Chapter 60

“It was no good!!”

After dinner, Ouka came to me in tears.

“So you were rejected after all. Who said no?”

“It was Grandmother!”

“Wait, for real?”

According to Ouka’s explanation, the Dragon Emperor and Gwyber had actually seemed happy about the idea and were ready to give their permission, but Tiamat had called a halt to it. Apparently, she claimed it was far too early for Ouka to go on a journey. It had turned into a battle between the Dragon Emperor, who respected Ouka’s wishes, and Tiamat, who insisted she wasn’t ready.

A winner hadn’t been decided yet, but it seemed the faction of “nobles”—if you used human terms—was largely in support of Tiamat. However, the faction supporting Ouka’s will was resisting just as fiercely.

“Man, a Princess’s departure is serious business, huh?”

“This isn’t just someone else’s problem, you know!?”

“I guess not. But why are you saying it’s ‘no good’ already? The matter hasn’t been settled yet, right?”

“At this rate, it will surely turn into a duel. And if that happens, I know Grandmother will be the one to step out…”

I see. So that was why she said it was hopeless.

“Can’t the Dragon Emperor or Gwyber handle it if they try hard enough?”

“…I think if the two of them fought her seriously together, they could manage something. But if it becomes a formal duel…”

“It’ll be a one-on-one match, huh…”

There was no guarantee they could beat Tiamat in a solo fight.

…Well, I guess I’d better put in some work here, too.

“Ouka, the discussion isn’t over yet, is it?”

“Probably not.”

“Then take me there. I’m joining the conversation.”

And so, I entered the rowdy venue. Tiamat stood facing the others, glaring at me with an incredibly stern expression.

“…What is your business?”

“I want to ask for permission to take Ouka permission on a journey.”

I stated my business succinctly. I was a bit curious as to why the Dragon Emperor and Gwyber were standing behind me, but I decided to ignore that for now.

“Were you the one who instigated Ouka?”

“I didn’t intend to instigate her… but if she wanted to go, I told her she had to talk to her parents first.”

“So it was you after all. With what intention did you invite her on a journey?”

“I didn’t invite her. Ouka herself said she wanted to travel, so I just told her to give her parents a word first.”

“…Then, are you saying you will protect Ouka?”

“Sure. I’ve lived my life doing pretty much whatever I wanted, so I don’t intend to tell someone else what they can or can’t do. But I will take responsibility for her.”

I had to at least do that much.

“…Then show me your strength. Through a duel.”

She brought out her trump card quite early.

“That’s fine by me. Also, would you care for a personal wager?”

“What kind of wager?”

Tiamat asked warily. I didn’t think it was such a bad bet, though.

“If I win, Tiamat, I want you to come with us, too.”

The surrounding crowd erupted into a buzz.

“I’m not arrogant enough to think I can protect Ouka perfectly all by myself. That’s why having someone as capable as you along would be a huge comfort.”

I wonder how much my heartfelt words would move her. That was the real gamble.

“And if I win, what will you do?”

“Do as you like. I’m well aware that I’m making a rather unreasonable request.”

Now, how would she answer?

“Very well. If I win, Mr. Ryu, you shall formally become Ouka’s fiancé.”

“Are you serious, Lady Tiamat!?”

“Hero or not, he is a human!”

“What do the Dragon Emperor and Lady Gwyber think of this!?”

Naturally, many voices rose from the dragons on Tiamat’s side. It was expected. Judging by appearances, there were many here who placed great importance on pure bloodlines.

“I think it’s a bit early, but what do you think, Gwyber?”

“I don’t mind. I was engaged quite early myself, after all,” Gwyber said, her cheeks tinged with red. So she was okay with it as long as it was just an engagement.

“I have no problem with that wager. Since I’m wagering a person’s future, it’s only natural to wager myself as well.”

“Then, when shall we set the date?”

Let’s see… it might as well be something interesting.

“How about the day I receive my reward?”

Since the people of the Dragon Empire are the ones running the show, I’d understand if they said no, but…

“I don’t think it’s a problem, but what about you, Gwyber?”

“…It will require some adjustments, but it shouldn’t be an issue. Mother, is that acceptable to you?”

“I do not mind.”

“Then, after Ryu has been given his reward, a duel between Ryu and Tiamat shall take place. No objections from the rest of you, I assume?”

No one dared to complain against the Dragon Emperor’s confirmation. The duel between me and Tiamat was set.