I Couldn't Become a Knight, But for Some Reason, I'm Beloved by Dragons - Chapter 29: Full of Problems

Chapter 29: Full of Problems

Runa and I were greatly enjoying sightseeing in the imperial capital. 

As there were many things not found in our kingdom, the bustling places were full of attractions, and there were quite a few other travelers besides us.

I’m not sure if they were aware of the suspicious activities happening in the empire, or if they simply didn’t care… but well, the more lively the city, the more money circulates for the empire, so it can’t be all bad.

“Runa, let’s go to a restaurant.”

“Okay.”

Although we had eaten our way through some street food, we still wanted to stop at a restaurant. It was around noon, so we looked through the tourist brochure we were given while walking towards a recommended restaurant.

The building was beautiful and had a luxurious feel to it, but there was a sign saying that they strive to be accommodating to all travelers, regardless of their status.

“I can see people with various outfits inside. That means there are a lot of foreigners, right?”

“The kingdom also has similar places, but at the moment, the empire is definitely ahead of its time in terms of technology.”

“I see…”

“Well, no matter how much technology advances, it depends on the people who use it.”

Despite the unsettling things happening within the empire, there is no denying the possibility of this country launching a war against other countries with the technology they have developed. 

However, for now, although not all countries, they continue to maintain a relatively good relationship… apart from the previous dragon incident.

“Alright, let’s go eat!”

“Let’s go.”

Then, Runa and I entered the restaurant. The exterior was beautiful, and the interior was just as gorgeous. It was a comfortable place to have lunch without feeling lacking in anything. As we were not familiar with imperial cuisine, we decided to ask the waiter for their recommendation.

“A lot of them are hard to tell just by their names… I did sneak into the castle town in human form from time to time, but I’m still interested in other countries’ cuisine.”

“So, you’ve done that kind of thing before.”

“But I hardly did it, so I don’t remember much about it.”

As Runa and I chatted and finished our lunch, a large explosion sounded off in the distance. As soon as the explosion echoed, people around us split into those who immediately fled and those who stood dumbfounded. As for me, Runa hugged my arm tightly.

“Doesn’t seem like a tourist attraction, does it?”

“…yeah.”

“It’s a shame, but let’s leave the imperial capital. Even though dragons are said to be guardians of the country, as I said earlier, we don’t intend to meddle in the affairs of others.”

“Got it.”

Gradually, more and more people began to panic, but amidst that, we acted calmly. Despite Runa not fearing anything, I was not afraid at all as she embraced my arm. 

As we headed towards the exit of the imperial capital, the increasing number of explosions made us realize the thoroughness of the situation.

“The Empire has made remarkable technological progress, but I hear there is also a lot of resistance to their methods. I wonder if this kind of thing was inevitable.”

“That’s right. I really think the kingdom is doing a good job under Lichter’s leadership.”

Thinking that way, the kingdom could truly be said to be a comfortable place to live in. As we leisurely made our way towards the exit, we could have been suspected of being the masterminds behind the explosion, but an unexpected incident occurred. 

It seemed that explosives had been rigged in the ceiling of the gate that led outside…and as soon as we approached, it exploded in a big way.

“It’s okay.”

Amidst the screams from those around us, I heard those reassuring words. Runa, who had just shielded her eyes from the debris falling slowly towards us, suddenly released a shockwave that blew away all of the debris as if an explosion had gone off.

Not only were the debris blown away, but the gate was also partially destroyed. However, in the midst of all the chaos, no one seemed to be concerned about it.

“…Huh?”

“What’s… going on?”

When I glanced over in the direction of the disturbance, I saw a group of suspiciously dressed people holding weapons, who were probably responsible for the commotion. 

They were heading towards a group of children huddled together, and they even pointed their weapons at the children before they began to run.

“Xeno.”

“What?”

“To be honest, I can’t find any value in anyone else’s existence except for you. Even though I live in the kingdom, I understand that my true nature is not human.”

“I see.”

“But, I might consider helping anyone in need if I come across them.”

Runa shields her eyes again. 

She then creates a small fireball in the palm of her hand and throws it towards that group. 

The fireball heads towards them, swaying in the air, then suddenly swells up and transforms into an enormous fireball, swallowing and annihilating them, just like the sun that has fallen to the ground.

“Well, shall we go? It’s up to this country to decide what to do next.”

“…Yeah.”

By the way, according to Runa, even if the empire is saved by another country, they may not acknowledge it and instead accuse them of being responsible. As she heard from Lichter-sama, there may be some problems with the upper echelons of the Empire. 

After we went outside, we quickly took off as Runa transformed into a dragon.

“Are you okay? You must be a little tired.”

“Huh?”

“There have been a lot of problems. It’s early, but let’s take a break.”

It seemed that she had been tired without realizing it.

As Runa had said, there had been a lot going on since morning… Or rather, there were too many problems in this country.