Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 131

Chapter 131   Old Dragon

At the top of the cliff we had climbed was a dragon’s nest.

I had never heard such rumors.

But considering that it was an unknown place that no one had reached before, it wouldn’t have been surprising if anything was there.

“Pokoo~” “Kuumaa~”

Our vanguard, Pokorina and Kumama, were already clinging to me from behind, trembling in fear. And it was no wonder—they were staring at several gigantic dragons looming ahead of us.

Moreover, these weren’t lower-class species; they were clearly of a superior breed. They looked just like the legendary dragons depicted in the scrolls I once saw in the library of some cathedral.

“Gau?”

A bit later, the mithril golem, Gau, caught up with us. Even with his massive frame appearing, the dragons didn’t budge an inch. It was as if humans wouldn’t be scared of a mere fly—the difference in their biological rank was undeniable.

“Uh, um, hello…”

I greeted them timidly. Tales of heroes riding on the backs of legendary dragons were known, but no one had ever spoken of a hero who defeated one. This implied that, even in imagination, dragons were not something humans could ever hope to vanquish.

Perhaps heroes and champions had the spirit to challenge dragons.

But I was just a mercenary, and I had no such boldness whatsoever.

“Hmm, you show no ill will?”

“Certainly not.”

Not only did I say this, but I also gave the dragons my most respectful bow.

“Very well. Continue straight ahead and enter the cave on your right. There, you shall meet our elder. Do not, under any circumstances, forget this.”

“Y-yes.”

When I answered, the dragons vanished somewhere, and in their place, a vast white snowfield stretched out before us. We proceeded straight ahead as instructed and soon saw two caves.

The one on the left was a warm-looking cave, with carpets laid out. The one on the right was filled with countless skulls and writhing poisonous snakes.

Despite the cold biting at my body, I forced myself to head into the right cave. We cautiously pushed aside the poisonous snakes as we advanced, and after what felt like an eternity, we came upon a wooden door at the end.

Opening it revealed a large hall, where a warm hearth glowed and bright silver candlesticks shone. When I turned to look back, there was no door behind us.

“Welcome, hero.”

“…”

I was at a loss for words.

Sitting on the throne at the end of the long red carpet was a massive, aged dragon, its scales worn and faded.

He must be the elder dragon.

I had never heard of dragons growing old.

How many thousands of years had he lived?

I didn’t know how to respond to such a being.

“It’s an honor to meet you. My name is Shinker Reister.”

“…I see. You are only the second person to climb this snowy cliff. I believe his surname was Owen. he claimed that, thanks to my assistance, his nation was able to rise.”

Owen? Could he be the first king of the alliance kingdom?

…Assistance.

That’s right; I had come here hoping to find a way to deal with Levin’s griffon.

“Um, I would be very grateful if you could provide me with that assistance as well.”

“I refuse.”

“…Huh?”

“I said I refuse. I no longer possess the power of ancient times.”

“No, even just your kin would be sufficient…”

“I see. Then I shall send my daughter.”

When the elder dragon said this, I imagined a grand dragon would come forward. Instead, a frail young woman staggered out from beside the elder dragon.

Upon closer inspection, only her left arm was covered in scales.

I had never seen or heard of anything like her before, but she must be a half-dragon, half-human.

…But how would this help me in battle? There was no way this sickly woman could chase away a griffon.

“Who said I would provide you with strength? You only wanted my kin, right? Hehehe…”

“！?”

This dragon can read minds.

I let my guard down.

But now, it was too late to say I didn’t need it…

“What about the assistance from your other kin?”

“I will not provide it.”

…Damn, what a troublesome old dragon this is.

“Say whatever you like. But if anything happens to my daughter, your territory will be reduced to ashes!”

…Seriously?

I felt like I might cry.

“Well, if you can cure my daughter’s illness, I might reconsider.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes.”

Alright, I’ll hope for that as I head back.

It seems the daughter really is sick, after all.

What a tiring endeavor this turned out to be.

I politely bowed to the elder dragon and made my way back into the cave.

◇◇◇◇◇

I retraced my steps through the cave.

However, the skulls and snakes I had encountered earlier were nowhere to be found. Instead, the tunnel was filled with a dazzling array of shimmering ores scattered everywhere, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

“Um…”

A delicate female voice called from behind me. When I turned around, there stood the elder dragon’s daughter.

“Are you really going to come down to the lower world?”

I had hoped that the elder dragon’s offer was half a joke, but it seemed it wasn’t a joke at all.

“My father says that I no longer have a place to return to. I look forward to your guidance from now on.”

“…!?”

Even though Gau, the mithril golem, was with us, it felt like I had just added another burden that wouldn’t be of any use as we descended the snowy mountain.

We had enough water and food, but if this girl were to slip off the cliff and die, my territory would be turned to ashes.

Somehow, this exploration of the sacred peak had resulted in more mental fatigue than physical exhaustion.