It was the fourteenth day of the Month of Earth, the day Sieg and I were set to depart for Rigforresia on a four-day, three-night trip.
If I could have used teleportation magic, we would have been there in an instant. Unfortunately, I’d only acquired my teleportation magic tool after the Treasure Tree Festival, so I hadn't yet registered the destination. Since I couldn't use it for the journey there, we decided to rely on the Wyvern Service instead.
The tool I owned had been a gift from Kuro, which skewed my perspective, but teleportation tools were actually astronomically expensive. They required high-purity magic crystals and incredibly complex magic formulas, making them exceptionally rare. Even Lilia didn't own one personally.
Lilia had offered to pull some strings at the Royal Palace to arrange a teleportation circle for us, but Sieg had politely declined. She insisted that since this was a personal homecoming, she wanted to pay her own way.
"I wish we could have brought Bell and Rin along with us."
"Rin aside, Bell is much too large to ride the Wyvern Service. Besides, if we only took one of them, they’d probably just end up fighting. It can’t be helped."
Bell and Rin were staying behind at the mansion, where the servants had agreed to look after them. In the beginning, my relationship with the staff had been professional but distant. However, as time passed, we had grown closer. We talked often now, and they had been more than happy to take on the task. I was truly grateful for their help.
Exchanging idle chatter, Sieg and I made our way toward the dragon stables we had visited once before.
"Um, what is...?"
"I didn't think it would be this different..."
When we reached the vast ranch adjacent to the stables, Sieg and I stood frozen, staring blankly at the scene before us. My memory of the place was that of a simple, wide-open pasture, but the view had been transformed entirely.
A massive stable, several times larger than the previous one, now dominated the landscape. Dragons spanning dozens of meters were everywhere, and the sheer number of people was staggering.
I had assumed everything was settled after I received Rin, but I’d forgotten that the Wyvern Service had officially contracted with Magnawell to have his subordinates dispatched as mounts. Every single creature here was colossal.
"That’s... a High Ancient Dragon," Sieg whispered. "It’s my first time seeing one."
"The name alone sounds intimidating."
"It should possess power roughly equivalent to the Peerage-class."
"I see..."
Apparently, several of the highest-ranking dragon species—creatures that normally had no business being in the Human Realm—were stationed here. That explained the crowds. Every one of them looked incredibly fast and powerful.
"But with this many people, we’ll be waiting forever, won't we?"
"It looks that way. With the chance to ride a high-ranking dragon, the popularity must be through the roof. I wonder if we’ll even get out of here today..."
A line had formed at the stables that rivaled the most popular attractions at an amusement park. It didn't look like we were getting anywhere soon. Just as we were about to resign ourselves to the wait and join the back of the queue, a familiar voice called out.
"If it isn't Miyama-san! Welcome!"
"Oh, hello, Mary-san."
The woman who approached us was the driver I had negotiated with before, who also happened to be the CEO of the Wyvern Service. I’d learned her name was Mary when I took custody of Rin, and I had addressed her as such ever since.
"The place looks incredible," I remarked.
"It really is! This is all thanks to you and the Dragon King, Miyama-san. We’ve been flooded with reservations. In just a few days, our revenue has already surpassed what we used to make in a single month."
"That’s... well, that’s amazing."
"Yes, it’s what they call a 'delightful predicament.' So, Miyama-san, what brings you here today? Are you looking to use our services?"
"Yes, though it looks a bit difficult right now."
I chatted briefly with Mary, who was beaming with energy, and explained our situation. She nodded understandingly and gestured for us to follow her with a wave of her hand.
"Please, come this way. I’ll have things ready for you immediately."
"Eh? But I don't have a reservation..."
"A reservation isn't necessary. You are our most important client, Miyama-san. I’ll arrange the highest-grade flight for you at once."
Mary was going to give me priority over everyone else in line. While I knew this was because of my connection to Magnawell, I felt a pang of guilt. Still, Sieg was likely anxious to see her parents, so I decided to accept the offer. I looked over at Sieg, and she gave me a small nod, leaving the choice to me.
"In that case, would you mind?"
"Of course. Leave everything to me. This way, please."
Following Mary’s lead, Sieg and I bypassed the massive queue and headed toward the stables. Among the dragons gathered there, one particularly large, jet-black dragon slowly moved toward us and lowered its head.
"It has been some time, Miyama-dono."
"Um, I remember you... You were there when I met Magnawell-san."
"Indeed. I am Fafnir, a subordinate of Lord Magnawell. It is an honor to behold your presence once again."
"Er... hello."
The creature was a literal giant, easily exceeding a hundred meters in length. I found myself flustered by Fafnir’s overwhelming politeness. Sensing my hesitation, he opened his massive maw to speak.
"Lord Magnawell has issued strict orders to all dragonkind to treat Miyama-dono with the utmost reverence. He mentioned that he has incurred a great debt to you, and that your words are to be treated as equal to his own. If you have any requests, you need only speak them."
"I... I see. Thank you."
A debt? To me? I wondered if he was referring to the situation with Kuro. Regardless, it was a lot to take in—partially helpful, partially restless, and altogether confusing.
Preparations moved along at a brisk pace, and it was decided that Fafnir himself would carry us to Rigforresia. We boarded a passenger carriage that was far more luxurious than the ones I had seen before. Feeling out of place in such high-end surroundings, Sieg and I sat side-by-side in the spacious cabin.
Fafnir was apparently much faster than other dragons. Even with adjustments to ensure the carriage didn't sway, he would supposedly reach Rigforresia in less than thirty minutes.
"I’ve been reminded all over again of just how incredible you are, Kaito-san," Sieg said.
"No, really, I didn't expect any of this either..."
"It’s hard to settle down, isn't it?"
"Yeah. It really is."
Neither of us was used to this kind of VIP treatment, and the tension in the air was palpable. Sitting in silence for thirty minutes felt daunting, so I tried to catch Sieg’s eye to start a conversation. She must have been thinking the same thing, because she reached into her magic box with a slightly hurried motion.
"Kaito-san, would you like some tea?"
"Ah, thank you."
"Here."
"Thanks."
I took the cup she offered. Perhaps I was more nervous than I realized, because I drained the tea in a single go.
"Your tea is always delicious, Sieg-san."
"Is it? I’m glad to hear that."
"Is there some kind of secret to it?"
"Hmm, let’s see..."
Having a moment to breathe made the conversation flow more naturally. Sieg tapped a finger against her lips in a cute, thoughtful gesture, then glanced at me and winked.
"Perhaps it’s brewing it while thinking of the person I want to drink it?"
"Eh? Ah... um..."
The words caught in my throat. Her sudden, playful gesture made my heart skip a beat. I couldn't find a response.
Looking at her then, I was struck by how beautiful she was. Despite her cool, composed exterior, she was incredibly kind and bright. She was a truly charming woman.
Dear Mother, Father—
On the way to Rigforresia, I was overwhelmed by the unexpected VIP treatment, but the shock of it all vanished in an instant. Getting the chance to travel alone with a woman as charming as Sieg made me realize, even more than I had before, that this was a truly happy event.