Isekai Nonbiri Nouka

Chapter 890: Interlude: Otat Stopped Thinking (II)

Grubel and I were invited to attend Guinel and Dandaji’s wedding and reception.

……

I understand the concept of weddings and receptions, but they’re not part of our traditions.

I have no idea what’s expected of us or how to prepare.

Preparation unnecessary?

We’ll be moving as a group so everything should be fine?

Well, I suppose having my little sister and her husband and some of our friends with us is reassuring.

I’ll just follow their lead.

I’m counting on you, little human.

-0-

In the royal capital of the Demon King’s Kingdom, I reunited with someone I hadn’t seen in years.

It was my elder sister’s daughter, Ojess.

I’ve heard from my elder sister that she’s been up to the same sort of antics I did when I was young.

Try not to cause your mother too much trouble, Ojess.

I understand the feeling, though.

So, what exactly are you doing in the Demon King’s Kingdom?

It’s not some official duty, is it?

Working to earn a living?

……

If you need some assistance, just say so.

No need?

If you’re managing, that’s fine, but don’t overdo it.

Promise me you’ll speak up if you’re in trouble.

I won’t say anything to your mother.

It’s good to see your friends again, too.

Take care of Ojess for me, will you?

You’re not struggling financially either?

Good.

Still…

Why do Ojess and her friends treat the human guide, the angel girl, and the little vampire with such politeness?

I understand that they’re acquaintances of Hakuren-sama and Maxbergak-sama, but if you bow too low, others might start to underestimate the impure dragons.

You’re no longer children, so it’s time to start paying attention to such things, don’t you think?

No, this isn’t the time for lectures.

We’re still on the move.

-0-

Our destination was the so called Big Tree Village.

I’ve heard of it.

It’s a village located deep within the Forest of Death, a place even impure dragons consider dangerous.

It’s also the new home of the ancient dragons.

That much was written on the circular notice.

Yes, the circular notice.

It’s a system used among impure dragons to share information.

It only comes around every few years, but without it, we’d have no way to stay informed, so it’s quite useful.

Still, the notice specifically warned against approaching the Big Tree Village unnecessarily, yet Dandaji is holding the wedding and reception there?

Apparently so.

Impressive.

That’s the only word I can think of—impressive.

For now, I’ll just try not to stand out.

Ojess and her group are… working behind the scenes here?

It’s good to work, but are they really up to it?

If they act too freely, they might get scolded.

Fine, fine.

We’ll listen to the villagers alright.

Ah, they’ve already rushed off before I could say everything I wanted…

I’m worried.

-0-

I may want to avoid standing out, but there are still things that must be done.

The first task is greeting the village chief.

The village chief appears to be human, but…

Impure dragons are not stupid.

The village chief in the middle of the Forest of Death cannot possibly be an ordinary human.

Anyone with working brain would think of that.

So, Girar-sama.

There’s no need to keep watch over us.

Yes, I admit I caused some trouble in my younger days, but that was a long time ago…

And the lady beside you?

What?

Girar-sama’s wife?

O-oh, it’s an honor to meet you for the first time.

I am Otat, a fire dragon working within Maxbergak-sama’s territory.

No, I only sought Girar-sama’s guidance in the past when I aimed to earn the title of Black Demon Dragon, that’s all. Oh, over there—second from the right—that’s my husband, Grubel.

Please take care of us from now on.

Ahaha…

Ah, I should greet the village chief with this level of courtesy?

I-I understand.

-0-

After finishing our greetings with the village chief, Girar-sama and Guronde-sama didn’t release us from their watchful eyes.

「I don’t doubt you, but newcomers to this village tend to cause trouble.」

It’s true this is my first time here, but…

With figures like the Vampire Ancestor, the Primordial Demons, and a horde of Inferno Wolves present, causing trouble here isn’t exactly on my to-do list.

The silver lining is that my little sister and friends are with me.

At least I’m not alone.

Ah, if Maxbergak-sama is here, it would be rude not to greet him.

「He’s here. Very well, I’ll call him for you.」

Wha—?

Oh, no, there’s no need for that! I can go to him!

「Moving around could lead to trouble. Stay here and wait. Guronde, keep an eye on them.」

So, Girar-sama’s wife, Guronde-sama, is now watching over us?

I see…

W-well, I don’t have any plan of defying you.

I’ll just wait here quietly.

Even the Ortros pup at Guronde-sama’s feet is diligently keeping watch, ensuring we don’t wander off.

Fufufu.

How adorable.

It’s soothing, really.

-0-

While I was greeting Maxbergak-sama, who had been brought over by Girar-sama, the little human arrived.

It seems this little human has been busy managing various tasks for Guinel and Dandaji’s wedding.

Thanks for your hard work.

Is what I wanted to say but…

Girar-sama and Maxbergak-sama, much like Ojess, appeared to be unusually polite toward the little human.

What exactly is this little human’s position?

Surely, they’re not just some casual acquaintance.

Even someone like me can tell there’s more to it.

But… is it something I should ask about?

Would I end up regretting knowing the answer?

I have a hunch that I might, so—

Girar-sama, you really don’t need to explain.

I mean it, no explanation needed.

-0-

Forced to listen, I learned the truth.

That little human is Hakuren-sama’s adopted daughter.

I see now.

She was no ordinary person.

Did Ojess know about this?

If so, she could have at least told me… Wait.

Hakuren-sama isn’t married, right?

Did she give up on marriage and decide to adopt a human girl instead?

「Your information is outdated. The village chief is Hakuren’s husband.」

…

Huh?

That village chief?

I-I mean, I did feel he wasn’t ordinary, but…

「Hakuren challenged him to a duel, and he won, making her his wife.」

Hakuren-sama initiated the challenge? Uh… Was it some kind of game?

「Of course not. It was a battle. He brought her down after he threw a spear at her.」

Brought her down?

So, he fought Hakuren-sama in her dragon form?

And won?

That’s absurd!

We’re talking about Hakuren-sama!

「I get how you feel. But the village chief’s strength is real. Even my niece, Grafaroon, said she nearly died fighting him.」

…

「Also, Hakuren has had children. Three of them—Hiichirou, Hikaru, and Himiko. Raimeiren dotes on them, so make sure you don’t do anything foolish.」

O-Of course…

「And by the way, Grafaroon’s daughter, Rasutisumoon, is also married to the village chief. They have two children—Rananon and Kukulkan.」

Oh, I-I met them earlier… Bright and promising children.

「I see. Hiichirou will be with my daughter, Guraru. Hikaru has caught the eye of Maxbergak’s daughter, Helzenark. If you interfere, they’ll hold a grudge, so be careful.」

Ehto….

So, does this mean the village chief is being protected by the ancient dragons?

「It’s the opposite. We’re the ones relying on him.」

…

「And the village chief has more children. Those vampire and angel childrens are his as well. Their strength is still developing, but… don’t underestimate them. If anyone harms them, the village chief will be enraged. You understand?」

Ah…

Yes, I understand.

I’ll absolutely keep my head down.

「Words alone won’t convince you, but don’t worry. You’ll understand eventually.」

No, I already understand!

「Hahaha. No, you don’t fully grasp it yet. Proof of that is how you think you could win if you fought the village chief, even after hearing Hakuren lost to him.」

W-Well, that’s… true.

「Even if you’re cautious, you are still seeing him as an ordinary person. His temperament is mild, as long as no one messes with his fields.」

… I’ll keep that in mind.

「As I said, you’ll understand in time.」

I hope so…

-0-

The wedding of Guinel and Dandaji was held.@@novelbin@@

The village chief had the best seat, which, considering his position, was only natural.

…Natural, was it?

Isn’t it a better seat than even Dragon King Dors-sama’s?

Ah, no.

I’m underestimating the village chief again.

Even though I’m trying to be mindful.

As I watched the wedding, thinking such things, the ancient dragons collectively let out a roar, and the voice of a god resounded.

It startled me.

I couldn’t move.

But it wasn’t unpleasant.

It was an incredibly rare experience.

And I see now.

Even as the voice of the god echoed, the village chief remained unfazed.

He had the composure to move.

I see, I see.

-0-

Before I knew it, it was the reception.

It seems I had stopped thinking altogether.

Ah, the food is delicious.

The alcohol is exquisite too.

I wonder if I can get some packed as souvenirs.

The cake… hmm, sweet.

The Six Dragon Kingdom is being renamed to the Six Dragon God Kingdom?

No problem, no problem.

It’s because of the voice of the god?

Ah—yes, it feels like that kind of atmosphere.

Probably.

Probably, that’s all.

Oh, and excuse me for a moment…

Hmm.

The human child is Ursa, the angel girl is Tiselle, and the little vampire is Alfred.

Ah, no, it’s Ursa-sama, Tiselle-sama, and Alfred-sama.

I’ll make sure to remember.

-0-

「I am Otat. A master of surprise attacks and disguises. Only a genius tactician like me could lead the battle-hardened impure dragons.」

「I am Owamea, also known as Face Girl. With my stunning looks, men fall for me instantly. Whether it’s bluffing my way to ancient weapons or pulling off a heist, I can get anything done.」

「Hey, thanks for waiting! I’m Haifreniars, better known as Crazy Snake. My vehicle piloting skills are unmatched! A weirdo? A freak? So what?」

「Lactroy, they call me Macho. A master of cursing(insulting). I’ll even dish out ancient dragons. But I don’t curse my husband, of course.」

As I reflected on whether something like this might work…

「I’m not the leader, though.」

「As if I would ever seduce a man other than my husband.」

「What does a dragon need to ride a vehicle, anyway?」

「Curse ancient dragons? No, no, no way.」

I realized it was impossible after all.

(Note: This has no connection to the main story.)