Chapter 25
Cheer Up
The next morning, Kian stood by the river and received the Larna Blood from Ai.
“Hm? Where were you keeping this? It’s warm.”
“Oh, here, of course—ri-right here, between my breasts! I’m lending it to you, so make sure to return it, okay?”
“Oh…” Kian’s face turned red as he gently stroked the stone.
“Hey! Your hands are being awfully pervy!”
“Ha! What cleavage are you even talking about? Your back?”
“You jerk! It’s right here—on this ample chest of mine!” Ai puffed out her chest proudly toward Yoshii.
“Ample? You mean padded, right?”
“Yoko! You just spilled a maiden’s secret!”
“What, so they’re fake? I knew it! Hahaha!”
“Ugh!” Ai flushed with humiliation at this unexpected exposure.
“Now then, Lord Kian, Lady Sheelune awaits you,” said Lilith.
“Mm, understood. Yoshii, watch carefully.”
“Got it! Do your best, Kian!”
“Be polite, okay? Good luck!”
“Yeah.” Kian cupped the Larna Blood in both hands, knelt down, and held it out toward the river.
“O great dragon who governs the waters, Sheelune.
I am Kianlusa, first prince of King Atlana.
In accordance with the ancient covenant, I have come here upon reaching my thirteenth birthday.
Um… I humbly ask that you show yourself before me and grant your vow upon the Larna Blood, O Sheelune.”
His words were awkward, but he gave it his best.
Splash!
A rainbow-colored fish leapt from the water, and from the shimmering surface emerged the beautiful dragon, Sheelune.
Gulp—Kian swallowed hard.
“Sheelune, please hear my plea and bestow your oath upon the Larna Blood.”
Sheelune stared down at Kian in silence.
Hoho… hohohohoho!
“What an amusing prince you are! Have you changed in a single night?
Though your lack of learning is still plain to see, for Lilith’s sake, I shall forgive you.
However, you have not yet studied what it means to be a king.
Even the stone itself does not recognize you.
Broaden your vision—narrow knowledge will one day cause your own suffering.
Learn more of the hearts of people.
As you are now, I see not even a trace of a true king within you.”
Kian’s face drained of color.
“But I am the heir to the throne! Without receiving your oath, I cannot even return home!”
“Kianlusa, then suffer and learn.
The world does not always bend to your will.
I am one with the waters and through them ever watch over your kind.
When you truly perceive what it is to be king, I shall grant my vow immediately.
For now, continue your journey.”
Splash!
With that, Sheelune sank back into the river.
Kian fell to his knees in shock.
That made two of them who had failed.
Maybe… this really was hopeless.
“Lilith.”
“Yes.”
He wanted to cry out, Please, you ask Sheelune too! Why are you staying silent?
But that was not something a king should say—and Lilith knew it, which was why she said nothing.
“Lilith… Father and Mother must be so disappointed.”
“Lord Kian, the dragons will surely understand in time.
At the departure ceremony, did Their Majesties not tell you both to face this challenge without fear of failure?”
In Lilith’s mind, she could still see the gentle queen embracing Kian firmly, and the king placing his strong hand on his son’s shoulder again and again, giving him courage.
She and Zarel had been told many times to look after their precious son well.
She remembered the twinge of envy she’d felt then, watching such warmth.
So that is what parents are like, Master.
I wonder if my parents, wherever they are, watched me too… were they proud of me?
“Come on, Kian, get up! Cheer up, man.
Didn’t Sheelune say it too? Once you become worthy, she’ll give you her okay right away.
It’s fine! Keep your chin up. Let’s go!”
Yoshii clapped Kian hard on the back.
Holding back the tears that threatened to spill, Kian stood up straight with renewed spirit.
“Watch your tone! I am perfectly fine.
All right! Let’s go! Lilith! Why are you still hanging your head? Lead the way at once!”
“Yes, understood! Our next destination is across that cliff.”
“Eh? Over there?”
“Eh?”
“O wind! Become our wings! Feed Las Faras!
Wind, gather to me!”
Whooooshhhh!
“Wahhh! Why do you always startle us like that?!”
A violent gust whipped around them. Everyone scrambled to clutch their belongings tight.
Their bodies were lifted like leaves in a tornado, Ai and Yoko desperately holding down their skirts.
“Eeek! S-somebody help me!”
Soon their bodies felt light—and then their feet left the ground entirely.
“Kyah! Kyah! Kyah! Kyah!”
Only Lilith and Zarel remained calm.
The others screamed at the top of their lungs, kicking wildly until they finally reached the top of the cliff.
“Haah… haah… haah…”
Everyone sat pale and trembling.
Humans had dreamed of flying since ancient times—but could this really be called pleasant?
They were tossed through a raging whirlwind, never once touching solid ground, terrified that the wind might suddenly vanish and drop them to their deaths.
No matter how skilled the sorcerer, you could only half trust magic that crazy. Honestly, they all thought they were going to die.
“Flying through the sky feels wonderful, doesn’t it? I love it too,” Lilith said with a bright, innocent smile.
Does this look like the face of someone who enjoyed that?!
“Such… a convenient little power you have,” Yoko replied with a voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Yes! I only mastered this spell quite recently, actually. I’m so glad I could be of help to everyone!”
What?!
Their jaws dropped in unison.
Everyone’s faces went even paler than before—needless to say.
