Ulula Lavender was the daughter of the Margrave house tasked with defending the kingdom’s eastern border.
The Margrave Lavender House was the most martial of the martial-faction nobles. Alongside the magic-focused Marquis Rosemary House and the combat-oriented Marquis Catreia House, they stood as one of the three Swords of the Kingdom.
During the previous war with the neighboring Geisel Empire to the east, they had reportedly fought more valiantly than anyone else, slaying countless enemy soldiers. Of course, being at the forefront of the fighting meant that no noble house had suffered more casualties than the Lavenders, either.
"So... a dragon appeared in the wetlands on the eastern side of the plain? A 'Wurm,' specifically?"
Our conversation continued at an open-air cafe.
I use the term "open-air cafe" lightly. In reality, we were in a pioneer village on the front lines of the Magical Wilds. The establishment was anything but stylish; it was a rugged spot where wooden crates served as chairs and barrels were lined up as makeshift tables.
"A Wurm... Right, those are a species of dragon."
Until moments ago, we had been speaking formally, but at Ulula’s request, I had switched to a casual tone. There wasn't actually much of a status gap between us. I was the head of a Count house, while Ulula was the sole daughter and successor of a Margrave house.
A "Margrave" was a rank distinct from a typical "Count," granted far greater authority and larger territories. In terms of sheer influence, they were comparable to Dukes or Marquises.
"Come to think of it... isn't your usual attendant with you today?"
"............Nn."
When I pointed out what I had noticed, Ulula looked off into the distance. Following her gaze, I spotted the woman who usually accompanied her to meetings. She was lurking in the shadow of a nearby building.
"............"
The attendant was hiding like a detective on a stakeout, staring intently at the two of us.
"Uh... what is she doing?"
"............Guarding?"
"Why is that a question?"
She really was a mysterious girl.
Regardless, I took a moment to consider her request. Ulula’s speech was extremely fragmented and brief, but by pieceing together her gestures and written notes, I had managed to extract the vital information.
Margrave Lavender was responsible for the development of the land on the eastern side of the plains, but work had come to a standstill because a species of dragon known as a Wurm had settled in the local wetlands.
"Recently... a lot..."
"So the Wurm's activity has spiked lately?"
"Trigger... barrier..."
"Ah... I see. By casting the monster-repelling barrier, we provoked the Wurm. In other words, I'm partially responsible for the situation."
Ultimately, Prince Andrew had spearheaded the project, and the Margrave had been warned in advance that the barrier might cause local disturbances. Technically, I wasn't obligated to take responsibility, but it was a fact that the burden had fallen on the girl sitting before me.
I’ll have to report this to Andrew, but I have a feeling I’ll be the one sent to deal with it anyway, I thought.
A Wurm was low-ranked for a dragon, but a dragon was still a dragon. I didn't think it would be as formidable as the Magical Beast Subnock, but it was certainly a high-level threat.
"I'll need to seek instructions from His Highness Andrew first, but I'm willing to handle the subjugation. I'm already involved in this development project, after all."
My own house, the Count Clover House, would eventually receive territory in the Northern Plain. Since the Lavender house was slated to take over a portion of the Eastern Plain, we were going to be neighbors. It was far better to build up a "debt" of gratitude now than to let a potential grudge fester.
"...Happy. I did it."
When I gave my consent, Ulula pressed both hands to her cheeks, looking genuinely delighted. Her face flushed a soft pink, and her lips parted slightly, like a budding flower. The curtain of her bangs shifted, revealing her beautiful, rainbow-colored eyes.
"Heh..."
She was surprisingly cute. The color of her eyes was particularly striking—they had a brilliance like precious opals, shifting hues depending on how the light hit them.
I wonder if those are "Magic Eyes"? I thought.
Magic Eyes, sometimes called Evil Eyes or Stigmas, were eyes born with specific magical formulas engraved into them. They were rare, but not unheard of; for instance, some people possessed Mana-vision Eyes that allowed them to see the flow of mana.
I’ve heard there are even Magic Eyes that can see the future or the past. It sounds a bit like something out of a Chunibyo's fantasy, but I can't help but feel a little envious.
"I've heard everything!"
A loud voice suddenly boomed from above. With a sharp thud, Yuri dropped down from the roof.
"Fugh-oh..."
She was carrying an elderly man—presumably a healer—in a princess carry. I had no idea how she had gotten him here so fast, but the poor man was dazed, his eyes spinning in his head.
"Regarding that Wurm hunt... I'm coming too!"
"Oh, so you really were eavesdropping."
"Indeed! My hearing is excellent. This shall be my apology for causing her an injury earlier. I will cooperate with the subjugation with all my heart and soul!"
Yuri declared her intentions grandly.
It was unexpected, but a new mission had officially begun. At Ulula's request, I was headed off to hunt a dragon, with Yuri tagging along for the ride.