I Couldn't Become a Knight, But for Some Reason, I'm Beloved by Dragons - Chapter 17: Luna is in a Good Mood

Chapter 17: Luna is in a Good Mood

“Weather’s nice, isn’t it? Dragon Handler Xeno.”

“Lichter-sama!?”

While taking a break from work, I was approached by Lichter-sama.

One might wonder why a ruler of a country would walk around without any escorts, but it only meant that this castle was safe.

“You surprised me, suddenly appearing like that.”

“Haha, well, relax. I need a break too.”

…Yeah, even a king needs a break.

Sitting next to me, Lichter-sama looked every bit like a king with his noble decorations that I wouldn’t dare touch. But seeing him sitting on the same bench as me made him look like a flashy uncle or something. Is that a disrespectful thought?

“What’s wrong?”

“…Um.”

“Go ahead and say it. Don’t worry about disrespect, I’m more afraid of offending Luna-dono than anything else!”

“In that case.” So I told him what was on my mind.

To my surprise, Lichter-sama didn’t get angry, but rather happily patted my back.

“I prefer to be seen as a friendly king rather than displaying a dignified appearance as a king. A king who is liked rather than feared, and can be casually spoken to rather than seen from afar, would be good not only for me, but also for the people.”

“I see. That’s probably why Lichter-sama is loved among the people.”

“Umu”

When I thought about it, I spoke my mind.

“Well, Luna is quite feared, isn’t she?”

“Definitely! But well, Luna-dono has earned immense trust from other dragons with that fear. You know that, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.”

I replied honestly.

Then I asked Lichter-sama about his conversation with the Isastrian diplomat.

I couldn’t ask too much because of confidential information, but I heard that he made some painful demands. It seemed like he even threatened them with the possibility of not knowing what would happen if there was a second time.

“Although the words are strong, Dragonis is a large country, unlike the style of small countries. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate power depending on the time and place. We can’t let others underestimate us.”

“Yes, that’s right. Thanks to that, we common people can live in peace.”

Taking a resolute attitude not only serves as a deterrent to other countries, but it is also correct as long as it helps maintain peace.

Now, I ended up talking to Lichter-sama about the world situation a little bit, and then he continued his words as if suddenly realizing something.

“Ah, that’s right! About your foreign trip with Luna-dono, I approve it on my authority.”

“Ah, did Luna really suggest that?”

“Yes. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t accepted the proposal… but I still want to spend time with my wife, son, and daughters.”

“…”

Did he mean that he could have been killed if he had rejected the proposal, but left it unsaid?

Anyway, now it’s becoming a reality that I muttered under my breath.

Although I caused trouble for Lichter-sama, personally, I’m really looking forward to the trip and excited about it.

“You are truly loved by Luna-dono. It’s not just your good personality, but also the fact that you wholeheartedly accept dragons that is appreciated. I’ve heard that not only Luna-dono but also other dragons love you as well?”

“I’m not sure about that. I think only Lena and Kia like me.”

Even so, Lichter-sama laughed and said, “That’s still amazing.”

Thinking that it was a good opportunity to talk about Luna, I decided to ask him.

“May I ask you a question, Lichter-sama?”

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you. Actually, it’s about dragons. It’s said that dragons, including Luna, develop intelligence as they become stronger.”

“Yes.”

“… And according to one theory, it’s possible for them to take on human form. Is that true?”

Yes, this was something I really wanted to ask. It’s not like it would make a difference if Luna could take on human form, but personally, I’m always interested in these things.

Lichter-sama is more knowledgeable about dragons than I am, and as a member of the royal family, he may know something that others don’t… That was the reason for my question, but the answer I received was what I expected.

“I have heard of such stories as well. However, Luna-dono has the highest intelligence among the dragons. But I have never heard or seen anything about her taking on a human form.”

“I see.”

“Well, actually, I asked her directly before. However, even if she could answer, she just laughed and said there’s no point in becoming a human.”

“Well, I guess that’s true,” I chuckled along. Myths were just myths, and the idea of a dragon becoming a human was nothing more than a fantasy.

“Besides, if Luna-dono could become human, I think you would be in big trouble.”

“Eh?”

“You are so important and beloved to her. If she could turn into a human, she would probably cling to you and never let go.”

“Uh…”

After laughing at my dumbfounded expression, Lichter-sama returned to his duties. I finished my now lukewarm drink and went back to work, planning to return to Luna soon.

~Xeno, permission for our trip has been granted.~

“I met with Lichter-sama earlier, and he told me.”

~I see! Fufu, I can’t wait!~

It’s very heartwarming to see her happily wagging her wings and tail.

Since Luna is a dragon, she can’t descend to the cities or villages where humans live, and neither of us want to cause any trouble… Well then, although we got permission to go outside, we still have to figure out how to spend our time.

“Don’t worry about anything. Although there may be all kinds of people outside the capital, I’ll be with you. Even if bandits show up, I’ll incinerate them with my breath.”

—Said the Queen reassuringly.