Return and the Dragon Sisters' Gambit
Thanks to Pelte's tireless efforts kicking through the empty air without rest, it didn't take long to return to Lehatna's lair on the 88th floor.
As we descended to the ground, Lehatna and the other monsters greeted us with raucous cheers.
Pelte, who had finally touched down, couldn't hold out any longer and collapsed in a heap with a thud.
That only made Lehatna's lair even rowdier.
The chaotic clamor of the monsters drew an involuntary laugh from me.
It reminded me exactly of Suli and the other kids.
I wonder if they're all doing well?
With Snow there, there shouldn't be any big problems, but I can't help worrying.
I really need to grow stronger quickly and get back soon...
To do that, I have to handle this situation properly.
Let's push on—for Suli and the kids, as much as I miss them.
I pulled Lehatna out from amid the monsters peering at Giryu.
Lifted abruptly in her shrunken form, she tilted her head at me curiously.
Her innocent question, unmarred by the worry creasing one side of her face, briefly brought Le Ganus to mind.
They were siblings of the Dragon King's bloodline, without a doubt—yet so utterly different.
I could vaguely understand why Le Ganus and the other monsters had rebelled against the Dragon King's decision.
There were just too many hang-ups to accept her as Dragon Queen.
Well, at least she herself seemed to have zero interest in the throne. That was a relief.
If she'd expressed any desire for it, we'd truly be out of options.
Giryu flapped his wings and landed on the ground. A few high-rank monsters trailed him, likely from a scouting run.
I glanced around as I spoke.
I didn't mind the lively chaos, but it wasn't ideal for a serious talk.
With those calm words from Giryu, the three of us relocated to a secluded spot.
I patiently fielded Lehatna's eager prodding and recounted everything from start to finish.
Lehatna—and even the quietly listening Giryu—jolted in shock at my matter-of-fact words.
Giryu picked up where Lehatna trailed off.
I nodded firmly in agreement with Giryu's quiet deduction.
Giryu stared at me in surprise.
Le Ganus's reaction suddenly made sense amid their back-and-forth.
I shook my head at her frantic question.
I nodded along to Lehatna's beaming grin, then turned to Giryu, who wore a grave expression deep in thought.
He met my gaze.
Giryu let out a sigh of relief before continuing.
I slowly nodded along with Giryu.