After Kuro hauled Alice and Megiddo-san away, I returned to the matter at hand with Magnawell-san.
Isis-san, being the kind soul she is, had offered to help Lilliwood-san with the repairs, and the two of them had headed off toward the broken earth and shattered peaks. For some reason, Lilliwood-san had been practically pleading, "I appreciate the sentiment, truly! But please, I beg of you, stay back!"
I didn't know why. Or rather, I chose to pretend I didn't... Ah, there goes another mountain.
『...I see. I understand the situation.』
"What do you think?" I asked, returning my gaze to the presence beneath me.
Currently, I was holding this conversation while standing directly on Magnawell-san’s face. Considering his scale, I was little more than a grain of rice to him. The sheer difference in size meant we couldn't converse unless he lowered his head right down to the ground, and since he was worried that a single stray step might send me tumbling again, he had allowed me to perch on his face while we talked.
Even then, his face alone was as massive as a mountain. It felt like standing in the middle of a vast stadium with a voice echoing up from the very foundations of the earth.
『First, though you were unaware of the meaning at the time, the fact remains that you allowed her to bite your neck twice. That White Dragon undoubtedly recognizes you as her mate. Should you try to force her away, she will only run wild. Being but a child, she lacks the discernment to understand otherwise.』
"...I see. What do you think I should do?"
『The best course would be for you to take responsibility and look after her yourself... However, to do so, you must first determine your own future, must you not?』
"Ah, about that... I've already made up my mind."
『...Hmph, then it is well. I shall not ask for your answer here. If your decision is one you can bear with pride, then walk that path with confidence.』
Magnawell-san’s question hit the heart of the matter—the choice of whether I would return to my original world or stay in this one once my year was up.
I had hesitated quite a bit when Isis-san first confessed her feelings to me, but I had finally settled the matter in my heart. As of now, the only one who knew my choice was Shiro-san; I had consulted her on the matter, and she had promised to help me.
『Then we shall proceed with the assumption that you will take the Baby Dragon in. Since you have come to me, I presume you have some plan in mind?』
"...Yes. I heard this back in the Arclesia Empire, but you bestow monsters upon them every year, don't you, Magnawell-san?"
『Umu. I see... You wish for me to grant you one of the Dragon Species in their stead?』
"Yes. And I’ll pay for it, of course. If that isn't possible, then if you could tell me who usually receives them, I thought I could try negotiating with them directly."
The reason I had come to Magnawell-san wasn't just for general advice; it was because I remembered something Alice had mentioned at the Monster Race Track. I had considered simply trying to buy a dragon at a race track, but I didn't know enough about the different species to tell which would be a suitable replacement, and there would likely be other buyers to compete with.
However, since keeping monsters as pets seemed common in this world, I figured there might be other ways to acquire one besides the tracks. As the Dragon King, Magnawell-san was the best person to consult.
『I would like to say I do not mind... but I must admit that it is difficult under the current circumstances.』
"...How so?"
『I do not bestow monsters upon humankind on a mere whim. Compared to ordinary animals, monsters possess great individual power. If their numbers increase unchecked, they can disrupt the entire ecosystem. My distributions serve as a means of adjustment. I have no desire to see the weak slaughtered needlessly... While species with low intelligence cannot be helped, I bestow those capable of being tamed only after applying Subordination Magic. In truth, it matters little to me whether I grant a beast to you or to some other human.』
"...I see. So what you're saying is that you don't have any such monsters available right now?"
『No, I have them, but... I have no Dragon Species that exceeds a White Dragon. White Dragons are high-ranking monsters. That Wyvern Service has managed to procure quite an exceptional creature.』
It seemed Magnawell-san managed the ecosystem of the Demon Realm by distributing species that had become overpopulated. However, a White Dragon was apparently a top-tier monster and quite rare. The driver had mentioned their rarity as well, so it seemed my request was a difficult one.
I had known from the start that this was a long shot. I figured I would just have to try consulting the manager of the Monster Race Track next.
『However, there is another way.』
"...Eh?"
『Peace has reigned for some time now, and many of my subordinates find themselves with far too much time on their hands. I shall dispatch some of them to that Wyvern Service. Not for free, of course; I shall collect a contract fee. However, I will sign the contract at a significant discount, provided they agree to hand the White Dragon over to you.』
"...Is that really okay?"
『Umu. I was actually growing concerned that my subordinates were becoming soft in their idleness. This works out perfectly for everyone.』
"Thank you so much!"
Magnawell-san was going to facilitate a contract to lease his subordinates to the Wyvern Service. I would need to work out the specifics with the company later, but at last, I could see a ray of hope.
"You've really saved me."
『Think nothing of it. To be courted by one of the Dragon Species... you truly are a fascinating human. All dragons are my kin. See that you cherish her.』
"I will."
I nodded firmly at his words, which he delivered in a calm, fatherly tone.
Right as I did, another mountain in the distance crumbled into dust. A moment later, a mountain that should have been gone suddenly reappeared.
『...Good grief. Are those two fixing the land or destroying it? ...Well, the one doing the breaking is undoubtedly Isis.』
"I feel like I can practically hear Lilliwood-san’s screams from here. I-I’m sure Isis-san doesn’t mean any harm, though..."
『She is first-class when it comes to destruction, but she has no talent for restoration. Still, at this rate, Lilliwood’s plight is far too pitiful... Miyama Kaito, I require your assistance.』
"Eh? Oh, sure."
I sympathized deeply with Lilliwood-san’s suffering, but I tilted my head, not quite understanding what he needed me to do. Magnawell-san slowly raised his head and projected his voice toward where the two were working.
『Isis... Miyama Kaito says he wishes to speak with you.』
"...I understand."
"That was fast!?"
The instant the words left Magnawell-san’s mouth, Isis-san appeared right in front of me. She was incredibly fast.
In any case, I understood his plan now. He wanted me to keep Isis-san occupied so that Lilliwood-san could actually finish the repairs.
"...Umm, oh, right! Isis-san, about that book you gave me the other day..."
"...Did you... read it? ...I'm so happy."
"Yes. I was actually hoping to hear your thoughts on it too."
"...Mhm!"
As Isis-san beamed with a joyful smile, I couldn't help but smile back. Glancing toward where the mountain had just been destroyed, I saw glowing letters floating in the air that read: "You've saved me." The sheer weight of Lilliwood-san’s struggle was palpable.
Well, I enjoyed talking to Isis-san, and if it helped Lilliwood-san out, it was a win-win situation.
『Finding it enjoyable to talk with Isis... I see... You truly are an irregular one.』
I thought I heard a gentle, whispering voice behind me.
Dear Mother, Father—When I consulted Magnawell-san about the Baby Dragon, he came up with a wonderful plan that truly saved me. But even so—I really do feel sorry for Lilliwood-san.
Isis: "...Lilliwood... I'll... help too." Lilliwood: "Ah!? Isis, if you channel such a ridiculous amount of Magic Power..." Isis: "...Oh? ...It broke... I'm sorry." Lilliwood: "I-It's quite alright, Isis. Your heart is in the right place, and I truly appreciate the gesture... R-Really, that’s more than enough..." Isis: "...Next time... I'll do it right." Lilliwood: "...(Someone help me.)"
A conversation like that was probably unfolding.