Chapter 1: Life in the Mountains is Tough

“I see, so you fought, and as a result, a friendship was born.” “Umu. That’s exactly right.” “Well, I guess you could say that’s how it turned out in the end?”

Ragnir and I had gone to the white dragon’s place and were explaining everything that had happened so far. Things like why I was here, or why Meal wouldn’t get off the top of my head.

“Actually, can I ask you one thing?” When I brought that up, Ragnir and the white dragon exchanged glances. “What is the relationship between Ragnir and this white dragon? Is it safe to assume you two are husband and wife?”

When I asked that, the two dragons looked at each other as if realizing they hadn’t mentioned it. The white dragon then turned back to face me. She slowly lowered her head once and introduced herself.

“Pardon my rudeness. I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? It’s Wazu-san, correct? My name is Meral. As you can see, I am a white dragon, and I am married to Ragnir. Or perhaps it would be easier to understand if I said I am Meal’s mother? I apologize for losing my composure earlier over the sudden surprise.”

Saying so, she bowed her head to me once more.

“No, please, it didn’t bother me at all!” “Oh? I wouldn’t mind if it did, you know? After all, I wasn’t lying.”

I think that’s a problem in its own right.

“No, it is a lie! Everything Mel said earlier was an absolute lie! You must not take her seriously!” “My, dear… are you calling me a liar?” “N-No, th-that’s not what I meant…” “Then, what did you mean, I wonder?” “…”

Ragnir fell completely silent. I feel like I just witnessed the power dynamic in their marriage.

“Actually, I’ve been wondering for a bit now, who’s Mel? Isn’t her name Meral?” “Oh! Good catch! As expected of my close friend, Wazu!”

Whoa there, I absolutely, completely didn’t mean to throw you a lifeline just now, not even the slightest bit. So please don’t suddenly promote me to ‘close friend’.

“Look, look, Mel. My close friend Wazu is asking. You should tell him!” “…Honestly, you are so… I’m sorry about him, Wazu-san. Anyway, ‘Mel’ is something of a nickname for me. You see, my daughter’s name is Meal, and I am Meral. It’s a bit confusing, isn’t it? When we named her, I thought it was a lovely name, but even her grandmother said it was a little confusing. So, since then, I decided to have everyone call me Mel. You can feel free to call me that without any hesitation too, Wazu-san.”

Saying that, the white dragon—Mel-san—winked at me. It felt like a strangely seductive gesture, but she wasn’t hitting on me, right?

“Umu. Wazu is my best friend, after all. I shall permit him to call you Mel!”

When did I get upgraded all the way to ‘best friend’? Just what exactly is my rating inside Ragnir’s head?

“Oh? And since when did you and Wazu-san become best friends?” “Just a moment ago! Men rapidly nurture their friendship through battle!” “…I see. Well, since you’re boldly claiming him as your best friend, you must trust Wazu-san completely, right?” “Umu, of course! We are best friends, after all!”

This conversation is taking a bad turn. You should realize it by now, Ragnir. You’re being backed into a corner.

“Then, to a best friend like Wazu-san, wouldn’t you feel perfectly safe entrusting Meal to him?”

Yep, there it is! I had a feeling some kind of bombshell was coming from the flow of the conversation. Sure enough, Ragnir was at a loss for words, unable to utter a single syllable.

“Oh? Is something the matter? Did I say something wrong?” “…Ghguh… n-no… you are not wrong… you are not wrong, but… isn’t that a separate matter entirely?” “No, it’s not a separate matter in the slightest.”

Ragnir was groaning with “Ah”s and “Uh”s while looking around frantically, seemingly searching for an ally. Unfortunately, the only people here were me, a neutral party, and Mel-san, who was currently his enemy. Frankly, I didn’t want to become Mel-san’s enemy either. You don’t have any allies here, Ragnir. I’m not going to say anything unnecessary, either. So stop giving me those pleading looks.

“Besides, Wazu-san is strong enough to defeat you easily, isn’t he? If so, don’t you think we can safely leave Meal in his care? I believe it is about time Meal learned about the outside world. I trust that Wazu-san would protect Meal in the dangerous outside world, no matter who the opponent might be. And Meal is already so attached to him. Isn’t that right, Wazu-san?” “Sir, yes, sir! I intend to protect Meal, even at the cost of my own life!”

I answered Mel-san’s words immediately. So please, instantly turn off that terrifying aura that leaves no room for refusal.

“…I understand… Mel is certainly right. It is time Meal learned about the outside world. For a dragon, this place alone is too small a world… Above all, I, who have experienced Wazu’s strength firsthand, know it better than anyone…”

Ragnir continued, seemingly trying to convince himself. Then, he turned his gaze toward me, his eyes full of absolute seriousness.

“My best friend, Wazu. I leave Meal in your care. I want this child to know that the world extends far beyond this place. However, for a young dragon, one never knows what dangers might lurk out there. But with your strength, Wazu, I believe you can protect Meal from any danger.” “So, you want me to be her bodyguard? That’s fine and all, but aren’t you two going to take her yourselves?” “…We would love nothing more than to do so, but we cannot be by her side forever. It’s time for Meal to become independent.”

Is that how it works? I don’t know much about dragon ecology, but Ragnir and Mel-san are dead serious. They probably aren’t lying.

“I don’t mind taking her with me, but does Meal know about this?” “Yes, she knows and has agreed to it. At first, we thought about asking another dragon to do it… but from the looks of it, it seems Meal herself has found someone she wants to follow.”

Saying that, Mel looked at Meal with gentle eyes full of maternal love. Ragnir was also looking at Meal with similar eyes. In that case, I should live up to their expectations.

“Then, understood. I will take responsibility and protect Meal.”

At my words, Ragnir and Mel-san bowed their heads together, saying, “Please take care of her.” When they raised their heads, a hint of relief was mixed into their expressions. Thinking that I absolutely had to protect her, I gently stroked Meal.

I look forward to traveling with you.

As I pet her with those thoughts, Meal, still asleep, affectionately nibbled on my hand. Mel-san smiled happily upon seeing that.

“Fufu… Wazu-san’s head must be a very comforting place. She’s sleeping so soundly.”

Is the top of my head really that great of a spot…?

“…Guh… My arms would definitely be much more comforting…”

Ragnir… please mutter that somewhere I can’t hear you.

“Oh, and of course, if Meal wishes for it, you can take her as your bride anytime, alright? If you’d like, I could even teach Meal human transformation magic?” “Alriiiight, my best friend Wazu! Shall we step outside for a bit?! Let us have a conversation through the language of fists!”

At Mel’s words, the light vanished from Ragnir’s eyes, and he jerked his thumb toward the outside, as if telling me to step out.

I mean, I don’t mind doing it, but I’m pretty sure you’re the one who’s going to lose in the end, Ragnir?