217 - - the triumphant return of a dragon-killer

As we noticed, the big wagons seemed to be well visible from the other side.

From inside the wall, a series of groans begin to rise.

They grow louder and louder, and as the wagon with the dragon approaches, it becomes a ground-shaking sound.

Thor, who was sitting on the dais, involuntarily glanced at Sola, Garudo, and the others next to him.

Sisan, Riccal, and the other younger members of the group rush to open the door of the carriage and poke their faces out from inside.

They looked surprised mixed with bewilderment at the number of people who had crowded into the carriage.

In contrast, Moe, astride the dragon, and the three brothers sitting on the back of the wagon shouted back and waved their hands in the air.

Thor's lips lifted in a small smile at the sight of these men, who were not the least bit intimidated by the sight of the dragon.

A few minutes later, the wagon with the huge monster carcass arrives at the outer gate.

The gate guards are holding out their hands to hold it back, but the crowd is in such an uproar that it seems to be pouring out of the city at any moment.

If they enter the city at this rate, they are likely to receive a grand welcome.

Unfortunately, the dragon is too large to fit through the gate.

Having no other choice, the wagons turned around and started to go along the outer wall.

Thor and his wagons followed.

On the way, the wagons are cheered by the guards from the top of the wall several times, and arrive at the main gate on the other side.

This gate is wide and has a high ceiling to accommodate a large number of people.　

It was supposed to be crowded at dusk, but it seems that the word had already arrived.

The gate was wide open and the crowd was neatly divided to the left and right for easy passage.

The carriages were moving proudly through the middle of the gate.

Sola beamed happily at the sight of people gazing at her with wide-open eyes and mouths.

Thor and his friends finally entered the town, but a crowd of people was waiting for them there as well.

With a roaring cheer, the carriage is immediately surrounded by excited-looking people.

The carriage, escorted by the guards who had rushed to the scene, began to move slowly toward the center of the city.

While Garudo struggled to calm the restless horses, Sissan and his friends, their eyes shining, leaned forward and waved to the people walking side by side.

Soon Thor and the others ride their carriages into the main plaza amidst the sound of shouts.

A large turret was set up in the center of the square and a high platform was set up at the back of the square.

In addition, there was a row of makeshift hearths piled with stones, and what appeared to be barrels of sake were piled on top of each other.

Thor and his companions were hurried out of the carriage, and were led directly to the platform.

Naturally, a familiar figure was waiting for them.

Dark skin and burning red eyes.

It is Sacco, the mayor of Bossalia.

The red-tailed man stared at Thor and the others and nodded only slightly.

A small shadow rushes to his waist and jumps at him.

Grandpa Nebuso!　How are you?"

"You look the same as ever."

Sacco extends his arm, and then he picks Moo up carelessly with one hand.

Then he stepped forward without a care in the world, letting the child touch his face with his hand.

As the mayor raises one arm, the noisy crowd goes quiet as if a wave is ebbing away.

After looking down at the attentive residents, Sacco opened his mouth.

"Gentlemen, this city was destroyed once.

A glint of red passes over the audience, as if testing their reactions.

After a short pause, the mayor spoke again, this time with more force.

But it has come back to life. By the hands of brave heroes.

The low, clear voice is joined by murmurs of approval.

Moe, who was embraced in his arms, nodded his head, unsure of what was going on.

Sacco continues his speech, drawing all the attention.

"But just because we have just come back to life, it does not mean that all the suffering of this city is over. Many of us are still in deep fear that the monsters that abound in the neighborhoods will come back to our city at any moment.

Suckow, sighing, draws the audience in with a powerful tone of voice.

One of my fears has been removed today. Look at that dragon lying there!

At the sound of that one voice, the people, who had been holding their breath, all raised their voices in unison.

When the thunderous noise subsided, Sacco glared at the square and began to speak in a more forceful tone.

Indeed, our foundations are still fragile. There are many who fear for the future and are grieving. But how much sense does it make to stand still and dwell on that?　Let's just say that ...... there is not a piece of it. What happens when you just wait?　Who will give their hand to those who have given up?　I have only one point of view. If you want to survive, you must look up and move forward. Only those who struggle to the death can achieve greatness like these heroes."

"You mean Moe?　Today, Moo and Kurosuke, we had a great time!"

The child smiles happily and holds up his insect cage proudly.

The people in the plaza were all astonished at the adorable sight of the child.

"Let me say it again. This city was destroyed once. But it will rise again and again if we do not give up. Likewise, the evil ones have nothing to fear as long as they have indomitable heroes!

After a short break, a servant, who had been watching the timing, quickly hands a sake cup to Sacco.

Before long, the sake cup is handed to Thor and the others.

Tonight, the dragon that threatened this city has been slain. Then let us enjoy the wine of victory to the fullest today! To the victory of our city!

"Cheers!"

The feast has begun.

The turrets are lit, and in no time at all, the flames are blazing like flames in the sky.

Someone beat the drums, and the light-robed dancers began to dance.

Staff members wearing aprons attached themselves to the dragon's body and began to wield knives.

One after another, the pieces of meat were placed in a pot simmering on the stove and made a pleasant sound on the griddle.

Large chunks of meat were skewered and slowly grilled.

Barrels of sake are broken open one after another, and mugs full of bubbles are passed around at a dizzying pace.

The smell of roasting meat mixed with the aroma of the liquor spirit immediately filled the plaza with a joyful atmosphere.

Moe and Sora immediately devote themselves to the fatty meat, and Riccardo and the others, too, begin to bite into the thick pieces of meat.

Sisang is being courted by several girls and asks Alethea for help, but she turns her back on him and apologizes profusely.

The three brothers are enjoying their drinks with a woman on each side of them, a rare occurrence, perhaps due to their title as dragon slayers.

Diargo seems to be joining the dismantlers in painstakingly removing the dragon's parts.

In front of him, a large audience surrounds Garudo as he recounts the details of the battle with a mug in his hand, occasionally applauding loudly and enthusiastically.

Thor and Ulir watch from a corner of the plaza, cups in hand, as the crowd enjoys themselves to the fullest.

Then Sacco appeared, unaccompanied.

"You did a good job today, didn't you?

You're welcome. I'm glad I could be of service.

"As for the purchase of the dragon, can you come to the bureau office tomorrow? I'll color you in."

When Thor nodded, Sacco whispered to him, bringing his face close to hers.

"Now it's the witch's turn. Take care of my daughter."