The sun was still low when I finished securing the last bag to the carriage. The morning air was fresh, and a light mist covered the gardens of the mansion. The servants had already prepared everything for the journey. The horses were rested, the carriage had been inspected, and the supplies were organized for several days of travel.
I looked back and saw Elara leaving the mansion with a small smile. Shortly afterward came Liriel, Lyannis, Vespera, Scarlett, and Rai'kanna. Liriel's assistant appeared last, looking around with obvious excitement.
"So we're finally going to see the famous Dragon Kingdom."
Liriel smiled.
"You've been talking about it since you arrived at the mansion."
"Of course. How many people can say they've visited an entire kingdom inhabited by dragons?"
Scarlett laughed softly.
"I think very few."
The light conversation helped ease some of the tension I was still carrying because of the dream about the Demon King. Even though I tried to remain calm, it was impossible to forget the words he had spoken.
I took a deep breath.
"Let's go."
Everyone entered the carriage while I took the front seat, holding the reins.
The horses slowly began moving along the capital's main road.
Shortly afterward, we passed through the city's great gates.
The buildings gradually began to disappear, giving way to the vast plains surrounding the human kingdom.
The road was long but well maintained. Several merchants crossed our path, carrying goods to other cities. We also encountered adventurers returning from missions and small caravans heading toward the capital.
The atmosphere inside the carriage remained peaceful for most of the morning.
Lyannis watched the landscape through the window.
"It's strange to think that in a few days we'll be surrounded by mountains."
Rai'kanna smiled.
"You'll like it. The dragons' territory is completely different from here."
"Have you been there before?"
"A few times. My father has a good relationship with the Dragon King."
Liriel's assistant leaned her face closer to the window.
"I want to see dragons flying."
Vespera replied with a faint smile.
"I think you'll see much more than you imagine."
I continued driving the carriage while listening to their conversation.
As the hours passed, the landscape really began to change.
The vast plains gave way to hills.
Then small mountains appeared.
The trees became more scattered.
The ground became rockier.
In the early afternoon, we made a brief stop near a stream.
The horses needed to rest.
While they drank water, we took the opportunity to eat something simple.
Elara prepared some bread, fruit, and dried meat that had been brought from the mansion.
We sat near the stream.
The crystal-clear water reflected the completely blue sky.
Liriel's assistant looked at everything with curiosity.
"I've never traveled this far."
Liriel replied calmly.
"Traveling also teaches you a lot."
"I'm realizing that."
Scarlett looked at me.
"Are you worried?"
I smiled faintly.
"A little."
"Because of the war?"
I nodded.
"The more I think about the demons' movements, the more I feel that time is running out."
Elara placed one hand on my shoulder.
"Then let's enjoy it while we can still travel together."
Her words eased my heart a little.
After resting, we resumed our journey.
The road began climbing higher and higher.
The mountains now completely dominated the landscape.
Huge stone cliffs rose on both sides of the road.
Several waterfalls descended along the slopes.
The air became colder.
It was also possible to sense a much greater amount of mana naturally circulating through the environment.
Liriel closed her eyes for a few seconds.
"Can you feel it?"
I nodded.
"The mana concentration has increased considerably."
She smiled.
"Now I understand why so many mages would want to study here."
We continued advancing for hours.
By the end of the afternoon, I finally spotted something enormous emerging between the mountains.
First, a gigantic stone wall appeared.
Then enormous towers.
Next, I saw a castle built directly upon a gigantic rock formation.
It was much larger than I had imagined.
Several red flags fluttered in the wind.
At the top of the towers, some dragons slowly flew over the castle.
Even though I was already expecting to find something magnificent, I was still impressed.
Liriel's assistant practically pressed her face against the window.
"Incredible..."
Scarlett smiled.
"We haven't even entered yet."
The closer we got, the larger the castle seemed.
The gates were tall enough to allow dragons to enter in their original forms.
Several soldiers wearing dark armor guarded the entrance.
As soon as our carriage stopped, one of the guards approached.
"Identify yourselves."
I stepped down from the carriage.
"I'm Takumi."
The soldier's eyes widened slightly.
"The hero..."
He immediately bowed.
"Forgive us. Your arrival was already expected."
The enormous gates slowly began to open.
We entered the kingdom.
As soon as we passed through the gates, I could observe the city more clearly.
The buildings were very different from those in human cities.
Most of the houses had been built directly into the rocks.
Others were carved into the mountains.
Stone bridges connected various elevated areas.
It was common to see people walking around with small dragon-like features.
Some had scales scattered across their faces.
Others had subtle horns.
Some had tails.
It was an interesting mixture of human and draconic appearances.
Liriel's assistant watched everything without hiding her excitement.
"It's very different."
Lyannis also seemed fascinated.
"The architecture is impressive."
We followed the main streets until reaching the highest area of the city.
The castle was even more magnificent up close.
The gardens contained trees different from those found in the human kingdom.
Some had reddish leaves.
Others produced bluish flowers that glowed faintly as the sunlight faded.
Servants were waiting for our arrival.
One of them approached.
"Welcome."
We stepped down from the carriage.
A few seconds later, I heard firm footsteps echoing through the enormous entrance hall.
The Dragon King appeared with a smile.
"Takumi."
I smiled when I saw him again.
"I'm glad to see you again."
He firmly grasped my arm.
"I'm happy as well. I see you've brought all your companions."
I greeted him while introducing each of them again.
The king also greeted Liriel, Elara, Lyannis, Vespera, Scarlett, Rai'kanna, and Liriel's assistant with great courtesy.
"I hope you enjoy your stay."
The assistant quickly replied.
"I'm sure I will."
The king laughed.
"I like that enthusiasm."
We entered the great main hall.
Several servants began bringing drinks and food.
We talked for a few minutes about the journey.
The king asked how the human kingdom was doing and also wanted to know about the latest battles against the demons.
I answered everything calmly.
When the conversation quieted down a little, he crossed his arms thoughtfully.
"Now that I think about it..."
He remained silent for a few seconds.
"There is something I need to settle with you."
I looked at him curiously.
"What?"
The king smiled faintly.
"The lands I promised to give you."
Upon hearing those words, I realized that the moment had finally arrived to learn about the responsibility he had reserved for me.