How a Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

Book 6: Epilogue1

Epilogue 1: A Dance With You

This is awful... I muttered.

On our way back down to the ground, I could see the state Dracul was left in. It was pretty bad.

The stream that was near Nadens cave had become swollen and muddied, and rivers everywhere overflowed, flooding the plains.

Draculs climate had always been controlled by Madam Tiamat, and it looked like she never considered drainage. Given how strong the dragons were, it was doubtful that any of them had died due to the flooding, but the brown, muddied rivers had ruined the once-beautiful scenery.

Do you think Liscia and the others are all right? I asked.

Im worried, but if anything comes up, Im sure Ruby will fly back up here, Naden said.

Im sure the dragons can fly now, after all, Aisha agreed. No news is good news.

With Naden and Aisha saying that to cheer me up, we headed for Crystal Castle where Liscia and the others were waiting. Though the level of the lake surrounding Crystal Castle had risen, and it covered a wider area, there was no sign of any change to the castle itself. It might have been designed like a floating island.

We set down on the ground while I was still feeling relieved to see that, and Liscia and the others rushed over to us immediately.

Souma! Liscia immediately hugged me. Thank goodness... youre all right...

Im glad to see youre okay, too. I returned Liscias embrace, and stroked the hair on the back of her head. I was really glad to see her all right.

Once we had held each other for a while, Liscia let go and, with a slightly angry look on her face, said, Geez, you had me worried, you know? There were flashes up in the clouds, and then explosions. If Halbert and Ruby hadnt gone up there, I was about ready to put a propeller on the gondola and head up there myself, okay?

Launching the gondola?! That would have been way too reckless.

I-Im sorry to make you worry, I said. So please, dont do anything so dangerous.

Look whos talking! Liscia pulled on my cheek.

She... kind of had a point.

Still, shed have come after me herself... huh. I thought Liscia had been acting more like the soon-to-be first primary queen, but you could still see bits of her tomboyish side at times like this. Well, that was who Liscia was, and I loved her for it.

Then Liscia abandoned me, and turned to Aisha and Naden. Im glad you two are safe, too.

Of course we are! I got Souma there unharmed, just like I was supposed to, Naden bragged, puffing up her not-so-ample bosom with pride.

Aisha, who was much better endowed, let hers fall with a sigh of relief. All I did was cut down bombs, but its good to see things turned out all right.

While watching the three of them, I turned to Carla, who had walked over, and asked her a question. Was there any damage down here on the surface?

No. Thanks to Sir Halbert warning us of the danger, the dragons were able to intercept the falling objects, so there was no notable damage. Liscia, Madam Kaede, and I were using magic enchanted bows to intercept the things, too. But... Carla averted her eyes. It looked there was something she was having trouble telling me.

Did something happen?

No... But something is about to, Im sure. When she said that, she glanced behind her.

Following her line of sight, I found Kaede with her arms crossed and an imposing smile, and Hal kneeling in front of her. Ruby was behind him acting flustered.

Huh? What? It looked like he was in trouble.

Hal, do you understand what you did? Kaede said, looking down at Hal without dropping her smile. You rode on the back of an unmarried dragon, you know? You know what that means, right?

No, um... I-I had no idea! Not that they only let those they were going to take as their husbands on their backs, or that not letting other men ride them was a mark of chastity! Hal desperately explained himself, sweating bullets.

Ooh, now that he mentioned it, Naden said something like that. Could Hal have ridden Ruby without knowing anything? That was like stealing a kiss from an unmarried woman, or something along those lines. I wasnt wrong when I thought he was in trouble.

For reference, what happens if he rode her without knowing in advance? I asked Naden, who had a troubled look on her face and scratched her cheek.

Hm... If he forms a contract with her, theres no problem, but if she tries to form a contract with someone else while hes still alive, shell be seen as easy or a tramp. If she cant form a contract with Halbert, Ruby might not be able to form a contract for another eighty years.

Even if all they were doing was letting people ride on their backs, the dragons apparently had a very strict sense of chastity.

Kaede shrugged in disbelief. Even if you didnt know about it before, if you listened to His Majesty and Madam Naden when they were talking, you would have known this, you know?

No, I do think I messed up here! But, Kaede, back then... you never stopped me from riding her!

Because it was a crisis, she snapped. Knowing you, I had my doubts that you were aware of what you were doing, but given the situation, I decided to accept it, you know. Yes, even though we just got engaged the other day.

Ulp...

Oh, Hal and Kaede were engaged, huh? Congratulations. Well, they were childhood friends, after all, and I expected it to happen eventually, so I wasnt surprised, but... if that was the case, this couldnt have happened at a worse time.

Kaede sighed, and her shoulders slumped. And what? You didnt know? What about Ruby, who you took for a ride? She cant attend the Contract Ceremony anymore. If you dont take responsibility, shell be alone for as long as youre alive, you know! Are you planning to waste decades of a girls life?

U-Um... Kaede, Ruby ventured. I was ready to accept that when I...

You shut up, Ruby!

Y-Yes, maam... Ruby hastily stepped aside.

To think she could shut down Ruby with one shout... Naden chose a weird thing to be impressed by.

Normally Kaede was the hesitant type, but when it was time to stand her ground, nothing could frighten her. Like when Hal tried to go join Georg. That it usually involved Hal was a sign of how deep her love for him was.

At this point, Carla whispered in my ear, Um, Master, is it okay for us not to stop them?

Do you think anything I say is going to be persuasive? I murmured back. Even if there were circumstances involved, Im trying to form a contract with Naden when I already have four fiances.

...I suppose you have a point there. Carla scooted away from me.

Yeah... that was about the reaction I should have expected.

Raising a finger next to her temple, Kaede declared, It looks like I have no choice, you know. Please, do right by her.

Youre okay with that, Kaede? Halbert asked weakly.

Ill let it slide this time. I need to think about whats best for the House of Magna from here on. If all Im considering is how to grow the House of Magna, forming a contract with a dragon like Ruby isnt a bad thing. If youre a dragon knight, youll be viewed with deference by enemy and ally alike, and that should be helpful to you when you go to war. I can accept it as a benefit to my house.

Kaede...

But this is the last time I want to see you picking up other wives because you went with the flow!

Uh, right... Ill take that to heart.

Th-Thank you so much, Kaede. Ruby bowed her head to Kaede in relief.

Hal seemed like he couldnt raise his head out of deference to her. It looked like Kaede managed to show her forbearance as the head wife, while placing herself above Hal and Ruby. Now Hal would never be able to talk back to her about domestic affairs. Just like me.

Now that I thought of it, Grandpa once said, The secret to a happy household is to be clever about how you end up under your wifes thumb. Even my grandma, who was always smiling, had given my grandpa hell when he misbehaved when they were younger.

Were Liscia and the others going to get like that eventually...? I felt like Id seen signs of it.

Youre thinking something rude, arent you? Liscia asked, giving me a cold look. She was apparently on to me.

Oh, no... I was just thinking we should ask Madam Tiamat to sort out the matter with Ruby... or something like that, I said hastily. Yeah.

Hm... Liscia looked at me with her usual dubiousness.

Uh, time to change the topic.

Oh, right. Whered the other dragons go? Carla was saying they were intercepting things from the ground.

Hm? Oh, thats right. The dragon priestesses left a message for you. Liscia clapped her hands as if she just remembered.

A message?

Please, come to the great hall, they said. It sounds like Madam Tiamat is waiting for you there.

I see... Well, shall we go then?

Madam Tiamat was waiting... huh. I had a mountain of questions, but how many of them would she answer?

We entered Crystal Castle and headed for the great hall.

Huh?!

En route, when we entered the corridor to the great hall, there were dragons in human form lined up along both sides of the corridor. When we approached, the dragons all took a knee and bowed their heads. They were like peasants welcoming a daimyos procession.

Wh-What?! Whats going on?! Naden exclaimed.

All the dragons have gathered to bow to someone... Ruby whispered.

When they saw that scene, Naden and Ruby voiced their surprise and awe. It was a familiar scene for Liscia, Aisha, and me, since we lived in a castle, but it was a bizarre sight for the rest of the group. I was scared to realize Id gotten used to this at some point.

While I was thinking about that, a dragon priestess appeared from between the kneeling dragons. She bowed before us.

Lady Tiamat awaits you in the great hall. Would King Souma, Princess Liscia, and their vassals please follow me?

With that said, the dragon priestess walked down the corridor lined with kneeling dragons. Following her lead, we reached the great hall where, just as when I first arrived in the Star Dragon Mountain Range, the mountainous silver dragon that was Madam Tiamat was waiting.

The members of the group who were seeing her for the first time gulped in unison.

Whoa, shes huge... Ow! Halbert yelped.

You have to be quiet, you know, Hal, Kaede hissed as she stepped on Hals foot.

Then Madam Tiamat lowered her long thick neck.

When they saw that, Naden and Rubys eyes bugged out.

No way, Lady Tiamat is bowing! Naden yelped.

Wh-What a great honor! Ruby cried.

Oh, so that was her bowing her head. She was so big that I couldnt tell.

If Madam Tiamat, who the dragons of the Star Dragon Mountain Range looked up to as a mother, and the practitioners of Mother Dragon worship saw as a god, was bowing her head in our direction, yeah, I could see why theyd be shocked. Madam Tiamat slowly lifted her head and began speaking in a quiet tone.

First, King Souma of the United Kingdom of Elfrieden and Amidonia, as representative of those who live in the Star Dragon Mountain Range, and as the mother of all dragons, let me give you my greatest thanks for your efforts to resolve the crisis facing Dracul. Madam Tiamat bowed her head again. Furthermore, allow me to also thank those who accompanied you for their efforts. Naden, Ruby, you did well, too.

Y-Yes, maam!

Youre too kind!

Naden and Ruby had taken a knee and were bowing their heads.

I took a step forward, and spoke as a representative of the group. Please, raise your head. I cant imagine this was a problem that affected your country alone. Once the thing in that cloud causing the storm finished destroying Dracul, there was no telling where it would head next. It might have harmed my own country, too. It was only natural that I should cooperate.

Then, after pausing to take a breath, I cut to the heart of the matter.

Id say thats enough for our pleasantries as the heads of two states, Madam Tiamat. I have a lot I want to ask you.

Tiamat, who raised her head, nodded as if in agreement. I know. However, there is not much I am able to say.

Thats fine. You only have to tell me what you can, so please explain.

...Okay.

With that, Madam Tiamat was engulfed in light, and she took the form of a woman wearing a silver robe, just like last time. I closed my eyes due to the brightness, and when I opened them, a large round table and enough chairs for everyone present had appeared.

Madam Tiamat put a hand on one of the chairs, and encouraged the rest of us to take a seat. It must be hard to talk while looking up. Please, be seated.

You have a point, I nodded.

Once I saw that everyone sat down, I asked Madam Tiamat, Let me cut straight to the point. What was that thing in the cloud that caused the storm?

That is... not something I have authorization to answer.

I knew it: the authority issue was going to get in the way. But I couldnt just back down.

You can just tell me what youre able to, and if this... authorization makes it hard for you to say something, you can be vague, but give us as much information as you can.

Lets see... It is, like me, one of the Old Ones.

O-Old Ones? Old... Were they like gods, maybe?

Each of the Old Ones has a duty, said Tiamat. Mine is to watch over, its is to create. Normally, the Old Ones are not supposed to interact, and the Old Ones are to do their utmost to avoid influencing the New Ones. However, that thing broke free of its bonds, and tried to bring harm to my children. While this is unforgivable, it also shows how badly that thing wanted to...

W-Wait, hold on a second. I stopped Madam Tiamat, who was quickly going through her story.

Fair enough; I asked for as much information as she could give, and I said she could be vague where she had to, but if she was just going to keep going without us really understanding, we would only be left with no clue as to what she said. Maybe I needed to question her about the details.

Also, it would probably be best to have one of the Factory Arms I left my consciousness in back in the castle take notes so I could go over them later. I wanted to consult with Hakuya, too.

What are the Old Ones? I asked.

Those with a different origin than the New Ones who live on this continent.

Youre one of these Old Ones, Madam Tiamat? What about the other dragons?

I am the only Old One in the Star Dragon Mountain Range.

It seemed Madam Tiamat really was a being on a different level from the rest of the dragon race.

Are there any Old Ones other than you and the cube? I asked.

There were, at one time. However, that thing and I are the only ones left. The other Old Ones vanished with time, leaving their names behind as godbeasts, and other such things.

Did you say godbeasts?! Aisha yelled out in surprise. In my homeland, the God-Protected Forest, there is a legend that says a godbeast is protecting the forest.

That would be the forest of the dark elves in Friedonia. Its true, there was once an Old One who took the form of a serow in that forest.

The once in what Madam Tiamat said made Aisha grasp her head.

What... am I supposed to think about this? she burst out. Should I be happy that it once existed? Or should I be sad that it no longer does?

W-Well, isnt that what faith is like? I asked.

Oh... Should I tell my people the truth about this? she asked hesitantly.

...Lets talk with Wodan before we decide that.

It was a being no one claimed to have seen for a very long time, so even if it didnt exist now, that wasnt going to raise any problems for it as an object of worship. After all, gods were always a thing where you never knew if they were real or not, but it would be nice if they were.

But, still... Old Ones and New Ones, huh? Was it time that separated the new from the old? The flow of time in this world? If so... what did that make me, who had come from outside that time?

No. You are neither, Madam Tiamat said, as if to answer my doubts before I could ask.

Oh, right, Madam Tiamat could read my mind, couldnt she?

I thought I was human, like Liscia and the others, I said.

Yes. Your race is most certainly human. However, you cannot be categorized as a New One like the rest of the human race.

Is that because I was summoned from another world?

...I can find no way to answer that.

The cube called me a familiar one, I said. And you yourself once called me You who have a familiar smell.

In that dream where our consciousnesses were synchronized, Madam Tiamat brought her nose close to my chest, and called me, You who have a familiar smell.

At first, I thought it was because she was comparing me to the first King of Elfrieden, who I heard had also been a hero summoned from another world, and who had formed a contract with a dragon from the Star Dragon Mountain Range. However, that cube in the cloud also called me a familiar one.

That cube had no connection to the first hero.

Furthermore, Madam Tiamat and the cube, who both called me familiar, were also both Old Ones. I was human, but didnt fall into the category of New One, and the Old Ones called me familiar. That meant...

Could it be Im an Even Older One, or something like that? I put forth.

What do you mean? Liscia asked, so I decided to explain my hypothesis.

I think maybe this world and the world I came from are on the same temporal axis. Basically, that would mean this isnt a different world for me.

Soumas... not a hero from another world? Liscia mumbled with a look of shock on her face.

Everyone seemed confused by my statement, but I was more bewildered than any of them. The inside of my head was utter chaos. But it added up in a lot of ways.

If I think back, there are a lot of connections to the world I was in before. Its most obvious with names. Tomoe and Kaede come from my former countrys language, Japanese.

Th-They do? Kaedes eyes went wide.

I nodded and said, Yeah. Kaede was the name of a plant that turned red in autumn. The red leaves looked pretty in the setting sun, and girls were often named after it.

I knew it was a common name among families with ties to the Nine-Headed Dragon Archipelago Union, but... I never knew it came from a plant.

They were using it without knowing that? I looked at Madam Tiamat.

Also... the one that caught my attention the most, Madam Tiamat, was your name.

Tiamat was silent.

I only know this from games and such, but Tiamat was the name of a dragon that appeared in old legends in my world. And, what do you know, the Mother Dragon who rules over the dragons in this world is also called Tiamat. If the name is so fitting, Im not about to write it off as happenstance. Werent you given the name Tiamat because you were the Mother Dragon?

Madam Tiamat neither confirmed nor denied. She must not have had the authority to. If that was the case, then wasnt it because my thinking was on the mark?

Take the overscience relics from the dungeons that Genia was studying, for instance. The jewels used in the Jewel Voice Broadcast were total overtechnology from the point of view of a society whose technological level approximated the end of the middle ages, and they still were by the standards of the world Id come from. But if this was the world of the future, there was at least some explanation for it.

However, it only raised more questions.

If I were to assume the two worlds were connected on the same timeline, what on Earth could have turned that scientific world into a world of sword and sorcery? Besides, there were more than just humans in this world. There were a variety of races: beastmen, elves, dragonewts, and more.

How were all of them born?

What exactly were this world, magic, overscience, other races, monsters, and demons...?

I didnt have one clear answer to any of it. This was no good. The matter had gotten too big to resolve inside my one, tiny little head.

The answer to your questions may become clear in time. Madam Tiamats quiet voice came to me as I was holding my head in confusion. I cannot tell you everything, but if you wish to learn of this world, I am sure you will eventually find the truth.

Is that... a prophecy? I asked.

No. This is a wish.

A wish? I asked, but Tiamat simply gave me a soft, lonely smile.

Eventually, you will arrive at the truth, and then go north, to where that child awaits you.

Ultimately, all Id learned from my conversation with Tiamat was that this world might be on the same timeline as my own. Even when Id asked for more, Madam Tiamat hadnt answered.

Obviously, looking at the shape of the continent, I wasnt going to have an It was Earth all along! moment, but... while, when it came to that cube and how this world came about, I had to imagine the world I came from was involved in some way, I was left frustrated, unable to come up with a clear explanation.

Even after being led from the great hall to what seemed to be a waiting room, I was going over our conversation in my head while sitting on the comfy couch.

Eventually, you will arrive at the truth, and then go north, to where that child awaits you.

Augh, what did she mean the truth? I couldnt help but let it bother me. If I didnt have a country resting on my shoulders, Id have started flying around everywhere, looking for traces of the past world.

Are you letting what Madam Tiamat said bother you? Liscia asked, resting her head on my shoulder.

...Well, yeah. It involves my origin, so I cant very well not.

Thats true. But, Souma, youre you... and youre also the king. Liscia put her hand on top of mine. As king, you have the ability to move people. The peoples literacy rate is on the rise, and youve gathered so many intelligent people to work for you. So... dont try to carry the burden all by yourself. No matter who you are, where youre from, or what happened to your world, I will accept you.

Liscia...

Though, Im also saying that selfishly, because I want you to stay as king. Liscia gave me a mischievous smile as she said that.

Aisha, who was sitting on the opposite side of Liscia, leaned in close enough that our shoulders were touching. Indeed! No matter who you are, sire, were with you!

Aisha... Thanks. Both of you.

With their encouragement, I felt like I could finally relax my shoulders a bit.

Meanwhile, Hal was sitting on the couch across from us, with a look on his face that was half exasperation and half admiration. Im amazed you can get such a syrupy sweet mood going with two partners, Souma.

Kaede was sitting next to him, clinging to him closely, and, for lack of other spots, Carla was sitting on the same couch, feeling a little awkward.

Halbert sighed, then started scratching his head. For me... it still doesnt feel real that Im taking Ruby as my bride. I mean, sure, political marriages are normal in the noble and knightly classes, but I already have Kaede. We were childhood friends, and... well... I wanted to make her my wife, eventually.

Is he going to brag about her? I thought, but I stayed quiet and listened.

But now Ive gone and decided on a second wife.

Oh... Im happy for you, Hal, I said. Im glad Madam Tiamat accepted the situation with you and Ruby.

At the very end of the earlier conference, I apologized to Madam Tiamat for the fact that Hal rode on an unwed dragon like Ruby. Even though it ultimately was to Draculs advantage, it was something my subordinate had done without sufficient thought, so I gave a proper apology to prevent a diplomatic incident.

Madam Tiamat smiled at Hal and Ruby. I am sure this bond was also fate. Then she lowered her head for Hal, too. Sir Halbert. I leave Ruby in your care, until the day you die.

When the being worshiped as Mother Dragon bowed her head to him, Hal reflexively stood up from his chair and responded, Y-Yes, maam! with a tense look on his face.

Thinking back to that moment, I put on a wry smile and said, The Tiamat bowed her head to you. Youd better make Ruby happy.

About that... Hal held his head in his hands. I never thought it would come to this, so I have no clue how to interact with them. Should I accept it as a political marriage? Should I love them equally? Once I start thinking, Isnt that unfair to Kaede? or Isnt that unfair to Ruby? theres no end to it.

Do you hate the idea of marrying Ruby? I asked.

If I hated it, it wouldnt be bothering me so badly!

Hal was, at his core, a simple and devoted guy, so he must have found it hard to come to terms with the idea of loving two women. It made me, the guy with five fiances, feel pretty bad about myself.

When I looked at Kaede, wondering how she felt about how Hal, she had a hand to her mouth and was shaking. It looked like she was stifling a laugh. It was funny that Hal was wracking his nonexistent brains and worrying over something Kaede had already come to terms with.

Id feel bad for Ruby if he kept that depressed look on his face, so I decided to try blowing things up a bit.

Hal, do you know youre a meathead?

Huh? Yeah, Im aware, but when you say it that bluntly, it pisses me off. Sure enough, he looked angry.

I sighed and told him, Poor thought is akin to no thought. With your brains, youre not going to come up with anything decent, so dont waste your time thinking. Also, one thing is clear: While youre being indecisive about what to do, you arent making either Kaede or Ruby any happier.

Urkh...

Besides, youre more of a doer than a thinker, right? If you have time to worry about if youre being insincere, use it to show the two of them some sincerity.

Dont worry and show them with my attitude, huh... Youre right. With that, Hal stood up, scooping Kaede up in his arms.

Eek!

Its not like me to waste time mulling things over, he said. I may not have really come to terms with it all yet, but Im gonna do everything I can to make both Kaede and Ruby happy.

That was the simplemi... er, sincere Hal for you. Once he decided not to think too much, he found his resolve. It was pretty cool that he could scoop her up in his arms and then say a passionate line like that while sober. Kaedes face was bright red, too.

Okay... then. Please, do your best, you know, Hal...

With how embarrassed she was, it seemed that was all Kaede could force out.

Haha, looks like Hal got back at her, I thought and was smiling, but then...

Since you said it, you do your best, too, Souma. Liscia grinned.

Oh! Oh! Sire! The princess and I would like to be carried, too! Aisha added.

Getting that from both sides, I shrunk into myself.

Then...

A dragon priestess suddenly appeared and told us, Sir Souma, Sir Halbert, the preparations are complete.

Souma, this is her big day, so keep your act together, okay? Liscia said.

Go for it, sire! Aisha cried, sending me off.

You, too, Hal, Kaede added. Dont disgrace the House of Magna.

What, no kind words for me?!

Kaede sent Hal off, too. She was like a wife in the Edo Period, sending off her husband by striking a firestone so that the sparks fell on his back.

Now, then... it was time to go. Naden and Ruby were waiting.

There were two reasons why I came to the Star Dragon Mountain Range.

The first was Madam Tiamats request to help deal with the storm bearing down on the Star Dragon Mountain Range. The other was to form a dragon knight contract, binding Naden, the one who could fly in that storm, and me together. For that reason, I had been asked to participate in the Contract Ceremony which was held between the dragon knights of the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom and the dragons of the Star Dragon Mountain Range.

However, because events developed so quickly, the order of events had gotten all mixed up, and with the earlier storm having caused damage in Dracul, due to flooding, among other things, the Contract Ceremony that the Nothung Dragon Knight Kingdom would have been invited to was canceled. Even so, Naden and I, and Ruby and Halbert, had already essentially formed contracts. That was why it was decided that a Contract Ceremony would be held today with just us two couples.

When Hal and I were transported to the great hall, Madam Tiamat was already there in dragon form, and we were surrounded by dragons in human form. Nadens friend Pai and Rubys former flunkies Sapphire and Emerada were there, too.

While we were still nervous, having been cast into the center of attention, Naden and Ruby appeared wearing a black and a red dress, respectively.

Ruby was a beautiful girl to begin with, but Naden was given a makeover by Liscia, so she shone just as brightly. The dresses looked like theyd been interwoven with metallic fiber, and the contrast between Nadens black and Rubys red was stunning.

Meanwhile, Hal and I were in our usual military outfits. Mine was black, and Hals was green.

They walked over to us, took a knee, and brought their left hands to their chests while reaching out to us with their right hands.

Ruby was the first to open her mouth.

My knight, my partner. I wish to form a riding contract with you.

Hal inhaled sharply. Accepted! He took her hand, pulling her to her feet.

I heard this from Naden later, but the order contracts were formed in was decided by the status of the people becoming dragon knights. The highest ranked knight was saved for last, and after that it went in order of rank. That was why Naden went last, but with only two couples present, it didnt really feel all that special being saved for that.

Well, that aside, next, Naden opened her mouth.

My king, my partner. I wish to form a riding contract with you.

I accept. I took Nadens hand, pulling her to her feet.

I was surprised when she called me her king, but she was right; I wasnt a knight, I was the king of a nation.

Once she was standing, Naden and I clasped both our hands together. We were in the perfect pose for high society dancing. At the same moment, music began playing in the great hall. Quietly at first, but gradually growing louder. The dragon priestesses in front of Madam Tiamat had started playing musical instruments. It was a slow rhythm, a relaxed melody.

Huh?! I exclaimed. This piece...

What is it, Souma? Naden asked.

...No, nothing.

I began stepping in time to the music.

I danced with Naden, matching the melody. Hal and Ruby started dancing, too.

As we danced, I leaned in and whispered in Nadens ear, Do they always use this piece for the dance at the Contract Ceremony?

I dont think so. Ive never heard this piece before.

I see...

In that case, Madam Tiamat may have arranged this. The piece they were playing was one that had come from my world. It was the main theme from a movie where a beauty danced with a beast. Naden and I danced to the famous piece that played during the dance scene that was the highlight of the film.

Seeing Nadens face up close, it made me wonder: Which of us was the beauty, and which of us was the beast? If you saw this as a human-animal marriage tale, as a ryuu, that would make Naden the beast, but she also deserved to be called a beauty. The girl in front of my eyes was truly a beautiful beast.

What a fancy dance partner I have... I murmured.

Hm? Did you say something?

No, nothing. I was just thinking how lucky I am.

While we were dancing, I looked over to see Hal and Ruby. Hal must not have been used to this sort of thing, because his moves were a little awkward, but Ruby was doing a good job of leading him.

You can actually dance, Souma, Naden said to me. I thought youd be bad at this sort of thing.

I was, but I worked desperately to learn how to get better. I was being called to a lot of social functions, after all.

Ahaha! Youve got it rough, huh.

Yeah, kinda. For all the practice you skipped, youre doing pretty well yourself, Naden.

I-I only started skipping recently. I was practicing like I was supposed to before.

I looked fondly at Naden as she made excuses, when...

Naden. Madam Tiamats voice suddenly came into my head.

Lady Tiamat? It seemed Naden could hear the voice, too.

Oh, yeah. Shed been calling Naden, so of course she could.

While we continued dancing, Madam Tiamats gentle voice echoed in our heads. Naden. Theres something I have to apologize to you for.

Huh? Apologize?

When you were troubled by the fact you looked different from other dragons, I was unable to tell you, You are a ryuu. That you were born in this era meant that one who knew your value would appear. I hid your nature so as to not get in the way of that meeting, and for that I apologize.

Dont!

While still dancing, Naden turned just her face toward Madam Tiamat. The music was already past the midway point, and was rising. Our emotions rose along with the melody.

Naden shouted, with tears in her eyes, You were always there to encourage me, Lady Tiamat! Eventually, one who knows your value will appear, you said! When I heard it, I only half believed it... No, I hardly believed it at all... But I really did meet Souma!

Big teardrops rolled down Nadens face.

So... Im grateful. Thanks... Mom.

It felt like Madam Tiamat smiled when she heard Nadens words of gratitude. Take care, my beloved daughter.

The music was close to ending. I held Naden, whose face was messy with tears, close.

Naden, I know Im not the most reliable guy, but lets work together from now on.

Naden sobbed. Yes. Yes!

Here, today, Naden and I formed a contract as partners.