…Tap, tap, tap.
Footsteps approached.
"......"
"......"
Sumire and I held our breath in a corner of the small room.
…Clack! The door opened.
Peeking into the room where Sumire and I were hiding was a nervous-looking man neatly dressed in dark gray clothing.
"This room is…? It seems…to be…unoccupied."
"…!"
I heard Sumire next to me sharply inhale.
"This room is usually used to store valuable items like gems entrusted to us by important clients, but the shipment was canceled at the last minute. It's a waste, but it's currently unoccupied, Import Inspector-dono."
Speaking cheerfully was the president of the company, the one responsible for this airship.
"Hmm, I see."
The man called the Import Inspector glanced around the small room.
Normally, we should be completely visible inside the room, but…
(Hey, Eugy-kun. This person can't see us, right?) (Sumire)
(Yeah, we're under a concealment barrier and a perception-inhibition barrier. Even if he comes inside and inspects the place, he shouldn't be able to perceive us.) (Eugene)
I whispered back to Sumire, who had spoken quietly.
"Is that everything? Anything not on the import list is considered smuggling. Smuggling fines aren't cheap, you know."
"Yes, of course. We're fully aware. By the way, we have a rare magic stone from the Dungeon City as a gift for our ever-helpful Import Inspector-dono. Perhaps a present for your wife?"
"Oh… You're always so thoughtful. I'd like to stay on good terms with you."
"We hope to continue working well together… Perhaps dinner afterward…?"
*Thud*
The door closed.
—Eating alone with a grim-looking man doesn't sound appealing.
—We've invited some lovely ladies. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself.
—I'm a married man, you know.
—My apologies. Shall I cancel, then?
—No, no. That won't be necessary. I'll at least show my face.
The voices and footsteps of the company president and the inspector grew distant.
"Phew, that was nerve-wracking." (Sumire)
"Sorry, Sumire. It's my fault we had to stow away." (Eugene)
"No! It kind of feels like being a spy. It's fun!" (Sumire)
"You've got guts." (Eugene)
I chuckled wryly at her words.
"Eugy-kun, is it really that hard for you to enter the country normally?" (Sumire)
"Yeah, I think so…" (Eugene)
Currently, Sumire has three years of experience in the Flower Crown Knights, and she has a permit for foreign activity from Captain Isolde.
Though not as influential as before, the title of one of the Twelve Knight Commanders of the Dungeon City still carries weight even on the South Continent.
If it were just Sumire, entering the Blue Waters Federation wouldn't be difficult.
(But I…) (Eugene)
I've been missing and presumed dead for three years.
Now that the Lykeion Magic Academy is gone, I don't even hold the status of a student.
On top of that, I'm a graduate of the military school of the Empire, currently at war with the Blue Waters Federation.
Even just trying to enter the country would probably result in weeks of interrogation, if they even allow it at all.
"I see… We could get in normally before." (Sumire)
"Yeah. Since the Great Demonic Beast subjugation…" (Eugene)
It feels like ages ago when I fought alongside Sumire and the others against the Black Mermaid Vepar and the Dark Dragon Glasya Labolas.
Just then…
Knock knock.
Someone tapped at the door.
"Eugene-san. There are no onlookers right now. Please come out immediately."
It was a female attendant from the company.
"Thank you." (Eugene)
"Please be careful, both of you. …Are you really sure you don't need someone to pick you up on the return trip?"
The attendant gave us a worried look.
"Yes, we'll be fine. Thank you for everything." (Eugene)
"Please give our thanks to the president too!"
Sumire and I expressed our gratitude, then quickly descended to the airship dock, avoiding attention, and slipped outside.
◇◇
"This is the beastkin country…?" (Sumire)
"First time for you too, Sumire?" (Eugene)
"Yeah. But it's not just beastkins, there are a lot of different races." (Sumire)
"This island is the largest in the Blue Waters Federation and has a diverse population. We probably won't stand out too much." (Eugene)
"Wow~" (Sumire)
Sumire looked around curiously…while trying not to draw attention.
Right next to the airship terminal was a large seaport.
This was one of the most prominent port towns in the Blue Waters Federation.
The port was bustling.
This country is known for their pottery, and the open stalls displayed a variety of bowls and plates.
They're also famous for weapons made from monster materials, though there seemed to be fewer weapons and armor shops than expected.
When I asked Sumire, she said most of the weapons were being redirected for war needs.
Beastkins are famously big eaters, so naturally, there were many food stalls.
The delicious smell of grilled meat and fried fish reached our noses.
Sumire and I bought food from a stall and had an early lunch on a bench in a nearby park.
There were plenty of others doing the same, so we didn't stand out.
"Hey, Eugy-kun. After this, we're taking a boat to Miguel-kun's country, right?" (Sumire)
"Yeah. There's a regular ferry that runs once a day, so let's catch that." (Eugene)
This beastkin country is a first-class nation and has an airship terminal, but the devilkin nation Greta Island, where we are headed, is a second-class nation.
We have to take a boat to get there.
"But it's not like an airship. They won't make special arrangements. Can we get on?" (Sumire)
"The boat tickets were officially arranged through the Dungeon Guild, in Sumire's name as a Flower Crown Knight, so it should be fine. The problem is me." (Eugene)
"Yeah… But… Eugy-kun, are you really okay with this identity?" (Sumire)
"Yeah. I'm 'Sumire's hired slave bodyguard.' That's the plan." (Eugene)
"Ugh… Even though you're really my guardian…" (Sumire)
Sumire looked conflicted.
Socially speaking, Sumire holds the higher status right now.
Things might be different once we enter Imperial territory, but in the Blue Waters Federation and the Holy Union, it's better to keep the name Eugene Santafield hidden.
That's why we made up this false identity.
"Um… What should I call you, then?" (Sumire)
"Just call me 'you' or something. Or use a nickname like Airi does."
"I don't wanna call you 'you'! Hmm, okay then. I'll call you 'Eugy,' like Airi-chan. Eeh~ this feels weird!" (Sumire)
"Well, it's just temporary. Let's play the roles right, Master." (Eugene)
When I said that, Sumire twitched.
"U-Um… Could you say that again?" (Sumire)
"? Sure. Master Sumire." (Eugene)
"I'm getting…a weird feeling… If I give you orders, will you obey anything?" (Sumire)
"Don't make unreasonable demands." (Eugene)
I said, and Sumire got a serious look on her face.
What is she planning to command?
I naturally scanned the surroundings after finishing our meal.
It's our first time in this place.
The chance of running into someone we know is low, but not zero.
I tried to recall any beastkin acquaintances I might have had…
"Come to think of it, Solan was from this country…" (Eugene)
I remembered a classmate I had once fought a Great Demonic Beast with.
When I returned from the Zenith Tower, most of the classmates had already returned to their home countries.
Solan was among them.
"Ah!"
Maybe she heard me, but Sumire suddenly raised her voice.
"What is it?" (Eugene)
"Oh right! Solan-kun and Leon-kun told me to let them know when Eugy-kun came back from the Zenith Tower!" (Sumire)
"Really?" (Eugene)
I don't remember being that close to them.
Sure, we'd sometimes chat after fighting together, but that was about it.
"All our classmates were worried about you. Lily-san even delayed her summons from the Holy Union until the last moment. She said, 'I haven't settled things with that guy yet!' Did you promise her something?" (Sumire)
"Lily Whitewind, huh. I think we were in the middle of a training match…" (Eugene)
Every time I trained with Lily, Airi would usually interrupt.
In the end, things were left unresolved.
"By the way, did you know, Eugy-kun? Solan-kun is currently acting as the king's regent of the beastkin nation." (Sumire)
"Now that you mention it, he was the son of their representative, wasn't he?" (Eugene)
"We still have time before the boat leaves. Want to go see him? I'm sure he'd be happy." (Sumire)
"…No, better not." (Eugene)
Even if we were classmates, he's someone important now.
A surprise visit could cause trouble, and worst case, it might drag the Empire into it.
"I knew it was a no…" (Sumire)
"Let's wait until everything's settled." (Eugene)
It didn't seem like Sumire was being serious either.
After that, nothing happened, and we were able to board the ship to Greta Island.
When we revealed our identities at boarding, Sumire looked a little suspicious when I referred to her as Master, but once we showed the emblem of the Flower Crown Knights, they let us through right away.
◇◇
"Ugh~ That felt so long…" (Sumire)
Sumire was completely worn out from seasickness.
The ship to Greta Island wasn't very large and rocked heavily.
—"Dear passengers, we will soon be arriving at Greta Island. If you are disembarking…"
Hearing the announcement, Sumire and I began preparing to get off.
There were no special inspections when disembarking, and we were able to enter Greta Island without issue.
We were the only ones getting off.
The ship immediately set sail for the next island.
Sumire and I were left all alone in a small, deserted harbor.
"It's so dark…" (Sumire)
"Doesn't feel like a port town at all." (Eugene)
It was already nighttime.
There were no lights in the harbor, though several ships were docked.
"Hey, Eugy-kun. Do you think there's anywhere we can stay at this hour?" (Sumire)
Sumire looked anxious.
"We've got camping gear for exploration, so if worst comes to worst, we can just camp." (Eugene)
"Oh! Right." (Sumire)
Pon!
Sumire clapped her hands.
At that moment…
Basa! Basa! Basa! Basa!
Loud flapping sounds echoed.
A large monster appeared in the sky, blocking the light of the moon and stars.
"!"
I readied my sword, and at the same time, Sumire moved behind me and began channeling mana into her staff.
(She's gotten used to combat.) (Eugene)
I was impressed.
She was a completely different person from the Sumire of three years ago.
As we remained on guard against an aerial attack…
"Eugeeeene-samaaaa!!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Sumire and I both relaxed and lowered our weapons.
Tan!
A light sound marked someone landing on the ground.
Dusky skin and red eyes.
The person who had once looked like a young girl now had the appearance of a handsome young man.
"Miguel, long ti—" (Eugene)
"Eugeeene-samaaa!! Thank goodness you're safe… I… I…" (Miguel)
He hugged me and started crying.
"Um, Miguel-kun?" (Sumire)
Sumire stood there awkwardly.
"Miguel, sorry for the sudden ask, but is there an inn on this island? Also, this is my companion, Sumire." (Eugene)
"Ah! My apologies, Sumire-san! How could I be so rude!" (Miguel)
"It's okay. Miguel-kun, you've been wanting to see Eugy-kun for so long. I'm glad you were able to meet again." (Sumire)
"Yes! And I'm happy to see you too, Sumire-san!" (Miguel)
"Me too." (Sumire)
Sumire and Miguel were chatting like close friends.
"Huh? Wait, you two…have met before?" (Eugene)
Was it during the Great Demonic Beast subjugation?
But I thought they only crossed paths briefly without talking.
"Miguel-kun visited the Dungeon City a few times. He was worried about you, Eugy-kun." (Sumire)
"Yeah, but once the war started, it became hard to travel…" (Miguel)
"I see… Sorry about that." (Eugene)
I really caused a lot of people to worry.
"More importantly, please ride the dragon I summoned! I'll take you to the village. A place to stay is already prepared." (Miguel)
As Miguel said this, DOSHIN! -a huge impact shook the ground as a massive monster landed.
"You can summon dragons now…?" (Eugene)
I expected it to be a wyvern or a griffon.
"Amazing, Miguel-kun! Summoning dragons is super hard, right!?" (Sumire)
"Thank you, Sumire-san. It's still a young dragon, but one day I'll summon an Ancient Dragon!" (Miguel)
Miguel declared with confidence.
If he could summon Ancient Dragons, that would be a feat worthy of historical recognition.
But having high goals is a good thing.
Chatting like that, we rode on the dragon's back and headed toward Miguel's village.
"By the way, Eugy-kun, how did you even contact Miguel-kun?" (Sumire)
Come to think of it, I didn't explain that to Sumire.
"Well…" (Eugene)
"It was a divine message from Erinyes-sama! She said Eugene-sama would be arriving soon and to greet him!" (Miguel)
Miguel quickly said everything before I could.
"Ah… Miguel-kun's village…" (Sumire)
"They worship the Demon Lord Eri." (Eugene)
I asked Eri to pass on a message to Miguel and the others.
Technically, my contract with Eri was supposed to be secret.
But according to Eri, the people of Greta Island wouldn't sell me out to the Blue Waters Federation.
The dragon eventually landed in a plaza near a small settlement.
After letting us off, a magic circle appeared, and the dragon vanished.
It must have returned to its home.
The island probably couldn't support keeping such a huge dragon.
Summoning magic really was the optimal solution.
Guided by Miguel, Sumire and I entered the village and were greeted with a warm welcome.
"Eugene-sama has arrived!!"
"The chosen one of Erinyes-sama!"
"What a magnificent body…♡"
"Praise be… Praise be…"
In an instant, we were surrounded and worshipped by the elderly.
The same happened to Sumire.
"You must be Sumire-sama!"
"They say she's Erinyes-sama's disciple."
"So envious to speak with her directly!"
"Can I call you onee-sama…?"
"Eugy-kun! Help! Hurry!" (Sumire)
"Sure." (Eugene)
Sumire had been mobbed and couldn't move, so I used Sky Walk to carry her out of the crowd.
"Calm yourselves, everyone! Eugene-sama and Sumire-sama are troubled!"
The crowd finally dispersed at the command of someone who looked like the village chief.
After that, they held a banquet to welcome Sumire and me.
Sumire fell asleep almost immediately, perhaps due to the fatigue of the long journey.
After the banquet, Miguel let us stay at his house since the village had no inn.
Miguel lived in a slightly larger house with guest rooms as the top summoner in the village.
Miguel called out to me while I was carrying the sleeping Sumire into the room.
"Eugene-sama, thank you for taking the time to be with everyone despite your urgent circumstances." (Miguel)
"You're sheltering someone with a suspicious identity. It's the least I can do." (Eugene)
Knowing I was the son of the Emperor's Sword, no one else would hide me like this.
"By the way, have you already decided on your next destination? Erinyes-sama instructed us to follow your word." (Miguel)
I appreciated that.
I have to thank Eri once I return to the Dungeon City.
I looked Miguel in the eyes and said…
"I want to leave here tomorrow. My next destination is the Land of Dragons." (Eugene)
"...Understood." (Miguel)
Miguel's expression changed at my words.
This won't be easy.
Seeing his face, I became certain of it.