145

“What are we going to do now?”

At Antonio’s question, Hamel looked down at the map in silence. An ‘X’ had been drawn over the fan-shaped crest representing the Ashitaka family. The meaning of that mark was simple: the fall of the Ashitaka clan. The source of their power, the Old God ‘Nine-Headed Serpent,’ was dead.

Daniel, who had been standing still, spoke up abruptly. “One of the so-called Three Great Powers has vanished.”

“……Come to think of it, you’re right.”

“The ripple effect certainly won’t be small.”

Daniel put it simply, but what would unfold next would be anything but simple. Great chaos would erupt not only in the West but across the entire Empire. The balance of power had collapsed. The West no longer had the strength to protect itself; it would have no choice but to seek protection under some other faction.

‘Glenval of the North doesn’t seem interested. It’ll be the Empire or the Church.’

The two groups that had been eyeing an opportunity to advance into the West would not miss this chance. Hamel, in truth, didn’t care much for what happened afterward. The lives of the citizens would likely remain the same regardless of which group took over. However…

“A carrier pigeon has arrived.”

“Thank you.”

Nodding his thanks to Lena, Hamel attached a prepared letter to the pigeon’s leg.

Flap!

The pigeon took flight with powerful strokes of its wings. Quickly becoming a mere dot, it glided away and vanished from sight. Ono, watching this with a lack of interest, asked, “Is it the Church?”

“Yes.”

Hamel gave a short nod. That was all. Ono didn’t ask further. It was only natural; blood is thicker than water, and Hamel was, for now, affiliated with the Church. Besides, there were many more people he trusted there. In any case, it seemed Hamel’s work here was done. The aftermath would now be the responsibility of others.

“I suppose we’re leaving then.”

“No.”

There was still unfinished business. Everyone turned their inquisitive gazes toward Hamel. To those who were preparing to return to the estate, it was an unexpected answer.

Hamel spoke calmly. “I still have business in the West.”

“……What is it?”

At Daniel’s question, Hamel said bluntly, “The Half-Dragon.”

“…….”

Only then did the memory they had forgotten resurface. They all nodded. While not everyone had heard it, several of the party members had heard the same words Hamel had.

‘The Beast Dragon King… is here in the West…?’

Leo Benedictus’s flustered mutter. He had certainly said those words to the crow that had suddenly flown in.

‘Beast Dragon King, Lekarisika.’

That creature was here in the West. He didn’t know why, but the Evil God’s followers seemed quite obsessed with dragons—to the point where they would abandon the party they had nearly caught just to pursue it. Of course, Leo probably didn’t think Hamel would escape.

‘It means pursuing the Half-Dragon is a higher priority than killing me.’

A strange emotion stirred within him. What would have happened if Leo Benedictus had stayed? Hamel didn’t even know how strong he was, but it was clear he was a dangerous existence.

‘I should be thankful he was careless.’

Hamel thought this as he prepared to set out. Unlike those with information, Hamel had no choice but to search the West directly. The enemy would surely be faster. He had to pursue them diligently.

‘I must catch it.’

Leo Benedictus was one thing, but the Beast Dragon King was equally important. Hamel needed its heart. It was then that a voice spoke.

“Um, Lord Hamel?”

“Yes. Please speak.”

“I… think I will head back now.”

Pause.

“……?”

Hamel stopped his preparations and looked at Antonio, who was smiling awkwardly. Antonio scratched the back of his head and answered.

“Actually, I’m worried about the estate. Even though you said it would be fine, Lord Hamel…”

“Ah.”

Hamel nodded. Antonio had never seen the power of Apophis or the Guard Captain. Even with an explanation, it was natural for him to worry. Hamel pondered for a moment before nodding.

“Understood. Then, please take good care of the estate.”

He couldn’t stop someone who wanted to leave. He didn’t have the right, nor did he want to. He was simply grateful that Antonio cared so much for Haidern.

“Yes!”

At Antonio’s energetic reply, Hamel gave a faint smile. Antonio smiled back and said, “It was good to be able to fight alongside you again, Lord Hamel, even if only for a short while.”

Hamel paused. After losing his sight, Antonio had been unable to join Hamel. Of course, after becoming a priest, he had protected the village and provided strong support from the rear, but perhaps in his heart, he had been envious of those who journeyed with Hamel.

To that Antonio, Hamel spoke with sincerity. “You were a truly great help. Just as you always have been.”

“Hehe. Really?”

Antonio laughed shyly for a moment, then nodded vigorously. “I feel like I’ve achieved a dream.”

A warm atmosphere flowed through the brief silence. Then, someone awkwardly raised a hand.

“Ahem. Excuse me.”

“……?”

Under the sudden shower of gazes, Azinos looked flustered. The self-proclaimed leader of the Bremen Musicians spoke to Hamel.

“We think we will take our leave as well. We plan to head East with Lord Antonio.”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

Hamel nodded lightly. Why were they even asking for permission? However, Azinos, his expression brightening, took courage and raised his hand again.

“L-Lord Hamel!”

“Yes.”

“In that case… may I create a song about your journey this time?”

“……?”

At the unexpected question, Hamel momentarily fell silent. The other party members looked surprised, their eyes wide, before they burst into chuckles.

“A song. I’m curious.”

“There are already several songs about the Priest, aren’t there?”

“Hmm, none of them were really worth listening to.”

“Lord Ono, are you perhaps sulking because your name didn’t appear in the lyrics?”

“You brat… what do you take me for to say such a thing…?”

While a huffy Ono threw a tantrum and Lena enjoyed it, Hamel gave his answer after some thought.

“Yes.”

“……By that, you mean?”

“You may create it.”

At Hamel’s answer, Azinos jumped for joy. He must have really wanted to write it. In truth, Hamel had no right to stop him from composing a song. If there was one thing he hoped for…

“Please do not exaggerate too much.”

“……Oh, understood. Though I don’t think much exaggeration will be necessary.”

Azinos nodded as if he had just heard something quite redundant. Hamel was satisfied with that. A short while later:

“Then, until next time.”

“Yes. May God’s grace be with you.”

After exchanging farewells, they parted ways. Not long after, Azinos began to hum a tune. The melody, seemingly filled with inspiration, was quite pleasant to the ear. Daniel and Lena, watching from a distance, chuckled again.

“It’s quite good.”

“I like it too.”

“Hmm, is it that good?”

“Ugh, if you’re going to keep acting like that, just go back now and ask him to put Lord Ono’s name in it.”

“No, I…”

Watching them bicker, Hamel chuckled as well. Even to Hamel, who didn’t particularly enjoy music, it sounded rather nice. Perhaps by the time he returned to the East, the Bremen Musicians would be truly famous.

Hamel thought for a moment before shaking his head.

‘Hmm, I suppose that might be a stretch.’

Even if they became famous, it would take some time. Hamel, occupied by such idle thoughts, began to ride toward the West.

About two weeks passed.

Ultimately, Hamel’s hunch was correct. The further west they went, the more rumors they heard about a dragon. After pursuing rumor upon rumor, they finally reached the source. The place they arrived at was a seaside village at the edge of the West called ‘Epio.’

“…….”

No, one correction was needed. It was no longer a village.

Sss.

In the ruins where not a single blade of grass remained, only the sound of the wind echoed in their ears. The land, dead and blackened, stretched out flatly. From the coastline to the village. It was as if a tsunami had swept everything away; nothing remained. The party stood silent before the traces of destruction.

Ono, finally breaking the silence, spoke with doubt. “Is this really the right place?”

“……There’s no mistake.”

Daniel muttered while looking at the map. The shape of the mountains and the coastline was exactly as drawn. However, there was only one difference: there was only empty land where the village should have been.

“Let’s go.”

Hamel was the first to step forward. He walked calmly through the wake of destruction. The party followed in silence. Though they said nothing, they could feel his emotions from his silent back.

Upon reaching the sea, a figure came into view from afar. Something of a size that could not be easily described by the word ‘huge’ was there. A massive beast shaped like a sperm whale. It lay dead, staining the sea red.

“That’s…”

“It appears to be the corpse of the Beast Dragon King.”

“We’re late.”

Daniel muttered with a troubled expression. Hamel easily realized that this was Lekarisika, the Half-Dragon he had been searching for. The characteristics of the Beast Dragon King were a whale-like massive body and blue scales. A creature shaped like a whale but covered in thick fish-like scales couldn’t be common.

The waves crashed against the carcass, creating red foam. Hamel leaped onto the Beast Dragon King’s body. Worried for him, Daniel followed close behind. There was only one thing Hamel needed to check first: the dragon’s heart. If only that remained…

Hamel leaped into the creature’s split belly with a faint hope. However—

“……!”

“This thing… it has no heart.”

Daniel, who had followed him in, muttered with a scowl. It was as he said. Unlike the other organs, only the heart had been carved out by someone.

“…….”

Hamel stared at the scene, feeling strangely drained. Was it because luck had been on his side during the journey so far? He felt a sense of futility. Then, Daniel, who was watching over him, spoke consolingly.

“Let’s go. It’s not like this is the only Half-Dragon.”

“……!”

Hamel’s eyebrows twitched at those words. Only then did his mind begin to race.

“Why would that be?”

“Eh?”

At Daniel’s questioning look, Hamel followed up. “What they want is the dragon’s power.”

David, who followed Marvas, and even Tepes—they all tried to create a real dragon. That was why they had been capturing or trying to create dragons. But this time, Leo Benedictus was different. He had simply killed the Half-Dragon and gouged out the heart.

Could it be?

‘Have they already obtained another Half-Dragon?’

It wasn’t Diabolos. He had confirmed that directly not too long ago. If so, only one remained.

“Earth Dragon, Deoriasia.”

Perhaps they had already obtained it. Hamel swallowed a sigh. Things had become complicated. He didn’t know exactly what they were after, but it was now clear that what they wanted was the same as him. As things stood, Hamel had to be the one to defeat Diabolos.

‘I don’t know if a single one will be enough to bring Mother back…’

As Hamel pondered, a voice spoke.

“Priest. Someone is approaching.”

Lena called to Hamel from outside. At her words, Hamel and Daniel quickly headed out. Then, they too saw a man approaching from a distance.