She had a petite frame, so there was probably enough space for one more person.
“Won’t you… sit down…?” (Zeshia)
“I will.” (Anos)
I sat down next to Zeshia.
She smiled in satisfaction.
“Mama… Sit down, too…” (Zeshia)
“Hmm… I don’t think I can. There’s no more space for me.” (Eleonore)
Zeshia thought hard, then she patted her own lap.
“Sit… here…” (Zeshia)
“Umm… I think I would crush you if I sat there…” (Eleonore)
Zeshia looked troubled.
But after a while, her face brightened up.
“I got… an idea…” (Zeshia)
“You did? What is it?” (Eleonore)
“I will do my best… not to get crushed…” Zeshia announced with a serious look on her face.
Eleonore couldn’t help but giggle at that.
“Hmm~, I don’t think doing your best is gonna do the trick…” (Eleonore)
At that, Zeshia hung her head down in sadness.
“O-Okay, I’ll sit! Um, well then…” (Eleonore)
Eleonore turned to me.
“Anos, could you turn into Anosh?” (Eleonore)
“Very well.” (Anos)
I used the <Reverse Growth Kursula> spell to shrink my body.
In the blink of an eye, I turned into the six-year-old Anosh.
“How’s this?” (Anos)
“Great. Thank you. And uh… Sorry too.” (Eleonore)
Eleonore put her hands on my sides and hugged me tightly.
That way, she sat down and placed me on her lap.
“Here. Now all three of us can sit down.” (Eleonore)
“Did you think all three of us… couldn’t sit down… just because it’s cramped…?” (Zeshia)
“Yup, yup! As expected of Demon King Zeshia. Having three people sit on a one-person seat is unimaginable.” (Eleonore)
Eleonore hugged me tightly and patted my head as she spoke.
It felt a little embarrassing.
“Hmm~, it kind of feels like I’ve gained one more child.” (Eleonore)
“I’ve become… a big sister…” Zeshia said as she grabbed my hand.
“I will… protect you… Anosh…” (Zeshia)
“I know I can count on you.” (Zeshia)
When I said that, Zeshia broke into a happy smile.
“Hey, Anos-kun.” Eleonore whispered in my ear.
“Thanks for allowing all ten thousand Zeshias to study at the Great Tree of Ennunien. They’re even happily playing with the fairies. Grandpa Ennunien also said that they will definitely learn how to speak. I’m so glad!” (Eleonore)
“Oh, that’s nothing. It’s just the beginning. I told you I’d make them all happy.” (Anos)
Eleonore smiled at that.
“You’re so tiny, yet so cool. That’s why I love you, Anosh-kun.” Eleonore said while hugging me.
“…Hm?” (Eleonore)
Then she suddenly looked at the ceiling.
A lone falcon flew in through a high window.
It slowly descended before us.
『Great Demon King.』(???)
A <Thought Communication Leaks> message was transmitted from the falcon.
I recognized that voice.
“What’s wrong, Igareth?”
『I have news for you. A dragon has been sighted in Azesion.』(Igareth)
After the incident with Avos Dilhevia, Igareth put himself at my service and became my mediator.
And using his experience as a human from two thousand years ago, he went to Azesion to check the situation in his birthplace.
His main objective was to investigate the humans’ feelings toward the demons and their Demon King.
But I never thought there would be a dragon there.
Just like the one the Royalists captured, I was convinced that this one wasn’t there by coincidence.
“Are you sure?” (Anos)
『Although I have not seen it myself, based on witness statements about its physical features and how it went back underground, I am almost certain of it.』(Igareth)
Dragons made their nests underground.
When it came to giant creatures who lived underground, most of them were dragons.
『…Also, several people from the town near where the dragon appeared have gone missing…』(Igareth)
“Were they devoured?” (Anos)
『Possibly. Nowadays, there is no one in Azesion who knows how to slay dragons. While the specifics were indeed recorded in books, no one has ever actually battled them. And neither have I.』(Igareth)
“Right. Dragons may be a bit too much for modern-day humans to handle. The Hero had a barrier specifically designed as a countermeasure against dragons, much like the anti-demon barrier, but the Hero Academy never taught how to create it.” Eleonore mentioned.
This was probably because Jerga prioritized the destruction of demons.
In the first place, dragons were even believed to be extinct.
“How is Azesion responding to that?” (Anos)
『The citizens have reported the presence of the dragon to the higher-ups, and although they are skeptical, it appears that they will be discussing countermeasures. I spoke with Melheis-sama about it before informing you, Anos-sama, and Azesion seems to have no intention of requesting help from Dilhade at the moment.』(Igareth)
I suppose they were underestimating the power of dragons.
Since they survived for two thousand years, then they had to be appropriately intelligent and powerful individuals.
“Hmm. Well, the best option would be to dispatch my subordinates from two thousand years ago.” (Anos)
『They might succeed in slaying the dragon, but their intervention might cause issues later. Humans are fussy about formalities and laws. Especially since our two people were at war.』(Igareth)
It would be illegal for the official Demon King Army to engage in combat in Azesion without their prior request for help.
Even if this was to protect humankind.
They owed a debt to Dilhade because of that last war.
So it wouldn’t be surprising for the ones who wanted to pay it back to find fault in our support.
“But if we wait for their rescue request, there’s no telling how many people will be devoured in the meantime! The Hero Academy was founded for those kinds of emergencies, but right now, its authority and power have considerably decreased. Besides, nobody there is entitled to make that decision.” (Eleonore)
Eleonore looked worried, and was squeezing me against her chest.
Diego, the former headmaster of the Hero Academy, was greatly influenced by Jerga’s will, and although his ideology was problematic, he was reasonably competent in eliminating threats to humankind.
But now, only those who were accustomed to peace were left in it.
“The presence of dragons will also pose a threat to the people of Dilhade.” I said to reassure Eleonore and Igareth.
That was their birthplace. The dragon may not be causing us any harm, but that didn’t mean that I was gonna abandon the humans to their fate.
“I’ll immediately request a student exchange program between the Demon King Academy and the Hero Academy. In the case of students, it won’t be a problem if they defeat a dragon they happened to come across.” (Anos)
In fact, if the Hero Academy couldn’t guarantee the safety of our students, we would put the blame on them.
『But they might reply that they are not ready to receive us…』(Igareth)
“It just so happens that I’ve arranged for one adaptable teacher to be assigned there. I won’t take any excuses. And I’m sure Melheis will be able to negotiate with them about it.” (Anos)
『Very well, Your Majesty. I will continue to collect information on the dragon.』(Igareth)
The falcon flew away from the high window in Azesion’s direction.
