Chapter 57

During breakfast, once everyone had gathered, it seemed the Dragon Emperor had a few words for me.

“We were able to pull through this incident safely thanks to you, Ryu. You have my gratitude. Later, I wish to formally present you with a reward as the Dragon Emperor. Is there anything you desire?”

Something I want?

…Not really.

“I’ll think about it.”

That was all I could say for now. For the time being, I went back to my room to mull it over.

First of all, what counts as a reward? What should I be asking for? Treasure, maybe? But even if I got “treasure,” I wouldn’t have the first clue about its actual value. If that was the case, maybe materials for equipment?

Hmm. What to do?

“Are you still pondering?”

Tiamat popped up out of nowhere again.

“I’ve brought some herb tea to help settle your mind. Please, help yourself.”

Seriously, this woman has the most impeccable timing. I might as well ask her.

“What did other people get when they received rewards?”

“It varies. The most recent person to receive a reward requested my daughter as his prize.”

“Hm?”

Wait, was she talking about how the Dragon Emperor and Lady Gwyber got together? So the Emperor got married through a reward?

“At first, naturally, everyone was against it. However, Gwyber herself consented, and Draig’s strength was recognized, so the reward was granted. Mr. Ryu, if the person in question consents, you could even choose my granddaughter.”

She’s bringing up the Princess again? I don’t quite get it, but I seem to be popular with legendary-tier beings. Still, I didn’t like being the only one teased, so I decided to be a little mischievous myself. I was curious to see how she’d react.

“In that case, maybe I’ll nominate you, Tiamat.”

Clatter!

Ah, Tiamat actually made a noise with the tea set. That’s rare.

“Wh-What exactly do you mean by that?”

She’s flustered. She’s definitely flustered. I decided to give a deliberately vague answer.

“It means I want you, Tiamat.”

I wasn’t lying. But I didn’t state the reason.

“E-Excuse me!!”

For the first time ever, she left while actually letting her presence be felt. I feel like I finally scored a win against Tiamat!

“Did you do something to Tiamat?”

This time Ril walked in, followed by Karin and the Princess.

“Nah. We were just discussing the reward.”

Technically not a lie.

“Her face was bright red, though.”

“Umu. I have never seen Grandmother wear such an expression.”

I guess Karin and the Princess noticed it too. Well, as long as I keep my mouth shut, it’s fine.

“Hey Princess, Tiamat said a person could be a reward. Is that true?”

“Well, it is a very rare type of reward. Usually, it is a treasure or some kind of right. For example, an item to boost one’s power, or the right to live in this castle.”

I see. A “right” was an option too.

“Then maybe the right to come and go from this country whenever I want would be good.”

“For an achievement of this scale, that feels like too small a reward on its own…”

“Too small? You mean like making it so not just me, but Ril and Karin can come and go too?”

“Not exactly. You see, it is a matter of national prestige. It would be irritating if people thought the Empire couldn’t provide a proper reward to someone of great merit. Therefore, if the reward isn’t grand enough, one must receive many smaller ones to compensate.”

Ugh, how tedious. National prestige is a real pain…

“Then maybe I really should just take Tiamat?”

The Princess reacted violently to those words.

“Are you serious?! Do you intend to make my grandmother your bride?!”

“Wait, really?!”

“Papa, is that true?!”

“Wait, wait, wait, wait! How did it turn into that? Why does ‘taking’ Tiamat automatically mean she becomes my bride?”

Ril and Karin had joined the chain reaction. I mean, sure, that woman can do anything and she’s strong, but still.

“Then nominate me instead! I am much younger!!”

“Princess, you aren’t ‘young,’ you’re ‘childish.’ And I’m not a lolicon.”

“Ryu, did you actually prefer older women?!”

“That’s not it either. Honestly, someone around my own age is best.”

“I was a chick until recently, you know?”

“That’s… wait, huh?”

Now that she mentioned it, she was. Wait, am I a lolicon?!

“If Karin is acceptable, then surely I am as well!”

“I’m against it too! That woman will steal the spot of legal wife!!”

“Papa, are you a lolicon?”

“Give me a break! Especially with the lolicon allegations!!”

I refuse to be a lolicon! I like kids in a normal way, but I don’t have those kinds of wicked thoughts!

“Anyway! That was just an idea, not a decision! If Tiamat says no, that’s the end of it. It’s just one of many possibilities!”

“Then what else do you want?”

“If possible, I want to upgrade my gear, so I’d like dragon materials. If I’m being greedy, I want a sword made from a claw or fang, and armor made from scales.”

It sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it? A full set of dragon equipment. It’s a boy’s dream!!

“In that case, it would likely be either a claw or scales. Scales can be gathered from those that fall off naturally, and for a claw, you could take one that broke off during a fight.”

“Can’t I have both?”

“Unlikely.”

I see—so it’s either a weapon or armor. Maybe I’ll go with a weapon? There are times when Rou’s reach is a bit too short. But wait, would Rou get jealous if I cheated on him with another blade? Dowal did say weapons are alive. I guess I’ll have to consult Dowal about that.

“If you have a general idea of the reward, I shall inform my father. He will likely ask you formally again, but I shall pass it along.”

“Thanks, Princess.”

“I wish you would stop calling me ‘Princess’ and call me Ouka already…”

I heard that, Princess. If you want me to call you by your name, just say so normally.

“Alright then, I’m counting on you, Ouka.”

When I said it casually, Ouka yelled, “Umu!!” and ran off. I guess that kind of thing is part of a child’s charm.