Chapter . 54
Asked in surprise, then apologized.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I should be the one setting an example, yet I failed to use nice words."
"I'm just more comfortable with calling you crazy and you calling me an idiot."
"...It is my fault. I raised you like that."
"...If you know, stop it!"
Michelon still continued speaking while suppressing his anger alone.
"We can't use other magic anyway. Above all, those magics can only be used when we become fully adult dragons, meaning we can't properly exert power until then."
"Of course, to exert that much power, the dragon must grow too. Otherwise, you can't handle it."
"I can't wait until then. I'll become strong starting now."
...How long has it been since you broke out of the egg? But thinking about it, I also intended to become strong as soon as I returned. If anyone could understand Michelon's heart, it was me.
"So you're saying you'll try using magic?"
"Honestly, it's impossible. Even with this body, mana overflows, but I lack the ability to control and adjust it."
"Why wouldn't you? It must be because you don't need it. Dragons have dragon magic, and that suits them best."
Michelon scoffed for a moment, then spoke lost in thought.
"I don't know if dragons used the same magic as humans in the old days or only used dragon magic originally... but right now, the sophisticated magic you wield is impossible for me. When I grow, the transformation will surely undo, but sometimes I'll need your magic to become human again."
Then, frowning, he asked.
"Will you bear the aftermath of accumulated failures then too? Even if I don't wish for it?"
"That's not so. That time was unavoidable as it was the first attempt at the first magic, but now I have fully mastered that magic and become stronger than expected due to the magic's success. As you will adapt more to the human body over time, transformation will become easier, so I expect the effort required for the magic to become simpler."
"That's a relief. Honestly, I was worried."
Michelon even let out a long sigh.
"Then why didn't you ask earlier?"
"You were so absorbed in trying magic that you completely forgot the fact that I don't know that magic like you do! I couldn't even ask what I was curious about for fear you'd say you wouldn't do it again! Even after succeeding, when I remembered you nearly dying back then, I kept my mouth shut!"
"That's a misunderstanding. It just looked like that."
"...I'm angry, so shut up."
"......."
"......."
He seemed really angry, so I tried to keep my mouth shut this time, but there was something I had been too curious about since earlier. It would be better to ask right away if I had something to ask.
"By the way, since dragons used magic like humans in the old days, isn't it possible that wizards worshipped dragons and avenged Valaska's death?"
"Even if the magic is different, they can connect. Rather than worship, they might have taken revenge because they were on the same side."
"Does the inherited memory explain it like that?"
"Since Calamitas died, dragons have been bound by contracts. Memory, too, receives a shock, a condition sufficient for many parts to disappear or be distorted."
That seemed plausible. My heart ached. I patted his shoulder to comfort him, but withdrew my hand as Michelon looked at me with the whites of his eyes. It's my fault for not raising him with hugs like my nanny did.
"So, if you can't use human magic even after transforming into a human but want to be more than a Sword Master, what do you intend to do?"
"I felt it during the transformation magic. When you returned the mana I conveyed to you as more powerful magic, I felt like I became an aggregate of power."
"An accurate expression."
I nodded.
"For you to transform, you had to become the aggregate of all transformation magic handed down in the Throne Magic Circle and finish that magic in my own way."
Michelon bit his lip for a moment and spoke abruptly.
"Then what if I become an aggregate of attack magic, not transformation magic? Then the result of transformation magic doesn't need to secure stability like now, so even if it fails, we can just blow away the aftermath outward."
"Don't talk crazy."
Every time Master said such things, I felt hurt, but now that I say it, I realize how refined an expression it is. Nice words indeed.
"It's not like you want to die, so why commit suicide right after finally coming out into the world?"
"...Why is your face suddenly becoming cold just because of that?"
"I am originally like this. I just try to smile as much as possible when dealing with you and Nanette."
"When did you smile?"
"I said I try to smile, I didn't say I smiled."
"......."
"You thought well. Now don't think dangerous thoughts."
"I'm speechless because it's absurd! No, think carefully. If you concentrate attack magic on me, I scatter that attack magic in all directions. One dagger you throw becomes effectively dozens of daggers flying when passing through me!"
Seeing Michelon getting excited, he was indeed a baby with only the shell of my age.
"Just ordinary attack magic like fire magic would have tremendous effects!"
"Transformation magic was done in the Throne Magic Circle."
"You have a small auxiliary magic circle connected to the Throne Magic Circle. There's the contract between you and me, and the sword in the shape of Juratio. Even if not as powerful as back then, something comparable should come out."
"Even with less power than that, you might die. Transformation magic isn't easy either, do you think attack magic will protect you?"
"Anyway, we succeeded, so it's a waste not to utilize that power further. We can start small at first and try one by one."
Even though I dissuaded him understandably enough, Michelon didn't seem to give up.
"Have you already forgotten how scared we were before success?"
"But we succeeded. Then why can't we use it again? If we do it my way, you won't bear all the damage like back then. Even if injured, I'm a dragon, so my recovery power is formidable to begin with."
"We can't show off power before we come of age."
"Who said to do that? Do you think I'm stupid? But even if we deceive others' eyes right now, we must continue to become stronger. I will show that even as I am now, not an adult dragon, I can become strong enough."
"The combination of you supplying infinite mana and me, the best wizard, is already more than strong enough—"
"Don't settle. Isn't it exciting just thinking about it? We harbor infinite possibilities."
Redness flashed in the golden eyes speaking so. It looked nice like the evening glow, but.......
'...Dragons are indeed a combat race.'
Although can't really call it a race.
I decided to make him a knight first. Rolling around trying to become a knight, he'll realize his life is precious.
If we attempt such magic now, he will never hold back until coming of age. And I doubt if such magic, no matter how great, would be greater than the power of an adult dragon.
"So, from when is Sir Rolf teaching me?"
"Sir Rolf is busy."
Sir Rolf, who was still managing the access of outsiders, placed his hand on his chest and bowed his head to me. It's obvious since I'm the one giving him work, but look how grateful he is.
"I will assign a master just for you. I will introduce him at the First Prince's banquet this time."
Like that, we decided to attend the First Prince's banquet.
However, I couldn't take young Nanette to such a dissolute place even as an attendant, and I was worried about leaving her alone even though I had set up safety devices firmly with magic. Usually, Goldmund would come and take care of her, but Goldmund had his own duties and shouldn't appear too close to us. Recently, especially because of the Empress's suspicion or venting anger, he hadn't been able to come for a while.
But Nanette spoke energetically.
"Don't worry, I can just call all the spy aunties and uncles at once saying I want to play together while the Prince is away. Then competition arises to treat me well trying to seduce me, whom the Prince favors. I feel like a princess."
"Our wise Nanette."
"Indeed my sister!"
Sir Rolf and Michelon praised her. I did too.
"Your older sister would be very proud of you."
I'm worried that she hasn't approached yet despite knowing about the changes in Nanette's circumstances, wherever she is. But searching for her rashly could put Nanette in danger. If Master is not approaching for that reason.
At that, Nanette, who laughed well when the other two praised her, teared up and tears welled up in her eyes.
Just as I was despairing that I indeed had no talent for childcare, Nanette suddenly rushed and hugged my waist tight. Patting such Nanette's head, I hugged her tight too.
"How can you hug another man in front of your older brother?"
Although the dragon interrupted, fair and affectionate Nanette hugged the grumbling dragon too, and hugged Sir Rolf who was just smiling too.
How different from when we first met. Even if Master doesn't need to know the Nanette of back then, I hope she meets the Nanette of now.
Now, I must prepare for the possibility that Master might not be Nanette's older sister... but I don't want to yet.
"Prince, and Brother Michelon, you both look really cool today! Sir Rolf too!"
Before leaving, Nanette praised the three of us and even clapped her hands.
"Thanks to me."
"Indeed so."
Michelon boasted like a child, but I couldn't help but admit it. He liked very flashy clothes and jewels, and although I, who hadn't done anything for him before the regression, happily granted that much, the problem was that I had to wear such clothes too.
-Not my taste. I want to look like a dignified prince.
-Stop talking like a grandfather. If you don't do it, what do I become? Dressing more flashily than the prince, I'll look like a parasite sucking the blood of my benefactor!
-Not a parasite, but in court terms, it's called a favorite concubine. Maîtresse-en-titre—
-What on earth is this kid learning going around!
-I know everything there is to know! I'm not a kid!
-Hearing Nanette say that to Michelon, somehow I feel good.
-What? What are you saying in front of a kid?
-Precisely, it's called a favorite subject. Let's use correct terminology.
Even if the two kids bickered, Sir Rolf wrapped it up well, making it comfortable. Helping even with childcare that I'm not good at, truly a loyal subject.
But I really liked neat and dignified attire like Father. Not just taste, but also a cool calculation that since all my brothers are extravagant, I, being solely frugal, would stand out more.
-You must highlight those rare eyes. Attire embroidered with silver thread on sea-colored velvet and decorated with pearls on every border would be good. And for rings, sapphire, no, ruby would surprisingly suit better. Hesitation is forbidden in front of jewels, so wearing both on both hands will do.
Just hearing it was bothersome, but Sir Rolf and Nanette actively sided with Michelon in this area, so I had no choice. It must be because he chose flashier and better-fitting clothes for them too.
"Everyone, have a safe trip."
Sent off by Nanette, the three of us left for the First Prince's residence. On the way, Michelon glanced at me and said.
"What kind of person is your biological brother?"
"I told you until now."
"Well. That's ultimately the First Prince you saw. I know you dislike him, but to me, isn't it possible he might be an unexpectedly decent guy when met in person?"
"Ahahaha!"
"Hahaha!"
When I laughed, Sir Rolf laughed too. I asked Michelon, who was the only one not laughing.
"Why aren't you laughing? It was the funniest thing you said, yet you aren't laughing?"
"......."
"Thank you for making me laugh when I rarely do."
Honestly, I was worried Michelon might meet other brothers in person and come to like them. Since I'm not a very fun friend. But Michelon's words were so funny that such worries flew away.
"...Forget it, just answer. What kind of person is your biological brother? Is he full of resourcefulness?"
"Clear streams flow and flowers bloom in full glory in his head, and he has never harbored a single doubt about his perfect self."
"...What does that mean?"
"It means he's more naive than a newborn baby."
"...Forget it, what does he look like?"
"Ugly."
"What? Doesn't he resemble you?"
"Saying my brother and I resemble each other, cursing with blood ties is not nice language."
"......."
"Ahem."
Sir Rolf coughed dryly.
"...Forget the face too, what about his personality?"
"A dog's <Polymorph>."