I know your names
Hildegard is from the Lepite tribe, a small group living south of the Luandor Empire.
They reside in a sturdy settlement carved out of natural rock formations that serve as natural fortifications. However, one day, their settlement was destroyed along with the rock mountains by a monster that devours earth and sand. Many of the Lepite warriors perished after a fierce battle.
As a result, the Lepite tribe was pursued by slave traders who had long had their sights set on them, and she was captured and enslaved.
That's as much as I know.
Even though Vanitas bought her, he can also retrieve memories from when I first met her.
When we first met, she was at the lowest point of despair. She had lost her mother, her tribe, and was alone in an unfamiliar land, her eyes filled with sadness.
Yes, even when tracing the faint and tenuous memories of the novel, Hildegard's enslavement followed the same path.
But... is it possible for such coincidences to occur?
In this vast world, is it really possible to encounter a monster that bears a striking resemblance to the one that destroyed her settlement and killed her mother, especially if it closely resembles the Evil Dragon?
...It's not impossible.
However, such an occurrence would indeed be an extremely low-probability event.
If so, this encounter must be a significant part of the story.
An important event in a novel I am not familiar with.
Just as Mayurerica faced her aversion to her innate attribute through the protagonist’s actions.
Just as protagonist-like Anhel faced off in a duel over Christina's liberation from slavery.
Hildegard, too, must be destined to confront the Evil Dragon.
Perhaps this is in the latter part of the story?
I haven’t read the parts where Vanitas meets a lonely death.
Or there might be gaps in my memory.
...To think that the haziness of my memory would be so troublesome, especially concerning something as important to me as Hildegard.
"Hildegard, if it's too much, you don’t have to fight. We’re up against three enemies of unknown identity... the Evil Dragon. It will be a tough battle. If you become a hindrance—"
"No… Master, I will fight. Let me fight."
"...Understood. I won’t test your resolve with my words anymore."
"Thank you, Master…"
It was clear that Hildegard was putting on a brave face.
Her tightly clenched fists trembled slightly, and her gaze at the Evil Dragon wavered.
Nevertheless, I believed in her.
She stood determinedly before an enemy resembling her archenemy.
Even with a dark expression, she didn’t flee.
She was confronting a past she didn’t want to face.
As her master, I should respect her resolve.
After all, I had vowed to be worthy of her as her master.
Then, the shady man who had been observing us turned his gaze toward me.
Sitting on a giant centipede, he spoke to me with interest.
"A slave, huh? Hey, kid over there. Vanitas, was it? Is that girl your slave? Quite an expensive collar she's wearing, ‘Scarlet’ or whatever it is."
"Yes, she is mine. Is there a problem?"
"No, no, it doesn’t matter who’s slave she is... but you must be a noble’s son, right?"
"…So what?"
"Even from just looking at you, I can tell a lot about a person’s background. You’re reckless for a noble brat, though. Hmph, maybe that’s how nobles are—full of idiots. Anyway, your magic earlier had quite a bit of power. But, perhaps it’s due to your noble pride? Or are you just lacking in thought? Sorry to say, but it seems you’ve made a mistake by encountering us."
"A mistake?"
"Yes, encountering us. And to top it off, you’re unlucky enough to run into the prototype of the Eclipsed Dragon."
The man chuckled, trying to stifle his laughter. At that moment, Razelia, who had evacuated Mackeln to a position away from the battlefield after treating him with a potion, returned.
"The Eclipsed Dragon? Is that the name of that dragon?"
Razelia, with a stern expression, pressed on.
So, the dragon has a name.
But how do you know about it?
…Where did you learn about it?
"Oh, it's the imperial princess. I didn’t expect to run into her in such a remote place. ‘The Raging Dragon Princess,’ Razelia Luandor, I’ve heard the rumors… Didn’t your guards stop you? It’s clear why the knights can’t relax with your rampage. It’s as the rumors said."
"Enough idle chatter. More importantly, that collar on the Evil Dragon. It looks like a tamer’s collar, but are you its master, then?"
"Hmm, interested in this? Heh, as you guessed, this collar is indeed a tamer’s collar. However, it’s been modified accordingly."
"Modified? I haven’t seen such a large collar before."
"An ordinary tamer’s collar is merely a proof of control, but this one is different. It doesn’t have a name, but it allows the person who equipped it to control the monster at will. It removes the monster’s consciousness and forces compliance. Just like with that girl there. It makes the monster obey commands as if it were a slave, even if the monster’s power far surpasses its master."
Forced control.
Even slave collars require a consensual contract, so this one’s performance is exceptional.
Moreover, if it can control even more powerful opponents, it’s a perfect tool for committing crimes with monsters.
…Troublesome.
"It’s quite convenient, isn’t it? Honestly, I was skeptical about whether it would work, but seeing the Eclipse Dragon like this, the control is almost perfect. Occasionally, its instincts might interfere, causing it to disobey, but it still can’t defy its master. It would be even more interesting if this collar worked on humans. It’s a shame it’s not that simple. Ah, but if it’s a beast like the princess, maybe it could be controlled. It’s frustrating that there’s only one like this for the Eclipse Dragon. Ha, ha ha ha!"
"…"
The man’s unsettling high laughter was infuriating. It was clear why he was so chatty—he was eager to boast about the power he had gained, far surpassing his own.
"A princess, huh? You keep saying that, but is it really true?"
A woman who was familiar to me interrupted. Elimes. I never expected to encounter her as an enemy again.
"A princess with such a large build? Isn’t that a bit presumptuous? I think a slender, delicate girl like me is more suited to be a princess. What do you think, Vanitas?"
"Elimes, you’re short and don’t fit the princess image either. Why are you competing about this?"
"I’m asking Vanitas! You’re not needed, so just stay out of it!"
"Ha, that’s quite something to say. Well, fine. …By the way, do you know this kid?"
"Not really? It’s none of your business."
It seems like they aren't on very good terms despite appearing to be allies.
However, the shady man, after being chided by Elimes, shrugged and backed off with a "Yeah, yeah."
"...Vanitas, is she an acquaintance of yours?"
Razelia, why the stern face?
"I told you, right? I met a strange woman in the hot springs."
"Oh, the perverted woman you mentioned this morning."
But soon, Razelia's stern expression eased.
Still, it’s quite something that Razelia can make such a remark while being so self-righteous.
"Huh? I’m not a pervert."
"You entered the men’s bath, didn’t you? That’s indecent. You’re basically a pervert."
Well, it’s true that Razelia just entered the mixed bath. Hmm… it’s not entirely incorrect.
"What are you talking about? Vanitas was happy to be with me."
"Hmm… Was Vanitas happy?"
"He wasn’t happy."
"Really~~, that can’t be true, right? He should have been happy to bathe with a beautiful girl like me. Don’t be so stubborn."
"Hmph, Vanitas apparently doesn’t even notice you. How unfortunate."
Razelia’s triumphant smile.
Is it just my imagination, or does Elimes seem somewhat frustrated?
Why is there this rivalry between them even though they are enemies?
...I don’t know.
"Elimes, enough already. What’s the point in teasing people who are about to die?"
"Well, that’s true. But it’s fine to have a little fun, right?"
"Seriously, it’s because you suggested destroying that annoying fortress that we’re in this mess."
"Hey, Moritz! Don’t blame me for this. I just made a suggestion, and you were the one who said, ‘Hmm, that’s a good idea,’ with that serious face. Just so you know, it was lame."
"I didn’t have a serious face! …Did I really seem lame? Why didn’t you say anything at that time?"
Moritz?
Is that shady man named Moritz?
"Heh, heh heh, Moritz, you say?"
"Vanitas?"
"Huh? What’s up? Have you finally lost it?"
"Wait, has Vanitas really broken down? How boring."
I couldn’t help but laugh.
Moritz, huh? Heh, is this really the time to be discussing the memory of the story?
"...You said Moritz, right? Why did you and your group release the Evil Dragon, the Eclipse Dragon as you call it, from its seal?"
"Who would answer that honestly when asked? I could tell you as a parting gift, but... actually, forget it. Kid, you’ll die without knowing."
Moritz’s serious expression changed, perhaps due to the sudden shift in my demeanor.
But I remembered.
Moritz, I remember your name.
And I also remember the organization you belong to.
"—The Society of Idleness and Chaos."
"—What?"
"W-Wait… Is that…?"
Heh, that surprised expression.
What’s wrong? Your previous composure is gone.
"So, that’s the name of your organization."
"Where did you hear that name?"
What’s with the sudden change in attitude?
Don’t get flustered now.
Even if you don’t say it, it’s clear that it’s the truth.
"Do you want to know? No, I already know. I know the name of your organization. Moritz, you were the one who tried to recruit me."
"Huh? Recruit? This is our first meeting, isn’t it? What nonsense…"
"What’s this? Aren’t you in charge of recruitment for the organization? Your role is to gather useful pieces for the sect, right?"
"..."
The mask is slipping, Moritz.
The shady smile is gone, replaced by a sharp murderous intent directed at me.
"Vanitas, I don’t usually go out of my way to kill people... it complicates things. But... you are the exception. You are—dangerously so."
Well, unexpectedly recalling some knowledge of the story might have bought me some time and diverted their hostility.
The knights should have been treated and evacuated by now, and Christina and the others should be rushing here.
They should arrive soon.
I subtly signal to Razelia, who is brimming with murderous intent, to take action. We’ve been living together for over a week now. Our coordination is already well established.
Both Razelia and I are at our limit.
It’s time to make our move.
"Double Grip—"
"Ugh... what is this..."
Moritz quickly defended himself with the Great Centipede. But it doesn’t matter much.
This magic binds and crushes even the Great Centipede.
But Moritz was undoubtedly a formidable opponent. Despite being restrained, the Great Centipede struggles wildly.
"This... quite the greeting! But this is nothing!"
The rigidity is only momentary. Moritz breaks free from the restraint and roars.
But... there’s more to come.
"Dragonbone Feather Dart"
Razelia’s Dragonbone magic.
Wings made of dragon bones sprout from her back and flap, shooting bone projectiles like bullets toward Moritz and the other two.
"These trivial tricks won’t work! —Geological Great Centipede!"
"Hey! What about me too!?"
"..."
Moritz summons a new Great Centipede to act as a shield. Elimes leaps quickly to hide behind the Eclipse Dragon’s legs.
The ragged man skillfully dodges the countless dragonbone projectiles, twisting his body. He deflects only those projectiles that seem to be heading toward him with a pair of long, thin swords he retrieves from somewhere.
Elimes, who had opted for a retreat, is different. Using only physical techniques... does that mean he doesn’t need magic?
He’s definitely one to watch out for.
I provide a distraction while Razelia focuses on the main attack.
But the reverse is also true.
Right now, Razelia’s magic is obstructing vision and hindering movement... a distraction.
"Heavy grip—"
Heavy Grip—This is a magic concentration technique performed with both hands.
You bring your right and left hands together so that they overlap.
The motion is slow and both hands are occupied, but the magic concentration is far superior to that of a single hand.
"!?!? —Scarecrow [Big Man]"
Three scarecrows, each three meters tall?
The ragged man casts a spell.
A shield, perhaps, but it’s too late.
"Vanitas! What the hell are you—"
Leaving Moritz’s astonished expression visible through the gaps between the Great Centipedes, I activate the spell with the massive concentrated magic.
"—Ultimate Grip Cannon Impact"
I thrust my hands forward, unleashing a wide-area destructive shockwave.
It blows away even the gigantic Eclipse Dragon.
"Ggaaahhh!!!"
"Eek!"
"Damn it! Don’t mess around!"
"Ugh…"
The Eclipse Dragon and The Society of Idleness and Chaos. You who have saddened my precious Hildegard and Razelia—are in the way.
——.