The Black Dragon King (White Dragon)

The results of the special training were becoming glaringly obvious.

The Black Dragon King’s potbelly had receded just a fraction, and the stomach pains she’d mistaken for a curse had vanished entirely. However, her terror of Yuri had reached new heights.

She lay sprawled on the ground, gasping for air.

"If you keep this up for a few months, you'll probably manage to break that 'curse' for good."

"M-months? Of this...?"

"Don't worry. I'm involved now, so I'll see this through to the bitter end."

The Black Dragon King pulled herself up and looked at me with eyes that didn't seem to want to become a comrade 《seemed to want to become a comrade》.

In a game, this was likely the moment where the [Yes] [No] prompt would appear. Without a moment's hesitation, I mentally clicked [Yes].

"No! Not happening! I intend to fully enjoy my life of sloth!"

"Right, I get it. You say that, but you're actually itching for more training, aren't you?"

"N-no, you're wrong!"

"I have to report the quest, so just come along for now."

"That is why I said I will stay here... Hey, don't pull me!"

Perhaps the human form was less taxing while exhausted, as she had shifted into a girl's shape. I simply bound her in rope and lashed her to the carriage.

Then, the carriage set off.

"This is torture by any definition! Once this curse is broken, you'll regret this!"

"You don't have to hide your embarrassment, you know? I understand perfectly."

"You don't understand at all!"

As the Black Dragon King continued her noisy protests, we made our way back toward the Royal Capital.

Upon our return to the Imperial Capital, we were welcomed by the Emperor before we could even offer our report.

"You have done well to return. I have been waiting."

Presumably, since he had deployed his maximum force, he expected nothing less than results.

"About the Black Dragon King request—we've successfully completed the subjugation."

"Ah, yes, I've already confirmed it. That was undoubtedly the Black Dragon King."

I hadn't even produced proof of the kill yet, and the Emperor already knew. Did he have some kind of ability to track quest results from afar?

"If you already know, then this will be quick. About that Black Dragon King..."

As if prearranged, First and I both presented what we believed to be the target.

"There were a few things that looked the part, so I just killed them all," I said.

"I-I am telling you that I am the White Dragon God!" she cried out.

"I've got this," First added.

First placed a massive Magic Stone on the table. The Emperor’s eyes widened at the sight of them.

"Wa-wait a moment! White Dragon God? And what is this gargantuan Magic Stone?!"

The Emperor’s face was a mask of pure confusion.

"Is something wrong? It’s the Black Dragon King."

"No, no! The Black Dragon King was already brought back earlier by that Meat!"

Ram?

Come to think of it, she was eating something on the way back. Don't tell me... Was the thing Ram ate the actual Black Dragon King?

No, that couldn't be right. If it was an opponent Ram could finish off that easily, it must have been a fake.

"So, has it already been digested, then?"

"She left just enough of the shape behind for me to recognize it as the Black Dragon King," the Emperor replied.

"...Was it really the Black Dragon King?"

"There is no mistake. I confirmed it clearly with my own eyes."

If he had personally verified it, then it was a fact. In that case, what on earth was this dragon we had in tow?

"Who are you, then?" I asked.

"That is why I have been saying I am the White Dragon God all along!"

"Ah, the pet, Shiro."

"I am not a pet!"

"But you looked like you wanted to become my comrade, right?"

"...Fine, whatever. Do as you wish."

The White Dragon God finally buckled and gave up.

"In that case," I mused, "whose Magic Stone did I bring back?"

"That's why I told you a Lich couldn't be a dragon, didn't I?" Fritz said with an exasperated look.

A Lich in this region usually meant a former Demon Lord, but that wasn't something you just stumbled across and killed easily. It probably wasn't a boss-class entity, but rather some nameless, slightly overpowered mid-boss.

"A-anyway, you have done well. With this, your name will spread throughout the Empire. This should more than suffice to establish you as Luna's fiancé."

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction.

"Now, regarding the reward. Is there anything you desire? If it is within my power, I shall grant it."

"Then I'd ask for your support. Be our backup if we ever find ourselves in a bind."

Securing the aid of the Empire alongside the Beast Kingdom would make us a formidable force. Furthermore, I'd even managed to recruit First, the ultimate enemy character.

For some reason, I was also being railroaded into an engagement with Luna, but I told myself that was likely a temporary lapse in the Emperor's judgment. Regardless, I was satisfied. We had achieved more than enough in the Empire.