Isekai Nonbiri Nouka

Chapter 889: Interlude: Otat Stopped Thinking (I)

I am Otat.

I am from a Flame Dragon.

I am the wife of Grubel, an Earth Dragon.

Flame Dragons and Earth Dragons are often collectively referred to as Impure Dragons.

For those labeling us, the distinctions between Flame Dragons or Earth Dragons must seem trivial.

Honestly, even for us, who are being labeled, such distinctions don’t really matter.

The Impure Dragons are one of the top predators of the surface world.

We are incredibly strong.

Sure, there are tales of Impure Dragon being defeated by humans or demons, but in those cases, humans usually number in the thousands.

In a one-on-one fight, an Impure Dragon would never lose to a human.

Well, if it was someone from the ancient devil race, it would be a good match….

But they weren’t foolish enough to pick a fight with Impure Dragons.

If an Impure Dragon is defeated, the adversary is likely another Impure Dragon.

That’s how powerful we are.

But the world is a cruel place.

There is always someone stronger.

The Spirit Kings, the Primordial Devils, the Shattering Shadow, the Ruler of the All Seas, the Vampire Ancestor…

Better stop counting now.

It’s too disheartening.

Among these overwhelming powers, the most daunting are the Ancient Dragon.s

The Ancient Dragons exist halfway between dragon and god.

They are dragons of a completely different caliber.

To even think of them as equals would be both disrespectful and arrogant.

We wouldn’t dream of challenging them.

It is the role of Impure Dragons to serve the Ancient Dragons.

Thankfully, the Ancient Dragons don’t make unreasonable demands.

In fact, they seldom interact with us.

They assign a few roles to Impure Dragons and otherwise leave us alone.

Sometimes, this neglect is frustrating, but more often, it’s a blessing.

The Ancient Dragons are to be revered from afar.

Approaching them? Best not.

That’s the secret to a peaceful life.

-0-

One day.

For the first time in ages, I reunited with my little sister and our friends.

My little sister, Owamea.

My friends: Haifreniars, Lactroy, and Dandaji.

The five of us had once been quite the wild bunch.

Well, we were young.

Thinking back on all the trouble we caused for the adults… yeah, I feel bad about it now.

We’ve all settled down since then.

Owamea and I, Haifreniars, and Lactroy are all married now.

Dandaji went off to work for the Ancient Dragon, Raimeiren-sama.

Areh?

What’s Dandaji doing here?

Shouldn’t she be at Raimeiren-sama’s side?

Come on, don’t ignore me—answer already!

We’re friends, right?

I mean, how many times did we brawl?

Not that I ever won even once.

Yeah, Dandaji was always the strongest.

Ahahaha!

Huh?

What is it, little sister?

You’re telling me to stop escaping reality and face forward before something bad happens?

Ehh, but I have a really bad feeling about looking…

I have to?

Fine, fine. Just a peek.

Only a little, okay?

Glance.

…

………………

The ancient dragons Hakuren-sama and Graffaloon-sama were fighting.

In dragon form.

Oh wow, the ground is shaking.

If we get caught in that… we’ll die.

Areh?

Didn’t I already die once?

Think, Otat.

I remember now.

A little while ago, Hakuren-sama had been beating up Guinel.

Of course, in dragon form.

Guinel got utterly pummeled and collapsed from exhaustion. At that moment, Dandaji and the rest of the men, including Grubel, tried to stop Hakuren-sama.

Naturally, in dragon form.

But Hakuren-sama didn’t stop.

She swept them all away with a flick of her tail.

Before I could even see that, the women—including me—joined the fray and attacked Hakuren-sama. We were hit by a counterattack and…

I thought we were dead.@@novelbin@@

But we’re alive.

No injuries.

My body is just as it was when I first arrived here.

Everyone else too.

Grubel, Guinel—they’re all healed.

A little human healed us?

How?

Human magic couldn’t possibly heal this many people…

The Leaves of the World Tree?

Don’t be ridiculous.

The World Tree withered away.

It no longer exists.

Even if you gathered every remaining leaf, it wouldn’t be enough to heal everyone here… But if the leaves are right in front of me, there’s nothing left to do but believe.

Ehto, thank you.

You really saved us.

So, why are Hakuren-sama and the others fighting?

The two of them seem to be enjoying the battle.

At the very least, it’s clear that Grafaroon-sama isn’t trying to stop Hakuren-sama.

They’re just going all out because it’s been a while since they’ve had the chance?

And because of that, the surrounding terrain is…

They’re leveling the land as part of it, so it’s fine?

I see.

Little human is quite broad-minded.

And yet, it’s still best to avoid getting too close to the ancient dragons.

Keeping a respectful distance is crucial.

Still, considering Grubel moved, I’m surprised I managed to attack that thing.

I’ll give myself credit for that much.

-0-

Regardless of the reason, since I attacked Hakuren-sama, I’ve been helping with land leveling and castle renovations as atonement.

It’s a bit frustrating to take orders from the angel girl or the little human, but since they’re Hakuren-sama’s instructions, I’m abiding by them.

However, as for assisting Guinel, that’s out of the question.

Grubel and I have a duty entrusted to us by Maxbergak-sama.

Neglecting that is not an option.

Of course, if Maxbergak-sama gives permission, I wouldn’t be opposed to cooperating.

If he gives permission, that is.

Fufufu.

Climbing the mountain where Maxbergak-sama resides would be a difficult feat for mere mortals.

Even for the angel girl.

As for the little vampire… who knows?

Well, you can go try.

If you’re lucky, he might hear you out.

…

Things will somehow work out if you go home?

Don’t be ridiculous.

Even if you’re acquainted with Hakuren-sama, don’t underestimate Maxbergak-sama.

He’s a terrifying figure.

Eh?

A good dragon who treasures his wife?

Maxbergak-sama?

…Ah, that’s right!

Hakuren-sama’s younger sister is Maxbergak-sama’s wife.

So, they’re connected through Hakuren-sama!

I see, so you’re acquaintances.

Hahaha.

Oh, right, today we’re expanding that river over there.

Let’s do our best.

As for assisting Guinel, I’ll only do so if Maxbergak-sama gives me direct orders.

-0-

Ancient Devils – devils like Gucci and others who lived since the ancient times

Primordial Devils – Versa and those who lived since the Evil God days.