After flying for a while, a mountain that looked like our destination came into view, but Flare's dwelling wasn't quite what I had expected. Rather than a simple house, it looked more like a castle—or perhaps a fortress. Built directly into the mountainside, it had a remarkably sturdy and imposing atmosphere.
"Um... is that it over there?"
"Yes, that is the dwelling I use in my human form," Flare replied telepathically. "The entrance for my dragon form is up to the left of that building."
"Ah, that large cave? I see... But the house you use in your human form is also huge. At first glance, it looks just like a fortress."
"I understand why you'd say that, my friend. But since I often land in my dragon form before transforming, a structure of that shape is far more practical."
That made sense. If she traveled in her dragon form, landed on the roof, and then changed into her human form to go inside, she would need a roof large enough to accommodate a five-meter-long dragon. All things considered, it was probably more convenient for the entire building to be on the larger side.
"While it looks massive at first glance, about eighty percent of it consists of training facilities," Flare continued. "My actual living space isn't all that vast. I've always been the type to want to try everything once, so I've gathered all sorts of training equipment and facilities from both the Human and Demon Realms, spanning all eras."
"That's very typical of you, Flare. With that much equipment, you'd certainly need a lot of rooms. It’s basically a giant gym."
"Hmm... forgive my ignorance, my friend, but what is a 'gym'?"
"Oh, it's... well, a type of facility in my world where people pay a membership fee to use exercise equipment and space to train their bodies."
Since Flare seemed interested in the term, I gave her a brief explanation of how sports gyms worked.
"I see. Instead of preparing the equipment and space yourself, you pay a fee to use a prepared location... That would certainly reduce the initial investment and make it easier for people to train on a whim. How wonderful. If I could provide such a place for those who have the drive but lack the funds... That was good to hear. I shall take it into account for the future."
It seemed like Flare was really taken with the idea; at this rate, I had a feeling she might actually build one soon. The reason gyms didn't really exist in this world was likely because public transportation, like trains, wasn't as developed as it was in my world, making it difficult to travel long distances.
However, a gym for her subordinates would be quite useful. Many among the dragon species can fly, so accessibility wouldn't be much of an issue for them.
As we spoke, Flare landed on the roof of her fortress-like home. A figure was waiting there—a woman who appeared to be one of Flare's subordinates. She waited for Flare to let me down and return to her human form before bowing vigorously.
"Good work today, Anego!"
"Thanks. Is something the matter?"
"The items you requested are finished, so I brought them to you!"
Somehow, this subordinate felt more like a gang underling than a typical employee. I wondered if it was because Flare’s outfit gave off such a strong "delinquent leader" vibe.
After a quick exchange with Flare to confirm some details, the woman noticed me and bowed.
"Oh! 'Big Bro' is with you too? Good work, sir!"
"Eh? H-hello... Um, what’s with the 'Big Bro'?"
"Since you're Anego's comrade, you're like a Big Bro to us!"
"I-I see?"
Yet another strange title had been added to the list. I had my doubts about the logic of being called "Big Bro" just because I was her friend, but I was overwhelmed by her volume and energy and found myself nodding in agreement.
Well, adding one more nickname at this point didn't really make much of a difference.
Serious-senpai: "...As expected of a man who is called by his species name, 'My Child,' and even 'My God'... his level of philosophical detachment is different."