Our conversation proved even more engaging than I’d expected. By the time we finally left the cafe, quite a bit of time had slipped away. As we strolled along, continuing our casual chat, Flare-san spoke up as if struck by a sudden thought.
"My Comrade... if it isn't too much trouble, there is something I would like to ask of you."
"A favor? Of course. If it's within my power, I'd be happy to help."
"If possible, I would like you to introduce me to Duchess Lilia Albert. Do you think that could be arranged?"
"Lilia-san?"
Her request took me by surprise, and I couldn't help but tilt my head. Flare-san must have read the confusion on my face, for she immediately offered an explanation.
"As you likely know, the Wyvern Service managed by Representative Mary currently uses subordinates dispatched from Magnawell-sama’s faction. As it happens, the members of my own unit, the Crimson Fang, are scheduled to begin their deployment today. If possible, I wished to offer a formal greeting."
"I see... I'm sorry, I'm still learning the ropes. What exactly is the Crimson Fang?"
"Under Magnawell-sama’s command, there are four divisions led by the Four Great Magic Dragons. There is the Wings of the Black Wind led by Fafnir, our faction head; the Scales of the Blue Sea led by the water dragon Eingana; the Tail of the Earth led by the ground dragon Grandireas; and finally, the Crimson Fang, which I personally command."
"I understand."
"We rotate through these four divisions for our commitments to the Wyvern Service. My presence in the royal capital today was primarily to see my subordinates off."
That made perfect sense to me. Flare-san seemed like the type who took great care of those under her, so the idea of her coming personally to see them off felt very much in character.
"Strictly speaking, Fafnir handled the formal introductions during the contract phase, so there is no absolute requirement for me to go. However, as my own subordinates will be in her care, I believe it is only proper to pay my respects. I met with Representative Mary a few days ago, but... I was hesitant regarding the owner, Duchess Lilia Albert, as she is in a somewhat unique position."
"What makes her position unique?" I asked. I recalled hearing somewhere that Lilia-san was indeed the owner of Mary-san’s business.
"Owners vary. Some merely lease the land; others invest heavily and take an active hand in management. As an outsider, it is difficult to discern exactly how involved the Duchess is with the day-to-day operations."
"I see, I see."
"A Duchess is a busy woman. Following standard protocols to request an audience would likely consume a great deal of her time. I was torn between visiting in person or merely sending a formal letter. However, I heard that you and the Duchess are close, my Comrade. I thought that if you could bridge the gap for us, it might save everyone a great deal of trouble."
"I see..."
Flare-san was incredibly dutiful. Though we hadn't known each other long, I felt like I was starting to get a good grasp of her character.
"Of course, I realize this is a presumptuous request. If you'd rather not, I completely understand."
"It’s no problem at all. Why don't we head to my place first? I’m sure Lilia-san will make time for you immediately, but I’ll go and check with her just in case."
"Ah, you have my gratitude."
I hadn't heard anything about Lilia-san having plans today, so she was likely at the mansion. Given her personality, I was certain she’d agree as soon as she heard the circumstances. Still, just to be safe, I decided to have Flare-san wait at my home first. That way, even if Lilia-san happened to be busy, I could still play host to Flare-san there.
I showed Flare-san to my guest room and then crossed the connecting corridor to Lilia-san’s mansion. A maid I passed along the way told me Lilia-san was in her office, likely caught up in paperwork or correspondence. When I knocked, she welcomed me in with a warm smile.
"Sorry for the interruption, Lilia-san."
"Not at all. Did you have some business with me?"
"Actually, there's someone who’d like to offer their greetings..."
My explanation died in my throat as Lilia-san’s face suddenly went stone-cold. With a practiced, fluid motion, she produced a small vial and downed its contents.
"Milady? Taking stomach medicine preemptively won't actually prevent the pain, you know," Luna-san commented from the side.
"I know that! But my stomach already hurts! It's that pattern again, isn't it? You’ve gone and befriended another world-class power or some unbelievable VIP! I’ve been through this enough times to know! How many times do you think I've dealt with this!?"
"Er..."
I had to admit, her intuition was spot on. I truly was sorry for putting her through the wringer so often.
"...Very well, Kaito-san. Who is it this time?"
"Right. Um... it's Flare-san... I mean, Flarebell Needsveld-san."
"..."
Lilia-san froze as if time had stopped. Usually, she'd just faint, but the atmosphere this time was different.
"...Needsveld-sama? You mean the Flarebell Needsveld-sama? One of the Four Great Magic Dragons, the Heavenly Dragon of Extinguishing Flames?"
"Y-Yes."
"The legendary winged dragon who became the very first special individual of the wyvern species—the one who served as the namesake for the Nidhogg!? The one with crimson scales like a raging fire? The unit commander of the Crimson Fang, whose subordinates are so devoted they all bear her three-clawed emblem? That Needsveld-sama!?"
"Er, I don't know the history quite that well, but... yeah, that sounds like her."
As soon as I nodded, Lilia-san began to tremble. She lunged forward and grabbed my hands in hers.
"Kaito-san! Thank you so much!!"
"Wait, what?"
"I’ll meet her! Of course! Immediately! Wait... no, give me a moment. Just a moment! I have to go and fix my appearance!!"
She practically shouted the words before bolting out of the office at top speed. I stood there, stunned, watching her disappear.
"...Um, Luna-san? What was that all about?"
"Ah, you see, Milady is a massive fan of Needsveld-sama. To her, she’s practically an idolized hero. See that pen on the desk? That’s a limited-edition Heavenly Dragon model produced by a merchant guild. It’s her favorite."
So Lilia-san really did love dragons. I was relieved to see she was happy rather than stressed for once. Looking at the desk, I spotted the pen—it indeed bore a familiar red claw mark. I marveled at the fact that collaboration merchandise even existed in this world. There was still so much I didn't know... but at least I wasn't in trouble this time.