Volume 9 Chapter 3 (2/2)
”Absolutely.”
”Alright then. But I'll only be borrowing them. I'll give them back someday.”
”And when that day comes, come and stay a while in Avalon, ok?”
Like that, Stolas and I laughed.
As Ast's successor, I had no doubt she would use the True Dragon Squadron masterfully.
I didn't say it out loud, but this decision of mine was a bit more calculating.
When the rule protecting us new Demon Lords have expired, I was of the opinion that it would be better for us as a faction to have an even spread of our strength than just me having incredible power.
With the True Dragon Squadron, Stolas wouldn't be defeated so easily by most threats, thus eliminating the need for me to back her up in a lot of situations.
And then, somebody hugged me from behind.
”That was really astonishing, Procell. That's the first time I've seen Ast's Caesar get defeated. As expected of my ward!”
It was Marcho.
Her chest pressed against my back, I felt strange.
”Stop hugging me, please”
”Woah, how mean. You're so cold to me and yet so happy when Stolas hugged you.”
Marcho said so in an effort to tease me.
Meanwhile, Stolas's face grew bright red.
”That was just a spur of the moment thing.”
”Fufufu. You and Stolas really are obstinate, huh. It's fine for Demon Lords to practice concubinage or bigamy, you know. It's just my own opinion, but I think that it's a crime for an excellent man to make only one person happy. If you can make a lot of people happy, then you should make a lot of people happy.”
”…what an absolutely absurd opinion”
I didn't understand what Marcho was thinking.
In any case, I broke free from Marcho's embrace.
At the moment, there was something more important. As such, Duke and I stood opposite one another.
”You did great Duke, my prized monster.”
”It makes me happy to hear I fought befitting a monster under your command.”
”It is my hope you continue supporting me and Avalon.”
Duke smiled and kneeled in place.
”So long as you have need of me, I shall follow you anywhere, my lord. I hope this new power of mine will help you be even stronger.”
Duke's stylish gestures and words really suited him well.
We might not have gained the True Dragon Squadron, but his [Dragon Emperor] maturing this much was already a great boon.
In fact, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to mix my next [Creation] medal with another A rank medal and an imitation of the [Dragon] medal. The resultant monster wouldn't have [Berserk], but the strengthening effects of Duke’s [Dragon Emperor] was plenty enough.
Moreover, we would have another kind of B rank dragon added to our war potential.
Like that, Duke's role would be greater than ever before.
Meanwhile, Stolas was giving Enlil plenty of petting. Enlil was purring.
But then, for some reason, he looked at me and acted all haughty.
”Well then, it's time to declare the dragon's trial officially over. Stolas and Enlil, I'll introduce each of the members of the True Dragon Squadron to you two later. Their strengths, personalities, all that. I have no doubts that you'll be able to employ these children skillfully.”
”Yes, Astaroth-sama.”
After all was said and done, it looked like Ast was really glad that the one he would be entrusting his dragons to was Stolas, his daughter.
It was proof that I made the right decision.
”Hmm, it's a bit lonely if we all go home now, right? So, Dan, go whip up another of your parties.”
”As ever, you say the most ridiculous of things. I've used up my magic power and I'm tired. Even staying awake is an effort now. I want to go lie down and sleep as soon as possible. Not to mention, because I prioritized the preparations for the dragon's trial, there's also all the work that has piled up to worry about.”
”Don't be so uptight. Come on, just do it already.”
”…Geez, what a stubborn fellow you are. Alright, alright. I'll do it if I must.”
While looking exasperated, Dan still replied with a voice full of affection.
He might seem aloof, but deep down, he's really a compassionate guy. Anyway, maybe there's something I could do to help.
While I was thinking that, an Abyss Howl appeared from my shadow.
An Abyss Howl was a blue, giant dog monster that could use Transfer as well as travel to the other dimension.
In case of an emergency, I had instructed it to come to me via Transfer. Originally, without a Transfer array at a targeted location that's outside of one's dungeon, one couldn't use Transfer to go to that location. However, the necklace—or more specifically, the jewel in the necklace—that Rorono made acted the role of a Transfer array. Through it, Abyss Howls could contact me or bring someone to me anytime regardless of wherever I was.
Once used, the jewel would break, but it was undoubtedly an extremely useful device.
On the collar the Abyss Howl wore was a blue gem that could project moving images with sound into the air. The one being projected right now was Kuina.
”Oto-san, Avalon's been attacked, Rorono-chan, she, she's in danger! Come back quickly!”
Rorono's in danger? To the point that Kuina's panicking? No way, can she have been kidnapped?
”Sorry, everyone, it's possible that one of my monsters has been kidnapped. I have to go back to Avalon right away.”
Everyone approved of my early departure.
They all understood how serious of a matter an emergency about one's [Monster of the Covenant] was.
Did they really get past our tight defenses? No, I don't want to believe it. But it seems to be the case. Whatever it is, we have to save Rorono. No matter what.
I was sure my monsters wanted to do the same.
We had insurances put into place too, but returning immediately was still the best course of action to protect my beloved daughter.