Ain't My Job
"This time I saw it clearly."
I pondered while watching the flustered Haring and NyaNya.
A week ago, when I grabbed at the empty air that Evan was staring at, something hazy had flickered into view.
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A square, blue something had floated up, but it vanished right away, and I brushed it off as no big deal.
The power of the goddess that I couldn't see. It was probably a new gift for this generation's heroes, so it made sense that it was invisible to me.
But.
Why does it feel so familiar?
I didn't know anything beyond it being a blue square frame, but for some reason, the shape felt oddly familiar.
"Weird... super weird..."
"......"
"L-Lea?"
"Yeah?"
"It's different from the one you gave us before... right?"
"Different?"
"Yes."
"How?"
For me to see that blue square thing, the heroes had to be looking at it first. Last time, even when Evan was just standing there, no matter how much I gripped it with mana or cast spells, it wouldn't show.
So I'd given them a quest...
"We just got the reward. Not in the usual quest format."
"Why?"
"No idea."
"Lame."
"Hmm..."
I scarfed down the last two pieces of chicken, brushed off my hands.
It was definitely clearer than before, so something had changed... but
...Isn't that a good thing?
No need to hunt or fetch anything—just click once and get stronger. No hassle for me either.
Of course, I'd need to test it to know the details.
"Dunno."
Eating made me sleepy anyway. I could figure it out after a nap. No rush.
I called a maid to clear the table, then flopped into bed.
"Wake me in three days. I'll check it out then, one by one."
"Huh? We just got here..."
"Train. Someone's gonna watch you all."
"Nap time with us too."
"Tch."
"Hing."
"We're going."
"Haaah~..."
Three days later. I stretched luxuriously on the fluffy bed. Right twice, left three times. Right again twice.
I rang the fancy golden bell by the bed, and maids rushed in.
Three days passed?
"It's been four days, ma'am."
"Oh?"
"Shall we prepare breakfast?"
"Nah... heading out."
"Then we'll ready your outing attire."
The maids stripped off my silky pajamas and guided me to the steaming bath next door. About twenty meters across—nice size. Splash splash.
I splashed around lazily, and they scrubbed and dried me spotless.
"Is the temperature to your liking?"
"Yeah."
"Say the word if it's too hot. We'll adjust right away."
"If this is hot, I quit being a fire dragon."
Fire dragons bathe in lava, not warm water. I actually love lava swims.
After a quick soak, I changed into a striking red dress. Long and modest, like something a royal or noble lady would wear—no skin showing.
I used to fuss over outfits back in the day, but now? Whatever.
The maids seemed thrilled helping me dress, though.
"Beautiful as always!"
"And so cute..."
"Enough jewelry."
"But you're the great fire dragon. You need this to show your dignity."
"Dignity's maxed without it."
With a ruby necklace that suited me—seven stones—outfit complete in an hour. Creak...
My door opened, and I shuffled down the hall. One maid followed—my dedicated one, knew the place well.
"Where to?"
"Where's NyaNya?"
"NyaNya hero is training with third-class royal mage Heris Roen."
"Third-class? Why her and not the others?"
"The magic captain and vice-captain are away at the magic kingdom for plains zone and kingdom barrier issues."
"Hmm... Legion commander's fault?"
Yeah, things had been too quiet since he showed up four months ago. Even with the demon king holed up and heroes immortal, he's still a commander. Could smash this gen's heroes and hit human forces anytime.
I nodded.
"Heroes gotta level up fast~"
"With your guidance, no problem."
"Yeah. Lead the way."
"Yes."
Following her to the room, I heard teaching voices from outside. Creak...
"Watch closely, NyaNya hero. Don't draw a line here—make it flow in a cycle. Yes. No, not like that!"
"Uwaaa..."
"You were doing well—why'd you veer off? As a hero chosen by the goddess, have some pride... Ah! Fire dragon's here!"
"Lea!"
Modern vibe, big room lined with bookshelves full of magic tomes. Central table cluttered with tools, parchment, magic quills—and NyaNya clutching her head.
She teared up seeing me.
"Save me..."
"Why's she like that?"
"Hohoho. Drama queen. Even academy freshmen pick this up easy..."
Her teacher: Heris Roen, in fancy blue priestess robes. Orange curly hair, blue eyes. Looked early-mid thirties, but felt older. Mages age slow.
I eyed her up and down.
"Priestess?"
"Yes."
"Weird. Priestess as royal mage."
Her neck bore a pure white two-handed goddess necklace.
Even with an emperor-hero, priests stick to temples or honorary titles. Rarely swear to kingdoms.
Heris chuckled, shaking her head.
"No worries. My faith in the royals and His Majesty is rock-solid. My devotion to the goddess matches it."
"Wasn't worried. Ain't my job."
"True that? Ah, late intro. I'm third-class royal mage, servant of the great goddess, former Legion Academy magic prof—Heris Roen."
"Too long."
"Hohoho. Long life, titles pile up."
"You?"
"...A child compared to you, fire dragon!"
"Compared to me?"
"......"
I chilled my tone a bit; her face stiffened.
Fun.
I stretched, patted her shoulder.
"Kidding. How's she doing?"
"...Ahem! NyaNya hero's doing great. Fast growth, despite the whining."
"Not whining!"
Whoa! NyaNya slammed the table, standing.
"...?"
I blinked at her. Usually quiet unless joking—now yelling her opinion?
Hanging with Haring rubbed off?
Four months together, yeah.
"Ten hours study a day? And not even magic circles—memorizing weird formulas..."
"Basic for mages."
"What're you teaching?"
"Barrier studies basics for simple magic and barriers. Academy second-year first semester stuff."
"Hmm."
"Super hard! Not learning this now! Right?!"
I pondered her words. Her stars steady at three, just picking up 6-7th circle spells—not ready for this...
"Doesn't matter."
"Huh?"
"Learn now, it's good later."
Might be tough, but no harm pre-learning. Academy kids do it early. Plus, if NyaNya masters barriers, no need to stay here.
Have her barrier my nest, then nap easy.
I patted her shoulder.
"You're doing good. Keep it up."
"...Lea?"
"Or I give quests."
"Quests won't make this easier..."
Zzzzt...!
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"Eh?
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Hold on, Lea?"
"Lots popped up. Working better today~"
"C-Can you just give them like this?"
"What'd I give?"
"...?"
"Dunno."
Whatever it was, quest rewards were granny's power. More or less, ain't my job. Heroes get strong, world's better.
Good's good.
I grabbed the air, popping more squares.
Received interest from the Fire Dragon.
Received favor from the Fire Dragon.
Received pat from the Fire Dragon.
Fire Dragon's...