind of tea is this?”

Perhaps not expecting praise from Ash, Lucca seemed a little embarrassed, and it took a while for her usual expressionless face to return.

“It doesn’t have a particular name. It’s herbal tea that’s been passed down from generation to generation in the Henriksen family. As a servant in that house…the first thing to learn was the brewing method for this tea.”

Lucca clenched a small fist on her lap as she cast her eyes downward.

“This herbal tea…it was also Kiira’s favourite drink.”

Perhaps this herbal tea was a symbol of friendship between Lucca and Kiira. Ash set the bowl down after drinking the rest of the tea.

“…When Kiira and I turned seven, we received a notice from the palace.”

“A notice for the <Orphan Ceremony>, right?”

Lucca raised her head and gently nodded.

“Kiira had a grand dream.”

“To become a Dragonar?”

“Becoming a Dragonar was only a prerequisite for fulfilling her dream. Kiira’s dream was to dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’.”

“I’ve never heard of that one. What number dragon riding dance is it?”

“The ‘Twin-Winded Oratorio’ is a special case. It belongs to number zero.”

“Zero? What kind of performance is it?”

“Only a few adults know the details about it.”

“I see…”

“I’m only sure about one thing. The dance requires two Dragonars…”

Ash glanced up upon hearing Lucca’s words.

“I see. No wonder it’s called ‘Twin-Winged’.”

Even the dances numbered from one through to three that Lucca had performed solo allowed people to witness the amazing speed with which she moved through the air. As such, if two people were to dance through the skies simultaneously, failure was inevitable unless the pair were in perfect synchronisation. Upon hearing this, a thought entered Ash’s mind.

“…I get it now. The person that Kiira wanted to dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ with was you, right Lucca?”

“………”

A shadow was immediately cast over Lucca’s expression. Looking closer, her shoulders constantly trembled. It looked as if she was desperately trying to resist an undeniable truth. Ash recalled what happened during his first meeting with Lucca. Back then, Rebecca had clearly said,

''—Lucca is currently the only Ecbald person studying at the Academy.''

“The only person who gained the favour of the Mother Dragon was Lucca, and not Kiira, huh…”

Lucca silently nodded as she revealed a dejected expression. A biting cold wind swiftly whistled across the deck.

=== Part 5 ===
After escorting Lucca back to her room, Ash returned to the entrance of his own room. Frankly speaking, he was worried about leaving Lucca alone, but…

''—I’m okay now.''

Before they parted, Lucca had lifted her spirits and straightened her ears as she declared that. ''If confiding in me about her past can make her feel little better, then that’s for the best''…Ash thought to himself. Ash carefully opened his bedroom door so as to avoid making any noise. The moment that he opened the door, a pair of eyes greeted him on the other side.

“Uwaaahh!”

In fright, Ash slipped and his rear slammed onto the ground.

“…You’re back rather late, aren’t you?”

With a ‘pah!’, the door was yanked wide open and Eco appeared in her pyjamas. In her hand was a portable lantern powered by dragon magic which she held up in front of her chest.

“Eco!? Why aren’t you asleep?”

“Don’t keep treating me like a child. There are times when I get up in the middle of the night as well.”

“I see…fine, let’s not mention that. We’d better be off to bed. If you stay up late, you won’t be able to get up tomorrow morning.”

Ash walked into the room after placing his hand on Eco’s head. In fact, he had already been struck by a bout of drowsiness as soon as he made it to his room door. However, such a simple desire went unfulfilled.

“Ngh!?”

Eco unexpectedly grabbed him by the collar from behind.

“…Eco?”

“You snuck out of the room in the middle of the night, went somewhere and did something with someone…I haven’t heard what that is yet, you know? Although I can just ask Navi about it later, shouldn’t you tell me in person?”

“Y-You’re right.”

Ash resigned himself and explained what had happened to Eco.

“—In any case, that’s how it is.”

Eco’s expression grew more serious as Ash talked.

“And then? What happened after Lucca formed a contract with the dragon race?”

“Lucca’s life reached a turning point. After receiving a larva, she became appreciated by the village chief and was adopted by him.”

“Ch-eef…what is that?”

The young Eco didn’t seem to be familiar with that word yet.

“Well, the chief is like the king of the Ecbald Autonomous Region. But the chief isn’t the same as a king as the role isn’t hereditary.”

“Oh…”

“In other words, the girl who was originally just a mere servant in the Henriksen household became something like a princess overnight.”

“Don’t you think that evoked some complicated feelings for Kiira?”

Ash nodded firmly.

“I think so. Lucca said that Kiira acted cold and hostile towards her afterwards that. Moreover, she suddenly became interested in narcotics…eventually, she even stole the strictly controlled forbidden book of the Ecbald Tribe — [Encyclopedia of Narcotics] and then left their hometown…”

Supposedly, Kiira Brava Henriksen was still listed as a wanted criminal in the Ecbald Autonomous Region. If Kiira had also received a larva back then—. Or if both Kiira and Lucca had failed in the selection—. Perhaps the friendship between the two of them wouldn’t have been torn apart like that.

“It’s a really sad story and the Mother Dragon probably didn’t intend to destroy their friendship…”

“Huh? What are you talking about!?”

Eco was suddenly infuriated, and Ash retreated in fright.

“If they were really friends, then even if Kiira lost in the selection process, she should have wished the best for Lucca!”

Ash felt as though he had been slapped with a wake-up call as soon as Eco sharply highlighted a key point.

“You’re right. Isn’t that what a friend should be like?”

Of interest now was what kind of motive Kiira Brava Henriksen intended to pursue. Uriel’s words briefly flashed across Ash’s mind.

''—Just as I wanted a particular drug…Kiira also had a drug that she wanted to produce. And in order to make it, six hundred and sixty-six lives had to be sacrificed.''

What kind of impact would the drug that was made at the expense of six hundred and sixty-six lives have on the world? Ash couldn’t even begin to imagine. Even so, there was just one thing that he could assert.

[[Image:SnRK V10 071.jpg|thumb]]

“Whether it’s for Lucca or Oscar — or even for Kiira, we have to prevent a tragedy from happening.”

Ash clenched his fists resolutely.

“…!”

Eco blushed as she stared at the side profile of Ash’s face. And then, she pressed her hand against her chest as if she was confirming the thump of her own heartbeat.

“…Eco? What’s wrong?”

Finding her behaviour inexplicably odd, Ash drew closer to examine Eco’s face, but—

“N-Nothing! It’s not like you were just a little handsome or anything…I don’t think that at all!”

Eco made her escape by diving into the bed, grabbing the blanket to pull it over her head.

“The Shackles of Convention ~A.S.B.~1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2

2021-03-27T15:03:50Z

Zxzxzx: Add illustration

==Chapter 2==
=== Part 1 ===
Just after eight o’clock in the morning—.

A group of people prepared to have breakfast in the dining room of the living quarters whilst holding a meeting at the same time. With Ash as their leader, those in attendance included Eco, Silvia, Mirabel, Rebecca, Lucca, Jessica, Anya, Celes, Max and Raymond. Incidentally, since Navi did not require food, she abstained from attending the meeting.

“……”

Ash quietly peered sideways towards Mirabel. As usual, she had an intelligent expression fitting of her name as the <Argento Magus>. Because of an incident in the morning, she had shut herself away in her room. She had insisted on staying inside even when Captain Ursula showed up, so it must’ve been quite a blow mentally. Ash finally felt a bit relieved to see Mirabel attend the meeting of her own volition.

A dazzling array of various colourful dishes lined the table. Although meals on the ship were usually based on preserved food, this morning was a fresh change of pace. There were freshly baked bread rolls, fluffy omelettes, crispy seared bacon, sausages, a thick soup with various vegetables, and yoghurt with plenty of honey. As for drinks, there was milk tea. In addition, there were also freshly made crepes. Crepes happened to be Eco’s favourite food. Cosette had probably prepared them specially for Eco.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be able to have crepes before returning to Ansarivan…I’m so touched!”

Eco was moved to tears, and the first thing that she picked up and put in her mouth was a crepe.

“Mmm~”

Eco relished the taste as she munched down, and a joyful expression spread across her face. Seeing her like that, Ash couldn’t help but reach out for a crepe so he could try a bite as well.

“Mmm! This is…!”

The instant that he took a bite, the sweetness and acetic flavour of strawberries melded with the crispy texture of apple slices that overflowed in his mouth. At the same time, the melting cream danced vividly on the tip of his tongue. In amazement, Ash thought to himself that the quality was on par with what one could expect at a store. Cosette and Eunice were still hard at work in the kitchen. Thanks to the assistance of Bright Dragon Crystals, the firepower required for cooking was more than sufficient.

“Where did all of these fresh ingredients come from?”

Ash asked out of curiosity, to which Cosette replied,

“They’re a souvenir from Captain Ursula.”

Ash was surprised because he had never heard Ursula mention this at all. Ursula certainly thought highly and was considerate of Ash given that she silently left all of this behind. After mentally expressing his thanks to Ursula, Ash looked around at everyone’s faces.

“Well, let’s have breakfast…while we also begin to discuss the policy that we will adopt from here on out.”

Everyone’s eyes focused on Ash. Ash first decided to relay the information that he had obtained from Uriel.

“This morning, when we extradited Prince Uriel and handed him over to the Captain of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars, Ursula…he volunteered an unexpected piece of information to us.”

“Uriel? Can we believe what he said?”

Mirabel frowned.

“At first, I also suspected that it was another of his traps, but Uriel genuinely seems to care about the future of the Kingdom in his own way. I think that he can be trusted this time.”

“What did Uriel tell you?”

Rebecca asked with a sharp tone. She almost succumbed to Uriel’s malevolence last night, but she was fortunately safe and steadily recovering from her injuries. Although there was still a long way to go before she’d be fully healed, the <Scarlet Empress> wouldn’t be absent because of such trivial injuries.

“If the status quo continues, it’ll only be a matter of time before a war for the throne ensues.”

Ash’s words plunged everyone at the dining table into silence.

“From our standpoint, we can’t just sit back and wait for such a situation to happen. I believe that the actions we took were correct and I don’t have any regrets thus far about defeating Uriel. However, I don’t want to see our actions lead to continued and pointless civil strife in the Kingdom…that will indirectly cause misery in the lives of many innocent people.”

“That’s correct. I agree with Ash.”

Silvia nodded firmly to express her agreement.

“The question is, what can we do to prevent a battle for the throne? It’d be impossible to navigate around the Kingdom in the Escavaron to calm the chaos as that’d be far too inefficient…”

Mirabel placed her fingers against her chin as she tried to come up with a sound plan. Ash looked around at everyone once more.

“Uriel himself said that Oscar is the only person capable of preventing the outbreak of civil war. Moreover, in order for Oscar to succeed the throne as the Kingdom’s first ruling queen, the best way will be to have all of the princes bend the knee to her.”

“I understand what you mean. This means our top priority is to cure Oscar, right?”

Ash nodded in response to Mirabel’s question.

“Yes, what I mean to say is that unless we can free Oscar from the curse of <Galatea>, everything else is just a hollow desire.”

“Did Uriel reveal any information about the drug? As things are right now, there are too many unsolved mysteries…”

Celes anxiously asked. She had barely touched her breakfast because she was so worried about Oscar.

“I obtained some information about the court pharmacist from Uriel. Her name is Kiira Brava Henriksen.”

—Doon!

All of a sudden, a loud noise permeated the entire dining room. It seemed that Lucca had toppled her chair upon standing up. Startled and taken aback, everyone in attendance directed their focus to Lucca. Only when Lucca rode atop Gawain did she display her talent as the <Elfin Dancer>. However, she usually had a quiet nature and did everything rather slowly. No one in the room had expected Lucca to knock over her chair with such force.

“Kiira…where is Kiira!?”

Lucca cried out in a sharp voice that was completely different from her usual tone. Her face was pale, and her body trembled without rest. Although surprised by Lucca’s change in demeanour, Ash calmly replied,

“Uriel doesn’t seem to know where exactly she is either. He only said that Kiira has probably gone to one of the <Three Forests>…”

Lucca hurriedly rushed out of the dining room, as if just that piece of information was enough to narrow down her whereabouts.

“…Ash, quickly go after her. As a leader, it’s also your responsibility to pacify your team members.”

Mirabel urged Ash, who simply stood there in a daze.

“Hmm. I don’t really want you to go…but it seems like an unusual situation given her reaction. Lucca must have some kind of close relationship with that pharmacist.”

Silvia folded her arms and grumbled.

“…Geez, it can’t be helped. Ash, go and bring her back.”

Unexpectedly, even Eco expressed support for Ash to go and bring Lucca back. Lately, Eco seemed much more mature. Perhaps her awakening as Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor and successful bestowal of a complete Ark to Ash allowed her to relax and calm her mind.

“I’ll be taking your crepes though!”

While Ash was fuelled by emotion, Eco swiftly reached over and snatched all of the crepes from Ash’s plate.

“Hey, I’ve already taken a bite of those crepes!”

“An indirect kiss between us now is…nothing to make a fuss over anymore, right?”

After Eco’s cheeks turned slightly red, she bit down on the crepe that still had Ash’s bite marks on it.

“What does ‘an indirect kiss between us now’ mean? How suspicious…”

Jessica muttered to herself in a low voice. A dark, resentful aura seemed to emanate from her entire body. No, it wasn’t just Jessica. Ever since Eco had spoken those surprising words, the girls in the room had unwittingly filled the room with a tense atmosphere.

“Uh, umm, I’m…going to go and come back soon.”

Finding himself in a thorny situation, Ash hurried out of the dining room.

=== Part 2 ===
“Lucca! Wait up!”

The ship’s corridors were both narrow and complex. Ash chased after the silhouette of Lucca’s figure as he continued to call out to her. Soon, Ash arrived at the entrance to the hangar.

“Huff, huff…”

The door to the hangar was half ajar. The aroma of Ansal Herb, a favourite of the dragon species, faintly wafted out from within. Ash had a bad premonition.

“Don’t tell me…she plans to ride Gawain away!?”

After sliding into the hangar through the gap in the door, the figures of four Maestros entered his view — Cú Chulainn, Tristan, Lancelot and Arianrhod. The Hydra Rhiannon and Asia Brigid also mingled with the four Maestros. All of them had just finished breakfast and were resting leisurely. The only exception among them was the Maestro Gawain. Carrying Lucca, Gawain had moved to the gate that led to the deck. The gate had a design that was a composite of magic and mechanics, and it would automatically open or close by sensing the intent of a dragon.

“Lucca, wait!”

Ash sprinted as fast as he could.

“Gawain, make haste!”

Lucca commanded with a stringent voice.

“Lucca’s not acting calmly right now! Stop, Gawain!”

Ash bellowed as he attempted to overpower Lucca’s voice.

“Grrrrr…!”

Gawain griped as if it was in distress and lowered its neck.

''—Now’s my chance…!''

Ash seized his opportunity with Gawain’s hesitation and launched himself onto Gawain’s back.

“It’s not like you to act on your own, Lucca.”

“I have to go and see Kiira. I must…see her.”

“Why are you so fixated on Kiira? Please, tell me what’s going on?”

Ash placed his hand on Lucca’s shoulder.

“…No.”

Unexpectedly, Lucca cast Ash’s hand aside, climbed up onto Gawain’s neck and then yelled out with a pleading tone,

“Listen to my orders, Gawain!”

“Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!”

Gawain let out a roar and raised its head. The Bright Dragon Crystal embedded in the gate began to emit a dazzling glow.

—Dodododododo…

The gate slowly began to open, accompanied by a low-pitched mechanical hum. Rays of morning light from outside began to illuminate Gawain’s forelimbs.

“Kuh…!”

Ash clenched his fists. As expected, Gawain gave Lucca’s orders priority since she was its master. The gate was already halfway open. There was no time. Unease filled Ash’s mind. It seemed as though there was an unprecedented hidden past between Lucca and Kiira. If she left like this, it would probably be goodbye and there’d be no chance of meeting each other again.

''—I can’t let her leave no matter what! There has to be a way!''

Ash instantly made a decision. Gawain’s assistance was absolutely necessary for Lucca to escape. It was during this moment that Ash remembered a saying — ‘to capture a general, shoot the horse first’.

“I’m sorry Lucca!”

After giving an advance apology, Ash exerted strength into both of his arms.

“Huh!?”

Although she rarely displayed much emotion, Lucca couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. That was because Ash suddenly embraced Lucca without saying a single word. It was the so-called ‘princess hug’. As a result, Lucca’s body also left Gawain. The only person sitting on Gawain’s back now was Ash.

“Grrrrr…”

Just as Ash expected, Gawain was confused by the sudden change in rider. Ash then used his special talent as ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’ to exert dominance over Gawain.

“No! I must go to meet Kiira…fly, Gawain!”

Although Lucca was held in Ash’s arms, she still refused to give up.

“Graaaaaaaaahh!”

Gawain let out another roar, and the gate continued to open up as it responded to Gawain’s will. A cold wind poured into the hangar.

“Tsk! Sure enough, it’s going to put its master’s orders first, huh? No, it’s too early to give up!”

Ash recalled his experience with controlling many dragons in the past and deepened his consciousness into Gawain’s psyche.

“Ruuuu!”

Gawain growled in anger, unwilling to give in.

“Kuh. Gawain is pretty tough…”

Ash already had a taste of just how difficult Gawain was compared to other dragons during the training camp. Back then, Ash constantly challenged Gawain with perseverance, and he ended up with some serious injuries. However, Ash had grown a lot since then. Moreover, he could even handle Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor, Eco, perfectly.

“Take this, more—”

Ash focused all of his energy and continued to penetrate Gawain’s psyche with his thoughts. He imagined himself as a tree with roots pushing downwards, slowly cornering Gawain into a dead end. Suddenly — Gawain’s body twitched.

“Urgruuuuuuu…!”

It let out a growl that sounded distinctly different from before. It was desperately trying to fight against Ash’s intervention.[[Image:SnRK V10 053.jpg|thumb]]However, this only served as proof that Ash’s attempt at control was having an effect. Ash then decided that this was an opportune moment.

“I command you in the name of the <Avalon Knight>! Trust me, Gawain! If you truly care about Lucca, then stay here and don’t leave!”

“Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…!”

Gawain raised its back. Since Ash was holding Lucca with both arms, the best that he could do was rely on his legs to stay rooted to Gawain’s back so as not to be thrown off.

“Relax! I’ll definitely protect Lucca!”

Upon being moved by Ash’s show of determination—

“Kuuu…”

Gawain retreated from the gate and knelt down on the spot. The gate that was half open automatically shut, restoring tranquillity to the hangar.

“Are you okay, Lucca?”

Ash jumped off from Gawain’s back with Lucca in his arms, and then allowed her to stand on her own feet again.

“Ash, you’re so pushy…”

Lucca muttered as she lowered her head slightly.

“Also, being held in a ‘princess hug’ like this…it doesn’t make me happy at all.”

It seemed as though she was sulking over it. Although she usually looked unfazed about most things, she was still a maiden at heart.

“I’m sorry Lucca! But it seemed as if you’d become completely irrational…and I couldn’t stand to just watch you leave.”

“…Are you worried about me?”

“That goes without saying! Please don’t try to shoulder everything by yourself. If it’s something within my ability, I’m willing to lend a hand — besides, I made a promise to Gawain just then.”

When Ash directed a glance at Gawain, it decisively responded with a mighty roar.

“Ash…”

“Although this might bring back some unpleasant memories, can you please tell me what happened to you in the past, Lucca?”

Ash gazed at Lucca with a solemn expression. Lucca’s lips trembled, but after a while, she finally lifted her face as if she had made up her mind.

“As I am now…my mind is a mess. I don’t have the confidence…that I can explain it clearly.”

“Is that so…?”

It appeared that the shared past between Lucca and Kiira was indeed a sensitive subject for her. ''It’s probably best to give her some time to sort out her feelings'' — just when Ash thought that, Lucca made an unexpected request.

“Ten o’clock tonight…come to the deck.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll be waiting for you…”

After Lucca leaned into Ash’s ear and whispered so, she briskly dashed away.

=== Part 3 ===
Ash returned to the dining room by himself.

“Did you talk to Lucca?”

Silvia was the first to ask.

“Yeah, I had a good talk with her. Although she almost rode away on Gawain, I was lucky that I managed to catch up in time.”

“She was going to run off alone? It’s not like Lucca to do something like that…”

Rebecca mumbled in relief.

“So? Ash, did you ask about the relationship between Lucca and Kiira?”

Mirabel calmly asked.

“Uh, my intention was to give her some time to sort out her feelings. I believe that she’ll be able to tell me.”

Ash deliberately avoided mentioning that they had agreed to meet on the deck tonight. After all, if he simply stated that, he felt as though Eco, Silvia, Jessica and the others would probably insist on tagging along.

“Very well, we’ll leave Lucca to Ash then. The question now is…in order to cure Oscar, what can Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights do to achieve that goal?”

Upon hearing Mirabel’s question, although everyone appeared to nod in agreement, they all had sombre expressions. Ash himself had no idea what he could do to save Oscar. The so-called narcotic — it was an inhumane drug that was derived from human lives. The method for preparing an antidote was unimaginable, and the existence of an antidote at all was also doubtful. Was the most convenient method to locate Kiira after all? However, trying to find Kiira within the <Three Forests> was a task as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.

“……”

Unfortunately, everyone present probably shared the same thoughts as Ash. The dining room was shrouded by a heavy silence. Suddenly, Mirabel raised her head, and the expression in her eyes appeared deeply serious and calm.

“I have a suggestion, if everyone is on board…there may be other people in the Ecbald Autonomous Region who are familiar with the narcotic <Galatea>. With any luck, we might run into someone who knows how to make the antidote.”

“Aneue, that’s an excellent idea!”

Silvia passionately clenched her fist.

“I also agree!”

Celes raised her hand in agreement. It was as if her lone eye had focused upon a glimmer of light that shot into the darkness. Ash aside, the others also nodded to express their agreement.

“It doesn’t seem like anyone has an objection. So, once maintenance of our systems is complete, let’s set off for the Ecbald Autonomous Region.”

“What’s the estimated time for repairs?”

Upon hearing Ash’s question, Mirabel paused to think for a moment and then replied,

“Let’s see. If progress is fast enough, we’ll be able to take off early tomorrow morning.”

And with that, the morning meeting came to an end.

=== Part 4 ===
“…It’s almost the agreed time.”

After flipping shut the cover of his silver pocket watch in the darkness of his room, Ash slowly raised his upper body. The agreed time of his meeting with Lucca drew closer every minute. In the end, Lucca stayed in her room and never came out. Even so, Ash had faith in Lucca so he didn’t try to coerce her into speaking before their meeting. And then, the shadow of night took over…

“Ngh…snu…snu…”

Beside him, Eco lay sprawled out on the bed sound asleep. If they were still sleeping on their small bed in Apollo House right now, Ash probably would’ve been kicked off the bed long ago. Fortunately, the bed in this room was sufficiently large, so there was plenty of room even despite Eco’s poor sleep habits. However, Ash somehow felt that the frequency of Eco’s nibbling seemed to have increased. Ash couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about sneaking out of the room as he gazed at the innocence of Eco’s sleeping face, but it couldn’t be helped as he had made a promise to Lucca.

Ash tiptoed as he left the bedroom so as to avoid making any noise. He walked through the dimly lit corridors, illuminated only by nightlights as he made his way to the deck. Everyone was likely asleep. After all, their life on board the ship essentially followed the same pattern as the student dormitories. Somewhat nervously, Ash opened the metal door which led to the deck. The cold outside air rushed inwards accompanied by the sound of grinding metal.

“It’s freezing…!”

As soon as Ash opened his mouth, white breath slipped out of his lips. Upon taking a step outside, he found that the outside world had been enclosed by the cold night. A slender crescent moon hung high in a corner of the night sky, emitting a hazy glow. Without having to search, Ash immediately took notice of Lucca’s figure. Bathed in the mysterious moonlight, Lucca stood quietly at the edge of the deck. She turned her head and looked back upon taking notice of Ash’s arrival. Her limbs faintly glowed as if a backlight shone behind her. This was none other than the beauty of a fairy.

“Aren’t you cold?”

Ash couldn’t help but feel a little worried upon seeing how Lucca was dressed. Lucca was only wearing a set of thin pyjamas and a single jacket on top.

“This temperature isn’t considered cold for Ecbald people. Come and sit here.”

Lucca answered Ash’s question straightforwardly and then invited him to sit down. An Ecbald-style rug was laid out under her legs. Placed on top of it were a variety of herbs, a mortar, a magic stove and other utensils that looked like they would belong in a pharmacist’s workshop.

“Can we…talk while drinking some tea? I think…I’ll be able to speak more calmly like this.”

“Sure.”

After nodding in agreement, Ash sat down on the rug.

“When I was five years old, in the Ecbald Forest…an infectious disease broke out. Herbal medicine didn’t have any effect at all…and many Ecbald people died of the illness. My parents were no exception—”

Ash was shocked to learn that Lucca had such an unimaginable past.

“It was the Henriksen family that took me in afterwards when I became an orphan…”

“Henriksen? Is that Kiira’s family?”

Ash involuntarily leaned forward.

“Yes. The Henriksen family is well-known…aside from me, there were several other orphans who were accepted.”

“So, Kiira’s parents took you in as an adopted daughter…”

Lucca shook her head in disagreement with Ash.

“Not as an adopted daughter. I was only hired as a child servant.”

“I see…”

“But…I hardly ever felt as though I was ‘at work’. That’s because my only responsibility was to play with Kiira.”

“What was Kiira like as a child?”

“She’s the same age as me, and even her birthday happens to be on the same day. She always smiled and had a cheerful personality…she was also adventurous. She was a girl who enjoyed hunting more than herbs…”

While Lucca ground some herbs in the mortar, her eyes reflected a nostalgia for the past.

Kiira always took Lucca’s hand and they went on adventures in the forest every day. Although Lucca was only one of many servants, was poor at communicating with others, and wasn’t the best at doing work — Kiira adored Lucca the most. Lucca was also quite confused at first, but she gradually dropped her identity as a servant and treated Kiira like a friend. Before they knew it, the barrier between the young mistress and the servant had completely disappeared. Kiira genuinely longed to become a Dragonar—.

“…Please have some tea.”

Lucca poured some herbal tea into a bowl and then offered it to Ash.

“Ah, thank you.”

After Ash sat up properly, her took the bowl and placed it against his lips. The fragrance of ginger and lemon spread through his mouth. With just a sip, he felt his body start to warm up from the inside. Although the tea that Lucca made had first-class medicinal effects, its appearance and taste was often rather peculiar, except on this occasion tonight. It was so good that Ash wanted to drink it on a daily basis.

“It’s delicious. What kind of tea is this?”

Perhaps not expecting praise from Ash, Lucca seemed a little embarrassed, and it took a while for her usual expressionless face to return.

“It doesn’t have a particular name. It’s herbal tea that’s been passed down from generation to generation in the Henriksen family. As a servant in that house…the first thing to learn was the brewing method for this tea.”

Lucca clenched a small fist on her lap as she cast her eyes downward.

“This herbal tea…it was also Kiira’s favourite drink.”

Perhaps this herbal tea was a symbol of friendship between Lucca and Kiira. Ash set the bowl down after drinking the rest of the tea.

“…When Kiira and I turned seven, we received a notice from the palace.”

“A notice for the <Orphan Ceremony>, right?”

Lucca raised her head and gently nodded.

“Kiira had a grand dream.”

“To become a Dragonar?”

“Becoming a Dragonar was only a prerequisite for fulfilling her dream. Kiira’s dream was to dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’.”

“I’ve never heard of that one. What number dragon riding dance is it?”

“The ‘Twin-Winded Oratorio’ is a special case. It belongs to number zero.”

“Zero? What kind of performance is it?”

“Only a few adults know the details about it.”

“I see…”

“I’m only sure about one thing. The dance requires two Dragonars…”

Ash glanced up upon hearing Lucca’s words.

“I see. No wonder it’s called ‘Twin-Winged’.”

Even the dances numbered from one through to three that Lucca had performed solo allowed people to witness the amazing speed with which she moved through the air. As such, if two people were to dance through the skies simultaneously, failure was inevitable unless the pair were in perfect synchronisation. Upon hearing this, a thought entered Ash’s mind.

“…I get it now. The person that Kiira wanted to dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ with was you, right Lucca?”

“………”

A shadow was immediately cast over Lucca’s expression. Looking closer, her shoulders constantly trembled. It looked as if she was desperately trying to resist an undeniable truth. Ash recalled what happened during his first meeting with Lucca. Back then, Rebecca had clearly said,

''—Lucca is currently the only Ecbald person studying at the Academy.''

“The only person who gained the favour of the Mother Dragon was Lucca, and not Kiira, huh…”

Lucca silently nodded as she revealed a dejected expression. A biting cold wind swiftly whistled across the deck.

=== Part 5 ===
After escorting Lucca back to her room, Ash returned to the entrance of his own room. Frankly speaking, he was worried about leaving Lucca alone, but…

''—I’m okay now.''

Before they parted, Lucca had lifted her spirits and straightened her ears as she declared that. ''If confiding in me about her past can make her feel little better, then that’s for the best''…Ash thought to himself. Ash carefully opened his bedroom door so as to avoid making any noise. The moment that he opened the door, a pair of eyes greeted him on the other side.

“Uwaaahh!”

In fright, Ash slipped and his rear slammed onto the ground.

“…You’re back rather late, aren’t you?”

With a ‘pah!’, the door was yanked wide open and Eco appeared in her pyjamas. In her hand was a portable lantern powered by dragon magic which she held up in front of her chest.

“Eco!? Why aren’t you asleep?”

“Don’t keep treating me like a child. There are times when I get up in the middle of the night as well.”

“I see…fine, let’s not mention that. We’d better be off to bed. If you stay up late, you won’t be able to get up tomorrow morning.”

Ash walked into the room after placing his hand on Eco’s head. In fact, he had already been struck by a bout of drowsiness as soon as he made it to his room door. However, such a simple desire went unfulfilled.

“Ngh!?”

Eco unexpectedly grabbed him by the collar from behind.

“…Eco?”

“You snuck out of the room in the middle of the night, went somewhere and did something with someone…I haven’t heard what that is yet, you know? Although I can just ask Navi about it later, shouldn’t you tell me in person?”

“Y-You’re right.”

Ash resigned himself and explained what had happened to Eco.

“—In any case, that’s how it is.”

Eco’s expression grew more serious as Ash talked.

“And then? What happened after Lucca formed a contract with the dragon race?”

“Lucca’s life reached a turning point. After receiving a larva, she became appreciated by the village chief and was adopted by him.”

“Ch-eef…what is that?”

The young Eco didn’t seem to be familiar with that word yet.

“Well, the chief is like the king of the Ecbald Autonomous Region. But the chief isn’t the same as a king as the role isn’t hereditary.”

“Oh…”

“In other words, the girl who was originally just a mere servant in the Henriksen household became something like a princess overnight.”

“Don’t you think that evoked some complicated feelings for Kiira?”

Ash nodded firmly.

“I think so. Lucca said that Kiira acted cold and hostile towards her afterwards that. Moreover, she suddenly became interested in narcotics…eventually, she even stole the strictly controlled forbidden book of the Ecbald Tribe — [Encyclopedia of Narcotics] and then left their hometown…”

Supposedly, Kiira Brava Henriksen was still listed as a wanted criminal in the Ecbald Autonomous Region. If Kiira had also received a larva back then—. Or if both Kiira and Lucca had failed in the selection—. Perhaps the friendship between the two of them wouldn’t have been torn apart like that.

“It’s a really sad story and the Mother Dragon probably didn’t intend to destroy their friendship…”

“Huh? What are you talking about!?”

Eco was suddenly infuriated, and Ash retreated in fright.

“If they were really friends, then even if Kiira lost in the selection process, she should have wished the best for Lucca!”

Ash felt as though he had been slapped with a wake-up call as soon as Eco sharply highlighted a key point.

“You’re right. Isn’t that what a friend should be like?”

Of interest now was what kind of motive Kiira Brava Henriksen intended to pursue. Uriel’s words briefly flashed across Ash’s mind.

''—Just as I wanted a particular drug…Kiira also had a drug that she wanted to produce. And in order to make it, six hundred and sixty-six lives had to be sacrificed.''

What kind of impact would the drug that was made at the expense of six hundred and sixty-six lives have on the world? Ash couldn’t even begin to imagine. Even so, there was just one thing that he could assert.

[[Image:SnRK V10 071.jpg|thumb]]

“Whether it’s for Lucca or Oscar — or even for Kiira, we have to prevent a tragedy from happening.”

Ash clenched his fists resolutely.

“…!”

Eco blushed as she stared at the side profile of Ash’s face. And then, she pressed her hand against her chest as if she was confirming the thump of her own heartbeat.

“…Eco? What’s wrong?”

Finding her behaviour inexplicably odd, Ash drew closer to examine Eco’s face, but—

“N-Nothing! It’s not like you were just a little handsome or anything…I don’t think that at all!”

Eco made her escape by diving into the bed, grabbing the blanket to pull it over her head.

“The Shackles of Convention ~A.S.B.~1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2

2021-03-27T15:02:47Z

Zxzxzx: Add page content

==Chapter 2==
=== Part 1 ===
Just after eight o’clock in the morning—.

A group of people prepared to have breakfast in the dining room of the living quarters whilst holding a meeting at the same time. With Ash as their leader, those in attendance included Eco, Silvia, Mirabel, Rebecca, Lucca, Jessica, Anya, Celes, Max and Raymond. Incidentally, since Navi did not require food, she abstained from attending the meeting.

“……”

Ash quietly peered sideways towards Mirabel. As usual, she had an intelligent expression fitting of her name as the <Argento Magus>. Because of an incident in the morning, she had shut herself away in her room. She had insisted on staying inside even when Captain Ursula showed up, so it must’ve been quite a blow mentally. Ash finally felt a bit relieved to see Mirabel attend the meeting of her own volition.

A dazzling array of various colourful dishes lined the table. Although meals on the ship were usually based on preserved food, this morning was a fresh change of pace. There were freshly baked bread rolls, fluffy omelettes, crispy seared bacon, sausages, a thick soup with various vegetables, and yoghurt with plenty of honey. As for drinks, there was milk tea. In addition, there were also freshly made crepes. Crepes happened to be Eco’s favourite food. Cosette had probably prepared them specially for Eco.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be able to have crepes before returning to Ansarivan…I’m so touched!”

Eco was moved to tears, and the first thing that she picked up and put in her mouth was a crepe.

“Mmm~”

Eco relished the taste as she munched down, and a joyful expression spread across her face. Seeing her like that, Ash couldn’t help but reach out for a crepe so he could try a bite as well.

“Mmm! This is…!”

The instant that he took a bite, the sweetness and acetic flavour of strawberries melded with the crispy texture of apple slices that overflowed in his mouth. At the same time, the melting cream danced vividly on the tip of his tongue. In amazement, Ash thought to himself that the quality was on par with what one could expect at a store. Cosette and Eunice were still hard at work in the kitchen. Thanks to the assistance of Bright Dragon Crystals, the firepower required for cooking was more than sufficient.

“Where did all of these fresh ingredients come from?”

Ash asked out of curiosity, to which Cosette replied,

“They’re a souvenir from Captain Ursula.”

Ash was surprised because he had never heard Ursula mention this at all. Ursula certainly thought highly and was considerate of Ash given that she silently left all of this behind. After mentally expressing his thanks to Ursula, Ash looked around at everyone’s faces.

“Well, let’s have breakfast…while we also begin to discuss the policy that we will adopt from here on out.”

Everyone’s eyes focused on Ash. Ash first decided to relay the information that he had obtained from Uriel.

“This morning, when we extradited Prince Uriel and handed him over to the Captain of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars, Ursula…he volunteered an unexpected piece of information to us.”

“Uriel? Can we believe what he said?”

Mirabel frowned.

“At first, I also suspected that it was another of his traps, but Uriel genuinely seems to care about the future of the Kingdom in his own way. I think that he can be trusted this time.”

“What did Uriel tell you?”

Rebecca asked with a sharp tone. She almost succumbed to Uriel’s malevolence last night, but she was fortunately safe and steadily recovering from her injuries. Although there was still a long way to go before she’d be fully healed, the <Scarlet Empress> wouldn’t be absent because of such trivial injuries.

“If the status quo continues, it’ll only be a matter of time before a war for the throne ensues.”

Ash’s words plunged everyone at the dining table into silence.

“From our standpoint, we can’t just sit back and wait for such a situation to happen. I believe that the actions we took were correct and I don’t have any regrets thus far about defeating Uriel. However, I don’t want to see our actions lead to continued and pointless civil strife in the Kingdom…that will indirectly cause misery in the lives of many innocent people.”

“That’s correct. I agree with Ash.”

Silvia nodded firmly to express her agreement.

“The question is, what can we do to prevent a battle for the throne? It’d be impossible to navigate around the Kingdom in the Escavaron to calm the chaos as that’d be far too inefficient…”

Mirabel placed her fingers against her chin as she tried to come up with a sound plan. Ash looked around at everyone once more.

“Uriel himself said that Oscar is the only person capable of preventing the outbreak of civil war. Moreover, in order for Oscar to succeed the throne as the Kingdom’s first ruling queen, the best way will be to have all of the princes bend the knee to her.”

“I understand what you mean. This means our top priority is to cure Oscar, right?”

Ash nodded in response to Mirabel’s question.

“Yes, what I mean to say is that unless we can free Oscar from the curse of <Galatea>, everything else is just a hollow desire.”

“Did Uriel reveal any information about the drug? As things are right now, there are too many unsolved mysteries…”

Celes anxiously asked. She had barely touched her breakfast because she was so worried about Oscar.

“I obtained some information about the court pharmacist from Uriel. Her name is Kiira Brava Henriksen.”

—Doon!

All of a sudden, a loud noise permeated the entire dining room. It seemed that Lucca had toppled her chair upon standing up. Startled and taken aback, everyone in attendance directed their focus to Lucca. Only when Lucca rode atop Gawain did she display her talent as the <Elfin Dancer>. However, she usually had a quiet nature and did everything rather slowly. No one in the room had expected Lucca to knock over her chair with such force.

“Kiira…where is Kiira!?”

Lucca cried out in a sharp voice that was completely different from her usual tone. Her face was pale, and her body trembled without rest. Although surprised by Lucca’s change in demeanour, Ash calmly replied,

“Uriel doesn’t seem to know where exactly she is either. He only said that Kiira has probably gone to one of the <Three Forests>…”

Lucca hurriedly rushed out of the dining room, as if just that piece of information was enough to narrow down her whereabouts.

“…Ash, quickly go after her. As a leader, it’s also your responsibility to pacify your team members.”

Mirabel urged Ash, who simply stood there in a daze.

“Hmm. I don’t really want you to go…but it seems like an unusual situation given her reaction. Lucca must have some kind of close relationship with that pharmacist.”

Silvia folded her arms and grumbled.

“…Geez, it can’t be helped. Ash, go and bring her back.”

Unexpectedly, even Eco expressed support for Ash to go and bring Lucca back. Lately, Eco seemed much more mature. Perhaps her awakening as Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor and successful bestowal of a complete Ark to Ash allowed her to relax and calm her mind.

“I’ll be taking your crepes though!”

While Ash was fuelled by emotion, Eco swiftly reached over and snatched all of the crepes from Ash’s plate.

“Hey, I’ve already taken a bite of those crepes!”

“An indirect kiss between us now is…nothing to make a fuss over anymore, right?”

After Eco’s cheeks turned slightly red, she bit down on the crepe that still had Ash’s bite marks on it.

“What does ‘an indirect kiss between us now’ mean? How suspicious…”

Jessica muttered to herself in a low voice. A dark, resentful aura seemed to emanate from her entire body. No, it wasn’t just Jessica. Ever since Eco had spoken those surprising words, the girls in the room had unwittingly filled the room with a tense atmosphere.

“Uh, umm, I’m…going to go and come back soon.”

Finding himself in a thorny situation, Ash hurried out of the dining room.

=== Part 2 ===
“Lucca! Wait up!”

The ship’s corridors were both narrow and complex. Ash chased after the silhouette of Lucca’s figure as he continued to call out to her. Soon, Ash arrived at the entrance to the hangar.

“Huff, huff…”

The door to the hangar was half ajar. The aroma of Ansal Herb, a favourite of the dragon species, faintly wafted out from within. Ash had a bad premonition.

“Don’t tell me…she plans to ride Gawain away!?”

After sliding into the hangar through the gap in the door, the figures of four Maestros entered his view — Cú Chulainn, Tristan, Lancelot and Arianrhod. The Hydra Rhiannon and Asia Brigid also mingled with the four Maestros. All of them had just finished breakfast and were resting leisurely. The only exception among them was the Maestro Gawain. Carrying Lucca, Gawain had moved to the gate that led to the deck. The gate had a design that was a composite of magic and mechanics, and it would automatically open or close by sensing the intent of a dragon.

“Lucca, wait!”

Ash sprinted as fast as he could.

“Gawain, make haste!”

Lucca commanded with a stringent voice.

“Lucca’s not acting calmly right now! Stop, Gawain!”

Ash bellowed as he attempted to overpower Lucca’s voice.

“Grrrrr…!”

Gawain griped as if it was in distress and lowered its neck.

''—Now’s my chance…!''

Ash seized his opportunity with Gawain’s hesitation and launched himself onto Gawain’s back.

“It’s not like you to act on your own, Lucca.”

“I have to go and see Kiira. I must…see her.”

“Why are you so fixated on Kiira? Please, tell me what’s going on?”

Ash placed his hand on Lucca’s shoulder.

“…No.”

Unexpectedly, Lucca cast Ash’s hand aside, climbed up onto Gawain’s neck and then yelled out with a pleading tone,

“Listen to my orders, Gawain!”

“Graaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!”

Gawain let out a roar and raised its head. The Bright Dragon Crystal embedded in the gate began to emit a dazzling glow.

—Dodododododo…

The gate slowly began to open, accompanied by a low-pitched mechanical hum. Rays of morning light from outside began to illuminate Gawain’s forelimbs.

“Kuh…!”

Ash clenched his fists. As expected, Gawain gave Lucca’s orders priority since she was its master. The gate was already halfway open. There was no time. Unease filled Ash’s mind. It seemed as though there was an unprecedented hidden past between Lucca and Kiira. If she left like this, it would probably be goodbye and there’d be no chance of meeting each other again.

''—I can’t let her leave no matter what! There has to be a way!''

Ash instantly made a decision. Gawain’s assistance was absolutely necessary for Lucca to escape. It was during this moment that Ash remembered a saying — ‘to capture a general, shoot the horse first’.

“I’m sorry Lucca!”

After giving an advance apology, Ash exerted strength into both of his arms.

“Huh!?”

Although she rarely displayed much emotion, Lucca couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise. That was because Ash suddenly embraced Lucca without saying a single word. It was the so-called ‘princess hug’. As a result, Lucca’s body also left Gawain. The only person sitting on Gawain’s back now was Ash.

“Grrrrr…”

Just as Ash expected, Gawain was confused by the sudden change in rider. Ash then used his special talent as ‘The Boy Who Can Ride Any Dragon’ to exert dominance over Gawain.

“No! I must go to meet Kiira…fly, Gawain!”

Although Lucca was held in Ash’s arms, she still refused to give up.

“Graaaaaaaaahh!”

Gawain let out another roar, and the gate continued to open up as it responded to Gawain’s will. A cold wind poured into the hangar.

“Tsk! Sure enough, it’s going to put its master’s orders first, huh? No, it’s too early to give up!”

Ash recalled his experience with controlling many dragons in the past and deepened his consciousness into Gawain’s psyche.

“Ruuuu!”

Gawain growled in anger, unwilling to give in.

“Kuh. Gawain is pretty tough…”

Ash already had a taste of just how difficult Gawain was compared to other dragons during the training camp. Back then, Ash constantly challenged Gawain with perseverance, and he ended up with some serious injuries. However, Ash had grown a lot since then. Moreover, he could even handle Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor, Eco, perfectly.

“Take this, more—”

Ash focused all of his energy and continued to penetrate Gawain’s psyche with his thoughts. He imagined himself as a tree with roots pushing downwards, slowly cornering Gawain into a dead end. Suddenly — Gawain’s body twitched.

“Urgruuuuuuu…!”

It let out a growl that sounded distinctly different from before. It was desperately trying to fight against Ash’s intervention.[[Image:SnRK V10 053.jpg|thumb]]However, this only served as proof that Ash’s attempt at control was having an effect. Ash then decided that this was an opportune moment.

“I command you in the name of the <Avalon Knight>! Trust me, Gawain! If you truly care about Lucca, then stay here and don’t leave!”

“Guuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…!”

Gawain raised its back. Since Ash was holding Lucca with both arms, the best that he could do was rely on his legs to stay rooted to Gawain’s back so as not to be thrown off.

“Relax! I’ll definitely protect Lucca!”

Upon being moved by Ash’s show of determination—

“Kuuu…”

Gawain retreated from the gate and knelt down on the spot. The gate that was half open automatically shut, restoring tranquillity to the hangar.

“Are you okay, Lucca?”

Ash jumped off from Gawain’s back with Lucca in his arms, and then allowed her to stand on her own feet again.

“Ash, you’re so pushy…”

Lucca muttered as she lowered her head slightly.

“Also, being held in a ‘princess hug’ like this…it doesn’t make me happy at all.”

It seemed as though she was sulking over it. Although she usually looked unfazed about most things, she was still a maiden at heart.

“I’m sorry Lucca! But it seemed as if you’d become completely irrational…and I couldn’t stand to just watch you leave.”

“…Are you worried about me?”

“That goes without saying! Please don’t try to shoulder everything by yourself. If it’s something within my ability, I’m willing to lend a hand — besides, I made a promise to Gawain just then.”

When Ash directed a glance at Gawain, it decisively responded with a mighty roar.

“Ash…”

“Although this might bring back some unpleasant memories, can you please tell me what happened to you in the past, Lucca?”

Ash gazed at Lucca with a solemn expression. Lucca’s lips trembled, but after a while, she finally lifted her face as if she had made up her mind.

“As I am now…my mind is a mess. I don’t have the confidence…that I can explain it clearly.”

“Is that so…?”

It appeared that the shared past between Lucca and Kiira was indeed a sensitive subject for her. ''It’s probably best to give her some time to sort out her feelings'' — just when Ash thought that, Lucca made an unexpected request.

“Ten o’clock tonight…come to the deck.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll be waiting for you…”

After Lucca leaned into Ash’s ear and whispered so, she briskly dashed away.

=== Part 3 ===
Ash returned to the dining room by himself.

“Did you talk to Lucca?”

Silvia was the first to ask.

“Yeah, I had a good talk with her. Although she almost rode away on Gawain, I was lucky that I managed to catch up in time.”

“She was going to run off alone? It’s not like Lucca to do something like that…”

Rebecca mumbled in relief.

“So? Ash, did you ask about the relationship between Lucca and Kiira?”

Mirabel calmly asked.

“Uh, my intention was to give her some time to sort out her feelings. I believe that she’ll be able to tell me.”

Ash deliberately avoided mentioning that they had agreed to meet on the deck tonight. After all, if he simply stated that, he felt as though Eco, Silvia, Jessica and the others would probably insist on tagging along.

“Very well, we’ll leave Lucca to Ash then. The question now is…in order to cure Oscar, what can Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights do to achieve that goal?”

Upon hearing Mirabel’s question, although everyone appeared to nod in agreement, they all had sombre expressions. Ash himself had no idea what he could do to save Oscar. The so-called narcotic — it was an inhumane drug that was derived from human lives. The method for preparing an antidote was unimaginable, and the existence of an antidote at all was also doubtful. Was the most convenient method to locate Kiira after all? However, trying to find Kiira within the <Three Forests> was a task as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.

“……”

Unfortunately, everyone present probably shared the same thoughts as Ash. The dining room was shrouded by a heavy silence. Suddenly, Mirabel raised her head, and the expression in her eyes appeared deeply serious and calm.

“I have a suggestion, if everyone is on board…there may be other people in the Ecbald Autonomous Region who are familiar with the narcotic <Galatea>. With any luck, we might run into someone who knows how to make the antidote.”

“Aneue, that’s an excellent idea!”

Silvia passionately clenched her fist.

“I also agree!”

Celes raised her hand in agreement. It was as if her lone eye had focused upon a glimmer of light that shot into the darkness. Ash aside, the others also nodded to express their agreement.

“It doesn’t seem like anyone has an objection. So, once maintenance of our systems is complete, let’s set off for the Ecbald Autonomous Region.”

“What’s the estimated time for repairs?”

Upon hearing Ash’s question, Mirabel paused to think for a moment and then replied,

“Let’s see. If progress is fast enough, we’ll be able to take off early tomorrow morning.”

And with that, the morning meeting came to an end.

=== Part 4 ===
“…It’s almost the agreed time.”

After flipping shut the cover of his silver pocket watch in the darkness of his room, Ash slowly raised his upper body. The agreed time of his meeting with Lucca drew closer every minute. In the end, Lucca stayed in her room and never came out. Even so, Ash had faith in Lucca so he didn’t try to coerce her into speaking before their meeting. And then, the shadow of night took over…

“Ngh…snu…snu…”

Beside him, Eco lay sprawled out on the bed sound asleep. If they were still sleeping on their small bed in Apollo House right now, Ash probably would’ve been kicked off the bed long ago. Fortunately, the bed in this room was sufficiently large, so there was plenty of room even despite Eco’s poor sleep habits. However, Ash somehow felt that the frequency of Eco’s nibbling seemed to have increased. Ash couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about sneaking out of the room as he gazed at the innocence of Eco’s sleeping face, but it couldn’t be helped as he had made a promise to Lucca.

Ash tiptoed as he left the bedroom so as to avoid making any noise. He walked through the dimly lit corridors, illuminated only by nightlights as he made his way to the deck. Everyone was likely asleep. After all, their life on board the ship essentially followed the same pattern as the student dormitories. Somewhat nervously, Ash opened the metal door which led to the deck. The cold outside air rushed inwards accompanied by the sound of grinding metal.

“It’s freezing…!”

As soon as Ash opened his mouth, white breath slipped out of his lips. Upon taking a step outside, he found that the outside world had been enclosed by the cold night. A slender crescent moon hung high in a corner of the night sky, emitting a hazy glow. Without having to search, Ash immediately took notice of Lucca’s figure. Bathed in the mysterious moonlight, Lucca stood quietly at the edge of the deck. She turned her head and looked back upon taking notice of Ash’s arrival. Her limbs faintly glowed as if a backlight shone behind her. This was none other than the beauty of a fairy.

“Aren’t you cold?”

Ash couldn’t help but feel a little worried upon seeing how Lucca was dressed. Lucca was only wearing a set of thin pyjamas and a single jacket on top.

“This temperature isn’t considered cold for Ecbald people. Come and sit here.”

Lucca answered Ash’s question straightforwardly and then invited him to sit down. An Ecbald-style rug was laid out under her legs. Placed on top of it were a variety of herbs, a mortar, a magic stove and other utensils that looked like they would belong in a pharmacist’s workshop.

“Can we…talk while drinking some tea? I think…I’ll be able to speak more calmly like this.”

“Sure.”

After nodding in agreement, Ash sat down on the rug.

“When I was five years old, in the Ecbald Forest…an infectious disease broke out. Herbal medicine didn’t have any effect at all…and many Ecbald people died of the illness. My parents were no exception—”

Ash was shocked to learn that Lucca had such an unimaginable past.

“It was the Henriksen family that took me in afterwards when I became an orphan…”

“Henriksen? Is that Kiira’s family?”

Ash involuntarily leaned forward.

“Yes. The Henriksen family is well-known…aside from me, there were several other orphans who were accepted.”

“So, Kiira’s parents took you in as an adopted daughter…”

Lucca shook her head in disagreement with Ash.

“Not as an adopted daughter. I was only hired as a child servant.”

“I see…”

“But…I hardly ever felt as though I was ‘at work’. That’s because my only responsibility was to play with Kiira.”

“What was Kiira like as a child?”

“She’s the same age as me, and even her birthday happens to be on the same day. She always smiled and had a cheerful personality…she was also adventurous. She was a girl who enjoyed hunting more than herbs…”

While Lucca ground some herbs in the mortar, her eyes reflected a nostalgia for the past.

Kiira always took Lucca’s hand and they went on adventures in the forest every day. Although Lucca was only one of many servants, was poor at communicating with others, and wasn’t the best at doing work — Kiira adored Lucca the most. Lucca was also quite confused at first, but she gradually dropped her identity as a servant and treated Kiira like a friend. Before they knew it, the barrier between the young mistress and the servant had completely disappeared. Kiira genuinely longed to become a Dragonar—.

“…Please have some tea.”

Lucca poured some herbal tea into a bowl and then offered it to Ash.

“Ah, thank you.”

After Ash sat up properly, her took the bowl and placed it against his lips. The fragrance of ginger and lemon spread through his mouth. With just a sip, he felt his body start to warm up from the inside. Although the tea that Lucca made had first-class medicinal effects, its appearance and taste was often rather peculiar, except on this occasion tonight. It was so good that Ash wanted to drink it on a daily basis.

“It’s delicious. What kind of tea is this?”

Perhaps not expecting praise from Ash, Lucca seemed a little embarrassed, and it took a while for her usual expressionless face to return.

“It doesn’t have a particular name. It’s herbal tea that’s been passed down from generation to generation in the Henriksen family. As a servant in that house…the first thing to learn was the brewing method for this tea.”

Lucca clenched a small fist on her lap as she cast her eyes downward.

“This herbal tea…it was also Kiira’s favourite drink.”

Perhaps this herbal tea was a symbol of friendship between Lucca and Kiira. Ash set the bowl down after drinking the rest of the tea.

“…When Kiira and I turned seven, we received a notice from the palace.”

“A notice for the <Orphan Ceremony>, right?”

Lucca raised her head and gently nodded.

“Kiira had a grand dream.”

“To become a Dragonar?”

“Becoming a Dragonar was only a prerequisite for fulfilling her dream. Kiira’s dream was to dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’.”

“I’ve never heard of that one. What number dragon riding dance is it?”

“The ‘Twin-Winded Oratorio’ is a special case. It belongs to number zero.”

“Zero? What kind of performance is it?”

“Only a few adults know the details about it.”

“I see…”

“I’m only sure about one thing. The dance requires two Dragonars…”

Ash glanced up upon hearing Lucca’s words.

“I see. No wonder it’s called ‘Twin-Winged’.”

Even the dances numbered from one through to three that Lucca had performed solo allowed people to witness the amazing speed with which she moved through the air. As such, if two people were to dance through the skies simultaneously, failure was inevitable unless the pair were in perfect synchronisation. Upon hearing this, a thought entered Ash’s mind.

“…I get it now. The person that Kiira wanted to dance the ‘Twin-Winged Oratorio’ with was you, right Lucca?”

“………”

A shadow was immediately cast over Lucca’s expression. Looking closer, her shoulders constantly trembled. It looked as if she was desperately trying to resist an undeniable truth. Ash recalled what happened during his first meeting with Lucca. Back then, Rebecca had clearly said,

''—Lucca is currently the only Ecbald person studying at the Academy.''

“The only person who gained the favour of the Mother Dragon was Lucca, and not Kiira, huh…”

Lucca silently nodded as she revealed a dejected expression. A biting cold wind swiftly whistled across the deck.

=== Part 5 ===
After escorting Lucca back to her room, Ash returned to the entrance of his own room. Frankly speaking, he was worried about leaving Lucca alone, but…

''—I’m okay now.''

Before they parted, Lucca had lifted her spirits and straightened her ears as she declared that. ''If confiding in me about her past can make her feel little better, then that’s for the best''…Ash thought to himself. Ash carefully opened his bedroom door so as to avoid making any noise. The moment that he opened the door, a pair of eyes greeted him on the other side.

“Uwaaahh!”

In fright, Ash slipped and his rear slammed onto the ground.

“…You’re back rather late, aren’t you?”

With a ‘pah!’, the door was yanked wide open and Eco appeared in her pyjamas. In her hand was a portable lantern powered by dragon magic which she held up in front of her chest.

“Eco!? Why aren’t you asleep?”

“Don’t keep treating me like a child. There are times when I get up in the middle of the night as well.”

“I see…fine, let’s not mention that. We’d better be off to bed. If you stay up late, you won’t be able to get up tomorrow morning.”

Ash walked into the room after placing his hand on Eco’s head. In fact, he had already been struck by a bout of drowsiness as soon as he made it to his room door. However, such a simple desire went unfulfilled.

“Ngh!?”

Eco unexpectedly grabbed him by the collar from behind.

“…Eco?”

“You snuck out of the room in the middle of the night, went somewhere and did something with someone…I haven’t heard what that is yet, you know? Although I can just ask Navi about it later, shouldn’t you tell me in person?”

“Y-You’re right.”

Ash resigned himself and explained what had happened to Eco.

“—In any case, that’s how it is.”

Eco’s expression grew more serious as Ash talked.

“And then? What happened after Lucca formed a contract with the dragon race?”

“Lucca’s life reached a turning point. After receiving a larva, she became appreciated by the village chief and was adopted by him.”

“Ch-eef…what is that?”

The young Eco didn’t seem to be familiar with that word yet.

“Well, the chief is like the king of the Ecbald Autonomous Region. But the chief isn’t the same as a king as the role isn’t hereditary.”

“Oh…”

“In other words, the girl who was originally just a mere servant in the Henriksen household became something like a princess overnight.”

“Don’t you think that evoked some complicated feelings for Kiira?”

Ash nodded firmly.

“I think so. Lucca said that Kiira acted cold and hostile towards her afterwards that. Moreover, she suddenly became interested in narcotics…eventually, she even stole the strictly controlled forbidden book of the Ecbald Tribe — [Encyclopedia of Narcotics] and then left their hometown…”

Supposedly, Kiira Brava Henriksen was still listed as a wanted criminal in the Ecbald Autonomous Region. If Kiira had also received a larva back then—. Or if both Kiira and Lucca had failed in the selection—. Perhaps the friendship between the two of them wouldn’t have been torn apart like that.

“It’s a really sad story and the Mother Dragon probably didn’t intend to destroy their friendship…”

“Huh? What are you talking about!?”

Eco was suddenly infuriated, and Ash retreated in fright.

“If they were really friends, then even if Kiira lost in the selection process, she should have wished the best for Lucca!”

Ash felt as though he had been slapped with a wake-up call as soon as Eco sharply highlighted a key point.

“You’re right. Isn’t that what a friend should be like?”

Of interest now was what kind of motive Kiira Brava Henriksen intended to pursue. Uriel’s words briefly flashed across Ash’s mind.

''—Just as I wanted a particular drug…Kiira also had a drug that she wanted to produce. And in order to make it, six hundred and sixty-six lives had to be sacrificed.''

What kind of impact would the drug that was made at the expense of six hundred and sixty-six lives have on the world? Ash couldn’t even begin to imagine. Even so, there was just one thing that he could assert.

“Whether it’s for Lucca or Oscar — or even for Kiira, we have to prevent a tragedy from happening.”

Ash clenched his fists resolutely.

“…!”

Eco blushed as she stared at the side profile of Ash’s face. And then, she pressed her hand against her chest as if she was confirming the thump of her own heartbeat.

“…Eco? What’s wrong?”

Finding her behaviour inexplicably odd, Ash drew closer to examine Eco’s face, but—

“N-Nothing! It’s not like you were just a little handsome or anything…I don’t think that at all!”

Eco made her escape by diving into the bed, grabbing the blanket to pull it over her head.

“The Shackles of Convention ~A.S.B.~1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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| Forward to [[Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 3|Chapter 3]]
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 2

2021-03-27T15:00:52Z

Zxzxzx: Create page structure

==Chapter 2==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===
=== Part 4 ===
=== Part 5 ===
[[Image:SnRK V10 053.jpg|thumb]]

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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1

2021-03-27T14:59:16Z

Zxzxzx: Reposition image

==Chapter 1 – Ursula’s Visit==
=== Part 1 ===
Ash awoke in a daze as a surge of minty fragrance rushed into his nose.

“…?”

It was slightly different from Eco’s bodily fragrance though. The bed was also unusually stuffy. It was currently winter. If it was only Ash and Eco, it didn’t seem logical for it to feel so hot.

“Hmm…”

Feeling that something was off, Ash slowly opened his eyes.

“—Whoa!”

Ash stiffened in fright the very instant that he opened his eyes. All at once, his drowsiness vanished into thin air.

“Princess Mirabel…no, Mirabel-san!?”

The entirety of Ash’s vision was smothered by a view of Mirabel’s beautiful face. The distance between their faces was almost non-existent, being so close that they might as well have been glued together.

“Snuu, suu…”

Rays of morning light poured in through the window, making Mirabel’s silver hair shine brilliantly. The edge of the blanket formed a soft line with the white skin of her shoulders. For some reason, the shoulder straps of her nightwear appeared rather provocative.

“W-Why is Mirabel-san sleeping in my bed!?”

Although Ash panicked and tried to keep his distance from Mirabel, a soft sensation pressed up against him from behind.

“Unya…”

It was Eco. Deep in slumber, her entire body leaned against Ash’s back. Upon realising that her slightly bulging breasts were pressed right against his back, Ash’s heartrate naturally accelerated.

“By my hypothesis…. The Escavaron should have been built…during the Zono Ton civilisation’s era…snuu, snuu…”

While Mirabel murmured in her sleep, she extended her hand to embrace Ash’s neck. A peppermint aroma intensified in his nostrils, further stimulating Ash’s instinct. It was then that Ash realised how her small yet beautifully shaped breasts were pressed firmly against his chest.

“T-T-T-This isn’t good…!”

Ash was unable to move his body freely and could only endure a bitter struggle. Although he always maintained rationality in his actions, he was still a healthy young male. Sandwiched by the bodily warmth, touch and scent of Eco and Mirabel, his heartrate continued to flutter higher with each passing breath.

“—Oh Ash, you sly devil.”

Before his eyes, a bright glimmer of light was produced by magic from which Navi appeared. She had two sharp horns, a devilish little smile, and beauty that would make anyone drool — on this particular occasion, she wore a miniskirt maid outfit similar in appearance to what Celes normally wore. The outfit was completely adorned with frills and lace. To accurately classify it, the style seemed more apt for young girls, but it looked surprisingly good on Navi. Navi floated down from mid-air and straddled over Ash’s abdomen. With a smile, she caressed Ash’s chest, sides and even his thighs.

“N-No, you can’t…Navi. If you touch me like that, I’ll…”

“Oh, do tell, what’s going to happen?”

Navi revealed her tongue as she licked her lips. Her expression was akin to a leopard eyeing down its prey. Just as Ash’s instinct caused alarm bells to go off in his mind—

—Clank!

The ceiling vent that covered the ventilation shaft on the ceiling fell to the ground. Although it produced a rather loud noise, both Eco and Mirabel showed no sign of stirring and remained sound asleep.

“Just as I thought, this shaft is connected to Ash-sama’s bedroom!”

The person who poked their head out from the duct with a joyous expression was Jessica. However, her cheerful voice was short-lived as it soon devolved into one of bewilderment.

“Ash-sama! A-All this time, I was unaware and had no idea that…you’ve already progressed to such a point? And even Mirabel-sama…!”

“Hold on and listen to me, Jessica! This is a misunderstanding!”

“Ufufufufu…”

From the ceiling, Jessica cackled with an eerie laugh. She then coolly jumped down from the vent and landed on the bed with a ‘poof!’.

“Hey, Ash-sama.”

Jessica wore rather alluring nightwear which emphasised the curves of her body.

“At long last, I will become pregnant with your child today, Ash-sama!”

“Wait! How did you come to that conclusion!?”

“That was my original intention for exploring the ship. It seems my hard work has not been in vain either, as I’ve discovered a secret route for sneaking into Ash-sama’s bedroom!”

“No no, that’s not something worth bragging about!”

“The only concern I had was about how to persuade the uninitiated Ash-sama after sneaking into his bedroom, but…since you’re all already indulging in such fun, please let me join!”

“Like I said, what you see here is all a misunderstanding!”

[[Image:SnRK V10 023.jpg|thumb]]

“Let’s be honest here, Ash-sama, as the ruler of a country, you should consider the matter of producing a successor!”

No longer paying any heed to what Ash said, Jessica slowly advanced towards him. Her curvy body exuded a strong citrus scent.

“I see, successors huh. What Jessica says certainly does make sense.”

Unexpectedly, Navi seemed to have been enticed by Jessica’s words. She liberated Ash from her position above him and then sat obediently at the bedside. Only then was Ash able to sit his upper body up and begin to coax Jessica.

“Uh, Jessica? I…umm…haven’t thought that far ahead about heirs and all that yet. Moreover, I don’t think this is the right time for such things. We have a different goal worth fighting for right now—”

“Don’t worry. It’ll only hurt a little at the beginning, but it’ll feel very comfortable right away!”

“You’re talking about yourself — no no! Why is your answer so wrong!?”

Just as Ash clutched his head in frustration…

“—E-Excuse me…Ash-sama?”

A timid voice came from a corner of the room. Surprised, both Ash and Jessica directed their gaze towards the source of the voice. On the contrary, Navi seemed to have been aware of it for some time as she remained completely calm. Standing in a corner of the room was Mirabel’s personal maid — Eunice.

“Eunice!? H-How long have you been standing there for…?”

“Yes. I’ve been standing here ever since Princess-sama mistakenly stumbled in and fell asleep in Ash-sama’s room, so it’s been around three hours.”

“You’ve been here the whole time!”

Ash felt so embarrassed that his entire face turned red.

“Can you please carry Mirabel-san away from here immediately?”

“But, Princess-sama hasn’t shown such a sweet sleeping face in a long time…I couldn’t bear to wake her from her sleep…”

After saying so, Eunice cast her gaze towards Mirabel’s face.

“Could it be…Princess-sama actually treats Ash-sama as…”

However, Ash was unable to listen to the end of Eunice’s sentence. After all, it was during that moment when his bedroom door was forcefully and abruptly pushed open….

“Ash, you have to get up right now!”

Silvia rushed into his room with a sense of urgency.

“The Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars has just arrived! We should quickly hand Uriel over to—”

However, halfway through her sentence, Silvia was rendered speechless and left with her mouth agape.

“Ash!? W-What is going on here!? Eco is your Pal, so I can turn a blind eye to her, but why are Navi, Jessica and even aneue and Eunice…!”

Silvia’s face turned pale as a shiver appeared to overcome her entire body.

“What’s going on? Why is it so noisy…?”

Producing a beautiful voice reminiscent of a silver chime, Mirabel awoke at last. Though, perhaps because her consciousness was still somewhat hazy, she leaned her chin on Ash’s shoulder in a very intimate manner.

“—Uh!”

Ash choked on his voice as his limbs froze in place. Silky silver hair brushed against Ash’s cheek. Resting her chin on Ash’s shoulder, Mirabel muttered with a tone of surprise and confusion,

“Eunice? You feel…rather sturdy this morning…”

It appeared that she had confused Ash for Eunice. The <Argento Magus> had always portrayed an image of perfection, but she surprisingly seemed to have trouble with getting out of bed in the morning. Ash recalled that Silvia had once revealed her sister’s issue with low blood pressure. Ash couldn’t help but smile at Mirabel’s morning weakness, but his eyes widened in shock the next instant. The quilt and blanket that originally covered Mirabel abruptly slipped off.

“Uwah! Mirabel-san!?”

The thin silk garment that covered Mirabel’s upper body was exposed in complete view. Despite being aware that it was impolite, Ash found himself powerless to unglue his eyes from Mirabel’s body. Her snow-white skin was bathed in sunlight, giving it an illustrious glow. Her left shoulder strap had slipped down to her upper arm, creating a beguiling sight that Ash couldn’t help but feel aroused by.

[[Image:SnRK V10 027.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh?”

It was only upon hearing Ash’s voice that Mirabel noticed something was amiss. It was only natural that she’d feel taken aback when the person that she thought was Eunice spoke with a masculine voice. Her hazy eyes were finally restored to their intellectual brilliance.

“G-Good morning…Mirabel-san.”

Realising that he had no chance of escaping from the situation, Ash decided to simply bite the bullet and pre-empt the situation.

“Nooo—!”

Subsequently, Mirabel let out a shrill scream—.

=== Part 2 ===
The magic ship Escavaron was presently stationed at the border between the Kingdom and the Knight Country — closer to a mountain range in the Knight Country. Ash and Silvia were responsible for welcoming the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. Mirabel fell into a state of traumatic shock as she locked herself in her room and refused to come out. In addition to Eco, the majority of the crew members aboard the ship were still asleep. After all, they had fought through a fierce battle the night before and many of them were injured, so it would be cruel to forcibly wake them up. Upon arriving at the deck, Ash and Silvia found three Maestros lined up in a row before them. Under the radiance of the morning sun, their silver fur was a truly spectacular sight. Among the three of them, the one in the centre was most eye-catching as its head and chest were adorned with opulent ornaments.

—Maestro Galahad.

It was the Pal that belonged to the Captain of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars, Ursula L. Selwyn. Ursula led two adjutants as she strode forward in a gallant manner. She possessed such heavenly beauty that she almost appeared to be saintlike. Her magnificent armour that glittered like stardust was the Ark that Galahad had bestowed upon her. It made it seem as if a halo illuminated her very being.

“We have come to visit, Your Royal Highness Silvia—”

Silvia swiftly stopped Ursula just as she was about to kneel down on the spot.

“Don’t worry about the formalities, I have no need for such a grandiose salutation. By the way…have my selfish actions angered aneue after all?”

Silvia asked, as the issue likely concerned her decision to enter the Escavaron as an ambassador of the Lautreamont Knight Country. Fontaine Palace should’ve learned about the series of events which unfolded via the holy ship Esperanza which Pope Raquel IV was on board. That was precisely why Ursula was able to take action in the first place. Silvia’s arbitrary actions were bound to be discovered by First Princess Veronica. However, Ursula shook her head.

“No, Her Royal Highness Veronica hasn’t paid much attention to politics or military affairs lately as she’s been focused on other matters instead. As for the actions of Your Royal Highness Silvia, she hasn’t expressed any opinion in particular…”

Silvia breathed a sigh of relief but expressed doubt.

“Is that so? What do you mean by other matters, then?”

“To be specific, that would be beauty and clothing, as well as…ballroom dancing and the like.”

“Eeeeeeeeeehhhhh!?”

Both Ash and Silvia were astounded by the unexpected answer.

“…Hey, Ash. This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with you, right?”

Silvia gave Ash an apprehensive look.

“W-Why would I…!”

Ash froze. He then recalled the dinner party that he attended in Fontaine Palace the other day. Veronica dressed up and attended just for Ash’s sake. There was also a minor incident on the day, where she accidentally revealed her breasts in front of Ash—.

“On another note, where is Prince Uriel?”

As if to break Ash free from the situation, Ursula cut straight to the point.

“Ah, I’ve already asked Cosette to escort him here. Please wait a moment.”

After returning a nod to Silvia, Ursula turned her gaze away. However, she began to stare at Ash’s face for some reason. Ash felt rather embarrassed to have a saint-like beauty stare at him.

“Ash-dono. You did not hesitate to use this magical ship as a piece of territory to declare independence in order to rescue Oscar-sama. You made a swift and bold decision.”

“…You flatter me.”

“The Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars owes you a great debt, Ash-dono. If you face any difficulties in the future, please don’t hesitate to rely on us for assistance. Many difficulties surely await you in your journey to rule a country.”

While making a faint smile, Ursula extended her hand out to Ash.

“Thank you for your kindness, Captain Ursula.”

Ash also smiled in return as he shook her hand. ''Rather than a saint, she’s more like an angel''…Ash couldn’t help but hold such inappropriate thoughts in his mind.

“What’s going on here!?”

Silvia suddenly murmured out of shock.

“Princess-sama, is something wrong?”

With a confused expression on his face, Ash noticed Silvia’s intense gaze on Ursula.

“…That’s strange, Captain Ursula. You’re known in the court as the <Silent Virginia> who never takes the initiative to interact with others, and yet of your own volition — you’d ask for a handshake, and from a man as well. …It’s a shame that there aren’t any gossip-loving journalists here to witness this.”

After letting go of Ash’s hand, Ursula fell into silence as she pondered for a while.

“It is just as you say, Your Royal Highness Silvia. What I did just then…goes against my usual way of doing things. I wonder why?”

Ursula tilted her head in puzzlement. The expression on her face was so innocent and pure that one wouldn’t make out at first glance that she was in fact the leader of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. It appeared that there was a natural side to Ursula as well.

“I don’t know how to answer that question myself…”

Silvia was probably caught off guard by that question, as she crossed her arms over her chest and cast her gaze to the side.

“—I have brought the captive.”

It was then that Cossette appeared with Uriel in tow.

“Oh. How grandiose it is to have Captain Ursula personally escort me.”

“It looks like you’ve already recovered to the point that you can speak so casually.”

Ash sighed, and Uriel directed a cold smile at him. When Uriel was rescued last night, it seemed like he was almost a goner. At the time, they thought that he might never recover, but he was surprisingly able to walk on his own now.

“It’s all thanks to the medical device that you guys call <Iunones>. I must thank you for saving my life—”

“Third Prince Uriel. I have been ordered to escort you back to Fontaine Palace.”

Ursula declared with a straight face.

“I understand. It’s useless to resist anyway and I have no intention of suicide either. Rest assured.”

“I shall believe in your words.”

Ursula nodded and then handed Uriel over to the two adjutants behind her. Just as Uriel was grabbed on each side by the two Dragonars equipped with Arks and about to be taken away—

“Listen closely, Ash.”

Uriel suddenly turned back to face Ash.

“The name of the court pharmacist who prepared the drug <Galatea> is Kiira Brava Henriksen.”

“…That’s a peculiar name. It doesn’t sound like one that belongs to a citizen of the Kingdom or the Knight Country.”

“Of course. That’s because she’s from the Ecbald Tribe.”

Upon hearing that she was from the Ecbald Tribe, the first thing that came into Ash’s mind was Lucca’s face.

“There shouldn’t be anyone better than her in terms of herbal drug synthesis. If you want to cure Oscar, locating her will be the fastest way.”

“Where is that pharmacist now? Arkham Castle?”

“No, she’s out of the city temporarily. And if word of my arrest reaches her, I’m afraid she’ll never return. To be frank, she’s a somewhat mysterious person…”

“What do you mean by that?”

In reply, Uriel snickered and said,

“For example…when I asked her to produce <Galatea>, she made me a counteroffer. She wanted six hundred and sixty-six lives as ingredients for it.”

“Six hundred and sixty-six people!? It took that many human lives to make <Galatea>?”

“No, that would be incorrect. The amount of blood actually required for <Galatea> would’ve been ten people at most.”

“So, you’re saying…”

“Indeed. Just as I wanted a particular drug…Kiira also had a drug that she wanted to produce. And in order to make it, six hundred and sixty-six lives had to be sacrificed. As for what kind of drug she wanted to make, I have no idea…”

“You’re telling me that you abducted people from the Brailsford territory for this reason?”

“Yes. Those people weren’t taken away for <Galatea>, but in order to satisfy Kiira’s request.”

Ash’s nervousness caused his mouth to become parched and dry.

''—Kiira Brava Henriksen.''

It seemed that this was a dangerous individual far beyond Ash’s imagination.

“However, the people of the Brailsford territory have already been liberated by the Holy Espada Agency, so Kiira should have no reason to continue, right?”

Uriel shook his head and answered Ash’s question.

“No, the people from the Brailsford territory were arrested just in case they would be required. The criminals provided by the prison in the Royal Capital Arkham were sufficient to meet Kiira’s needs.”

Ash was infuriated by Uriel’s blatant disregard for human life.

“Even if the sacrifices were all prisoners, how could you use human lives as a commodity!?”

Ursula extended her arm to hold Ash back.

“Ash-dono. I understand your feelings, but we must focus on gathering information right now.”

Simply because the gaze of Ursula’s clear eyes rested on him, Ash somehow managed to calm himself.

“You’re right. Sorry…”

After Ash had calmed down, he asked another question.

“Do you have any clues on the whereabouts of this pharmacist named Kiira?”

“Unfortunately, I never asked her where she was going. Though, I did see her constantly studying literature on the Knight Country’s <Three Forests>.”

Uriel directed his sharp gaze at Ash.

“As someone from the Knight Country, you know where they are, right?”

“<Three Forests>? I think I remember it from geography class…which three forests again?”

Ash scratched his head as he felt troubled over something from his studies.

“Come on, Ash! They taught this in geography class!”

Naturally, Silvia gave him a fierce scolding.

“The Three Forests are Albion Forest, Gnome Forest and the Ecbald Forest. Make sure you remember!”

Ash felt so ashamed that he could no longer lift his head, though Uriel continued,

“The <Three Forests> are a well-known treasure trove of medicinal herbs. It’s highly possible that she’s gone off to one of those forests.

“…It might take some time and effort to track her down but thank you for the information.”

Contrary to Ash who frankly expressed his gratitude, Silvia simply glared at Uriel.

“You handed this information over rather easily. Don’t tell me that this is a trap, Uriel?”

Uriel shrugged as he revealed a sardonic smile.

“I’m not providing this information for the sake of you guys or Oscar. To be honest, there isn’t much time left.”

Both Ash and Silvia tilted their heads in confusion.

“With me and Oscar out of the picture, those incompetent princes will eventually start a civil war in the Kingdom.”

“What did you say!?”

Ash and Silvia cried in unison.

“After all, there are over a hundred people who have a right to inherit the throne. If the battle for the throne goes on for too long, it’s possible that it’ll even spread to the neighbouring countries.”

“What Prince Uriel says is logical.”

Ursula sombrely muttered.

“Then…what should we do?”

Ash clenched his teeth.

“No need to panic, Ash Blake. I still have a plan.”

For some reason, Uriel’s calm demeanour made those around him feel somewhat irritated. Even now, Uriel still acted like a ‘prince’.

“With Oscar’s talent, it won’t be impossible for her to resolve this national disaster. If she’s successful, even the ministers and citizens will have no choice but to accept the fact that Oscar will be the first queen to rule in the history of the Kingdom. As long as she can attain that result, the crime of gender fraud will be nothing but a triviality—”

=== Part 3 ===
Ash clenched his fists as he watched Ursula and the others fly into the dawn sky.

[[Image:SnRK V10 040.jpg|thumb]]

“We have to lift the curse of the narcotic on Oscar as soon as possible.”

“Yes, I agree.”

Silvia also lifted her head and gazed at the sky as she responded to Ash. And then, their eyes naturally met—. Ash suddenly recalled something. He had previously shared a deeply intimate kiss and embrace with Silvia on this very deck. And when they parted from each other, Silvia had shyly said something along the lines of—

''—I-I’ll wait for your triumphant return, and then we can continue!''

The moment that incident popped into his mind, Ash couldn’t stop his heartrate from accelerating.

“D-Don’t keep staring at me like that…”

Silvia had probably recalled the exact same memory. Her cheeks became red and she appeared distraught. Under the radiant morning sun, Silvia’s blonde hair gleamed brilliantly. She raised her chin slightly and then gently closed her eyes. Words were no longer required. Just as Ash timidly reached out for Silvia’s shoulders — he came to his senses and looked around him.

“Oh my, please don’t mind me, you two. Ufufufufu.”

As expected, Cosette smiled from ear to ear as she eagerly awaited the scene of the two of them kissing.

“Y-You idiot—”

Silvia blushed to the point that even her ears became hot, and she fled the scene in a hurry.

“Crisis of The Kingdom ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1

2021-03-27T14:58:46Z

Zxzxzx: Add illustrations

==Chapter 1 – Ursula’s Visit==
=== Part 1 ===
Ash awoke in a daze as a surge of minty fragrance rushed into his nose.

“…?”

It was slightly different from Eco’s bodily fragrance though. The bed was also unusually stuffy. It was currently winter. If it was only Ash and Eco, it didn’t seem logical for it to feel so hot.

“Hmm…”

Feeling that something was off, Ash slowly opened his eyes.

“—Whoa!”

Ash stiffened in fright the very instant that he opened his eyes. All at once, his drowsiness vanished into thin air.

“Princess Mirabel…no, Mirabel-san!?”

The entirety of Ash’s vision was smothered by a view of Mirabel’s beautiful face. The distance between their faces was almost non-existent, being so close that they might as well have been glued together.

“Snuu, suu…”

Rays of morning light poured in through the window, making Mirabel’s silver hair shine brilliantly. The edge of the blanket formed a soft line with the white skin of her shoulders. For some reason, the shoulder straps of her nightwear appeared rather provocative.

“W-Why is Mirabel-san sleeping in my bed!?”

Although Ash panicked and tried to keep his distance from Mirabel, a soft sensation pressed up against him from behind.

“Unya…”

It was Eco. Deep in slumber, her entire body leaned against Ash’s back. Upon realising that her slightly bulging breasts were pressed right against his back, Ash’s heartrate naturally accelerated.

“By my hypothesis…. The Escavaron should have been built…during the Zono Ton civilisation’s era…snuu, snuu…”

While Mirabel murmured in her sleep, she extended her hand to embrace Ash’s neck. A peppermint aroma intensified in his nostrils, further stimulating Ash’s instinct. It was then that Ash realised how her small yet beautifully shaped breasts were pressed firmly against his chest.

“T-T-T-This isn’t good…!”

Ash was unable to move his body freely and could only endure a bitter struggle. Although he always maintained rationality in his actions, he was still a healthy young male. Sandwiched by the bodily warmth, touch and scent of Eco and Mirabel, his heartrate continued to flutter higher with each passing breath.

“—Oh Ash, you sly devil.”

Before his eyes, a bright glimmer of light was produced by magic from which Navi appeared. She had two sharp horns, a devilish little smile, and beauty that would make anyone drool — on this particular occasion, she wore a miniskirt maid outfit similar in appearance to what Celes normally wore. The outfit was completely adorned with frills and lace. To accurately classify it, the style seemed more apt for young girls, but it looked surprisingly good on Navi. Navi floated down from mid-air and straddled over Ash’s abdomen. With a smile, she caressed Ash’s chest, sides and even his thighs.

“N-No, you can’t…Navi. If you touch me like that, I’ll…”

“Oh, do tell, what’s going to happen?”

Navi revealed her tongue as she licked her lips. Her expression was akin to a leopard eyeing down its prey. Just as Ash’s instinct caused alarm bells to go off in his mind—

—Clank!

The ceiling vent that covered the ventilation shaft on the ceiling fell to the ground. Although it produced a rather loud noise, both Eco and Mirabel showed no sign of stirring and remained sound asleep.

“Just as I thought, this shaft is connected to Ash-sama’s bedroom!”

The person who poked their head out from the duct with a joyous expression was Jessica. However, her cheerful voice was short-lived as it soon devolved into one of bewilderment.

“Ash-sama! A-All this time, I was unaware and had no idea that…you’ve already progressed to such a point? And even Mirabel-sama…!”

“Hold on and listen to me, Jessica! This is a misunderstanding!”

“Ufufufufu…”

From the ceiling, Jessica cackled with an eerie laugh. She then coolly jumped down from the vent and landed on the bed with a ‘poof!’.

“Hey, Ash-sama.”

Jessica wore rather alluring nightwear which emphasised the curves of her body.

“At long last, I will become pregnant with your child today, Ash-sama!”

“Wait! How did you come to that conclusion!?”

“That was my original intention for exploring the ship. It seems my hard work has not been in vain either, as I’ve discovered a secret route for sneaking into Ash-sama’s bedroom!”

“No no, that’s not something worth bragging about!”

“The only concern I had was about how to persuade the uninitiated Ash-sama after sneaking into his bedroom, but…since you’re all already indulging in such fun, please let me join!”

“Like I said, what you see here is all a misunderstanding!”

[[Image:SnRK V10 023.jpg|thumb]]

“Let’s be honest here, Ash-sama, as the ruler of a country, you should consider the matter of producing a successor!”

No longer paying any heed to what Ash said, Jessica slowly advanced towards him. Her curvy body exuded a strong citrus scent.

“I see, successors huh. What Jessica says certainly does make sense.”

Unexpectedly, Navi seemed to have been enticed by Jessica’s words. She liberated Ash from her position above him and then sat obediently at the bedside. Only then was Ash able to sit his upper body up and begin to coax Jessica.

“Uh, Jessica? I…umm…haven’t thought that far ahead about heirs and all that yet. Moreover, I don’t think this is the right time for such things. We have a different goal worth fighting for right now—”

“Don’t worry. It’ll only hurt a little at the beginning, but it’ll feel very comfortable right away!”

“You’re talking about yourself — no no! Why is your answer so wrong!?”

Just as Ash clutched his head in frustration…

“—E-Excuse me…Ash-sama?”

A timid voice came from a corner of the room. Surprised, both Ash and Jessica directed their gaze towards the source of the voice. On the contrary, Navi seemed to have been aware of it for some time as she remained completely calm. Standing in a corner of the room was Mirabel’s personal maid — Eunice.

“Eunice!? H-How long have you been standing there for…?”

“Yes. I’ve been standing here ever since Princess-sama mistakenly stumbled in and fell asleep in Ash-sama’s room, so it’s been around three hours.”

“You’ve been here the whole time!”

Ash felt so embarrassed that his entire face turned red.

“Can you please carry Mirabel-san away from here immediately?”

“But, Princess-sama hasn’t shown such a sweet sleeping face in a long time…I couldn’t bear to wake her from her sleep…”

After saying so, Eunice cast her gaze towards Mirabel’s face.

“Could it be…Princess-sama actually treats Ash-sama as…”

However, Ash was unable to listen to the end of Eunice’s sentence. After all, it was during that moment when his bedroom door was forcefully and abruptly pushed open….

“Ash, you have to get up right now!”

Silvia rushed into his room with a sense of urgency.

“The Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars has just arrived! We should quickly hand Uriel over to—”

However, halfway through her sentence, Silvia was rendered speechless and left with her mouth agape.

“Ash!? W-What is going on here!? Eco is your Pal, so I can turn a blind eye to her, but why are Navi, Jessica and even aneue and Eunice…!”

Silvia’s face turned pale as a shiver appeared to overcome her entire body.

“What’s going on? Why is it so noisy…?”

Producing a beautiful voice reminiscent of a silver chime, Mirabel awoke at last. Though, perhaps because her consciousness was still somewhat hazy, she leaned her chin on Ash’s shoulder in a very intimate manner.

“—Uh!”

Ash choked on his voice as his limbs froze in place. Silky silver hair brushed against Ash’s cheek. Resting her chin on Ash’s shoulder, Mirabel muttered with a tone of surprise and confusion,

“Eunice? You feel…rather sturdy this morning…”

It appeared that she had confused Ash for Eunice. The <Argento Magus> had always portrayed an image of perfection, but she surprisingly seemed to have trouble with getting out of bed in the morning. Ash recalled that Silvia had once revealed her sister’s issue with low blood pressure. Ash couldn’t help but smile at Mirabel’s morning weakness, but his eyes widened in shock the next instant. The quilt and blanket that originally covered Mirabel abruptly slipped off.

“Uwah! Mirabel-san!?”

The thin silk garment that covered Mirabel’s upper body was exposed in complete view. Despite being aware that it was impolite, Ash found himself powerless to unglue his eyes from Mirabel’s body. Her snow-white skin was bathed in sunlight, giving it an illustrious glow. Her left shoulder strap had slipped down to her upper arm, creating a beguiling sight that Ash couldn’t help but feel aroused by.

[[Image:SnRK V10 027.jpg|thumb]]

“Huh?”

It was only upon hearing Ash’s voice that Mirabel noticed something was amiss. It was only natural that she’d feel taken aback when the person that she thought was Eunice spoke with a masculine voice. Her hazy eyes were finally restored to their intellectual brilliance.

“G-Good morning…Mirabel-san.”

Realising that he had no chance of escaping from the situation, Ash decided to simply bite the bullet and pre-empt the situation.

“Nooo—!”

Subsequently, Mirabel let out a shrill scream—.

=== Part 2 ===
The magic ship Escavaron was presently stationed at the border between the Kingdom and the Knight Country — closer to a mountain range in the Knight Country. Ash and Silvia were responsible for welcoming the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. Mirabel fell into a state of traumatic shock as she locked herself in her room and refused to come out. In addition to Eco, the majority of the crew members aboard the ship were still asleep. After all, they had fought through a fierce battle the night before and many of them were injured, so it would be cruel to forcibly wake them up. Upon arriving at the deck, Ash and Silvia found three Maestros lined up in a row before them. Under the radiance of the morning sun, their silver fur was a truly spectacular sight. Among the three of them, the one in the centre was most eye-catching as its head and chest were adorned with opulent ornaments.

—Maestro Galahad.

It was the Pal that belonged to the Captain of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars, Ursula L. Selwyn. Ursula led two adjutants as she strode forward in a gallant manner. She possessed such heavenly beauty that she almost appeared to be saintlike. Her magnificent armour that glittered like stardust was the Ark that Galahad had bestowed upon her. It made it seem as if a halo illuminated her very being.

“We have come to visit, Your Royal Highness Silvia—”

Silvia swiftly stopped Ursula just as she was about to kneel down on the spot.

“Don’t worry about the formalities, I have no need for such a grandiose salutation. By the way…have my selfish actions angered aneue after all?”

Silvia asked, as the issue likely concerned her decision to enter the Escavaron as an ambassador of the Lautreamont Knight Country. Fontaine Palace should’ve learned about the series of events which unfolded via the holy ship Esperanza which Pope Raquel IV was on board. That was precisely why Ursula was able to take action in the first place. Silvia’s arbitrary actions were bound to be discovered by First Princess Veronica. However, Ursula shook her head.

“No, Her Royal Highness Veronica hasn’t paid much attention to politics or military affairs lately as she’s been focused on other matters instead. As for the actions of Your Royal Highness Silvia, she hasn’t expressed any opinion in particular…”

Silvia breathed a sigh of relief but expressed doubt.

“Is that so? What do you mean by other matters, then?”

“To be specific, that would be beauty and clothing, as well as…ballroom dancing and the like.”

“Eeeeeeeeeehhhhh!?”

Both Ash and Silvia were astounded by the unexpected answer.

“…Hey, Ash. This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with you, right?”

Silvia gave Ash an apprehensive look.

“W-Why would I…!”

Ash froze. He then recalled the dinner party that he attended in Fontaine Palace the other day. Veronica dressed up and attended just for Ash’s sake. There was also a minor incident on the day, where she accidentally revealed her breasts in front of Ash—.

“On another note, where is Prince Uriel?”

As if to break Ash free from the situation, Ursula cut straight to the point.

“Ah, I’ve already asked Cosette to escort him here. Please wait a moment.”

After returning a nod to Silvia, Ursula turned her gaze away. However, she began to stare at Ash’s face for some reason. Ash felt rather embarrassed to have a saint-like beauty stare at him.

“Ash-dono. You did not hesitate to use this magical ship as a piece of territory to declare independence in order to rescue Oscar-sama. You made a swift and bold decision.”

“…You flatter me.”

“The Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars owes you a great debt, Ash-dono. If you face any difficulties in the future, please don’t hesitate to rely on us for assistance. Many difficulties surely await you in your journey to rule a country.”

While making a faint smile, Ursula extended her hand out to Ash.

“Thank you for your kindness, Captain Ursula.”

Ash also smiled in return as he shook her hand. ''Rather than a saint, she’s more like an angel''…Ash couldn’t help but hold such inappropriate thoughts in his mind.

“What’s going on here!?”

Silvia suddenly murmured out of shock.

“Princess-sama, is something wrong?”

With a confused expression on his face, Ash noticed Silvia’s intense gaze on Ursula.

“…That’s strange, Captain Ursula. You’re known in the court as the <Silent Virginia> who never takes the initiative to interact with others, and yet of your own volition — you’d ask for a handshake, and from a man as well. …It’s a shame that there aren’t any gossip-loving journalists here to witness this.”

After letting go of Ash’s hand, Ursula fell into silence as she pondered for a while.

“It is just as you say, Your Royal Highness Silvia. What I did just then…goes against my usual way of doing things. I wonder why?”

Ursula tilted her head in puzzlement. The expression on her face was so innocent and pure that one wouldn’t make out at first glance that she was in fact the leader of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. It appeared that there was a natural side to Ursula as well.

“I don’t know how to answer that question myself…”

Silvia was probably caught off guard by that question, as she crossed her arms over her chest and cast her gaze to the side.

“—I have brought the captive.”

It was then that Cossette appeared with Uriel in tow.

“Oh. How grandiose it is to have Captain Ursula personally escort me.”

“It looks like you’ve already recovered to the point that you can speak so casually.”

Ash sighed, and Uriel directed a cold smile at him. When Uriel was rescued last night, it seemed like he was almost a goner. At the time, they thought that he might never recover, but he was surprisingly able to walk on his own now.

“It’s all thanks to the medical device that you guys call <Iunones>. I must thank you for saving my life—”

“Third Prince Uriel. I have been ordered to escort you back to Fontaine Palace.”

Ursula declared with a straight face.

“I understand. It’s useless to resist anyway and I have no intention of suicide either. Rest assured.”

“I shall believe in your words.”

Ursula nodded and then handed Uriel over to the two adjutants behind her. Just as Uriel was grabbed on each side by the two Dragonars equipped with Arks and about to be taken away—

“Listen closely, Ash.”

Uriel suddenly turned back to face Ash.

“The name of the court pharmacist who prepared the drug <Galatea> is Kiira Brava Henriksen.”

“…That’s a peculiar name. It doesn’t sound like one that belongs to a citizen of the Kingdom or the Knight Country.”

“Of course. That’s because she’s from the Ecbald Tribe.”

Upon hearing that she was from the Ecbald Tribe, the first thing that came into Ash’s mind was Lucca’s face.

“There shouldn’t be anyone better than her in terms of herbal drug synthesis. If you want to cure Oscar, locating her will be the fastest way.”

“Where is that pharmacist now? Arkham Castle?”

“No, she’s out of the city temporarily. And if word of my arrest reaches her, I’m afraid she’ll never return. To be frank, she’s a somewhat mysterious person…”

“What do you mean by that?”

In reply, Uriel snickered and said,

“For example…when I asked her to produce <Galatea>, she made me a counteroffer. She wanted six hundred and sixty-six lives as ingredients for it.”

“Six hundred and sixty-six people!? It took that many human lives to make <Galatea>?”

“No, that would be incorrect. The amount of blood actually required for <Galatea> would’ve been ten people at most.”

“So, you’re saying…”

“Indeed. Just as I wanted a particular drug…Kiira also had a drug that she wanted to produce. And in order to make it, six hundred and sixty-six lives had to be sacrificed. As for what kind of drug she wanted to make, I have no idea…”

“You’re telling me that you abducted people from the Brailsford territory for this reason?”

“Yes. Those people weren’t taken away for <Galatea>, but in order to satisfy Kiira’s request.”

Ash’s nervousness caused his mouth to become parched and dry.

''—Kiira Brava Henriksen.''

It seemed that this was a dangerous individual far beyond Ash’s imagination.

“However, the people of the Brailsford territory have already been liberated by the Holy Espada Agency, so Kiira should have no reason to continue, right?”

Uriel shook his head and answered Ash’s question.

“No, the people from the Brailsford territory were arrested just in case they would be required. The criminals provided by the prison in the Royal Capital Arkham were sufficient to meet Kiira’s needs.”

Ash was infuriated by Uriel’s blatant disregard for human life.

“Even if the sacrifices were all prisoners, how could you use human lives as a commodity!?”

Ursula extended her arm to hold Ash back.

“Ash-dono. I understand your feelings, but we must focus on gathering information right now.”

Simply because the gaze of Ursula’s clear eyes rested on him, Ash somehow managed to calm himself.

“You’re right. Sorry…”

After Ash had calmed down, he asked another question.

“Do you have any clues on the whereabouts of this pharmacist named Kiira?”

“Unfortunately, I never asked her where she was going. Though, I did see her constantly studying literature on the Knight Country’s <Three Forests>.”

Uriel directed his sharp gaze at Ash.

“As someone from the Knight Country, you know where they are, right?”

“<Three Forests>? I think I remember it from geography class…which three forests again?”

Ash scratched his head as he felt troubled over something from his studies.

“Come on, Ash! They taught this in geography class!”

Naturally, Silvia gave him a fierce scolding.

“The Three Forests are Albion Forest, Gnome Forest and the Ecbald Forest. Make sure you remember!”

Ash felt so ashamed that he could no longer lift his head, though Uriel continued,

“The <Three Forests> are a well-known treasure trove of medicinal herbs. It’s highly possible that she’s gone off to one of those forests.

“…It might take some time and effort to track her down but thank you for the information.”

Contrary to Ash who frankly expressed his gratitude, Silvia simply glared at Uriel.

“You handed this information over rather easily. Don’t tell me that this is a trap, Uriel?”

Uriel shrugged as he revealed a sardonic smile.

“I’m not providing this information for the sake of you guys or Oscar. To be honest, there isn’t much time left.”

Both Ash and Silvia tilted their heads in confusion.

“With me and Oscar out of the picture, those incompetent princes will eventually start a civil war in the Kingdom.”

“What did you say!?”

Ash and Silvia cried in unison.

“After all, there are over a hundred people who have a right to inherit the throne. If the battle for the throne goes on for too long, it’s possible that it’ll even spread to the neighbouring countries.”

“What Prince Uriel says is logical.”

Ursula sombrely muttered.

“Then…what should we do?”

Ash clenched his teeth.

“No need to panic, Ash Blake. I still have a plan.”

For some reason, Uriel’s calm demeanour made those around him feel somewhat irritated. Even now, Uriel still acted like a ‘prince’.

“With Oscar’s talent, it won’t be impossible for her to resolve this national disaster. If she’s successful, even the ministers and citizens will have no choice but to accept the fact that Oscar will be the first queen to rule in the history of the Kingdom. As long as she can attain that result, the crime of gender fraud will be nothing but a triviality—”

=== Part 3 ===
Ash clenched his fists as he watched Ursula and the others fly into the dawn sky.

“We have to lift the curse of the narcotic on Oscar as soon as possible.”

“Yes, I agree.”

Silvia also lifted her head and gazed at the sky as she responded to Ash. And then, their eyes naturally met—. Ash suddenly recalled something. He had previously shared a deeply intimate kiss and embrace with Silvia on this very deck. And when they parted from each other, Silvia had shyly said something along the lines of—

''—I-I’ll wait for your triumphant return, and then we can continue!''

The moment that incident popped into his mind, Ash couldn’t stop his heartrate from accelerating.

“D-Don’t keep staring at me like that…”

Silvia had probably recalled the exact same memory. Her cheeks became red and she appeared distraught. Under the radiant morning sun, Silvia’s blonde hair gleamed brilliantly. She raised her chin slightly and then gently closed her eyes. Words were no longer required. Just as Ash timidly reached out for Silvia’s shoulders — he came to his senses and looked around him.

“Oh my, please don’t mind me, you two. Ufufufufu.”

As expected, Cosette smiled from ear to ear as she eagerly awaited the scene of the two of them kissing.

“Y-You idiot—”

Silvia blushed to the point that even her ears became hot, and she fled the scene in a hurry.

[[Image:SnRK V10 040.jpg|thumb]]

“Crisis of The Kingdom ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1

2021-03-27T14:56:51Z

Zxzxzx: Add page content

==Chapter 1 – Ursula’s Visit==
=== Part 1 ===
Ash awoke in a daze as a surge of minty fragrance rushed into his nose.

“…?”

It was slightly different from Eco’s bodily fragrance though. The bed was also unusually stuffy. It was currently winter. If it was only Ash and Eco, it didn’t seem logical for it to feel so hot.

“Hmm…”

Feeling that something was off, Ash slowly opened his eyes.

“—Whoa!”

Ash stiffened in fright the very instant that he opened his eyes. All at once, his drowsiness vanished into thin air.

“Princess Mirabel…no, Mirabel-san!?”

The entirety of Ash’s vision was smothered by a view of Mirabel’s beautiful face. The distance between their faces was almost non-existent, being so close that they might as well have been glued together.

“Snuu, suu…”

Rays of morning light poured in through the window, making Mirabel’s silver hair shine brilliantly. The edge of the blanket formed a soft line with the white skin of her shoulders. For some reason, the shoulder straps of her nightwear appeared rather provocative.

“W-Why is Mirabel-san sleeping in my bed!?”

Although Ash panicked and tried to keep his distance from Mirabel, a soft sensation pressed up against him from behind.

“Unya…”

It was Eco. Deep in slumber, her entire body leaned against Ash’s back. Upon realising that her slightly bulging breasts were pressed right against his back, Ash’s heartrate naturally accelerated.

“By my hypothesis…. The Escavaron should have been built…during the Zono Ton civilisation’s era…snuu, snuu…”

While Mirabel murmured in her sleep, she extended her hand to embrace Ash’s neck. A peppermint aroma intensified in his nostrils, further stimulating Ash’s instinct. It was then that Ash realised how her small yet beautifully shaped breasts were pressed firmly against his chest.

“T-T-T-This isn’t good…!”

Ash was unable to move his body freely and could only endure a bitter struggle. Although he always maintained rationality in his actions, he was still a healthy young male. Sandwiched by the bodily warmth, touch and scent of Eco and Mirabel, his heartrate continued to flutter higher with each passing breath.

“—Oh Ash, you sly devil.”

Before his eyes, a bright glimmer of light was produced by magic from which Navi appeared. She had two sharp horns, a devilish little smile, and beauty that would make anyone drool — on this particular occasion, she wore a miniskirt maid outfit similar in appearance to what Celes normally wore. The outfit was completely adorned with frills and lace. To accurately classify it, the style seemed more apt for young girls, but it looked surprisingly good on Navi. Navi floated down from mid-air and straddled over Ash’s abdomen. With a smile, she caressed Ash’s chest, sides and even his thighs.

“N-No, you can’t…Navi. If you touch me like that, I’ll…”

“Oh, do tell, what’s going to happen?”

Navi revealed her tongue as she licked her lips. Her expression was akin to a leopard eyeing down its prey. Just as Ash’s instinct caused alarm bells to go off in his mind—

—Clank!

The ceiling vent that covered the ventilation shaft on the ceiling fell to the ground. Although it produced a rather loud noise, both Eco and Mirabel showed no sign of stirring and remained sound asleep.

“Just as I thought, this shaft is connected to Ash-sama’s bedroom!”

The person who poked their head out from the duct with a joyous expression was Jessica. However, her cheerful voice was short-lived as it soon devolved into one of bewilderment.

“Ash-sama! A-All this time, I was unaware and had no idea that…you’ve already progressed to such a point? And even Mirabel-sama…!”

“Hold on and listen to me, Jessica! This is a misunderstanding!”

“Ufufufufu…”

From the ceiling, Jessica cackled with an eerie laugh. She then coolly jumped down from the vent and landed on the bed with a ‘poof!’.

“Hey, Ash-sama.”

Jessica wore rather alluring nightwear which emphasised the curves of her body.

“At long last, I will become pregnant with your child today, Ash-sama!”

“Wait! How did you come to that conclusion!?”

“That was my original intention for exploring the ship. It seems my hard work has not been in vain either, as I’ve discovered a secret route for sneaking into Ash-sama’s bedroom!”

“No no, that’s not something worth bragging about!”

“The only concern I had was about how to persuade the uninitiated Ash-sama after sneaking into his bedroom, but…since you’re all already indulging in such fun, please let me join!”

“Like I said, what you see here is all a misunderstanding!”

“Let’s be honest here, Ash-sama, as the ruler of a country, you should consider the matter of producing a successor!”

No longer paying any heed to what Ash said, Jessica slowly advanced towards him. Her curvy body exuded a strong citrus scent.

“I see, successors huh. What Jessica says certainly does make sense.”

Unexpectedly, Navi seemed to have been enticed by Jessica’s words. She liberated Ash from her position above him and then sat obediently at the bedside. Only then was Ash able to sit his upper body up and begin to coax Jessica.

“Uh, Jessica? I…umm…haven’t thought that far ahead about heirs and all that yet. Moreover, I don’t think this is the right time for such things. We have a different goal worth fighting for right now—”

“Don’t worry. It’ll only hurt a little at the beginning, but it’ll feel very comfortable right away!”

“You’re talking about yourself — no no! Why is your answer so wrong!?”

Just as Ash clutched his head in frustration…

“—E-Excuse me…Ash-sama?”

A timid voice came from a corner of the room. Surprised, both Ash and Jessica directed their gaze towards the source of the voice. On the contrary, Navi seemed to have been aware of it for some time as she remained completely calm. Standing in a corner of the room was Mirabel’s personal maid — Eunice.

“Eunice!? H-How long have you been standing there for…?”

“Yes. I’ve been standing here ever since Princess-sama mistakenly stumbled in and fell asleep in Ash-sama’s room, so it’s been around three hours.”

“You’ve been here the whole time!”

Ash felt so embarrassed that his entire face turned red.

“Can you please carry Mirabel-san away from here immediately?”

“But, Princess-sama hasn’t shown such a sweet sleeping face in a long time…I couldn’t bear to wake her from her sleep…”

After saying so, Eunice cast her gaze towards Mirabel’s face.

“Could it be…Princess-sama actually treats Ash-sama as…”

However, Ash was unable to listen to the end of Eunice’s sentence. After all, it was during that moment when his bedroom door was forcefully and abruptly pushed open….

“Ash, you have to get up right now!”

Silvia rushed into his room with a sense of urgency.

“The Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars has just arrived! We should quickly hand Uriel over to—”

However, halfway through her sentence, Silvia was rendered speechless and left with her mouth agape.

“Ash!? W-What is going on here!? Eco is your Pal, so I can turn a blind eye to her, but why are Navi, Jessica and even aneue and Eunice…!”

Silvia’s face turned pale as a shiver appeared to overcome her entire body.

“What’s going on? Why is it so noisy…?”

Producing a beautiful voice reminiscent of a silver chime, Mirabel awoke at last. Though, perhaps because her consciousness was still somewhat hazy, she leaned her chin on Ash’s shoulder in a very intimate manner.

“—Uh!”

Ash choked on his voice as his limbs froze in place. Silky silver hair brushed against Ash’s cheek. Resting her chin on Ash’s shoulder, Mirabel muttered with a tone of surprise and confusion,

“Eunice? You feel…rather sturdy this morning…”

It appeared that she had confused Ash for Eunice. The <Argento Magus> had always portrayed an image of perfection, but she surprisingly seemed to have trouble with getting out of bed in the morning. Ash recalled that Silvia had once revealed her sister’s issue with low blood pressure. Ash couldn’t help but smile at Mirabel’s morning weakness, but his eyes widened in shock the next instant. The quilt and blanket that originally covered Mirabel abruptly slipped off.

“Uwah! Mirabel-san!?”

The thin silk garment that covered Mirabel’s upper body was exposed in complete view. Despite being aware that it was impolite, Ash found himself powerless to unglue his eyes from Mirabel’s body. Her snow-white skin was bathed in sunlight, giving it an illustrious glow. Her left shoulder strap had slipped down to her upper arm, creating a beguiling sight that Ash couldn’t help but feel aroused by.

“Huh?”

It was only upon hearing Ash’s voice that Mirabel noticed something was amiss. It was only natural that she’d feel taken aback when the person that she thought was Eunice spoke with a masculine voice. Her hazy eyes were finally restored to their intellectual brilliance.

“G-Good morning…Mirabel-san.”

Realising that he had no chance of escaping from the situation, Ash decided to simply bite the bullet and pre-empt the situation.

“Nooo—!”

Subsequently, Mirabel let out a shrill scream—.

=== Part 2 ===
The magic ship Escavaron was presently stationed at the border between the Kingdom and the Knight Country — closer to a mountain range in the Knight Country. Ash and Silvia were responsible for welcoming the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. Mirabel fell into a state of traumatic shock as she locked herself in her room and refused to come out. In addition to Eco, the majority of the crew members aboard the ship were still asleep. After all, they had fought through a fierce battle the night before and many of them were injured, so it would be cruel to forcibly wake them up. Upon arriving at the deck, Ash and Silvia found three Maestros lined up in a row before them. Under the radiance of the morning sun, their silver fur was a truly spectacular sight. Among the three of them, the one in the centre was most eye-catching as its head and chest were adorned with opulent ornaments.

—Maestro Galahad.

It was the Pal that belonged to the Captain of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars, Ursula L. Selwyn. Ursula led two adjutants as she strode forward in a gallant manner. She possessed such heavenly beauty that she almost appeared to be saintlike. Her magnificent armour that glittered like stardust was the Ark that Galahad had bestowed upon her. It made it seem as if a halo illuminated her very being.

“We have come to visit, Your Royal Highness Silvia—”

Silvia swiftly stopped Ursula just as she was about to kneel down on the spot.

“Don’t worry about the formalities, I have no need for such a grandiose salutation. By the way…have my selfish actions angered aneue after all?”

Silvia asked, as the issue likely concerned her decision to enter the Escavaron as an ambassador of the Lautreamont Knight Country. Fontaine Palace should’ve learned about the series of events which unfolded via the holy ship Esperanza which Pope Raquel IV was on board. That was precisely why Ursula was able to take action in the first place. Silvia’s arbitrary actions were bound to be discovered by First Princess Veronica. However, Ursula shook her head.

“No, Her Royal Highness Veronica hasn’t paid much attention to politics or military affairs lately as she’s been focused on other matters instead. As for the actions of Your Royal Highness Silvia, she hasn’t expressed any opinion in particular…”

Silvia breathed a sigh of relief but expressed doubt.

“Is that so? What do you mean by other matters, then?”

“To be specific, that would be beauty and clothing, as well as…ballroom dancing and the like.”

“Eeeeeeeeeehhhhh!?”

Both Ash and Silvia were astounded by the unexpected answer.

“…Hey, Ash. This wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with you, right?”

Silvia gave Ash an apprehensive look.

“W-Why would I…!”

Ash froze. He then recalled the dinner party that he attended in Fontaine Palace the other day. Veronica dressed up and attended just for Ash’s sake. There was also a minor incident on the day, where she accidentally revealed her breasts in front of Ash—.

“On another note, where is Prince Uriel?”

As if to break Ash free from the situation, Ursula cut straight to the point.

“Ah, I’ve already asked Cosette to escort him here. Please wait a moment.”

After returning a nod to Silvia, Ursula turned her gaze away. However, she began to stare at Ash’s face for some reason. Ash felt rather embarrassed to have a saint-like beauty stare at him.

“Ash-dono. You did not hesitate to use this magical ship as a piece of territory to declare independence in order to rescue Oscar-sama. You made a swift and bold decision.”

“…You flatter me.”

“The Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars owes you a great debt, Ash-dono. If you face any difficulties in the future, please don’t hesitate to rely on us for assistance. Many difficulties surely await you in your journey to rule a country.”

While making a faint smile, Ursula extended her hand out to Ash.

“Thank you for your kindness, Captain Ursula.”

Ash also smiled in return as he shook her hand. ''Rather than a saint, she’s more like an angel''…Ash couldn’t help but hold such inappropriate thoughts in his mind.

“What’s going on here!?”

Silvia suddenly murmured out of shock.

“Princess-sama, is something wrong?”

With a confused expression on his face, Ash noticed Silvia’s intense gaze on Ursula.

“…That’s strange, Captain Ursula. You’re known in the court as the <Silent Virginia> who never takes the initiative to interact with others, and yet of your own volition — you’d ask for a handshake, and from a man as well. …It’s a shame that there aren’t any gossip-loving journalists here to witness this.”

After letting go of Ash’s hand, Ursula fell into silence as she pondered for a while.

“It is just as you say, Your Royal Highness Silvia. What I did just then…goes against my usual way of doing things. I wonder why?”

Ursula tilted her head in puzzlement. The expression on her face was so innocent and pure that one wouldn’t make out at first glance that she was in fact the leader of the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars. It appeared that there was a natural side to Ursula as well.

“I don’t know how to answer that question myself…”

Silvia was probably caught off guard by that question, as she crossed her arms over her chest and cast her gaze to the side.

“—I have brought the captive.”

It was then that Cossette appeared with Uriel in tow.

“Oh. How grandiose it is to have Captain Ursula personally escort me.”

“It looks like you’ve already recovered to the point that you can speak so casually.”

Ash sighed, and Uriel directed a cold smile at him. When Uriel was rescued last night, it seemed like he was almost a goner. At the time, they thought that he might never recover, but he was surprisingly able to walk on his own now.

“It’s all thanks to the medical device that you guys call <Iunones>. I must thank you for saving my life—”

“Third Prince Uriel. I have been ordered to escort you back to Fontaine Palace.”

Ursula declared with a straight face.

“I understand. It’s useless to resist anyway and I have no intention of suicide either. Rest assured.”

“I shall believe in your words.”

Ursula nodded and then handed Uriel over to the two adjutants behind her. Just as Uriel was grabbed on each side by the two Dragonars equipped with Arks and about to be taken away—

“Listen closely, Ash.”

Uriel suddenly turned back to face Ash.

“The name of the court pharmacist who prepared the drug <Galatea> is Kiira Brava Henriksen.”

“…That’s a peculiar name. It doesn’t sound like one that belongs to a citizen of the Kingdom or the Knight Country.”

“Of course. That’s because she’s from the Ecbald Tribe.”

Upon hearing that she was from the Ecbald Tribe, the first thing that came into Ash’s mind was Lucca’s face.

“There shouldn’t be anyone better than her in terms of herbal drug synthesis. If you want to cure Oscar, locating her will be the fastest way.”

“Where is that pharmacist now? Arkham Castle?”

“No, she’s out of the city temporarily. And if word of my arrest reaches her, I’m afraid she’ll never return. To be frank, she’s a somewhat mysterious person…”

“What do you mean by that?”

In reply, Uriel snickered and said,

“For example…when I asked her to produce <Galatea>, she made me a counteroffer. She wanted six hundred and sixty-six lives as ingredients for it.”

“Six hundred and sixty-six people!? It took that many human lives to make <Galatea>?”

“No, that would be incorrect. The amount of blood actually required for <Galatea> would’ve been ten people at most.”

“So, you’re saying…”

“Indeed. Just as I wanted a particular drug…Kiira also had a drug that she wanted to produce. And in order to make it, six hundred and sixty-six lives had to be sacrificed. As for what kind of drug she wanted to make, I have no idea…”

“You’re telling me that you abducted people from the Brailsford territory for this reason?”

“Yes. Those people weren’t taken away for <Galatea>, but in order to satisfy Kiira’s request.”

Ash’s nervousness caused his mouth to become parched and dry.

''—Kiira Brava Henriksen.''

It seemed that this was a dangerous individual far beyond Ash’s imagination.

“However, the people of the Brailsford territory have already been liberated by the Holy Espada Agency, so Kiira should have no reason to continue, right?”

Uriel shook his head and answered Ash’s question.

“No, the people from the Brailsford territory were arrested just in case they would be required. The criminals provided by the prison in the Royal Capital Arkham were sufficient to meet Kiira’s needs.”

Ash was infuriated by Uriel’s blatant disregard for human life.

“Even if the sacrifices were all prisoners, how could you use human lives as a commodity!?”

Ursula extended her arm to hold Ash back.

“Ash-dono. I understand your feelings, but we must focus on gathering information right now.”

Simply because the gaze of Ursula’s clear eyes rested on him, Ash somehow managed to calm himself.

“You’re right. Sorry…”

After Ash had calmed down, he asked another question.

“Do you have any clues on the whereabouts of this pharmacist named Kiira?”

“Unfortunately, I never asked her where she was going. Though, I did see her constantly studying literature on the Knight Country’s <Three Forests>.”

Uriel directed his sharp gaze at Ash.

“As someone from the Knight Country, you know where they are, right?”

“<Three Forests>? I think I remember it from geography class…which three forests again?”

Ash scratched his head as he felt troubled over something from his studies.

“Come on, Ash! They taught this in geography class!”

Naturally, Silvia gave him a fierce scolding.

“The Three Forests are Albion Forest, Gnome Forest and the Ecbald Forest. Make sure you remember!”

Ash felt so ashamed that he could no longer lift his head, though Uriel continued,

“The <Three Forests> are a well-known treasure trove of medicinal herbs. It’s highly possible that she’s gone off to one of those forests.

“…It might take some time and effort to track her down but thank you for the information.”

Contrary to Ash who frankly expressed his gratitude, Silvia simply glared at Uriel.

“You handed this information over rather easily. Don’t tell me that this is a trap, Uriel?”

Uriel shrugged as he revealed a sardonic smile.

“I’m not providing this information for the sake of you guys or Oscar. To be honest, there isn’t much time left.”

Both Ash and Silvia tilted their heads in confusion.

“With me and Oscar out of the picture, those incompetent princes will eventually start a civil war in the Kingdom.”

“What did you say!?”

Ash and Silvia cried in unison.

“After all, there are over a hundred people who have a right to inherit the throne. If the battle for the throne goes on for too long, it’s possible that it’ll even spread to the neighbouring countries.”

“What Prince Uriel says is logical.”

Ursula sombrely muttered.

“Then…what should we do?”

Ash clenched his teeth.

“No need to panic, Ash Blake. I still have a plan.”

For some reason, Uriel’s calm demeanour made those around him feel somewhat irritated. Even now, Uriel still acted like a ‘prince’.

“With Oscar’s talent, it won’t be impossible for her to resolve this national disaster. If she’s successful, even the ministers and citizens will have no choice but to accept the fact that Oscar will be the first queen to rule in the history of the Kingdom. As long as she can attain that result, the crime of gender fraud will be nothing but a triviality—”

=== Part 3 ===
Ash clenched his fists as he watched Ursula and the others fly into the dawn sky.

“We have to lift the curse of the narcotic on Oscar as soon as possible.”

“Yes, I agree.”

Silvia also lifted her head and gazed at the sky as she responded to Ash. And then, their eyes naturally met—. Ash suddenly recalled something. He had previously shared a deeply intimate kiss and embrace with Silvia on this very deck. And when they parted from each other, Silvia had shyly said something along the lines of—

''—I-I’ll wait for your triumphant return, and then we can continue!''

The moment that incident popped into his mind, Ash couldn’t stop his heartrate from accelerating.

“D-Don’t keep staring at me like that…”

Silvia had probably recalled the exact same memory. Her cheeks became red and she appeared distraught. Under the radiant morning sun, Silvia’s blonde hair gleamed brilliantly. She raised her chin slightly and then gently closed her eyes. Words were no longer required. Just as Ash timidly reached out for Silvia’s shoulders — he came to his senses and looked around him.

“Oh my, please don’t mind me, you two. Ufufufufu.”

As expected, Cosette smiled from ear to ear as she eagerly awaited the scene of the two of them kissing.

“Y-You idiot—”

Silvia blushed to the point that even her ears became hot, and she fled the scene in a hurry.

“Crisis of The Kingdom ~A.S.B.1365.12~” is closed.<noinclude>
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Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 10 Chapter 1

2021-03-27T14:53:36Z

Zxzxzx: Create page structure

==Chapter 1 – Ursula’s Visit==
=== Part 1 ===
=== Part 2 ===
=== Part 3 ===

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