179 Episode 179 "The Sea Dragon I Met After A Long Time Was Fearing Nagi and the Slave Girls".txt

Early morning of the next day.

Me, Cecil, Aine, Iris and Rafilia came to the 'Sea Dragon Sanctuary'.

The sea dragon's blessing is back this time, so no demons are appearing. There are no enemies either.

Still, just to be sure, we armed ourselves and went down the rocky terrain in two lines.

Me and Cecil are in the front. Iris is in the center. Iris and Cecile in the center, and Aine and Rafilia at the back.

Maybe it's because it's early in the morning, but the air is clear and crisp. The smell of the tide is pleasant.

The ground of the cave is filled with seawater, so we can't help but feel damp. Let's take a bath when we get back. It's time to leave for the sanctuary.

'It's been a while, hasn't it? It's been a while since I've been here.

Cecil said as he illuminated the cave with his 'light' magic.

''It kind of reminds me of. Nagi-sama, Rita-san and I came here together and found a mural of a sea dragon.

Thank you for what you did for me.

Iris giggled behind me.

''It feels like a long time ago. Even though we just arrived during the Festival of the Sea Dragon, it seems like a long time ago.

We've been through a lot since then. We've gone on company trips, met Delilira. And then,

You're going to have a baby, right?

Iris said, and patted the 'Heavenly Dragon's Bracelet' on her left arm.

If you listen carefully, you can hear sleepy breathing from the eggs. White seems to be asleep.

''It's strange. When I was caught up in the role of a priestess, I didn't like the rituals. Now, to 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' - I have so much to tell you, Iris' ancestors.

'Yes. I, too, have a question for the sea dragon.

If possible, it would be nice if we could get information on the 'Demon Dragon Dungeon' that's the target of the 'Hero's Quest'.

Since it's called a 'demon dragon', it could be one of the dragons.

''It's going to be difficult though. It's like asking God a question.

Uh, you know what, Master?

"What's up, Rafilia?

''If the Sea Dragon is God, then the Heavenly Dragon is also God, right? What kind of person is this 'Otosan' master?

...... I hadn't thought of that idea.

Come to think of it, I remember a residual thought of a celestial dragon reading the sea dragon Kerkator as "that little snake".

That celestial dragon child is sleeping inside an egg, attached to the arms of a sea dragon maiden, so .......

' ...... I'm starting to get a little confused about the hierarchy.

Then I guess Nagi would be the highest ranking.

I think that's fine with Aine, too.

It's easy to understand.

You're also... you're also... Why are you holding your mouth, brother!

'Because when a miko says things like that, it's no joke!

I don't want to be punished. Oh, my God.

While we were talking about this, we arrived at the hall at the far end of the cave.

On the other side of the corridor is a double-opened door.

The center of the Sea Dragon Sanctuary is beyond that.

''What do we do now?　Me and Iris will go into the center and have everyone listen to the 'Shared Consciousness (Mind Linkage), Revised'?

We've already confirmed during the festival that 'Consciousness Sharing' can be understood in the center as well.

The area ahead of us is experiencing 'Sea Dragon Pressure', so only me and Iris can enter the area. It's so bad that even opening the door will affect us.

''That's right ...... I'd like everyone to hear the story in person, if possible.

Sure, with the message, there might be some information missing.

No, you are family to Iris. I don't like to talk about secrets.

Iris nodded with a serious face.

'You are all family to Iris, so I don't like to keep things private.

Why do you keep repeating it?

...... I thought it would make it easier for you all to hear how things are going with your brother.

............ You know what, Iris?

What is this? Oh, oh, oh, brother.

That kind of trickery is forbidden in our family.

...... ugh, ugh, ugh. I can't help it. The virgin's kokishina, so ......

You didn't have to tell me about it to make me red.

Yeah, it's all right. There's nothing to worry about. Both Cecil and Aine have turned red enough.

Iris pointed to Cecil and the others, with a snort.

Yeah. Cecil, you're sitting there all red, .......

...... You're really bad at hiding things, aren't you? My party.

''That's good, but if you can't get into the ...... center, then I guess it's time for 'Dragon Seed Awakening Empathy 《Dragonic Brave Sympathy》'

Yes, sir. I'll need your help, White.

With that, Iris took a few steps forward.

She turns around with her back to the door leading to the center and bows deeply to me.

'Brother ...... Iris, who is a slave of Souma-Nagi-sama, please allow me to borrow the help of the larval body of the Heavenly Dragon ....... Master.

Okay.

I hold out my hand to Iris.

She kneels down and offers my hand in hers.

'...... or rather, even Iris is White's 'okaasan'

Let me put you in the mood, please. Brother.

Saying that, Iris touched the 'Heavenly Dragon Bracelet' worn on her left arm.

As if doing so on a baby's skin, she slowly stroked White's egg before declaring.

''Your brother's slave, the 'Sea Dragon Priestess' declares. Activate!　"Dragon Seed Awakening Empathy, Dragonic Brave Sympathy!　The words of 'Kerkator, the Sea Dragon' who watches over us in the ocean beyond: ...... here!

Iris' small body gives off a faint glow.

Pearl-colored scales emerge on her pure white arms. The dragon's scales, which she had only hated before, Iris kisses them as if she were doing so to her beloved. She flips on her miko outfit and raises her arms towards the ceiling.

''I will activate them together. ''Illusionary Space!''　Here's what Iris feels about "Kerkator the Sea Dragon". Iris's friends - show your family what you look like!

"Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!

The air trembled.

A thunderous growl that sounded far, far away, cracking in the heavens and earth. With it, a huge dragon appears in the great hall. A long, snake-like body, a rugged head. A rugged head. Eight horns extending from its forehead.

There's no doubt about it.

I've seen a picture of him before at a festival. It's the appearance of the Sea Dragon Kerkator.

Iris communicates with Kerkator through the Dragon Seed Awakening Empathy and projects it in the Illusionary Space. It's a good idea to make it easier for everyone to talk to the Sea Dragon Kerkator through Iris.

I'm going to have to say that it's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's been a long time.'

Then the 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' appeared, twisted its torso and said.

Huge as always. And full of dignity.

It's a dragon that has lived for a long time. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.

It's been a long time. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this.

Iris turned around and bowed to the image 'Sea Dragon Kerkator'.

'......'

Kerkator doesn't respond.

He's staring at us with his big eyes wide open, looking at Iris and us.

...... I wonder what's wrong with it. "Kelkator, the sea dragon.

I said.

The Sea Dragon Kerkator remains motionless with its large head held up.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

...... Have we done something rude? Dear Nagi.

''...... Kai Ryu-sama. I'm staring at you, Iris.

...... No, no, no, not exactly, you're Mr. Iris' left hand.

Buh-buh.

The body of the sea dragon Kelkator trembled in front of our eyes.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on it. I'm a sea dragon maiden!

"Yes. Our guardian god, Kerkator the Sea Dragon.

"Is that ...... that you're wearing on your left arm?

What's this about a celestial dragon's egg?

Iris nodded his head.

To be precise, it's the item called "Tenryu (White)'s Bracelet" from Iris's daughter White's ...... It is made by the magic power of the previous generation of celestial dragons and has a "celestial dragon's egg" inset in the center. It's a very good idea to have a little Iris child inside the egg, a cute little Iris, ......, what's going on?　'Sea Dragon Kerkator'?

"............ I'm sorry. I'll have to leave.

Wait!

The figure of Kerkator the Sea Dragon is fading away.

It looks like the link to Iris is about to be broken.

Please wait, Sea Dragon Kelkator!　Didn't you have something to tell Iris and the others?

"I never thought my descendants would be with the great Celestial Dragon!

''Sea Dragon Kerkator's voice is trembling. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a perfect way to escape.

I'm not sure if the demonic sentiment would understand ...... but I, who have lived through the long ages, can clearly see that the sea dragon maiden is with the spirit of the celestial dragon. I'm sure you're not the only one who has lived through this long. Therefore ...... cannot be talked about in this state. I'm going to go to the cold water to purify myself first. After that, you must purify your heart in the warm ocean before you can connect with the great Heavenly Dragon ...... even indirectly!　So farewell, ...... my descendants, ...... my sea dragon heroes.

"I hope you'll calm down.

Suddenly, there was a voice.

A slightly lispy, innocent voice - White's voice.

The current White is the child of Nagi, Rita, Aine and Iris. Therefore, I thought he was a descendant of the sea dragon!

White?

"Oh, whoa!　''The voice of Tianlong Blanchalka!

The voice of "Kerkator the Sea Dragon" echoed in the great hall.

''White. Could it be that you were awakened by the dragon's presence?''

'Yes. I thought you guys were in trouble. I interfered a little bit with .......

White said in a sleepy voice.

On the contrary, 'Kerkator the Sea Dragon' has a somewhat complicated look on his face though.

'............ anyway. Just like Okaasan and Okaasan, even ...... dragons don't need to worry about hierarchy. So please ...... talk to your okaasan and .......

With that, White's voice disappeared.

For a while, there was silence.

Me, Iris, Cecil, Aine and Rafilia are waiting for the reaction of the "Sea Dragon Kerkator".

It seems that the sea dragon Kerkator is upset by the unexpected situation, but it is a high-ranking dragon that lived a long time. Soon, he regained his composure and...

"My Descendants... ...... It's been a while.

（（（（ I started over from the beginning! ））））

While poking around in my mind, we wait for the sea dragon to continue its story.

'Sea Dragon Kerkator', you're glancing at Iris' arm.

Since the sea dragon is a higher level dragon, it can sense the presence of the heavenly dragon. So on the contrary, he seems to be curious and restless. You look at Iris, the arm band of the heavenly dragon comes into view, and you gulp, gulp, and ...... repeat that.

...... I can't help it. I didn't think it was my place to be .......

"Can I ask you something? "Kerkator the Sea Dragon.

I stood next to Iris and said.

'I heard through Iris that you wanted to talk to us, right?

The Sea Dragon Kerkator seems to be worried about the "Heavenly Dragon's Bracelet" when dealing with Iris.

I'll be the one to take the lead in the discussion.

I'm sure you've got some information to share. The great dragon that lives in the sea.

"Ooh, ...... it was.

The Sea Dragon Kerkator (as if blatantly relieved) turned his head towards me.

Then he opened his mouth with large fangs and announced.

I'm sure you all sensed the release of dragon-like magic on the land not long ago, right?

I felt it, or rather, I was a party to it. We let it go.

'Sea Dragon Kercator' is probably talking about the 'Heavenly Dragon's Residual Magic Power'.

There's no point in hiding it now, right? I'm sure the sea dragon knows about White too.

...... Mm-hmm. It's an enormous amount of magical power that can be felt even from the sea. It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on a new one.

The old demon dragon?

"A long time ago. A long time ago, there were already dragons in this world.

The 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' began to speak.

I heard that in addition to the heavenly dragon and sea dragon, there was something called 'earth dragon' in this world.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this in the future.

It was a clever dragon that liked people and created sacred relics ...... so-called "artifacts" and shared them with people.

I don't know the details of ...... but it is said that the local dragon has turned into a 'demon dragon' and is now avenging people. This is what my 'daughter of the sea dragon' has told me.

''The Sea Dragon's Daughter'' ...... I mean, he's an ancestor of Iris.

''Why would 'Daughter of the Sea Dragon' do that?''

'Because my daughter, too, was about to become a demon dragon. When she was persecuted by people and in despair.

Kerkator, the sea dragon, said.

The dragon that likes people especially so. It is easy for them to fall under the influence of demons and become demonic dragons and turn into avengers. My daughter was saved from falling to the devil by associating herself with the Sea Dragon Warrior.

...... Come to think of it, "The Residual Thoughts of the Heavenly Dragon" said. I'm not going to be able to get it right.

I'm not sure if that's because of ...... that happened a long time ago.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it happen. This time, when the miko's sensory abilities have increased, I thought I would pass on this information.

"Thank you. Sea Dragon Kerkator.

I knew he was a good dragon. Sea Dragon.

He helped free Iris from the pressure of being a priestess during the Festival of the Sea Dragon. I'm sure you're right. This dragon.

Do you mind if I ask you something?

"It's all right. "Sea Dragon Warrior.

Does the term 'demon dragon dungeon' ring any bells?

"...... 'Daughter of the Sea Dragon' once told me about it,

After making a little thoughtful gesture, 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' opened his mouth.

''It seems that he was curious about demon dragons because he was driven by his own anger and despair towards humans, and he was looking into it. He said he found a place that looked like it, but he wasn't sure.''

Where exactly?

"If I had a map, I'd know it.

Iris, please.

'Yes. Then I will show it in 'illusory space'. This will be a map of the port city of Irgafa and its surroundings to the resort town of Mishlila!

Shun.

A map was displayed around us by Iris's 'illusory space'.

...... my descendants. When did you become so versatile ......?'

'The Power of Love' changed me.

Iris was like, eh, eh, chest heaving.

Cecil, Aine and Rafilia all nodded, "It's love." "It's love." "It's love and justice, isn't it?

...... If you're happy, that's fine.

'Yes, sir. Iris is happy!　On this collar you have arranged for me.

Saying that, Iris touched the collar that resembled a choker and laughed.

''It was here that my daughter mentioned ...... as a candidate for the ruins of the Demon Dragon.

The illusory 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' pointed to a corner of the map with his giant clawed finger.

It's near the Michelin's Recreation Area. It was near the beach, away from the harbor.

Let's hear it. You are the brave men of the sea dragon. Why are you guys interested in the 'dragon's dungeon'?

A hero from another world is working behind the scenes to capture the dungeon. This is the reason why there is so much commotion around. I want to live a peaceful life.

It was the same way the other day.

I only went on a collection quest at the request of the saintess, but I got involved in a kidnapping incident and ended up getting involved in a conflict between the beast-man village and the 'Nebusoku Goblins'.

''So, whether I get involved or not, I want to gather at least some information. Because if we don't know the location of something dangerous, we can't avoid it.''

"...... Interesting, now 'Sea Dragon Brave'

Is that normal?

"An ordinary person would not save a miko from her fate and become the father of a celestial dragon. ...... No, this is not an insult to the celestial dragon, is it?　I'm rather impressed, you know?　To the bond between celestial dragons and men, a bond beyond blood!　It's true!

I know. "Kelkator the Sea Dragon.

So don't be so freaked out. You're the guardian god of the port city.

'Even though you are far away at sea, you are the guardian of my town, Iris' ancestors. And for that, I am grateful. Without you, I wouldn't be able to calmly raise White.

"...... My maiden has found a good mate.

'Sea Dragon Kerkator' let out a long breath.

Next to him, Iris is tapping the sea dragon's neck with a bright red face. I can see that she is embarrassed. It's a good idea to use the hand of the one wearing the "Heavenly Dragon's Bracelet" properly, which is typical for Iris. You'll be able to see that you're not the only one who has the same problem.

...... Lastly, I'll tell you one more thing.

The figure of the "sea dragon Kerkator" is fading away.

This time it really is as if the link is about to be broken.

"Lately, the sea is noisy. It's not a monster, it's ...... people. There may be some seafaring people who have a devious plan ......

What a devil you are, sir.

'Take heart ...... my descendants, sea dragon heroes, and their friends ...... from that soul connection ...... all of you. ...... which is like my people ......

Finally, 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' bared his thick fangs and laughed.

'...... My Descendants ...... 'Sea Dragon Priestess'. I hope that the child will be protected by a kind family and that his blood will be ...... connected to the rest of his life.

You have my word. "Kerkator the Sea Dragon.

Iris picks up the hem of her maiden's dress and bows deeply.

Me, Cecil, Aine and Raphilia all bowed their heads in accordance with that.

When I looked up after a while, the ...... 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' had completely disappeared.

''A dragon persecuted by man becomes a 'demon dragon,' huh?

I think I understand.

When I was working black labour in my former world, I was absurdly sluggish too.

Whenever I worked long hours or gave a series of reckless orders, I would feel exhausted by the unreasonableness of it all and feel as if everything in the ...... world had become the enemy.

Of course, me and the dragon are on a different scale.

'Good job, Iris,'

It's nothing. Big brother.

With sweat beading on her forehead, Iris smiled innocently.

''Since I was able to tell 'Sea Dragon Kerkator' how amazing his brother is, Iris is very satisfied.

'I hope so. And Iris, tell me if you're feeling stressed out, too.

"'Streus'?

This is White and ...... everyone. It seems that 'demonization' is a thing in this world, so ...... in short, let's not fall to the dark side.

Yes, Mr. Nagi!

So get on with it, and Aine will rinse the baths when she gets home.

I want to wash off the master's back. It's a good idea to have a good time with them. It's a good idea.

That's not what I'm talking about.

'Well, I agree to take a bath. Then we'll rest today and tomorrow we'll all move to the retreat. When the transition gate opens tonight, I'll send a letter over there saying that.

「「「「 Yes! 」」」」

Cecil, Aine, Raphilia, and Iris raised their hands.

Alright. I got the information on the "Demon Dragon Dungeon". We should be able to confirm whether it's real or not by using the 'bell' that Rita received.

The other question is whether or not the dungeon can be left alone.

It would be best if we could use ...... magic to blow it up.

I had been thinking about that for a long time as I walked with everyone else towards the ground.