Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 5

Novel Illustrations

These are novel illustrations that were included in volume 5.

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  Cover

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Prologue

Lautreamont Knight Country, people called it the country of Dragon Breeders. To its north was the Zepharos Empire, while to its south was the Chevron Kingdom. Sandwiched between the two major powers was a small country with a population of no more than five million with a special academy. Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy. Educating and guiding teenage boys and girls who formed contracts with dragons -- an academy for Dragon Breeders.

Part 1

The last day of the month of Cancer. Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy had scheduled to hold the closing ceremony in the morning. Every student had gathered in the hall and was getting restless since it would be a holiday starting the next day. Every one of them was hoping for the bothersome ceremony to end. To make it worse, the ceremony had not begun according to schedule. It seemed that the director was late. Before anyone noticed, the students were chatting around among their groups. With the long long summer holidays right before their eyes, the students didn't stop talking once they had started.

“Huwaa….”

In the midst of everything, Ash, who was lining up together with the first year advance class, gave a loud yawn. He was about to fall asleep.

“Are you alright? You look like you didn't have enough sleep.”

Raymond was looking at Ash.

“That was your third time for today. You must have been slacking.”

On the other hand, Max firmly point out to Ash. He could never tolerate with Ash’s lazy attitude.

“It is not like I have a choice… I just returned from Fountain City last night.”

“By the way, doesn't Eco also look sleepy?”

Raymond gave Eco who was standing right beside Ash a glance and gave a bitter smile. But the next moment, his eyes widened.

“Could it be that…! Last night…. The two of you have advanced to become adults…!”

“Idiot! You speak too loud! That’s impossible!”

Ash was red in the cheeks. If it was the Ash from months ago, he wouldn't have been bothered if Raymond made fun of him and Eco. But for today, he was obviously shaken. Ash took a peek at Eco. Although she was still sleepy, the morning rays that shone into the hall had further emphasized Eco’s beauty, even though they were in the midst of people. It gave her a feeling of a noble. Her hair was pink and was reflecting silvery rays of lights. Her skin was white and the chip on her left horn that Ash had smashed off had recovered. Recently, Ash was confused about his feelings. With just a glance at Eco, he could clearly feel his chest tightening. Seeing that Ash suddenly turned silent, Raymond asked in a demanding tone:

“Hold on! Isn't your reply a little weird! Could it be you really…!”

“Raymond! Shut up…!”

Max pushed Raymond aside and had his mouth covered.

“Is it true that many things happened in Fontaine City? Even the Continental Congress - Elysium was postponed. It probably had something to do with Eco and you right?”

Ash was surprised at how sharp Max was.

“Actually, for the both of you to stay at the capital for nearly two weeks didn't sound natural to me. After the incident, the government should be busy dealing with the aftereffects. If I were the Paladin, the first thing that I would do was to send you back home. Unless…”

Max adjusted his glasses with his fingers, and threw a glance at Ash.

“Both of you were not staying there but were held in custody.”

Ash was shocked by Max’s deduction ability. In just a moment, he no longer felt sleepy.

Part 2

It was two weeks ago -

A mysterious dragon had attacked the capital and the Continental Congress- Elysium was put on hold. It had always been the topic of everybody’s talk since that day. As for the true identity behind the huge dragon, it was Eco who had awakened as the descendant of the Avalon Holy Dragons Emperor’s family. At the end of the battle, Ash managed to change Eco back to her human form and all ended peacefully. Until what awaited them were the days of the interrogation. Just like what Max had pointed out, it was not that Ash and Eco were staying at Fontaine City, it was just that they were forbidden from leaving it. They were only released by yesterday afternoon. It had already been midnight when Silvia gave them a ride back on Lancelot. It seemed that Silvia was worried about both of them and thus chose to stay back at Fontaine City. If they were to return to Ansarivan on land, he would have never been able to attend this closing ceremony. This was the reason why Ash and Eco were sleepy.

On the other hand, Silvia who should be sleepy was at the front of the queue for the first year advance class with her back straightened up. It was as expected from the Knight’s princess, everyone could feel her regal dignity.

“What do you think of it, Ash?”

While Max threw him a sharp glance, Raymond was eagerly waiting for him to answer.

“That…”

To Ash, Raymond and Max were his important friends. Just when he thought of telling them the truth, something weird happened.

-Bang!

The door of the hall was suddenly opened with a loud bang. All the students turned around in shock.

“Huh? What happened?”

Eco who had dozed off while standing took a great shock. She immediately looked at the situation around her. Ash also took a look at the door. At that instant, the attention had been robbed from him. In the middle of the doorway stood a modest girl who radiated an elegant feeling. Her neatly worn clothing was a white blouse and a bluish purple coloured skirt that matched with her black boots. The feeling she gave was obviously a daughter of someone with high social status. Apart from that, there was a maid following her from behind. She was pushing a trolley with tea sets on it. Under the eyes of every student, the girl walked straight to the stage as if it was a natural thing to do.

“Greetings to everyone from Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.”

When she was greeting, the purple reflections from her silver coloured hair made it seemed like she was wearing a halo. Ash gulped down his saliva when he saw her beauty. She was totally like a saint… But unlike all the other statues of the Saints that he had seen before, she didn't possess the kind and caring smile on her face. Her appearance made her look like the ice carving made from the Glacier of Doruaama in the far north. After a short glance at the entire student body, she spoke:

“I am Mirabel Lautreamont, the third princess. Under the orders of my elder sister Veronica, I was asked to work as the Director in this academy. Please take good care of me."

The entire hall became silent. Ash was also staring at Mirabel. He expected her to be from some high class family but for her to be a princess… Suddenly Silvia who was at the front row shouted:

“Anee-ue! What is the meaning of this? I heard that you went to Espada St. Law University to further your studies…”

After hearing that, Ash realized that Mirabel was Silvia’s sister. Everyone’s attention was on Mirabel. Even the teaching instructors who were standing along the walls were also trying to find out. Right at that moment, as if to break apart the deep silence, the eleven o'clock bell rang. The moment she heard the sound of the bell, Mirabel gave the maid a sharp glare.

“Eunice. It’s time for my tea.”

“Absolutely, Princess.”

The maid who was following Mirabel like a shadow was making tea at a fast speed.

“Please.”

“Thank you.”

Mirabel took the boiling cup of tea and sat on a folding chair that Eunice took out. She then relaxed herself and drank the tea.

“…”

Everyone was watching her movements in surprise. Even Silvia was waiting for Mirabel to finish her tea before she tried speaking. After a short moment, she passed the tea cup back to Eunice and once again, looked back at Silvia.

“So Silvia? What were you asking?”

“I was asking how come you became the Director? Please explain! By the way, where is the ex-Director who had been working here until yesterday?”

“Aa…You are talking about the old man who had a foot in a coffin? He should be having his vacation in a popular tourist spot in Chevron Kingdom. Given that he had a raise in his pension, he shouldn't have any complaints.”

“Wha-!”

Silvia turned speechless.

Part 3

“Hey… What is happening? What is going to happen to the closing ceremony?”

Eco who was standing beside Ash asked. With so many things happening around, she was no longer sleepy.

“Err… I don’t know?”

Right at the moment, a thought flash-passed. For the third princess to be ordered to become the director of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy in such a weird time, it should have some connections with the incident in the capital. The true identity behind the huge dragon was Eco and there were very few people who knew about this. First Princess Veronica was one of them. In the beginning, the Knight’s government took her as an element of danger and wanted her to be under strict surveillance. But Veronica was the first person to disagree with this idea afraid that Eco would transform into a dragon if she was pushed to her limit. How good will that be if that was true. However, Veronica was not to be looked down upon. She would never have released them easily. Ash knew her way of thinking from his past experience. That being said, Mirabel did mention that ‘Under the orders of my elder sister Veronica’. So, in another words, Mirabel becoming the academy’s Director was all in Veronica’s plan.

-Does it mean that Mirabel is here to keep an eye on us…?

Just moments before, Ash was under the impression that he had just been released and the holidays were starting. But now, he felt like being thrown a bucket full of cold water. Suddenly, Mirabel looked as if she remembered something and stopped talking to Silvia. She then looked around the hall.

“How careless of me to forget something important. Is Ash Blake and young dragon Eco present?”

Everyone’s attention was on them. They felt as if they were being pierced by their sight.

“Hol-!... What is…!?”

Eco was starting to feel uncomfortable and couldn't calm down. She immediately hid behind Ash. Anyway, it was disrespectful to not answer Mirabel’s call.

“We are here.”

Ash took a deep breath and dragged Eco onto the stage together with him. Eco was now like a different person. She was looking graceful and held on to his hand tightly. Ash's heart was beating non-stop from being able to feel her body heat. While he was walking towards the stage, the rest of the students made way for him. However, Ash wasn't able to enjoy it right now. In a short moment, Ash arrived at the stage.

“I am Ash Blake and she is my Pal Eco.”

After a glance, she gave a short answer:

“Come.”

It seemed that she wanted them to step up on the stage. Ash walked onto the stage with many pairs of eyes looking at him. He felt embarrassed with Eco holding his hand the entire time, but Eco kept on holding his hand firmly without any intention of letting go. After they were on the stage, Mirabel kept on looking at them. Her eyes seem to be transparent with difference from Silvia’s and Veronica’s blue eyes. Suddenly Mirabel stretched her hand towards Eunice.

“Hand me the sword.”

“Absolutely.”

Ash was in a shock. Eunice took out a rapier from the trolley. T-There is actually something like this in the trolley…

Once Mirabel took her rapier, she removed it from its sheath. The clear white sword reflected the sun rays. Mirabel then approached Ash with her right hand holding the rapier and her left hand holding the sheath. As for the students who were starting to become restless from being confused, Mirabel told them in a cold voice:

“Silence!”

Her voice was obviously not loud but it was also definitely without a hint of anger. But it was enough to do its job. The students felt pressure from her voice alone. After all the students became silent, Mirabel turned her sight back to Ash.

“I have a message for you from my father Oswald.”

“From the Paladin…?”

Ash was confused.

“Didn't my father bestow you a silver watch which is the proof of a Dragner?”

“He certainly did…”

“Except that the knighting ceremony was never done, right?”

“That seems to be the case. It seems that the castle wasn't a suitable place during that time.”

“With that reason alone, I, Mirabel Lautreamont in place of my father will take over your Knighting ceremony. Please kneel down.”

“W-With pleasure!”

Ash kneeled down immediately and told Eco who was standing to do the same in a low voice. However, Eco usually saw people as ‘dumb, stupid and dense’. Will she kneel down quietly without a fight if the person she was facing is a royal?

Ash was sweating tremendously.

“Alright…”

To his surprise, she did what she was told. She kneeled down right beside Ash.

“What I did is for you.”

Her murmurs and her rosy cheeks were unexpected. While Ash’s heart skipped a beat, Mirabel started to recite:

“Ash Blake from Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy advance class first year. At the age of seven, thou took part in the Orphan Ceremony in Albion Forest. Thou had been consecrated by the great mother dragon and received an Orphan. By that, thou had officially become a Breeder. And now, thy Pal, Eco surpass thee expatiation and had a remarkable growth. Now, representing Paladin Oswald, in my name Mirabel Lautreamont shall I place my rapier on thy shoulders.”

Mirabel placed her rapier on Ash’s shoulders smoothly. It was a part of the Knighting ceremony. Though the rapier itself looked fine, it actually felt heavy on his shoulders.

“Do you as a proud knight swear your loyalty to the Lautreamont royal family?”

"I swear in the name of my Seikoku and my beloved Pal.”

Ash deliberately stated the standard pledge. Eco’s shoulder trembled a little as Ash said the words ‘beloved Pal’. However, Ash did not have the luxury to take a peek at her. After that Mirabel remained still. Her actions confused Ash, but then he remembered something important. He held the silver watch bestowed to him by Oswald and placed it next to his heart. This was also a part of the knighting ceremony. After Mirabel sheathed her sword, the ceremony ended. Suddenly, the entire hall was full of cheers. It was because the knighting ceremony was usually held in the St Rosa. Maria Cathedral in the capital, but now they had the chance to experience it here.

The entire hall was full of the claps and sounds of students cheering as if everyone had forgotten about the closing ceremony.

Part 4

"Tsk, what a day…”

Ash was leaving the public bath in the Apollo house with a towel on his shoulder. Since the lights-out hour was approaching, the corridor was empty. Ash tried recalling all the events that happened in the morning while he was running up the stairs. After returning to his classroom after the ceremony, he was flooded with questions. As expected, most of the questions asked were about Eco. The difference between a Dragner and a Breeder could only be judged from their Pals. Although dragons were born in the form of either a Strada, Hydra or Asia, after being taken care of, they had a possibility to evolve into the mysterious Maestro. They had white fur and a huge amount of magic. To the Knights, they were the country’s treasure.

Basically, when a Pal evolved into a Maestro, a Breeder was qualified to become a Dragner. However, Eco was in the form of a girl. To state it clearly, she was an exception that could not suit any class. In spite of that, Paladin Oswald had bestowed Ash the title Dragner. That was the reason why the rest of the students were full of questions. Except that if they knew that Eco was the huge dragon that had attacked the capital, they would have to acknowledge him. Her overwhelming presence and the destructive power she possessed that can crush an airship, plus being the surviving bloodline of the Avalon Holy Dragons Emperor. Even the proud Maestros prostrated themselves in front of her. Of course Ash didn't publicize this. Well, he was forbidden from doing so. Right after Eco was awakened, she crushed the huge Zepharos Empire’s Airship Beowolf. It was clear that the Empire deserved it. However, the Empire did not admit their wrong doing and furthermore pushed the blame on the Knights. On the other hand, the Chevron Kingdom which suffered no losses were unhappy that the Knights did not reveal any information regarding Eco to them. Ash had just come to known this from the recent news.

In short, Eco herself was an international threat.

“What am I going to do from here on…?”

Ash suddenly thought of Princess Mirabel. Although she didn't seems to be someone like Veronica, however she also didn't look like an easy nut to crack. With all such troubles in his head Ash returned to his room. Eco was rolling on her bed waiting for time to pass but she immediately jumped up the moment she saw Ash.

“…Huh?”

Ash felt that something was off and he immediately realized what it was. That’s right, Eco who always slept stark naked was wearing a cute negligee that day. The pure white cloth should be made out of silk. Under the lights of the Bright Dragon Crystal, her outline could be clearly seen. Even her breasts and the tips could almost be seen. It was obvious that Eco was not wearing any undergarments. Ash had a hard time looking as she looked more alluring than when she was naked.

“W-Where did you get that from?”

Eco suddenly became uneasy when she was asked.

“…It was one of Silvia’s old clothing that Cosette gave me.”

“But didn't you say you hate wearing anything when you sleep? You even said that you can't sleep without being naked.”

Eco crossed her arms and glared at Ash.

“…Aren't you acting suspicious when I am naked?”

“Well, I am a guy. I couldn't possibly calm down when there is a naked girl in front of me.”

“I don’t quite actually know what kind of feeling that was…. Anyway, I just have to put on some clothes.”

Suddenly Eco was looking embarrassed and she slowly took a peek at Ash.

“T-That’s why…. You… can come… here….”

“Huh?”

“Argh…. You idiot! I am saying that we can sleep together! Why do you have to make me tell you everything!”

Ash doubted what he had just heard. Eco who ordered Ash to sleep on the floor and monopolized the entire bed was right now asking Ash to sleep together.

What is happening to her?

“Never mind. I am used to sleeping on the floor and that bed is yours.”

In short, Eco was getting mad at him for being too worrisome.

“I said I am allowing it! You always pretend that it is nothing…. But your body must be hurting. The injuries are not yet healed right?”

Ash was speechless. In truth, the injuries he suffered from during his battle with Gawain and Mordred had not recovered yet. Sometimes, he could still feel pain from his body. But he never expected Eco to see through him.

“Even the injury that could had been healed can never be healed if you sleep on the floor.”

Eco turned around with her back facing Ash and covered herself with the blanket. She even remembered to leave some space for Ash. While keeping that position, she took a peek at Ash.

Their sights connected.

“…!”

Eco was suddenly blushing and she turned her head back. It seems that she was not going to take back her words. Ash made up his mind and tuned the lamp to its dimmest. With the help from his hands, he walked towards the bed.

“S-Sorry for the intrusion.”

Ash was all tense. Not only that he was speaking politely, he even nearly bit his tongue.

“You are acting weird.”

It was probably caused by Ash’s actions that Eco was smiling. But thanks to that, the tension lessened. Ash lied down beside Eco. Thinking back, Eco had squeezed into Ash’s bed for many times in her sleep. And she was naked during those times. This situation should be nothing to him. However, Ash regretted what he had just thought of just moments later. There was a sweet smell coming from Eco’s body and hair. That was obviously the smell of a girl.

“…!”

His heart was beating at a very fast pace. Eco squeezing into his bed and them sleeping together from the start were two totally different things. When he took a look at Eco, it seemed that she was still wide awake from being nervous. There was a mysterious feeling of nervousness coming from her petite body. That being said, if it was the usual Eco, she would have definitely fallen asleep that moment she laid on the bed. Suddenly, Ash remembered his conversation he had with Eco. In the guest room in Fontaine City, she did mention something like this:

I am happy that… I am your Pal… And. You are my knight…B-But… I hate this. I cannot be satisfied with just this! Even though I am not sure why, I know that I just can’t accept this!

That was the first time Eco had freely expressed her own feelings. During that time, Ash too felt like kissing Eco. Also, during that time, Eco didn't seem to resist. To his disappointment, before they could kiss, they were interrupted. After that, there never seemed to be a right atmosphere to try it again…

Part 5

…In the end, Eco was finally asleep after turning off the lights for an hour. Ash breathed a sigh of relief when he heard her snoring. But then he was faced with another challenge.

Sometimes, when Eco turned around, their shoulders came into contact. Since their pyjamas were made of thin material, Ash had the impression that their skins were touching each other. Or else, it was Eco’s face that was getting too near that caused his heart to skip a beat. At the same time he was aware of Eco’s charm, Ash was staring at her lips. He once again remembered their unfinished kiss.

What if I give her a kiss right now… Ash struggled to keep away his wild thought.

“Oh god. Now I will never be able to sleep…”

"Mirabel Lautreamont ~A.S.B.1365.7~" is closed.

Chapter 1 - Tragedy of Apollo house and Mirabel's decision

Part 1

-Don! Don…! Don!

The sun had just risen but Ash who spent a sleepless night was woken up by a loud knocking sound.

“What in the world…?”

He took the silver watch by his pillow side and noticed that it was just half past six. After he angrily took a look at the window, he became wide awake.

“Uwaa…!”

There was a huge eye looking through the gaps of the curtain. It was actually a dragon who was banging its nose against the window.

-Don! Don… Dododododo!”

He was worried that it may break the glass.

“Why is a dragon coming to my room!? Could it be another Necromancia attack!?”

So the Empire had finally shown their true colours and started attacking? Ash tried to leave the bed but he was stopped.

“Zzz…”

Eco rolled over and hugged Ash. Her hair was all over his shoulders, her arms were around his back and her soft face was on his chest…

-Mmm…

Ash was shocked by her sudden nibble.

“Hey, Eco… Please don’t bite that spot.”

Recently, her habit of nibbling had gotten less but she still had not gotten rid of her habit of a young dragon. Moreover, she was nibbling on Ash’s sensitive spot which troubled him. At that moment, there was a crack on the window.

“This is bad… It is not the right moment to let her continue nibbling.”

Ash carried Eco and they left the bed together. The next thing he knew, the glass was smashed into pieces. He managed to avoid the glass fragments at the last moment. At the same time, there were two dragons that were trying to squeeze their heads through the window. Their hard scales protect them from the sharp glass. Taking a closer look, Ash noticed that one of them was a Maestro while the other was a Hydra. After knowing that he was not attacked by a Necromancia, Ash breathed a sigh of relief.

“Morning, Ash!”

“Good morning, Ash-sama!”

Finally, he could see the faces of the two riders. They were the student council secretary Lucca and Jessica of the general affairs. Right beside them were Maestro Gawain and Rhiannon, the Hydra. Ash started to protest after he placed Eco who was still sleeping on the bed.

“Lucca! Jessica! What in the world are both of you doing!?”

Since the time Ash saved Gawain who was in danger of dying, Lucca had become emotionally attached to Ash. In the dragon riding academy, most of the girls were the more aggressive type, it was kind of rare to see someone as quiet as Lucca. The beauty that only an Eckbald possessed was out of this world. Ash was a little surprised to see Lucca acting rashly. Perhaps she was influenced by Jessica.

“Ash… I hoped that you would come with me to the Eckbald village. I want to introduce you to the village chief, my otou-sama.”

Her usual emotionless face had always given Ash a heck lot of trouble.

“Hold on! W-Why must you mention about the chief!?”

“P-Please don’t ask anymore than this.”

Lucca was suddenly blushing. This time, it was Jessica who pushed Lucca to aside. Jessica who was usually eyeing at Ash’s sperm, though her actions had always been eccentric, she was still undoubtedly one of the few beauties of the academy.

“Ash-sama, I have a request!”

“Hey, wait a minute! This is the third floor! How did a hydra get here…?”

“Well, climbing wall is not a problem for my Rhiannon.”

“Can’t you sympathize your Pal a little!”

Ash pitied her Pal. Although a Hydra may still be able to move on land, only when they were in the water did they show their true skills. It shouldn't be its own intention to walk on land. Let alone climbing the walls of the student’s dormitory, which doesn't seem to fit the actions of a proud dragon.

“Putting that aside, Ash-sama! I am about to leave Ansarivan. What about you? Do you have any plans of returning?”

“Now I remember… today is the start of the holiday.”

-The first day of the month of Leo.

It was the first day of the holidays for Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy. Since it was a boarding school, most of the students returned to their hometown. Of course, not all of the students were going back home. There were also a small number of students who were forced to stay in for the holidays for certain reasons. Ash was one of them.

“Nope, I am not going home.”

After hearing, Jessica’s facial expression changes.

“What! If that’s the case, I too will stay back here!”

“Uuh… If I don’t return soon… I will be scolded by my otou-sama.”

Compare to Jessica who was in high spirits, Lucca looked sad. Lucca who carried the hopes of all Eckbald with her probably didn't have as much freedom as Jessica has.

“Sorry to disappoint you Jessica, but you must return with me.”

Suddenly, there was another voice.

“Rebecca-san!” shouted Ash.

There was a sweet smell from her red hair being blown by the winds. She looked like a war maiden in the legends when she was riding on Cú Chulainn.

“Sorry for the trouble that this stupid girl from my house had given you. The Randall family will cover the fees for mending the window. The servants fault is also the master’s fault.”

“Now that you mention it… I remember that Jessica was a servant in the Randall family.”

“Just that since she became a Breeder, she had forgotten about her place.” sighed Rebecca.

“Hmph! Could you stop calling me that? I don’t have the intention of serving the Randall family for my whole life!”

“I never thought of that. You are my important childhood friend. Also, your parents had asked me to take good care of you. That is why I have my duty to bring you back to meet your parents.”

Although her lips were smiling, there was not even a hint of smile in Rebecca's eyes. After Jessica saw Rebecca's determination, her elbows dropped in disappointment.

“Haa… I understand. However… I want Ash-sama to see me off!”

Ash gave a wry smile.

“I think that should be alright.”

The moment he answered, Jessica was once again with a big smile. But, she was then blushing and started to mumble.

“T-Then… According to my hometown’s custom…. There should be a parting k-kiss….”

“Hey! Jessica! When does our hometown have such a custom?”

Rebecca exposed Jessica’s lie with a wry smile.

“Hmph! Rebecca! Don’t you know how to look at the atmosphere?”

“I-I too would like you to see me off…”

While Jessica was in rage, Lucca shyly told Ash her wish.

“Of course.”

“T-Then… According to the Eckbald custom…. I want you to give me a princess carry.”

Ash’s heart skipped a beat when he first saw Lucca's blushing face.

“A-A princess carry!”

Ash was in a fix but Jessica shouted at Lucca:

“Hey! What are you trying to do in this mess! That must be a lie!?”

“Uuh…”

While Lucca turned speechless, the noise that Jessica made had spread throughout the school.

“Hey, can you believe it! The president and Jessica were making a night visit! And the other person… Could she be Lucca Sarlinen the genius girl from the basic class!?”

Suddenly, a huge number of students were gathering outside of the Apollo House. It was something for three girls to be standing on their dragons beside a window of a boy’s dormitory. To say nothing of Rebecca Randall who was the most popular person in the entire academy, Jessica was also one of the centers of attentions and let alone Lucca with her Yōsei like looks and her skills as a Dragner.

“I-I am just here to have Ash-sama see me off! Nothing else!”

Jessica tried to settle the misunderstanding by shouting towards the direction of the school.

“Hmm! By saying Ash-kun you mean… The Ash-kun who was knighted yesterday!?”

“The knighting ceremony was awesome!”

“I also want him to see me off!”

Right now all the girls were speaking with a shrill voice. Rebecca gave him a bitter smile while she was enjoying all of this.

“Seems like your popularity had sky rocketed after you became a Dragner.”

“The situation outside… It looks frightening somehow.”

“Yeah. I just saw around thirty dragons flying towards this window.”

Rebecca told him the unthinkable news with a calm face.

“Huh!?”

“Sorry, Ash. Though I have many reasons to help you… But if I show my true skills, the girls would suffer some grave injuries.”

“Hol-! Don’t leave me!”

“You should try to solve your own problem if you are a Dragner. Also… If it is alright, I would also want you to see me off.”

“…Eh?”

Unfortunately, Ash was not able to catch everything Rebecca said. Her voice disappeared behind the loud noise from Cú Chulainn flapping its wings.

“Good luck, Ash.”

Lucca too had reluctantly flew off with Gawain. Right after that, the Apollo House faced a terrible attack.

“Ash-kun! Please see me off!”

“Ash-kun, you might as well come to my home town with me…!”

“Hey! Don’t cut the queue!”

Most of the girls returning were riders of stradas. They were like bats gathering together for food at the window. But of course it was impossible for thirty riders of stradas to squeeze into the window at the same time. Soon, they started pushing around.

“P-Please be patient! Calm down! Please calm down!”

Ash was panicking.

Every single roar from the Strada was enough to shake up this entire old building.

“Hey!...How dare you! Ash-sama is my important- Nooooooo!”

Unlike Rebecca or Lucca, Jessica who stayed until the end was finally pushed off the wall together with Rhiannon.

“W-What should I do?”

Ash retreated until his back was facing the wall while he was watching the girls fighting for a spot. At that moment, Eco who had rolled herself into a ball while she was sleeping had woken up and was rubbing her eyes.

“Hmmm…. What’s all the noise about?”

“You ! How can you still think of sleeping!”

Eco was looking around in confusion. It seems that she wasn't fully awake yet and wasn't able to think properly. Ash shouted with all his might towards the window.

“I beg you! Could you please not make a mess in front of someone else’s window! I promise to see off every single one of you!”

Too bad for him, his voice was not received by them. Suddenly, Ash had a bad feeling.

“I couldn't be…”

His entire body was shivering in fear. Since some time ago, the wall facing the outside was creaking. It appeared that the Stradas were putting pressure on it.

“It is dangerous to stay here! Lets run Eco!”

“Huh…! Could you care to explain!”

“Later!”

Ash was running with Eco on his hands. He ran out through the door and out to the corridor. Just when he was sliding along the floor…

-Creak…! Eeeeekkkk……. !Do--------------n!

The next moment, there was a loud explosion. Ash cautiously took a peek through the cracks on the door while trembling. All he saw was dust flying around and even the corridor was affected.

“*Cough *!*Cough *!”

While covering up Eco who was coughing, Ash waited until the dust had settled down. Just moments later- After the dust had cleared up, what Ash saw was a clear sky. The morning rays were shining at the disastrous room. The wreckage of the wall was all over his room. It was a painful sight. Right now, with the wall facing the academy and the window destroyed, his room looked like a doll house that could be seen from the outside.

“Err… Eco, am I dreaming?”

“I think so?”

Ash and Eco were looking at the room with their mouths wide open.

Part 2

Ash was brought to the director’s office on the first day of the holiday. As for those girls who were the culprits, it seemed that they had ran back home as soon as possible. That was why Ash who was the victim was summoned.

“I see… Now I understand what had happened.”

Mirabel who was acting as the director replied coldly and drank from her cup of tea. The room was full of the smells of bergamot and the tea. Just like a robot, Mirabel’s face was emotionless the entire time. Does this princess even have the thing known as feelings…? Ash thought.

“The academy will take responsibility for mending the wall. Just some time before, I had asked the builders of this city and they estimated that they will be able to complete it in around two weeks time.”

“Really…! Thank you very much!”

Ash was grateful that she was able to deal with this situation without delay.

“The problem is… During the renovation, where am I to place you and Eco.”

“I see…”

“Can you borrow a room from any of your friends?”

“I don’t think that would be possible…”

Unfortunately, Max and Raymond had gone home. For Ash who didn't have many friends, they were the only two friends that he could rely on. Although there was an option of using it without asking for their permissions, Ash couldn't bring himself to do it.

-Bang!

The door behind him was opened with a slam. The next time he knew, Silvia and Eco was right beside him.

“How much longer are the two of you going to keep on talking!? Can’t you just give us a new room!”

Eco was pointing at Mirabel in anger.

“Anee-ue! Why do you call for Ash! That incident was caused by a few girls! It had nothing to do with Ash! Aren't you treating him like the culprit!?”

Silvia on the other hand was trying to speak up for Ash.

“Where are your manners? Don’t you know that it is rude to walk into a room without knocking? You won’t be given special treatment even if you are the descendant of the Avalon Holy Dragons Emperor’s family or my sister. “

Mirabel glared at both of them coldly.

“I am sorry… Anee-ue.”

Silvia stood still on her ground as if she had turned into a stone. On the other hand, Eco was trying to intimidate Mirabel by showing her sharp teeth.

“Hey you!... How dare you act like that even when you know that I am Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family's Imperial Princess! Why don’t I try crushing the castle the next time? If I show you my true self, one or two Fontaine Place won’t…”

“Idiot! Stop spurting nonsense!”

Ash’s face was pale white when he was scolding Eco. Since that incident, the Knight’s government took Eco as a threat. As long as there is the possibility that Mirabel was here to keep an eye on Eco, they have to be careful with their own words. But to his surprise, Eco calm down with just a single shout. She turned her head around with her face blushing.

“I-I will listen to you… Just this time.”

Ash was taken aback from seeing Eco making such an expression for the first time. Just as he had expected, it was that transformation that had made a change of her heart. Although the gentle Eco looked a lot cuter, at the same time, it was also a little confusing.

“Ahem!”

Mirabel tried clearing her throat, returning everyone’s attention back to her.

“Silvia, you came at the right moment. Right now you are staying in the royal room in the Epona House right?”

“…What about it?”

Silvia was surprised.

“Until the renovation in the boy’s dormitory had been completed, Ash Blake and young dragon Eco will stay in your room for the time being.”

“What!”

“I won’t repeat for a second time. This is an order from your sister. You are not allowed to have any objections.”

Naturally, Silva was enraged.

“What do you mean by this! This is against our family motto where ‘A knight shouldn't carelessly touch another of the opposite sex’!”

“Hmm… Funny but I remember that I said to let Ash Blake and young dragon Eco stay in your room. When did I ever mention about touching Ash?”

“T-That…!”

Right at this moment, even Silvia’s earlobes were red.

“Right now, if I were to mention the family motto that you love so much, ‘A knight should help those who are in need’. Am I wrong?”

After she replied coldly, Mirabel looked like she had lost interest in the case regarding Ash. She kept on looking at the tea cup on her hand.

“I am done with you- What a pain, now a good cup of tea had turned cold.”

Part 3

Rebecca and Jessica had returned to the land ruled by the Randalls. Lucca on the other hand had returned to her village. After seeing them off, Ash and Eco once again returned to his room on the third floor of the Apollo House. They once again looked at the disastrous room. A bed full of glass fragments. A floor full with the remains of the wall. And the disorganized furniture. With the wall gone, the room became bright and windy. Looking down from above was a few curious onlookers. When their eyes came into contact with Ash’s, everyone scattered.

“Haa… First of all, I think we should try cleaning up a little. It is better to make it look a little more cheerful before the renovation starts.”

Turning around, Ash noticed that Eco was sulking.

“What’s wrong, Eco?”

“Hey. Do you really want to stay in Silvia’s room?”

“It is not like I have a choice. It was an order from Princess Mirabel. It seems that even Princess-sama did not dare to go against her.”

“I… I hate it.”

“What’s the matter? You don’t look like your usual self. Well, if we stay at Princess-sama's room, we may be able to eat Cosette’s delicious homemade cooking.”

“That’s not the point! And also, I am not someone who thinks about food for an entire day!”

Eco's face was red with anger and embarrassment.

“Is it… Sorry then.”

“It is fine if you understand. Anyway, just if you try to do something weird to Silvia… I will be sure to crush you!”

Eco was glaring at Ash.

“What do you mean by something weird!?”

With her ears fully red, Eco told Ash embarrassedly:

“T-To make it simple…. It is those perverted stuffs.”

“W-What are you even thinking!”

Ash stood still on his ground. He never expected Eco to speak of such a word. It kind of surprised him.

“Even I know about those stuffs… Don’t look down on me just because I am a young dragon.”

“Could the source of information be…. The Dragweiss?”

“…Some of them were from there, but most of them were from the picture books that Cosette lent me.”

“Hold on! Are they really… Just picture books!?”

In order to teach her the importance of aesthetic sensibility, Cosette had lent her picture books and books for children. For that, Ash was grateful to Cosette. However, there was a possibility that she mixed some books with adult content in them into the pile of picture books she had given to Eco.

“Anyhow, she is still this country’s princess. What you are worrying about will never happen, rest assured.”

In the worst possible case, I will be beheaded… Ash thought secretly.

“A-Alright… I understand.”

Once again, Eco was smiling and she looked at the room around her.

“Then… What can I do to help you?”

“You are trying to help?”

“What? Is it weird for me to help?”

“Definitely not weird, but rare. Ain't it always me who does the house work?”

“A-About that… It doesn't seem like I have a choice. I am a dragon. I don’t really understand how a human acts. But… I just feel like helping for today… Can’t I!?”

Eco puffed up her rosy coloured cheeks and stared at Ash.

“Why not? I even want to thank you.”

Ash gave a wry smile and tried to pat her head. But, Eco immediately dodged to a side.

“No! You mustn't touch!”

“Sorry… I didn't know that you dislike it this much.”

“N-No! It is okay it you are just patting, but you mustn't touch my horns. If they were just slightly touched, I… will turn weird. I felt like floating in the air when they were touched...”

Ash could calm down after seeing Eco’s face when she tried to explain her feelings.

“I understand. I promise I won’t touch your horns.”

Ash carefully patted Eco’s head. Her pink hair was fluffy and it gave his palm a nice feeling.

“Nn…”

Even when she was a dragon, Eco was smiling and shrugging her neck like what a cat would do. Her innocent smile had grabbed Ash’s attention. To be precise, it was her flower bud like lips. His heart was beating rapidly. This was actually the second time he had such a feeling. The first time was when Eco said that she won’t be satisfied with just being a Pal in the guest room in Fontaine Palace.

“…”

Eco probably felt the change in the atmosphere too and her body suddenly tense up. Perhaps she too was also thinking about the scenario in the Fontaine Palace. In a short while, just like that time, Eco closes her eyes. She also tried to purse her lips. Ash also noticed that her long eyelashes were also trembling.

-Eco…!

He suddenly remembered the word ‘beloved Pal’ in the knighting ceremony. During that time, Ash was only saying the standard pledge. But this was totally different. His feeling of love to Eco was born from deep in his heart. A feeling that couldn't be explained using something as simple as the relation of a Breeder and its Pal had grown. Right now, they didn't need any words.

Ash placed both his hands on Eco’s shoulders and closed their distance slowly. A sweet smell was surrounding them which made him dizzy. Right now, he felt as if his heart was going to explode. They were now at a distance where their nose could easily touch each other. Eco felt like being pierced through by the sunlight while she was waiting for Ash. Ash made up his mind and closed his eyes.

And then- he kissed Eco on her lips.

Part 4

“~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~!”

Since their kiss, Eco had been working silently with her back facing Ash the entire time. It seemed that she was too embarrassed to even look at Ash in the face. And of course, it was the same for Ash who felt as if his face was a ball of fire. Although the two of them at a first glance seemed to be dusting the room, there was actually zero progress. What they were doing was only messing up the already messed up room.

-What should I do? What should I say at times like this?

Just when Ash was anxious in trying to find the right words…

“Uwaaa…! Cute!”

Eco turned around and showed Ash a round object.

“Isn't this cute? Where did you find this stuffed toy?”

At that moment, Ash felt something was pricking at the back of his neck. It made him wonder what it was. The stuffed toy that Eco was holding seemed to be a dragon. Strictly speaking, its face was clumsily done. Furthermore, it's round body made it looks nothing like a majestic dragon. However, Eco seemed to take it as cute, and it made her forget about what had just happened previously.

“Err… Actually I don’t remember much about that when it came into my possession. No matter how I look at it, it looks just like a girl’s toy. It is probably not me who bought it.”

It was thanks to the toy that Ash was once again able to speak to Eco normally.

“Hmm… Strange.”

Eco was carrying the stuffed toy while she whipped off the dust on it.

“Hmm… When I moved to Ansarivan, I just took it with me without any reason. Perhaps there is a great meaning behind it was what I thought. Actually… There is a blank in my childhood memory.”

“… A blank in your memories?”

Eco was surprised.

“Aah. It was right about when I had my seventh birthday when I visited Albion Forest for the Orphan Ceremony. I just can’t recall my memories during that time.”

“Isn't that… The time when Mother Dragon bestowed me to you?”

“It seems so.”

“How come you can’t remember such an important event?”

Ash shrunk when he saw Eco start to get mad. Just like how they were finally able to speak normally, Eco’s temper had also returned.

“To be frank, I know nothing of it myself. It was just that I had a hunch that this toy had something to do with my lost memories and that’s the reason why I was reluctant to throw it away. However, because of the recent events, I totally forgot about it.”

“Then, can I keep it?”

Ash was taken by surprised.

“What do you mean by keeping it?”

“It is just like what I had said. Don’t you think it is sad for such a cute being to be left forgotten? I will take the trouble to take care of this kid.”

“How can you take care of it when it isn't even a living being? Argh, whatever suits you then.”

“Really!?”

Eco was full of excitement.

“Well, I don’t really mind.”

“That's great!”

Eco was so happy that she felt that she could even fly. She then rubbed the stuffed toy with her cheeks. Followed by that, she cuddled it like what a mother would do to her baby. Suddenly, she spoke of something that surprised Ash.

“This somehow looked like our baby…”

Eco suddenly stopped speaking before she could even finish her sentence. She the glared at Ash with eyes looking as if they were on fire.

“You heard anything?”

“No, nothing at all.”

Ash spoke with a serious look on his face.

“T-That’s right! N-Nothing happened! Nothing happened at all!”

As if her head was exploding in flames, Eco carried the toy and dashed out from the room.

“Actually, I heard every single word…”

Just as Ash was murmuring with his body also feeling as it was engulfed by fire…

“Sorry to interrupt, Ash-sama.”

Suddenly, there was a woman’s voice coming from behind.

“Uwaa!”

He noticed that it was Cosette after he turned around. She seemed to be wearing the same palace design maid attire today. She then gave a polite bow.

“Cosette-san! How did you get in?”

“To enter such an airy room is like a child’s play to me.”

Cosette smiled before she turned around to look at the blue sky.

“That can't be… This is the third floor! Putting that aside, why are you here?”

“I am here to meet you and Eco-chan. Had you forgotten about Princess Mirabel, Her Highness’s decision?”

Of course, it was impossible for him to forget about it to begin with. However, he still felt a little reluctant.

“Actually, can’t we reconsider about this? Putting Eco aside, don’t you think that it is wrong for a guy like me to enter Epona House where guys are not allowed?”

“For your own sake, I would advise you to follow her decision. Do you know what Princes Mirabel was also known as?”

“No… Nothing comes to mind at all.”

“Her nick name is actually Argento Magus. If we can describe Princess Veronica as a fighter, then Princess Mirabel is a thinker. Compare to Veronica, there are certain things that would make Mirabel a tougher opponent. Please be sure to be prepared mentally, Ash-sama.”

Ash sighed after he heard everything.

“…I understand. Please let me take some belongings like my pillow and clothes with me…”

“Alright then, meanwhile, I will try searching for Eco.”

Eco had not yet return since the moment she ran out from the room.

“Thank you. I think she should be somewhere around the dorm.”

“Huhu. That will be a simple task.”

Cosette ran towards the door nimbly while avoiding the disorganized furniture, but then she suddenly stopped and turned around to face Ash.

“By the way, Ash-sama.”

“What’s the matter?”

When Ash lifted his face, he saw Cosette’s face fully red. Ash was staring at her since it was rare to see her who was always calm to be blushing. Although she always stayed hidden behind Silvia’s shadow, she actually looked quite beautiful. With her right hand on her cheeks, she sighed. Then she said something outrageous.

“Ash-sama and Eco-chan's kiss looked very innocent indeed.”

“Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

This time, it was Ash’s turn to be blushing.

“D-Don’t, Don’t tell me that you saw everything!?”

“It totally felt like an opera show. You looked so cute when you kissed without even needing any words to understand each other. My god, isn't that wonderful? Didn't Eco-chan also look cute when she was waiting to receive your kiss?”

“I beg you, please stop saying anymore than this! It is embarrassing!”

Right now, Ash felt like he was sitting on a mountain of needles. Cosette, too, had also seemed to realize that she overdid it, and replied with a playful smile.

“Rest assured, I won’t tell Princess-sama any of this.”

“How is the Princess-sama related to this!?”

“Hmm… I wonder… Huhu…”

Cosette left the room with her sentence ending with her laughter.

Part 5

The moment Ash finished gathering all his basic daily needs, Cosette was back with Eco. Together, the three of them marched towards Epona House. Although it was around evening, the sun was still high up in the sky. After passing through a grove of mixed trees, they were welcomed by a stern looking gate. Even the cicada had stopped making noise. Although they were just walking, they were all full of sweat. By taking a peek beside, Eco looked as if she was suffering from the heat of the high summer temperature. She looked like a Hydra who was looking for water on dry land. Compared to Ash, Eco was only carrying her stuffed toy.

On the other hand, Cosette didn't even break a sweat.

“We have arrived.”

She turned around and smiled at both Ash and Eco. Through the gate, they could see a garden that was separated into two halves by the walkway. It must have been well tended by a good gardener. Even Ash who didn't have any interest in gardening was amazed by it. At the back of the garden stood an elegant looking building. That was Epona House, the dormitory for advance class girls.

“We have finally arrived…”

Ash placed his baggage which was full of daily needs and clothing on the ground.

How long does it actually take to walk here from Apollo House… Ash couldn't be bothered to even think about it.

This dragon riding academy where human and dragons coexisted had a very large land area. In it, there were numerous classes, a church, a lecture hall, a library, a canteen, seven dragon houses, four dormitories, a sports ground… It even included an arena that was used during events. Although there was the shopping district and the housing are beyond the school walls, compared to the size of the academy, they just looked like extras. That was the reason why Ansarivan was called an academic city. Putting that aside, the distance between the boys dormitory and the girls dormitory must had been arranged on purpose by the academy.

“Please enter.”

Cosette pushed open the heavy looking gate and welcomed both of them in.

Part 6

On the top most floor of Epona House was the room of royal use. It looked like a high class hotel suite and it even had a large space. Apart from a heater in the living room, there was also a dining room, a study room, bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, etc. In a room that had everything, it looked as if it was another world compared to the normal student’s room. Silvia was walking up and down around her room alone, worrying endlessly.

“Argh! What’s wrong with me! Why couldn't I calm down! Even my family motto stated that ‘Always stay calm, especially in a pinch’!”

Even though she wasn't even in a pinch, Silvia couldn't stop worrying. It was about time for Cosette to arrive with Ash and Eco.

“That’s it!”

Silvia stopped in her tracks for a moment and then she dashed into the makeup room and stood in front of a mirror. She applied a thin layer of makeup on her face. She tried combing her hair many times. Her clothing and accessories were chosen by Cosette. She put on her camisole, a skirt with two layers of frills, her panty socks and a necklace made from bright dragon crystals that acted as jewels. In front of the mirror, she was just like her usual…. No, she was at least twice as more beautiful than she usually was. Silvia turned red when she realized how beautiful she was.

“Why would I dress myself up! It is alright by just sticking to what I usually do!”

Ash was about to arrive. Until the boy’s dormitory was done with its renovation, Ash was going to stay here for two weeks. Her heart started to beat rapidly from thinking about it.

“This feeling… It is that same feeling as that time…”

Silvia recalled her memories. Around the time of her seventh birthday, she met a boy in Albion Forest.

“Why? Why would I have this feeling of returning to the time when I was seven years old whenever I think about Ash…?”

Silvia suddenly regained her senses.

“Stop! Stop! Stop! Doesn't this mean that I am looking forward for him to arrive!? Right… I should change back into my normal clothing…”

…! Silvia immediately snapped out from the confusion. She just remembered that right now, she was only wearing her undergarments.

Silvia left the makeup room and entered the living room. She swiftly removed all her clothing except for her undergarments. She then walked along the corridor towards the changing room. Suddenly, the door opened right in front of her eyes.

“Princess-sama, we have returned.”

Cosette walked in with a smile.

“Princess-sama!?”

Ash was standing right behind Cosette with his eyes wide opened. Why is his face red? Is it because of the heat?

“…!”

Silvia immediately snapped out from the confusion. She just remembered that right now, she was only wearing her undergarments.

“Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Silvia ran and hid behind the door while screaming at the top of her voice.

Part 7

“Hey you! Just until when are you going to keep on staring!”

“Ouch!”

Ash came back to his sense after he was stomped on the leg by Eco. Just when he had stepped in through the grand entrance, he was greeted by Silvia in only her undergarments. The white coloured lace will forever be imprinted in his mind. By the way, why was Silvia wearing only those? No matter how hot the weather can be, it didn't suit her image.

“I am going to check on Princess-sama. Could the both of you wait here for a moment, please?”

With a happy smile on her face, Cosette disappeared into the corridor. In just a moment-

“No. This definitely doesn't look natural.”

“No no. It definitely fits you well.”

“But… Won’t this make me look like I am looking forward to their arrival?”

“Huh? Aren't you?”

Their entire conversation was heard by Ash.

“Come on! This is a disgrace! How dare they make a dragon wait by the entrance!”

Eco who was standing right beside Ash was enraged. The toy that she had with her which had a carelessly made face was further squashed by Eco’s abnormal strength. Ash pitied the toy. If this continued to keep on, Ash would probably be the next victim.

“Sorry for the wait.”

Just when Ash was about to be surrounded by his fear, Cosette had returned to the entrance with Silvia who was hiding right behind her. Ash’s heart skipped a beat when he saw Silvia’s clothing. It gave a completely different feel compare to the school uniform that she usually wore. A lot of her skin was exposed from wearing the camisole. It had totally grabbed his attention.

“Please come in.”

Ash regained his sense after he heard Cosette’s voice.

“S-Sorry for the intrusion.”

In opposite to Ash, Eco was looking around the room with a hint of worry.

“Even so… You are just a Princess of the Royal Knight’s Family and you get to have such a great room?”

Perhaps she was mad from being asked to wait at the entrance, Eco was saying anything that would sooth her anger. In truth, even Ash was amazed by the room itself. Just the entrance itself was wider than Ash’s room. There were even expensive looking pictures along the wall and carvings of dragons.

“Please don’t be mad. This room was specially made for the royals, it would be natural if Princess-sama is staying here.”

Ash tried to calm her down.

“But, I am also a Princess of the dragons! Why would there be such a large difference in our treatment!?”

“It is not like I want to stay in this room either!”

Silvia tried to speak up for herself even when she was being threatened by Eco.

“I even tried telling the academy to let me have the same treatment as the rest of the students, but they never listen…”

Suddenly, Silvia stood still on her ground. There was not even a slightest movement.

“Princess-sama… What’s wrong? You don’t look good.”

Ash was worried about her but she didn't reply. She kept on staring at the stuffed toy that Eco was carrying with her with her ice blue eyes. Silvia then suddenly leaped towards Eco and grabbed her shoulders.

“Eco! Can you tell me how did that toy fall into your possession?”

Eco became confused.

“I-It has nothing to do with you.”

“Please tell me! This is very important!”

Silvia shouted loudly.

“… I picked it up.”

Eco mumbled when she turned her head to aside. It seemed that she did not want to tell Silvia that it was a gift from Ash. Ash was wondering on why she would be insisting on it.

“You picked it up? When? Where?”

Silvia was being persistent.

“Come on! Why do I need to tell you?”

Eco lost her patience and roared.

“…Why can’t you tell me?”

“T-That’s because… I don’t have the obligation to tell you.”

“Now I see, you are playing dumb… It seems I must resolve to this.”

Suddenly, Silvia leaped towards Eco with both of her hands stretched out.

“Hey!... Don’t joke with me!”

Eco dodged with the toy in her arms. With the royal room as the stage, the two of them started running around like a bunch of kids. In just a blink of an eye, both of them disappeared behind a door.

“Err… What is this all about?”

Ash who was left behind turned around and questioned Cosette.

“Cosette-san?”

To his surprised, Cosette too was transfixed on her own spot. It was rare to see her making a face like that. Cosette then regained her sense after being called out to by Ash and started explaining.

“I just remember about it… I fear that that stuffed toy…. Is an important treasure to Princess-sama during her childhood.”

Ash was surprised by her answer.

“Wait a moment! That shouldn't be possible! There should be many more stuffed toys with the same design, no?”

Cosette answered calmly.

“No. There isn't. That toy is the one and only in this world. It was a limited edition item. It was actually made from a famous artist from Chevron Kingdom called Leonard De Mirabeau and was given to the five year old Princess-sama.”

“Really? That clumsily made toy is…”

“That’s not it… Its weird look was actually Mirabeau-sama's style. Don't people usually say that there was only a silver line that separated a genius and a madman? If that stuffed toy was bought to an antique auction… It should be priced at five million Eccles at minimum.”

Cosette told him the shocking truth with a straight face.

“Five million…!”

Ash turned speechless. His face had turned pale.

-Five million Eccles!

Ash couldn't even imagine that amount of money. He just knew that he won’t be able to finish it by living the rest of his days enjoying life. He never knew that such a treasure was hidden in his closet.

“W-We should try stopping them first!”

Ash started searching for them in the huge room.

Part 8

“Finally! You won’t be able to escape!”

Eco who ran into Silvia’s room was now like a rat in the bag. There was only one exit and the windows were too high to jump from since this was the top most floor.

“Tsk… You are being persistent!”

Eco backed off to the wall and like a mother protecting her child, she tried to intimidate Silvia. For one moment, Silvia was awed by her beauty, but the next instant, she roared:

“You haven’t told me anything yet! I just want to know how this toy came into your possession!”

“Why would you even want to know!?”

“T-That… I had my own reasons! Please, Eco!”

“Hmph… I had mine too. I will never tell you, only you!”

Both of them were glaring at each other without any intention of backing off. Silvia realized that whatever she said was useless.

“Now you have done it. Although it is not to my liking… I must resolve this by force.”

“What! Who do you think I am! See that if you can do it!”

“Fine with me!”

Silvia leaped forward without mercy. Although she should avoid Eco’s abnormal strength, Eco’s actions had always been straight forward and were always easy to read. On the other hand, apart from the Drag Arts, Silvia had mastered many more fighting styles. It was a normal thing to do for someone who was born in the Lautreamont Royal Knight’s Family. After struggling on the ground like brats, Silvia came out as the winner.

“Now you have been captured!”

Silvia was pressing Eco’s tiny body on the floor and without giving her a chance to fight back, she rode on Eco.

“Tsk… Let me go!”

“Is there any idiot in this world that would move off once they are being asked to?”

The winner had been decided. Even when Eco had her abnormal strength, she could never be able to beat Silvia. But, there was a reason why Silvia could beat her easily. Eco had never let go of the stuffed toy even after she was pressed down against the floor. If Eco would just let go of that toy, the fight could still drag on. No, it could even be Silvia who was pressed down against the floor.

“Please, Eco! This is not an order. Although it was not a long time since the day I met you, I always think you as a friend. That is why… Could you please tell me?”

Just when Silvia was begging Eco with a trembling voice…

“Eco! Princess-sama!”

The door opened with a bang and Ash came running in. Silvia turned around to look at Ash while she was pressing Eco down against the floor.

“Hold on, Ash! I never have the intention to harm Eco! I just want to ask Eco about it… no matter what!”

“But, Princess-sama doesn't act like the usual you. Even so, Eco is my Pal, I won’t forgive anyone who try to harm her, even if it is Princess-sama.”

After Ash murmured sadly, he showed her his left arm. Silvia knew that he had his abnormally large Seikoku covered in a bandage.

“Your Seikoku…?”

Silvia was in lost of words. The Seikoku under the bandage was obviously blinking with glowing lights. That was a signal given when the Pal was in danger. For example, even though Silvia did not have any intention of harming Eco, Eco felt that she was in danger and sent the signal to her owner Ash for help…

“Sorry, Eco… I am really sorry. I am in the wrong for scaring you…. But, I have my own reasons. Please, Eco! Please tell me for the sake of our friendship!”

Silvia was forcing out an answer from Eco.

“…Eco?”

Eco did not reply. Just as Silvia became confused, Eco was surrounded by a glowing light.

“Hey, Eco! What’s wrong?”

Eco still did not reply. Right now, Eco was like a doll, showing no expression. Even her eyes seemed to be reflecting nothing.

“Urgh…!”

The next instant, Silvia was being blasted of by a strong wind.

“Princess-sama!”

Followed by Ash’s shout, Silvia’s back bang against the wall. She almost couldn't breathe because of it.

Part 9

“Princess-sama!”

Just when Ash was trying to help Silvia out, Cosette arrived.

“I will take care of Princess-sama. Ash-sama, go help Eco-chan! This is no laughing matter!”

Cosette’s voice seemed to be more serious and nervous than usual.

“Understood!”

Ash ran straight towards Eco. His Seikoku started to hurt. He remembered that feeling. He had the similar feeling when Eco was awaken in the capital, Fontaine. Although the pain was not as strong as that time, Ash knew that this was the sign before her transformation into a dragon. Eco stood up slowly with the cute stuffed toy dropping on the floor. Strictly speaking, she was not standing. There was a gap in between her feet and the floor. She was actually floating…! Her limbs were now surrounded by the mysterious light that was so bright that they could not look at it directly. However, Ash continued to move forward.

“Stop, Eco! If you are to be awaken here…”

In the worst possible case, this Epona House will be destroyed. No, it could even be related to the city’s survivability… Eco had long been labeled as an element of danger by many countries’s government. The reason why Mirabel was sent to become the academy’s director was to keep an eye on Eco.

If she is to transform into a dragon right now…!

Ash moved forward without giving any thought and hugged Eco. A huge amount of magic was flowing out from her tiny body. If he had been careless, he would even be swallowed by the magic and lost consciousness. Ash shouted with all his might into Eco’s ears.

“Get a grip of yourself! I…I like the way you are now! It is okay if you just stay as you are! You don’t have to force yourself to change into your true self!”

It seems that Ash’s words had gotten through and the magic that was surrounding Eco had disappeared. Even the lights were no longer there. Ash’s Seikoku too had stopped responding.

“We are saved…”

Ash breathe a sigh of relieves.

“…Huh?”

Eco blinked her eyes in surprise and murmured.

“What had I done…? Why are you…?”

Realizing that she was in Ash’s arms, Eco leaped off from Ash’s arms with her face red in embarrassment.

Part 10

“I am sorry for what had happened just now. I-I never thought that you were so much against it…. No I shouldn't make any excuses. A knight must admit his own faults. I deeply apologize!”

After the group had sat on a dining table in the living room, Silvia apologized to Eco sincerely.

“Hmph… I guess this should be sufficient.”

Silvia’s eagerness to apologize by bowing her head had started to confuse Eco. Even though she still continued to puff up her checks in protest, but at least she had accepted Silvia’s apology. Ash who noticed it breathe a sigh of relieves.

“…Since everything had been settled, please allow me to ask. How did that stuffed toy came into your possession?”

Silvia’s words had cause Eco to be enraged again.

“Ha!? You….. Just apologize and yet you still want to ask!?”

“I apologize for resolving this matter by force. I promise that this time, I won’t try questioning you by force. But in return, I will keep on asking until you answer me. Remember, I will keep on asking.”

Silvia was quite stubborn. She even smiled towards Eco with her face full of confidence.

“I can’t believe it…”

Eco sighed.

“Sorry, Eco-chan.”

At that moment, Cosette returned from the kitchen with a silver tray full of snacks and tea.

“That toy that Eco-chan was holding right now… It probably belongs to Princess-sama a long time ago.”

“How can it be…?”

Whilst she was surprised, Eco took a bite on the vanilla flavoured crepe that Cosette handed to her. If it was the usual Eco, she would definitely shout out ‘Delicious!’ on the first bite, but right now, she was with a serious looks. As expected, even Eco couldn't enjoy her favorite food properly.

“What Cosette said is true. That toy is definitely an important thing to me during my childhood.”

Silvia spoke calmly as if she was trying to teach a child who knew nothing.

“Ha!? That’s impossible! I understand none of these!”

Eco placed her half eaten crepe back on her plate. Ash was surprised that she prioritized the argument before her crepe.

“I knew it the moment I saw it. There is only one of this stuffed toy in the whole world. It is a very important toy.”

“How can you have such confidence!?”

“You don’t even know the worth of that toy. Anyone who knows its worth would recognize it on their first sight.”

“Arrrrrggh! That explanation is totally unacceptable!”

Eco was once again enraged, but at least Silvia knew her limit. Thanks to that, the atmosphere did not turn out to be any worse than this… Ash secretly thought.

“Come on you two…”

Cosette was obviously not at all troubled. She seemed to be enjoying this.

“Haa… It seems like I don’t have a choice.”

Ash sighed.

“Please listen carefully, Princess-sama. That stuffed toy was in my closet. I gave it to Eco since she seemed to like it.”

“Hey! Why did you tell that to her!?”

Eco was scolding Ash with her face red.

“What else can I do? If I leave it to both of you, the same thing will continue onwards again and again.”

“I… want this to be a secret between the both of us.”

Eco’s mumbling caught Ash’s attention.

“What did you say?”

“N-Nothing! I don’t even know you!”

Eco averted her face in anger. Why must she get angry...? Ash wondered. On the other hand, Silvia was staring at Ash.

“Ash… you said that this toy was in your closet?”

“That seems to be the case.”

Ash shrugged his shoulders.

“Actually, I am not really clear about it. Believe me or not, there is a blank in my memories… I don’t even know how it came into my possession. I don’t even know about its worth if not for Cosette.”

Silvia was staring at Ash so intently almost as if she was going to pierce a hole in his forehead. She then asked a weird question.

“When is your birthday?”

“Huh? The third on the month of Aries… What about that?”

After Ash answered honestly, Cosette spoke in surprise:

“Oh, what a coincidence. It seems that Princess-sama was also born in the month of Aries. By the way, hers is in the seventh.”

“Hmm… That’s the first time I had heard of it.”

“Huhu… So Ash-sama is the bigger brother by four days.”

“T-That… isn't it…”

“Ash!”

Silvia suddenly leaned against him. Ash could see her breast that was covered by the thin cloth of the summer clothes.

“Princess-sama?”

“Even though this may seems abrupt, but do you still remember the date you went for the Orphan Ceremony?”

“Err… I don’t really remember about the details, but it shouldn't be far away from my seventh birthday. Since my hometown was at a far away village, I started my journey when I was still six. I remembered that I had my seventh birthday in a horse carriage.”

Once they reach the age of seven, every citizen of the Knight Country must visit Albion Forest. For Ash, if he had departed after his seventh birthday, he would never be able to arrive at Albion Forest in a month time.

“By the way, does the date I went for the Orphan Ceremony matter?”

“…No, Nothing. I have something that I want to discuss with Cosette. Please stay here for the moment.”

Silvia suddenly stood up and dragged Cosette by the hand with her.

“What a weird Princess.”

Ash took a drink from the cup of red tea.

Part 11

After Silvia entered the makeup room, with an ‘Ahem’, she cleared her throat.

“What do you want to talk about, Princess-sama?”

“About that…”

“It doesn't seem like something easy.”

Since she had been with Silvia for quite some time, Cosette immediately knew what she was thinking.

“Aah… That’s right.”

“I will do everything you tell me to if it is in my ability to do so. If the situation required, I could even be Princess-sama's limbs or even your shield… That’s my duty.”

Silvia made up her mind and told her wish.

“Actually, I want you to return to the palace and investigate the name list of the children who went to the orphan ceremony at the same day as me. This should be an easy one for you, no?”

However, Cosette told Silvia something out of her imagination.

“The records of the Orphan Ceremony is the country’s top secret. Even if you are a Princess, you will be breaching the law by trying to investigate it.”

“Then, your duty would be to avoid it. Please, I could only put my hopes on you. With your ability, reading top secret documents should not be a problem, right?”

“That doesn't sound nice, Princess-sama. The ability that I only knew of was an ancient technique that was passed down in the Shelly’s family and some spying technique. All of them were used to protect the Lautreamont family.”

“I understand that, but…!”

Silvia grabbed her shoulders and looked at Cosette with her puppy eyes.

“Of course I will do it if this is your order. But, what will you do if Ash-sama is really that boy?”

Silvia’s face almost burst out in flames.

“I-I just want to know about it! That’s right, I only want to know about the truth!”

Cosette gave a wry smile.

“Hmm… Putting that aside, during the time when I am not in, when the night comes and Eco had slept, aren't the two of you alone together?”

“When the night comes…. The two of us…!?”

This time, steam emerged from her ears. Her heart was beating none stop.

“W-W-What are you talking about! Don’t you have any shame! How shameless! I…I believe that Ash is not someone insolent! That is why there is no point behind your question!”

Silvia snapped and Cosette nodded.

“I too had the same feeling.”

“Then why bother asking!”

Cosette smiled and took out something. It was a stack of paper held together by a paper clip.

“What’s that?”

“Huhu… A copy of ‘Shelley family’s secret. A recipe to make men dream’. Although I want to use it during this summer to teach Princess-sama some cooking… But this is a good chance to try it. Although Princess-sama doesn't have any actual experience, but isn't this a good chance to show your cooking skills to Ash-sama?”

Silvia felt as if her body was on fire.

“Hold on! W-W-Why must I show Ash my cooking skills?”

“If I am not mistaken, The Lautreamont Family Motto did mention that ‘to shoot a general you must first shoot his horse’, am I right?”

“What does it had to do with this?”

“In the Shelley’s Family Motto, there is something like this: ‘To get the man you like, you must first fill his stomach’.”

“What kind of family motto is that!?”

“Huhu… When Ash-sama's stomach is empty, and Princess-sama gave him your homemade cooking, he would surely fall for you.”

“…Fall for me!?”

Cosette was like a devil whispering into Silvia’s ears.

“When a Princess who doesn't look like she knew any cooking made a meal, which man wouldn't be moved by it?”

“Cut the crap! I never want Ash to take notice of me! Never! I-It's just that I had some interest in cooking since a long time ago. I will accept your offer because of this.”

Cosette handed her the recipe while smiling.

“Now, I have received my orders from Princess-sama and I will depart from Ansarivan immediately.”

“Huh? Immediately?”

“It is better if we act quickly, Princess-sama.”

Cosette lifted the both sides of her skirt slightly and bowed gracefully.

Suddenly, like mist, Cosette disappeared from Silvia’s sight like a magician.

“H-Hey! Cosette? … Do you really want to depart at this moment?”

Silvia became worried when she heard no reply.

“Please hold on, Cosette! You should allow me to have some mental preparation before…!”

Silvia looked around the room with tears in her eyes. It looks like Cosette had really departed.

“Tsk… She never takes me seriously!”

After Silvia mumbled in regrets, she took a long hard look at the recipe given to her.

"The Stuffed Toy Dragon~A.S.B.1365.8~" is closed.

Chapter 2 - Ash's and Silvia's study group

Part 1

Under Silvia’s command, Ash was given an empty room. It seemed that Cosette had cleaned the room some time before since it was clean and tidy. Looking around the room, there was a small desk for studying and even a sofa and a single bed. A classy Dragon Crystal lamp was hanging on the ceiling. When Ash sat on the sofa after he moved all his luggage into the room, he could smell the scent of lavender. It was from the incense burner on the shelf. He felt that the room had everything he needed. I might as well stay here for the rest of my school days… Ash even has such thoughts. By the way, although Ash was alright with staying with Eco in the same room, Silvia who was a little stubborn, could never allow it. She thought that it was outrageous for Eco, who looked like a girl, to stay in the same room with him even though she was actually a dragon. In the end, it was decided that Eco would be sleeping with Silvia.

“…Must we stay here for the coming two weeks?”

Ash suddenly thought that this was a weird summer. The Fourth Princess, Silvia Lautreamont was just staying at a wall’s distance away. It was easier to believe this if this is a dream. Just when Ash let his thoughts wonder, there was a knock on his door. He was greeted by Silvia when he opened the door. Somehow, she looked kind of sweet.

“What’s the matter, Princess-sama?”

“I-It is about time for dinner.”

“Aah… So it is about that time. I didn't even notice.”

Ash just realised that it was already evening. Days like this particular busy day seemed to always pass so quickly.

“Erm… What are you going to do for dinner, Ash?”

“Since it is the summer holidays, the student’s restaurant La Tene would only provide lunch. How does Princess-sama deal with her usual meals?”

“I always ate Cosette’s handmade meals. There is a restaurant like kitchen in this royal room.”

“Wow. But, I don’t like the idea of bothering you for my meal… So, I think I will head out to the streets together with Eco.”

“No, wait… Cosette had some personal matters that she had to attend to. She probably won’t be able to return in such short notice.”

“Eh? Come join us then?”

Silvia did not reply. Somehow, she was gripping the sides of her skirts with her head down and started trembling. Just like when someone was having a heat stroke, her face was bright red.

“Princess-sama? Are you alright?”

Silvia shouted after being asked by Ash.

“D-Do you want to give my handmade meal a try!? How about it!?”

At the same time, a piece of paper flew out from her pocket. It dropped right beside Ash’s foot. It seemed that Silvia had not noticed that her paper had fallen on to the ground.

“…?”

Ash picked up that paper.

- ‘Shelley family’s secret. A recipe to make men dream’.

“What is this?”

“Uwaaa! Give that back! Give that back to me right now!”

Silvia leaped towards Ash in a panic. She was only thinking about getting back the piece of paper.

“Hey! Calm down, Princess-sama! I will give it back to you! Waaaaaa!”

Silvia slipped and fell against Ash. Ash grabbed her immediately but instead he ended up being able to feel her softness of her body and her body heat. But the next moment, Ash too felt on the ground together with her.

“Ooouch!”

Ash almost choked from falling on his back. He slowly opened his eyes while moaning. The first thing that came into his sight was her golden hair.

-This is bad! I… am hugging Princess-sama!

Ash was panicking but luckily Silvia finally sat up her body.

“S-Sorry Ash… Are you alright?”

Silvia’s face was bright red when she was looking at Ash. Her golden hair fell on her shoulders and touched Ash’s face. It smelled like honey.

“I am alright but… T-this position… Is a little bad for my heart.”

Ash was speaking as if he was out of breath.

“Eh…?”

Silvia finally noticed that she was riding on Ash. And because her legs were spread open, her skirt had been rolled up and the white cloth came into his sight.

“Doooooooon’t stare!”

With tears in her eyes, Silvia started punching Ash.

“Ouch! Ouch! Please stop immediately and move aside!”

Silvia who felt too much embarrassment couldn't stop punching Ash, it seemed that she did not hear him.

“Hey, I think it is about time for dinner- Hey! What are you doing!?”

Eco who should be still lying on Silvia’s bed suddenly appeared in the corridor.

“Eco…! This is a misunderstanding! It is an accident!”

“So… Want to be crushed by me!?”

Too bad for him, Eco was not in the mood to listen to his explanation. She was approaching with an angry look on her face.

Part 2

“Next… A small spoonful of salt and a piece of bay leaf… Also, a small amount of black pepper. But isn't the word ‘small amount’ a little unclear…?”

Silvia was staring at the recipe for some time after she tied her hair into a bun and put on her apron. Just moments before, she thought about boiling the soup first, however it seemed that she was troubled by the amount of black pepper that she was going to use. As expected, Silvia who had not done any cooking since the day of her birth faced trouble from the word ‘small amount’.

“Err… I would also like to help you. May I?”

Silvia was surprised to see Eco walking into the kitchen.

“But, do you have any experience in cooking?”

“Impossible! But… Just before Cosette left, she gave me this. I just want to try challenging this.”

Eco showed her a piece of paper. Silvia had a bad feeling.

“Could it be that it is also ‘Shelley family’s secret recipe’?”

Eco turned red the moment she was told. It seems that Cosette had handed both Silvia and Eco the recipe.

“Damn that Cosette… Even when she knew clearly what I was thinking, how dare she still supports Eco from behind…! Even after she had been working for me for ages…!”

Without noticing, Silvia clenched her fist.

“Err… What’s wrong with you?”

Silvia cooled down her temper the moment she was asked by Eco.

“No, nothing. Nothing at all.”

After she took a deep breath and calm herself down, she turned her head towards Eco. Silvia who had calmed down suddenly noticed something new. Although it was common that the dragon was always mistaken as a ferocious beast by foreign countries, but whenever a person saw the majestic Ark, they would have noticed that the dragons are a race that had their own unique beauty and also a race with strong creativity.

- Could Eco be…. Even though she had no experience in cooking, who knows if she too has talent! Cooking can be even considered as an art creation…!

Silvia was somehow feeling excited. If Eco shows her true skills, who knows if she might be able to create a delicious meal. On the other hand, Silvia had no confidence in herself. Since the day she was born, it is a natural thing to her that meals were laid out properly to her. She never had the thought of cooking at all. She even thought that riding on Lancelot for a thousand miles was far easier than this.

-That’s it. Even though it will be a hindrance… If I can get Eco’s help… I will feel less embarrassed in front of Ash.

Although it was not an honorable thing to do, but a little sacrifice was required. Right now, Eco was an important asset to her. Silvia once again pulled herself together and placed her hand on Eco’s shoulder.

“Why don’t we try cooking together? There is even an extra apron and barrette over there.”

“Alright.”

Eco quietly put on the apron and handed Silvia the barrette as if she want Silvia to help her put it on. Her actions were somehow cute and it made Silvia’s heart skip a beat. Silvia somehow had a feeling that Eco was like a little sister to her. It was kind of a new feeling to Silvia who was the youngest in her family.

“Alright then.”

Silvia smiled and stood behind Eco. Since Eco had quite a lot of hair, Silvia tied two buns on the left and right side of her head.

“We are done. Hmm… Aren't you looking cute?”

“R-Real…”

Eco seemed to be a little shy. She was probably not used to being praised.

“Alright, let’s begin!”

Silvia clenched her fist tightly and her action was followed by Eco.

“As you wish!”

Part 3

-Is this even food!?

After waiting for two whole hours, Ash felt shivers by seeing the food that was laid out in front of him. Whatever it may be, it gave the same feeling as the first time Ash met the Necromancia. He couldn't even believe that it was food after seeing and smelling it. It somehow looked a little unbalanced that the tableware was of high quality while the food itself looked comical. To begin with, why was the soup coloured purple like poison?

Is that piece of coal actually bread or a piece of meat? Ash couldn't even be bothered to think about the thing that was all mashed up as if it was an animal being ran over by a horse carriage. Even so, they were the hard works of both Eco and Silvia. A few band aids could be seen on Silvia’s fingers and the sauce and ketchup mess on Eco’s apron looked like some drawings.

“Hmm, what’s wrong? Why aren't you eating?”

Eco was speaking confidently, which in a way or another caused Ash to be confused.

“Ahem… You don’t have to eat it if it is not to your liking.”

As expected from Silvia, she seemed to notice that something was off. But the problem was much worse than whether he liked it or not. At that moment, Silvia started grumbling beside Eco’s ear.

“Eco… Are you really a dragon!? This is not even up to my expectations!”

“W-What! I had placed all my efforts in this!”

“But… Who would know that you are clumsier than me…”

Ash took the spoon while ignoring what the two of them were saying.

“Then, let’s eat.”

He felt that judging the food on its appearance and smell that was specially made for him was somehow disrespectful and rude. Who knew if it was actually a delicious meal. Ash took a spoonful of the weird coloured soup. A smell so bad that was like a gas attack flowed into Ash’s nostrils. He kept on enduring it while he sent it into his mouth. Due to the extreme fear, he closed his eyes. The gooey liquid first came into contact with his tongue.

At that instant, electricity flowed through his spine and he experienced a fierce sensation.

“~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~!!!”

Ash tried screaming but his voice was stuck at his throat. Then he fell from his chair.

Part 4

The Dragon Fang Restaurant in Ansarivan town center was full of customers. It was a public restaurant that Rebecca had told Ash about. The shop offered a half price discount for the student council members. It was said that the relative of the shop owner was a breeder and was also a student council member during his schooling years. On a first glance, there were big burly men in the shop talking about politics with a beer mug in their hands. Most of their talks were centering on the huge dragon that attacked Fontaine City. Who would even imagine that the huge dragon herself had walked into the shop? It seemed that no one had noticed the arrival of the trio. It also seemed that the student with the golden hair was Princess Silvia.

“Huu… I've just gone through hell.”

Just after the trio was led to a table for four, Ash started complaining. It seems that his tongue was still numb. Silvia who was sitting facing Ash immediately turned mad.

“Tsk… You shouldn't faint, no matter how bad the food is! What do you take a girl’s cooking as!?”

“No, I think fainting is a blessing for me. It is embarrassing if a Dragner dies from food poisoning.”

“Do you have to go that far!?”

Silvia was almost in tears.

“Hmph… You are lucky. He never even touched mine!”

Eco was grumbling beside Ash.

“I even thought of stuffing them into your mouth while you were unconscious.”

“Are you trying to kill me!?”

Ash felt a chill when he realized that he was inches away from death.

“Sorry for the wait. What would you like to order?”

At that moment their conversation was interrupted by a waitress with a smiling face.

Part 5

The Dragon Fang Restaurant’s special such as beef fillet steak and spare rib was placed on the table. Somehow Eco, who was always the first to grab the food, was acting rather quiet today.

“Are you feeling all right?”

“Eh? No, nothing…”

Eco hurriedly sent the salad on the fork into her mouth. Ash was worried since Eco took no notice of the meat on the middle of the table.

“Are you really all right? That is your favourite beef fillet? Are you not going to eat the spare rib?”

“You… can have it.”

Eco was looking on her knees when she sighed. This was the first time she did not react to the meat in front of her.

“Ash. Eco is a girl coming of age. It is normal that she sometimes doesn't have any appetite. Today should be that day.”

“I-Is it…?”

Eco is a young dragon who was not even a year old. That may be the case but she definitely looked like a girl coming of age. Could the source of her trouble originate from this afternoon’s incident? But this is not the right time to ask.

Maybe I should listen to Silvia and let her be… Ash thought.

Part 6

When the dessert arrived, Ash asked Silvia.

“Now that I think about it, aren't you going home?”

Followed by that, Silvia showed him a sour look and placed her glass on the table. Judging from the way she place her glass, she was definitely pissed.

“I can’t believe it… Have you forgotten about the supplementary test!?”

“Aah!”

Supplementary test. The weight of these two words seemed to hit his head hard. That’s right. Ash and Silvia couldn't take the final exam last month. However, since they had sufficient reasons, after requesting from the management department, they were given the chance to take a supplementary exam during summer. They will be given the same credit if they can pass. However, due to him constantly worrying about Eco, he completely forgot about the exam. If it was the practical test, Ash had confidence that he would ace since he was no other than ‘The boy who can ride any dragon”.

The problem was the written test. Apart from the normal subjects like math, literature, science and history, there were also subjects like dragon history, ecology, breeding studies… and many more special subjects that need to be learned in the dragon riding academy.

“Err… When will the exam be held?”

Silvia sighed upon hearing.

“The written test will be held a week from now. You won’t be allowed to take the practical test if you fail the written test.”

“What….!?”

Ash turned numb. If he couldn't squeeze out a pass in the written exam, he wouldn't be able to bring up his result with his practical test which he was good in.

“Let me put this bluntly. You are now a member of the student council. How can you face Rebecca, who scouted you, if your results are bad.”

Silvia’s words stabbed right at his heart.

“What should I do…? I don't even have the slightest confidence in my written exam. It is impossible! There is only a week left! I would need to retain a year if I fail…!”

Ash was crying in agony which made Silvia sympathize with him.

“-All right?”

“Eh? What did you just say?”

Silvia blushed when she was asked. She then announced loudly:

“I said I can help you with your test!”

“Really?”

Since the time she entered the academy, her results had always been the top of her year. If Silvia was to teach him, he can at least avoid retaining a year.

“Thank you, Princess-sama!”

Part 7

On the next morning, both Ash and Silvia were up early in order to prepare for the exam. Notes and text books were all over the dining table in the royal room. The table which was initially like a painting of hell since yesterday was tidied up by Ash.

“Let’s start.”

Silvia sat beside Ash. She was neatly dressed in a blouse and a tight skirt. By putting on her fashionable eyeglasses, she looked like a teacher. She was probably the type who needed a suitable atmosphere to be able to concentrate.

“Eco would probably cause a ruckus after she wakes up… So is it okay with you that we start with the most important subject first?”

“Aah… All right.”

Although it hurt Ash that she needed to put Eco aside, but right now, his priority is studying for the exam.

“Then, let’s start from the Mother Dragon. This is the most important part for the first term. Please listen carefully.”

Silvia was totally like a teacher.

“Hmm… The Mother Dragon… Usually, she sometimes becomes the topic of our talk, but I am not actually sure what kind of a dragon is she.”

“She is basically different from the rest of the dragons. Though I tried investigating on my own, there are still too many questions remaining unanswered. Since what is not mentioned in the text book won’t be in the exam, we should start from memorizing the textbook. Can you please read page fifty eight?”

“Okay.”

Ash started reading the ecology textbook.

-The mother dragon will only appear in front of humans during the Orphan Ceremony. Only when she found a child qualified to become Breeder will she appear and bestow an Orphan to the child.

“By the way, Ash, is Lancelot a male or female?”

Ash was shocked by Silvia’s sudden question.

“About that, is Lancelot a male? I mean its name sound manly.”

“Are you an idiot! How can you call yourself a student of Ansarivan?”

“Eeh? So it is a female?”

“That’s also wrong! The correct answer is none of the above!”

“That my first time hearing it.”

“Do you even listen during classes!? In the ancient time, dragons did have difference in genders, but… I mean…. F-For them to mate to reproduce.”

Silvia was blushing and trying to avert her eyes. Talking about that, Ash started noticing Silvia’s curves. The Silvia right now was very alluring.

“But, during the long history, the dragons who almost faced extinction invoked the wise dragon magic, Albion. That had totally changed their ecosystem and since then, the Mother Dragon was responsible for reproducing and the dragons had lost their genders.”

“Now I see… But no matter how I look at it, Eco is a girl isn't she?”

Silvia turned speechless upon hearing Ash’s words.

“It seems so. Why did I not notice it?... Even so, Eco is a special dragon.”

Could it be that apart from being the Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family's descendant, there are still many more mysteries surrounding Eco that was yet to be found? Ash thought secretly.

The dragons should have lost their genders since a long time ago. However, Eco was obviously born in the body of a girl. What is the actual reason behind it…?

“Even so, since Mother Dragon is also a dragon, she should need astral in order to survive, however, it is a surprise that she never had any contract with anyone. Unfortunately, these facts were not written in any books…. Hey, Ash, are you even listening?”

“Eh? Aah… Sorry.”

Ash immediately straightened his body when he was glared by Silvia.

“Tsk…I bet you acted the same way during class. Anyway, please read the textbook starting from this part until this part for one more time and drill them into your head.”

Silvia leaned forward and underlined the important area.

“…!”

Ash held his breath when he saw Silvia’s breast through the gaps of her collars.

“Huh? Is everything all right, Ash?”

“No, nothing! Nothing!”

“What a weird person…”

Part 8

“Hmm, it is time for us to take a short break.”

After she briefed through the examination scope, Silvia place her pen on the table. Silvia looked a little tired and Ash on the other hand was exhausted from being forced to memorize all the important subjects.

“Are you all right, Ash? Your dream to pass will remain a dream if you are troubled by just these.”

Actually, Silvia tried encouraging him but she only spoke strict words since the beginning.

“I will work harder…”

Ash had his head laid on the table when he answered weakly.

“Tsk. Cosette, make us some tea…”

Silvia remembered that Cosette was no longer with her the moment she turned around.

Unfortunately, Silvia herself had never made tea before. She didn't have the confidence to make a cup of tea that can match with Cosette’s standard. At the same time, she didn't want Ash to take her as an idiot who didn't even know how to make tea. Just as Silvia was troubled by this, Ash stood up and gave her a wry smile.

“I will make the tea in return for teaching me.”

“S-Sorry.”

“I may not look like it but I am actually good at doing housework. Since I don’t have a father at home, I was always doing some housework like cooking, taking care of my sister and many more when my mother was at work.”

After that, Ash left for the kitchen and he suddenly looked like a reliable person. Even though Silvia had been teaching him from the start, but their roles had changed with just a cup of tea. After she heard noise coming from the kitchen, Silvia started mumbling to herself:

“If, Ash… If he is that boy… What should I do? No, but… The boy had given Lancelot to me. Thinking back carefully, it is impossible for him to become a Breeder in the first place.”

“-Why do you need to mention Ash?”

Silvia had a shock of her life when she heard another voice. Eco’s face had suddenly appeared in front of Silvia. Since her hair was still in a mess, it looked like she had just woken up. But her beauty still remained and it made her body seem like glittering. Although Silvia had always hated to be seen by anyone except Cosette the moment she woke up, Eco didn't seem to mind it. Suddenly, Silvia felt guilty when she saw Eco. It was probably due to her spending time studying with Ash for the entire morning when Eco was sleeping. Without knowing what Silvia was thinking, Eco asked innocently:

“Where is he?”

“Aah, he is making tea.”

Eco threw Silvia a sharp glance upon hearing.

“Are the two of you playing when I was sleeping?”

“I-Impossible! He may face retaining a year if I choose not to teach him. That’s the truth! It will really happen if I ‘choose not to teach’! At the same time, isn't it bad for you as well as his Pal if he was to retain a year?”

Silvia was in a pinch by trying to explain to Eco.

“Hey, Eco. You are finally awake?”

At that moment, Ash appeared from the kitchen holding a tray with the tea set.

“…It is already noon. You better change your clothing.”

Eco immediately turned red as if she didn't want anyone to see her in her pyjamas. She hurriedly ran out from the room. Silvia was anxious about Eco’s behaviour. The past Eco was always arrogant and never get embarrassed from things that a human would. Despite that, compared to her past self, Eco looks more feminine. Am I thinking too much?

“Ash, about Eco… Don’t you think that she is starting to change?”

“Does she? I didn't notice anything…”

Ash was lying and his face was red from embarrassment. It was impossible for him to not notice when he had been living with Eco under the same roof. Of course the reason Eco became more feminine was Ash.

After all the things that had happened, surely Eco was…. Just when she thought about that, Silvia felt a pain in her chest.

Part 9

After eating lunch that was made from whatever there is in the larder, Ash was again studying. This time, Eco was together with them. Since she was just quietly reading her picture books, she didn't really cause any problem. However, whenever Silvia leaned forward and her distance with Ash become closer…

“Ahem!”

She would always purposely give a cough as a warning. She then continued with her book and did nothing apart from that. Eco’s actions were completely different compared to her past self. Just as what Silvia said, Eco was maturing. What she had just shown was jealousy. Just yesterday, Ash and Eco were kissing in the room with the broken wall. Although the location was bad, they both had the urge for each other and in the end, they kissed. It was totally like a dream. Ash’s heart started beating rapidly upon remembering the feeling when their lips touched. On the other hand, Ash noticed that he was attracted to Silvia.

The Lautreamont Royal Knight Family’s fourth Princess, Silvia. Months before, she was just Ash’s classmate. During that time, she was like an unapproachable being to him. If the him a year ago knew about his situation right now, he would definitely have gotten a great shock. However, the Aries Dragon Riding Festival had become the turning point where their relationship became closer…

“Ash! Hey, Ash! Are you listening…?”

“Uwaa! S-Sorry, Princess-sama…”

After being scolded, Ash came back to his sense.

“Are you all right? It doesn't feel like your thought is here.”

Silvia was really worried about him. Turning his head around, Eco too was worried about Ash and took a peek at him.

“About that… Many things happen recently, no?”

“Speaking about that, you were involved in the battle during the Selective Training Camp and in Fontaine City.”

Silvia agreed with him. But her thoughts were in the wrong page compared to Ash’s. However, Ash was thankful that she misunderstood him. He would never admit that he lost concentration because he was stuck in choosing between Silvia and Eco.

Part 10

After three o’clock, it was time for their second tea-time. Since it was boring to drink only red tea, they also took out the biscuits that they found in the kitchen’s cupboard.

“Erm… Princess-sama, I would like to ask you about the stuffed toy.”

“*splurt*”

Suddenly, Silvia spluttered out her red tea.

“Sorry, Princess-sama.”

Ash immediately tried to wipe the table with a tea cloth.

“W-What about the stuffed toy?”

Silvia glared at Ash when she tried to wipe her mouth.

“I mean if it initially belongs to you, how in the world did it came into my possession?”

“How am I to know about that?”

“Then… Do you still remember how did you give it away?”

“That…!”

Suddenly without warning, Silvia was blushing.

“So you did remember. Do you mind me asking?”

“Of course I mind!”

“I see. Then I won’t question you any further.”

Ash understood the situation well and stopped asking but Silvia suddenly stood up.

“Stop! I will tell!”

“Now, which is it?”

“As I said, I will tell you!”

Thus, Silvia started telling the story of the seven year old her attending the Orphan Ceremony in Albion Forest.

Part 11

“I was lost in Albion Forest not long after the Orphan Ceremony started. At the same time, my leg was twisted and help was nowhere to be found… Then, I cried.”

“Princess-sama cried?”

Ash was surprised but it made Silvia blushed.

“It was not like I wanted to! I was seven during that time!”

“Haha… Sorry. So, what happened after that?”

“Erm… At that point, a boy who was attending the same ceremony appeared. He gave me a piggyback ride when we continued looking for the Mother Dragon.”

“Eh…? This is interesting.”

“However, my memories beyond that are fuzzy. Even though I remembered that the Mother Dragon appeared in front of us, I still can’t recall the specifics. But, I still somehow remembered that the boy rejected Lancelot and gave it to me. If I never met him, I will never be able to become a Dragner. Later, I gave him my toy as a token of thanks to him.”

“Did you not ask his name?”

“During that time, we were busy looking for Mother Dragon… And had forgotten to ask for his name. I bet he never noticed that I was actually a princess.” sighed Silvia.

“Back to the topic…. Who would expect that a seven year old brat was such a kind person. Could he be Princess-sama's first love?”

Ash asked casually.

“I-If you have time to ask any idiotic question, you might as well spend your time memorizing a few more words!”

Silvia shouted as if she was going to overturn the dining table. Ash turned quiet in afraid of her menacing look. On the other hand, another person was giving both of them a sidelong glance-

“….Haa.”

Eco sighed as if she didn't have the spirit to care about the two.

"Silvia’s memory~A.S.B.1365.8~" is closed.

Chapter 3 - Navi's visit and practical skill test

Part 1

“Now, let’s celebrate the passing of our written test… I, Silvia Lautreamont will lead this toast”

Tonight, the Dragon Fang Restaurant was full of the shouts of brawny men. At their table, Silvia was a little embarrassed for trying to propose a toast since she didn't seem to be used to dealing with such a situation.

I shouldn't have left this to Silvia… Ash thought.

“You don’t have to think about the unnecessities. All right, cheers!”

“Umm… Cheers!”

Silvia was a little embarrassed when their glasses touched. Today was the third day after the written exam ended. Both Ash and Silvia were summoned by Mirabel who was acting as the director, and were told that they had passed. Silvia had scored full marks for all her subjects and ended her year as the top. Ash on the other hand had barely passed. Although he still had the practical test, whatever the case may be, to him the exam had ended the moment the difficult written test was done. That was why they came to Dragon Fang Restaurant to celebrate, however…

“Cheers! Eco, you too!... Eco?”

“Huu…”

Ash invited Eco but she only replied with a sigh. She didn't even touch her glass which was placed on the table. Similar to the past few days, she seemed to have something on her mind. Although she was showing gloomy looks, her beautiful face still looked like a lily growing in the middle of a valley. Speaking of the devil, Eco had lost her appetite for some time. If she was judged according to the standard where a dragon required five meals a day, her condition was indeed worrisome.

“Are you really all right?”

“…Uuh. Yeah.”

After finishing her sentence, she gulped down the vegetable soup. However, she didn't seem to notice the beef fillet which was the main dish. Ash was out of choices and gave Silvia a glance in hope that she would help him. However, Silvia shook her head as if she was telling him it is okay to leave it as it was. Due to that, Ash tried to change the topic.

“By the way, Princess-sama, do you have any place that you want to head to for your practical test?”

“Umm, nothing particularly on my mind right now. What about you? Is there any place on your mind right now?”

“I too don’t have any place I particularly want to go to…”

Perhaps she caught a few words in their conversation, Eco immediately lifted her head and puffed up her checks in objection.

“Hey…. Where are the both of you going to?”

“It is not just the both of us. You and Lancelot will be going together with us.”

“What do you mean?”

“It is about our practical test. Our theme is an expedition. We were asked to go to a designated location while riding on our Pals. Then we have to bring back a special local product with us and show it to the academy to pass.”

The dragon riding academy’s practical test was quite standard. Even Ash felt disappointed when he heard the theme from Mirabel.

“Hmm… But if that’s the case, you don’t have any obligation to follow Silvia right?”

Eco seemed unsatisfied.

“No, I can’t. For safety reasons, it is better for us to work as a team. And since only the two of us took supplementary exams, there is only the two of us to form a team.”

“But I won’t be able to fly you and bring you to your destination. And I can’t even transform according to my own will. I am not even fit to become a Pal.”

Ash hurriedly replied when he saw Eco was speaking to him with a serious look.

“You don’t have to worry about that. We will be riding on Lancelot together. Right, Princess-sama?”

“Aah, Anee-ue had agreed and Lancelot seems to have taken a liking to the both of you. You don’t have to worry about it.”

“See, even Princess-sama said so.”

“Then, it means that it doesn't matter whether I am present or not! This world doesn't have a place for me as a human or a dragon!”

Eco suddenly stood up with a sad look on her face. And her chair fell with a bang. All the customers around focused their attention on Ash and the gang wondering what had happened.

“Eco, please calm down!” Ash tried to sooth her.

“Shut up! Don’t even try bothering me!”

After her reply, Eco ran straight into a waitress carrying drinks.

“Kyaa!”

Eco shrieked and fell on her butt. The waitress, after Eco crashed into her, also fell onto her back. The stuff in her hands were flying in mid air, and the transparent coloured liquid drew out a beautiful curve.

ーSplash.

The glasses fell on Eco’s head.

“Huh?”

Eco, who was now wet from head to toe, was confused when she stood up.

“Eco!”

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

Ash and Silvia hurriedly rushed towards Eco.

“This smell… Could this be?”

Ash immediately noticed the rose like smell. This was quite common in Ansarivan. It was especially popular among young ladies as a herb. On the other hand, it was well known as a kind of indulgence for the dragons. However, it was something that a young dragon like Eco shouldn't go near. That herb was calledー Ansal.

Since the start of the summer holidays, Ash always went to Dragon Fang Restaurant for his meals. This was not just because its prices were cheap, but also because most of its customers were men. Thus, Ansal was not used as a menu to attract ladies to the shop.

“Huff…”

After a breath, Eco hugged Ash. Her face was completely red.

“Excuse me! What is this drink!?” Silvia hurriedly asked and the waitress replied with tears in her eyes:

“Err… The new menu. Ansal wine.”

“What!” Ash was panicking.

When was this added to the menu?

“I-I can’t… I can’t hold it any longer…” Eco took action the next moment.

She embraced Ash.

“Uwaa! Eco!”

Ash could feel two soft lumps against his stomach. Although their size was not really big, he knew that they had grown since the last time…

“Stop, Eco! Not at a place like this…!”

Ash was getting dizzy.

“Huff… Ash… Ash…”

As if it was some sort of a spell, Eco kept calling Ash’s name. Their sweat on their cloths had mixed together and Ash could clearly feel Eco’s body heat.

“Please… Look at me… Look only at me…”

Eco was clinging to Ash and with one hand, she tried to unbutton her blouse with the other. She revealed her white skin and even her collar bone can clearly be seen. As if to stimulate a man, there was a sweet and sour smell coming from Eco.

She revealed her white skin and even her collar bone can clearly be seen.

“You… You can do anything you like to me…” Eco, who was drunk, was like a little devil.

“H-How shameless! How dare you do this in public!?” Silvia was just looking from the sidelines and started to notice something. She started blushing and her fist was trembling in front of her chest.

“H-Hold on! Eco is drunk! Can you please give me a hand!”

Ash was begging Silvia while Eco was toying with him.

“Even if you say that… What should I do?”

Silvia was looking around aimlessly with her face red. By taking a look at the people around, most of them had their attention on Ash and Eco. There were people who were waiting excitedly and people who were cheering. And of course there were people like Silvia who were disgusted by it. Just when Ash noticed the glances from around…

“Mmm!” Eco suddenly nibbled Ash’s ear.

“Urgh…!”

Ash felt a sudden electric jerk in his body but he still tried to endure it. Eco tasted his ear for just an instant and let go of it. There was saliva connecting his earlobe to Eco’s lips.

“Love… I love you…”

After a few seconds, Ash finally realized what Eco meant when she whispered those words into his ears.

“Eco…?” Ash was in a shock.

It was because she was drunkー Due to her being drunk, she could fully express her true self that she hid from others. After a breath, Eco used her arms to surround Ash and embraced him.

“Uwaa!”

Ash fell backwards in that position.

“I… I Have something that I always wanted.” Eco was looking at Ash with her drowsy eyes. Beneath her beauty hides a prostitute-like boldness. Ash’s heart almost exploded. Just when he was almost absorbed into her deep red eyes, Ash quickly questioned her.

“What… What do you want?”

Eco laid her face on Ash’s chest and spoke the most important words of the night with a sweet voice.

“I want to have Ash’s baby.”

After saying those words, Eco lost her strength and fell asleep.

Part 2

“Haa… We probably won’t be welcomed in Dragon Fang Restaurant for the coming few days.” Ash gave a long sigh in the changing room of the royal room in Epona house.

After Eco slept, Ash was first scolded severely by the burly manager, then he was bathed with the jeers from the customers around, lastly he was given a strict lecture from Silvia. He was totally exhausted when he carried Eco back to Epona House. In short, Ash planned to take his bath while Silvia was helping him to take care of Eco. After removing the bandages, his contract with Eco- his Seikoku was exposed. When he was fighting Mordred in the capital, his Seikoku had spread throughout his body. However, since it was a matter of life and death situation, he didn't think much about it. But, it was no normal situation. Never in his life had he heard about a Seikoku changing its shape and spreading all over his body.

“There are still many things that I don’t understand…”

While he was mumbling, Ash glanced at the Seikoku on his left arm. Although he still hated the idea of letting others looking at it, surprisingly, it didn't felt as annoying as it used to be. Ash opened the door and entered the bathroom. The bathtub was shaped like an egg that was sliced in half and its size should be able to fit three people at the same time. The floor, walls and ceilings were made from marble. On the ceiling was a dragon crystal lamp which gave out an orange light which somehow made him felt like he was in a dream. The bathing powder was made from halite and lavender. It was so comfortable that a person could fall asleep if he or she is being careless. As expected from the royal bathroom, everything in it was a luxury.

Ash was thinking about the events that happened in Dragon Fang Restaurant while enjoying his bath. It was not like Eco had never gotten drunk before but what happened before was nothing compared to this.

-“I want to have Ash’s baby.”

Eco words kept on repeating in his mind.

“Could it be that she was thinking about this?… Even so, of course I like Eco…. But I am a human and Eco is a dragon…”

Could it possibly be that she was troubled by this…!?

“But in reality…. Could we make a child?”

“If you are worried about that, why don’t you have a try?”

“Uwaa!”

Ash immediately leaped up when he heard an alluring voice from behind. Ash hurriedly cover his front and turned around to look at the owner of the voice.

“Eco!? When did you…!?”

“Huhu.”

Eco gave a bewitching smiled with her knees showing above the waters. It seemed that she entered while Ash was troubled by his thoughts. They were in the bathroom. As expected, Eco was stark naked. Although the steam had her body covered, it was still bad for his heart. Ash was troubled just by looking at her shoulders and her chest. Ash who was in the tub turned around to avoid looking at Eco.

“Shouldn't you be sleeping? What about Princess-sama?”

“That child is almost asleep.”

“That child?”

Ash felt that something was off. Eco would never call Silvia as ‘that child’. Together with her alluring voice and bewitching smile, she didn't feel like the usual Eco.

“Why are you facing the other side? I don’t mind you looking at me.”

“Err.. No… That’s…”

Some unexpected things made him stay silent.

-“I want to have Ash’s baby.”

Right at that moment, the words resurfaced in his mind.

“Huhu… How cute.”

A splash was heard from behind. Eco had stood up… Ash’s body stiffened when he though about it. Eco then hugged Ash from behind.

“Hold on! This is bad! Real bad…!”

Eco gently placed her chin on Ash’s right shoulder while both of her arms surrounded his body under his armpits. The worst problem of all was Eco’s tiny breast were leaning up against his back. There was nothing in between them and Ash could clearly feel the two tiny beans on his back.

What is wrong with Eco?

Eco gently placed her chin on Ash’s right shoulder while both of her arms surrounded his body under his armpits. The worst problem of all was Eco’s tiny breast were leaning up against his back.

Ash first thought that Eco was still drunk, but she didn't act like she was drunk. Rather than that it seemed like she was a total different individual.

ーA different individual…? Now I understand!

Ash finally noticed another possibility.

“That kind of speech… You are Navi, am I right?”

“Huhu. Correct.”

Navi smiled in disappointment and released Ash. Ash on the other hand was finally able to released that tension built up and breathed a sigh of relieve.

“Can’t you appear normally?”

The is the first time Navi appeared using Eco’s body.

“Well, it is boring being a spirit all the time. Apart from that do you like the normal me more? Huhu, it is indeed the truth that I have larger breasts and my butt is bigger,”

“That’s not the point!”

“How innocent. There is a saying that all heroes are perverts, however you seems to be an exception. Or are you holding back?”

“About that, I can’t say that I have no interest in it at all… No, forget about it!”

Ash just thought of an important thing.

“I heard it from Prince Julius! He said that Navi, you are the Dragweiss itself!”

A treasure of knowledge that was accumulated by the ancestral dragonsー The Dragweiss. Eco was able to obtain various kinds of information just by searching there. Since the beginning, Ash thought that it was just a data bank. Until recently, Ash had heard the truth of the Dragweiss from Julius.

“Right, that’s true.” Navi admitted and changed the way she crossed her legs in the hot water.

Although she looked like Eco, her actions had Navi's maturity, it made Ash’s heart skip a beat.

“Julius also told me that Eco will gain her true strength when she merges with the Dragweiss. If that is true, what will happen to Navi after you two had merged?”

“Me? I will just disappear.”

Ash wasn't able to understand her immediately since she spoke such a thing calmly.

“Let’s say if all living things are destined to die the day they were born, to me, my death will be the day I merge with Eco. I was created for this sole purpose. While Eco is still a young dragon, I can guide her as a navigator. However, once Eco grows up, I am just a ‘source of information.’ Although an encyclopedia stores much information, at the same time they don’t have a will. Similarly, the will called ‘Navi’ will no longer be needed.”

“Now that you mentioned it, during the first time you entered my dream, I remember you told me that ‘the me who is going to be born will now be in your hands’ meaning…. In short, you and Eco are the same person since both of you are going to merge together?”

“Ara, you still remember that?” Navi smiled as if she was surprised.

“How can I forget about that!”

Ash’s cheeks had gotten red hot just from remembering. Although it was in his dream, Navi was caressing his entire body with love.

“I am so glad. Even though that happened in a dream… Why don’t we continue with what happened in that dream? Although this body is below average.”

After that, Navi tried lifting her breast which caused Eco’s nipple almost visible above the water. Ash hurriedly averted his sight.

“W-What are you talking about! How can I even do that!”

“Ara, why not? This is a bathroom and a guy and a girl are in it alone together, naked. Furthermore, Silvia was dozing off and there is nothing that will interrupt us.

“Nooooo! What about Eco! Although you said that you will merge with Eco, you still can’t ignore her opinion in this!”

After being rejected by Ash, Navi seemed to lose all her interest.

“Tsk… You are overly serious. How boring. But that is what make you interesting. So, shall we start with the main topic?”

“Main topic?”

Ash was taken aback. Navi never appeared without a reason. She borrowed Eco’s body to deliver Ash a message.

“I have a message from The Lady to the Avalon Imperial Princess and her knight which is you.”

Navi's facial expression suddenly turned serious and Ash immediately straightened his body in the bathtub.

“Who is this… Lady?”

“Mother Dragon.”

“Haa!?”

Ash turned speechless.

“She said: ‘Come visit me at Albion Forest'.”

“Why suddenly…. Why in the world would she look for Eco and me?”

“That, you should ask her.”

Navi answered coldly.

“So now I am summoned by the Mother Dragon after Paladin Oswald. What else could happened in my coming life?”

“Huhu. The moment you become the knight of Avalon, you are no longer normal. Why don’t you try facing it proudly?’

“That sounds like a lot of trouble… But I too have a thing that I would like to ask Mother Dragon.”

“What’s that problem?”

“Since I am a breeder, it also means that I met with her before. However, I don’t have any memories regarding it. I would like to know what happened during the Orphan Ceremony.”

“Isn't this a good chance? Plus it is in the summer holidays.”

“That’s right… Why don’t I choose Albion Forest as the destination for my practical test? With this, I can kill two birds with one stone.”

Although it was an idea that came out at the spur of the moment, Ash still thought that it was a good one. With this, he can complete the practical test and meet with Mother Dragon. He made up his mind to discuss this with Silvia later.

“But, does the Mother Dragon…. Understand human language?”

“Don’t worry about that. She is a special being.”

“Understood. I will head to Albion Forest as soon as possible. Since I don’t think that I have the power to refuse.”

“Huhu. That is how it should be. Good byeー”

“Eh?”

After leaving suddenly, at the same time when Ash was confused, her body had lost all its strength and fell on Ash. It seemed that Navi had finally returned Eco’s body.

“Uwaa! What happened!?”

Ash immediately hold on to Eco’s body. Her consciousness had yet to return. She was leaning on Ash’s body like a doll. Ash looked up to the ceiling to avoid looking at Eco’s white naked body. But their body below the water were sticking against each other.

ーThis is bad…

Ash tried to hold himself back by recalling all the mathematic equations he learned in class and praying to St Rosa Maria. Suddenly, the bathroom door was opened with a bang.

“Eco! Are you here!?”

Silvia who should be dozing off was taking a look. It must be that when she opened her eyes and saw that Eco was no longer there, she hurriedly tried searching for her… But now is not the time to analyse what had happened.

“Hey, Ash…”

As if she can see through the mist, Silvia’s sight fell on Ash and Eco. Silvia turned red and shouted in rage:

“What the hell are you doing in the bathroom of my house!?”

“This is not what it seems! There is a reason behind this!”

“ ‘A knight should admit his faults and learn from it’ー This the Lautreamont Family motto!”

“Urgh…”

Silvia’s iron fist exploded and caused the water to splash up until it hit the ceiling.

Part 3

Ash and the rest passed their free time before the bedtime. The entire living room was full of the smell of the herbal tea that Ash made. Eco whose body was borrowed by Navi had regained consciousness and now was sitting beside Silvia.

“I see. So that is what had happened.”

Silvia was full of embarrassment when she heard from Ash about Navi.

“For Pete’s sake, you should now know, that you should try to understand the situation before you start beating someone up. My body won’t be able to handle it.”

“A-About that… I am really sorry.”

Although it felt a little awkward, Silvia still apologized to Ash.

“I on the other hand had no reason to cuddle around with Eco naked, no?... Huh? …Anything wrong, Eco?”

Eco was red from the ears. She was clenching her fists above her knees and her eyes were wondering around for a few moments and finally stopped when she looked at Ash.

“You… Did you see my naked body?”

Seeing that cute face, Ash’s heart skipped a beat.

“No! Please rest assured! Because of the mist, I saw nothing!”

Ash answered everything like a bullet speed.

“…That’s a relieve.”

Eco breathe a sigh of relieve. She who had changed from sleeping naked into wearing pyjamas because she was embarrassed from being seen by Ash naked. Eco who was born to be a beauty was right now more beautiful that any flowers or even more attractive than any gems. Ash who was unconsciously attracted to Eco suddenly came back to his senses and looked at Silvia.

“Th-That’s right… I have something to talk to Princess-sama. For the practical exam, can we head to Albion Forest?”

“Hmm, that’s a good idea. Since the both of you were summoned by Mother Dragon, sooner or later both of you should head there. So why not use the practical exam as an excuse to head to Albion Forest and complete everything in one go.” nodded Silvia.

“Of course we won’t force Princess-sama to join us and we won’t blame you if you decline our invitation.”

Ash was worried about Silvia but instead she stood up and declared:

“You don’t have to be reserved, Ash. For I Silvia Lautreamont will definitely help you. Tomorrow, we will meet with Mirabel Onee-sama to discuss about it.’

“Thank you, Princess-sama.”

Ash replied politely with a smile but Silvia turned her face to the side with her cheeks red.

“T-There is no need for you to thank me!”

Ash gave a wry smile and stood up from the sofa and walked towards Eco.

“That’s it, Eco… When we were in Dragon Fang Restaurant, you said that you won’t be accepted as a dragon or as a human… Right now, I guarantee that there is no such a thing. And I also forbid you from saying that again.”

After that, Ash placed his hand on Eco’s head and fiddled with her soft hair. Eco for a short moment became shocked but she allowed him to continue.

“…Um, I understand.”

Eco was looking at Ash with her face in rosy red colour. Her ruby like eyes were wet and were trembling.

“…!”

Eco’s cuteness made him to stop breathing. There two of them were just staring at each other. Ash’s sight stopped at Eco’s lips and couldn't move away from them.

“Eco…”

“Ash…”

They called out each other’s name at the same time.

“Ahem. Have you forgotten about the presence of Silvia Lautreamont?”

“Uwaa! Sorry, Princess-sama!”

Under Silvia’s cold glare, Ash hurriedly moved away from Eco’s side.

"The Navigator~A.S.B.1365.8~" is closed.

Chapter 4 - Lost memories, Albion Forest

Part 1

At dawn, Silvia who suddenly woke up felt something on her chest.

“Hey, Eco! Where do you think you are sleeping!?”

“Zzzz…”

Like a child sucking on its mother’s breast, Eco buried her face in Silvia’s chest. Apart from that, her right hand was even grabbing onto Silvia’s breast. Silvia’s breast shook from Eco moving her fingers.

“Aah… Nnn… I-If you touch it like that… Aah…!”

Without thinking, Silvia sat up to calm down herself, she pulled Eco’s arm away with some force.

“Tsk… How rude can you be…”

She was embarrassed at herself for making those unladylike sounds. It was sometime past six when she looked at the clock placed by the side of her pillow. Usually, it was around that time Cosette would wake her up.

“How careless of me! How can I…!”

Although it was summer holidays right now, Silvia’s pride still didn't allow negligence. After giving herself a few light slaps on the both cheeks, she stood up from the bed. She usually started her day with some independent training, afterwards she would feed Lancelot herself. This was her usual routine.

“Ermm… My dragsuit… Where is my dragsuit…?”

Being forced to take care of her own clothings, Silvia realised painfully how much she was usually relying on Cosette. Right at that moment…

-Doooooom!

There was a familiar sound outside of the window.

“Is that… The sound of a Strada landing?”

Surprised, Silvia opened the window. Just as expected by Silvia, when she looked down on the garden of Epona House, there was a familiar strada. And a crater was formed around it.

“Tsk… Your riding ability is indeed one of the best but you should change that emergency landing habit of yours. It causes quite some trouble…”

Silvia sighed. The rider was a lady and she was wearing a moss green coloured uniform. Once she noticed Silvia, she immediately leaped off the saddle and greeted:

"I am the first-class palace messenger, Olietta Blanc! I am here to send the letter that was to be received by Princess Silvia, Her Royal Highness from Cosette Shelley-dono!"

“…From Cosette!?”

Unconsciously Silvia gripped the window frame putting all her strength into it.

Part 2

After seeing Olietta off, Silvia walked towards the seventh dragon house. Since it was summer holidays, there were no other dragons except Lancelot inside. Lancelot too had woken up early to match with Silvia. In contrast to Eco, Lancelot was a dragon who followed the rules.

“Sorry for the wait, Lancelot. It is time for breakfast.”

After Silvia placed the defrosted meat in front of Lancelot, Lancelot cried in joy and started enjoying its food. Silvia then took out the letter with her back facing Lancelot. It was the letter that she just received from Olietta.

-I want you to return to the palace and investigate the name list of the children who went to the orphan ceremony at the same day as me.

Cosette who obeyed Silvia’s orders to return to the palace had taken the trouble to contact Silvia through the palace messenger.

“Did she manage to find it? Or did anything unexpected happen…?”

Her heart was thumping like the morning alarm. A little courage was required before she was able to tear open the envelope.

Dear Princess-sama,

How are you? Right now, I am staying at Fontaine Palace.

About the investigation, it seems that five years ago a fire had burnt off a part of the documents related to the Orphan Ceremony.

Among those documents was the name list of the children who succeeded in the Orphan Ceremony in the past ten years.

Even so, the information that I obtained states that these documents were a copy and the original name list was kept at a different place.

I will now continue my search at the location of the name list.

Please be patient while waiting for the news.

Cosette . Shelley.

Silvia was worn out and gave a long sigh after she finished reading. Lancelot gave Silvia a curious peek.

Silvia grumbled while grooming Lancelot’s fur:

“Tsk… Where in the world is that ‘Location’? Even thought she is a person who has a keen eye for details, it is troublesome when she has forgotten to write the most important thing…”

Part 3

After their breakfast, Ash together with Eco and Silvia went to the director’s office. Although it was in the middle of summer holidays, Mirabel was still at the director’s office. She seemed to be reading some difficult books. On top of her table was a mountain load of documents. The working room itself looked more like a private room. Mirabel spoke in a cold voice:

“What’s the matter?”

She asked that while looking at her own documents.

“We have something to ask from Anee-ue. It is about the practical test.”

Ash was glad that Silvia spoke first. Ash was bad while dealing with Princess Mirabel. To him, Veronica seemed a lot more easier to deal with. After hearing that, Mirabel closed her book without changing her expression.

“So you have decided on your destination?”

“Yeah. We would like to head to Albion Forest.”

Mirabel tilted her head a little after Silvia answered directly.

“Your chosen destination is located at quite a remote area. Apart from that, Albion Forest is a sacred place. That place should be tightly guarded by the Albion Forest Military Order.”

“Of course I know that. However, Ash and Eco must head there. And I intend to help them.”

“Could you tell me their reasons for that?”

Ash was shivering from Mirabel’s sharp glance. But now was not the time to stay frightened.

“Ermm… Actually…”

Just when Ash was about to answer…

“Hold on!”

Suddenly, Mirabel stopped him and took out a watch. Ash was shocked seeing the royal’s solemnity.

“It is tea time, Eunice.”

“On my way, Princess-sama.”

Eunice who was like a statue spoke for the first time.

“Hey! How can you drink tea when someone was halfway through his talk!”

Ash grumbled at Mirabel who was doing things at her own pace.

“Do you have a problem with that?”

Her ice magic like glare was putting pressure on Ash.

“No, sorry for bothering you…”

After Ash’s voice turned softer, the room was filled with the smell of bergamot. Taking a look to the side, Eco was sniffing around. It seemed that she took interest in Mirabel’s red tea. It was a different type of interest compared to Ansal. But it was indeed a smell that a dragon would fall in love with. Eunice spoke when she saw Eco’s interest:

“Would the three of you like a cup of tea?”

Part 4

The three of them were sitting together on a sofa. Ash who had no interest in tea could only think of ‘It has a nice aroma’. However, it was different for Eco.

“This is wonderful… This is the first time I drank such a great cup of tea.”

Silvia explained to the amazed Eco:

“Anee-ue is very picky about red teas. By the way, this tea is called Earl Gloriana from Chalone.”

“Earl… Groo…?”

Eco almost bit her tongue.

“This kind of tea leaf is famous in the world. You should enjoy it properly.”

“Is that so? I didn't know…”

Eco was enjoying her tea happily.

“Erm… Princess-sama, shouldn't we start with the main topic?’

Ash noticed that it was bad to keep on talking about teas and so he urged on Silvia.

“Aah. That’s right. Can we start now, Anee-ue?”

“You have my permission.” agreed Mirabel.

Part 5

Mirabel’s expression never changed during Silvia’s entire explanation. It was even the same when Silvia mentioned about Ash and Eco being summoned by Mother Dragon. Mirabel said something after Silvia finished.

“I understand your situation. Good job for getting the idea of finishing two tasks in one trip. However, Ash Blake, there is one problem. How do you intend to head there? It will take you two weeks to reach there by land. Or do you intend to let Eco transform into a dragon?”

Mirabel glance was like a blizzard approaching Ash.

“No, that is impossible. Eco cannot control her transformation consciously.”

“Sorry for being useless…”

Eco puffed up her cheeks. Even so, it was the truth that she couldn't control her own transformation. There was nothing she could do about it. Right after that, Mirabel threw Eco a cold glance.

“Young dragon Eco, there is nothing bad in being useless. It is a matter of life and death for the Knight Country when you transform at a poor time. Because of you crushing the Empire’s airship Beowolf, the Knight Country’s government is having a headache.”

“Urgh…”

Eco turned speechless. Even she felt responsible for it. That’s right. Using the reason of Eco’s dragon form crushing Beowolf, the Empire’s government kept on protesting. According to the latest news, to achieve peace, the Knight Country’s government intended to pay the compensation. Of course at the same time it will cause an impact on the Knight Country’s financial situation.

“But the entire matter is the Empire’s fault to begin with…”

Ash said what he truthfully thought in front of Mirabel.

“Whatever the case may be, it is also the truth that the Empire’s airship was destroyed by a dragon. If the situation was any worse, it could turn into an all out war. Shouldn't we be glad, if we can have this settled by only paying money?”

For the first time, Mirabel kept her eyes away from the documents she was reading and looked at Ash, Silvia and Eco.

“With that, if you can take back an item that can only be found in Albion, I will consider you passing the exam. About that… In this season a flower called Rex Albioni should be blooming. How about it?”

Ash had heard the name of the flower before. It was a flower that could only be found in Albion Forest. Every summer, its white coloured flowers would bloom.

“Understood. We will definitely return with Rex Albioni.”

After she declared this, Silvia turned her sight towards Ash and Eco.

“It had been decided. Please prepare your stuff as soon as possible. We will depart tomorrow morning!”

“Aah… That’s right. But…”

Silvia was confused when she saw that Ash was hesitating.

“What’s wrong? Are you still worrying about anything?”

Ash nodded and looked at Mirabel.

“Ermm… Princess Mirabel?”

“Anything else the matter?”

“You had certainly said that you were here in Ansarivan under Princess Veronica’s orders… But the actual reason is to keep an eye on Eco, am I right?”

“That’s right. That is what the muscle freak’s intention.”

“M-Muscle…!?”

“Ara, do you even have to be surprised? What I am saying is the truth.”

Ash was surprised that Mirabel described the heroine-like character of Veronica with just ‘muscle freak’. It seemed that Mirabel didn't think that it is worth respecting Veronica at all.

“P-Putting that aside… Is it really all right for you to allow us to leave your sight? Doesn't it contradict with Veronica’s intention?”

Mirabel suddenly placed her tea cup on the table.

“Hmm, you are smarter than I thought you were. But, you don’t have to worry about your assumptions. To me, Veronica’s orders are nothing.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s assume that Eco once again turned into a dragon, what could we do about it? If there is a person who can stop this disaster, it can only be Ash Blake the owner of Eco. And we are not Ash Blake, are we?”

“That… That may be true but why would you take the trouble to come to Ansarivan?”

“With or without Veronica’s orders, I have my own personal matter to solve in Ansarivan. And that’s the sole reason.”

“What kind of a matter is that? Is it possible for you to tell us about it?”

“The answer is NO. You shall not ask anything beyond this.”

Mirabel refusing to answer Ash’s question was like putting an end to their conversation. She once again had her attention back on her documents.

Part 6

On the next morning, Ash, Eco and Silvia who had done their preparation departed from Ansarivan while they rode on Lancelot together.

“It is all up to you, Lancelot!”

After Silvia shouted, Lancelot gave a cheerful roar. Since part of their journey's reason was for the practical test, Ash and Silvia were wearing their dragsuits. And Eco as Ash’s Pal was wearing her uniform to show that she too was taking the exam. Their sitting sequence was Silvia who held the reins at the front, followed by Eco and Ash. Actually, right before they took flight, Eco said that she would like to take the middle. Thus, Ash was at the end of the line. Ash was holding onto Eco’s slim waist. Although he was embarrassed, he would face falling off Lancelot if he did not grab on it tightly.

“Oooooooo….!”

Even with three people on its back, Lancelot was flying without having to break a sweat. The sky was clear and since it was still early in the day, the weather was cool. However, when noon arrived, the sun would be scorching. Thus it would be better for them to reach at their destination as soon as possible.

“Err, Princess-sama. What do you think Princess Mirabel’s reason was?”

Ash finally asked the question that was on his mind for some time.

At first, I thought Mirabel was here to keep an eye on Eco. But, for Mirabel to have her own reason…

“How am I to know that?” snapped Silvia.

“To begin with, about Princess Mirabel… What kind of a person is she? Like Princess Veronica, it is obvious to everyone that she is a fighter.”

Silvia answered while holding the reins:

“Mirabel Onee-sama is a very respectable scholar. Just a few days ago, she was still doing her research in Espada St Law University.”

“…She must have been famous. Does she have any connections with Holy Espada Agency?”

“Certainly. Espada St Law University is directly under the Holy Agency’s secret service. Regardless of humanities studies or science related fields, all the genius' in their regarding field were doing their best for their research there.”

“That’s absurd…”

Even though he didn't know Mirabel’s age, she only looked older by a year or two than Silvia and was still in her teenage years. Even so, for a girl at her age to reserve a spot in the secret service, she was someone to be feared. Ash finally remembered her nickname- Argento Magus.

“Erm, what is the field Princess Mirabel specialized in?”

“She had already obtained a mechanical engineering degree and an archaeological degree. She seems to have a deep interest in sacred relics that are found in historic ruins.”

“Sacred relic… What are those?”

“You knew nothing of those! In this Ark Strada continent, there are many historic ruins. There are the so called Zono Ton’s Enlightenment’s historic ruins.”

Ash remembered he learned about it in his history lessons.

“It includes the Zono Ton’s Ark which is a huge historical ruin that was found in the Empire. In it, many ancient machines were found. That includes the airships that run on fossil fuel and magicships that run on Millennium. All these ancient machines were called sacred relics.”

“So, Princess Mirabel is a specialist in those things that are called sacred relics?”

“That’s right. She was even deeply involved in the development of the Silvanus Magicship of our country. With the help from exiled scientists from the Empire, they turned the excavated magic engine in the country into a ‘usable’ state. Apart from that, she was even in charge of the ship design.”

“Really!? She is such an incredible person!”

“Just that Silvanus was badly damaged in the previous fight.”

“About that… I deeply apologize.”

Ash sighed.

“Sorry…”

Eco who listened to their conversation silently also apologized.

“No, the two of you don’t have to worry about it. I know that the Empire is the culprit and Silvanus is currently being repaired. Even though I initially thought that it was completely destroyed, it seems that the magic engine remained unscathed, just narrowly. If the engine is all right, the outer shell can be easily replaced.”

This was the first time Ash heard about this. After it crashed and exploded, Ash never even thought that it could be repaired.

“Is that so…? Thank god. God bless us all.”

To give Eco a peace in her mind, Ash kept on emphasizing the word ‘thank god’.

“Just that, why would a genius like her come to Ansarivan? There is nothing related to mechanical engineering here. Judging from her behavior, she should be able to ignore Princess Veronica’s order.”

In Ansarivan where there are many dragons, there were many tool made from bright dragon crystal. The bright dragon crystal powered lamp is one of them. Because of this, most of the things in Ansarivan were not related to mechanical engineering and that made it stand out from the Knight Country.

“I also feel the same way. Mirabel Onee-sama was never afraid of Veronica Onee-sama. Normally, she could use her studies as an excuse to refuse. But why would Mirabel Onee-sama who even refused to attend the continental congress with her studies as a reason come to Ansarivan… I wonder.”

“Could it be that she took interest in Eco? Even Angela-sensei became a teacher in the academy because she was interested in Eco… Although I didn't see any sign of her for the recent few days.”

“That’s impossible. Mirabel Onee-sama is a person who would only be interested in mechanics. I don’t think her target is Eco.”

Ash breathed a sigh of relief after Silvia ensured him. Recently, Eco seemed to be emotionally unstable. Ash hoped that nothing will happen, at best.

Part 7

Thanks to Lancelot’s effort, the group had arrived at Albion Forest at dusk. After traveling under the scorching sun for the entire afternoon, they now experience the cool evening wind. Around the entrance of the forest was a row of old buildings that looked abandoned. Apart from the cathedral, there was also the novitiate and the quarters. Just by looking for the top, you can feel that those are as old as history itself. The land was very wide and there was the livestock hut and the vegetable farm, not to forget about the vineyard. Albion’s grape wine was very famous and they even exported them to the Chevron kingdom. Looking at the scene below him, Ash muttered:

“Is that… Albion’s novitiate?”

That was the base for Albion Forest Military Order. Although Ash had lost almost all his memories regarding his Orphan Ceremony, but he had a feeling that he missed this place.

“Lancelot, land in front of the gate.”

After receiving its orders, Lancelot started to lower their altitude. Finally, they managed to land safely in front of the gate.

“Gurrr…”

After that, Lancelot rolled itself into a ball and slept. It had used up all its magic in that flight. On a first glance, the dragon who flew with its huge wings actually spent a huge amount of magic.

“Thanks for the hard work.”

Silvia released the reins and patted Lancelot.

“Thank you, Lancelot.”

Ash thanked Lancelot after he had alighted from it. Then, he spread his arms while looking at Eco who was still on Lancelot.

“Hey, Eco! Hoop on.”

Of course that height won’t cause any injuries and Ash was just being thoughtful.

“Nn… Okay.”

Eco placed a hand on her skirt to keep her panties from being seen. Then she jumped from the saddle. Eco who once was not at all bothered by her naked body being seen was now embarrassed to even show her panties. Her recent changes can only be described as shocking. Eco landed in between Ash’s arms.

“Thank you…”

Eco thanked Ash while red in the face and landed on the ground.

“Err… Anything wrong, Princess-sama?

Ash suddenly noticed that Silvia was staring at them. She suddenly blushed.

“I-I am not jealous at all! I never thought about it! No matter what you say, I am a Dragner, not a damsel that has to be protected by a knight!”

Silvia never noticed that she was making it worse when she tried to reason. Ash gave a wry smile and spread his arms in from of Silvia.

“You too, Princess-sama.”

“That's why I said you don’t have to…!”

Although she refused, still she ended up jumping.

However, the skirt for the ladies’ dragsuit was short and when she stood up, the white cloth that wrapped around her skin was seen by Ash.

“H-Hey! If you stand like that…!”

Ash’s shout made Silvia notice.

“Eh?... H-Hey! Where are you looking at- Kyaa!”

Silvia hurriedly tried to hide her panty but in the end she lost her balance. She gave a little groan while she fell.

“Watch out!”

Ash immediately head out and caught Silvia. However, due to the weight of the Dragsuit and her falling momentum…

“Uwaa!”

Ash fell with Silvia in his arms. At the same time, he felt something soft on his face. Of course they were Silvia’s breasts.

“Urgh!”

The shape of her breasts changed and his face was covered as Ash kept on struggling. But the sweet moment only lasted for a short time. Ash felt that he was actually suffocating and finally pushed Silvia away with force.

“Princess-sama… Please… I beg you……”

“Sorry!”

Silvia hurriedly stood up.

“Huff… I am glad that Princess-sama is alright-? Eco… What’s wrong?”

“…”

Eco crossed her arms unhappily and turned her face to aside. Even when Ash kept trying to ask her she refused to even look at him.

“…I thought that was only for me.”

Unfortunately, Ash didn't catch what Eco was mumbling about.

“Erm… Dragner-samas, this place is actually a sacred place thus you may not enter…”

And, there was a person mumbling behind them. Ash then turned around to find a girl aged around ten. She looked like she was in the middle of sweeping since she had a broom in her hand. She looked small and plain like a hamster. In contrast to her cute face, her white coloured dressing and her long skirt made her looked sacred.

“No, we are not any weird people…”

Silvia immediately stopped Ash who was trying to explain.

“I am the Fourth Princess of the Knight Country, Silvia Lautreamont and who are you?”

“P-Princess!?”

The girl dropped her broom and kneeled down on the spot as if she was trying to prostrate herself before Silvia’s feet.

“I-I am sorry for not being able to recognize you! I am called Kurae! I am the priestess of this Albion Forest’s novitiate!”

Her bowing her forehead down many times had caused Ash and Silvia to feel uneasy.

“P-Please stand up. Even though I'm a princess, I'm still a student. Furthermore, I came here today for my private matters. So please stand up.”

“Aaa… Thank you very much.”

Kurae respectfully held Silvia’s hands when she stood up from the ground.

“It is great since you are a priestess. Could we borrow a moment of your time?”

Ash picked up the broom that was laying on the floor and passed it back to Kurae. She took it back without a second thought and looked at him suspiciously.

“…You are?”

“I am Ash Blake, a Dragner.”

Ash took out his silver watch. All the children who dreamed of becoming a Dragner had always been dreaming of being in that situation. Ash was somehow feeling proud. The moment she saw the silver watch, Kurae's eyes became like almond and she kept staring at it.

“So, that handsome dragon… Is Ash-sama's Pal?”

“No… Lancelot is Princess-sama's Pal.”

Kurae was confused.

“Then, where is Ash-sama's Pal?”

“Ehh… My Pal is…”

Ash placed an arm on Eco’s shoulders but he didn't notice Eco trembled a little at the moment his arm was placed.

“She is my Pal, Eco.”

“……”

Eco was embarrassed and was fidgeting in front of Kurae like a child. If it was the past Eco, she would definitely reply with a scold when she felt that the situation was against her… Kurae's expression suddenly changed and kept on staring at Eco’s head.

“Although she looked exactly like a human, those are unmistakably horns. So, you really are young dragon Eco!”

“Huh? Do you know Eco?”

Kurae replied Ash who asked in surprise with a smile:

“That’s right. Just days before, I had received an oracle from Mother Dragon. She told me about it in my dream.”

“Really!?”

“In the novitiate’s record, it had been five hundred years since Mother Dragon had given us an oracle.”

Kurae said proudly however it didn't look impressive when she said it with a broom in her hand.

“Five hundred years!... That’s wonderful!”

Ash was awed.

“Even my grandfather had a heart attack after he heard about it.”

“Wha… Is he alright?”

Ash asked timidly but Kurae replied with a bitter smile.

“He is still as lively as ever. By the way, my grandfather is Albion Forest military order’s leader. He is a great man!”

“That make things simpler. Then, we will greet your grandfather later. Erm, may I ask what was mentioned in the oracle?”

“The Mother Dragon told me that ‘in the coming days, Dragner Ash and Eco the direct descendant of Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family will be visiting Albion.’ Mother Dragon also reminded me that Eco will be in the form of a human."

Kurae stood up straight and smile.

“Welcome to the holy land of Albion. I welcome you with all my heart.”

Part 8

Ash and the rest passed through the gates while being led by Kurae. Along the way, they walked past a few priests and nuns who looked at them in surprise which made them feel uneasy. As far as it went, although they were known as knights, they didn't feel like one. Kurae was heading towards a stone building at a corner.

“My grandfather’s office is right here.”

Since she was used to it, Kurae entered without knocking. She was followed by Silvia and right behind her was Ash.

Part 9

“I am Albion Forest Military Order’s leader, Casvazu. But I am already an old man. You can call me grandpa.”

The leader of the military order who greeted them was not what they imagined. He was a friendly man. Still, it certainly seemed like he was at an age where a heart attack could happen anytime. Regardless of his voice, even his movements were trembling. He must be ninety…. No, he could be more than a hundred. Since he had a long white beard and was wearing a black robe, he looked exactly like a magician from the fairy tales.

“By the way, Princess Silvia… You have grown into a fine woman. I still remember the day you returned from the forest with your orphan, Lancelot.”

“Thank you, grandpa.”

Silvia thanked his politeness respectfully. However, many complicated feelings emerged on her face at the same time. It was probably because she never told him that the Orphan Lancelot was given to her by Ash which made her feel guilty.

“Erm, who’s the young lad beside you?”

Ash straightened his back when they were talking about him.

“I am Ash Blake.”

The moment his name was mentioned, the old man’s eyebrows twitched.

“Hmm… So you are Ash Blake... Where have I heard this name before…”

The old man paused for a moment and then suddenly he shouted:

“T-That’s it…! Ash! On your left arm… Isn't there a weirdly shaped Seikoku!?”

“Do you mean this?”

Ash pulled up his sleeve and removed the bandages. Normally, Ash didn't want anyone to see his Seikoku. But somehow, he didn't mind this old man seeing it at all. The old man’s eyes glittered the moment he saw Ash’s Seikoku.

“That’s right…. That’s right…! Hmm… I think I'm beginning to remember…”

Ash became nervous once he heard the words that had a deep meaning to them.

“Really! Actually I… don’t have any memories regarding my Orphan Ceremony. Could you tell me anything about it, anything would be fine.”

To his disappointment, the old man shook his head.

“Sorry… The only thing that I remember is that Seikoku. Prince Julius’s Seikoku was one that was different from the rest…, Yours too was not normal.”

“Grandpa! You know about Anii-ue's Seikoku!?”

Suddenly, Silvia leaned forward which surprised Ash.

“Princess-sama? Why are you surprise…?”

Silvia immediately came back to her sense and was embarrassed about it.

“That… When I was still a child, I liked to tease Anii-ue. I once said ‘I want to look at your Seikoku’. But, Anii-ue… He remained silent and cut me off. During that time, I was deeply hurt…”

The old man looked at Silvia and said:

“Prince Julius probably had the same feelings as Ash. The prince’s Seikoku totally covered his back… I thought it was a kind of bad omen the first time I saw it. It is not unreasonable for him to dislike anyone seeing it. Who would have thought that my fear really came true…”

As if she was trying to comfort this old man, Silvia told him this:

“Please rests assured. Actually this is a secret, but Anii-ue is actually alive. He was still at Fontaine City just days before, but it is not yet the time to reveal this truth.”

“Huh…? Is that true!? So the prince had overcome his fate!”

Tears were flowing from the old man’s eyes.

“…Emotions can easily overwhelm me at my age…”

The old man took a deep breath and smiled.

“Lucky for you, we won’t be having the Orphan Ceremony tomorrow. You can search for Mother Dragon tomorrow, how about it?”

As for Ash, he wanted to search for Mother Dragon as soon as possible, however it was already dusk. Even though it may be a sacred place, the night forest was still a dangerous place.

“I understand. We will enter Albion Forest tomorrow. Also… Could you tell us of any place near here where we can spend the night?”

“You don’t have to worry about your lodging!”

Ash’s question was immediately answered by Kurae who was standing at the doorway.

“Our novitiate will provide our visitors a place to stay. Though it may be simple and crude, meals are provided.”

“Really!? Thank you. That really helped us, Kurae. Are the two of you alright with this, Princess-sama, Eco?”

Ash turned around and looked at the two.

“I am alright with it.”

“I will be fine if you are okay with it.”

It was a surprise that Eco answered readily regardless of Silvia. The past Eco would definitely say ‘Do we get to have delicious meat?’. The Eco right now looked more mature and cuter. However it is also true that it felt weird.

-Just as I thought, Eco is best when she is full of spirit and eats a lot. What should I do to help her get rid of her problems…?

Just when Ash was deep in thought-

“…Anything wrong, Ash?” asked Silvia.

Ash immediately came back to his senses.

“N-Nothing… I am fine.”

“Are you sure? You looked like something was troubling you.”

Ash didn't know how to react when Silvia hit the bull’s eye. Luckily, Kurae spoke with an innocent smile:

“Everyone, shall we head to the hostel?”

Part 10

Ash was muttering to himself in the dark forest.

“Haa… What am I actually doing?”

His legs were heavy and the air around was humid. The air was filled with the smells of tree sap and the earth. There were insects buzzing around and even caterpillars dropping from the trees. It always frightened him when he heard the cries from weird birds. Spiders the size of a fist could be seen anywhere. When a snake appeared from the ground, everyone would run without embarrassment.

“Tsk… Where had the others gone?”

When he entered Albion Forest, Ash had been walking with a large group of children. But somehow, Ash was walking alone. It was like the huge forest had swallowed hundreds of children and had them separated.

“Haa…”

He had already lost count of how many times he sighed. Ash then raised his head and looked at the view above. The trees covered the sky like a roof. Even the tiny amount of sunlight that pierced the canopy looked like it was disappearing. Ash had traveled far from a village called Alba at the country borders to this forest. He had come to this sacred place the adults call ‘Albion Forest’. Of course, he didn't come here by his own will.

Part 11

Days ago, Ash just had his seventh birthday on a horse carriage. It was about twenty days ago that his mother, his younger sister, the village chief and his friends saw him off. It was snowing on the day he left Alba. In the end, no one was there to celebrate his birthday with him. He remembered his mother’s advice.

-In this Lautreamont Knight Country, every child must head to ‘the forest’ on their seventh birthday. If you are gifted, the dragon in the forest will give you an Orphan. That is a honorable thing to have.

Unfortunately, the young Ash did not feel the need to be honorable.

“Tsk… What an ill looking forest.”

Ash grumbled while he was wandering around. Finally he stopped.

“*Hick*…”

He thought he heard the voice of a girl crying, but it could be his imagination. He stood still and tried to listen closely.

“*Sob*…*Sob*…"

This time, he was sure of it.

“I better go have a look.”

Ash ran. Rather than being worried about the girl, it was more accurate to say that he was looking for a companion. He kept moving towards the source of that voice. Ash gasped after passing through the thick bushes. A girl was sitting under a big tree crying. There were two reasons for Ash’s gasp. One was because of the girl’s blonde hair.

Even though they were in the dark forest, her hair was like sparkling gold even when there was only a tiny amount of light. It was not something that could be found at the border in Alba. The other was because of the girl’s attire. She was wearing a dress with many jewels of different colours sewn into it. It didn't look like a dress that should be worn when entering a forest. Ash cautiously walked towards her and slowly reached out with his hand.

“Are you alright?”

The girl slowly lifted her head. Looking out from behind the tidy fringes were a pair of wet, ice blue eyes-

Part 12

“Princess-sama…!?”

After being surprised by the girl’s beauty, Ash returned from his seven year old self. And because of that, Ash woke up from his sleep. He was confused for a moment after waking up in an unfamiliar room but immediately remembered that he was in the hostel for visitors. It was just a simple room with an old single bed placed by the wall. Eco and Silvia were not with him. Guys and girls had to sleep separately in the strict novitiate. Both Eco and Silvia were sleeping in the woman’s hostel.

“It is already morning…”

Ash mumbled while looking out the window. The morning rays had brightened up the room and the scenery was just a huge swath of forest with the cries of wild birds heard from beyond. Ash took a look at his silver watch that was placed by his pillow side and saw that it was just five o’clock.

“What was that dream about…?”

Ash sat up and pushed his sweaty fringes to the side. Even though the weather was not hot, Ash’s entire body was drenched in sweat. It actually felt like he had been running in the forest. Ash tried to recall his dream. He was sure that it was about what happened when he was seven. He was also sure that it was of the time when he was in Albion Forest. Ash was having his Orphan Ceremony in his dream.

“Is that what actually happened in my past?”

Once he considered this possibility, Ash’s heart was beating rapidly non-stop. Since he became Eco’s host, the past that he could never remember - suddenly appeared in his dream.

What does this mean?

“Could it be that because this is a sacred place…? Did it affect me…?”

Suddenly at that moment, Ash remembered something important.

“That’s right, princess-sama…”

The girl who appeared at the end of the dream-

“Although she was still a child, I am certain that she is princess-sama! Did I… meet princess-sama during my Orphan Ceremony!?”

Ash wanted to rush into the woman’s hostel to question Silvia about it, but he managed to stop himself. That was a place where men were not allowed to take a step, no matter what. Also, this was not the academy but the novitiate. If he ever broke the rules, he won’t be getting away easily. In the end, it was just a dream. It is better not to act rashly before he had any evidence.

“Haa… I will go wash my face first.”

Ash sighed while he was crawling out of his bed. By the way, didn't I keep sighing in my dream… Ash smiled when he thought about this.

Part 13

After taking his breakfast in the hostel, Ash met up with Silvia and Eco at the cathedral. Then, the trio immediately headed towards Albion Forest. Lancelot wouldn't be able to travel with them since the forest was thick and the dragons were too large. Since they never intended to ride on a dragon, they wore their school uniforms instead of the dragsuits. Similar to yesterday, Eco was wearing her uniform. She was carrying the stuffed toy in front of her chest. She seemed to like it very much, given that she took the trouble to bring it with her. The temperature in the forest was cool, which made them doubt that it was in mid-summer. This forest bore a different kind of feeling compared to a normal forest. To put it in words, it actually felt sacred. The reason they called Albion Forest a sacred place may not solely be due to it being the home of Mother Dragon. Or it could be that this place became sacred because it was the home of Mother Dragon. Ash felt nostalgic when he breathed in the surrounding air.

No, it was definitely not weird. Ash definitely had visited this place before. The view in front of him definitely matched the image of the forest in his dream.

“The problem is, where is Mother Dragon? Did Navi tell you anything about it?”

Silvia who was leading the group turned around and looked at Ash.

“No… Navi didn't tell me anything.”

“I see. If that’s the case, we will enter the forest like we did during the Orphan ceremony.”

Silvia declared and continued marching in.

-Kshaaaaaa!

Suddenly there was the cry of a weird bird.

“Eek!”

Silvia covered her head with her arms. Ash was shocked because from behind, she looked exactly like the girl in his dreams.

“Are you alright, Princess-sama? I think you better not wander too far away from us.”

“I am fine! I-I am not scared at all!”

Although Silvia boasted this, in the end, she was walking side by side with Ash. Ash smiled bitterly in his heart to avoid being noticed.

“Hey… Ash.”

Eco, who had remained silent since entering the forest, gave Ash a gentle pull on his sleeve.

“Yes?”

“About Mother Dragon… Is she my ‘mother’?”

Ash was dumbfounded when he heard this. Since he had been focused on searching for Mother Dragon the entire time, he had never thought about it.

“She is indeed called a mother. I am sure that she is definitely a mother to you. What do you think about it, Princess-sama?”

Silvia crossed her arms and said:

“It is probably different compared to us humans. Mother Dragon is like a queen bee. She probably won’t care about every newborn she has…”

Half way through speaking, Silvia noticed a change in expression on Eco’s face and hurriedly corrected herself.

“Of course this is just my assumption. I don’t know the actual truth.”

“So, we will only know the truth after we meet her.”

Ash assured her by petting her head.

“Don’t worry, I will be right here. I will be there for you no matter how Mother Dragon treats you. That is one thing that will never change.”

“Ash…!”

Eco lifted her head after Ash's encouragement. Her long eyelashes, her eyes were wet together with her blushing transparent white skin.

-C-Cute…!

Even though he was just looking at Eco, his heart already started to beat rapidly. The two of them just stared at each other silently…

“Ahem!”

A cough that could shake a earth gave Ash and Eco the fright of their life.

“Hey… Have you both forgotten about me.”

Ash hurriedly turned around and saw Silvia looking at them displeased.

Part 14

The trio were just wandering around the forest aimlessly. Ash suddenly stopped after passing through some bushes. An image of a young girl appeared in front of him. The girl had hair as dazzling as the rays of light that pierced the forest canopy and a pair of clear blue eyes. She was carrying a dragon shaped stuffed toy. She was crying because of her injured leg.

“This is…!”

Ash even forgot to blink when he looked at his surroundings. There was an empty space below the dense canopy, near the roots of a huge tree. It was definitely the same. It was the exact same place as his dream.

“Ash?”

Silvia who was five steps in front of him turned around.

“Is there anything wrong?”

Eco was looking at him worriedly.

“…Nothing. Sorry.”

Ash came back to his senses and continued his journey.

-Has Princess-sama forgotten about this place…?

Ash wondered while he was looking at Silvia from behind. No, it is quite normal not to remember the scene in the forest.

Just that, since the place in the dream actually existed, the dream might be real.

-Is what happened in my dream my past experience?

“Hmm? Huh… Eco? Princess-sama?”

Ash was shocked when he lifted his head again. Eco and Silvia who should have been walking in front of him had disappeared. Everything around him was either bushes or trees.

“Damn! Eco! Princess-sama!”

Ash was shouting their name while he ran around. Suddenly, a white fog appeared from nowhere. Ever since this he couldn't really rely on his vision, Ash was just searching for the two blindly.

“Ecoooooooo! Princess-samaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

However, the further he walked the thicker the fog became. In the end, everything he saw was blank white. He even began to lose consciousness.

“Tsk… What in the world is this fog…”

After he finished this sentence, Ash’s consciousness was completely devoured by the fog.

Part 15

“Huff… We have been walking for some time and Mother Dragon has yet to appear. She should at least tell us where to look for her.”

Silvia grumbled and at the same time, she stopped.

“Urgh!”

Eco immediately knocked into Silvia.

“Why did you suddenly stop!?”

Eco scolded with her swollen nose. Silvia turned around and glared at Eco.

“And why did you walk without looking where you're going!?”

Silvia was trying to provoke her. Eco then also noticed that Silvia was staring at her stuffed toy. Eco just couldn't understand why Silvia was interested in how Ash acquired the stuffed toy. She was pissed about it. No matter what happened, this toy will always be an important thing to Eco. She had thought it looked cute at first sight and she just felt drawn to it. Most important of all, it was given to her by Ash. Eco hugged it tightly.

“Why do you have to enter the forest? Mother Dragon only asked for Ash and me. Why could you not stay in the novitiate’s garden and search for Rex Albioni!?”

“W-What did you say!”

Silvia’s expression changed. This was the first time Eco saw a human’s face turn pale as if drained of blood.

“I came with you because I am worried! Are you saying that… Do you not like that I am being nice to you?”

“Hah! Being nice! Maybe it is because of an uninvited guest that Mother Dragon has not appeared!”

Although this was said at the spur of the moment, it was still a logical reason. That’s right. Mother Dragon hasn't appeared before them because Silvia accompanied them. The one she asked for were Ash and Eco. But, Eco knew that she was being mean to Silvia, who usually took care of her. Her heart was conflicted, wondering whether she had over reacted.

“Eco… Do you really mean it?”

Silvia who was seldom scolded was looking down. However, the more she thought about the connection between the toy and Silvia, the more uneasy she felt.

If this stuffed toy really belongs to Silvia… What does that signify?

“Hey Eco! If you want to apologize, this will be your only chance.”

Silvia was glaring at Eco sharply. She was obviously cross because of Eco’s words.

“Hmph! I will let Ash decide who is at fault!”

“Fine with me! Hey, Ash!”

“Ash! Tell us immediately!”

But Ash never answered.

“…Ash? Huh?”

Eco was looking at her surroundings. Ash who had been walking with them just moments before had disappeared.

“Ash!? Where is he?”

Eco lost her cool. Ash was lost. Ash who was always by her side has gotten lost. Eco had become separated from Ash in the past, which led to a horrible experience with the Empire. Because of that, she felt uneasy whenever Ash was not by her side.

“Hey, Ash!? Where are you!?”

Silvia was looking around searching for him. Unnoticed by them, the white fog had started to appear and it became difficult for them to see things even an inch away.

“Grrrrrrrr…”

At that moment, they certainly heard a beast's growl.

“Please tell me that I am dreaming…!”

Eco who turned around immediately froze.

“Wha…! A Necromancia!? This is ridiculous! This should be a sacred place…!”

Just as Silvia had said, standing right in front of her was a Necromancia. Similar to Willingham Mausoleum, it was a young dragon sized Necromancia. But it was still as intimidating as ever. Though it looked small, its black fur and rotten teeth were still too much to bear.

“Stay behind!”

Silvia, as if trying to protect Eco, took out a huge Bright Dragon Crystal.

“Lancelot! I summon you in my name, Silvia Lautreamont- urgh!"

Many whip like tentacles appeared from the Necromancia's stomach and the spell was interrupted. Silvia’s wrist was grabbed and she dropped the Bright Dragon Crystal. Apart from that, more of the deep red coloured tentacles appeared and grabbed her arms and legs. The next thing she knew, her entire body was surrounded by tentacles and she was hanging in mid air. The more she struggled the tighter the tentacles gripped.

“Urgh… Stooooop!”

Silvia was red with anger and tears flowed from her eyes. Eco was shocked to see that the usually cool and brave Silvia could do nothing against them.

“Grrrrrrrrrrroooooooo!”

The Necromancia roared and it's slimy tentacles wrapped themselves around Silvia’s cleavage and hips. The tentacles left slimy residue wherever they touched.

“Tsk… For me, the fourth princess of the Knights… To be suffering from this… Do you know what will happen to you!?”

Of course her intimidation would never work. In the end, a tentacle found a way into her cloths and tore them. The rags from her clothes dropped like snowflakes. Her feminine shoulders, her breast, and her waist were all exposed.

“Aah! W-Where are you touching…! You better…! Aaa…!”

The tentacles were crawling on her snow white body. The slime that came from the tips had caused her entire body to become slimy.

Even so, Silvia shouted to Eco:

“What are you doing!? Run! Don’t worry about me!”

“I-I… I can’t do that!”

Eco clenched her fist. Just moments ago, Eco had said terrible things to Silvia. But now, Silvia had risked her life to allow Eco to escape. Running away on her own was something her pride would never allow. If Ash were with them, she could have at least given him his Ark to allow him to fight. But in this case, he had disappeared. If that’s the case, Eco would do it on her own way.

-If I turn into a dragon… They are just small fries. But how do I control my transformation?

Eco was trying to figure it out while sweat was running down her forehead. No matter how hard she tried to recall that feeling… she still couldn't get a clear image of it.

“Eco! Watch out! Behind you!” warned Silvia.

“Eh….?”

Eco turned around, and stood frozen. Like a beast who spotted its prey, a second Necromancia had its eyes on Eco.

“Eek…!”

Her face turned pale. Though she wanted to run away, her body wouldn't budge.

“Grrrrrrrrrrroooooooo!”

While it roared, numerous tentacles burst from it. In just a split second, they had captured Eco’s arms and legs. Eco felt herself being lifted from the ground and the next thing she knew, she was hanging upside down. She felt embarrassed the moment she noticed that she was being hung upside down. This was because her skirt was now at her chest and her panties were exposed.

“Nooooooooooo!”

Eco shouted in despair but her vision was now obscured by the deep red coloured tentacles.

Part 16

“Are you… Hurt?”

Just as Ash asked this, the blond girl suddenly stood up.

“W-Who is hu-!?”

However, before she could even finish speaking, the girl showed an expression of pain and fell to the ground again.

“Urgh…”

Judging her reaction, it seemed be her ankle that was injured. Suddenly, something fell.

“Huh…?”

Ash picked it up and noticed that it was a stuffed dragon toy. It didn't look good even judging at the lowest possible standard. In general, it was carelessly done and its body was designed to be round. He even doubted whether this was a dragon.

“Don’t you think that's pitiful to leave it on the ground?”

Ash handed her the stuffed toy and spoke to her in a tone similar to how he usually talked to his sister. It seemed like the toy was indeed important to the girl since she took it back with full force. Ash gave the girl a wry smile, turned around and knelt down.

“W-What are you doing!?”

The girl continued to put on an act, but it was obvious that she was at her limit.

“Isn't it obvious? I am bringing you back to the entrance.”

“What! You mean… We are going back!? Are you going to give up on the Orphan Ceremony?”

Ash nodded and spoke as if it was as clear as the blue sky.

“That should be the most sensible thing to do. You can’t expect to search with that leg of yours right?”

“Don’t joke with me!”

Ash didn't expect to be shouted at.

“I need a Pal! It is impossible for me to turn back now!”

“The Pal that you speak of… What is that?”

Ash asked.

“What! How can you not know that, as a citizen of the Knights Country!” replied the girl in a rage.

“Remember this! It is the bond between a Breeder and a dragon! It is a very sacred word!”

“I see…”

But the girl was not letting him off easily. Leaning forward, she continued on.

“What about you? If you have the time to worry about me, why not search for Mother Dragon? Or do you not want to become a Breeder?”

“W-What?”

Because the distance between their faces was too small, Ash was much too embarrassed and tried not to look straight at the girl.

“So you are pretending to search for Mother Dragon with the intention of returning home empty handed? So the recent talk in town about most children lacking motivation these days is true.”

Ash flustered when the girl pointed out his plan. Truthfully, Ash was never interested in dragons. Maybe those children without motivation the girl speaks of are children like me. Even so, Ash could never admit this while the girl was seriously talking to him.

“If it is possible… I would like to meet with Mother Dragon… I think?”

“Then, lets go! I will teach you about my family’s motto! Listen carefully!”

Shhh… There was a gentle breeze blowing, followed by the cry of birds.

“The knight's pride is his dragon.”

After being motivated by the girl, Ash was going to turn to his right, but…

“Hold on! If I were to leave, what about you? Wouldn't you be lonely?”

“B-But I will never withdraw because of a mere injury! I-I will never give up!”

Ash sighed. He even laughed when he thought about the mess she was in. Once again, he looked straight into the girl’s eyes. What an unpredictable girl. Where had the girl who was crying because of an injured leg gone? When she was talking about dragons, her eyes sparkled. Ash thought that he was meddlesome but still came up with a decision.

“I see. You want to become a Breeder no matter what, am I right?”

“That goes without saying.”

“And you are sure you don’t want to head back?”

“That too goes without saying!”

“That is why there is only one choice left. I will give you a piggyback ride and we shall search for Mother Dragon together. How about that?”

“Eh?”

The girl was surprised. Unfortunately, the girl was not listening to Ash. Her blue eyes were staring at the space behind Ash.

“W-What’s wrong?”

Finally, Ash noticed that something was off and he turned around.

“Guuooooo!”

To his horror, a huge animal was glaring at him from the middle of the bushes.

It's wet body was shiny from the sunlight piercing through the thick canopy.

“A Basilisk…!”

Though it may have been a lowly animal, it was still a kin to the Asias. It lifted its webbed front leg and took a step towards Ash.

“Run!”

Ash forcibly placed the girl onto his back and dashed off.

Part 17

“Haa…Haaa… I thought I was dead meat.”

After running frantically in the forest, Ash finally stopped underneath a tree with his heart almost exploding. Luckily, he no longer had to worry about the Basilisk.

“Huff… Are you alright?”

The girl on his back didn’t reply. She was shivering in fear while tightly holding on to Ash. Only then did Ash realize that their bodies were too close to each other and he blushed in embarrassment. He could feel her body heat through the clothes on his back and smell the perfume that she used. The girls in Ash’s village never had the habit of putting on perfume. And even the ladies only use it on special occasions. Right now, his heart was on the verge of exploding for another reason. To distract himself, he tried provoking the girl.

“Tsk. Who would have expect you to be this timid. Didn't you say ‘The knight's pride is his dragon’? See, even your family motto is crying.”

“Shut up!”

After being provoked, the girl was in a rage and gave Ash a good beating.

“Ouch! I beg you, please stop!”

Ash almost dropped her to the ground.

“It is because you made fun of me!”

“Fine, I am sorry! I am really sorry! Ouch!”

-The knight's pride is his dragon.

Judging from this family motto, the girl should be from a Dragner's family. However, how is she going to ride a dragon while being timid…

Her family probably also thought this and that’s why they had prepared a cute dress for her. Of course, Ash didn't tell her what he was thinking.

“…Erm, what should we do next?”

The girl stopped hitting him after she heard him asking.

The sun was starting to set.

It was almost time for the Orphan Ceremony to end. According to the Albion Forest military order who was in charge of the Orphan Ceremony, Mother Dragon will only appear in front of a gifted child who. Even so, the girl answered firmly.

“I will never give up! I will search for Mother Dragon no matter what!”

Ash laughed after he heard the expected answer. Of course, Ash had no objection. Just moments before, he had promised the girl.

-I will give you a piggyback ride and we shall search for Mother Dragon together.

“Then… Shall we start searching?”

“Lets!”

Ash took a whole new step forward. The wet earth sunk a little because of their combined weight.

Why do I feel like I have become her 'Pal'…

Part 18

Ring…

Ash’s body almost reached its limit when he first heard the beautiful sound.

Ring…

Ash heard it once again.

No, he didn't even know if it was really a sound. It was more like a vibration that he felt on his body rather than a sound that he heard with his ears.

“Did you hear that?”

“Huh?”

Ash was speechless when the reply was a question.

“It is hard to put it in words, but it is like someone is calling out to me.”

“Really!”

The girl suddenly leaned forward which nearly caused Ash to lose his balance.

“Maybe Mother Dragon is calling out to you. Then…”

Suddenly, the girl lost all her motivation and turned silent.

“What’s wrong?”

“I hear nothing at all… Even though you are able to.”

“Well, we can't be certain that it is the voice of Mother Dragon. It could be my imagination-”

Right at that moment, in a split second, his vision was filled with bright light. The dense forest disappeared from view. Right after that, Ash was floating in an empty space.

Part 19

“This is…”

Ash was in an unknown space. At first glance, he thought he was in a dark cave, but the ceiling was too high. There were many balls of light moving around on the ceiling. By taking a closer look, he noticed that they were actually bright dragon crystals. Even the most luxurious chandeliers didn't look as magnificent as this. There was a wide lake at his feet and it was reflecting the lights in the ceiling. The lake water was clear and it only went up to about Ash’s knees. Facing the lake was an old looking building. Ash thought it looked like a shrine that was dug out from the ruins. The ground was made of square rocks and right on them stood many pillars with weird looking carvings. A huge wall painting could be seen inside the shrine through the space in between the pillars though he couldn't understand it. Suddenly, Ash noticed a sweet scent. It smelled a little like lavender and a little like rose. It should be the so called Ansal that dragons like.

“Nnn…”

All of a sudden, there was a sound coming from beside Ash. When he turned around, he saw the girl lying beside him. Ash’s heart skipped a beat when he noticed the heat of her palm. Seeing that the girl was opening her eyes, Ash immediately let go of her hand.

“This is…”

The girl who had just opened her eyes was looking around at this unknown space.

-Ring…

Ash once again felt that weird feeling.

“Did you hear that weird sound?”

The girl shook her head sadly. It seemed that only Ash could feel it. Suddenly, there was a strong gust. Ash was almost blown away while the girl kept holding on to her toy while enduring the wind. At the same time, a loud sound that could shake the earth was echoing within the cave. They were unable to keep their eyes open. Finally, the sound and the wind stopped. Ash was trembling in fear when he opened his eyes slowly. There was something on the opposite side of the lake in the middle of the shrine.

It was a dragon.

There were two ivory colored horns on its head. Its body was covered with white fur and there were many sparkling jewelries on its long neck.

“Is that… Mother Dragon?”

“Eh?”

In contrast to Ash's reaction, the girl was looking around aimlessly. It seemed like only Ash could see the dragon.

“Grrooooo!”

The dragon lifted its neck and roared. The pebbles on the ground were starting to vibrate. The dragon’s height was about a three-story building after it stretched it's neck. Though she couldn't see the dragon, the girl could still hear its roar. Since she was frightened, she was clinging to Ash. However, Ash was surprised that he was not at all afraid. Rather than that, he felt that he could understand the dragon.

-Ash Blake of Alba Village. I shall hand thee my Orphan…

This feeling was right. Mother Dragon was entrusting an Orphan to him.

“Don’t joke with me!”

Ash was in rage. To be frank, Ash never intended to have an Orphan. If it hadn't been of that girl, he would not have been searching for Mother Dragon in the first place. On the other hand, the girl had always wanted an Orphan. Ash never asked her about her reasons but he could feel that it was important. That was why he had made a decision the moment he met her.

“Mother Dragon! You are an idiot! I am not the one who needs an Orphan! It is she who needs it!”

After shouting in a loud voice that even surprised himself, he tightly grabbed both of her shoulders and made her stand in front of him.

“Hey…! What are you doing!?”

“Get a hold of yourself! Didn't you have your own reasons!?”

“B-But… I can’t even see Mother Dragon…”

“That's not a problem! Mother Dragon is right there!”

Ash was pointing towards Mother Dragon.

“Please, Mother Dragon! Entrust her with an Orphan!”

“…”

There was no reply. Instead, Mother Dragon’s fur was glowing with white light. Ash’s body was surrounded by a mysterious light.

“Urgh…!”

Ash noticed that a formless energy was entering his body. His left hand was being lifted against his will. Even though Ash tried to clench his fist, it ended up failing. He felt that his left hand was burning. A symbol like a family crest of a noble was slowly being branded on Ash’s palm.

“Y-You… Fool!”

It was clear that it was the proof of the contract, the Seikoku. Mother Dragon was forcing an Orphan on to Ash without even listening to what he was trying to say. It seemed that regardless of human or dragon, mothers will never listen to reasons.

-Stop! If this continues… I will become a breeder!

Ash grabbed onto the girl and dragged her towards him. He then shouted as loud as a dragon.

“Uooooooooooooooooooooo!”

-Don!

Ash pushed his burning palm towards the middle of the girl’s chest.

She immediately felt an electric shock from the tips of her finger to her head.

“Aah…!”

The girl groaned. Even so, Ash kept on pressing his hand on the girl’s chest. The girl’s dress started to tear and her white skin beneath was exposed. Nevertheless, Ash’s burning hand was not leaving her chest. Ash never thought that his struggle could change anything. However, that never stopped him from trying. He would never allow the girl to lose her only chance of becoming a Breeder. A person could only attend the Orphan Ceremony once in their lifetime. There was never a second chance.

“I will hand this Seikoku over to you! This Orphan… Is now yours!” Ash cried in agony.

-Buumg!

Then, something unbelievable happened in front of Ash.

His left arm exploded. The area below his elbow and his sleeve was blasted into pieces.

“Hic…!”

The girl lost consciousness from the shock of being bathed in blood. She then fell on the spot. Ash too, who had witnessed the unbelievable things happening, was on the verge of losing consciousness and managed to barely hold his ground only after putting all his effort in it. Although it didn't hurt, blood was still flowing from that terrible wound. Ash turned to look at the girl while trying his hardest to stay conscious. In the middle of her white chest was the Seikoku that was once branded on Ash’s palm. Regardless of what happened, the Seikoku had been successfully transferred to the girl.

“Haha… I did it… I really did it…!”

While Ash was laughing joyfully, he fell to the ground dead.

Part 20

“Uwaaaa!”

Ash woke up in shock from his left arm exploding.

“Huh?”

He hurriedly take a look at his left arm. He breathed a sigh of relief when he noticed that it was still wrapped in bandages as usual.

“It seems that you are now awake.”

Suddenly, there was a clear voice coming from above.

“Huh… Uwaa!”

There was a woman he had never seen before looking at him. He immediately leaped away when he noticed that he was lying in her lap. The woman who gave Ash a lap pillow had long green hair that reached her waist and an unworldly beauty. Her eyes were also green which made them look like large jades. There were two horns on her head and they had many tines on them. She was the third woman Ash knew to have horns. She looked to be around twenty five years old. Even though she looked young, she seemed like a lady from a noble's family. Even the dress she wore was of high quality. She was just like a dame that appeared in the opera.

“Excuse me…. You are?”

“I am Mother Dragon.”

“Eeeh!?”

Ash almost had the shock of his life. Looking around, the scene certainly looked like the scene in his dream. It was the spot where the seven year old Ash met Mother Dragon. Ash was now inside the shrine he hadn't entered in his dreams. On the other side of the pillars was the huge lake glittering under the lights. It was presumable that it was a space built by the dragon’s magic. Because it somehow felt like the dragon workshop. There was even the smell of Ansal. Even so, was the lady standing in front of him Mother Dragon?

The Mother Dragon that appeared in his dream was in the form of a sacred dragon, but now she looked like a young woman. Although it was certain this woman was a dragon judging by her horns. Ash suddenly remembered something important.

“Are Eco and Princess-sama alright!? I remember that they were lost in the forest!”

“Both of them are here.”

Mother Dragon answered calmly and pointed at the area behind Ash.

“Who do you think… I am… I am gonna crush… Aaah!”

“Stop… I am the princess of this country…! Who allowed you to touch that spot…!”

Eco and Silvia were both lying on the ground. They seemed to be having a nightmare. Sweat was beading on their foreheads. Even their distress looked alluring and made Ash’s heart skipped a beat.

What in the world are they dreaming about?

“Erm… Are the two of them alright?”

Mother Dragon answered indifferently -

“These are just elementary level illusions. Both of them lack training. But, worry not, it won’t affect their bodies.”

“I see…”

After he breathed a sigh of relief, he remembered something important about Eco and Mother Dragon.

“That right! Eco was wondering about something related to you. She was wondering if you are her ‘mother’. I will wake her up immediately."

“Please do hold on.”

He couldn't believe that the Mother Dragon who was always thought to be kind would snap at him.

“Sorry to say this, but even though I may be the mother of all dragons, I am not Eco’s mother.”

“Eh…?”

“In other words, I am responsible for the reproduction system of the dragons. I am the core of the wise dragon Albion’s magic. Even when she is Avalon’s Imperial Princess, I bear no personal feelings for her.”

Ash felt sad for Eco after hearing what Mother Dragon had said.

“Don’t you think that Eco is pitiful… After what you said? What’s more, it is you who summoned Eco here. Didn't you ask for her because you miss her?”

After Ash said this, Mother dragon closed her eyes and the shadows of her long eyelashes showed on her white skin.

“…That’s right. I was, at the beginning. But I changed my mind in the end. I decided that it is better not to meet with Eco. I shall tell you everything you need to know and please allow Eco to sleep where she is.”

“But!”

“Even if we were to meet, I won’t be able to treat her like a daughter. That’s why, it is better for us that we do not meet. Also, even without a mother, Eco will still have you as her knight and Princess Silvia as a friend who would help her at any cost. And of course, the dragons in the Knight Country are on Eco’s side. She doesn't need anything else as far as I can see.”

“… I understand.”

Though he would still like to reason with her, Mother Dragon seemed to have made up her mind and nothing could change it.

“Then, lets proceed to our main topic.”

Ash became nervous once this was said.

“I know about Eco’s awakening in Fontaine City that happened days ago.”

“I beg your pardon for not being able to protect Eco properly…”

“We can’t do anything about the past, and I am not here to lecture you. However, the power of the Avalon Holy Dragon Emperor is enormous. It could even destroy this planet if misused. The Eco right now isn't mentally mature enough and can't control her powers properly. Just days before, didn't that child try transforming because of some trivial matter?”

“I-I am really sorry about that.”

Ash was surprised. It seemed that Mother Dragon knew everything. But that indeed was some trivial matter. Eco was going to transform into a dragon because of a quarrel with Silvia over a stuffed toy… Although Ash managed to stop Eco from transforming by hugging her, that was just because he was lucky.

“The action that Nehalennia's dark dragons’ king Mordred and the Empire’s army is taking is indeed worrisome. Also, Chevron Kingdom, Holy Espada Agency and Labrock Trade Union are taking notice of the incident of the huge dragon that appeared in Fontaine City.”

After she finished speaking, Mother Dragon took out something. It was a silver bracelet. The exquisite carving on the bracelet was somewhat similar to Ash’s Seikoku.

“This is…”

“This is Avalon’s Bracelet. As long as Eco wears this, she will not transform into a dragon no matter what kind of a situation she is in. Apart from that, she could even learn to control her powers with it. Once she has gotten used to it, she will be able to transform when she takes the bracelet off.”

“Really!?”

Ash leaned forward. At the moment Eco wasn't able to consciously control her transformation. That’s why she almost transformed due to some trivial matter. However, with this Avalon’s Bracelet, she could control her transformation, is what Mother Dragon had said.

“…Because of some selfish people, the mighty being of the descendant of the Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family was exposed in front of everyone. This is a serious problem for both humans and dragons. From today onward, there will be people appearing before her with the intention of making use of her powers. Please never forget that it is both hers and your responsibility as her knight to make use of the power of Avalon.”

“I will keep that in my heart.”

Ash who was moved by Mother Dragon’s words answered sincerely. He could feel the weight of the bracelet in his palm after receiving it from Mother Dragon.

“Then, I shall end our meeting here. I shall now send you back to the entrance-”

As soon as she had done her job, Mother Dragon once again spoke in an official tone for sending them off. But Ash had become nervous.

“Hold on! Actually… I have something that I need to ask you no matter what.”

“May I know what that is?”

“I… I had lost all my memories about the time of my Orphan Ceremony. But since I had returned to this sacred place, I began to remember parts of them. About how I met Princess-sama in the forest… And later being called out by you. And also the things that I did against your will for Princess-sama's sake.”

Mother Dragon sighed.

“That's right. I was indeed surprised. At the beginning, I intended to entrust Lancelot to you. Although it is not a direct descendant, Lancelot is still a high status dragon whose bloodline is related to the Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family.”

“Really! Lancelot is Eco’s relative…!? But why did you not entrust an Orphan to Princess-sama?”

“Unfortunately, Silvia Lautreamont doesn't have the quality to become a Dragner.”

Ash was getting angry even though the person speaking was Mother Dragon.

“That can’t be! Princess-sama was always top in her results in the academy!”

“That’s because of her personal efforts.”

“Doesn't that mean she is gifted?”

“Both of them are not related. She was just replacing her lack of talent with her hard work.”

“Isn't that the same?”

“It is not that her hard work was all for naught… If she continues to polish herself, she will definitely become a great Paladin who will be able to lead this Lautreamont Knight Country. However, no matter how much effort she puts forth, it is a cruel truth but she will never be able to surpass Ash Blake.”

Ash was not at all happy after being praised. But, there will be clashes in opinion between Ash who grew up in a human community and Mother Dragon who was responsible for the existence of the dragons. There was no point in continuing to argue, Ash still had something else he wanted to ask.

“I… I want to know what happened during my Orphan Ceremony. I could only recall my memories until the moment I went against your will and lost my left arm… I couldn't remember anything beyond that.”

“Fine. Since you have taken a long journey to Albion Forest, I will show it to you as a gift.”

Mother Dragon stretched out her arms and placed them on Ash’s face. Ash’s heart skipped a beat after noticing the sweet scent.

“Mother…?”

“Please close your eyes. I will send you the necessary information.”

After that, Mother Dragon pressed her forehead on Ash’s. Ash noticed that her forehead was cold. In a split second, a vast amount of information flowed into Ash’s mind and his memories started appearing.

Part 21

“Kyaaaaaaaaa!”

The girl shrieked and then she lost consciousness. Together with her stuffed dragon toy, both of them fell to the ground. Ash’s foolish action had successfully transferred the Seikoku onto the girl’s chest. That Seikoku on her chest was indeed the one that was previously on Ash’s hand.

“Haha… I did it… I really did it…!”

His left arm that was blasted apart was still dripping with blood. He then dropped dead on the ground with a smile on his face.Mother Dragon who was still in the form of a dragon transformed into a woman and landed beside Ash. Seeing Ash’s pale face, Mother Dragon spoke indifferently -

“What a foolish boy… But, Ash Blake, it is a pity if I do not save a rare talent like you. Although this may deviate from the original plan, I will place my bets on you.”

Mother Dragon held her hands in front of her chest. There was a strong light forming in both her palms. The light intensity kept on increasing till the entire shrine was filled with light. But then, his memories immediately moved to a second scene.

Part 22

“Uwaaa!”

Ash woke up in the forest from the shock. At the same time, he remembered the events in the shrine. He hurriedly took a look at his left arm and found that it was still in one piece. Even his sleeve that had been blasted apart together with his arm seemed fine.

“What happened?”

Ash tried clenching his fist and releasing it. There didn't seem to be any problem. It just felt like his arm didn't be belong to him. It felt more like a borrowed arm. But before he even rolled up his sleeve, he remembered the girl.

“That girl…”

He spotted the girl immediately was lying in a place not far from Ash. Though she still hadn't regained consciousness, she was breathing normally while cuddling her toy.

“I’m glad nothing bad happened.”

Ash breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, he felt that something was off. He was certain that her cloth was torn while he was transferring his Seikoku to her… But it now looked the same it did the fist time he meet her. Did someone mend her cloth just as they did Ash’s?

“That’s right, I have to make sure…”

Ash gulped when he stretched his hand towards the girl. He must first untie the ribbon at her collar…

“I am not doing anything bad…”

When he was mumbling to himself while untying the ribbon…

“Nnn…”

The girl moaned.

“Uwaa!”

Ash had the shock of his life and retreated from the girl.

“Huh? Why… Why am I in the forest?”

The girl sat up slowly. She was sleepily looking around at her surroundings.

“Right! My body is…”

The girl placed her toy by her knee and started untying her ribbon.

“Hey! What are you doing!?”

The girl ignored Ash while she continued to unbutton herself. In a few moments, she was showing her white chest. Ash tried to avert his eyes but he was stopped by the girl.

“Look properly! I want you to look properly!”

Her serious expression didn't make her look like a seven year old.

“Eh…?”

Ash took a peek at the girl’s chest timidly. Her skin was like snow. There was a symbol carved on her flat chest. Ash couldn't be wrong. It was the Seikoku that was once on his left hand.

“So… It was not a dream.”

Ash mumbled. After allowing Ash to see her Seikoku, she buttoned her dress.

“Basically, I don’t remember any of the details. But what I know is… Originally, this Seikoku belonged to you… It was entrusted to you by Mother Dragon. Am I right?”

“No, that is…”

Ash was at lost for words.

“You don’t have to hide it. Because of you, I am able to become a Breeder. Right now, there is an Orphan inside my body. It is hard for me to explain… But I can feel it.”

“Really. Isn't that great?”

As Ash started smiling, the girl became angry.

“There’s nothing great about it! I… I am in debt to you. It is a debt that… I can never repay! Please tell me what should I do!”

Ash panicked as soon as he saw the girl becoming mad.

“No, aren't you exaggerating?”

“Nothing of the sort! From the beginning, I never had the qualification to become a Breeder. I couldn't even see Mother Dragon…”

At that point, tears started falling from her eyes. Ash gave her a wry smile and placed his hand on her head.

“…Tsk, what a crybaby. How are you to become a great Dragner?”

“Even if you say that…”

“If you really want to repay me, please don’t cry anymore. It is a promise.”

The girl then lifted her head and wiped the tears with her sleeve. A new expression appeared on her face, as if the tears moments ago were lies.

“You… No, I swear to thee. I will never cry again. And I promise that I will become a great Dragner!”

The way she spoke looked magnificent and looked as if she was surrounded by golden winds.

“That’s the spirit.”

Both of them smiled. Unnoticed by them, they were holding each other’s hand.

“Please do become a great Dragner for my sake.”

“I will.”

At that moment, the horn that signified the end of the ceremony was blown.

“So it has ended.”

With this, Ash lost his only chance to become a Breeder. It was fate that he had to return to his village empty handed but he was not going to regret it.

“…Erm, if you don’t mind, would you like to have this child?”

The girl somehow thought of something and handed him her dragon toy. As usual, it still looked clumsily made but right now, he thought that it was cute.

“For me?”

“Thanks to you, I have received an Orphan. I no longer need this child.”

“Thank you very much.”

The girl smiled as Ash took the toy. That was the first time the girl smiled in front of Ash.

Part 23

After that, both of them were separated under the protection of the Albion Forest Military Order. After Ash returned to the novitiate, he had a body checkup and found out that he had an abnormal Seikoku on his left arm. Since he was busy chit chatting with that beautiful girl, he never noticed anything before the checkup. Ash lost consciousness from the shock and was struck with a high fever for seven days. After the fever had passed, Ash forgot everything about his Orphan Ceremony. What was left after Ash had lost his memories was a left hand filled with Seikoku and a stuffed dragon toy.

Part 24

Mother Dragon let go of Ash’s body and said:

“The reason your memories were lost was because of the side effect of receiving the Orphan of the Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family. It was actually caused by the huge amount of energy that entered your body that caused the confusion."

“I see…”

“When you defied me, there were only two choices that I could make. I could either let you die or entrust you with Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family’s descendant to allow your arm to grow back.”

“So it won’t happen without Eco?”

“The normal Dragon Orphan doesn't have the rejuvenating ability. Only the Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family is an exception.”

After hearing what she had said, Ash looked at his left arm once again.

“This left arm is not your previous arm.”

“Eh!? What do you mean?”

“Hmm… The Seikoku replaced the function of your lost arm by changing into the shape of one. Do you now understand?”

“Is that… true?”

Ash was staring at his left arm.

“Your Seikoku is different from all the normal Seikoku. It is a special family crest only for the knight of Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family.”

Mother Dragon closed her eyes while telling him the shocking truth.

“Actually, I should still be keeping Eco for a few more years.”

Ash took a few moments to digest what she had said and was shocked by it.

“What you mean is… If I did not defy you and accept Lancelot… Eco would have become someone else’s Pal?”

“That’s right. The person had been selected. Like you, that person bears the chalice.”

“Chalice…?”

Ash was surprised but Mother Dragon immediately kept her mouth shut and sighed.

“…I have said too much. You will understand one day.”

Ash could not help but wonder why she wouldn't say anything about it.

“Then, I have one last question. Why is Eco born in the form of a human? Is everyone in Avalon’s holy dragons' emperor family born similar to her?”

Mother Dragon lifted her head slowly. Ash wasn't able to move while holding her gaze.

“No, that’s not it. Eco is actually a special being. In other words, she bears the hope and despair of all dragons.”

“You mean…?”

“In the near future, all dragons will go extinct. I can produce fewer and fewer Orphans. At most, dragons can only live for another century.”

“…!”

“Wise dragon Albion’s magic that ties humans and dragons together is just a method to extend the lifespan of the dragons.”

“Is it because of the lack of Astral?”

“That’s right. Astral is a formless energy that provides life to all living beings on this planet. A living being that can't supply it's own Astral is the same as being given up by the planet. They can only face extinction.”

“…I learned that from school.”

“Whatever the case, this planet considered anyone with a vast amount of magic as a threat and started removing them. Or you could say that the planet is cleaning itself up. On the other hand, humans who possess no magic are full of Astral.”

After speaking for some time, Mother Dragon changed the subject.

“By the way, do you know about the Elves?”

“They are an imaginary race. They have the same pointy ears as the Eckbalds…”

“That’s not true. Elves certainly once roamed the ancient world. They were a race with magic as strong as us dragons. In the end, they perished because of the lack of Astral… Actually, their mighty bloodline is continued by the Eckbalds.”

“You are saying that Eckbalds are the descendants of the Elves!?”

Ash mumbled while trying to recall Lucca's face.

“That’s right. Only the descendants of the Elves could perform the Dragon Riding Dance that the Eckbalds are proud of.”

“Is that so? I knew nothing of it.”

“Now, the dragons have come up with the same conclusion.”

“Could it be that…?!”

Ash felt that a thunder had struck him.

“Exactly, Eco was born as a human with dragon’s blood. After some time, she should be able to mate with a human and give birth.”

“-Really!”

Ash felt that his cheeks were on fire. He remembered the time when Eco was drunk with Ansal and wanted to have Ash’s child.

“That’s the truth. This body of mine is an illusion created by magic… But Eco’s is different. Her body is made to be the same as a human girl.”

“So… Eco will be able to become pregnant with a child…”

Ash kept on mumbling the same phrase. Then, Mother Dragon was again determined to send him off.

“That’s all for now. I shall speak to you no more. It is time for us to part.”

At the same time Mother Dragon sang the spell, his vision was filled with white light.

Part 25

“Urgh…”

Ash was once again in the forest after he woke up. Both Eco and Silvia were lying on the ground. Both of them had yet to wake up but it seemed that they no longer had their nightmare. Both of them were holding each other’s hands like great friends. The stuffed toy was almost squashed between both of them. Ash then stared at the old tree right in front of him.

How long has this tree existed? It looked like a sacred tree on first glance. He then placed his hand on the tree trunk and tried to feel it.

At that moment, Ash heard a soft voice.

-Please take good care of Eco.

“That sound…!”

Ash was surprised but he couldn't be wrong. It was certainly the voice of a kind mother, the voice of Mother Dragon.

“Could it be that… This tree… Is Mother Dragon’s true form!?”

He tried touching the trunk one more time but he could no longer hear the voice. But the tree in front of him gave the same feeling as Mother Dragon.

“That being said…”

Ash had forgotten one question. How does Mother Dragon continue living without a Pal. If this tree is really Mother Dragon… Mother Dragon definitely absorbed the Astral directly from the earth through her roots. Just like how plants absorb Astral. It was probably an idea thought of by the dragons. But, the problem was, a part of the tree was rotting. Mother Dragon was probably dying. That was why the extinction of the dragons was nearing.

Mother Dragon probably knew that her days are limited and didn't want to meet with Eco. Ash secretly thought.

There was a cold wind in the summer forest and it made Ash feel lonely.

“…No, I must not keep on being sad.”

Ash lifted his head. What Mother Dragon hoped to see is not him being sad. Ash collected himself and turned around with his back facing the tree.

“Right! We shall now head back to the novitiate!”

But he should first wake both Eco and Silvia. Ash gave them a wry smile and ran to their side.

"The Forest of Albion~A.S.B.1365.8~" is closed.

Epilogue

Part 1

It was already dusk when they returned to the novitiate. Ash was surprised by the amount of time it took to complete their journey. In the end, they decided to stay for another night in the novitiate. Similarly, Ash was staying in the men’s hostel while Eco and Silvia were staying at the ladies’. They had decided to look for Rex Albioni on the second day. After dinner, Ash just remembered about the Avalon’s Bracelet when he was lying on his bed. He could feel its cold metallic surface upon touching it.

“I should give this to Eco as soon as possible.”

Even so, Eco had returned to the ladies’ dormitory. This novitiate has strict rules. It would cause a misunderstanding if a guy were to be seen walking around the ladies’ dormitory after dusk. The only option left was to wait till morning. Still, it was a bracelet that Mother Dragon had entrusted to Eco. It was an important tool to control Eco’s transformation. Ash wanted to hand it to her as soon as possible.

-Kon, kon.

The knock on his window gave Ash a shock.

“Eco…?”

Outside the window, the silver pink coloured hair was glittering under the moonlight. With all her might, she was standing on the tips of her toes while looking into the window. Ash was glad that he was at the ground floor. If he were to be at the first or second floor, Eco would probably climb the walls to get to him.

“Why did you come at this hour?”

Eco was full of embarrassment the moment he opened the window.

“It is because I haven’t heard anything about mom from you… I had waited until Silvia slept before I sneaked out.”

“Actually… I felt the same.”

Eco was confused.

“I too have something that I wanted to tell Eco. But then you appeared in front of the window. I was surprised but at the same time I was also happy. As expected we understand each other…”

The next moment, Eco’s face was blushing deep red. Ash too had noticed that he said something embarrassing and his heart was thumping nonstop. Eco was the first to break the silence.

“R-Right at that spot… There is a beautiful corridor. If you are fine with it… Should we continue our talk there?”

“Alright, lets go then.”

Ash then hurriedly climbed through the window.

Part 2

Right at the center of the novitiate, there was a long corridor that was shaped like a beautiful square from an eagles view. A corridor-less novitiate would not be called a novitiate. The importance of a corridor to a novitiate should be known to all. There were many flowers blooming beautifully under the moonlight in the square garden that was surrounded by stone slabs. Apart from that, Eco was standing at the corridor glowing with a mysterious aura. Her pajamas that were made from thin silk made her exude an even more mysterious feeling. Under the bright moonlight, the outline of her body was beautifully outlined. Even the night breeze brought out the sweet scent from her hair.

“Erm… About mom… Why did she only meet you… Why not me? Is it because I had not been good?”

“That’s not it!”

“Why didn't she meet with me!?”

“That’s… Because Mother Dragon is a special being. At the same time she is your mother, she is also the mother of all dragons. She is different from a human mother.”

“That…”

“However, she is really worried about Eco. Just like a mother would be.”

“How can you be so sure?”

Ash took out the bracelet in front of the confused Eco.

“…What is that?”

“This is called Avalon’s Bracelet. It is a gift to you from Mother Dragon. Please show me your hand.”

After being urged by Ash, Eco wondered if she should choose her right or left hand. In the end, she had chosen her right hand.

“…Done.”

Eco was in joy once the saw the bracelet on her hand.

“Uwaaa…. It is beautiful!”

“I will say this beforehand. This is not just an accessory. You won’t be able to transform once you put this on. Apart from that, you can use this to learn to control your transformation. And remember, please do not take it off.”

“Not even when I am eating?”

“That’s right.”

“Even when I am bathing?”

“Of course.”

“Then…”

Eco turned around and spoke in embarrassment:

“Even when I am sleeping on the same bed with Ash?”

Ash’s heart skipped a beat from being surprised.

“E-Exactly!”

Eco turned around facing him again and smiled.

“Thank you. I will treasure…. This bracelet. I will do my training properly. When the time I become a great dragon comes… Will mom meet up with me?”

“Aah. I am sure she will.”

Just as he was answering, Ash remembered what he was told.

-In the near future, all dragons will go extinct. The Orphan that I can produce are getting fewer. At most, dragons can only live for another century.

One day, I have to tell Eco this. But I will keep it a secret from her for today… Ash vowed. As for the other thing that Mother Dragon told him, Ash decided to tell Eco.

“That’s right, there is also another thing that Mother Dragon told me…”

“What is it? Is it related to me?”

“Of course. It is about your body.”

Eco was staring at Ash with a serious look. Being stared at innocently, Ash became embarrassed.

“Erm… In another words, erm, I shall tell you this only once.”

“What is it?”

“You… You are like a human girl.”

“…”

Eco was confused.

“That is why… You can be pregnant with a baby.”

Ash blurted everything out as fast as possible and his face was blushing from embarrassment.

Part 3

In the ladies’ hostel, Silvia who had slept heard a knock and immediately woke up.

“Eco, is that you…?”

Silvia turned around to look at Eco’s bed, but there was no one there.

“Huh!?”

Silvia was on full alert. Did Eco sneak out of the room and head to Ash’s…? She had a bad feeling. She hurriedly put on her slippers and rushed out of her room, but then…

“Hold on, why would I worry about them when they have been staying in the same room!”

Silvia was knocking her head with her fist.

“Huhu. I can see that you haven’t changed at all.”

Silvia almost had the shock of her life when she heard the voice of a girl. Since the ladies’ hostel was built next to the graveyard, Silvia thought that she saw a ghost and almost screamed.

“…!”

But a black shadow, like the god of death itself, covered Silvia’s mouth. With an abnormal strength, the shadow pushed Silvia down on her bed.

“Huhu. It is me, Princess-sama.”

The shadow laughed and took off its hood and showed its face. Under the bright moonlight, Silvia saw Cosette smiling. Cosette should still be doing her secret investigation under Silvia’s order. Why is she in Albion Forest? What does this mean?

“Actually, the information that princess-sama is looking for is in this novitiate. I managed to sneak in by disguising myself as a nun. Just when I had gotten my hands on the information and was about to head back to Ansarivan… I heard about your visit.”

“I see.”

After she heard everything, Silvia turned on the bright dragon crystal light that was placed by her pillow side. The light was orange in color and it gave the entire room a dreamy feel.

“Then, I would like to look at the data as soon as possible.”

“Here it is.”

Silvia’s hands were trembling when she received the book with the leather cover.

“…”

Her heart was beating at an abnormally fast pace. If the boy who helped Silvia was Ash… Ash certainly gave off the same feeling as the boy. Since the day Silvia found out that her birthday was near to Ash’s, she couldn't remain calm. However, the boy certainly gave up on being Lancelot’s master. To Mother Dragon, he was a person who defied her. Normally, he wouldn't be able to become a Breeder not to mention study in Ansarivan. Everything would be solved if Ash's name was on the list. There were almost a hundred names systematically written on the list. The family status of the child was not written on the list. There were only the names of the children written in alphabetical order. For the children who received an Orphan, their names were circled in red. For those who failed, their names were cruelly crossed out. Ninety percent of the names on the list had received a cross.

Silvia started searching from L and saw the name Silvia Lautreamont circled in red.

Next, she looked into B and looked at the names one by one carefully.

“…!”

Finally, Silvia saw the name she was searching for.

-Ash Blake.

Silvia gasped. Her body started trembling.

“Now we could at least be sure that Princess-sama and Ash-sama attended your Orphan Ceremony at the same day.” said Cosette calmly.

“Aah, that’s right… But this doesn't prove anything. We only know that…. Both of us attended our ceremony on the same day.”

“That’s not it Princess-sama. Please look carefully at the names who passed again.”

Although Silvia was puzzled, she did look through the names of those who passed another time.

“This is…!”

After checking every name, Silvia finally noticed the truth.

“Sorry, Cosette! I will be heading out for a while!”

Silvia couldn't stay in her room any longer. She dashed out from her room with just her pajamas.

Part 4

-Stop… I can’t stop smiling.

After hearing what Ash said, Eco was trying her best to hold back her smile. What had been troubling Eco all this time, were Prim's words in Fontaine City.

-Because… Ash-sama is a human and you are a dragon. One day in the future, Ash-sama will get married with a human girl and have children with her…

No matter how much she desired, she could never pass the barrier of being a different species.

Would Ash eventually choose a human girl… In fact, there were many females that were full of charms around Ash. One day, I will just become a pet… Those were Eco’s troubles.

But, right now, Ash had just verified it.

-You can be pregnant with a baby.

With this, it meant that there were no longer any obstacles in her way to compete with all those females.

“…Huhu.”

Eco finally burst out in laughter.

“Hey, Eco!”

“I am finally alive!”

“Eh?”

“I am finally alive! I am an idiot for even worrying about them!”

At that moment, there was a loud growl coming from her stomach.

“T-This is…”

Ash gave her a bitter smile when she held her stomach feeling embarrassed.

“Since the summer holidays began, you haven't eaten properly. A dragon’s meal should be…”

“Five times a day!”

After that, both of them looked into each other’s eyes and laughed. It had been a long time since they had this feeling.

-I want to kiss… Ash.

Eco was thinking. What a dream it would be to kiss Ash under such mysterious moonlight, in such a beautiful corridor.

“Ash. Erm…”

Just when Eco was about to tell him her feelings…

“Ash! I finally found you!”

Silvia appeared in her pajamas while her blond hair was in a mess.

Part 5

“Princess-sama!?”

Silvia surprised Ash by her sudden appearance and her heavy breathing after she had appeared. Silvia ran there without stopping and her sweat was all over her thin pajamas. It caused her pajamas to stick to her skin and the outline of her breasts and waist could be clearly seen. But it seemed that Silvia had not realized it herself. Ash felt guilty after he saw Silvia’s face. After the meeting with Mother Dragon, Ash regained all his memories. Ash did meet Silvia when he was seven. Although it was unavoidable, Ash had forgotten about it. On the other hand, Silvia always treasured those memories… Ash was just standing there when Silvia spoke while breathing heavily:

“Ash! You are… You are the boy of that time, am I right!?”

Ash was at a loss for words. How did she know, even though I haven’t told her yet?

“Princess-sama, how…?”

“Cosette did an investigation on the data. We attended our Orphan Ceremony together on the same day. Also, you are the only boy who was entrusted with an Orphan by Mother Dragon on that day! The rest of the children who passed are girls!”

After Silvia blurted everything out, it was her turn to become surprise.

“By the way… Did you regain your memories!?”

“Aah…Actually… I only regained them after I met Mother Dragon. Truthfully, I was not yet mentally prepared… That’s why I hadn't told you yet. I am sorry.”

Just when Ash was about to apologized, Silvia shouted:

“Don’t apologize!”

“…Princess-sama?”

“Thanks to you, I can achieve my dream to become a Dragner! Truthfully, I never thought that I could meet that boy ever again. Because we left without even knowing each other’s names… But we meet again after so many years! This is fate!”

“Princess-sama…?”

“Ash Blake! I… I love you!”

Silvia leaped towards Ash.

“Hey! What are you trying to do!?”

Eco was trying to intimidate her while she tried moving into her way. But, Silvia was a step faster. Silvia landed on Ash’s chest. She then closed her eyes and their lips touched. Their hot wet lips touched and there was also the sweet honey like scent. Ash couldn't believe that Silvia was being aggressive in their kiss. The dream like situation caused Ash’s mind to go numb.

“Hey! Both of you… What are you doing!? Do you want me to crush you!”

Eco roared under the full moon.

"The Knight of ECO V" is closed.

Afterword

It’s Shiki Mizuchi here, greeting you from the depths of deadline-hell. I’ve recently been so busy with my writing work that I haven’t had any time for my hobby of composing music (laughs). Even though I have no time, it’s truly troubling that the number of music synthesisers at home has continued to increase. Audio mixing software has been trending in recent years, and the biggest advantage is that they don’t take up space. For example, VOCALOID, which is famous for Hatsune Miku, is also a type of mixing software. VOCALOID3 is expected to be launched this autumn, and as a digital audio enthusiast, it’s something that cannot be missed!

Although that preface was a bit too long, [Seikoku] has finally reached its fifth volume. While it is summer here in reality, the Academy City Ansarivan finally enters the summer break too. However, as soon as the summer break began, Ash got involved in a ridiculous mess…as for what kind of commotion it is, please read this volume!

The ‘introductory arc’ entitled [The Knight of Eco] has officially concluded with this volume. Compared to when she was first born, Eco has grown tremendously, and her femininity is continually increasing. Many more mysteries about Eco and the dragon race will continue to be revealed. She is no longer just a naïve young dragon. As you watch her become ‘a girl in love’, you will also see her face a different breed of troubles from now on…when will Ash be able to find peace!?

The following are my acknowledgements. Shoji-san, you always gives me such careful guidance. It’s already been a whole year since the first volume of [Seikoku] was published! Happy first anniversary!

In addition to Eco and the Mother Dragon on the cover, the illustrations throughout this volume have also been just as beautiful, Shimesaba Kohada-san. I’m very pleased with the design of the new character, Mirabel!

Artist of the manga version, RAN-san — in the past, I also entered the manga industry for a short period of time as a creator, but I repeatedly hit snags in my work at the time, and I hope that I can understand my shortcomings through RAN-san’s version of [Seikoku].

And to all of my readers — thank you for your support! Whether it’s the letters, emails or mobile survey responses, I feel energised every time I read them!

Well, let us meet again soon. For the readers who cannot wait, please be sure to enjoy the manga version of [Seikoku] by RAN-san in the monthly Comic Alive! In the next volume, the new arc entitled [Avalon Knight Dragner] will be unveiled. Will Rebecca-san finally reveal her special skills…?

July 2011, Shiki Mizuchi

References and Translation Notes

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