I Couldn't Become a Knight, But for Some Reason, I'm Beloved by Dragons - Chapter 24: In the Water

Chapter 24: In the Water

“… Runa-san, are you sure this is okay?”

“Don’t worry about it. Now let’s hurry up and have dinner.”

By the time the sun had set and it had become dark, Runa transformed back into her human form. 

Leaving Karsananta and having seen the sea, we headed to our destination… which turned out to be crossing the border and entering the neighboring country. 

There was no rule that said one could not cross the border without permission, but it only applied to ordinary people… As the dragon queen, Runa would certainly be subject to it, but she had trampled it with a smile.

(… Well, that’s probably because it’s not known that dragons can become human.)

If a dragon were flying in their country’s sky, they would surely panic, but with a human form, it wouldn’t be as much of an issue. 

We visited the city closest to the territory of the Dragonis in the neighboring country, Kusatorika.

“There are a lot of people in strange outfits…”

“Indeed. We really stand out.”

It was strange and uncomfortable that people had been staring at us for a while now. It wasn’t just because they were looking at Runa, a beautiful woman, but fundamentally, it was because we were seen as foreigners. 

I had some knowledge about the country of Kusatorika as a result of studying, but it was known as a religious state where children are trained to serve from a very young age, and it’s famous for that.

“I knew a little about Kusatorika, but as outsiders, the atmosphere here is a little difficult to get used to.”

“We should have flown a little farther away. Well, this is also fun in a way, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Since each country has its own way of doing things, the customs of that country can be seen with a fresh perspective. Although we were not treated as heretics just because we were outsiders, Kusatorika was not recommended for tourism in the first place, so it was likely that tourists were rare based on their reactions. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, was wearing black robes, which made them look intimidating, but the food being sold at the food stalls looked delicious.

“Runa, hold my hand.”

“Oh… okay♪”

Even though the sun was set, there were still many people around…or rather, that’s why the sight of them wearing black robes that blend into the darkness was so eerie. Even the vendor sweating on his forehead at the food stall didn’t take off his robe, probably out of stubbornness.

“For now… let’s go with that, it smells good.”

She pointed to a large food stall with noticeable chicken meat. Of course, there were various other menu items besides meat, but Runa, being a dragon, seemed to have noticed it because she loves meat.

“… Welcome.”

The gloomy shopkeeper muttered under his breath, but his cooking skills seem to be good. 

Runa, who sat next to me, mainly ordered meat, but I made sure to order vegetables for balance.

“Don’t take it the wrong way, you shouldn’t stay here for long.”

“The way you say that makes it sound like something’s going on?”

“…Not you, the guy over there.”

“Me?”

I didn’t expect to be brought up in the conversation. 

He then told us in his usual muffled voice.

“There has been a strange rumor going around this year. It says to collect the seed of foreign men.”

“What the hell is that?”

“It’s ridiculous, right? But there are many people in this country who take it seriously. And because the mayor of this town is a woman, she is trying hard to do it.”

This country must be full of idiots. I was about to make a retort, but I heard that this is basically a religious state.

They believe in imaginary beings like angels and demons… Kusatorika, the country that is said to be one of the top three worst countries to be born in, is truly deserving of that reputation.

“I see, that’s an interesting story. So if that woman hears about me, she’ll move to capture me?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“That’s ridiculous… Where is her house? I’ll burn it down.”

Runa said, conjuring flames in her palm.

The shopkeeper was terrified, but Runa didn’t touch him, and the flames disappeared quickly. In the end, I felt uncomfortable staying in this town and we left immediately, but the food was really delicious.

“The food was delicious.”

“… Humu, I’m grateful if you say so. Take care, big brother.”

“Thanks a lot.”

“Hmm.”

By the way, Runa had been itching to burn down the mayor’s house since she found out where it was. 

We headed out of town, and when it got dark, we talked about where to stay. Since there was a limit to how long Runa could remain in human form, we couldn’t stay in the city, so we flew to the forest she had set her sights on.

“Ohh…”

It was a place reminiscent of a spring that Runa frequently visited, and although it was somewhat dim in the forest, the moonlight reflecting off the spring was very beautiful.

It seemed like we would be spending the night here… but then, Runa began to take off her clothes.

“Runa!?”

“What are you surprised about? Taking a bath and relaxing after a long day is basic hygiene. Besides, we have already pledged our love to each other, so it’s not embarrassing. Plus, you always see me in my dragon form, right?”

“Well… that’s true, but…”

Runa, who had no shame at all, undressed completely and got into the spring.

Thanks to her magic, it was confirmed that there were no monsters or any living creatures in the surrounding area, so there was no problem with her becoming defenseless like this.

When she gestured for me to come after undressing, I summoned the courage to do the same.

“…Oh my♪”

“Runa-san!”

“Hehe, sorry.”

For a moment, I felt like prey to Runa’s eyes.

With a hint of unease, I stepped into the spring, but it wasn’t cold at all. Rather, it was warm and felt really good.

“I’ve changed the temperature of the water. So it’s okay, and with my magic, it’s become as clean as holy water, you know?”

“Wow… that’s amazing.”

After fighting against my embarrassment, I cleaned my body and then… Runa pushed me down. 

Before I could even let out a surprised voice, I felt like I fell into the deep part of the spring, but a soft film formed around Runa and me, creating a mysterious space despite being in the water.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment… ever since I fell in love with you, I’ve wanted to do this with you so much.”

“Runa…”

“I can do it in my dragon form, but this is still better for you, right?”

“…Ehh!?”

At that moment, Runa gave me a deep kiss. 

With her passionate kiss, my whole body heated up, and I could only see her in front of me… and then, I deeply connected with Runa.

Not just our hearts, but also our bodies.