Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - Rebecca's Dangerous Command

Part 1

After class, Ash anxiously went to the student council’s office. Even though he was worried about Eco who had stayed in the dorm for the entire day, he insisted that he must speak to Rebecca face to face.

"Excuse me!"

Ash walked into the student council’s office without even knocking on the door. Just as he had expected, Rebecca was in the office, sitting on the couch comfortably, drinking her cup of tea. The sweet aroma of the Ansal tea could be smelled. Apart from Rebecca, there were no other students in the office.

"Hi, Ash. I had expected that you’ll show yourself."

Seeing Ash rush into the room, Rebecca smiled.

"What is that about? Why am I also a participant in the Selective Training Camp with those kinds of results......"

"Don’t you worry, please have a seat first before we start talking."

Ash unwillingly sat down opposite of Rebecca. Upon seeing this, Rebecca suddenly patted the empty space next to her.

"Didn't I tell you before that it is more effective to get to know each other when two people are sitting next to each other? This is the iron rule when you are dating."

"...Understood."

Although his current mood had nothing to do with dating, Ash obediently sat next to Rebecca. A refreshing scent wafted from her. It was the perfume that Rebecca loved to use. After Rebecca put her cup down, she looked at Ash. Her emerald-like eyes were reflecting Ash's face.

"Are you so concerned about yourself being selected?"

"Of course, I don’t know why I was even chosen......"

"The Specially Recommended System was only adopted this year. It was evaluated by the student council president, so I choose you. It is just as simple as this."

But upon saying this, Rebecca showed her tongue. This was the first time Ash saw Rebecca's playful look. That cute posture made his heart beat faster.

"To tell you the truth, the person who suggested the Specially Recommended System was me."

"What!? What is your purpose?"

Seeing Ash was dumbfounded, Rebecca calmly placed her hand on his lap and gently stroked his knee. Not only that, her mouth was getting closer to Ash’s ear. Rebecca exhaled on his earlobe, which made Ash shiver.

"Are you forcing me to tell you personally? Of course, it is to allow you to participate in the training camp!"

"W-Why...?"

"By following the previous selection method, an irregular like you will surely not be selected. But you have a genuine talent. To even have the incredible power of riding other people’s Pal.... and to have a special pal is also a fact. Additionally, you defeated the Necromancia and ‘Avdocha the Convicted’. That is why, I insist in letting you participate in the training camp, The Specially Recommended System is used to accomplish this task. "

"So it is really... for me?"

Ash was staring at Rebecca's beauty. Am I thinking too much? There was also the fact that Rebecca's cheeks were turning red.

"About that... right until now, I never fell in love with any particular boy."

"Huh...?"

"Because no matter how good that boy is, he can never be in the same position as me."

If these words were from the mouth of another girl, it might have sounded arrogant. But since it was Rebecca, it will be an another story. After all, she was a unique Ark-Dragner.

"But whenever I see you... It is a little strange, but I am always looking forward to it. I've never had these feelings. Maybe... I am easily attracted to 'hidden talents'."

Ash was surprised that there were times when Rebecca stuttered. Moreover, she looked like she didn't know how to deal with her feelings.

“W-What you mean... is it?"

Ash's heartbeat was almost at its peak. Rebecca as if leaking her secret, uttered that sentence.

"Can I expect it from you?"

Despite feeling flattered, Ash still had the urge to hug Rebecca tightly. This was the first time Ash had this kind of feelings for Rebecca. Their shoulders leaned closely together. No, it was done intentionally by Rebecca. Since the summer uniform was made from thin material, Ash was able to clearly feel Rebecca's body heat. Maybe summer uniforms also has its advantages... This was the first time Ash thought so.

"Rebecca-san......!"

Just when Ash was quietly murmuring like he was dreaming-

-Bang!

The door was suddenly opened with a loud sound. Meanwhile, two girls who had lost their balance plunged into the office. With a closer look, the two were Silvia and Jessica. Ash quickly stood up from the couch.

"What are you doing!?"

"I-It is not me! It was Jessica who suddenly pushed me...”

Silvia quickly climbed up while rubbing her waist. A while back, she showed her royal dignity which made him admire her a little. But after she had shown her useless side, he felt a little regret.

"Rebecca! I am not gonna let you off easily today!" said Jessica rushing up from the ground.

"There are so many people for you to seduce and you choose my Ash-sama!"

Rebecca replied with a nonchalant look:

"Jessica, you are mistaken. Ash at this stage does not belong to anyone! Logically speaking, I am not seducing him."

"You're lying! The scene just now..."

"Although, I won’t deny that I might like him in the near future..."

After hearing that, Jessica's expression instantly stiffened. It seemed that she never thought that Rebecca would declare war on her in this case. Not only Jessica, even Silvia was also speechlessly staring at Rebecca.

"I actually would like to ask what you two were doing suspiciously behind the door. Since you are in the student council, why not walk in proudly?"

Rebecca retorted with sharp words, which resulted in Silvia and Jessica explaining with a "Uuh!".

"I-I accidentally saw Ash-sama in the corridor and I came to take a look and I found out that Princess was standing at the doorway..."

Jessica quietly stared at Silvia.

"I-I initially wanted to ask president about issues of the selective training camp, but I saw president and Ash... Err... The atmosphere was a little embarrassing, so I was embarrassed to come in...

After listening to the two explanations, Rebecca sighed.

"The two of you are a proud members of the student council, at the same time, both of you are participants of the Selective training camp. I hope that you two have some self-respect, and remind yourselves to keep an honest attitude."

"Understood..."

Silvia humbly accepted the advice, but Jessica refuted.

"Hmph! Rebecca are you in any position to make those irresponsible remarks? I wonder who was the girl who embraced Ash-sama on the student council’s office's sofa? If Her Royal Highness and I had not broke in, God knows at what stage you will be progressing!"

"Ara, such attitude. I'm happy to talk about the trouble you made in your childhood right here? Anyhow you are my childhood playmate. Well, there were many things that could become the topic."

Despite the smile made by the smooth lips, Rebecca's eyes did not show any smiling sign. Like an eagle forcing its prey into its beak, they were bursting out with dazzling light.

"Eek...!"

Her previous arrogance disappeared. Jessica who turned pale was sweating profusely.

"I-It was my b-bad."

"Hmm, it is good to admit you are wrong honestly."

When Rebecca was answering while smiling- someone frantically rushed in through the opened door.

"President! Something is very wrong...!"

It was Max, who was in charge of the accounts. Perhaps he was running at full speed along the way because he was out of breath. He didn't even notice that his spectacle was not in the right place. How urgent was the situation for the calm Max to become this way? Ash was also feeling very tense since the city had been full of disaster recently, .

"What happened, Max? To be panicked to this extent is not your style."

The student council president was sure to be very experienced, Rebecca was still calm even after seeing Max's expression. She was calmly waiting for Max to reply.

"W-We received a report... there is smoke emerging from the Merk House of the women's dormitory-!"

"Is it a small fire?"

"The details are unclear. But, the smoke is suspected to be emerging from Lucca Sarlinen's room......"

Upon hearing Lucca Sarlinen’s name, Rebecca face became pale.

"I'll leave for Merk house... In my name Rebecca Randall I order! Respond to my summon, Cú Chulainn-"

The next moment, Maestro Cú Chulainn who responded to Rebecca’s summoning spell appeared in front of the window.

Part 2

Rebecca stood on Cú Chulainn's neck heroically, but Ash, Silvia and Jessica were struggling to cling on to its fur. Because Max was almost out of breath, he was left behind in the Student Council’s office. The other reason was that it would not be appropriate to leave the office empty when an emergency situation had occurred. In the end, there was no need for such a large group of people to march forth to the scene. As long as Rebecca was dealing with it personally, she was sure to come up with the most appropriate solution.

However, after Rebecca and Ash jumped on Cú Chulainn, a strange thing happened. Silvia and Jessica also stepped on the window and jumped. After giving a wry smile, Rebecca immediately changed back to her serious looks.

"Take us to the Merk house!"

After receiving Rebecca’s orders, Cú Chulainn gave an earth shattering roar and spread its wings. Ash and the rest just felt a floating sensation and a strong pressure. The Merk house, which took twenty minutes to walk to, was right in front of them in the blink of an eye. The Merk house was designed as the accommodation for the basic class female students. Unsurprisingly, the outside of the dormitory was packed with girls. They should be the ones who escaped after finding out about the smoke. The girls screamed after they saw Rebecca jump down from Cú Chulainn. The Student council president Rebecca Randall had always been regarded as an idol by the low-grade students.

"We are from the student council! Is the warden here?"

After Rebecca stated her name loudly, an old lady walked towards her.

"Is Lucca still in her room?"

Rebecca quickly asked and the warden nodded.

"That’s right. The other students called her several times, but she didn’t respond...."

According to the warden, the conclusion were as follows-

Not long before, the students living on the same floor as Lucca discovered smoke coming out from her room. If such an event occurred in the advance class dormitory, the advance class students would have had a way to calmly handle it. However, the lower class students who were still mentally immature, were shocked by the unexpected events. Their fear spread like an epidemic and it finally become a commotion. The warden said that she had gotten a headache just by trying to get the panicking girls to safety. Logically speaking, she should have the spare key to open Lucca's room, but she was busy with some other stuff. The warden who finished speaking handed over the silver keys to Rebecca.

"This is the spare key to Lucca-san's room.”

"I understand. Please stay here and take care of the students."

After receiving the key, she started to run. Ash and the others followed behind Rebecca. On the way there, Ash asked Rebecca.

"Rebecca-san... I would like to ask what kind of problem the girl named Lucca Sarlinen is facing."

Perhaps this was not an important enough question for them to talk about while running. But even the calm Rebecca had mobilized Cú Chulainn to rush to the Merk house after she heard Lucca's name. It meant that the situation right now was not some small matter.

"She is now being severely tortured because she as a Dragner lost her ability to ride her Pal... Although she gave excuses like being unwell; in fact, the problem is much more serious. Since she was unable to ride her Pal, she secluded herself in her dormitory. Recently, there were many students who began to show concern about Lucca's problem."

"I see...."

It was not rare for a breeder to be unable to ride his Pal. For example, illnesses, injuries, etc and many other strange things could be the reason. At the school assembly, "That rumor" that Raymond said could be this.

“Don’t tell me that because she couldn’t ride, and thus…”

An ominous possibility brushed through Ash's mind.

"That's not impossible... no one can guarantee anything, that’s why I’m so anxious."

After finishing this sentence, Rebecca kept silent. The group rushed into the dorm, walked down the hallway and climbed the stairs. Soon, Rebecca stopped in front of a door. It was located at the end of the corridor on the third floor. The name list beside the door showed only the name Lucca Sarlinen. The basic class dormitory was generally a three person bedroom, but it appeared that she was living alone. Leaving the question aside, the main focus was on the source of the smoke. In fact, some visible white smoke could be seen floating out from the cracks around the door. Compared to the big commotion, the amount of smoke could only be regarded as insignificant.

"Lucca! Answer me!"

Rebecca knocked on the door, but there still wasn't any response from inside.

"I’m going to open the door!"

Rebecca put the key in the keyhole. With some 'rattling' sound of metal, the door unlocked. Once the door was opened, the white smoke poured into the corridor. Rebecca entered the room followed by Ash. Most of the smoke drifted into the corridor after the door was opened.

Ash looked around the room. The room was cramped with all kinds of dried plants, which did not look like a girl's room. To force a description, this was more like a pharmacist’s workroom. To Ash's surprise, in addition to the furniture that the dormitory provided, the room also had some working tables. They must have been Lucca's private property.

In the center of the room, there was a low round table, which was of a design that wasn't normally seen in the Knight Country and the Kingdom. In addition, the surprising number of flower pots made the others curious. Flower pots were lined from the wall side to the window side of the room. Each flower pot contained plants that Ash had never seen before. The reason why she could have this amazingly large number of personal belongings in a room was that she was using a room for three alone. Although there was a double bed and a single bed by the wall, they were used to place her stuff.

"Lucca!"

Just when Rebecca shouted the room’s owner’s name...

Ash was shocked by what he saw. A girl suspected to be Lucca was lying in the middle of the room. The problem was, Lucca's body was lying in a container that looked like a coffin. The base of the container was covered with a layer of soft flowers. Her hands were also folded over her chest.

The only words that could be used to describe Lucca were- it was her corpse.

"It can’t be...?"

Silvia and Jessica rushed past Ash who was muttering towards the side of the coffin.

After witnessing Lucca's appearance, Silvia and Jessica froze. At that point...

"Fyuaa..."

Followed by a cute yawn, the body slowly sat up. Even though it had a sleepy look, Ash was almost scared out of his skin. She was like a Fairy from the fairy tales. Her whitish gold straight hair was shoulder length. Beneath the neatly trimmed fringes were a pair of mysterious big amethyst-like watery shining eyes. Her skin was like white porcelain, to which normal whiteness couldn't be compared with. On the surface, she looked like an exquisite doll. Her petite height was no different from Eco. But she gave a feeling of a dreamy easily breakable object, which was different from the lively Eco. The most important feature, were those protruding ears that could be seen sticking out from her beautiful hair. Even the tip of her ear was pointy. Ash had long ago heard about the existence of this race, but until today, it was the first time he actually saw one.

"...Anything?"

Facing a group of stunned people, Lucca lazily looked at the faces around while speaking with a clear voice.

Part 3

Lucca put out the flames in the incense burner one by one and the smoke in the room slowly dissipated. The smoke seemed to be produced by burning a special bright dragon crystal so it was harmless. The students outside had returned to their rooms after the situation had settled down.

"To put it bluntly, the smoke was produced by the incense burner."

Lucca answered Rebecca questions. With her back facing the crowd, she covered the final incense burner’s lid. While looking at Lucca's small ass, Ash became surprised. The shape of her hips could be seen through the one-piece pajamas. But right now, the focus was not on the traces of her underwear.

“-Is she...?”

Just when Ash was troubled about where he was looking, Lucca turned around and faced the rest.

"I'm sorry to give you all a shock."

Lucca was sitting on her heels and respectfully apologize by bowing down. Her every move made people worry. Describing this in another way, she was the kind of person who would provoke the urge of others to protect her unconditionally.

"You don't need to apologize. It is enough as long as you're safe. But please do not light so much incense in the future, otherwise the others students could think that it was a fire."

Lucca nodded humbly while Rebecca was reminding her.

"....Rebecca's words have always been right. I will try to pay more attention next time.”

"Come on, must you make the scene to look so deserted! Besides, what is that coffin about?"

"Coffin...? You are wrong. This is an Eckbald styled bed. It can be used directly in funerals; its features are very good."

"Sure enough, that’s a coffin! I can no longer bear with you, do you think as long as you give others a dreamy feel, you will be forgiven regardless of what you do? Without mentioning the rest, while facing your senpai, don’t you think that your tone of speaking is a little rude!"

"That’s enough! Lucca had always been timid and she is not like you. Don’t be too hard on her."

Jessica was angered after being scolded by Rebecca.

"Wha… I am as timid as most people are!"

Although Ash thought that she was speaking that way to make herself feel better, but it was better for him not to comment on anything.

"Excuse me, Jessica. Please be a little quiet."

Even Silvia also tried to correct Jessica this time.

"Back to the topic, president, could you ask her to re-introduce herself? After all, apart from you, all of us here have just met her for the first time."

Rebecca nodded while smiling at Silvia’s proposal.

"Hmm, what a good idea. Lucca please introduce yourself."

Even when Rebecca asked her to self-introduce, Lucca remained silent. Her head kept on facing downwards with a timid appearance. In the end-

“I’ll make some tea.”

She suddenly stood up and hid in the kitchen. Seeing Lucca had left, Rebecca smiled.

"She is still the same and has always been shy. I will introduce her in her place. As you had known, she is called Lucca Sarlinen. She had such an uncommon name because she is an Eckbald."

-Eckbald

Commonly known as the ‘forest Yōsei '. Since ancient times they had lived in the forest, a race with beautiful looks. By looking at Lucca's appearance, you would be able to know that the ‘forest Yōsei ' description fit very well. Their pointed ears were exactly the same as the Yōsei from the fairy tales. Apart from their beautiful looks, they were also famous for their herbology. The efficiency of the herbs made by the Eckbald was acknowledged by people around the world and the market price for them was always high. However, the most important feature of an Eckbald was neither their beautiful appearance, nor their profound knowledge of herbs.

-But as a heroic race of Dragners.

That was the reason why the Eckbalds were called Eckbald. Why was there the need to use the past tense? Because today, the heroic legend of the Eckbalds had become the legends of yesterday. Written in the history textbooks, because of the declining of the Dragons, the number of people who became a breeder had also declined. At that moment, Rebecca suddenly lowered down her voice and whispered.

"Currently, Lucca is the only Eckbald in this academy. That is why all the Eckbalds in the Eckbald autonomous regions have high hopes for Lucca. But, I have to say that some of those people’s thinking are behind time..."

"Behind time?" Silvia looked confused.

"Nn... they harbor a strong admiration over the Dragner. Since the Dragners were ordered to be involved in the Xenoglavia War, their thinking had been behind time. There are now many parents praying for their children to not become a Dragner. Especially the more affluent their family is and it is getting more and more serious. After all, most parents do not want their child to be ordered into the battlefield. "

"This issue really is no trivial matter! I really want to interrogate those people, for those who lost their admiration for the Dragners, can they call themselves the people of the Knight country!"

"Uuh... Princess? The focus is now on Lucca!"

Being reminded by Ash, Silvia blushed.

"S-Sorry, I’m a little too excited."

Silvia immediately controlled her temper.

"In short, even when bearing such a heavy burden, she was eventually just a fourteen year old girl. I hope she can get rid of the shackles of her family and happily enjoy her campus life, so please be sure to get along with Lucca."

When Rebecca summed up this conclusion-

"... Sorry, it is just some simple tea."

Lucca was back with a tray. On the tray, there were cups which were equal to the number of people. There was also hot white smoke coming from the cups. Since it was summer, they would like to drink some cold drinks instead of tea, but they couldn't complain about what she had specially made for them. Lucca placed the hot teas on the low round table.

Ash was slightly not used to it. Because he experienced drinking tea while sitting on the ground. However, since Eco's birth, Ash had been sleeping on the ground, so he could still accept the idea of drinking tea on the ground. Rebecca on the other hand was very relaxed. However, Silvia and Jessica couldn't seem to accept the habit of sitting on the ground, They sat on the bed while holding their hot tea. Although the beds were also filled with debris, they still managed to squeeze out a space for two girls.

Ash also took a cup of hot tea. Judging from the rugged shape, this cup should have been made personally. It was probably an item from her hometown. The thing that made the others worry was the steaming dark green liquid in the cups. Maybe it was mixed with various herbs; the liquid exuded a strong smell. Ash casually turned around for a glance and found out that Rebecca was already drinking. The way she was drinking could be called heroic.

"That, I would like to ask... What tea is this?"

After being asked by Ash, Lucca held her cup and stayed silent for a moment. For such a simple question, why did she even need to think? Ash became increasingly uneasy.

"This tea was created by me... so it has no name. But I'm sure that it has the effect for enhancing one’s energy after drinking."

"The effect… Of enhancing one’s energy...!"

After listening to Lucca’s description Jessica reacted. She shoved her cup of tea at Ash and looked at him with a pair of pleading eyes.

"I beg you, Ash-sama! Please drink my share! Then please give me your sperm!"

"How could you say such shameless words....! Don’t you have some shame? Any sense of shame!

Silvia who was red in the face commented on Jessica.

"Ara, why does Princess want to even bother with me?"

"It is because you're too shameless! As a lady of the Knight Country, can’t you show some modesty!"

"Is it really just because of this...?"

"O-Otherwise is there any other reason?"

While the two kept on quarreling, Ash on the other side had made up his mind to finish it as if he was drinking poison.

Glup...

Ash felt like he was drinking mud and just barely managed to keep himself from spitting it out.

Silvia and Jessica also tried to follow. But they both looked a lot healthier before they started drinking. Only Rebecca alone was unaffected...

"Anyway, Lucca. How are you now?"

"It seems that I still can’t." answered Lucca dejectedly.

"That... I heard that you seemed to have lost the ability to ride your Pal. Do you have any clue for the reason it happened?"

Ash asked with a calm tone and Lucca murmured.

"...I do not know, but I have not forgotten the riding method."

"Otherwise, what else could it be?"

"It is... Gawain is rejecting me."

After a simple explanation, Lucca remained silent. Perhaps she lacked emotions, her face was as expressionless as a doll. So Rebecca answered the questions in Lucca's place.

"Gawain had been rejecting Lucca for three months. Until now, we are yet to find a solution to this problem."

"Since the reason is still unknown, it is no wonder that nothing can be done. So we can only wait and see how will it progress, no?"

Jessica looked disappointed.

"No, the problem mustn’t continue to drag on."

Rebecca suddenly became serious.

"The point is, the Astral that links Lucca and Gawain had been cut off. If we continue to wait, then Gawain’s life would be in danger."

This sudden development made Ash speechless.

Part 4

After leaving the Merk house and breaking up from the group of student council members, Ash went to the city alone. He intended to buy crepes for Eco as an apology for coming home late because it was Eco’s favorite food. The works in St Durham Square had been successfully completed and the crowds there were back like the old times. Ash soon found a street vendor selling crepes, and asked the vendor to wrap up the vanilla flavored crepes in a wrapping paper.

Written on notice given out by the vendor was the message about a new chocolate banana flavored crepe that was going to be launched. I must tell Eco about this when I return- Ash while thinking so, walked back to his home.

Part 5

Back on the school grounds, after passing by the dragon homes, Ash again began to think about Lucca’s problem.

-Astral.

It was a must substance for the creatures on this planet to sustain their life. It was said that, Astral was the main reason for the declining of the Dragons.

Even the great Dragons couldn't supply Astral to their bodies themselves. Thanks to the connection between the humans who were rich in Astral since birth, the dragons were able to survive.

According to Rebecca, Gawain's body was getting weaker by the day. It was now eating food with high content of Astral to survive... The problem was that the content of Astral in the food was very little. If the dragons could survive through this method, then they would not need to bow down to the humans.

Is there anything that I can be of help...? Ash was thinking deeply. Lucca was now being tested as a breeder and as a Dragner. The reason she was shutting herself in was mainly because of the pressure.

...In the end, Ash had returned to the boys’ dormitory, the Apollo home before he could come up with a method.

Part 6

It was evening. Eco had passed her day alone in the room of the Apollo home. Except, Cosette who was worried about her and had visited her for a few times, she hadn't spoken to anyone. Fortunately, the summer sun was very strong and the cushions and sheets that Eco wet were completely dried. Eco, who usually let Ash do the housework alone, had brought in the clothes on her own. This was also her first attempt to make her bed. Although the results can only be considered so-so, but she still had completed it. Eco lay down on the bed lazily. The air was full of the smell of the sun.

"............"

The embarrassment of wetting her bed this morning had left a scar in her heart. For the highly noble dragon to wet her bed, this was unforgivable. After all, how could she do something so embarrassing?

"That dream... What is it about?"

Yes, the culprit was the ominous nightmare. The nine fiercely frightening eyes. The sticky tentacles that was all over. Just by recalling them in her mind, Eco's body was trembling with fear. She crawled out from the bed and quickly locked the door and windows. Even when it was a hot day, she still took out the fur blankets for the closet. Next, Eco was back to the bed and covered her whole body with the blanket.

Her limbs were madly trembling. I’m scared. I’m really scared. Why would I be frightened to this extend?

By the way... Before I woke up, the thing seems to say something.

It seems to be a very important, but...

"...I really can’t remember anything."

Eco rolled over while being wrapped in the blanket. After rolling left and right for a while, she became angry.

"Damn him...! Why is he not back yet?"

Eco started to complain about Ash. Logically speaking, the school had finished but Ash has still not yet returned. He should have been taken away by the student council as a slave.

-Why doesn’t he even think that I had been waiting for him to come home for a long time!

Right at this moment, Eco suddenly came to her senses.

"No, no! I-I didn’t... Who will wait for that type of person!"

Her cheeks were red hot. Eco told herself that she had misunderstood; her cheeks were hot because of the blanket that she had been covering herself with. It was not because of Ash’s absence she had become lonely. She had just become a little timid because of that nightmare. Having said that, Eco inevitably still thought that, if Ash had rushed home immediately, she wouldn't need to be afraid... Moreover, they were linked together by the Astral. They were partners who signed the sacred contract. Logically speaking, it was their right to accompany each other. In other words, Ash is the one who should be condemned!

Just when Eco came to that conclusion... someone with a 'Kon Kon' knocked at the door.

"......!"

Eco literally, jumped up on the spot.

Part 7

Ash was confused because there was no reply after he knocked the door.

"Where had that Eco run to...?"

Just as Ash reluctantly reached into his pocket to pull out his keys, the door suddenly sprang open.

"It hurts!"

Because his forehead was hit by the door, he was now in pain. Then Eco, like a cannon ball, rushed to him from the room.

"Uwaa!"

Ash fell to the ground after the impact. His Crepes also fell to the ground. Because of the lightning speed Eco also fell into Ash's arms. The feel of her soft skin was passed through the thin summer clothing.

"A-Are you alright?"

Ash asked in surprise, but Eco refused to answer even a word. She just buried her face in his chest. Whenever she exhaled on his chest, Ash became nervous. For Eco to show such attitude, Ash began to worry about her.

"D-Don’t tell me you are drunk? Didn’t I tell you a few times already to not touch the Ansal grass?"

After talking to her in a stern tone, Eco finally replied.

"....Right, I'm drunk. What complaint do you have about it?"

It was rare for Eco to talk in such ambiguous tone.

"Eco...?"

Even while she verbally declared herself to be "drunk", Eco was obviously awake. If she was really drunk, the things that she would do would not be limited to this extent. Fortunately, there were no other students in the corridor right now. So Ash could temporarily condone Eco’s behavior. Eco’s forehead was next to Ash's chest and her body was trembling without control. She was almost like a child. What could she possibly be frightened by? Though Ash still could not understand why she was so frightened, he still put his hand on her head to comfort her.

"Rest assured, I am here."

The two of them hugged each other for quite some time. After a long while, Eco finally stopped trembling.

Part 8

After a while, Eco released Ash and flew back into the room.

"Uuu ~ ~!"

She seemed to be troubled. Perhaps embarrassed by her own actions just now, Ash felt that her every movement was very entertaining. The most surprising thing was that she actually took the initiative to make the bed. Even that deserved a praise, but still the work done couldn't be something called good. But still, Ash was glad from the bottom of his heart. Because of that push, Eco could now automatically do the house chores.

“That’s right; I had bought some snacks for you." smiled Ash cheekily while placing a bag of Crepes on Eco’s hands.

"This is the vanilla flavored crepes. It is your favorite, right?"

Once said, Eco’s stomach growled loudly. Perhaps it was rude to describe the sound was earth-shattering, but the way it sounded could only be made by a dragon. Eco suddenly blushed.

"M-My favorite flavor is Ansal!"

Then she snappily said as if to cover up the embarrassment. Looking at Eco who was finally back to her usual reactions, Ash finally calmed down. Eco, as if she had risen to heaven, tore out the wrapping papers. Although the shapes had changed because they were dropped on the floor just now, but Eco didn't even mind one bit and just gave it a bite.

"How does it taste?"

Eco didn’t answer. She could be seen with her mouth stuffed with crepes and stay motionless.

"....Anything?"

Without warning, there were tears dripping from her eyes which made Ash panic.

"Hey hey, does it really taste so bad to the point you need to cry?"

"That’s not it..."

Eco shook her head and silently ate the crepes.

Part 9

Eco who ate three crepes alone sat on the bed and quietly explained the whole story.

"This morning ... I had a dream."

"What dream?"

"A horrible nightmare... It seems that I was attacked by a Necromancia. It stretched it’s tentacles towards m-me... The reason that I wet the bed... I am afraid it is because of this."

Eco shivered and grabbed her shoulders with both hands. It must be terrifying in her dream. Ash wanted to try helping Eco to overcome her fear. After a deep thought, he finally stretched out his trembling hand and move towards her shoulders from behind. He then gently held those glass-like shoulders. Not only did Eco not refuse, but she was also relieved and leaned her body on Ash’s. This is the first time Ash saw her to be so cute and docile. Under such warmth, his heart was racing.

"The Necromancia had been beaten by us! You need not fear it!"

"No, it wasn't Necromancia." said Eco feebly shaking her head.

"It true that the monster looked like Necromancia... but it is not the same. That monster... is not something that can be defeated easily, not to mention it has nine eyes."

Nine eyes. Just imagining it will give people the creeps.

"How should I describe it... it was gigantic and its look was unknown... it is absolutely the incarnation of evil. And.... the most incredible thing is that though I shouldn't have recognized that monster... I feel that we have encountered each other several times before."

"How could that be? If you came in contact with such a dangerous monster, I would have found out. After all, we live under the same roof."

"I guess you're right."

"It was just a dream. I advise you not to think too much about it."

"But..."

Eco looked unusually depressed. At this time, what should I do? While clutching Eco’s shoulder, Ash was secretly thinking.

...... The memories of his hometown suddenly surfaced.

Ash has a sister. When she was a child, she often came crying to Ash complaining about her nightmare. Whenever she had a nightmare, his sister would sneak into his room. Ash could still remember his sister hugging his personal pillow while crying. Once Ash agreed to let his sister squeeze into his bed, she murmured while half crying and half laughing, "I’m no longer scared”..

“-I know what to do!”

Ash had made up his decision and was ready to perform tonight's operation.

Part 10

Once it was time for lights-out, the students in the dormitory put out the Bright Dragon Crystal lights. Ash was no exception. If he was to be caught with the lights on, he will be lambasted by the warden. Eco as usual was lying on the bed naked. He will sleep on the same bed with Eco tonight- this was Ash’s plan. However once it is time, all he could think about was Eco’s naked body. To build up the courage to sneak into a naked girl’s bed, it was near impossible. However, today’s Eco couldn't be compared with her past. The Eco now was a poor frightened girl who had a nightmare.

As long as he considered her as his sister, there would be no longer any problem. Even when she was naked the room was still dark. If he didn't focus his thought on this, then this problem would be immediately solved. After Ash ensured himself, he crawled out from the futon from the floor. With a pillow under his arm, he walked towards the side of the bed.

"Please excuse me!"

After a slight notice, Ash got into the empty space next to Eco. The thin summer blanket felt somewhat nice and warm because of Eco’s body temperature. The only thing is, make sure not to touch Eco’s naked body

"W-What are you doing? What are you up to!"

Once she discovered Ash climbed on the bed, with a look of horror, Eco rushed to keep their distance.

"Do not worry. I’ll stay with you for tonight."

"What?"

Ash was confused. He did not expect such a response from Eco. He thought that she would be grateful. His confidence that he previously built up was collapsing.

"Err, I just want to accompany you while sleeping so you’ll no longer wet the bed-"

"....What did you say?"

Eco slowly sat up. Although the room was too dark to see Eco’s naked body...... but her curves could still be seen. But now was not the time to feel nervous. It was now an alarming situation. And Ash’s instinct was now ringing.

"Do you really think...? I might commit the same embarrassment?"

Eco's voice trembled. She was apparently very furious about it. When Ash found out that he had spoken the wrong thing, it was already too late to take it back.

"Err-err... In short please calm down first. I didn't meant anything bad for saying those things-"

Unfortunately, Ash failed to finish his sentence.

"Don’t get carried away!”

With a ‘Donk!’, he was hit by a violent kick.

‘Gwak!’

Ash as if being hit by a hammer was knocked back for quite a distance. Fortunately, he fell on his futon and at least he was avoided from feeling the pain for being hit directly on the floor.

"Hmph!"

After Eco snappily grunted, she lay back on her bed. It seemed that Ash made a huge mistake. But having said that, since she had the spirit to cause such a fuss, perhaps she had gotten rid of the nightmare. At least, Eco who sent Ash flying with a kick was back to her formal self.

Part 11

The next day after school...

President Rebecca, Silvia of Discipline, Max of Accounting and as the replacement for the secretary, Ash and Jessica of General Affairs as well as the mascot Eco were gathered in the Student Council’s office.

Secretary Lucca and the vice president who was like a genius from the outer world were also absent today. Perhaps last night's incident had a positive effect; Eco was back to her old self. She wore a summer uniform borrowed from Cosette and attended the meeting as if she had something to do with it. Eco’s duty was just simply playing the role of a mascot which had no need to attend meetings, but she was back to her old-self who didn't let anyone to leave her by the side. Of course Eco’s well-behaved attitude yesterday was full of charm, but the lively Eco still suited her best. Ash believed so.

"Today's topic is on the student council secretary, Lucca Sarlinen."

Rebecca looked around at the faces with her sharp eyes.

"Sooner or later she would become the soul to lead the school. But right now she should not be troubled by this obstacle. I personally strongly hope to solve the problem as soon as possible and take her to participate in the training camp."

The first person to respond to this was Jessica.

"I can understand that you are worried about her, but what can we do to help? I think that it is better to let Angela-sensei handle this problem..."

Anyhow, Angela was a person who acted as the highest research authority on dragons. She should have the ability to teach in the highest institution and was extremely talented. Ash also agreed with Jessica’s views.

"Unfortunately, I had discussed with Angela-sensei about it. Basically, the person who is responsible for finding out that the astral between Lucca and Gawain had been cut off was none other that Angela-sensei."

"Based on Angela-sensei's judgment, what is the cause of it?"

Once Ash asked, Rebecca shrugged her shoulders.

"It seems that she also can do nothing about it."

"How could...!"

For those who did research on the dragons, there is almost not one who is in the same league as Angela. When the well versed Angela couldn't do anything, what help would the student council be?

"The situation is indeed desperate, but we cannot just stand aside idly. If it goes on like this, sooner or later it would be a certain death for Gawain who will run out of Astral."

Those heavy words made Ash shudder again.

"All of you are elite students; do you have any good suggestion?"

Jessica was the first to raise her hands.

"In times like this, we should ask ‘Silver Knight’-sama to make his appearance! No matter how difficult the situation is, ‘Silver Knight’-sama can use his wisdom, courage and magic to solve them! Right, Ash-sama! "

"The ‘Silver Knight’ that you are talking about is the one in the novel, right? To confuse him with me would be a little too..."

"Waa... Even the humble Ash-sama looks handsome!"

Jessica was not bothered by the presence of others and hugged Ash’s head tightly. Because Ash was sitting on the chair, his face sunk into Jessica’s breast.

"...Uwaa!"

In contrast to her slender waist, Jessica's breast were rather large. The breasts changed their shape softly and had covered Ash’s cheek.

"Wait a minute! This guy is my meat slave! If you dare to continue to stick to him, I’ll have you crushed!"

Upon seeing this, Eco immediately suddenly stood up. Incidentally, the ‘meat slave’ here had absolutely no indecent meaning. It meant to supply its master with food when its master was hungry.

"T-To have such unsightly behavior in the sacred student council office... As a knight, you should have known that there must be a distance between men and women! This is the Lautreamont family’s rules!"

Even Silvia was also feeling angry and stood up straight.

"Enough!."

Fortunately, Rebecca intervened to prevent anything bad from happening.

Silvia and Jessica returned to their seats. Perhaps Eco instinctively sensed some danger coming from Rebecca, she obediently sat down and didn't even dare to say a thing.

"Jessica, can’t you calm down a little?"

Rebecca warned by calling her name, but Jessica just snappily answered.

"Hmph... You only know how to complain about others, what about yourself? You only know how to seek opinions from others and didn't even give your own views...... you are not acting like Rebecca Randall. Or is it that even the ‘Scarlet Empress’ is also unable to do anything?"

"My idea? It is not that I don’t have any, but it is risky."

"Risky... what do you mean?"

Jessica was surprised. Somehow, Rebecca gave a stabbing like look to Ash. Her emerald eyes were intently staring straight at him which almost stopped his heartbeat.

"Ash, you are said to be able to ride all dragons. Even the Necromancia is no exception, right?'

"Rebecca... san?"

Ash gulped, waiting for Rebecca to give out her order.

"Go and ride Gawain."

"What did you say!"

"When you were riding the Necromancia, you sensed its will, right?"

"Uh... just faintly."

The memories resurfaced. In fact, Ash had heard the dead grey dragon speak. Even though it had happened at the beginning of last month, Ash still felt like it had happened for a long time.

"So, I hope you can use the same technique on Gawain. Gawain might be willing to open his heart to you."

Ash remembered about Lucca. Even when yesterday was a weekday, she hid herself in her room in broad daylight, wearing pajamas. Perhaps she was poor in expressing her emotions; she didn't look as if she was greatly depressed. However, she should have received a huge blow. Maybe, this has a thing or two that was related to the Eckbald.

-I want to save her. thought Ash sincerely.

Is it because I am her senior in the same school? Is it because that we are fellow breeder? A Student council's member’s responsibility?

Those reasons could not be denied. However, even if those factors were to be cast aside, Ash just couldn't sit back and watch a helpless girl to continue languish. Ash decided to obey his feelings deep inside.

"I understand. I am willing to gamble for it."

"Thank you for your cooperation. Then, the task is scheduled to be performed after school tomorrow-"

Part 12

The next day, the ringing of the noon bell also signified that the school had ended for the rest of the day. Because there was a staff meeting in the afternoon, they only had classes for the morning session.

“Kuu… Kuu…”

Eco, who sneaked into the classroom today, occupied the seat next to Ash. Like usual, she was lying on the table fast asleep. Even when the bell had rung, she still didn’t have signs of waking up.

"I... really don’t know how to deal with her."

Since she wanted to sleep that much, there really was no need to come to the classroom... Ash secretly complained. Leaving the issue aside, Eco’s sleeping face was like an angel. Every time he saw her sleeping face, his heart became soft and forgave her usual bad behavior. Even Ash himself felt strange. Looking at her soft face, Ash suddenly had the thought of poking her.

"-To be peeking at a girl’s sleeping face, you really have a low taste."

For someone to suddenly speak from behind, Ash almost jumped.

"Princess?"

Many students who had begun to pack up and go home, gave a surprised look at Silvia. For her to start a conversation with someone in the classroom was like the sun rising from the west. Silvia was not bothered by the rest and continued to just stare at Ash. Her ice blue coloured eyes were as if they are gently swaying.

"Do you really intend to ride... Gawain?"

"Why ask me this question now?"

"B-Because..."

Silvia looked aside, suddenly revealing an anxious look. Silvia who was usually noble and acted highly, somehow looked very cute as she suddenly blushed.

"Well, that... I-I just..."

"Just?"

"N-Nothing! Just don’t try too hard! In the end, this is Lucca and Gawain’s problem. If you intervene and result in a heavy injury... I will never forgive you! "

Silvia finished her confusing talk, she suddenly turned around and walk off. Her gorgeous shiny blonde hair swayed gently with the wind. Leaving a faint fragrance, Silvia marched out of the classroom.

"She... What is she angry about?"

Ash watched Silvia’s back blankly.

Part 13

The top floor in the center tower in the campus. While facing the student council members who gathered in the student council office, Rebecca announced loudly:

"So, I’ll announce your work today, I’ll first go to the Seventh Dragon House and explain it to the staffs, Max is responsible to look for Angela-sensei, because basically we must have a teacher to be present while doing the job. Ash, Eco, Silvia, Jessica are to meet with Lucca. Are there any other questions?"

Jessica was the first to raise her hand and comment.

"To fetch Lucca over, a person is enough."

"Do not underestimate her. Just to just drag her out of her room, should cause enough trouble for you. She is an absolute indoor type, it is just that this incident had intensified her symptoms."

After listening to Rebecca's answer, Jessica sighed.

"Haa.. I understand. We will take responsibility to bring her out. Princess also doesn't have any problems with this, right?... Princess?"

Silvia seemed like she had just come out of her trance and raised her head to reply:

"Ah, ahh.... Understood."

Since she had spoken those confusing words in the classroom, Silvia looked lost. This made Ash worry endlessly

"So I’ll be waiting for everyone to report in the Seventh Dragon House. Members report. Kaisan!"

Part 14

"Lucca-san... Lucca-san! Are you in there! Please answer me!"

Jessica was shouting while knocking. But there was no response.

"Don’t know what had happened to her?"

Jessica stiffened her face, while looking at Ash and the rest. It seemed that she was not certain on what she was going to do next. Eco who lost patience, impatiently lifted her feet.

"For a paper thin door like this, why don’t we just-"

Eco intended to use her abnormal dragon strength to break the door.

"Hold on!"

Ash quickly stopped Eco.

"Do you know who is going to pay for it after you break them! Please do not do anything necessary!"

"Hey! How dare you try to order me when it is obviously me who is taking care of you? Meat slave!"

"Who is your meat slave!"

"What are you arguing about...?"

Silvia who arrived a little later was dumbfounded when Ash and Eco were quarreling. Silvia was holding a silver key.

"I guessed that might be the case, so I borrowed a spare key from the warden."

"Just as expected of our princess."

Jessica took the key and inserted it into the key hole.

"Lucca-san I am going to open the door!"

The door opened with a ‘Click’ and Jessica marched into the room. Sure enough, Lucca was fast asleep in her coffin. Although the room was filled with the smell of incense like yesterday, she seemed to have followed Rebecca's instruction to control the amount of smoke.

"I don’t really get her... to be sleeping in broad daylight."

After Jessica complained, she pulled back the half-opened curtains. The noon sunlight had filled the room.

"Uuu... Nnn... Stop... I’m going to melt..."

Lucca muttered and then rolled over. The hem of her one-piece pajamas lifted up and her snow-white lower body was exposed.

"......!"

Lucca was without her panties. Ash saw her small and rounded hips. On her ass was her Seikoku - the contract with the dragons.

"Hey! I forbid you from staring!"

Silvia grabbed Ash's head and twisted it regardless.

"Ash-sama you mustn't peek! If you like hips this much, then it is fine for you to look at mine!"

On the other hand, Jessica was lecturing something that was off topic to him while helping Lucca with her pajamas.

"Uuu..."

At that time, Lucca finally woke up and like an electric doll slowly sat up. Then, with her dreamy eyes, she looked around with a shocked expression..

"....Who are you?"

"We just met yesterday!" commented Ash. She really was a perverse girl.

Logically speaking, anyone will get a shock when some stranger walks into their room. But, she was completely unmoved. Is this a behavior of an Eckbald or Lucca's own- It feels like the latter, or else the Eckbald would have perished long ago.

"Ah, I remember. You are Johnny?"

"Who is Johnny! That name has nothing to do with me. I am Ash, Ash!"

"S-Sorry."

Lucca disappointedly lowered her shoulders.

"Hey! This is outrageous. How dare you bully a girl from a lower grade! Buzz off!"

Silvia who looked flustered stepped forward. She with her golden thread-like hair and highly tone ordered her without any explanation.

"Lucca Sarlinen we need cooperation from you and Gawain. We will immediately head to the Seventh Dragon House, please get ready."

Lucca looked straight into Silvia's face as if she was going to pierce a hole in her face. After a long while, Lucca murmured:

"Who are you?"

“Wha…!”

After hearing that, Silvia turned pale. She probably didn't expect someone from this school to not recognize Silvia Lautreamont the fourth princess from the Knights royal family. She moved around unsteadily as if she had suffered a serious blow , while muttering facing the wall.

"T-There is a student who does not recognize me... Is my presence such unimportant... Am I not fit to be a royal... I'm ashamed to face Onee-sama who came here to motivate me..."

"That, Princess are you okay?"

Jessica rushed to Silvia’s side. While letting Jessica to comfort Silvia, the hope was now on Ash and Eco. Regardless of anything, they must drag her out from her bed to the Seventh Dragon House. At this time, Lucca seemed to have a strong interest in Eco. She suddenly clung to her waist tightly.

“Huh…!”

Eco who was attacked lost her footing and was dragged into the coffin shaped bed by Lucca.

"Wait... What are you doing!"

Eco naturally became furious, but Lucca was not bothered by it. She held Eco who fell on the bed and drag her closer. Then, she stared at her head closely. It seems that she had taken interest in Eco’s pair of horns.

"This is not decoration... It grew out from the head?"

"What if it is! This is my proof of being a Dragon!"

"Cute."

"Huh?"

"Very cute."

"I-Is it......?"

Eco was probably shy and thus gave up on resisting. Lucca as if taking care of a baby, gently stroked Eco’s horn. Halfway through that, Lucca suddenly came out with a ridiculous request.

"Can you give me your horns?"

Eco became transfixed in fear, but then it was followed by her expression of ferocity.

"What? Want me to give the my horns to you... you're dreaming!"

"Can’t you pull them down?"

"Pull them down! What do you think a dragon horn is!"

"Otherwise, can I taste it?"

"What? Taste?... Hyaa!"

Eco gave an eccentric voice and then remained motionless. Ash was also dumbfounded by what he just saw. Lucca hugged Eco from behind, then bit the horn on the head. The way she was tasting Eco’s horn was like a small animal nibbling its owner.

"Ah... don’t bite my horn...!"

Surprisingly, Eco didn’t even resist, but she showed an exhausted expression and let her do whatever she wanted. The seductive expression on her face made Ash’s heart race. Apart from her face, even her limbs were dyed a vague hint of pink.

"W-What are you doing to a honourable and noble dragon... what are you doing... W-Watch out or else I will trample you... Ahh, huff...!"

Her cheeks were red, judging from her panting. Perhaps she was trying her best to resist.

S-Stop...... P-Please spare me...... Awu! Eco’s body shuddered and lifted her chin, desperately trying to escape.

"S-Stop...... P-Please spare me...... Awu!"

Eco’s body shuddered and lifted her chin. Desperately trying to escape, she inadvertently bent her knees which lifted her skirt. The white cloth could be seen.

"-!"

Ash was dumbfounded but he quickly looked away. Although her position made imagination run wild, Eco who was under Lucca's control didn't realize that her panties were exposed. Two girls were entangled in the coffin-like bed. That alone will enough to cause a nose bleed. Anyway, who would have thought by biting her horn, she would become weak... Ash concealed his surprise after finding out another Eco’s weakness.

"...It really has the taste of a dragon."

Soon, Lucca who was finally satisfied released Eco.

Eco seizing that chance, immediately jumped out of the coffin and hid behind Ash. She just stuck a face out and stared fiercely at Lucca. Looking like she was almost out of breath, it was as if she was a beast that lost her fight.

"Well... I'll continue with my sleep."

Lucca was totally not bothered by Eco’s sight. She comfortably lay herself flat in the coffin.

"You still want to sleep!"

Ash came back to his sense and grabbed Lucca's shoulder. Although he was shocked by how thin her shoulders are, now was not the time to retreat.

"Rebecca-san is waiting at the Seventh Dragon House. I beg you, can you please immediately get ready? It is for you and Gawain."

"... What are you going to do to my Pal?"

Lucca's eyes soon become serious. Ash nodded to her firmly and tried to calm her down.

"Rest assured, we will not do anything bad to Gawain."

But rather I am a little worried that I’ll be thrown up far away by Gawain... Ash silently added in his heart.

Lucca stared at Ash’s face for a good while. Then, she finally got up from the coffin.

"...Alright, I'll get ready right now."

"Thank you."

Ash who was relieved tried to express his gratitude to her- However, Lucca without a warning put her hand on the button on her one-piece pajamas. Regardless of Ash’s presence, she unbuttoned them one by one. From her collarbone to her chest area... Her ceramic-like skin was exposed bit by bit.

"Wait a minute!"

Ash rushed to seize Lucca by her shoulders. Lucca stopped what she was doing and looked at Ash face confusedly.

"What?"

It is wrong for her to look at me in the eyes... Ash secretly groaned. Her delicate and charming appearance, nearly had Ash entranced. Her facial features were like a doll, her amethyst-like eyes, pointed ears, and a delicate body that looked like it might disappear with just a touch and a vanilla-like fragrance... It was like everything about her had a mysterious charm, as if something that did not belong to this world. Ash forced himself to look away, and spoke to her in a tone for disciplining children:

"I-I’ll look aside, please hurry up and change, okay?"

Even though Lucca still looked confused, at least she understood his sincerity and gently nodded.

Ash was relieved and turned his back against Lucca. He caught a glimpse of Silvia still being taken care by Jessica from the corner of his eyes. At the same time, she was constantly reciting something like a curse.

"F-For someone to actually not know the princess... which means... My royal family's dignity must be further strengthened..."

In addition, Eco was furious behind Ash.

"How dare she bite my precious dragon horn... T-T-This is a great insult...!"

Part 15

"...I'm ready."

After hearing Lucca’s voice, Ash took a deep breath.

From the time Ash heard the sound of the clothes rubbing against each other from his back, he unconsciously held his breath. That was how tense the situation was just now.. Moreover, Lucca who had stayed in her room for a long time didn't know what season was right now. She started to wear her winter uniforms initially. Therefore some additional time was spent to put on her summer uniform. Ash intently looked at Lucca who was now in her uniform. The beauty of a yōsei together with the familiar uniform, with this combination, Lucca looked like the world's most delicate and charming girl.

"Hey... Where are you staring at?"

Eco who was finally back to her old self, angrily stared at Ash.

"Y-You mustn’t misunderstand! I absolutely didn’t look at her with a perverted thought!"

"...Is that so?"

Ash who couldn't stand Eco’s condemnation, walked towards the door.

"Well, let's go. Rebecca-san and the rest are still waiting for us."

After hearing Ash's urging, Silvia also finally looked upwards.

Then, Lucca said something.

"...You had stepped on it."

Lucca's sight was set on Ash’s foot. Ash confusedly looked down toward his foot-

"Uwa!"

In the end, he nearly jumped on the spot. His right foot had indeed stepped on something. No matter how you looked at it, it appeared to be a girl’s pair of panties. A white pair of panties with pale-green stripes. Opposite to the panicking Ash, Lucca gracefully stepped forward and picked it up. Then, she spread it out in front of Ash. Without hesitating, she lifted up a leg and put it in.

"-!"

The moment Lucca lifted her knee, the things under her skirt were almost seen. Ash was sweating in shock. The school uniform skirt was originally designed to be short. The next second, there was a murderous intend behind Ash.

"It appears... Slaves that do not know how to behave have to be given punishment."

Eco’s body was trembling.

"An enemy of all women must receive the sanctions of the hammer of death!"

Silvia swept away her previous depression and a raging fire ignited behind her.

"Please stop, that was unintentional!"

Ash’s justification was in vain, Eco and Silvia were kicking with their might as well as giving him the iron fist.

"I’m going to crush you!"

“This is the family rule of the Lautreamont family!”

Part 16

"It's really strange; the experiment had obviously not yet begun... how come you were badly bruised?"

Rebecca, who was waiting at the Seventh Dragon House, was stunned after seeing his condition which was like rags and asked him. Behind Rebecca was Angela who was wearing a white robe and Max.

"Nothing important, err... Ah haha."

Ash could only use giggle. But Eco and Silvia were furious. Seeing their faces, Rebecca smiled.

"There is no need to act violent just because of being jealous... why don’t you two try to learn how to be more lady-like? If your personalities are so crude, then you must beware that Ash will be dragged into bed by Jessica?"

Upon hearing Rebecca, Silvia reacted and her face became red hot.

"Dragged into bed- How could the student council president say such dirty words!"

"Haha. I just thought you now looked a little more like a royal... After seeing your useless appearance, Princess Veronica may soon come looking for you."

Silvia became pale and shut her mouth. It was said that a horrible Ogre will capture disobedient kids - this type of story has long been rumored in Ash's hometown. But for Silvia, the Ogre was Veronica. Angela finally spoke with a serious tone as if she was representing everyone:

"Rebecca-san has explained the whole incident to me . This challenge is considered to be foolhardy... Are you ready for it Ash-san?"

Ash felt a chill for being looked through the spectacles. However, if he got scared just because of this, then he will be unable to proceed with today’s main objective. Because what Ash was going to challenge was nothing but a great Maestro.

"I’ll be alright."

"If it is so, then remember to put on your dragsuit! You still remember the rules for the dragon riding academy right?"

Angela with a rare teacher-like attitude reminded him. But Ash had no intention of wasting valuable time on changing clothes.

"Never mind it. I just want to try to have a conversation as a human with Gawain."

Part 17

The Seventh Dragon House was purpose-built for the use of the Maestro. At the same time, it was a sacred place in the campus. Even the building looked more luxurious than the other dragons houses. Judging by its appearance alone, it gave a feeling of a villa owned by a noble. Currently there were five Maestros at the Seventh Dragon House. By rummaging the Ansarivan Academy's history, it was rare for the Seventh Dragon House to be this grand. It also indirectly proved just how unusual was the existence of a Maestro. Rebecca's Pal Cú Chulainn was the one who shone the most. It was as if it was only right to do so because it was sitting in the middle of the Seventh Dragon House.

Facing the huge sacred body, one couldn't help but became amazed. In contrast with that huge body, even large ceilings designed for an adult dragon felt low. Apart from Cú Chulainn and Gawain, there were Silvia’s Lancelot and Max's Arianrhod. For Ash, these two Maestros could be considered as familiar faces. Incidentally, the vice president's Pal was not present.

"Gawain is here."

Led by Angela, Ash and the rest came to the innermost section of the dragon house. Gawain was lying on the ground looking weak. Although its physical size was of a young dragon, its fur was silvery white which proved it to be a Maestro. The dragon horn which looked like a stag was also quite unique and made it looked mighty. But perhaps it was weak, there was no majestic feeling. Ash was worried about Gawain by just looking at it.

"Angela-sensei is there any hope... For a cure?"

"Right now, it's not sick. I think the cause of this is the link between it and Lucca-san had been broken off. As long as there is a supplement of Astral its spirit will be restored."

Ash was slightly reassured after hearing Angela’s answer.

"Lets us begin now -"

Ash wanted to rushed to Gawain, however ..

"Hold on, Ash."

Someone grabbed his shoulder from behind. After looking back, it turned out to be Rebecca.

"We’ll let Lucca and Gawain meet first. Come here Lucca, say hello to Gawain."

Under Rebecca's urging, Lucca timidly stepped forward. But after a few steps, she stopped.

Surely, as an owner, she could touch its fur... Even when Ash thought so, but it seems that Lucca had no such intention. Perhaps after hiding herself for three months, there was probably a barrier between her and Gawain. Or, could she have any better reason for not standing close to Gawain......?

"Gawain..."

Upon hearing Lucca calling its name, Gawain coldly turn its head away and treated her like a stranger.

"Sure enough, there is no other way…."

Lucca was dejected and turned her back against Gawain. She could be seen crying and intended to run away.

"Stop! Lucca!"

But Silvia had blocked her path. Unsure whether she was angered by Gawain’s attitude, Silvia pulled a long face.

"Listen clearly; the ideal relationship between humans and dragons is definitely not harmony, but the status itself. Lucca.... Did you spoil Gawain in the past? From its attitude earlier, Gawain did not seem to treat you as its master. "

Lucca lowered her head without a word. After a long while she finally raised her head.

"Perhaps what you are saying is right… But to me… it is an important family member... I don’t think that there is a need for a master-servant relationship...."

Silvia sighed.

"Me too. I love Lancelot as a family. Yet, because of love, we need to be strict sometimes and discipline them. You mustn't forget this."

"I’m... going back."

After leaving this sentence, Lucca rushed out of the dragon house. Ash clearly saw the moment when she ran away, her eyes were shedding tears.

"I'll give it a try."

As if to sweep away the awkward atmosphere, this time, Ash had officially confronted Gawain. Ignoring the gradually approaching Ash, Gawain remained motionless. Is it because it doesn't acknowledge Ash? Or does it not have the strength to bother with Ash...? Being anticipated and gazed by the crowds, Ash carefully prepared.

Gawain didn't seem to be on alert. This time should be an easy win.... Ash who was confidence made a leap. Gawain was not equipped with a saddle. Like riding on a bare horse, Ash went up Gawain back. Because there were no reins, he could only cling to its neck to maintain his center of gravity.

"Alright, I will start...!"

At this moment, Gawain gave a fierce roar and was fiercely resisting. Being shook vigorously, making Ash's body sent flying out.

"Urggh...!"

After being spun in mid-air, Ash abruptly fell to the ground. Even when he managed to make a roll to reduce the impact, it was strong enough to make him feel suffocated. In between his back and his waist, the pain slowly spread. Gawain who threw out Ash was lying down obediently.

"Ash!"

Rebecca and the other arrived while looking miserable.

"I-I'm fine..."

Ash force himself to sit up. Although his pain had not yet disappeared, at least there was nothing abnormal with his bones. The grounds at the dragon house were soft, which was fortunate for him.

"Ahh, Ash-sama...! My Ash-sama is...!"

"It is alright, it is alright. Please move aside."

Angela pushed the panicking Jessica to one side. With both hands she held Ash’s cheeks and ask questions.

"Did you knock your head?"

"No... My head is all right."

"Don’t look down on me, I have a doctor's license. If you feel any pain or even uncomfortable, try to be honest and tell me!"

"Really... so sensei have a doctor's license?"

"Only that it is a veterinarian’s."

Ash revealed a bitter smile. Angela probably took a veterinarian license because she wanted to study about the dragons. After everyone knew that Ash was alright, the group of people become relieved.

"Sorry Ash, it was because of my ridiculous proposal..."

Rebecca revealed a rare dignified expression and apologized to Ash which made Ash felt uneasy.

"W-What are you talking about! Challenging Gawain is entirely my own idea; Rebecca-san has not done wrong."

"In short, the experiment will end here. I cannot let you to continue to face the dangers."

"No, don’t rush to conclusions! I have my trump card too."

"Trump card?"

"That’s right. When I was dealing with the Necromancia I had failed again and again. Later I succeed with the use of the Ark."

Rebecca crossed her arms with a serious look.

"Hmm... I see. But Ash, as a student council president, I cannot allow you to continue to take the risks. As a teacher, Angela-san also should not permit it right?"

Being watched by Rebecca, Angela replied with a flirtatious smile:

"Me? I don’t have any comment in this. I never get tired of seeing Eco creating the Ark!"

Angela's reply was nothing like what a teacher will say. But she was initially not a teacher but a researcher. Just because she wanted the opportunity to encounter with Eco, she became a teacher. So it was futile to have Angela acting like one.

"From sensei's personality, I’m not surprised for you to say such things.... have you decided yet, Ash?"

"Of course, I have decided to try again."

After Ash promised, Eco exploded in anger.

"Wait a minute! Who allowed you to decide anything without my permission! Again, for me to create an Ark for such a small... are you still sane!"

Ash lightly put his hand on the furious Eco’s head.

"Hey, don’t answer so quickly. What about if I treat you to vanilla crepes?"

"Hmph! I would not be bribed by those kinds of things!"

"Otherwise I’ll add in a strawberry flavored."

"W-What are you joking about! What are you taking an extraordinary dragon for!"

Although Eco didn't promise, but Ash could tell that she was slightly moved through her eyes.

"Yeah, a new flavored crepe is going to be on sale! I remember that... It was chocolate banana flavored?"

"Chocolate banana...?"

Gulp. Ash clearly heard Eco swallowing her saliva. The blow undoubtedly triggered Eco’s curiosity and appetite.

"...I have to tell you clearly, this is an exception!"

After struggling for a moment in her heart, Eco closed her eyes on the spot, and started reciting her spells.

“Almete, Gorjal… Peto, Espaldar, Brafoneras, Faldaje… Escarcelas, Bufetas, Hombreras… Brazales, Codales… Antebrazos…”

Rebecca smiled after seeing Eco started reciting.

"Hehe. You are getting better in controlling!"

“T-This can’t be considered as controlling!”

Ash felt embarrassed and his cheeks were red hot.

Part 18

“Manoplas… Quijotes, Guardas…Grebas, Escarpes…”

Eco's incantation was about to enter its final stage. This was the fourth time she had created the Ark and the way she chanted felt a lot smoother. Perhaps the experience that she had accumulated made her to be more skillful in her technique.

“-Espolón!”

After Eco finished her spell, a divine light filled their entire field of vision followed by a thunderous bang. Ash's body could be seen surrounded by gentle lights. The ‘Seikoku’ on his left hand strangely became painful. After the dazzling light faded, Ash was in a silver Ark. This set of Ark was the same as the first Ark that Eco created when he fought the Necromancia. Although it was an imitation rebuilt from the design that were passed down by the Dragons, it still consumed Eco’s own magic to create the Ark.

"Ahh... the genuine ‘Silver Knight’!"

Jessica was deeply moved like a believer who had witnessed miracles from God.

"The hopes are on you, Ash."

Ash nodded to Rebecca who cheers for him. By turning his back toward the crowd, he again was facing Gawain. Just when Ash moved closer, Gawain gave a warning growl. It slowly climbed up from the ground to stand on all fours and fiercely stared Ash. It obviously was on guard against Ash who was equipped with the Ark.

"Don’t be angry, I just want to have a talk with you alone."

Ash leaped and since the Ark was constructed with a huge amount of magic, it had a variety of additional effects. That was why he could float in mid-air for some time. Ash’s jump had passed the normal height of a normal human and was gliding towards Gawain. Right at the moment, he believed that he could succeed for sure -

"Huh...!"

But Ash had landed on the ground. His sabotons had sunk into the soft land. The area he was standing was the place where Gawain was resting previously.

"Disappea...r?"

Ash was stunned. He obviously thought that he had successfully landed on Gawain's back, but the big thing had disappeared in a blink of an eye as if it had teleported .

"Above you, Ash!"

Rebecca's warning instantly brought him back to his sense. He quickly looked up and saw Gawain. Gawain was clinging to the ceiling on all fours with his head facing the ground. It is exactly like a bat. At that moment, Gawain growled with a roar full of fighting spirit that shook the air around and emitted a breath.

"-!"

Ash immediately crossed his arms into a defensive posture, but he was in the trajectory for the attack. Ash felt a strong pressure of wind and heat and was knocked back. Ash only stopped floating when he abruptly collided with the stone wall.

“Ah…Ark…!”

Ash was suffocating because his Ark couldn't withstand this impact. Suddenly, he had a thought that he had broken into pieces. At the same time he knelled down, the Ark turned into particles of light and vanished...

"H-How is this possible...!"

Just like sand, the Ark slipped passed his fingers. It was but only a mere hit, but the damage was already more than what the Ark could withstand. Ash had long ago heard in class about how destructive the Dragon’s Breath was… Only when he had personally experienced it, it was far more horrifying than what you could imagine. Of course, it was clear that Gawain had shown some mercy. If it really had the killing intent, let alone a mere dragon house, even the whole school would be turned into ashes.

If I’m not equipped with the Ark... Ash shivered just by think about what will be going to happen next.

"Damn!"

The frustrated Ash stare ruthlessly at Gawain. Just like when the winner was decided, Gawain landed on the ground lightly and lied down. But it seemed to detect the hostility from Ash and looked at him coldly.

“Grrrrrrrrrr…..”

And it did not forget to threaten with its growl. Ash wall full of cold sweat and leaned against the stone .

"That arrogant attitude reminds me of somebody...."

Hearing the angry curse, Eco who arrived together with Rebecca and the rest immediately reacted.

"What did you say just now?"

With her crimson eyes staring at Ash, even Gawain had to admit its loss to those frightening eyes.

In the end, because Ash terribly lost even when he was equipped with the Ark, the crowd dissolved. As for what to do to make Gawain accept Lucca- Rebecca declared with a serious tone "A separate meeting will be held to discuss about it on another day."

Part 19

The student restaurant ‘La Tene’ was located in the campus. It was a bungalow built with red bricks for its outer wall. The chimney was its iconic feature. It was open only at weekdays, starting at half past eleven in the morning until eight o’clock in the evening. Whether it was about the dining table or chairs, all of them used the Chevron design, which gave off a feeling of elegance.

"Welcome to ‘La Tene’!"

It was evening. Anya who became a restaurant waitress was busily working. Currently ‘La Tene’ was just like the manager had said, lacking manpower. That was why Anya was busy until she had nearly no time to take a breath. Even so, Anya did not forget her mission - collect intelligence. But she also had used her waitress identity to collect useful intelligence from the conversation with the students. Perhaps she should thank the manager for recommending her to be a waitress. If she had given the infield job that she had originally chosen, there might have been no opportunity to come into contact with the students. As the students here were all breeders, Anya had a little wariness in the beginning. But once she had actually come into contact with them, she found out that they were just ordinary teenagers.

-The peoples of the Knight’s country are really unbearably vulgar.

Especially the boys. They seem to be very curious about Anya who had a foreigner’s look and actively took the initiative to talk with her. Among them, there were obviously guys who didn't have a pure motive. Anya skillfully uncovered intelligence from those guys. Ash was a famous person. None of those who talked to Anya didn't know about him. Some praised him as a wonder student who could easily ride a Pal belonging to others. He was also criticized for being a problem student who caused trouble all day long.

There was also information that he recently received a strong support from Rebecca, the student council president. But, about Ash saving the city by controlling the Necromancia and defeating 'Avdocha the Convict’, none of these students knew about them.

Sure enough, the intelligence is controlled- Anya intuitively though so.

It was probably interfered by the Academy’s Council or the student council. Veronica should also have a thing or two to do with this. On the other hand, there was also useful information. It was said that Ash’s Pal, a young dragon Eco was not a normal dragon, but a delicate and charming girl. This was really unbelievable. For a dragon to be born in a human form, it was unheard of. However, since Ash himself was not a breeder who could be described with normal logic, she didn't feel that it was really unbelievable. No, it should be said that.... who knows if that young dragon called Eco is the key making Ash unique.

If she had the choice, Anya wanted to come into contact with Ash and Eco. Now, Anya as student restaurant waitress had fully blended into the environment. Even when she made contact, Ash would not be wary about her. The point was Ash had never entered ‘La Tene’. Evidently he did not seem to have the habit to dine in ‘La Tene’.

Part 20

After she asked the manager while pretending to have a chat, the manager said that among the regulars customers of ‘La Tene’ students from the middle class family had accounted for more than half of its customers. Students from the upper class family usually go downtown to dine. As for those from the lower class family, they choose the dormitory restaurant where the food was the cheapest. Ash didn't look like a person who came from the upper class, so he should be from the latter one.

-Ding..

At that time, the entrance bell rang. After she saw the face of the guest when she turned back, Anya suddenly gasped.

"It is that guy...!"

The person in the doorway was none other than Ash Blake. There was a beautiful girl in uniform standing beside him. At first glance they looked a bit like lovers - but the girl had a very fresh and refined beauty. Also there were circular stubs on her head. That was a unique horn of a young dragon.

The girl should be the Eco.... Anya secretly made her own speculation.

Part 21

On the way to ‘La Tene’, Eco’s stomach had given out a thundering noise for three times and had frightened the students that passed by.

"That... What is bad about eating in the dormitory restaurant? Not only is it cheaper, but we also can eat until we are full..."

"I'm sorry! But I’m tired of eating the dormitory’s food! Don’t you know that just having a balanced nutrient in the meals is not enough!"

"Haa... it was said that dragons were foodies and it really is true."

Ash moaned and groaned when he recalled the contents of the basic class. Opposite to the description of the barbarian dragons from the foreign folk tales, dragons were artistic creatures and cooking was also taken as a part of art. Soon, Ash and Eco had arrived at ‘La Tene’. After Eco energetically opened the door, they smelled an appetizing smell immediately.

"Wow! What nice smell...! When the school had such a nice restaurant, why do you not bring me here earlier?"

“You want me to go bankrupt! Today is an exception!"

While those two quarreling by the door, a waitress appeared. She was wearing ‘La Tene’s’ signature maid attire.

"W-Welcome to ‘La Tene’!"

The waitress seemed to be newly employed and looked extremely tense. She had a foreign air about her - her tan skin, deep facial contour and her dark hair that was tied up at the back of her head.

"...Nn?"

Ash frowned and carefully stare at the girl's face. As if he had seen her before...?

"T-That..."

Just when the girl was a little reluctant and was muttering-

"Urrrggh!"

There was sudden harp pain in Ash toes which made him jump on the spot. It seemed that it was Eco who had ruthlessly stepped on his foot.

"What are you doing!"

Eco was in a furious temper.

"Who asked you to be charmed by some female! Hey, the female over there! Why don’t you hurry up a little to help us look for a place!"

"O-Okay!"

Ash sympathized the waitress who was given orders by the arrogant Eco.

Part 22

In contrary to Eco who was attentively studying the menu, Ash had long ago decided.

"That... I want a plate of ‘pasta with Allonne's oyster and mushroom'."

"‘Pasta with Allonne's oyster and mushroom’ is that right? Are there any other needs?"

"No, this is enough."

"Will you be full with this?"

As a boy, he really has a small appetite... Anya poked her nose into his business.

"Huh?"

Ash looked at Anya with a puzzled expression. It seemed that, he was surprised for Anya to be this cordial when speaking to him.

"S-Sorry for being nosy..."

After Anya apologized for a number of times, Ash smiled back.

"I don’t really have much of an appetite today. I just had a duel with a dragon and I suffered a crushing defeat..."

"Duel with s dragon? What’s that about?"

When Anya curiously asked, Ash's face clearly stated the words I’m done for. He kept his mouth shut and refused to speak anymore. It seems that it was likely a confidential project of the student council.

"N-Nothing... this is very popular game recently. I’m just playing that game."

"Haha... I also think so."

Even when Anya responded with a polite smile, she secretly thought that this man really did not know how to tell a lie.

"I had decided for good!"

After Eco shouted, she stared at Anya. The pair of charming crimson eyes was reflecting Anya's face.

"...What would you like to order?"

"Two hundred and fifty grams of Chevron beef, lamb chops with herb, fried Allonne's oyster, a half boiled omelet, corn soup... give me all this first for the time being."

"Huh?"

Anya suspected that she heard it wrong and stared at Eco’s petite body.

"What is your reaction about! That’s why I always say that humans are folly and ignorant being!"

"S-Sorry..."

At this moment, Ash spoke on Anya’s behalf:

"Hey, Eco! Please do not bully the waitress! Besides... can you finish so many things?"

Seeing Ash showing his owner like side, Anya started to admire him a little. However, not only Eco failed to calm down, but she also had gotten furious.

"You...! Today I had only eaten three meals! A dragon must eat five times a day! Don’t tell me you have forgotten!"

"Huh... you've only eaten three meals today?"

"I will crush you! It is because of you wasting time on saving that dragon that cannot be saved!"

"S-Sorry..."

Seeing that Ash was going to be trampled anytime, Anya secretly sighed.

"Lucca & Maestro Gawain ~A.S.B. 1365.6~" is closed.

References and Translation Notes

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