After spending the fourth day of the Six Kings Festival with Fia-sensei and Noin-san, I dropped Bell and Rin off at Lilia-san’s mansion. By then, the sky had turned completely dark.
The city was still ablaze with lights, however, as the festival was in full swing. I picked up some fruit from a stall along the way and made my way to where Lilia-san and the others were staying. I was there to check on Sieg-san, who had fainted following the whole Rainbow Dragon incident.
A quick check via Hummingbird earlier had confirmed she was awake and had apparently recovered from the "one-billion-yen shock" of her sudden windfall.
Soon, I arrived at their lodgings. The building was massive, though it wasn't quite as absurd as my own quarters; honestly, I was a little envious. I loved the Central Tower Kuro and the others had arranged for me, but it was so vast I doubted I’d even see half of it before the festival ended.
"Now, remember, it’s a promise. You mustn't produce those gems without my permission, and you absolutely must not give them to strangers."
"..."
Led by a servant, I reached a parlor where I found Sieg-san speaking with a dead-serious expression while the Rainbow Dragon nodded silently.
"Pay close attention to that woman over there—Lunamaria. Memorize her face. Whatever you do, do not listen to a word she says. Even if she brings you food, refuse it. She might even claim I sent her with a message, but you must never trust her. Treat her as a complete stranger."
"..."
While Sieg-san repeatedly used words like "absolutely" and "never," Luna-san watched from a short distance behind her with a dumbfounded expression.
I approached Lilia-san, who was wearing a wry smile next to Luna-san, and heard them whispering.
"Such profound trust from my dear friend... I, the humble Lunamaria, cannot hold back my tears."
"Honestly, I think Sieg’s precautions are entirely justified," Lilia-san remarked.
"Milady!?"
"I think so too," I added, joining the conversation.
"Even Miyama-sama!? Is that not far too rude? This is practically character assassination! I am deeply, deeply wounded."
With an exaggerated flourish, Luna-san produced a handkerchief from nowhere, pressed it to her mouth, and pretended to sob. I remained unimpressed.
"But honestly, if Sieg-san hadn't warned the dragon, you would’ve tried something, wouldn't you?"
"Well... it would be difficult to deny."
She'd do it. That was the face of someone who would have definitely tried to pull a fast one if she hadn't been called out first. As expected of Luna-san, she was nothing if not consistent. Being her best friend, Sieg-san clearly knew her personality inside and out.
I thought the lecture was over, but Sieg-san then glanced toward Lilia-san and addressed the dragon again.
"Also, that woman over there, Lili... Duchess Lilia Albert, is the Head of the House where we live. Since we’ll be under her care, you should generally follow her instructions."
"Oh, Lilia-san got a passing grade."
"Well, unlike Luna, I’m not looking to turn a profit here."
Sieg-san told the dragon to obey Lilia-san, though she did include the caveat "generally." She likely meant for everything except the gems. To be fair, Lilia-san would probably be more stressed than happy if she were suddenly handed a gem worth nearly a billion yen; she might even faint again.
"However, if she says she wants your scales or asks to cut your mane, refuse her. And if it looks like she’s trying to smuggle you into her room, run away immediately."
"Wait, what? Sieg, what are you telling it?"
"Lili has a bit of a history. She once tried to kidnap Rin-chan into her room and got bitten for her trouble. You must be on your guard."
I stopped in my tracks. Had I heard that correctly? She tried to kidnap Rin to her room and got bitten? Lilia-san did that?
"Lilia-san... as Rin’s owner, we need to have a little chat later."
"I-I'm sorry! It was just that one time... a momentary lapse in judgment..."
"We’ll talk later."
"...Yes, sir."
Regardless of Lilia-san's intentions, the fact that Rin bit her meant the dragon had been distressed. I’d have to give her a proper warning. She seemed to be reflecting on it, though, so I probably didn't need to be too harsh.
Finally, Sieg-san glanced toward me and spoke to the Rainbow Dragon once more.
"And that man over there... regarding Miyama Kaito-san, you are to obey him faithfully. He is someone very precious to me. If Kaito-san says he wants a gem, you are to give him one."
"..."
"As expected, Kaito-san gets the highest marks," Luna-san teased. "Honestly, 'He is my very precious person'... that sounded like nothing but bragging about her love life to me."
Dear Mother, Father—Just as Luna-san said, hearing Sieg-san call me her "very precious person" with such conviction made me so happy... and somehow, it was a very ticklish feeling.
Serious-senpai Y Equipment: "I won't let the wyvern's noble sacrifice be in vain! Witness my new power! Charge! Serious Soul... Burst!"
???: "Munch munch... New power?"
Serious-senpai Y Equipment: "Is this the time to be eating!? Behold! Charge! Serious Soul... Burst!"
???: "W-What!? Serious-senpai is glowing..."
Serious-senpai SB Mode: "This is the new power that surpasses even the Ultimate... Burst Mode! ...Wait, huh? SB? Maybe Super Burst?"
[Serious-senpai SB (Serious Break) Mode]
Serious-senpai SB Mode: "Wait a minute! This is no good! If I, the Incarnation of Seriousness, 'break'..."
???: "What? It's just the usual Serious-senpai."
Serious-senpai SB Mode: "Shut up!"
???: "Anyway, the wyvern elements... have disappeared, haven't they?"
Serious-senpai SB Mode: "...Ah."