With the situation involving Zwei-san finally settled, we resumed our tour of the festival. I’d certainly been running into a lot of people today... from new faces like Falce-san and Zwei-san to old acquaintances.
"They say things happen in threes," I remarked. "I have a feeling we’re going to run into someone else soon."
"Hmm. Realistically speaking, the odds of bumping into an acquaintance in a venue this massive are quite slim," Fia-sensei replied.
"In that regard, well, I suppose we should just call it 'the Kaito special,'" Noin-san added.
"Kyui!"
"Oh, morning, Rin."
"Kyuku~"
As I chatted with Fia-sensei and Noin-san, Rin woke up from her nap. She peeked her head out from my collar and stretched, looking absolutely adorable.
I was walking along, stroking Rin's head, when a voice suddenly called out to me.
"Oh? If it isn't Miyama-dono. Good afternoon... It is an honor to run into you, even if only by chance."
"...Eh?"
Talk about an immediate flag. Seriously, why was I running into nothing but acquain—wait?
Startled by the strange coincidence, I turned toward the voice... only to find a man I didn't recognize standing there.
"...Uh, who might you be?"
He was a striking man, standing nearly two meters tall with lustrous black hair pulled back into a single ponytail. His skin was bronzed, and combined with his bulging muscles, he radiated an aura of immense strength.
Seriously, who was this? Don't tell me it was another person I’d never met before. Please, give me a break... I’d already had more than enough with Falce-san and Zwei-san...
As I timidly asked for his name, the man looked thoughtful for a moment before clapping his hands together.
"...Ah, that's right. I've never shown you this form before. I am Fafnir."
"What? Eeeeeeeh?! F-Fafnir-san?!"
Wait, this was Fafnir-san? The hundred-meter-long, gargantuan dragon?
"I have altered my appearance using Humanization Magic for the time being."
"I-I see..."
Humanization Magic... definitely a staple of the fantasy genre. Still, seeing it in person was staggering. I couldn't believe that massive dragon could change this much.
"Hey, it’s Fafnir! Long time no see~" Fia-sensei chirped.
"It has been quite a while, Fia-dono. I see Noin-dono is with you as well."
"Yes, it has been a long time, Fafnir-sama."
"Indeed. I am glad to see you are well, Noin-dono."
Fafnir-san offered a polite greeting that seemed completely at odds with his appearance as a burly, tanned giant. It felt a bit rude to think it, but the gap between his looks and his personality was massive.
Well, Fafnir-san had always been a very polite person...
"So, Fafnir, what brings you here?" Fia-sensei asked.
"Me? By Magnawell-sama's order, I am acting as a guide for the Six Kings Festival Special Edition Monster Race taking place further ahead."
"...A Special Edition Monster Race?"
"Yes. I believe you have seen the monster races of the Arclesia Empire before, Miyama-dono? The Special Edition Monster Race is an event that gathers only those monsters who have won in their respective divisions or recorded exceptional results throughout the year."
So, it was like a battle between champions? That sounded like it would be a hit. Actually... for some reason, I had a feeling someone I knew would be at that venue. Specifically, the Split Body of a certain person currently hiding her presence behind me...
"It promises to be a spectacular race. If you have the time, Miyama-dono, I highly recommend stopping by."
"Oh, sure. Thank you very much."
"Not at all. Now then, I have duties to attend to, so if you'll excuse me—oh?"
"Kyu?! Kyui!! Kyukyua!!"
"R-Rin?! What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?"
Just as Fafnir-san bowed and prepared to return to his post, Rin suddenly scrambled out of my clothes. She seemed to be shouting something at Fafnir-san. It didn't look like she was being aggressive; rather, it felt like she was asking him a question.
"Is that not the Lindwurm? Hmm... I see you have been following my words and eating food rich in magic power. Your magic power has grown significantly since we last met."
"Kyuku! Kyukyui! Kyurukyua!!"
"I understand your impatience, but... it is still not enough. Therefore, I cannot allow it yet."
"Kyu... ku~..."
"There is no need to be discouraged. Your magic power is developing much faster than I predicted. You must be eating truly wonderful things. At this rate, you should reach your target level in the not-so-distant future."
I couldn't understand Rin's words, so I didn't know exactly what she was saying to Fafnir-san, but I could feel her dejection through my Sympathy Magic. Rin bowed her head sadly, then flapped her wings and crawled back into my collar.
"...Um, Fafnir-san? Are you and Rin acquaintances?"
"Yes. During the few days between when I was dispatched to assist the Wyvern Service and when you took her in, Miyama-dono, I offered her a bit of advice as a fellow dragon."
"Advice? About what...?"
"Kyuku?! Kyu, kyukyui! Kyukui!!"
"Whoa! R-Rin?"
Concerned by her depressed state, I tried to ask for more details, but Rin immediately poked her head out in a panic and started shouting desperately.
Seeing this, Fafnir-san gave a warm, wry smile and bowed to me.
"Hahaha, my apologies, Miyama-dono. It seems the Lindwurm wants to keep it a secret."
"Is that so? Rin, is it a secret?"
"Kyui! Fuuuuu!"
"Alright, alright. I won't ask any more."
I was curious, but since Rin was so against it, I decided to let it go. Fafnir-san watched our interaction with gentle, kind eyes.
Dear Mother, Father—it seems there’s a reason Rin is always clamoring for the Fruit of the World Tree beyond just them being her favorite food. I have a rough idea of what she’s aiming for, but for now, I’ll wait for Rin to tell me herself.
Serious-senpai zero: "...I already know... that's definitely something sweet..."