The first Special Individual Rainbow Dragon in history... I never dreamed such a creature would actually make an appearance. Fia-sensei’s revelation left us utterly speechless.
Amidst the silence, the Rainbow Dragon slowly approached Sieg-san after emerging from its shell. Coming to her senses at the sight, Sieg-san gently reached out her hand, and the dragon began to nuzzle against it affectionately.
“...He’s... so cute...”
It seemed the dragon’s sheer adorableness had overcome Sieg-san’s shock. A smile that looked as if every muscle in her face had melted with affection spread across her expression as she lifted the Rainbow Dragon into her arms. The creature offered no resistance, allowing itself to be held quietly.
“...It hasn’t made a single sound, has it?” I murmured.
“Rainbow Dragons are naturally very gentle. They rarely make a sound and won't become violent unless provoked. That's exactly why people are able to mine Rainbow Diamonds from them,” Fia-sensei explained.
Lilia-san and the others gradually began to recover from their astonishment as they listened.
“Sieg... don’t you think this little one might be hungry?” Lilia-san suggested.
“Ah, you’re right... Um, Fia-sensei, what do Rainbow Dragons eat?”
“They’re omnivores, so they’ll eat basically anything.”
Sieg-san nodded and pulled out some food she had likely prepared in advance. When she held it out, the Rainbow Dragon stretched its neck and began to nibble away.
“...He's adorable...”
The dragon’s appearance was clearly to her liking. Seeing Sieg-san so happy was a relief.
“Um, everyone... I think we should probably move elsewhere,” Noin-san spoke up, her voice tinged with a hint of panic.
When I looked around, I saw an incredible number of people gathered, staring at us with glittering, hungry eyes. A Special Individual Rainbow Dragon—the first in history—was a prize of immeasurable value. Naturally, there would be those looking to negotiate for it or demand it be handed over.
This was going to be a hassle. I wondered if we could escape. If it came down to it, I could always use a Teleportation Magic tool.
『Ho... This is the first time I, too, have seen a Special Individual Rainbow Dragon.』
Then, as if to crush the oppressive atmosphere, a heavy, dignified voice resonated through the air. The owner of that voice was, of course, the King of the Dragon Race—Magnawell-san.
『O girl who has become the master of a Rainbow Dragon... what is your name?』
“Eh? Ah... M-My name is Sieglinde!”
『Umu, I shall remember it. All Dragon Species are my kin... I pray for its healthy growth.』
“Y-Yes! I will raise it with great care!”
『Umu... There is surely no fool who would harass you by targeting the Rainbow Dragon for its rarity, or by demanding the gems it produces, and thus touch my Reverse Scale. Rest easy and raise it well.』
“Yes!”
I see. Magnawell-san was staking his claim as a deterrent. Since a Special Individual was so rare, people would surely target it. They might try to bribe her, or since Sieg-san was a commoner, they might try to use their authority to pressure her. I had intended to protect her with everything I had, but it seemed that wouldn't be necessary anymore.
To summarize Magnawell-san’s words: “I won’t forgive anyone who causes trouble for Sieglinde or tries to steal her dragon.”
『If I recall... you were Miyama Kaito’s lover, were you not?』
“Eh? Ah, yes. That is correct.”
『Very well. In that case, we Six Kings shall be your allies. If you ever find yourself in trouble, feel free to call upon us anytime.』
“Y-Yes!? I-I am honored!”
He even went as far as deterring any unwanted meddling toward Sieg-san herself. As expected of a capable king like Magnawell-san. As for my name being brought up as a matter of course... well, since it served to protect Sieg-san, I would just have to endure the embarrassment.
Just as I thought things had settled down, the Rainbow Dragon finished its meal and brushed its tail against Sieg-san’s palm.
“Hm? What is it—eh?”
As the tip of its tail traced a circle over Sieg-san’s hand, a pitch-black, breathtakingly beautiful gemstone appeared. Despite its dark color, it was transparent, with a rainbow-colored light shimmering within. It looked like a rainbow captured in the night sky. Even I, who knew nothing about gems, could tell it was incredibly valuable.
“...Are you... giving this to me?”
The Rainbow Dragon nodded silently.
“...I see. So that’s how Rainbow Diamonds are produced,” I remarked.
“No, no, that’s not it at all!” Fia-sensei interjected. “Normal Rainbow Dragons take a year to slowly grow a gem on their tails... they can't create one in an instant like that. Not only that, the rainbow hues in this one are far clearer than any normal Rainbow Diamond...”
“...Eh?”
“I expected it to have some kind of unique ability since it’s a Special Individual, but... this child might actually be able to ‘produce gems at will’...”
“””””Whaaaaat!?”””””
Hearing Fia-sensei’s mutter and seeing her terrified expression, we all screamed in unison once again.
Dear Mother, Father—Just as a Black Bear might lead its kin, or Bell might control black lightning, a Special Individual possesses powers that normal ones do not. And Sieg-san’s Rainbow Dragon was no exception—it possessed a truly astonishing ability.
Grandfather: All Dragon Species are my kin... Wyvern-senpai: Stands up abruptly Grandfather: However, Wyvern... you're the exception. Wyvern-senpai: ...