Early in the morning, on the fourteenth day, in the month of Cancer.
The day to depart for Fontaine City, the capital of Lautreamont Knight Country, had finally arrived. Ash and Eco had already made their preparations for the journey and were again standing in front of the campus’s fountain.
Actually; today also happens to be the first day of the semester examination finals. Though Ash and Silvia had already formally requested to leave the school grounds they will have to take a makeup examination when they return to the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.
But with the thought of meeting with the Paladin, Ash felt that the final semester examination is but a trivial matter.
"Anyway...... this outfit is really hot." Ash complained.
He was adjusting his bow tie with his fingers.
Ash is in a palace-designed manservant uniform. The well made dark coat gave out an extra elegant feel.
"Don’t you know that I also feel very hot too!!!"
On the other hand, Eco is also wearing maid attire which is also a palace design. It is exactly like the same ones Cosette wears daily. Even though she still looks kind of cute in the uniform, unfortunately her unnecessarily high self-esteem is at work, causing her mood to be ugly.
Needless to say, it is not Ash and Eco’s intention to wear such clothes.
In fact, this was proposed by Cosette.
This was to avoid unwanted rumors when the two of them went back to Fontaine city accompanied by Princess Silvia.
Indeed, if the Princess were to travel back home, alone together with a male student, it would not be surprising if some rumors would be born from it. Moreover, it seemed that, the thing that attracts news reporters’ curiosity most is the affairs of the palace’s nobles. This is also the reason why Eco and Ash were disguised as servants.
As it happens, first bell sounds off at this time.
The students hurried out of their dormitories and rushed over to the school. This being an final exam day each student wears a terrible murderous expression.
"Fuwaa ......"
Eco yawned. She was still sleepy for getting up early and looked as if she was without any spirit. Even so, her shiny hair that reflects the morning rays was like a pink gem stone which gave her a divine like look.
"Err...... is Silvia not ready yet?"
"For Princess, it is like she is going back home. It should have been that she needed more time to pack up her stuff."
"What was that? She asks us out early in the morning but she is late herself? How could there be such a rude female animal!"
Eco is also wearing palace designed maid attire
"Hey, how can you call Princess as a 'female animal'!"
Eco needs to take care of what and how she's going to speak before she causes trouble by uttering some nonsense in town... Ash secretly thought.
A few moments after the bell rang, Lancelot glided down landing gracefully with Silvia and Cosette on its back.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Silvia had her blond hair tied and is wearing a dragsuit embroidered with the knight’s royal insignia. She looks as if she is a mythological character.
Eco immediately lost her sleepiness and angrily shouted:
"Why are you so slow!! And what’s with that costume? And you even made a prideful dragon wear a servant’s clothing... What a disappointment!!!"
"Ara? I’m so sad. I had initially happily thought that it is a rare chance for me to be in the same attire as Eco..."
Cosette replied for Silvia. She covers her mouth with her hands and turns her face to avoid looking at Eco, and started sniffing.
"Wait... what is there worth crying about! That... You usually take care of me, and since we have the opportunity to wear the same clothes, I'm also glad about it..."
"Hehe. Thank you Eco."
Sure enough, Cosette, with a nonchalant look, was laughing.
"Wha... How dare you trick me!"
Eco immediately grew angry, but nothing more could be done.
"We are ready to take off. Both of you please come up!"
Under Silvia’s command, the group finally departed.
"Ash Blake and young dragon Eco... had left?" Anya coldly muttered.
Anya had coincidentally arrived at the dragon riding academy and saw Lancelot, and the rest, flying high up into the sky.
The rumors that Silvia will attend the Continental Congress––'Elysium', and that Ash and Eco who have gained the opportunity to meet with the Paladin––had long ago spread like wildfire.
And, naturally, this information had been passed to Anya.
All the intelligence received so far had been completely reported to Milgauss.
Milgauss, who had an abnormal interest in Eco, immediately launched his plan.
Using Fontaine City as its location, the combat strategy reformulation is well underway.
Anya will also then leave for Fontaine City.
But.... What confused her was why doesn’t she have her usual motivation.
––Recently, there is something wrong with Milgauss...
The previous Milgauss usually obeyed his duty from the Empire’s Army’s Intelligence Department, and always calmly completed his task.
However, since he met with young dragon Eco, Milgauss seems to have changed into a different person.
The Milgauss of now, compared to helping the Empire’s Army, feels increasingly like his actions are more in his own interests.
But Anya is inspired by Milgauss. Regardless of which country Milgauss defected to, she is prepared to follow him silently.
If it is so, her desire to look forward to the day Milgauss reveals his ‘secret’, is it regarded as an arrogant wish...?
“What am I thinking about!!" Anya harshly scolded herself.
She then walked towards the parking space for the dragon carriage. [1]
"What is that...? This is the first time I seen such a huge city!"
The time has just passed noon, the time when the sun becomes stronger, Eco gives praise.
Fontaine City’s spire gradually appeared at the other end of the Fotainia’s vast plains[2]. The scenery of the town surrounding the spire had just come into view.
"Be careful not to fall down."
Ash reminded Eco who is behind him.
Eco was touched by the scene in front and had loosened her grip on Ash’s waist.
Speaking of waist, Silvia is holding the reins while controlling Lancelot right in front of Ash.
This is the third time in his whole life Ash rode with Sylvia.
Ash initially did not mind sitting at the rear, but before he mounted Lancelot, a smiling Cosette gave up her position as seconded to him.
On their way there, Silvia's hair has an aroma of roses which caused him to feel uneasy. As if the wind that had been blowing on his face is stained with Silvia’s body fragrance.
To keep himself from thinking about Silvia’s body fragrance, Ash carefully observed Fontaine City.
This metropolis is centered around the castle.
In the space above the urban areas, many Dragners acting as guards can be seen flying around.
This scene gave an unusual feeling of tension.
"Hey, Princess, does this city usually have so many Dragners?"
"No. It is because the Continental Congress is around the corner so security was reinforced."
"I see. Anyway... Why deliberately choose such a busy time to summon Eco and I? Ahh, I have no offense against the Paladin."
"Sorry... I do not want to talk about things regarding my father."
Because he felt such strong resistance, Ash abandoned his investigation.
At this time, the Dragners in charge of the security noticed Lancelot’s arrival. They lined up in mid-air, uniformly and put on their salute pose.
"Thanks for your hard work!"
Silvia with a loud voice responded to those Dragners who respectfully saluted to her.
The five-story Fontaine Palace stands right in the center of the capital. It is an old city that can be described with 'simple yet sturdy'.
A huge number of maids were gathered at the entrance to welcome the return of the Fourth Princess.
It is estimated that the number of maids is around thirty. They were divided into two rows, standing one at each side and gave a deep bow to Silvia. It is not surprising to have the palace musicians preforming at this moment.
"Welcome back, Princess. The Paladin has been expecting you for a long time."
A maid wearing spectacles, representing the other maids, stood in front of Silvia.
"I would be of better use making the guests familiar with the palace..." Silvia said reasonably.
After that she then turned her attention towards Ash and Eco, but...
"No. You must first greet the Paladin."
The bespectacled maid kept her stance and refused compromise.
"Haa... I understand."
After Silvia sighed but promised, she spoke to Ash:
"This is how it is. We will do our stuff separately for a while. If there are any questions, you can inquire anything from her–– Florida."
Ash nodded in understanding. So Silvia, with an imperial imposing manner, marched towards the stairs at the inner part of the entrance hall. Cossette also followed Silvia.
Just after Silvia and Cossette climbed up the stairs and disappeared behind, the maids gathered around the hall dispersed to their various duties.
She is full of murderous intent.
"What’s wrong with them...?"
Ash blankly murmured. Then, Florida, who was the only one left, walks towards them.
Florida is a head taller than Ash and, just because of this, Ash felt a huge amount of pressure. But hidden beneath the spectacles, the sharpness of her eyes were no less than a knight.
Just by being looked at by such a woman, it is not a wonder that Silvia will obey her... Ash can finally understand how she felt.
"My name is Florida Shelley. Both of you are Ash Blake-sama and Eco-sama the dragon, am I right? Your room has already been taken care of."
Florida, without a smile, led the two to their bedroom.
From the entrance hall to the corridor, the walls decorated with the works of well-known painters and sculptors. Among them, many of them were related to dragons or Dragners.
"That... Florida-san is seems that your Surname is Shelley, right? Could you be by any chance a relative of Cossette?"
Ash asked.
"Cossette is my cousin's sister. Does it have anything to do with you?"
"N-No... Sorry."
Once he was glowered at, Ash was trembling with fear. Her personality compared to the kind Cossette is like two different worlds.
Florida then continues to speak:
"Please forgive me for saying this; the Continental Congress Elysium will be held on the coming day. Currently the whole city is busy carrying out the preparatory work. Logically speaking, this is not really a suitable time to entertain guests like the both of you."
"Haha... I understand."
Since the other party had said this very straight forwardly, Ash can only smile bitterly.
However... Eco had a temper worse than Ash. She shook her pair of fists, and grumbled as if she was cursing:
"You really don't know how to say anything nice... it is not really a suitable time to entertain us? Why don’t you ever think of why we came here from a faraway place––"
Ash quickly whispered to Eco:
"Please don’t be mischievous while we're here in the city! I don’t have that many lives..."
"Err... Since she has spoken cruelly to us... and yet you want me to just forget about it with just a smile?"
"What else can we do?"
"Eh-Hem!"
Seeing as Florida gave a cough, Ash quickly turned silence.
"Because I still have work to do, I don’t have the time to entertain you both."
Florida continues to add fuel to the fire.
Ash, while covering Eco mouth, said: "Please don’t trouble yourself. After we meet with the Paladin, we will immediately head home. After all, the Continental Congress has nothing to do with us."
"Your analysis is correct. Having said that, for not entertaining the guest, it is not a tradition of the Lautreamont family. Fortunately, Princess Veronica-sama has sent someone responsible to take care of you two. Please be rest assured."
"Huh? Princess Veronica-sama...?"
Ash sensed something that made him felt unease.
Florida stopped in front of a door along a corridor on the fourth floor.
"This is your room."
Just when Florida places her hand on the golden doorknob––
-Doong Toom
A strange noise can be heard from behind the door. The series of several loud thuds might make people suspect an avalanche is occurring.
"W-What has happened?"
Florida with a great change on her face changed, rushed into the room.
"Sorry ~!"
Upon entering, a young maid was crying in the middle of numerous books scattered on the floor.
"Prim-san...?"
Ash blankly muttering the maid's name.
The maid in front is Cosette's sister – Primrose Shelley. Logically speaking, she should be working on the airship Silvanus...
No, apart from that, the point is, why is Prim only wearing her underwear? The white underwear is bulging with a huge amount of flesh.
Just when Ash was staring at her cleavage-
"You idiot! Who allowed you to stare!"
Eco’s severely elbowed his tummy.
"Urgh!"
"Prim! Why are you dressed like this?!"
Florida asked Prim.
"T-This is because... Every time I clean, I do not know why my clothes would get dirty... So I thought up a way to clean while being naked, such an action wouldn't get my clothes dirty!"
"It doesn’t matter if our maid attire gets dirty! Besides, why would this room be in a mess?"
Books that were scattered on the ground. A bucket that was tipped. Water puddled on the floor. Littered rags. And the unnatural position of the carpets.
The room before it was cleaned, should have been cleaner. Ash thought.
Without waiting for the sniffling Prim to put on her clothes, Florida left the room.
"Prim is then responsible for taking care of Ash and Eco"- Which is the parting sentence that Florida said before she left.
To Florida, Ash and Eco’s visit is only an additional burden for her. To put it bluntly; She just passed the trouble on to the useless Prim.
As for Veronica's involvement, who sent Prim here for support, things were not better off. Although, looking from the perspective that they already knew each other, it is not wrong to say that Prim is suitable for this job...
"Glad to have the opportunity to meet with you again, Ash-sama!”
Prim who finally put on her maid uniform leaned over. By smelling her fruity body smell, Ash heart starts to race.
Long-time no see, Prim-san."
"Who is this lady?... Don’t tell me that you had a mistress without me knowing?"
Eco unhappily pinched his tummy.
"Where did you learn that word from? She is Primrose Shelley-san and is also Cosette's sister."
"Indeed... She does look like Cosette, but it seems that she is not a good maid."
"Uuuuu!"
Eco’s criticism hits the bull’s eye. Prim stepped back.
"Eco! Be careful of how you are speaking!"
"It does not matter... Ash-sama. It is true because my clumsy personality is an indisputable fact... Are you Eco?"
Prim looked excited, she is staring at Eco.
"W-What are you looking at...?”
Eco is stunned. Strictly speaking, she should have been overwhelmed by Prim’s breasts. Her magnificent breasts were shaking roughly in front of Eco.
"Waa! You really have horns! Can I touch them?"
Like a child wanting to touch a small animal, Prim stretched out her hand towards Eco.
"Stop... of course you may not touch them!"
Eco immediately exposed her teeth while dodging.
Since a few days ago, when her weakness about ‘by nibbling her horns she will become powerless’ was exposed by Lukka, Eco is always on alert about people who were going to touch her horns.
"What is special about touching a horn! Quickly clean the room! What a mess it is in, I can’t even rest and have a cup of tea!"
"Uuu... Sorry... I'll tidy up right away."
"Ah, it's better if I do the cleaning."
After hearing that Ash is going to help, Prim jumped up on the spot
"That is outrageous! For a maid to let a guest do the cleaning, it's worse than death!"
"No, it's not helping... I should say that I’ll do all the work. Prim-san, please accompany Eco."
"Err, but..."
"Please!"
Seeing that Ash is insisting, Prim forcefully nodded.
Ash, who was good at cleaning, spent less than thirty minutes to finish up. If it was given to Prim, most probably it will be until the sun sets.
Ash looked at the room again.
Indeed it is a guest room in the castle, all the furniture used were first-class goods.
Hung on the ceiling was a crystal chandelier inlaid with bright-dragon-crystal.
Even a heater, that is useless in the summer, was also placed in the room.
The room had two beds, which nearly made Ash burst in tears. Because normally, in the student dormitory, his bed is given to Eco. He could only place a futon on the ground......
Eco who was looking at the scenery from the window, like a child suddenly cried out loud.
"Woah... Come and have a look!"
Because the room was located on the fourth floor, they were able to view the scenery around the capital.
Ash stood beside Eco, looked at the streets below.
The view, that he had only seen previously in pictures, is right in front of his eyes. The big churches, Opera Houses and other large facilities were all over the place. It's a special view that can only be seen in the capital.
"..."
Ash casually looked at Eco, sure enough, she obviously had an impatient look.
Even though she is also obviously taking a peek back at Ash, once their eyes met, she pretended to turn her head the other away. Anyhow, Ash had lived together with Eco for three months and he immediately knew what she is thinking.
Besides, since it is still early, they were not told to stay in their room...
"Do you want to have a look at the streets?"
Upon hearing Ash's proposal, Eco suddenly revealed a blooming flowers-like laugh, but she soon put away her smile with a stinking face and crossed her arms.
"Hmm... I don’t really get what you are thinking. It doesn’t matter whether I am going there or not, but if you really insist on going, I can consider accompanying you. But then, before that..."
"Before that?"
"I want to change my clothes! I've had enough of this maid attire!"
Eco started to roughly remove her maid uniform. Her smooth white shoulder, back and waist suddenly became visible.
"Uwaa! Don’t do it so suddenly!"
Ash quickly turned to the right to avoid looking at Eco’s naked body.
In the king's hall, Paladin Oswald leaped from his throne, and made a perfect curve while flying towards Silvia.
"TCH... you are really annoying!"
Silvia’s iron fist soon hit Oswald’s round face.
“Ouch!”
Oswald spouts a nosebleed as he falls backwards.
The glorious Paladin’s blood soon soaked into the red carpet.
"From the strength of your punch... you have grown up to be more and more like your mother."
Oswald slowly climbed up from the ground while saying it with emotion.
Silvia's mother- Queen Elizabeth was a famous Ark-Dragner during her lifetime. But, in the end she had lost to a disease.
Since the Queen had passed away when Silvia was three years old, she doesn’t have a strong impression of her mother.
There is a huge portrait behind the throne. Her mother in the painting looks elegant, featuring a pair of vulture-like piercing eyes.
In Silvia's eyes, her mother was someone she admires. She hoped that she can be a woman like her mother one day.
However, different from her heroic mother, her father- Oswald... is nothing but a worthless person.
He was always with his smiling round face and his round body. Although he didn’t imitate the past Paladins by forgoing a large beard, but even with kind words, he can’t be considered good-looking.
These are just the small problems; the main thing is his mushroom-like hairstyle. Silvia really wanted him to have it changed. Even though he was quite satisfied with it, his daughter is really embarrassed by it.
Don’t know whether it is unfortunate or lucky that Oswald hadn't been chosen by the Mother Dragon as a breeder.
"Come closer Sylvie, let me look at your beautiful face."
"I do not mind being looked at by you... but please do not come a step closer. You are filthy!"
"Uhoo! Even your style of scolding others is like Elizabeth’s!"
Seeing Oswald blush, Silvia had had enough of him.
"Don’t you have any sense of shame! Being overjoyed because of being scolded by your daughter... what nonsense is that!"
After she forced her father back to his throne with her kick, Silvia asked seriously:
"What in the world made you summon me back home? I’m just an ordinary student and still studying. Why would you order me to attend the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...?"
"Why should you be so timid? You are the Fourth Princess and also a Dragner. Of course you are fully qualified to join the line-ups of the Lautreamont Knights country's leaders. Anyway, the person who recommended you isn't me, but Veronica."
"Anee-ue she...?"
Indeed this is an idea that only Veronica would think about, Silvia thought secretly.
She intends to make Silvia, who declared "I am determined to become the Paladin", to accumulate some experience regarding the royals.
If she can be involved in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’ before she is twenty, she will get quite some valuable experience.
Of course Veronica would surely be attending as the First Princess. With the thought of going to greet Veronica later, Silvia is getting a headache.
"In short, as long as I can see Sylvie, I’ve no objection. That’s why I simply just accepted Veronica's opinions."
"I see... Then about summoning Ash Blake and young dragon Eco in such a busy period, why did you do so?"
Even when he was gazed coldly by Silvia, Oswald remained calm. He just plays with the small beard below his chin with his fingers.
"Now is indeed a busy period, but Sylvie, you must have already known... I am just the Paladin by name. Most of the government tasks are handled by my excellent subordinates, the busier they are at work, the more leisurely I become."
Silvia is at loss for words.
"In other words... you just want to find someone to accompany you, no matter whom it is?"
"Well, that's true. I have heard about the rumors about Ash Blake and young dragon Eco."
Silvia lost her might. This father is simply no different than a child, she thought.
Perhaps that he felt guilty after seeing Silvia’s looks, Oswald like giving an excuse said:
"Of course it is not that simple. I also know of what Ash Blake has contributed. As a Paladin, I think there is a suitable reward for him."
"Suitable reward...? What is that?"
Silvia curiously asked, but Oswald only exposed a child-like naughty smile.
"Oh, tonight I'm going to entertain Ash Blake and Young Dragon Eco with a dinner. If you are interested, you may attend."
"I don’t even want to know!"
Silvia’s face is red and she wanted to immediately turn around and leave, but before that she came out with a question:
"... I also have one thing that I want to ask father."
"Huu! Feel free to ask."
Oswald who overly bored happily allowed it.
"I would like to ask something about Brother Julius."
Upon hearing that, Oswald expression instantly freezes.
Even cheerful Oswald, once he heard someone mention the name Julius, his face sank. Although Julius sentence was ten years ago, but that name until today is still considered taboo.
"Was Aniue[3] really executed?"
"W-What are you talking about...? Sylvie? He was a Dragonslayer. Even though he was a prince, we mustn’t spare him."
"I understand. I’m just curious..."
"In the future never mention such silly question, alright? There are things in this world that can be spoken off and things that cannot."
“…Yes.”
Silvia with a serious expression promised and left the king’s hall.
Cosette who was waiting in the hallway with a tactful tone asked her:
"What’s the outcome?"
Silvia while walking faster, she replied:
"Once he heard me asking about aniue , chichiue’s[4] eyebrows gave a reaction. Whenever chichiue is lying, his left eyebrow would stir up––this is his sign."
Silvia clenched her fist and continued to say.
"I'm afraid that chichiue couldn’t bear to kill aniue, but just had him exiled..."
The first place Prim introduced to both Ash and Eco was the central square.
"Fontaine City’s central square is a very well-known tourist attraction. On the right side, you can see St Rosa Maria’s Cathedral. Beside it is the Fontaine National Opera House. On the left side you can also see the Ark-Dragner’s Museum."
Prim is certainly not good at cleaning, but she could become quite a good tourist guide since she is a local.
"It's terrific... Terrific! This is the knight country’s capital...!"
Eco ran lightly on the evenly spaced stone slabs.
She was wearing a hat that covered her horns. Although the water-coloured sleeveless one-piece dress exposed some of her flesh, it was still very suitable for the young and lively Eco. Her legs, without her stockings, were stepping along on a pair of white sandals. This dress was specially bought, in the shopping streets in Ansarivan, for this trip.
"Eco, be careful not to get lost!"
Ash and Prim were quickly chasing after Eco’s footsteps.
Even though it's daytime, on a weekday, the central square was still packed with people. There were shoppers, tourists and many innocent children running around.
Eco stopped in front of a flower garden. The inner part of it is full with flowers blooming under the summer sun. The flowerbeds were placed in layers, and there were a couple of bronze statues on the top most tier.
There were a set bronze statues depicting a knight and the king. The knight was kneeling with his head lowered. The king was wielding a unsheathed sword, placed lightly on the knight's shoulder.
"What is that statue?"
Prim answered Eco’s childlike question while smiling:
"This group of bronze statues is a scene of the appointment ceremony. At the time, the Chevron king- Lionel III appointed Durham-sama as the first Paladin. Later, the person who revitalized the Lautreamont knight country was Durham-sama himself."
"Oh... it sounds like it is full of history."
Eco was admiring the statue.
The date engraved on the base is year 864 November the third in the year of the Saint. Dating back about five hundred years.
Perhaps she was satisfied with the statue, Eco turned around and lazily stretched her waist.
"Nn~! The size of this place completely different from Ansarivan! I’m getting more and more excited!"
"After all, Ansarivan is just an academy city. I think it does not make any sense to compare the two."
After Ash gave his analysis, he was being stared at angrily by Eco.
"You really love to spoil the fun! Since it's rare for us to be in the capital, I want to totally forget about the Paladin and enjoy the fun!"
Eco majestically made a declaration and her red eyes were shining in splendor.
"Hey! How can we forget about the Paladin!"
Ash quickly corrected Eco.
Eco was enjoying herself in the capital. Without realizing, the sun was setting.
"I think it is almost time for us to return to the castle?"
After Ash suggested, Eco refused to listen to him without any explanation.
"No. We haven’t visited the shopping district!"
Eco ran forward, her dress swayed with the wind. According to Prim, it seems that following further along this alley, they will eventually arrive at the capital's largest shopping district.
"We don’t really have a choice."
While Ash was smiling, Prim suddenly reached out and pulled his sleeve.
“Prim-san?”
"That, Ash-sama... I-I am exhausted... I am alright with staying right here and waiting for you to return."
Prim, with an exhausted look, stood beside the trees beside the streets. Her shoulders were moving up and down from her breathing... Because she was sweating her clothes were clinging to her skin and made her figure stand out very attractively.
After Ash adverted his eyes from Prim, he thanked her.
"Prim-san, thank you. We will try to come back early. If any stranger starts a conversation with you, never follow him, okay?"
"I am not that innocent!"
Ash entered the shopping district with Prim protesting against him from behind. He was already scanning for Eco in the crowded area.
On both sides of the street are a row of buildings doing businesses.
Food, clothing, jewelery, books, groceries, furniture... there should be nothing that you can’t buy here, right?- The wide variety of goods at this place will make others think so.
Apart from the shops, there were also a lot of street vendors. Every vendor was using every trick they knew to attract guests before they choose to visit other cafés or restaurants. The sweet aromatic smell was appreciated by Ash.
Unsurprisingly Eco, also attracted by the appetizing smell, was staring at one of the street vendors dazed. A middle-aged man can be seen cooking the crust of crepes on an iron grill.
"Hey, you still want to eat...?"
Ash spoke timidly behind Eco.
In fact, before they came here, they had already eaten cakes, apple pies and tea in a café.
"How can I be so careless! I had forgotten that I haven’t eaten any crepes today. How can I actually commit such mistake! If I didn’t taste any crepes here, it means that I have wasted my time in the capital... Don’t you also think so?"
“What sort of nonsense is that!”
After Ash had finished commenting, Eco was already queing up at the back of the serving line. It seems that she had made up her mind and refused to leave.
"Haa... After you have eaten this, you are not allowed to buy any others, alright?"
Eco with a "hum~" she was humming a song and she did not answer.
"Having said that..."
Only just now did Ash realize that those who were lining up to buy crepes... most of them were couples. Some were holding hands, the others were hooking their arms and there were also people who were flirting......
Eco, who also witnessed all that, turned around and asked Ash
"Haa... Why are they sticking together so intimately? And... Why do you envy them?"
"D-Did I have that expression?"
"You were like a hungry dog, or I can also say that you were like a caged pig."
“You really are mean!”
"Hey, you haven’t told me why?"
"B-Because... they are couples."
After Ash shyly answered, Eco slightly blushed.
Although Eco is just a three month old young dragon, she had been living in the academy. Basically; she had a certain understanding about the concept of couples.
"I see..."
After Eco calmed down, a new customer had lined up behind Ash. Judging from their conversation, they seems to be a couple.
It is now evening and the sun is setting behind them, causing the couple's long shadow to be cast upon the stone slabs on the ground in front of them.
"...!"
The shadows of the two can be seen sticking closely together. Also, words such as "I love you", "my life is only for you" and other sweet and tender phrases for couples can be overheard.
"..."
Eco's attention was focused at the shadows, after a while she suddenly stretched out her right hand to Ash.
"... Eco?"
Eco turn to look at the side and snappily muttered:
"If it is just holding hands... I don’t really mind it."
Ash was shocked. He didn’t understand why Eco suddenly said that. Was it because she wanted to protest against the other couples, or she was just pitying Ash who envied the rest?
Anyway, Eco looked purer today. She was probably affected by the special atmosphere in the capital. It was like Eco was under the capital’s magic.
"So... Let’s do it."
Ash held Eco's hand as his heart beat increased. The moment their hands touched each other, Eco was startled. Her palm was smaller and softer than expected. Eco's body temperature was passed to Ash through her palm.
At this time, the couple behind them were fully immersed in their world.
From their shadows...... they were obviously kissing, and it was still quite an intense affectionate kiss. Their flirting had suddenly stopped at half-way- this gave them a deeper sense of reality.
"...!"
Eco seems to have also noticed the unusual circumstances behind. She was staring at the shadows on the ground for quite a moment.
"Y-You can only hold my hand! I-I will not allow any further development!"
Then she declared at Ash who was standing beside.
"I-I know that!"
Later, the two silently queued up.
In the eyes of others, are we like a pair of lovers... While feeling Eco’s warm hand in his... Ash thought so.
"Nn? It smells wonderful!"
On her right hand is a chocolate mint flavor while on her left hand is cream cheese and raspberry flavor. Today, it was a rare sight for Eco not to directly eat it, but start with smelling it.
"Be careful not to hit any passers-by."
Ash casually reminded her, but Eco abruptly looked up at him.
"Why didn’t you buy anything?"
"I don’t have a choice...... the price here is higher than Ansarivan. Even a crepe costs three hundred glorins[5]."
"What... hearing you say this, am I being luxurious?"
"I'm not blaming you. Since it is rare for us to be in the capital, don’t you worry about anything."
"... Take it."
Seeing Eco suddenly hand out her right hand’s Crepe, Ash becomes confused.
"Eco?"
"You can only have a bite..."
The reason that Eco’s face looked red... perhaps it was not just caused by the sunset.
"Can I... really?"
"Didn’t you say that it was rare for us to be in the capital? If I am the only one enjoying... It doesn’t feel right. You must also try to have some fun...!"
Ah... for her to be this kind, it must be the capital’s magic responsible for it.
Until what extent will Eco act cute today?
"Then I’ll take a bite... Nn! This is...!"
The chocolate’s sweetness and the mint’s refreshing feel gradually spread out in his mouth. The crust spread with cream is crunchy and soft.
"It's delicious! Really delicious! Eco, come and have a try!"
"Why are you exaggerating?"
Seeing Ash’s teeth marks on the Crepe, Eco looked sad. But eventually temptation wins out and she straight away took out a big bite.
"Nn... What is it? This is the first time I ate such a delicious crepe!" Eco was excitedly shouting...
Just then... A huge object, passing not too far away and above the shopping street, slowly occluded the red and setting sun and cast its huge shadow over this area of the city.
Because of the sudden disappearance of the sun, everyone looked curiously upwards–– then they involuntarily came out with a sounds of amazement.
Ash and Eco were no exception, they looked up at the sky dumbfounded.
An air carrier was floating in the sky.
The size is far bigger than Princess Veronica’s airship Silvanus.
On the air carrier, there is a flag of the Zepharos Empire. On the other side of the flag there was a huge family crest that Ash had never seen before.
“Is it the Empire’s nobles?”
Someone answered Ash.
"That's the Viderhausen family’s coat of arms. I heard that the head of the Viderhausen family is going to represent the Empire in the scheduled Continental Congress."
Cosette suddenly appeared.
"Hehe, I'm here to pick up Ash-sama and Eco."
Ash was amazed.
She could even find them in this crowded city.
"... Pick us up? Why?"
"Because Ash-sama and Eco are going to join tonight’s dinner."
"Dinner...?"
Seeing Ash muttering, Cosette suddenly straightened herself.
"The Paladin is expecting the both of you."
By judging this sentence alone, Ash finally understood the situation he was in. The Paladin had finally summoned him. Ash was surprised to have the honour to be invited to a dinner with the Paladin. Ash only expected that he would only get the chance to greet the Paladin in the throne room.
"Hehe. Princess will also be attending. No need to be nervous."
Hearing Cosette say this, Ash was relieved.
Although, with Silvia acting as a social bridge, it is hard to say that he need not be nervous.
"Let's go."
Lead by Cosette, Ash and Eco were on their way home.
Though Ash felt like he had forgotten some important event, his head was already full of tonight’s dinner.
Near the entrance to the shopping district, Prim was leaning by the trees eagerly looking forward for Ash and Eco’s return.
Without realizing, it was already dusk and the pedestrians around gradually thinned out.
"Uoo~ how come the two of them are not back yet-! Uoo.”
"Eco's Hioliday ~A.B.S.1365.7~" is closed.
Early in the morning, on the fourteenth day, in the month of Cancer.
The day to depart for Fontaine City, the capital of Lautreamont Knight Country, had finally arrived. Ash and Eco had already made their preparations for the journey and were again standing in front of the campus’s fountain.
Actually; today also happens to be the first day of the semester examination finals. Though Ash and Silvia had already formally requested to leave the school grounds they will have to take a makeup examination when they return to the Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.
But with the thought of meeting with the Paladin, Ash felt that the final semester examination is but a trivial matter.
"Anyway...... this outfit is really hot." Ash complained.
He was adjusting his bow tie with his fingers.
Ash is in a palace-designed manservant uniform. The well made dark coat gave out an extra elegant feel.
"Don’t you know that I also feel very hot too!!!"
On the other hand, Eco is also wearing maid attire which is also a palace design. It is exactly like the same ones Cosette wears daily. Even though she still looks kind of cute in the uniform, unfortunately her unnecessarily high self-esteem is at work, causing her mood to be ugly.
Needless to say, it is not Ash and Eco’s intention to wear such clothes.
In fact, this was proposed by Cosette.
This was to avoid unwanted rumors when the two of them went back to Fontaine city accompanied by Princess Silvia.
Indeed, if the Princess were to travel back home, alone together with a male student, it would not be surprising if some rumors would be born from it. Moreover, it seemed that, the thing that attracts news reporters’ curiosity most is the affairs of the palace’s nobles. This is also the reason why Eco and Ash were disguised as servants.
As it happens, first bell sounds off at this time.
The students hurried out of their dormitories and rushed over to the school. This being an final exam day each student wears a terrible murderous expression.
"Fuwaa ......"
Eco yawned. She was still sleepy for getting up early and looked as if she was without any spirit. Even so, her shiny hair that reflects the morning rays was like a pink gem stone which gave her a divine like look.
"Err...... is Silvia not ready yet?"
"For Princess, it is like she is going back home. It should have been that she needed more time to pack up her stuff."
"What was that? She asks us out early in the morning but she is late herself? How could there be such a rude female animal!"
Eco is also wearing palace designed maid attire
"Hey, how can you call Princess as a 'female animal'!"
Eco needs to take care of what and how she's going to speak before she causes trouble by uttering some nonsense in town... Ash secretly thought.
A few moments after the bell rang, Lancelot glided down landing gracefully with Silvia and Cosette on its back.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Silvia had her blond hair tied and is wearing a dragsuit embroidered with the knight’s royal insignia. She looks as if she is a mythological character.
Eco immediately lost her sleepiness and angrily shouted:
"Why are you so slow!! And what’s with that costume? And you even made a prideful dragon wear a servant’s clothing... What a disappointment!!!"
"Ara? I’m so sad. I had initially happily thought that it is a rare chance for me to be in the same attire as Eco..."
Cosette replied for Silvia. She covers her mouth with her hands and turns her face to avoid looking at Eco, and started sniffing.
"Wait... what is there worth crying about! That... You usually take care of me, and since we have the opportunity to wear the same clothes, I'm also glad about it..."
"Hehe. Thank you Eco."
Sure enough, Cosette, with a nonchalant look, was laughing.
"Wha... How dare you trick me!"
Eco immediately grew angry, but nothing more could be done.
"We are ready to take off. Both of you please come up!"
Under Silvia’s command, the group finally departed.
"Ash Blake and young dragon Eco... had left?" Anya coldly muttered.
Anya had coincidentally arrived at the dragon riding academy and saw Lancelot, and the rest, flying high up into the sky.
The rumors that Silvia will attend the Continental Congress––'Elysium', and that Ash and Eco who have gained the opportunity to meet with the Paladin––had long ago spread like wildfire.
And, naturally, this information had been passed to Anya.
All the intelligence received so far had been completely reported to Milgauss.
Milgauss, who had an abnormal interest in Eco, immediately launched his plan.
Using Fontaine City as its location, the combat strategy reformulation is well underway.
Anya will also then leave for Fontaine City.
But.... What confused her was why doesn’t she have her usual motivation.
––Recently, there is something wrong with Milgauss...
The previous Milgauss usually obeyed his duty from the Empire’s Army’s Intelligence Department, and always calmly completed his task.
However, since he met with young dragon Eco, Milgauss seems to have changed into a different person.
The Milgauss of now, compared to helping the Empire’s Army, feels increasingly like his actions are more in his own interests.
But Anya is inspired by Milgauss. Regardless of which country Milgauss defected to, she is prepared to follow him silently.
If it is so, her desire to look forward to the day Milgauss reveals his ‘secret’, is it regarded as an arrogant wish...?
“What am I thinking about!!" Anya harshly scolded herself.
She then walked towards the parking space for the dragon carriage. [1]
"What is that...? This is the first time I seen such a huge city!"
The time has just passed noon, the time when the sun becomes stronger, Eco gives praise.
Fontaine City’s spire gradually appeared at the other end of the Fotainia’s vast plains[2]. The scenery of the town surrounding the spire had just come into view.
"Be careful not to fall down."
Ash reminded Eco who is behind him.
Eco was touched by the scene in front and had loosened her grip on Ash’s waist.
Speaking of waist, Silvia is holding the reins while controlling Lancelot right in front of Ash.
This is the third time in his whole life Ash rode with Sylvia.
Ash initially did not mind sitting at the rear, but before he mounted Lancelot, a smiling Cosette gave up her position as seconded to him.
On their way there, Silvia's hair has an aroma of roses which caused him to feel uneasy. As if the wind that had been blowing on his face is stained with Silvia’s body fragrance.
To keep himself from thinking about Silvia’s body fragrance, Ash carefully observed Fontaine City.
This metropolis is centered around the castle.
In the space above the urban areas, many Dragners acting as guards can be seen flying around.
This scene gave an unusual feeling of tension.
"Hey, Princess, does this city usually have so many Dragners?"
"No. It is because the Continental Congress is around the corner so security was reinforced."
"I see. Anyway... Why deliberately choose such a busy time to summon Eco and I? Ahh, I have no offense against the Paladin."
"Sorry... I do not want to talk about things regarding my father."
Because he felt such strong resistance, Ash abandoned his investigation.
At this time, the Dragners in charge of the security noticed Lancelot’s arrival. They lined up in mid-air, uniformly and put on their salute pose.
"Thanks for your hard work!"
Silvia with a loud voice responded to those Dragners who respectfully saluted to her.
The five-story Fontaine Palace stands right in the center of the capital. It is an old city that can be described with 'simple yet sturdy'.
A huge number of maids were gathered at the entrance to welcome the return of the Fourth Princess.
It is estimated that the number of maids is around thirty. They were divided into two rows, standing one at each side and gave a deep bow to Silvia. It is not surprising to have the palace musicians preforming at this moment.
"Welcome back, Princess. The Paladin has been expecting you for a long time."
A maid wearing spectacles, representing the other maids, stood in front of Silvia.
"I would be of better use making the guests familiar with the palace..." Silvia said reasonably.
After that she then turned her attention towards Ash and Eco, but...
"No. You must first greet the Paladin."
The bespectacled maid kept her stance and refused compromise.
"Haa... I understand."
After Silvia sighed but promised, she spoke to Ash:
"This is how it is. We will do our stuff separately for a while. If there are any questions, you can inquire anything from her–– Florida."
Ash nodded in understanding. So Silvia, with an imperial imposing manner, marched towards the stairs at the inner part of the entrance hall. Cossette also followed Silvia.
Just after Silvia and Cossette climbed up the stairs and disappeared behind, the maids gathered around the hall dispersed to their various duties.
She is full of murderous intent.
"What’s wrong with them...?"
Ash blankly murmured. Then, Florida, who was the only one left, walks towards them.
Florida is a head taller than Ash and, just because of this, Ash felt a huge amount of pressure. But hidden beneath the spectacles, the sharpness of her eyes were no less than a knight.
Just by being looked at by such a woman, it is not a wonder that Silvia will obey her... Ash can finally understand how she felt.
"My name is Florida Shelley. Both of you are Ash Blake-sama and Eco-sama the dragon, am I right? Your room has already been taken care of."
Florida, without a smile, led the two to their bedroom.
From the entrance hall to the corridor, the walls decorated with the works of well-known painters and sculptors. Among them, many of them were related to dragons or Dragners.
"That... Florida-san is seems that your Surname is Shelley, right? Could you be by any chance a relative of Cossette?"
Ash asked.
"Cossette is my cousin's sister. Does it have anything to do with you?"
"N-No... Sorry."
Once he was glowered at, Ash was trembling with fear. Her personality compared to the kind Cossette is like two different worlds.
Florida then continues to speak:
"Please forgive me for saying this; the Continental Congress Elysium will be held on the coming day. Currently the whole city is busy carrying out the preparatory work. Logically speaking, this is not really a suitable time to entertain guests like the both of you."
"Haha... I understand."
Since the other party had said this very straight forwardly, Ash can only smile bitterly.
However... Eco had a temper worse than Ash. She shook her pair of fists, and grumbled as if she was cursing:
"You really don't know how to say anything nice... it is not really a suitable time to entertain us? Why don’t you ever think of why we came here from a faraway place––"
Ash quickly whispered to Eco:
"Please don’t be mischievous while we're here in the city! I don’t have that many lives..."
"Err... Since she has spoken cruelly to us... and yet you want me to just forget about it with just a smile?"
"What else can we do?"
"Eh-Hem!"
Seeing as Florida gave a cough, Ash quickly turned silence.
"Because I still have work to do, I don’t have the time to entertain you both."
Florida continues to add fuel to the fire.
Ash, while covering Eco mouth, said: "Please don’t trouble yourself. After we meet with the Paladin, we will immediately head home. After all, the Continental Congress has nothing to do with us."
"Your analysis is correct. Having said that, for not entertaining the guest, it is not a tradition of the Lautreamont family. Fortunately, Princess Veronica-sama has sent someone responsible to take care of you two. Please be rest assured."
"Huh? Princess Veronica-sama...?"
Ash sensed something that made him felt unease.
Florida stopped in front of a door along a corridor on the fourth floor.
"This is your room."
Just when Florida places her hand on the golden doorknob––
-Doong Toom
A strange noise can be heard from behind the door. The series of several loud thuds might make people suspect an avalanche is occurring.
"W-What has happened?"
Florida with a great change on her face changed, rushed into the room.
"Sorry ~!"
Upon entering, a young maid was crying in the middle of numerous books scattered on the floor.
"Prim-san...?"
Ash blankly muttering the maid's name.
The maid in front is Cosette's sister – Primrose Shelley. Logically speaking, she should be working on the airship Silvanus...
No, apart from that, the point is, why is Prim only wearing her underwear? The white underwear is bulging with a huge amount of flesh.
Just when Ash was staring at her cleavage-
"You idiot! Who allowed you to stare!"
Eco’s severely elbowed his tummy.
"Urgh!"
"Prim! Why are you dressed like this?!"
Florida asked Prim.
"T-This is because... Every time I clean, I do not know why my clothes would get dirty... So I thought up a way to clean while being naked, such an action wouldn't get my clothes dirty!"
"It doesn’t matter if our maid attire gets dirty! Besides, why would this room be in a mess?"
Books that were scattered on the ground. A bucket that was tipped. Water puddled on the floor. Littered rags. And the unnatural position of the carpets.
The room before it was cleaned, should have been cleaner. Ash thought.
Without waiting for the sniffling Prim to put on her clothes, Florida left the room.
"Prim is then responsible for taking care of Ash and Eco"- Which is the parting sentence that Florida said before she left.
To Florida, Ash and Eco’s visit is only an additional burden for her. To put it bluntly; She just passed the trouble on to the useless Prim.
As for Veronica's involvement, who sent Prim here for support, things were not better off. Although, looking from the perspective that they already knew each other, it is not wrong to say that Prim is suitable for this job...
"Glad to have the opportunity to meet with you again, Ash-sama!”
Prim who finally put on her maid uniform leaned over. By smelling her fruity body smell, Ash heart starts to race.
Long-time no see, Prim-san."
"Who is this lady?... Don’t tell me that you had a mistress without me knowing?"
Eco unhappily pinched his tummy.
"Where did you learn that word from? She is Primrose Shelley-san and is also Cosette's sister."
"Indeed... She does look like Cosette, but it seems that she is not a good maid."
"Uuuuu!"
Eco’s criticism hits the bull’s eye. Prim stepped back.
"Eco! Be careful of how you are speaking!"
"It does not matter... Ash-sama. It is true because my clumsy personality is an indisputable fact... Are you Eco?"
Prim looked excited, she is staring at Eco.
"W-What are you looking at...?”
Eco is stunned. Strictly speaking, she should have been overwhelmed by Prim’s breasts. Her magnificent breasts were shaking roughly in front of Eco.
"Waa! You really have horns! Can I touch them?"
Like a child wanting to touch a small animal, Prim stretched out her hand towards Eco.
"Stop... of course you may not touch them!"
Eco immediately exposed her teeth while dodging.
Since a few days ago, when her weakness about ‘by nibbling her horns she will become powerless’ was exposed by Lukka, Eco is always on alert about people who were going to touch her horns.
"What is special about touching a horn! Quickly clean the room! What a mess it is in, I can’t even rest and have a cup of tea!"
"Uuu... Sorry... I'll tidy up right away."
"Ah, it's better if I do the cleaning."
After hearing that Ash is going to help, Prim jumped up on the spot
"That is outrageous! For a maid to let a guest do the cleaning, it's worse than death!"
"No, it's not helping... I should say that I’ll do all the work. Prim-san, please accompany Eco."
"Err, but..."
"Please!"
Seeing that Ash is insisting, Prim forcefully nodded.
Ash, who was good at cleaning, spent less than thirty minutes to finish up. If it was given to Prim, most probably it will be until the sun sets.
Ash looked at the room again.
Indeed it is a guest room in the castle, all the furniture used were first-class goods.
Hung on the ceiling was a crystal chandelier inlaid with bright-dragon-crystal.
Even a heater, that is useless in the summer, was also placed in the room.
The room had two beds, which nearly made Ash burst in tears. Because normally, in the student dormitory, his bed is given to Eco. He could only place a futon on the ground......
Eco who was looking at the scenery from the window, like a child suddenly cried out loud.
"Woah... Come and have a look!"
Because the room was located on the fourth floor, they were able to view the scenery around the capital.
Ash stood beside Eco, looked at the streets below.
The view, that he had only seen previously in pictures, is right in front of his eyes. The big churches, Opera Houses and other large facilities were all over the place. It's a special view that can only be seen in the capital.
"..."
Ash casually looked at Eco, sure enough, she obviously had an impatient look.
Even though she is also obviously taking a peek back at Ash, once their eyes met, she pretended to turn her head the other away. Anyhow, Ash had lived together with Eco for three months and he immediately knew what she is thinking.
Besides, since it is still early, they were not told to stay in their room...
"Do you want to have a look at the streets?"
Upon hearing Ash's proposal, Eco suddenly revealed a blooming flowers-like laugh, but she soon put away her smile with a stinking face and crossed her arms.
"Hmm... I don’t really get what you are thinking. It doesn’t matter whether I am going there or not, but if you really insist on going, I can consider accompanying you. But then, before that..."
"Before that?"
"I want to change my clothes! I've had enough of this maid attire!"
Eco started to roughly remove her maid uniform. Her smooth white shoulder, back and waist suddenly became visible.
"Uwaa! Don’t do it so suddenly!"
Ash quickly turned to the right to avoid looking at Eco’s naked body.
In the king's hall, Paladin Oswald leaped from his throne, and made a perfect curve while flying towards Silvia.
"TCH... you are really annoying!"
Silvia’s iron fist soon hit Oswald’s round face.
“Ouch!”
Oswald spouts a nosebleed as he falls backwards.
The glorious Paladin’s blood soon soaked into the red carpet.
"From the strength of your punch... you have grown up to be more and more like your mother."
Oswald slowly climbed up from the ground while saying it with emotion.
Silvia's mother- Queen Elizabeth was a famous Ark-Dragner during her lifetime. But, in the end she had lost to a disease.
Since the Queen had passed away when Silvia was three years old, she doesn’t have a strong impression of her mother.
There is a huge portrait behind the throne. Her mother in the painting looks elegant, featuring a pair of vulture-like piercing eyes.
In Silvia's eyes, her mother was someone she admires. She hoped that she can be a woman like her mother one day.
However, different from her heroic mother, her father- Oswald... is nothing but a worthless person.
He was always with his smiling round face and his round body. Although he didn’t imitate the past Paladins by forgoing a large beard, but even with kind words, he can’t be considered good-looking.
These are just the small problems; the main thing is his mushroom-like hairstyle. Silvia really wanted him to have it changed. Even though he was quite satisfied with it, his daughter is really embarrassed by it.
Don’t know whether it is unfortunate or lucky that Oswald hadn't been chosen by the Mother Dragon as a breeder.
"Come closer Sylvie, let me look at your beautiful face."
"I do not mind being looked at by you... but please do not come a step closer. You are filthy!"
"Uhoo! Even your style of scolding others is like Elizabeth’s!"
Seeing Oswald blush, Silvia had had enough of him.
"Don’t you have any sense of shame! Being overjoyed because of being scolded by your daughter... what nonsense is that!"
After she forced her father back to his throne with her kick, Silvia asked seriously:
"What in the world made you summon me back home? I’m just an ordinary student and still studying. Why would you order me to attend the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’...?"
"Why should you be so timid? You are the Fourth Princess and also a Dragner. Of course you are fully qualified to join the line-ups of the Lautreamont Knights country's leaders. Anyway, the person who recommended you isn't me, but Veronica."
"Anee-ue she...?"
Indeed this is an idea that only Veronica would think about, Silvia thought secretly.
She intends to make Silvia, who declared "I am determined to become the Paladin", to accumulate some experience regarding the royals.
If she can be involved in the Continental Congress ‘Elysium’ before she is twenty, she will get quite some valuable experience.
Of course Veronica would surely be attending as the First Princess. With the thought of going to greet Veronica later, Silvia is getting a headache.
"In short, as long as I can see Sylvie, I’ve no objection. That’s why I simply just accepted Veronica's opinions."
"I see... Then about summoning Ash Blake and young dragon Eco in such a busy period, why did you do so?"
Even when he was gazed coldly by Silvia, Oswald remained calm. He just plays with the small beard below his chin with his fingers.
"Now is indeed a busy period, but Sylvie, you must have already known... I am just the Paladin by name. Most of the government tasks are handled by my excellent subordinates, the busier they are at work, the more leisurely I become."
Silvia is at loss for words.
"In other words... you just want to find someone to accompany you, no matter whom it is?"
"Well, that's true. I have heard about the rumors about Ash Blake and young dragon Eco."
Silvia lost her might. This father is simply no different than a child, she thought.
Perhaps that he felt guilty after seeing Silvia’s looks, Oswald like giving an excuse said:
"Of course it is not that simple. I also know of what Ash Blake has contributed. As a Paladin, I think there is a suitable reward for him."
"Suitable reward...? What is that?"
Silvia curiously asked, but Oswald only exposed a child-like naughty smile.
"Oh, tonight I'm going to entertain Ash Blake and Young Dragon Eco with a dinner. If you are interested, you may attend."
"I don’t even want to know!"
Silvia’s face is red and she wanted to immediately turn around and leave, but before that she came out with a question:
"... I also have one thing that I want to ask father."
"Huu! Feel free to ask."
Oswald who overly bored happily allowed it.
"I would like to ask something about Brother Julius."
Upon hearing that, Oswald expression instantly freezes.
Even cheerful Oswald, once he heard someone mention the name Julius, his face sank. Although Julius sentence was ten years ago, but that name until today is still considered taboo.
"Was Aniue[3] really executed?"
"W-What are you talking about...? Sylvie? He was a Dragonslayer. Even though he was a prince, we mustn’t spare him."
"I understand. I’m just curious..."
"In the future never mention such silly question, alright? There are things in this world that can be spoken off and things that cannot."
“…Yes.”
Silvia with a serious expression promised and left the king’s hall.
Cosette who was waiting in the hallway with a tactful tone asked her:
"What’s the outcome?"
Silvia while walking faster, she replied:
"Once he heard me asking about aniue , chichiue’s[4] eyebrows gave a reaction. Whenever chichiue is lying, his left eyebrow would stir up––this is his sign."
Silvia clenched her fist and continued to say.
"I'm afraid that chichiue couldn’t bear to kill aniue, but just had him exiled..."
The first place Prim introduced to both Ash and Eco was the central square.
"Fontaine City’s central square is a very well-known tourist attraction. On the right side, you can see St Rosa Maria’s Cathedral. Beside it is the Fontaine National Opera House. On the left side you can also see the Ark-Dragner’s Museum."
Prim is certainly not good at cleaning, but she could become quite a good tourist guide since she is a local.
"It's terrific... Terrific! This is the knight country’s capital...!"
Eco ran lightly on the evenly spaced stone slabs.
She was wearing a hat that covered her horns. Although the water-coloured sleeveless one-piece dress exposed some of her flesh, it was still very suitable for the young and lively Eco. Her legs, without her stockings, were stepping along on a pair of white sandals. This dress was specially bought, in the shopping streets in Ansarivan, for this trip.
"Eco, be careful not to get lost!"
Ash and Prim were quickly chasing after Eco’s footsteps.
Even though it's daytime, on a weekday, the central square was still packed with people. There were shoppers, tourists and many innocent children running around.
Eco stopped in front of a flower garden. The inner part of it is full with flowers blooming under the summer sun. The flowerbeds were placed in layers, and there were a couple of bronze statues on the top most tier.
There were a set bronze statues depicting a knight and the king. The knight was kneeling with his head lowered. The king was wielding a unsheathed sword, placed lightly on the knight's shoulder.
"What is that statue?"
Prim answered Eco’s childlike question while smiling:
"This group of bronze statues is a scene of the appointment ceremony. At the time, the Chevron king- Lionel III appointed Durham-sama as the first Paladin. Later, the person who revitalized the Lautreamont knight country was Durham-sama himself."
"Oh... it sounds like it is full of history."
Eco was admiring the statue.
The date engraved on the base is year 864 November the third in the year of the Saint. Dating back about five hundred years.
Perhaps she was satisfied with the statue, Eco turned around and lazily stretched her waist.
"Nn~! The size of this place completely different from Ansarivan! I’m getting more and more excited!"
"After all, Ansarivan is just an academy city. I think it does not make any sense to compare the two."
After Ash gave his analysis, he was being stared at angrily by Eco.
"You really love to spoil the fun! Since it's rare for us to be in the capital, I want to totally forget about the Paladin and enjoy the fun!"
Eco majestically made a declaration and her red eyes were shining in splendor.
"Hey! How can we forget about the Paladin!"
Ash quickly corrected Eco.
Eco was enjoying herself in the capital. Without realizing, the sun was setting.
"I think it is almost time for us to return to the castle?"
After Ash suggested, Eco refused to listen to him without any explanation.
"No. We haven’t visited the shopping district!"
Eco ran forward, her dress swayed with the wind. According to Prim, it seems that following further along this alley, they will eventually arrive at the capital's largest shopping district.
"We don’t really have a choice."
While Ash was smiling, Prim suddenly reached out and pulled his sleeve.
“Prim-san?”
"That, Ash-sama... I-I am exhausted... I am alright with staying right here and waiting for you to return."
Prim, with an exhausted look, stood beside the trees beside the streets. Her shoulders were moving up and down from her breathing... Because she was sweating her clothes were clinging to her skin and made her figure stand out very attractively.
After Ash adverted his eyes from Prim, he thanked her.
"Prim-san, thank you. We will try to come back early. If any stranger starts a conversation with you, never follow him, okay?"
"I am not that innocent!"
Ash entered the shopping district with Prim protesting against him from behind. He was already scanning for Eco in the crowded area.
On both sides of the street are a row of buildings doing businesses.
Food, clothing, jewelery, books, groceries, furniture... there should be nothing that you can’t buy here, right?- The wide variety of goods at this place will make others think so.
Apart from the shops, there were also a lot of street vendors. Every vendor was using every trick they knew to attract guests before they choose to visit other cafés or restaurants. The sweet aromatic smell was appreciated by Ash.
Unsurprisingly Eco, also attracted by the appetizing smell, was staring at one of the street vendors dazed. A middle-aged man can be seen cooking the crust of crepes on an iron grill.
"Hey, you still want to eat...?"
Ash spoke timidly behind Eco.
In fact, before they came here, they had already eaten cakes, apple pies and tea in a café.
"How can I be so careless! I had forgotten that I haven’t eaten any crepes today. How can I actually commit such mistake! If I didn’t taste any crepes here, it means that I have wasted my time in the capital... Don’t you also think so?"
“What sort of nonsense is that!”
After Ash had finished commenting, Eco was already queing up at the back of the serving line. It seems that she had made up her mind and refused to leave.
"Haa... After you have eaten this, you are not allowed to buy any others, alright?"
Eco with a "hum~" she was humming a song and she did not answer.
"Having said that..."
Only just now did Ash realize that those who were lining up to buy crepes... most of them were couples. Some were holding hands, the others were hooking their arms and there were also people who were flirting......
Eco, who also witnessed all that, turned around and asked Ash
"Haa... Why are they sticking together so intimately? And... Why do you envy them?"
"D-Did I have that expression?"
"You were like a hungry dog, or I can also say that you were like a caged pig."
“You really are mean!”
"Hey, you haven’t told me why?"
"B-Because... they are couples."
After Ash shyly answered, Eco slightly blushed.
Although Eco is just a three month old young dragon, she had been living in the academy. Basically; she had a certain understanding about the concept of couples.
"I see..."
After Eco calmed down, a new customer had lined up behind Ash. Judging from their conversation, they seems to be a couple.
It is now evening and the sun is setting behind them, causing the couple's long shadow to be cast upon the stone slabs on the ground in front of them.
"...!"
The shadows of the two can be seen sticking closely together. Also, words such as "I love you", "my life is only for you" and other sweet and tender phrases for couples can be overheard.
"..."
Eco's attention was focused at the shadows, after a while she suddenly stretched out her right hand to Ash.
"... Eco?"
Eco turn to look at the side and snappily muttered:
"If it is just holding hands... I don’t really mind it."
Ash was shocked. He didn’t understand why Eco suddenly said that. Was it because she wanted to protest against the other couples, or she was just pitying Ash who envied the rest?
Anyway, Eco looked purer today. She was probably affected by the special atmosphere in the capital. It was like Eco was under the capital’s magic.
"So... Let’s do it."
Ash held Eco's hand as his heart beat increased. The moment their hands touched each other, Eco was startled. Her palm was smaller and softer than expected. Eco's body temperature was passed to Ash through her palm.
At this time, the couple behind them were fully immersed in their world.
From their shadows...... they were obviously kissing, and it was still quite an intense affectionate kiss. Their flirting had suddenly stopped at half-way- this gave them a deeper sense of reality.
"...!"
Eco seems to have also noticed the unusual circumstances behind. She was staring at the shadows on the ground for quite a moment.
"Y-You can only hold my hand! I-I will not allow any further development!"
Then she declared at Ash who was standing beside.
"I-I know that!"
Later, the two silently queued up.
In the eyes of others, are we like a pair of lovers... While feeling Eco’s warm hand in his... Ash thought so.
"Nn? It smells wonderful!"
On her right hand is a chocolate mint flavor while on her left hand is cream cheese and raspberry flavor. Today, it was a rare sight for Eco not to directly eat it, but start with smelling it.
"Be careful not to hit any passers-by."
Ash casually reminded her, but Eco abruptly looked up at him.
"Why didn’t you buy anything?"
"I don’t have a choice...... the price here is higher than Ansarivan. Even a crepe costs three hundred glorins[5]."
"What... hearing you say this, am I being luxurious?"
"I'm not blaming you. Since it is rare for us to be in the capital, don’t you worry about anything."
"... Take it."
Seeing Eco suddenly hand out her right hand’s Crepe, Ash becomes confused.
"Eco?"
"You can only have a bite..."
The reason that Eco’s face looked red... perhaps it was not just caused by the sunset.
"Can I... really?"
"Didn’t you say that it was rare for us to be in the capital? If I am the only one enjoying... It doesn’t feel right. You must also try to have some fun...!"
Ah... for her to be this kind, it must be the capital’s magic responsible for it.
Until what extent will Eco act cute today?
"Then I’ll take a bite... Nn! This is...!"
The chocolate’s sweetness and the mint’s refreshing feel gradually spread out in his mouth. The crust spread with cream is crunchy and soft.
"It's delicious! Really delicious! Eco, come and have a try!"
"Why are you exaggerating?"
Seeing Ash’s teeth marks on the Crepe, Eco looked sad. But eventually temptation wins out and she straight away took out a big bite.
"Nn... What is it? This is the first time I ate such a delicious crepe!" Eco was excitedly shouting...
Just then... A huge object, passing not too far away and above the shopping street, slowly occluded the red and setting sun and cast its huge shadow over this area of the city.
Because of the sudden disappearance of the sun, everyone looked curiously upwards–– then they involuntarily came out with a sounds of amazement.
Ash and Eco were no exception, they looked up at the sky dumbfounded.
An air carrier was floating in the sky.
The size is far bigger than Princess Veronica’s airship Silvanus.
On the air carrier, there is a flag of the Zepharos Empire. On the other side of the flag there was a huge family crest that Ash had never seen before.
“Is it the Empire’s nobles?”
Someone answered Ash.
"That's the Viderhausen family’s coat of arms. I heard that the head of the Viderhausen family is going to represent the Empire in the scheduled Continental Congress."
Cosette suddenly appeared.
"Hehe, I'm here to pick up Ash-sama and Eco."
Ash was amazed.
She could even find them in this crowded city.
"... Pick us up? Why?"
"Because Ash-sama and Eco are going to join tonight’s dinner."
"Dinner...?"
Seeing Ash muttering, Cosette suddenly straightened herself.
"The Paladin is expecting the both of you."
By judging this sentence alone, Ash finally understood the situation he was in. The Paladin had finally summoned him. Ash was surprised to have the honour to be invited to a dinner with the Paladin. Ash only expected that he would only get the chance to greet the Paladin in the throne room.
"Hehe. Princess will also be attending. No need to be nervous."
Hearing Cosette say this, Ash was relieved.
Although, with Silvia acting as a social bridge, it is hard to say that he need not be nervous.
"Let's go."
Lead by Cosette, Ash and Eco were on their way home.
Though Ash felt like he had forgotten some important event, his head was already full of tonight’s dinner.
Near the entrance to the shopping district, Prim was leaning by the trees eagerly looking forward for Ash and Eco’s return.
Without realizing, it was already dusk and the pedestrians around gradually thinned out.
"Uoo~ how come the two of them are not back yet-! Uoo.”
"Eco's Hioliday ~A.B.S.1365.7~" is closed.
