"..."
"..."
The residents of Akinashi, the Three Great Powers, and even Kai's subordinates like Nemea and the others merely stared blankly at the gruesome massacre projected in the sky above.
"Was that three-headed dragon stronger than Deboa?"
With a colossal body several times larger than Deboa's and the sinister ability to spawn new dragons from its own flesh and blood...
Common sense dictated that it was on a completely different level from the Deboa that Felice-onesama and the others had defeated. Rose knew that was the only logical conclusion.
Yet, despite that, the battle between Kai and that titanic dragon had ended far too quickly. No, calling it a battle was wrong—it was akin to a giant trampling an ant underfoot. Even to an amateur's eyes, it was abundantly clear that an insurmountable gulf lay between Kai and that dragon.
"Indeed. And not merely the main body. Every single one of those countless lizard clones was an overwhelming powerhouse, so vastly superior that Deboa cannot even serve as a point of comparison."
In response to Rose's question, which had not been directed at anyone in particular, Asta—the only one present displaying his usual lazy demeanor—answered immediately.
"Every single one of those dragons just now was stronger than Deboa...?"
She felt her cheek twitch. Deboa had been a legendary evil dragon capable of single-handedly bringing ruin to a kingdom. If that was the case, did that mean Kai had slaughtered hundreds—no, well over a thousand—of such dragons in a single blow? That had already far surpassed the realm achievable by humanity.
"Rose, just what in the world is that fellow?"
"I... no longer know either."
This entire incident had driven the truth deep into her soul. Rose had thought she understood the human being known as Kai Heinemann, but in reality, all she had ever seen was a razor-thin veneer on the surface.
"For mere lesser beings such as mankind to presume they could comprehend my Master is, in itself, nothing short of hubris."
Asta pointed a thumb toward Zack and Nemea's group, who were still staring intently at Kai's battle, and declared it unequivocally.
Not only Zack, but even Nemea and Nine-Tails—who usually showed a certain degree of understanding regarding Kai's actions—were drenched in waterfalls of sweat, their faces completely blank like dolls as they fixated on that utterly nonsensical spectacle.
Only the wolf pup Fen-chan, cradled in Nine-Tails' arms, watched Kai's one-sided game with sparkling eyes.
"Regardless of your own wills, from this moment on, this world shall turn around my Master as its axis. And—"
For a moment, Asta hesitated, but then...
"It appears to be finished. I shall move on to prepare the next arrangements as instructed."
Confirming that the three-headed dragon had been completely annihilated, he turned his back on Rose and vanished without a trace.
"Felice-onesama, I would like to speak with you about what comes next."
"Mm. Though 'tis the plan devised by that demon, is it not? Truth be told, it sends nothing but shivers down my spine."
Her words surely came straight from the heart. Felice-onesama wrapped her arms around herself, murmuring softly as she looked up at the image in the sky showing Kai sheathing his sword.
"I, too, finally understand the meaning behind Lord Zack and the others' words."
Lord Oliver joined Rose's conversation with a strangely refreshed expression, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. The residents were also watching Rose and the others from a distance, their faces a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. This situation might actually prove quite advantageous.
"Lord Oliver, once again, in the name of Rosemary Loto Amelia, I formally request your cooperation with my domain, Eastend."
Rose stood straight and placed her left hand on her hip, following royal etiquette as she made her request for support.
Lord Oliver dropped to one knee.
"We, the House of Akinashi, hereby swear our allegiance to Your Highness Rosemary."
He made the declaration with solemn grandeur.
This was merely a formality. Even if the House of Akinashi swore loyalty, it did not mean Rose could govern this land directly. It was purely an expression of support for her bid in the upcoming royal selection.
Even so, for Rose, it was her very first instance of backing from a lord. It was a massive first step toward achieving her goal.
Amidst the deafening cheers erupting from the people of the Akinashi Domain, Rose clenched her right hand tightly, savoring the afterglow of a fleeting victory.