The Scale of the Sea Dragon
In this world as well, dragons were creatures that appeared in legends and myths. Yet no one alive today had ever truly seen one. There were plenty of beings that resembled dragons… but a real dragon had yet to reveal itself.
“Hmm.”
I stared at the enormous scale floating in the empty air. It drifted and rotated slowly, radiating a beautiful iridescent light. Was the power contained within it truly that of a dragon? All I could sense was that an overwhelming magical energy lay dormant inside. In other words, that was the extent of it.
I’m not certain whether it is genuinely a dragon’s scale. It is an artifact both the Bahnia and Chalineer clans have safeguarded since ancient times. We merely inferred as much from the legends handed down through our families and the power we sense within the scale. We call it the Scale of the Sea Dragon.
Still, Duke Han Chalineer had spoken those words.
The power held within the Scale of the Sea Dragon is immense. With it, one could summon rain even during a drought, and by planting it across vast lands, it could create enormous lakes.
Climate manipulation was no easy feat even for the nobles of this world. An object capable of generating a massive lake would certainly deserve the title of national treasure. If the duke’s words were true, this was an extraordinary item. If I could process it somehow, it might prove useful in countless other ways. For now it was simply being stored, since I had no immediate way to utilize it.
“It’s incredible,” Chloe murmured, standing beside me and staring at the scale in a daze. The shimmering surface truly looked like a work of art. And that wasn’t all.
“It feels like my magic power is recovering faster than usual.”
“Mm.”
The scale contained such potent magical energy that simply being near it seemed to aid in the restoration of one’s own power. Still, the moisture-like quality of the magic suggested it wouldn’t cause major issues for anyone whose innate magic wasn’t on the same level. Those with fire or heat-related abilities, however, might find it slightly uncomfortable.
“How are the preparations coming?”
“Everything is ready. The banquet prepared by the Franz family should be underway by now.”
“I see.”
Normally I would have attended as well, but the mountain of work that only I could handle here at the estate kept me pinned down. Irina and several prominent southern nobles had arrived to meet Princess Amelia from Bahn and Duke Chalineer.
“They plan to depart immediately after the banquet,” Chloe added. “They cannot leave their seats empty for long. There are also matters concerning the ritual.”
I nodded at her words. The situation in Muller had been wrapped up, with Brother Aidan currently handling the final details. The message that he would return once he assessed the conditions meant Father would be coming back soon as well. Which meant—
“It’s time for us to head to Muller.”
“Yes.”
Tirus Muller was dead, but his subordinates now served his daughter, Triana Müller, and were working under Brother Aidan. Thanks to that, the reorganization of the territory was proceeding rapidly. The time was not far off.
And that moment arrived sooner than expected.
Oho! So this is the famous Franz wild ginseng!
“Franz wild ginseng?”
I hadn’t realized it had that nickname. Chloe leaned in and whispered softly.
“That’s what they call it in other countries.”
Given the territory’s active adventurer population, high-quality wild ginseng was as difficult to obtain in Franz as anywhere else. Most specimens harvested came from the outer regions and weren’t particularly exceptional in quality.
A specimen of this size and quality is truly remarkable. Her Majesty will be delighted. But, Acting Head Leoric, are you certain it is acceptable to bestow such a treasure upon me?
“Haha. Compared to what we received from you, this isn’t all that impressive. Besides, this item belongs entirely to me. No one has any right to complain if I choose to give it as a gift.”
As expected of the Franz family.
I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant, but the shark-formed Duke Chalineer displayed what seemed to be a pleased expression. He opened his massive maw once more and swallowed the entire container of ginseng. It appeared he was carrying all the luggage for the group, since no other bags were visible.
“By the way, is this really all right? That was meant as a gift for Princess Amelia. Giving it to you instead…”
“It is fine. Though it was a personal token of gratitude, since I presented the scale, it would leave me uneasy if I did not offer this to the old man in return.”
When I glanced at Princess Amelia, who had been watching the exchange, she gave a bitter smile.
Several days had passed since the duke’s arrival. The rest of the Bahn delegation had trickled in one by one and were now preparing to depart. From what I understood, they planned to stop at a few more places on their way back. I watched their party from the Franz castle and exchanged final farewells.
That wild ginseng, while not on the level of the scale, was still a premium product worthy of being offered to royalty. I had intended to present it to the Queen of Bahn to help stabilize Amelia’s somewhat precarious position in the line of succession.
That matter is of no concern. Well, it is certainly risky, but—
Duke Han Chalineer continued.
The Bahnia clan’s succession competition operates on a point system.
“A point system?”
Merit points, to be precise.
Starting around the age of adulthood—roughly Princess Amelia’s current age—candidates gradually took on national duties and were scored on their contributions. Naturally a certain level of ability was required, though it was extremely rare for those of royal blood to lack talent. The evaluators consisted of the queen, the dukes, and a select group of nobles chosen in secret.
This incident will undoubtedly reduce Amelia’s merit score to some degree. However, the mere fact that a member of Red Blood was present within the palace is a failing that belongs to the entire kingdom of Bahn.
“I see.”
Since it was another country’s internal affair, I simply offered an appropriate response.
Therefore the deduction will not be overly severe.
The real issue came after that. Duke Han Chalineer bared his sharp teeth.
Regarding Red Blood… those fellows are rather suspicious.
“Are they?”
According to Zeke, there were virtually no members of Red Blood in Franz. The ones who had kidnapped the princess were likely operatives primarily active within Bahn. The question was why they had planned to take her to the western territories.
You would do well to remain cautious.
The duke’s warning suggested there was indeed something deeper occurring in Bahn. Once I handed matters in Franz over to Father, I would need to conduct a thorough investigation upon arriving in Muller.
While I was pondering the duke’s words, the princess approached.
“Princess Amelia.”
“Acting Head of Franz, bearer of the Sun’s legacy.”
It had been a while since I’d heard that title. I offered a wry smile and listened attentively.
“We shall meet again before long.”
“Haha. I look forward to that day as well.”
Yes, a farewell of this level was only natural. I returned her somewhat enigmatic gaze with a smile. We had grown rather close, so exchanging such words felt perfectly appropriate.
“Ugh.”
“Sigh…”
Irina was grinding her teeth beside me while Chloe let out a small sigh. What was that about?
“I’ll be taking my leave as well!”
Irina’s declaration was sudden. Most of the nobles had already withdrawn, but I had expected her to stay quite a bit longer.
“I must prepare for my coming-of-age ceremony! And get ready for the trip to Muller as well!”
Her bright smile left me momentarily speechless. The coming-of-age preparations made sense, but the part about coming to Muller meant she truly intended to follow.
“About that… you did receive permission from the Count, right?”
“Of course! Father has already given his blessing!”
I wondered if that was really true. It was difficult to verify every detail. Still, seeing her smile made it hard to press the issue. I simply conveyed my welcome.
“By the way, Leoric!”
“Yes?”
The smiling Irina approached me demurely. With the surrounding maids and attendants all politely turning their heads—leaving only her personal maid, Chloe, and a few others watching—she leaned close to my ear and whispered.
“It doesn’t matter how many wives or concubines you have, but I must be the one with the most children. Because I am the legal wife, after all!”
What was she even saying…? I stared at her, at a loss for words. She blushed slightly, flashed a mischievous grin, and stepped back.
“See you next time, Leoric!”
She really was impossible to handle. I sighed and watched her retreating figure until she disappeared, then looked up at the sky. The brilliant sun greeted me from a clear blue expanse.
After the sudden chaos surrounding Princess Amelia and the rush to prepare for the coming-of-age ceremony, peace had finally returned to our daily lives.
“Ugh…”
“…Sister-in-law?”
The only exception was Grace, whom I had met for a private meal. She suddenly covered her mouth and began to retch.
“Young Master.”
“Y-yes?”
Lena appeared immediately. As acting head of the family, I held authority over nearly every matter. Even Sven or Lena could not stop me—except in one single area where even Father had no say. When signs of pregnancy appeared, authority was granted to the most veteran member of the household.
“I must ask you to step away for a moment.”
“Ah, understood.”
I rose from my seat, unable to hide my flustered expression. As I hesitated at the door and glanced back one last time, my eyes met Grace’s. She was still covering her mouth, but her trembling gaze was fixed directly on me.