30. Aira's Rival

The day after returning to the royal capital from the Dragon’s Sanctuary, Reet headed to the palace guard office first thing in the morning.

Aira’s coming with me.

Ever since hatching, Aira had stuck to his side without pause—and except for when he used the restroom, she refused to leave him at all.

So with Aira hovering at his side, Reet made his way to report to Commander Ursu.

“Well, I didn’t expect it, but you really have been chosen by a dragon. Impressive,” Commander Ursu said, running a hand through his bangs.

“Ryuuu—” Aira let out a small chirp when she noticed Ursu, still hovering at Reet’s side.

It seemed to be her way of greeting.

“Well, you’re the man Princess Iris chose. It’d be strange if a dragon didn’t pick you,” Ursu said, nodding in understanding.

“So what should I do next, Commander?” Reet asked.

Ursu handed him a piece of paper with a simple map drawn on it.

“The Eastern Knight Order has asked for reinforcements. They’re short on personnel,” Ursu explained.

“So I’m being reassigned?”

“Indeed. There’s a town called Korin in the east. The mission is there—apparently, some Metal Wolves have settled in the forests outside the town and are disrupting trade. I want you to defeat them.”

“Understood.”

Reet accepted the map.

“Oh, and one more thing. Head to Princess Iris’s office. She’s requested your presence.”

“The princess wants to see me?”

During the recruitment exam and the Tourney of Champions, he’d had many opportunities to interact with the princess, so he sometimes forgot—but Iris was the first princess of this kingdom. She would likely become queen someday. Being summoned by such a person made his tension spike.

“Don’t worry. The princess values communication with her subordinates. And you’re her special favorite, so really, she just wants to see your face,” Ursu explained, his tone matter-of-fact.

“Understood.”

Reet bowed and headed toward the princess’s office.

He reached the door quickly, but then noticed a problem.

What should I do with Aira?

Dragon or not, Aira was still a child. If there was any chance of offending the princess, it would be catastrophic.

Reet decided to ask her to wait outside for just a moment.

“Aira, could you wait here for just a bit?” he asked.

Aira seemed to understand his words perfectly. And having understood them—

“Ryuuuu———!!”

She refused.

Her wings flapped furiously as she dove into his chest, making it clear she absolutely would not let him go.

“Aira, it’ll only be a moment,” Reet said, but Aira wouldn’t listen.

I’m out of time. I have no choice but to bring her along.

He decided to bring her inside, aware that this might cause trouble—but decided to introduce her to the princess anyway.

Reet called to a guard and was allowed inside.

“Reet, it’s been a while!” Iris greeted him with a radiant smile.

“Your Highness. I hope you’ve been well,” Reet replied.

“Of course. Reet, did you get chosen by a dragon?”

“Yes, Your Highness. This is Aira,” Reet said.

Iris walked forward to get a closer look at Aira hovering at Reet’s side.

“Hello there, Aira-chan,” Iris greeted the dragon.

But Aira—

“Shrieeek!!”

Suddenly let out a hiss he’d never heard before, a clear threat display.

Reet’s blood ran cold.

She hissed at the princess…?

“I’m so sorry, Princess Iris. She’s still young and—” Reet said apologetically.

He’d worried there might be an outburst, but a threat display? That was far worse. Aira had greeted Commander Ursu normally earlier, which made this even more alarming.

“Haha. I’ve seen many dragons over the years, but this one’s certainly the liveliest,” Iris said, clearly unbothered.

“You might say she’s spirited… or perhaps a bit shy?” Reet said, scratching his head—

And then Aira turned back toward him, pressing her small front legs against his chest and flapping her wings back and forth.

She was clearly trying to push him away.

“Haha! It seems I’ve become a rival for Reet’s affection!” Iris laughed.

“I—I’m so sorry! Aira’s being very rude—”

“Don’t worry about it, don’t worry at all,” Iris said, genuinely unbothered.

“It seems the dragon has figured out that I’m competing with her for Reet. Dragons are truly clever creatures,” Iris said.

Reet didn’t understand what she meant, but in any case, she wasn’t upset.

Still, it was hard on his heart. When I get back, I’m going to have to properly train Aira, Reet resolved silently.