The Guardian Dragon's Declaration
Bagan followed Gion into the banquet hall and immediately spotted people bustling about. They were the servants helping set up the tables. Given the sheer size of the hall, there were naturally many tables to prepare, which meant a large number of staff were required.
Whoa.
That wasn’t the only thing that caught Bagan’s eye. He let out an admiring gasp at the sight of something hanging boldly from the ceiling, as if the hosts had poured every last coin into the event. It was a massive chandelier—so enormous that a single fixture was enough to illuminate the entire banquet hall.
While Bagan’s gaze was stolen by the chandelier, Gion continued walking and eventually reached the deepest part of the hall. The layout wasn’t as complicated as its grand appearance suggested. At the very back stood an elevated platform adorned with luxurious decorations. Below it, a red carpet stretched forward with dozens of tables arranged on either side.
Gion and Bagan’s group made their way right up to the elegant platform, where they spotted a man already seated at one of the tables, waiting.
“Montihall, brother. The kid has arrived.”
At Gion’s call, the man slowly turned his head and shifted his gaze toward Bagan. He was Montihall de Kairos, the lord of Demeca and the younger brother of Seiros Kingdom’s king, Pelion.
Bagan recognized him as well and quickly offered a greeting.
“It’s been a while.”
“Ah, so it was you. Good to see you again. Heh heh, the star of tonight’s banquet has finally shown up.”
Montihall made no effort to hide that he had his sights set on Bagan and gestured for him to take a seat at the same table. But Bagan wasn’t about to make things easy tonight.
“Nah, I’ll sit separately with my kids today. I’ll come over properly when we talk later. Enjoy yourself.”
Bagan waved a hand behind him, showing off the group trailing after him.
“Oh~! You brought your companions. Understood.”
Montihall looked disappointed but clearly knew there was nothing he could do about it. Since Gion had fulfilled his wish by delivering the greeting to Montihall, there was no further business to attend to. Gion, being the closest to Montihall, sat at his table and watched Bagan walk away with a sympathetic gaze.
Gion knew exactly what kind of attention Bagan would draw. Having experienced similar situations during his own days as a famous adventurer, he didn’t feel any different. I’ll cheer for you.
With that thought, he turned to catch up on recent events with Montihall. After all, it was thanks to that very competition that the two of them had become sworn brothers.
Unaware that Gion was rooting for him, Bagan left Montihall’s table and climbed onto the platform. In cases like this, there was usually a side door or rear entrance leading to a preparation area. He could sense the presence of the people he was looking for there.
Using mana detection—which had practically become a habit for him now—Bagan located their positions. At some point, seeing through mana had become far more comfortable than relying on his eyes. There was nothing wrong with that, but the people being observed this way might feel uncomfortable. It was like accidentally seeing someone naked, even if it wasn’t intentional.
I should practice not looking with mana, too.
With that in mind, Bagan headed for the side door beyond the platform.
“Huh? Bagan! You could have stayed seated…”
Selena was the first to notice him entering through the side door.
“Still, I had to come say hello.”
Although Selena was attending the banquet, she was present in her capacity as the Navy’s supreme commander, so she wasn’t wearing formal party attire. She was dressed in her usual white naval uniform. Since Bagan found that look on her the most attractive, he smiled warmly and said,
“You look great.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you busy? Where’s Razetta?”
“Not really. Lord Razetta and Lord Cyron are scheduled to ascend the platform through this passage, so I was just checking the route.”
As she spoke, Selena stared intently at Bagan. He nodded, then looked back at her.
“What? Is there something on my face?”
“No. It just suits you really well.”
“Well, someone picked it out for me.”
After saying that, Bagan adjusted his clothes once more, then reached out and gently ruffled Selena’s hair. Her red locks had been perfectly arranged, but they were helpless against Bagan’s hand. In an instant, her cheeks flushed bright red. She fidgeted, rubbing her hands together, completely flustered.
“Ahem. You’re here?”
At that moment, perhaps sensing the awkward timing, a cough came from behind them. Bagan withdrew his hand and turned around.
“Ah, Razetta. Thanks for the comfortable ride.”
“Mm. I sent it on purpose so you’d travel comfortably.”
“Is that really the only reason?”
“Sharp as always. You know men like that aren’t popular, right?”
Bagan shrugged, and Razetta spoke with a mischievous expression.
“Never mind. I already know your personality won’t let you push anyone forward anyway. Since things have come to this, don’t push anyone forward except me.”
“Mm. That’s what I planned to do.”
Razetta nodded. In the meantime, the outside grew noisy. Bagan used his mana to check.
They’ve arrived too?
It was Vidion and Lilia. Their arrival meant nearly all the distinguished guests had now gathered. Just then, another servant approached Razetta, whispered in her ear, and left.
“That’s enough. The event is about to begin soon. Go enjoy yourself from your seat.”
“Got it.”
Bagan finished his greeting with Selena as well and slipped out through the side door of the platform. Standing on the platform would likely draw attention even before the event started, so he used the current noise to erase his presence and moved to the seat he had scouted earlier.
It was a spot that seemed just right for Sally and Arien to sit together. For some reason, there were only three chairs at the table.
He sat down, quietly keeping a low profile while nibbling on snacks. Suddenly, a beautiful melody rang out, signaling the start of the banquet.
The first order of the evening was none other than Selena’s song, accompanied by the orchestra positioned beside the platform. A cautious prelude flowed out, followed by a voice so beautiful it defied description. Although the lyrics were all in the Siren language, the song was captivating enough to enchant everyone even without understanding the words.
Sometimes refreshing like the wind, sometimes intense like the waves, sometimes clear and refreshing like the sky—the notes toyed with everyone’s hearts, making their bodies sway side to side. After roughly six minutes, Selena finished her song and bowed her head.
Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!
A shower of applause poured down from every direction. She bowed several times in different directions before stepping down from the platform.
As soon as she descended, the now-empty platform was filled with different music.
Bam! Ba-bam! Ba-ba-bam! Ba-bam!
A majestic sound rang out as a figure ascended the platform. It was Razetta, who was hosting the banquet and also serving as its emcee. As the orchestra’s volume decreased, her voice rang clearly.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has come to attend this banquet. I am Razetta de Behimoth, the lord of De Marinda, who is both the host of tonight’s event and its guide.”
She bowed her head. Applause rose once again from the direction of the tables. It wasn’t as long as the ovation for Selena’s song, but there seemed to be quite a few people welcoming her.
“Since this is a banquet held in our De Marinda, we couldn’t help but pay close attention to the details. I’m not sure if it meets your expectations. As I cannot read your hearts, I feel quite nervous. With that in mind, let us move on to the next part of the program.”
Having prepared quite diligently, she eased the atmosphere with appropriate remarks and smoothly transitioned forward.
“We will now take a moment to express our gratitude to the distinguished guests who have graced us with their presence. First, the king of Seiros Kingdom and my eldest brother—His Majesty Pelion de Seiros!”
At Razetta’s words, all eyes turned toward the foremost table, and the surroundings grew noisy. Bagan couldn’t help but look in that direction as well. At that table sat Pelion, Vidion, and the queen, Tiffany de Seiros.
Unlike the other royalty, Tiffany was human. It was possible because Dragonian royalty could marry anyone. They didn’t seem to care about their bloodline thinning. And above all, Bagan’s attention was drawn to Pelion, the king of Seiros Kingdom, whom he was seeing for the first time since arriving in this world.
As expected of a king, his majestic presence was undeniable. With his brilliant golden hair proudly displayed, he rose from his seat. It was a sight that would make any citizen of Seiros Kingdom unable to hold back their reverence.
Pelion lightly waved to the distinguished guests who had come to the banquet and sat back down. The introductions of the guests continued one after another. Montihall was introduced, followed by another Dragonian Bagan had yet to meet—Gruon de Kairos, the lord of De Pruna.
He was the youngest of the three sons and one daughter, with green hair. One could guess he had inherited the blood of the Green Dragon, Kepherika. Compared to the other lords, he looked noticeably younger, almost like he had just become an adult. But since he was a Dragonian, that probably wasn’t the case. He was likely an exceptionally capable Dragonian as well. After all, among the three sons and one daughter, Razetta was the only one with thin blood.
Even after Gruon sat down, the introductions continued. The format was simple: when a name was called, the person would stand, greet those around them, and sit back down. The turns passed quickly, and soon it was Bagan’s turn.
“He is the hottest topic among the high-ranking figures of Seiros Kingdom right now—someone no one doesn’t know. The adventurer Bagan, who has made remarkable achievements in both Demeca and De Marinda.”
Since his name had been called, Bagan stood up and offered a greeting. While some people looked puzzled at Razetta’s explanation, many gazed at him with great interest. Especially the Dragonians at the front tables, who stared at him like he was prey, their eyes filled with obvious greed.
Among them were Vidion and Lilia, who wore bright, welcoming expressions. However, when Lilia made eye contact with Bagan while smiling, she shyly looked away.
After finishing his greeting, Bagan sat back down.
“Yes, now that the guest introductions are complete, let us move straight to the main event. We will now hear the Guardian Dragon Declaration from the Blue Dragon, Lord Cyron.”
Just hearing the words “Guardian Dragon Declaration” made his heart race. Even King Pelion felt the same. The only Guardian Dragon currently in all of Pangea was Reberion of the distant Bolton Empire. The thought that Seiros Kingdom would now have one of its own filled him with uncontainable anticipation.
“Lord Cyron, please step forward.”
At such a momentous occasion, everyone’s throats moved rapidly the moment the name Cyron was called. They were so focused they didn’t even realize they were swallowing.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Cyron walked onto the platform and stopped in front of Razetta. The two exchanged a subtle glance before Cyron continued.
“I declare! I, the Blue Dragon Cyron, swear upon my heart! As the ruler of the oceans, the treasure of life, and as a Dragon, the master of the great seas, I vow to dedicate my entire life to protecting the beautiful city of De Marinda. I shall manage its prosperity and adversity with utmost sincerity and devotion, leading it away from all manner of hardship!”
As Cyron made his declaration, Bagan clearly saw with his own eyes how the dragon’s mana was engraved upon his heart. From this moment on, Cyron had become the Guardian Dragon of De Marinda. He now bore the duty to protect the city for the rest of his life.
When Cyron finished speaking, the banquet hall erupted in cheers.
“Waaaaaaaaah!”
The Dragonians tried to maintain decorum by clapping, but the other distinguished guests did not. The birth of a Guardian Dragon for one’s own nation was an event of unparalleled celebration. The banquet instantly took on the atmosphere of a festival. Razetta concluded the prepared ceremony with a light bow.
“With this, the Guardian Dragon Declaration is complete. I hope you all enjoy the remainder of the evening to the fullest. There is still plenty of food and drink, so please let us know anytime if you need more. Thank you—this has been Razetta de Behimoth, lord of De Marinda.”
With the official program now over, it was time for high society to take the stage. Bagan steeled his resolve, preparing himself for what was to come.