Chapter 64

In the week since the duel with Tiamat was decided, I dedicated myself entirely to training.

Normally, it would be wise to come up with some kind of strategy, but I didn’t have that kind of tactical mind. My only option was to throw myself at her with everything I had.

Aside from the training, there were rehearsals for the award ceremony, and there were times during the latter half where I barely had a moment to breathe, but I did what I could.

Between learning combat styles from the other monster elders and sparring with Orm, the Dragon Emperor, and Grandfather, my physical preparation for battle should have been perfect.

On the other hand, my performance during the ceremony rehearsals was a total disaster—I kept getting scolded for every little thing.

Regardless, today was the day.

If I won against Tiamat today, I could make Ouka and Tiamat my companions.

I hadn’t really thought that far ahead in the beginning, though.

“Ryu, are you prepared?”

“It’s fine, Ouka. You just have to stand tall and present Tiamat’s claw to me.”

Ouka questioned me just before the ceremony.

She was probably feeling a little anxious because of how much I had struggled during the practice sessions.

“I am counting on you, then. Make sure you do not commit any blunders.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Since Ouka was a member of the imperial family, she would be on the side presenting the rewards, so we couldn’t stay together.

Apparently, she had to act the part of a princess by the Dragon Emperor’s side.

More than the ceremony, I was focused on the duel with Tiamat that would follow. She was the Dragon Queen, after all. Even though I’d managed to start winning against the Dragon Emperor and his wife, I still had a losing record overall.

There was no guarantee of victory anywhere.

“Mr. Ryu, it is time.”

“Ah, yes. I’m coming.”

It’s still too early to worry about that. For now, I need to focus on getting through the ceremony.

The award ceremony began, and some time had passed.

Naturally, there were others receiving awards besides me, and I was scheduled to be the last one.

When I asked the Dragon Emperor why I was last, he said, “How could the hero who defeated Azi Dahaka not be the center of attention?”

I understood what he meant, but he didn’t have to make me the grand finale…

Apparently, another reason was that if I went first, the others wouldn’t stand out as much.

Because of that, I had to stay perfectly composed until the very end, which was exhausting.

However, since just standing there was boring, I quietly listened to what the others were receiving.

The rewards varied from person to person.

Most received money, higher social status, or magic equipment and weapons.

Some even received engagements to high-ranking individuals, much like the Dragon Emperor’s situation.

So they really do that, huh?

The couples, blessed by everyone in the hall, naturally looked very happy together.

“Ryu, step forward.”

“Yes.”

Finally, it was my turn.

I knelt before the Dragon Emperor.

He spoke with great solemnity.

“Ryu, though you are human, you fought Azi Dahaka without fear and emerged victorious. In token of our gratitude and appreciation, we grant you this reward. Bring forth the prize!”

For some reason, I heard a stir of excitement in the crowd.

Was Tiamat’s claw really that valuable?

“This is the claw of the ‘Azure Dragon Queen.’ Accept it.”

“I accept it with gratitude.”

I received Tiamat’s claw with both hands.

After the ceremony came the banquet, but I could only eat lightly.

I had the duel with Tiamat right after this.

It wouldn’t be a very funny joke if I lost because I overate.

And there was so much delicious-looking food, too…

“Ryu, are you ready?”

“Papa, are you nervous?”

Ril and Karin approached me, holding plates piled with food.

“I’m fine. If anything, I’m just sad I can’t stuff my face with all this great food.”

“If you have the energy to complain about that, you’ll be fine.”

Ril began eating as if it were no big deal.

“Do your best, Papa!”

“Yeah! I’ll go give it my all.”

Giving them a light wave, I headed toward the arena.

The arena was a place that had been used since ancient times for various purposes.

It had quite a history—sometimes used to show off one’s strength, sometimes as a venue for light sports and entertainment, and sometimes as a place where people fought to make their wishes come true.

Apparently, warriors and dragons had even died here in the past.

Stubborn to the end and refusing to lose, the dragons who died here had been buried with great care.

And this was where I would fight Tiamat.

The catalyst was Ouka’s wish to see the world, which I thought was a good wish.

I had come to the Great Forest and gained power through a vague desire to become stronger, but I was still weak.

That was why I wanted to change here.

So that I could protect everyone.

“Ryu, aren’t you overthinking things?”

The voice that suddenly called out belonged to Ouka.

“What’s wrong, Ouka? If you don’t get back to your seat soon, the Dragon Emperor and the others will worry.”

“True, but I simply felt uneasy about you. I decided to stop by for a moment. You looked like you were brooding, so I spoke up.”

Ouka said this as she sat down next to me.

“Don’t worry. I wasn’t thinking about anything important. I was just wondering if the power I gained from recklessly seeking strength would be enough to beat Tiamat.”

“You are clearly brooding. What happened to your usual self?”

“…I think I’m just nervous. I can’t even imagine how well I’ll be able to fight against Tiamat.”

My hands were shaking slightly.

I couldn’t tell if it was nerves, fear, or just the thrill of the hunt.

“I-In that case, I shall give you a little charm.”

With her face turning slightly red, Ouka stood in front of me.

Before I could ask what kind of charm it was, Ouka pressed her lips lightly against my cheek.

“Uh…?”

To be honest, my mind went completely blank.

It was so sudden that I couldn’t even manage a proper reaction.

“S-Since I have stopped your shaking, I am going back to my seat!”

With that, she dashed away.

True enough, my hands had stopped shaking.

But…

“Wasn’t that ‘charm’ a bit too much of a shock to the system?”

Both of us ended up blushing.

In fact, I could feel my own face burning.

“Mr. Ryu, please enter the arena.”

“Ah, right.”

Good grief, now I really have no choice but to win.

I’m fired up. Time to go get that victory.

“It has been a while, Mr. Ryu.”

Tiamat spoke to me as we stood on the arena floor.

Unlike her usual self, she wasn’t wearing her maid uniform; instead, she wore a form-fitting suit that covered her entire body.

I hadn’t really spoken to Tiamat until today.

We had both been busy making preparations for this day.

“It has, Tiamat. I’m going to win today.”

“A declaration of war so soon?”

“Well, I can’t afford to lose.”

“Is that for your sake, Mr. Ryu? Or for Ouka’s?”

I suppose this was the moment where I should say something cool about doing it for Ouka, but…

“It’s for my sake.”

“Is that so? I was certain you would say it was for Ouka.”

“No. I’m just a human, after all. I decided I wanted to take Ouka on a journey for my own reasons, and this bet exists because I don’t have the confidence to protect her on my own. I’m just a weak human, in the end.”

Charity begins at home. In the end, it’s for me.

“I see. Then please do your best for the sake of that confidence.”

Tiamat took a stance while remaining in her human form.

“You aren’t going to turn into a dragon?”

“This form allows for better maneuverability.”

That made sense.

I took my stance as well, and a moment later, the battle began.