Chapter 197. War Dragon Storeus

Hestia Village.

Administrator Isabella gazed at the dawn slowly brightening beyond the eastern horizon and thought to herself,

'It should be about time for them to arrive.'

This was the most important matter she had handled since becoming the Administrator.

If the expedition proved successful, skilled adventurers would flock here, and where adventurers gathered, merchants would surely follow.

That was why the eastern gate was preparing a grand welcoming celebration for the first expedition.

After all, the louder the celebration, the better.

Until then, she intended to finish the mountain of work waiting for her and begin her day.

"Administrator."

"Yes, what is it?"

"The weather seems to have taken a turn for the worse. I came to ask whether we should proceed as planned."

The weather had turned bad?

Isabella found that impossible to believe.

She herself had checked the clear skies barely thirty minutes earlier.

"Let's go take a look."

She rose from her seat and stepped outside.

The man hadn't been talking nonsense.

What entered Isabella's sight was exactly what everyone else was seeing.

"What in the...?"

The sky, which had been completely cloudless only moments ago, was now filled with dark, gloomy storm clouds, rolling like waves across the heavens.

"Did Lady Iorga summon these clouds?"

"No. The Blue Eye does not create storm clouds carelessly."

"Then..."

There was only one being capable of creating clouds like these.

"Why is that reckless fool..."

Thunder Dragon, Storeus.

It was said that the territory of Storeus's Dragon Spawn lay in the southwest.

However, Storeus had never cared for territory.

He was a Dragon who drifted with the winds, treating the clouds as his home.

A calamity that wandered about like an idler, striking lightning whenever something bored or irritated him.

And now, Storeus had come to the Far East, a place he had never once set foot in before.

'Why?'

The clouds surged onward, racing toward the Far East, toward the Land of Demons.

As the dawn gradually revealed the pale blue sky, the storm clouds merged with the darkness lingering over the Far East.

Rumble—!

A deafening roar shook heaven and earth.

***

The Land of Demons.

-So this is why the Captain chose to settle here. Hogging all these interesting things for yourself!

The corners of the long snout of the enormous Dragon, Storeus, twisted upward.

To anyone else, it might have looked like nothing more than a smile.

But to Erika, who knew Storeus well, there was nothing more terrifying.

At any moment, everyone here could die.

Erika carefully stepped forward and bowed.

"It is an honor to meet the great Aspect of Storms, the War Dragon, Storeus."

-Don't greet me, inferior creature.

His chilling voice stood in stark contrast to his hearty laughter.

At that moment, something pierced through the dense demonic energy and descended upon the adventurers.

"U-Urgh..."

"Huff... Huff..."

For the first time in their lives, they experienced primordial fear.

It naturally brought one name to mind.

Dragon Fear.

The overwhelming difference in existence between Mortals and immortals.

Even Erika, a Dragon Spawn herself, was no exception.

One of Storeus's claws pointed toward the ground.

-When did I permit you to hold your head so high? Kneel and show proper respect, you insolent wretch.

One by one, the adventurers dropped to their knees.

But Erika did not.

No...

She could not.

Yet she carried the pride of being Iorga's Dragon Spawn.

She must never kneel so easily before anyone other than Iorga.

But at the same time, as Captain Eri, she had to swallow that pride to protect the expedition.

Just as she was about to kneel, someone grabbed her shoulder.

It was the Armored Knight.

He was stopping her from kneeling.

"W-What are you doing?"

Her words stumbled from sheer tension.

Erika's face had gone pale.

Did he not know what happened when someone angered that madman Storeus?

She wanted to tell him to let go.

But it was already too late.

Storeus had not missed even that brief moment.

-Hoh... So, you refuse to let someone else's child kneel before another?

Storeus chuckled.

It was over.

The moment that laughter stopped, he would become a single bolt of lightning and reduce them all to dust.

-Interesting. Very interesting.

Yet, contrary to Erika's expectations, Storeus did not summon lightning.

Instead, he simply turned around.

-I have other business. Take your time and come later.

And with that, Storeus flew away.

Everyone stood frozen in disbelief.

It felt as though a storm capable of sweeping away everything had merely brushed past them.

'Why did he just leave?'

Normally, this was exactly the sort of excuse Storeus loved to use to cause trouble.

'Did he really leave quietly just because he had other business?'

Impossible.

Even if he had other matters to attend to, turning them into a handful of ashes would have taken no effort at all.

Not even Erika, one of Iorga's Dragon Spawn and their captain, would have been an exception.

'Which means... it's because of this Armored Knight.'

A man whom even Storeus could not casually lay a hand on despite his act of disrespect.

'Just who... is this person?'

Whatever the reason, Storeus's whim had spared them.

The expedition safely returned to the village.

After the grand welcoming ceremony, Erika intended to speak with the Armored Knight.

But by the time they arrived...

He had already disappeared.

***

The storm clouds that had traveled toward the Far East came to a halt before Valdrova Castle.

The thundercloud was so enormous that it resembled a mountain floating in the sky.

If it crashed down, it seemed as though the entire castle would be crushed.

Luri stood before the main gate, looking up at the thundercloud.

She knew exactly who its master was.

And she had already sensed that he would come here.

Boom!

With the sound of thunder, a figure appeared before her.

The gigantic head of a Dragon stood right in front of her.

Her body instinctively trembled in fear.

Nevertheless, she forced herself to bow respectfully.

"It is an honor to meet the great Aspect of Storms, the War Dragon, Storeus."

"Is your master inside?"

"My master is currently away. She will return shortly, so if you would kindly wait—"

"Yes, she'll be back soon enough. I saw her on the way here."

"..."

Luri understood immediately.

Storeus already knew where Valdrova was.

He had seen her himself.

Even if that armor could deceive Dragon Spawn, it could never fool Dragons of the same kind.

-Until your master returns, I suppose I'll pass the time. Show me to the guest room and bring me some liquor, girl of Silverwind.

"My apologies, but although this is my master's Valdrova Castle, it is also a castle built for humans. In your Dragon form, it would be rather cramped."

-Hmm, it is rather cramped indeed.

His massive form gradually shrank.

He Polymorphed into a man.

Wild dark-blue hair.

Sharp eyes that seemed dissatisfied with everything in the world.

And upon the bearded lips rested an arrogant grin.

"It's been a long time since I've worn this form. Now then, when are you bringing me my drink?"

"... I shall escort you to the reception room first. Please, this way..."

Luri turned and quietly led the way.

Though she maintained a calm, professional demeanor, even she was being crushed beneath his overwhelming presence.

Her neatly folded hands were soaked with sweat.

'Such raw power... utterly devoid of consideration...'

Dragons knew that their very existence inspired fear.

That was why they concealed their appearances.

Or restrained their Aura with magic.

Such was the behavior of those called Guardian Dragons.

But Storeus was different.

Overwhelming others suited his temperament far better than showing consideration.

Luri was no exception.

From the very moment they met, he had been deliberately trying to shatter her composed expression.

'I have to endure...'

Luri guided him into the reception room and offered him a wine glass.

"How bothersome."

Storeus tossed the glass aside and snatched the bottle straight from her hands.

Despite it being a powerful spirit, he drained half the bottle in a single gulp.

Frowning, he complained,

"Cheap. Doesn't our Grand Duchess live far too modestly?"

"Her Grace the Grand Duchess does not enjoy alcohol, nor does she have any interest in collecting such things..."

"So this is what you've been taught to serve your guests?"

"My deepest apologies. I shall do my utmost to satisfy you on your next visit."

"So your master actually has a 'next time,' does she?"

Storeus's gaze shifted toward Luri.

She suppressed her instincts with everything she had.

"Drinking alone is no fun. I need company. Little one."

"Yes."

"Can you drink?"

"..."

"Answer me."

"... I cannot."

"Then today will be your first lesson. Bring another glass."

"..."

"An adult is offering you a drink. Are you saying you'll refuse?"

"..."

"You've grown old enough, yet you haven't grown even a handspan taller. Is your mind still that of a child? How ridiculous. Is this how your master wishes you to remain?"

He gave her not a single moment's relief.

Left with no choice, Luri brought another glass.

"Receive it with both hands. Properly."

"... Yes."

He filled the large whiskey glass until it was nearly overflowing.

The pungent scent of strong liquor stung her nose.

"Drink it all in one go."

"..."

"If you spill even a drop or try any tricks, you'll drink another glass."

Luri slowly raised the glass toward her lips.

The closer it came...

The more violently the liquor trembled inside the glass.

"Luri."

A clear, gentle woman's voice filled the reception room.

"Put the glass down."

Storeus turned his head.

Crimson hair.

Two pairs of horns.

Golden eyes.

Despite her gentle appearance, her expression was utterly serious.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you obeying your master's command?"

The oppressive pressure surrounding Luri vanished.

She carefully set the glass down and folded her hands respectfully over her apron.

"Welcome back, Master."

"Luri, could you step outside for a moment?"

"No, I should remain and attend to—"

"It's alright."

Valdrova smiled softly as she gently touched Luri's cheek.

"You've done well."

Even though Luri's expression had never once faltered, Valdrova knew she had already reached her limit.

"Then..."

Luri quietly excused herself.

The door closed behind her.

Valdrova and Storeus were now alone.

"It's been a long time, Valdrova."

"It's been a long time, Storeus."

They exchanged a simple greeting by calling each other's names.

"And... thank you."

"For what? For teaching that insolent Attendant a lesson?"

"For not revealing my identity in front of everyone."

Valdrova continued,

"And I'd appreciate it if you didn't bully Luri."

"Luri... So even that insolent thing has a name."

Storeus laughed dismissively.

"And don't thank me for something like that. What fun would it be for me to ruin your little game? The great Red Dragon is enjoying herself. Why would I interfere? If anything, you're the one who needs this amusement."

"......."

"Though I certainly couldn't stand watching that insolent Iorga girl enjoying herself."

He was referring to Erika.

"Did you really have to humiliate her like that?"

"Why should I care if someone else's children are humiliated? Doesn't it only benefit you?"

"I don't enjoy things like that."

"How hypocritical. How long do you intend to keep pretending to be the good child, Captain?"

Captain...

At that word, Valdrova tightly shut her eyes.

"You possess overwhelming power, yet you've never created a single Dragon Spawn. The only ones serving you belong to someone else. You haven't even amassed any wealth, nor do you desire any. Just when I thought you were finally enjoying yourself..."

Storeus let out a dry laugh.

"You got engaged to a frail little human?"

"Mr. Ferda is far more remarkable than you think."

Valdrova answered without hesitation.

Her response irritated Storeus.

"What makes him remarkable?"

"He can do things that I cannot."

"Really? To me, he looks like an ant that merely struts around a bit more proudly than the others."

He raised one finger.

"What do you suppose would happen if I crushed him with this finger?"

"..."

"The answer is obvious. He'd burst without putting up the slightest resistance—"

"Storeus."

Valdrova's tone became lower.

"He is the man who will become my husband. Don't speak carelessly about him."

But Storeus refused to back down.

His eyes bore into Valdrova.

"And if I do?"

Valdrova answered without wavering.

"I'll get angry."

She gently placed a hand over her chest.

"I'll be very angry with you."

"What a ridiculous thing to say. Have you ever truly been angry at anyone, Captain?"

"I have."

Valdrova replied.

"But every time, I ended up regretting it. That's why I stopped."

"You've decided you're willing to regret it because of that human?"

"If my hesitation causes Mr. Ferda to be hurt... there would be nothing I'd regret more."

Storeus withdrew the finger that had been about to strike the table.

He leaned back into the sofa once more.

"Do you love that human?"

"Yes."

"Iorga said the same thing once. Though hers wasn't a human, but an Elf. A High Elf, was it? Those odd creatures who worship the World Tree as their mother."

"......"

"And you know how that ended, don't you?"

"I do."

Valdrova still remembered it vividly.

Iorga had killed her own Fiancé with her own hands.

And afterward...

She suffered immensely.

Valdrova had wanted nothing more than to go to her and comfort her.

"If even that arrogant know-it-all couldn't make it work, what makes you think you can?"

"....."

"Humans, Elves... they're all just pets. Playing with them a few times might be amusing, but once you start taking responsibility for them, they become a burden. That's exactly what's happened to you. I can see you worrying yourself sick over the tiny little flame right before your eyes."

"Storeus."

Her golden eyes met his.

There was neither hostility nor anger within them.

Only...

Pity.

"Stop saying things you don't truly mean."

Valdrova pitied him.

Storeus, who had been provoking her with sarcastic remarks, found his own expression twisting instead.

"This is exactly why I can never like you. No one can ever truly like you."

Storeus rose from his seat.

"Out of respect for old times, I'll leave you with only a warning, Captain. Killing whatever comes from the Land of Demons is fine. But do not set foot any farther than that. For your sake... and for the sake of this continent."

"......."

"This is the decision made by that White One."