While Sienna and Mer were having tea with Ancilla, Eugene was with Kristina.
It was due to the task of purifying the humongous body of Raizakia. By borrowing the power of the Holy Sword, Eugene could assist Kristina by helping to accelerate the purification process. Eugene had no reason to refuse the request, as he rarely used the Holy Sword outside of battles. So, for the past few days, he had been by Kristina's side.
He was with her through the majority of the day, starting from when the sun was up.
The deity that Kristina and Anise served was the God of Light, and Altair, the Holy Sword Eugene possessed, was also the creation of the God of Light. In truth, the divine power of the God of Light didn't necessarily require the surroundings to be bright. But reasons could be fabricated whenever they were needed.
[What a scary child…,] Anise thought wholeheartedly.
It was Kristina who had planned all of this.
Daytime and dusk — the length of each depended on the season, but Kristina judged that monopolizing Eugene during daylight would be overwhelmingly advantageous.
Her judgment had been correct.
Dusk. Night. What did one usually do at night? Ordinary people slept. Some may even choose to do something naughty….
Unfortunately, Sienna didn't have the courage for that. The only thing Sienna could do with Eugene during the night was to take a walk.
"How much longer do you think it will take?" asked Eugene.
"I think it will be done in about two weeks at the latest," Kristina responded with a smile, her praying posture unaltered. It wasn’t a lie. Initially, she had expected it to take more than a month, but with the aid of the Holy Sword, the purification process would be completed in two weeks.
"The problem is how to use this."
Eugene sat with his arms crossed, lost in thought. There were various ways to make use of a dragon's corpse, but the remains of dragons were extremely difficult to handle as materials.
In truth, it was more appropriate to say unknown rather than difficult. Most dragons had been hunted and killed three hundred years ago, but there were hardly any records of humans hunting dragons before that.
Yet, a few artifacts made from dragon materials existed on the continent, although they were very rare. But the existence of such artifacts was due to the mercy and grace of dragons.
A dying dragon could choose to bestow its own flesh upon someone instead of returning its body to nature. It was an infrequent event, but there had been a few occurrences in the history of the continent.
For example, the Dragonheart in Sienna's Akasha was a gift from a dragon that had formed a bond with the elves. Even in his past life as Hamel, Eugene had wandered with his comrades in Helmuth, where he encountered a dying dragon and received their Dragonheart as a gift. The founder of the Dragonic family, Orix Dragonic, received the grace of a dragon while exploring a dungeon.
Throughout the long history of the continent, such instances were rare but still existed. The problem was that they were too rare, and even the most skilled craftsmen lacked the knowledge and techniques to handle the materials properly.
As a family of warriors, the Lionheart family had connections with artisan guilds and also personal friendships with the finest craftsmen and blacksmiths, those known as master craftsmen. However, even the master craftsmen had expressed their hesitancy and diffidence in dealing with materials from a dragon.
So that wasn’t a viable option. Nothing less than perfection was expected with such exquisite materials.
"In the end, we have to turn to the dwarves."
There were no dwarves in the artisan guilds. The proud dwarves refused to join guilds on equal terms with human craftsmen.
"If I had known that, I would have brought a dwarf from the Dragon Demon Castle." Eugene clicked his tongue with regret. If he had brought the dwarves from the Dragon Demon Castle, he wouldn't be worrying about such matters now….
"I heard that Noir Giabella, that lewd woman, took in the dwarves from the Dragon Demon Castle,” Kristina frowned as she spoke. "Giabella Park or something like that. They’re working there now."
"A different master, huh. Those ungrateful bastards, after all the trouble I went through to set them free, they’re groveling at Noir’s feet?" Eugene spat out his words with bitterness.
Of course, Eugene didn't overthrow Dragon Demon Castle for the sake of the dwarves' freedom. It just happened to end up that way.
And unlike when they were unpaid slaves at Dragon Demon Castle, the dwarves were now enjoying fulfilling and happy days under Noir Giabella, working on what they desired.
Naturally, Eugene and Kristina didn't care about that fact.
"We also inquired with the Papacy and Commander Raphael. There are dwarven craftsmen in Yuras, but they are specialists in areas like fine crafts and sculptures…. They don't feel confident in making weapons and armor,” said Kristina.
"Looks like we have to look into Shimuin after all," said Eugene.
The nation with the largest population of dwarves on the continent was Shimuin.
The reason was simple. Shimuin had long been called the 'Nation of Knights,' and free knights and mercenaries from all over the continent stayed there at least once during their training or quest.
As a result, Shimuin boasted advanced blacksmithing and craftsmanship for knights and mercenaries.
Also, Shimuin's representative magical armor, Exid, came in various types, from high-grade to low-quality lower-grade ones. All of the high-grade Exid were made by dwarves.
‘The leader of the Violent Tide Knights, Ortus Hyman, used an Exid that used a portion of Dragonheart in its creation. It used dragon scales and leather as well.’
It wasn't just the one, either. Shimuin possessed several weapons made from dragon materials other than the various Exid. To process Raizakia's corpse perfectly, they would need to bring the dwarves from Shimuin.
However, it was easier said than done, as this plan posed a more complex problem. The dwarves of Shimuin were considered invaluable cultural assets and received the utmost respect. The royal family was also fiercely protective of the dwarves’ craftsmanship, preventing it from being exposed to foreign nations.
‘We could kill Iris and ask for the dwarves’ support in return. No, that seems like a losing deal for us…’ Eugene thought as he considered his options.
Shimuin faced various difficulties after the ascent of Iris into a great pirate. Even if Shimuin sent their soldiers and Ortus, it would be extremely challenging to face Iris and her fleet, which consisted of hundreds of ships. Iris’ Demoneye of Darkness excelled not only in terms of offensive power but also in mobility. Regardless of how powerful Shimuin’s navy was, Iris’ power would make it essentially impossible for the navy to hold an advantage over them.
However, it would be different for Eugene. No matter how many pirates were under her command, they were ultimately weaklings, weren’t they? Once he cut off that damn dark elf’s head, everything would work out somehow.
When they fought in Kiehl, there was no Prominence or Eclipse. Eugene didn't use Ignition or the Moonlight Sword, either. However, he did not need to restrict himself in Shimuin. Moreover, how could he possibly fail with the support of Sienna, Kristina, and Anise?
‘If I was facing Noir or Gavid, it might be difficult. But Iris is….’
He didn’t think she was an opponent worth worrying about. True, she was stronger than three hundred years ago, but he was confident in killing her if they battled now. In the first place, hadn’t Iris suffered a terrible defeat against Noir Giabella? If he struggled against a mere Iris, he would never be able to kill Noir, let alone the Demon King of Incarceration.
"Hmm?"
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted. Eugene raised his head, sensing a magical abnormality in the sky above them. His eyes widened as the surroundings were plunged into a deep night in an instant. A gigantic form had obscured the sun by spreading its wings.
It was a dragon.
With black scales that seemed to swallow light, the black dragon flaunted its majesty as it gazed down below.
[Hehe…. Hehehe!]
It was quite obvious why the black dragon had appeared so suddenly…. Eugene’s expression crumpled when he heard the dragon’s laughter, which caused the air to tremble.
"Behold, you meager humans! This is the true form of this lady! See how these black scales shine like obsidian! Wings that cover the sky!"
The dragon’s voice was filled to the brim with arrogance. The knights of the Lionheart family came rushing out at the dragon’s sudden appearance. They were taken aback but quickly regrouped and organized themselves.
"Dragon!"
Gilead and Gion also made their appearance, jumping onto the roof of the mansion with shock.
Eugene knew the true identity of the dragon, but he knew those who did not could misunderstand. Could there be another dragon from Helmuth seeking revenge for Raizakia? Or maybe another Black Dragon came to reclaim Raizakia's body?
"It's alright…," Eugene spoke while suppressing a sigh. He had ended up on the rooftop with Gilead and Gion.
[Oh, oh, benefactor…. No, human!]
The massive dragon's head descended. Raimira looked at Eugene with her large, purple, glimmering eyes.
[As you wished, this lady has regained the power of the dragon! This form is this lady’s true appearance!]
It appeared she was overflowing with power after having her restrictions removed. She no longer addressed him as Benefactor. Instead, Raimira fluttered her wings while staring at Eugene with taunting eyes. The winds caused the forest to sway.
[Hehe…. Hehehe. This lady cannot help but think she is talented and special, even among dragons. Perhaps as I am now, it’s possible to—]
"Are you insane?" Eugene lowered his voice and asked, "What the hell are you doing? Come down quickly!"
[D… do not command this lady—]
"Enough."
Eugene clenched his fist and raised it into the air. He felt like flying up there and giving her a piece of his mind, but he decided it was unnecessary. Raimira had already been conditioned to pain from the lessons he had taught her before.
Raimira suddenly went quiet.
Ariartel had freed Raimira from the red jewel, and Raimira had recovered the power of the dragon that had been suppressed for two hundred years. Thanks to that, Raimira was now free to use polymorph and could also transform into her original draconic form. She could now use Draconic and had received advice from Ariartel on how to use it properly.
The sudden surge of power excited Raimira greatly. So, before Eugene came to pick her up, she flew directly across the sky to the Lionheart's mansion. Thanks to Ariartel providing her with directions, Raimira had found her way here….
[Uh, hem... ]
However, Raimira's excitement quickly subsided.
The glimmer in the golden eyes gazing at her from below and the rage that pierced and penetrated her scales caused the red jewel in Raimira’s forehead to throb with pain.
[It was just a joke…. D-don't be so angry.]
"Come down quickly."
[Yes…. I understand…. Benefactor.]
With this power, maybe she could…. She had entertained such thoughts in her excitement, but she realized how absurd it was when she considered it carefully.
Even though she had recovered her power, Raimira was still a hatchling. Eugene had relentlessly pressured Raizakia, an Ancient Dragon, until his last breath. Therefore, logically, it was impossible for Raimira to resist Eugene, no matter what tricks she tried.
In the end, Raimira started descending obediently.
However, Eugene raised his fist again as he spat, “Are you really going to come down in that state? Do you want to be punished?"
[Uh….]
Ariartel had said that dragons were great and dignified beings. They should always show the dignity of a dragon and never bow down to insults and humiliation.
‘Disgrace and humiliation it is not, for you saved my life, Benefactor. That is why you are my benefactor. That is why this lady must repay her grace….’
Moreover, it was the duty of dragons to protect the world. When necessary, they could not hesitate to lay down their lives.
‘Benefactor is the Hero. As this lady is the guardian of the world, it is only natural that I support the benefactor in saving the world. Therefore, this lady is not oppressed by Benefactor. This lady is a comrade who supports Benefactor's fight for the world.’
Raimira reasoned with herself, trying to convince herself with such thoughts.
Roar!
She used Draconic. The shadow cast by her outstretched wings vanished as the giant black dragon transformed into her human form.
Eugene’s eyebrows twitched as he watched Raimira descend to the ground. Initially, Raimira had the appearance of a young child, not much different from Mer.
However... what on earth was this new form? She was much more mature as if someone had mixed Kristina and Noir together. Moreover, her horns were now much larger than before.
"From today, this is this lady’s true form…."
"You change that right away,” Eugene shouted.
"W-What’s the problem? B-benefactor, don’t you like this form...?"
"Where did a little brat like you learn these weird things? What on earth is this getup? And what about the clothes?!" Eugene shouted.
"O-Oh…. What's wrong with the clothes?" Raimira asked with a puzzled, wronged expression.
How should he say this…? Eugene shook his head with a long sigh. He knew the outfit looked somewhat familiar. After combing his memory, he remembered they were the stage outfits of the demon idols dancing on Pandemonium’s magic screen.
"Who goes around wearing such clothes!" Eugene shouted.
"All of the Dream Girls wore this outfit while dancing,” retorted Raimira.
"Change it!"
"What kind of appearance do you want me to change into...? I-I will change it to whatever Benefactor desires. First, lower your fist…. This lady cannot approach you because I am afraid of the fist….”
“Change back to how you were before.”
“Does the benefactor want me in my little form?”
“Yeah.”
“Benefactor wants a young appearance…. I understand.”
Didn’t that sound a bit strange? Something felt wrong. Eugene quickly looked around and saw Gilead and Gion beside him, both looking confused. The expressions of the knights and soldiers below were not very different either.
"What's with the strange misunderstanding...? It’s not like I'm Cyan or anything,” Eugene hurriedly explained.
"What about me?!" Cyan, who had rushed over with his sword, looked unfairly offended as he yelled.
“Well, you… you’re engaged to basically a child,” said Eugene.
“Not yet!” retorted Cyan.
"Well, you might soon…. I mean, I don't like the child in a romantic way; I just care for her like a daughter, that's all."
"What?! Don’t say it like that, you damn bastard!" Cyan shouted in anger and frustration.
Meanwhile, Raimira changed her appearance again. She took the familiar form of a young girl and gracefully descended from the rooftop towards Eugene.
"This lady took on the form the benefactor desired," she said, still stealing glances at Eugene's clenched fist. Oh, how he wanted to give her a good knock on the head! Eugene lowered his fist and let out a deep sigh.
"Well... um…."
How should he explain this? Eugene pondered for a moment before turning to Gilead. Gilead did not rush him but instead patiently waited for Eugene to speak.
"She... um... is the daughter of Raizakia,” Eugene said.
"The daughter of the Demonic Dragon...?" asked Gilead.
"Yes, that's right…. So, I... I killed her father, so I felt sorry for her and took her in…. Oh, but don't worry, she doesn't have any intentions of seeking revenge for her father,” Eugene explained.
"Benefactor has shown grace to this lady,” said Raimira.
"Just look at her. You really don't need to worry. She is... um... more like a pet, I suppose…." Eugene continued.
"A dragon as a pet?" Gion muttered with a face of disbelief. Although he had blurted it out in the heat of the moment, even Eugene thought calling her a pet was a bit much.
As he contemplated, he noticed Ancilla and Sienna standing on the terrace below.
"She is Mer's friend." Eugene pointed towards Mer. "They get along very well. Maybe Lady Ancilla will also like her."
Ancilla's gaze felt strange for some reason, but Eugene didn't think too much of it.
