The Arrival Of The Black Dragon (2)

Nevertheless, the three of them headed for the mountain.

“Huh!? Th-that’s…!?”

As if to drown out Patricia’s resolve and feelings, a gigantic shadow covered the imperial troops.

Jonah, Henrik, Kuu, Patricia, and everyone in the imperial army looked up at the sky.

There, above them.

――A massive dragon cloaked in jet black raced across the great sky.

“I-it’s huge…”

At the sight of the enormous black dragon, Jonah couldn’t help but let out a sound.

Its size rivaled that of the Guardian of the Central Sea and that sea-serpent beast.

“So that’s… one of the pair of dragons, the Black Dragon…”

Patricia understood in an instant.

That as mere humans, they could not contend with a legendary dragon.

When she turned, knights and soldiers stood there in a daze; some were on their knees, overcome with despair.

And yet.

“Amazing… it’s incredible…!”

Only Jonah beside her had his round onyx eyes shining.

No wonder—he knew his lifespan, and had decided to spend his remaining time seeking out legends across the world. One of those legends was now right before his eyes.

“GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!”

“What!?”
“What!?”
“What!?”

The Black Dragon suddenly let out a roar directed at Mount Baldia, and everyone present froze in their tracks.

Everyone there surely felt the same thing.

As if ‘their hearts had been seized by an eagle’s talon and crushed with no chance to resist.’

Then the Black Dragon glanced once toward the ground.

Perhaps it had noticed their presence. Patricia came to her senses, drew her sword, and took a stance.

As if mocking her resolve, the Black Dragon turned back toward Mount Baldia as if nothing had happened and flew away.

“…………………………”
“…………………………”
“…………………………”

Apparently, with the threat gone, everyone let their guard down.

Everyone was left speechless and collapsed where they stood.

After a while.

“Princess Patricia! Return to the Empire at once! That is… not an enemy humans can hope to match!”

“Exactly! Let the Kingdom of Karelia deal with its own problems! It has nothing to do with us!”

Some of the knights rushed to Patricia, pleading in unison that they abandon the hunt for the White Dragon.

Witnessing that the legend of the Paired Dragons was true, they realized the paired White Dragon—also a target—would certainly rival that Black Dragon. There was nothing left but to tuck their tails and flee. Everyone present thought so.

However.

“…Those who wish to leave may go.”

“Huh!? Princess Patricia!?”

“I am the First Imperial Princess of the Estraia Empire, Patricia Heilwig von Estraia! How could I possibly turn my back when the friendly Kingdom of Karelia has asked for our help!?”

Patricia raised her sword and roared at the knights trying to persuade her to flee the country.

Even if her body trembled, her teeth chattered, and her knees wobbled so she could barely stand.

Still, she behaved before them as the ‘Silver Sword Princess.’

She mustered the small courage and pride that remained in a heart painted over with fear.

Even knowing that it might be reckless… nothing more than foolhardy bravery.

Meanwhile.

“You said you’re ‘waiting’ now…”

Jonah also stared at Mount Baldia and murmured quietly.

“Now! Those who wish to leave from here should go at once! I will continue on to Mount Baldia!”

“…………………………”
“…………………………”
“…………………………”

The knights and soldiers gave Patricia, who no longer listened to reason, sullen looks in silence.

If she gave the order to ‘return,’ they would begin preparations to leave this instant.

But if they left Patricia, who still insisted on heading to Mount Baldia, unchecked, there would be consequences when they returned to the Empire.

That was precisely why they stood frozen, unable to move.

Yet somewhere in their hearts they also thought this.

If Patricia lost her life on Mount Baldia, no one would know they had abandoned her, and if they fabricated a suitable report upon returning to the Empire, they likely wouldn’t be punished.

At that moment.

“Princess Patricia, I’ll go. No, please—let me come with you.”

“Huh!? Jonah!?”

Patricia cried out in surprise at Jonah, who timidly raised his hand and spoke.

To go to Mount Baldia now meant certain death.

Besides, Jonah and Henrik were only supposed to guide them to the foot of Mount Baldia.

Above all, she couldn’t allow such a small boy to be put in harm’s way.

“No! Jonah and Henrik must return immediately!”

“No! I will definitely go to Mount Baldia!”

Patricia shouted, but Jonah did not yield an inch.

The Jonah she knew was obedient and gentle-mannered—never the type to be trouble.

Not expecting him to refuse so stubbornly, Patricia pressed her temple.

“Henrik, you persuade Jonah too. At this rate, you’ll be throwing away precious lives…”

“I-I’ll go too! I have to go!”

Henrik also had reasons that compelled him to risk the danger and go to Mount Baldia.

To accept reality and sever ties with his missing father.

To support his beloved mother, who still waits for his father’s return.

“Hah… The proud Imperial troops tremble before the black dragon, yet little Jonah and Henrik are the ones proposing such reckless things…”

“It’s not reckless. And no matter how much Princess Patricia tries to stop me, I will go. Even if I’m alone.”

“M-me too!”

Patricia frowned as she looked at the two boys who showed no sign of backing down.

No matter how much she tried to persuade them, even if she threatened them, she could see their resolve and determination not to back down.

“…Very well.”

“…!”
“…!”

“However! You must absolutely follow my orders! Do not take any reckless actions! If you cannot promise that, you will not be allowed to go to Mount Baldia!”

“Th-thank you!”

“Thank you!”

Jonah and Henrik’s faces lit up, and they bowed deeply with bright smiles.

She really didn’t want to take them, but if she left them behind, they would surely head to Mount Baldia anyway.

So Patricia thought it wiser to keep them within sight and protect them.

“You did it, Henrik!”

“Yeah! Now we can go to Mount Baldia!”

“Hah…”

Watching the two clasp hands and frolic, Patricia let out a deep sigh.