I apologize for the delay.
Gurubel and I were set to attend the wedding and reception for Gienel and Dandaji.
……
I was familiar with the concepts of weddings and receptions, at least in theory. However, they were not part of our usual customs, so I hadn't the slightest idea of what to do or how to behave.
Did we need to prepare anything? No. We were traveling, but we would be moving as a group, so everything would be fine? That was a relief. Having my younger sister, her husband, and our circle of married friends with us was a great comfort. I decided to simply do as I was told. I’m counting on you, human child.
In the Royal Capital of the Demon Kingdom, I was reunited with a face I hadn’t seen in ages. How many years had it been? It was my sister’s daughter, Ojes. My sister had mentioned that the girl was prone to the same kind of antics I enjoyed in my youth. I told her not to trouble her mother too much. I understood her restlessness, of course.
"So, what are you doing here in the Demon Kingdom? It’s not for a mission, is it?" "I’m working to earn living expenses." …… "I can spare you a little coin if you need it." "No, I’m fine." "Well, don't push yourself. If you’re in trouble, make sure you say so. I’ll keep this a secret from your mother."
I also greeted Ojes’s friends. It had been quite a while for them as well. "I’m counting on you all to look after Ojes." It seemed they weren't particularly hurting for money either. That was good to hear.
However... Why were Ojes and her friends treating the human child, the Angel race girl, and the Vampire boy who were guiding us with such excessive, almost groveling politeness? I understood they were acquaintances of Lady Hakuren and Lady Marksbergark, but if we acted too subserviently, the Post-Age of Gods Dragon Race would be looked down upon. They weren't children anymore; I felt they should start paying attention to the dignity of our station. No, I would save the lecturing for later. We were in the middle of a journey, after all.
Our destination was the Village of the Great Tree. I knew of the place. It was a village situated in the heart of the Forest of Death—a region dangerous even for the Post-Age of Gods Dragon Race—and it was the new residence of the Age of Gods Dragon Race. I had read about it on the circulation board. Yes, the circulation board. It was the primary way we Post-Age of Gods Dragons shared information. It only made its rounds once every few years, but without it, we would be completely cut off, so it was a vital resource.
The board specifically warned everyone not to unnecessarily approach the Village of the Great Tree. Yet, despite that, Dandaji was actually going to hold her wedding and reception there? Apparently so. It was impressive. Truly, "impressive" was the only word for it.
For the time being, I decided to keep a low profile. Ojes and the others were also here... working as backstage staff? Working is a virtue, but would they really be alright? If they did anything out of line, I was certain they would be scolded. "I see, I see. Just listen closely to what the villagers tell you." I still had more to say, but she hurried off before I could finish. I couldn't help but worry.
I wanted to avoid standing out, but there were formalities to observe. First and foremost was the greeting to the Village Head. His race appeared to be human, but... We Post-Age of Gods Dragons are not fools. The head of a village in the middle of the Forest of Death could not possibly be a mere human. I knew that much.
Therefore, Giral-sama. There was no need for you to keep such a close watch over us. It was true that I caused my fair share of trouble in my younger days, but still... "And who might this lady be?" "Eh? Giral-sama's wife?" "I—it is an honor to meet you! I am Otat of the Flame Dragon Race, currently serving in Lady Marksbergark's Territory." "No, in the past, I was merely indebted to Giral-sama when he bestowed upon me the title of Demon Black Dragon. Yes, over there... the second from the right is my husband, Gurubel. We look forward to your acquaintance! Ahaha."
Wait, I should maintain that same tone when I greet the Village Head? I—I understand.
I finished my introductions with the Village Head, but Giral-sama and Lady Guronde did not release us from their sight. "It’s not that I doubt you, but those who come to this village for the first time are prone to causing trouble." It was indeed our first visit, but... I had no intention of causing an incident in a place that housed the Vampire Progenitor, members of the Primal Devil Race, and literal packs of Inferno Wolves.
The only saving grace was that my younger sister and friends were with me. I wasn't lonely. Ah, since Lady Marksbergark was present, it would be a grave insult if I didn't pay my respects. "He is here as well. Fine, I’ll go fetch him." "Eh? No, please, we should go to him." "If you move, it’ll cause chaos. Wait here. Guronde, I’m counting on you."
So Giral-sama’s wife, Lady Guronde, was to be our warden. I see. Well, I had no intention of defying her. I would wait quietly. The Orthros pup at Lady Guronde's feet was also faithfully watching us, ensuring we didn't wander off. Fufufu. What a charming little creature. It was quite soothing.
While I was paying my respects to Lady Marksbergark, whom Giral-sama had brought over, the human child arrived. He seemed to be quite busy managing various aspects of Gienel and Dandaji's wedding. I wanted to thank him for his hard work, but... I noticed that both Giral-sama and Lady Marksbergark were acting strangely polite toward him, much like Ojes had been. Just what kind of position did this human child hold? He wasn't just a simple acquaintance. Even I could tell that much. I could tell, but was it a secret I really wanted to uncover? Would I regret hearing the truth? I had a sinking feeling about it. "Giral-sama, there’s no need to explain. Really, it’s fine."
He forced the explanation on me anyway. That human child was the son of the Village Head. I see. He was certainly no ordinary boy. So that was why Ojes had been so deferential. If only she had told me... wait? "Hakuren-sama isn't married, is she? Did she give up on finding a partner and decide to adopt?" "Your information is woefully outdated. The Village Head is Hakuren's husband." …… "Hah? That Village Head?" I—I mean, I knew he had to be special, but... "Apparently, he won a match Hakuren challenged him to and made her his wife." "A match Hakuren-sama challenged him to? Um, like some kind of game or sport?" "A fight, obviously. He threw a spear at her while she was in flight and brought her down."
Brought her down? In other words, he fought Hakuren-sama in her true dragon form? And he won? That’s impossible! This is Lady Hakuren we’re talking about! "I understand your shock. But the Village Head's power is the real deal. Even my niece Graffaloon said she nearly lost her life to him." …… "Furthermore, Hakuren has already given birth. There are three children: Hiichiro, Hikaru, and Himiko. Raimeiren dotes on them incessantly, so make sure you don't do anything foolish around them." "O—of course..." "By the way, Graffaloon's daughter, Lastismoon, is also married to the Village Head. She has two children of her own: Lananon and Kukulkan." "Ah, yes, they greeted me earlier. Such bright, intelligent-looking children." "Indeed. My daughter Gral has her sights set on Hiichiro. Marksbergark's daughter, Helzernark, is aiming for Hikaru. If you get in their way, they’ll hold a grudge for a thousand years, so be careful."
Um... "Does this mean the Village Head has been completely taken in by the Age of Gods Dragon Race?" "It’s the exact opposite. We’re the ones being taken in by him." …… "And the Village Head has many other children with his other wives. The children of the Vampires and the Angel Race are his as well. Their power is still developing, but they are not to be underestimated. Most importantly, if you lay a single finger on any of those children, the Village Head will be furious. You understand the implications, don't you?"
Ah—... I understood. I would absolutely, positively behave myself.
"Well, you probably won't fully grasp it just by hearing it, but don't worry. You’ll understand eventually." "No, I’m telling you, I understand perfectly!" "Hahaha. No, you don't. The proof is that even though I told you Hakuren lost to him, you’re still sitting there thinking you might stand a chance if you fought him yourself, aren't you?" "Eh? Ah, w—well..." "I don't blame you. Even if you’re on guard, he only looks like an ordinary human. His personality is gentle, too—so long as you don't mess with his fields." "……I will be extremely careful." "Good. As I said, you’ll see for yourself soon enough." I certainly hoped so...
The wedding ceremony for Gienel and Dandaji commenced. The Village Head sat in the place of highest honor. Considering his position, I supposed that was only natural. ...Was it, though? He was seated even more prominently than the Dragon King, Lord Dos. Ah, no. There I went again, underestimating the Village Head. I had to stay focused.
While I was wrestling with those thoughts and watching the ceremony, the gathered members of the Age of Gods Dragon Race let out a thunderous, synchronized roar, and the Voice of God echoed through the air. It was terrifying. My body wouldn't move an inch. However, there was no malice in it. It was a profoundly sacred, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And then I saw it. Even while the Voice of God was reverberating through our souls, the Village Head remained perfectly composed. He even had the presence of mind to move about. I see. I see now.
Before I knew it, we had moved on to the wedding reception. It seemed I had simply stopped thinking at some point.
Ah, the food is incredible. The sake is exquisite, too. I wondered if they would let me take some home as a gift. The cake... mmm, so sweet.
Wait, the Six Dragon Kingdom changed its name to the Six Dragon God Kingdom? I don't mind. Not at all. The appearance of the Goddess whose voice we heard? Ah, I imagine she had that kind of aura. Probably. It’s just a guess, mind you.
Ah, and could you excuse me for a moment? Yes. The children are Urza and Tiselle. No, wait. The human children are Urza and Alfred, and the Angel Race girl is Tiselle. Urza-sama, Tiselle-sama, and Alfred-sama. I shall engrave those names into my memory.
"I am Otat. A master of surprise tactics and disguise. Without a genius strategist like me, one could never lead the battle-hardened Post-Age of Gods Dragon Race!" "I am Owamea, better known as 'Face Girl.' One look at my stunning features and men are at my mercy. I can bluff my way into securing anything from fine linens to ancient superweapons!" "Yo, sorry to keep you waiting! I am Hyfryniars, the 'Crazy Snake.' My piloting skills are second to none! Eccentric? Mad? So what? I’ll fly anything!" "Lactoroy, here. They call me 'Macho.' I’m a genius of verbal abuse—I’ll even give the Age of Gods Dragons a piece of my mind! But please, don't tell my husband I said that."
I wondered if an introduction like that—modeled after a certain famous overseas action drama—might have been more fitting.
"Actually, I’m not the leader." "There’s no way I’d try to seduce anyone other than my husband." "Why would a dragon ever need a vehicle?" "Hurling insults at the Age of Gods Dragon Race? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Yes, I realized it was entirely impossible.
Note: These specific self-introductions are unrelated to the main story.