“Anyway, that’s the reason why only male dragonkin are said to deviate greatly from human appearance compared to other demi-human Race. Indeed, male dragonkin possess outstanding physical abilities even among demi-humans, and there are records of times in the past when they prospered to the point of being feared by humans and other demi-humans.”
“I see. But being strong and having a different appearance from other demi-humans, it sounds like there must have been a history of various hardships and difficult times.”
“That actually happened too. Especially–with humans who were sensitive to such differences.”
While Kurtz was speaking about dragonkin history, a familiar figure approached.
A person with a large body and dragon head, clad in dark brown dragon scales.
“Hello Falsen, it seems the living environment is being arranged smoothly.”
“…Yes. Thanks to the materials provided, we were able to arrange things faster than planned.”
“That’s good. I thought that having housing and food would at least ease immediate anxieties, so it was worth prioritizing those.”
“…I’m truly grateful to Kurtz-dono. Please allow me to express my thanks once more.”
“Thanks aren’t necessary, and you don’t need to feel burdened about this assistance. Lord Trakia probably emphasized the acceptance and aid of refugees in the council meetings, considering future appearances, but… as compensation for the aid, you’ll be paying us with [labor force].”
This assistance wasn’t aimed at charity or humanitarian acts.
It was a [transaction] to secure the refugees of Vechta Village as temporary labor force in return for aid, in order to quickly escape the situation of having no citizens and no territorial income.
The territory of Felmund, and its mining business plan in the volcanic region.
In the current situation, the highest priority matter was [money].
Not temporary large sums like those from the dragon racing arena, but securing [money] that could be obtained continuously, which was essential for ongoing territorial management.
[Money] is an all-purpose tool that solves many things.
With money, personnel can be hired, business can be started through employment, money can be earned from business, and then employment and new business can be created again.
Using the [money] generated this way, most problems can be resolved.
However, depending on financing from Edel or the Mercator Trading Company would carry the risk of plans being unexpectedly derailed due to others’ circumstances, so Kurtz chose to manage the territory themselves.
“I’m merely using you from an advantageous position. So gratitude is unnecessary.”
“–Even so, I want to thank you.”
Raising his dragon head and gazing at the refugees visible behind him, he continued his words.
“Thanks to your proposal, the people of our village were saved. Instead of losing their homes, losing their destination, and facing an uncertain future, you gave them a future they could feel at ease about. That fact doesn’t change.”
“Even though you were brought to a land connected to Eisenhud?”
“…I heard detailed stories from those who know that name. During the situation called [Race Hunting] that occurred in the past, they betrayed the demi-humans, and the head who made that decision is called a [great sinner].”
Though not as long-lived as elves, the average lifespan of dragonkin exceeds one hundred years. While there were no survivors from that time, there must have been those who had passed down the past events to relatives and kin.
“However, there’s no connection between this matter and the story of Eisenhud. Even if you were relatives or associates, I simply believe in the good deeds of those I’ve seen with my own eyes.”
“Even if it were false goodness or deception?”
“Even if it were fabricated false good deeds, if it’s good for us, it’s the same thing.”
“I see. If that convinces you, then I’m grateful.”
While responding, Kurtz extended his fist with a smile.
“Then please work for us, Falsen.”
“…That is?”
“Dragonkin have claws and webbing, so instead of handshakes, you bump fists, right?”
Falsen stared silently at Kurtz’s extended fist for a moment, then–
He raised the corners of his mouth widely, baring his fangs and showing his gums in a smile.
“That’s correct. Kurtz-dono is truly a knowledgeable child.”
“I am studying demi-human etiquette as a lord’s assistant, after all.”
“Well then… it will be a short period, but I’ll be in your care once again.”
Curving his back to meet Kurtz’s gaze, Falsen bumped fists.
Then, as if noticing something, Falsen covered his mouth with his large hand.
“…Sorry. I forgot that dragonkin males shouldn’t smile.”
“Haha, it’s certainly a smile that would confuse those not used to seeing it.”
The smile shown by male dragonkin is, in a word, [ferocious].
Not only do they have heads closely resembling dragons, but their oral cavities are lined with countless blade-like fangs.
Therefore, just opening their mouths has enough impact to instinctively inspire fear.
And because their appearance is so far removed from humans, male dragonkin are difficult to read.
For example, if a male dragonkin suddenly opened his mouth wide, there would be no problem if he laughed aloud, as it could be understood as [laughing].
However, in cases like [showing a smile], other Race can’t judge, and those unaccustomed to seeing it would typically be startled, have their expressions stiffen, or freeze in silence.
“I let my guard down a bit. Lucia-dono, I apologize to you as well.”
“Don’t worry about it at all. Besides, if you think about it as being relaxed enough to let your guard down, it’s not a bad thing. If you like it here, why don’t you just move to Felmund?”
“That’s–“
In place of Falsen, who bowed his head and fell silent, Kurtz nodded lightly and answered.
“They won’t migrate to Felmund, Lucia.”
“But the environment and such is similar to where they originally lived, right?”
“There are no problems regarding dragonkin racial traits or environment. But–the reason they continued living at Mount Fleet in the first place lies elsewhere.”
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Despite knowing the dangers, Falsen and his people continued to maintain their village at Mount Fleet.
And even after actually suffering damage and losing many lives, they still wished to remain.
“…That place is a sacred land for us people of Vechta Village.”
Raising his dragon head and gazing toward his distant homeland, Falsen spoke.
“Mount Fleet is known among dragonkin as the [Dragon King’s Graveyard].”
“…Dragon King’s Graveyard?”
“After our ancestor, the [Dragon King], mated with humans and created the Race called dragonkin, the [Dragon King] chose Mount Fleet as his final resting place and buried his bones there, according to legend.”
Among dragonkin, there exist numerous legends about the [Dragon King].
The story of being the ancestor of dragonkin is one of them, and the content about the [Dragon King’s Graveyard] that Falsen just spoke of was also one of many legends.
“The [Dragon King] is said to be an existence that ruled over dragons, who boasted mighty power even among magical beasts, and because we are a Race that carries the [Dragon King’s] blood, we can coexist with dragons without being attacked by them.”
“Um, so you’re saying the [Dragon King] actually exists?”
“Unknown. We don’t know the reason why dragons don’t attack us either. There are stories of people actually seeing him, but there’s not a shred of evidence. Even the newest legend about the [Dragon King] is from nearly a thousand years ago, and it’s only something as vague as [hearing a voice] when many dragons and dragonkin died at the hands of the Empire’s mages.”
“…Even so, you’re going back to that dangerous place again?”
“Yes. Because that’s the mission of our clan, given the role of grave guardians by the [Dragon King].”
In the legend of the [Dragon King’s Graveyard], the [Dragon King], on the verge of death, told a dragonkin he encountered, “Guard the land where the Dragon King sleeps,” and the dragonkin who received that command decided to live as a grave guardian.
The descendants of that dragonkin are the residents of Vechta Village, and that’s why they truly believe in the [Dragon King’s] existence and have inherited the mission through generations, protecting the land called Mount Fleet.
Yes–in his previous life, Falsen had told him this story.
“I understand that this is a ridiculous story to you. I also know that even our fellow kin mock it as a product of imagination. However, we people of Vechta Village have lived believing in this, and believing in the [Dragon King’s] existence is–“
“–our faith, and fulfilling that [dream] is also our clan’s wish.”
The moment Kurtz continued the words, Falsen bowed his head vigorously in surprise.
“I don’t intend to deny those feelings. I won’t mock your faith. I won’t deny the [Dragon King’s] existence either. There’s just one certain thing: you are proud people who have continued to uphold your mission and faith with unwavering will–and have protected the [Dragon King].”
After responding with a smile, he turned his back to Falsen.
“Also, what you’ve been protecting isn’t the [Dragon King’s Graveyard].”
“…What does that mean?”
“It means exactly what it sounds like. You’ll understand directly soon enough, so look forward to it.”
Feeling Falsen’s gaze on his back, Kurtz raised his hand lightly and said:
“–I’ll show you the moment when your [dream] becomes reality.”
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