“The fact remains that there is still another dragon out there, that one takes priority over anything else. Anyone else.”
Mister Ed glared his narrowed eyes at Alice as she emerged from the party of happy adventurers surrounding her and Arga. His expression wasn’t necessarily untrusting but rather, concerned. I shared his worry, I would be lying if the thought hadn’t crossed my mind too.
With there being a whole kingdom of dragons like her, it was only natural for one of them to be a little far from nice. I couldn't expect them all to be like her, I understood that.
“So what do you plan to do about it?” I asked apprehensively.
“I know I already told you but I’m sure you remember what I said before, right? That in this Tower, anything can happen.”
I nodded back.
“A dragon is already considered a powerful monster, this one that we’re hunting…it might be on a whole new level. Even so—it’s our duty to slay monsters like that, the ones that put others in danger. What I won’t do, is put my guild members in unnecessary danger. So I plan to stop this monster, even if I have to do it alone.”
Hearing his words, I couldn't help but form a smile.
Such bold words could be said by anyone—it took a real leader to be able to make someone else believe them. I believed him.
More often than not, adventurers would talk themselves up and come up short in the end. I didn’t detect that—he was serious.
He protects the people and those fighting for the people. He’s strong in so many ways, in a lot more than I thought a single person could be.
One thought kept racing through my mind as I admired him, one single question that I couldn't imagine the answer to.
Just how strong was he?
“You should join the celebration. It isn't every day that we get chances like this to rest. Don’t worry, my guild will ensure that you and your friends get back safely tomorrow. You have my word.”
Somehow, I had no doubt.
“Thank you, for everything!”
I gave a deep bow, so low that my aching back nearly fell apart as my head lowered. As I rose again I felt the warm grip of Arga and Alice pulling me away.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
“Rei—they have food!”
“Is…really…rummy!!” Alice muttered with a full mouth of food.
I couldn't resist, not only because I lacked the energy but because I was starving too. I gave one last joyful glare back to Mister Ed and walked off to where they dragged me.
Just as promised, an entire pot of steaming veggie soup awaited on the fire. Grilled meat was freshly skewered beside it, an entire feast of fresh food fit to feed a village—or a guild with an appetite just as big. It was an efficient process, one that I wish we had the manpower to copy.
A group of people would carry and collect the food in their bags while a larger amount of them carried the supplies and provisions necessary to prepare the food. Once they found a good place to cook it—they were set!
Another tall member of their guild was working over the food, pouring bowl after bowl for each of the hungry guild mates lining up behind us. I looked back and realised that we had fallen into a line without noticing.
I wondered if we would get in trouble, I know they said they would feed us but was it okay to be first?! As the look of worry overcame me I was quickly put at ease by the tall chef in front of me.
“Don’t think about it, just eat. In our guild, the guests eat first.”
A large bowl of broth and veggies was passed to me with a warm smile behind it, I didn’t give it another thought and took the bowl with a thanks and smile.
Arga and Alice had no problem accepting the food, by the time I had started eating they had already polished off half of their bowls. My eye twitched with concern at the sight of Arga devouring her food and Alice mimicking her ever so closely.
“She might be a bad influence on her…”
I planned to go over and join them but after my initial step towards them, something else caught my eye.
Up ahead to my left was a small hill that overlooked most of the dome, with a single figure admiring it by themselves. I focused further and noticed the loose blonde spikes and distinct large shield on his back.
A large tree slumped over him, with some large rocks—it might be more accurate to call them boulders. He was sitting by himself, alone, but it did look like a pretty nice spot.
“Isn't that the shield imposter?” I muttered.
“Oh you mean Veldor? Yeah he would be sulking alone, the big baby.” He just insulted him but there wasn’t any animosity behind his words. It was more like how an older sibling would talk about a sulking child.
He overheard my confusion and decided to confirm what suspicions I had. I heard it a few times before but that was the first time I actually wanted to learn his name. The shielder I had fought before, I didn’t think I’d see so much of him since arriving here.
“Veldor huh…does he do that often?”
Given the reaction I got initially from the chef, I imagined that he must not have been the most mature character in their guild. I mean, in our fight he didn’t seem to scream noble intentions either.
“Now and again, it’s only because his idol—the guild master—put him down earlier. Those two have a weird relationship but whenever he does something stupid the Guild master always makes sure he knows it…then Veldor ends up like that for a while.”
I felt like it was my fault…
I knew that it wasn’t, at least, not all of it. I still felt bad though, even if I couldn't stand him I still felt somewhat responsible. I wondered if something wasn’t wrong with me, caring about something that was none of my business. Still…I did care.
Enough to go over there at least.
I cringed, knowing what I planned to do next. I had no choice in the matter, my legs wouldn’t stop walking even if I wanted them to. They had a mind of their own and planned to follow through with that guilt I had.
“I guess we’re doing this…” I muttered painfully as I made my way up the small hill.