"Haaahhh—......"
Tristan-sama let out a loooong sigh, then looked straight at me with unwavering eyes.
"I've only ever heard of the Humanoid Transformation skill in legends!"
"Ah~ I heard that from Mathias-san too. But if I didn't say anything, I wouldn't be able to get an ID card made, right?"
"True enough. No one could make an identification card for a contracted beast in humanoid form."
"Exactly. Honestly, I was too scared to test it, but if I tried to register with the Adventurers' Guild, they'd appraise him, right? Then the species would show up as a monster name… I could only imagine it turning into a huge uproar."
"It's a good thing you didn't try it!"
Tristan-sama stopped me with all his might. Yeah, if I had tested it, it really would've been a guaranteed uproar!
"Ah! So that's why Kaiser-san didn't enter the city through Bailey and acted separately!"
"That was part of it, but back then, he just returned to his nest normally."
"""""... Nest"""""
Matthew-san seemed satisfied that he now understood why Kaiser acted separately in Bailey, but when I added the other reason, his expression quickly turned complicated. Well, most of the people here are probably the same.
"Wait a moment! In the Regilus Empire, he was inside the city, wasn't he? How did he get in?"
"That was normal enough? He entered as my contracted beast, then transformed inside the city. Incidentally… he's also been inside the royal capital here."
"..."
Yeah, when you think about it, a contracted beast through Dark Magic is terrifying. If someone with bad intentions smuggled a monster into the city, it'd be disastrous.
"... He was staying at my estate."
"What! That means the Ruven household knew about this! Why was there no report!?"
"…The information was vague at the time. As the Ruven household, we intended to report after gaining more certainty. Well, also… with what little information we did have, it was hard to believe."
"That is… true. That kind of information isn't easy to accept."
Well, I hadn't exactly given the Ruven family the full story either. And just meeting Kaiser in human form, no one would believe he was a monster. From what the children accidentally let slip under Rebecca-san's subtle interrogation, the most they revealed was that Kaiser was a kind of dragon, wasn't it? If someone pointed at a person and said "This guy's a dragon," you wouldn't take it at face value—if anything, you'd question that person's sanity instead.
"Takumi. What species is this Kaiser fellow, anyway… no, never mind! Absolutely don't say it!"
""Kaiser is—""
"Allen, Elena, he said not to say it. So don't!"
""Ehh~? But he really wants to know, right?""
"I don't! Don't tell me!"
""Ehh~""
Tristan-sama wrestled with whether he wanted to know Kaiser's species or not, but in the end, he chose ignorance—probably more for the sake of his own heart than to avoid trouble.
"Now, where were we… ah, the ID card. What to do… I trust you, Takumi, but honestly, I'd like to meet him first before making it."
"Then, should I call him now?"
Well, it makes sense. It'd be reckless to issue an ID card to someone you haven't even met. So let's just go ahead and introduce them quickly.
"Wait, did you say now? You don't mean next time you bring him to the capital?"
"I can summon my contracted beasts directly to me, you know."
"… If that's the case, then I would like to meet him."
"Got it."
With Tristan-sama's agreement, I prepared to summon Kaiser.
(Kaiser, are you free right now?)
(Takumi? I'm fine. What's going on?)
(Could you meet the king now? I'm asking for an ID card for you, but he wants to meet you first.)
(Ohh, an ID card! That would indeed make entering towns much easier. So to make it, I must meet the human king, yes?)
(Exactly. They can't quite believe in your Humanoid Transformation skill. I want them to understand you're a rational being who can talk.)
(Very well, I'll meet him.)
(Ah, but your species is still a secret. Come in human form first, and maybe just show your small form later.)
(Understood. I've already taken human form, so I'm ready anytime.)
(Alright, summoning you now.)
After explaining everything to Kaiser telepathically and making sure he wouldn't accidentally blurt out his species, I stood up.
"It'll get a little bright."
Once ready, I stepped away from the group into an open space and summoned Kaiser. As expected, light filled the room—definitely not something to do at night.
""Ah, it's Kaiser!""
"Ohh, children. It hasn't been long, but are you well?"
""Yeah, we're fine~""
While Tristan-sama and the others were still struck speechless at Kaiser's sudden appearance, he and the kids had already exchanged greetings.
"So, Takumi, which one is the human king?"
"He's the one sitting in the middle across from the kids. I'm not too good with formal speech either, so they let me off a bit, but try not to be too rude, okay?"
"Mm… I would like to say 'Understood,' but I'm not used to human manners. If I say something inappropriate, I'd appreciate it if you correct me then."
"Sure. And if you do end up upsetting him, just make it up with a gift."
"Alright, then I'll bring various things from my nest."
"Hey!?"
Since Tristan-sama and the others were still too stunned to speak, I used the chance to quietly give Kaiser more reminders. That finally prompted a reaction.
"Listen here! Takumi, make sure he doesn't bring anything strange!"
"Hahaha~"
Tristan-sama probably meant to forbid dangerous items, but valuable treasures don't count as strange, so technically his warning doesn't work.
"A pleasure to meet you. I am called Kaiser."
"I am Tristan, king of the Guardia Kingdom. I hear you are a monster. But even after seeing you summoned, I find it hard to believe."
"That is natural. Then, without delay—"
As planned, Kaiser shifted into snake form.
(How is this?)
He slithered up my body and coiled around my neck.
"… A blue snake?"
(This is with the Miniaturization skill. In truth, I am dozens of times larger.)
"… That size, dozens of times bigger… and able to defeat a Blue Dragon… then you must be… no, I mustn't think about it."
Tristan-sama almost pieced together Kaiser's identity, then quickly shook his head in panic.
"Kaiser, you can return to human form now."
"Hmm? So soon?"
"Yeah, we've already proven you're a monster. And if you stay like that too long, everyone here will be tempted to figure out your true species, so for their peace of mind, better change back."
"Wouldn't it be clearer if they just knew the truth?"
I get what Kaiser means, but some things are better left unknown. In this case, ignorance is bliss.
"So, what do you think? Will you make the ID card?"
"Haa… very well. I'll have it made."
"Ohh! Thank you very much!"
""Thanks~""
"Mm, much appreciated!"
At last! Looks like Kaiser's going to get an ID card. Now entering and leaving towns will be much easier!