"So the fall of the Red Dragon clan… really originated from conflict among dragons themselves?"
After carefully studying the records within the dragon-scale imprint, Kurose Akira gained a rough understanding of the cause behind the Red Dragons' disappearance.
The annihilation of the Red Dragon lineage appeared to have been triggered by infringing upon the interests of other dragons—and it also seemed to be connected to relics left behind by the Dragon God.
In addition, according to the imprint's account, there had been the involvement of a witch.
"A witch…"
Kurose Akira narrowed his eyes slightly, ripples stirring in his heart.
Are witches some kind of universal labor force or something?
They really did seem to pop up everywhere in this world, active in every conceivable corner.
However, the dragon-scale imprint did not provide detailed records regarding the witch herself or the true identity of the Red Dragon mother. It only outlined the sheer brutality of that catastrophe—the horrifying devastation—and the tragic fate of the Red Dragon clan being completely wiped out.
"Kurose Akira, what are you looking at?"
Ivsha approached him with curiosity and asked.
"Nothing."
Kurose Akira swiftly put away the dragon-scale imprint. He intended to properly study those so-called Dragon Secret Arts later—and then give that greedy little succubus Ivsha a dimensionality-reducing shock she'd never forget.
"Really?"
Ivsha showed a hint of confusion. She had the vague feeling that her Guildmaster was hiding something—but perhaps he was just preparing a surprise for her?
"Guildmaster, are you ready? It's almost time for dinner~"
At that moment, Fuli and Flora ran over and urged him.
Kurose Akira glanced at the time. He'd chatted with the Red Dragon mother for a while without realizing it—and now it was already six in the evening. It was time to head to the elven lands for his appointment.
"Alright, alright. Let's go."
He stood up and followed the two little ones into the teleportation array.
Ivsha watched Kurose Akira's departing back in a daze for a moment, then smiled gently and murmured to herself,
"I should head back to the church too… I haven't been back for two days. Sister Kelly will be angry if she finds out~"
...
As the teleportation light flickered and faded, Kurose Akira and the elven sisters appeared within the Elven Kingdom. The three—mother and daughters—were still living in that same small wooden cottage.
Night had fallen. The cottage glowed warmly with lamplight, and an enticing aroma drifted through the air.
"Guildmaster, hurry up! Mom must be getting impatient!"
The sisters grabbed one of Kurose Akira's hands each and hurried him toward the cottage.
When the door opened, Beyarela's elegant figure came into view. She was wearing an apron, busy at work in the kitchen.
"Guildmaster, you're finally here!"
Seeing him, Beyarela immediately stopped what she was doing and greeted him with a radiant smile.
"Mm," Kurose Akira replied.
"Please, have a seat."
Beyarela gently invited him to sit and had already prepared his bowl and utensils.
"Just wait a moment—the last dish isn't finished yet."
"Alright."
Kurose Akira nodded, his gaze drifting toward the dining table.
It was already laden with a lavish spread—fresh fruits and vegetables unique to the elves, along with their specially brewed wine.
Beyarela returned to the kitchen to finish the final dish.
Meanwhile, Fuli and Flora pressed in close on either side of Kurose Akira, enthusiastically recommending their favorite foods.
"Guildmaster, skylark fruit is super delicious!"
"No way—green peas are the best!"
"..."
Kurose Akira showed a slightly awkward expression. He wanted to say that he wasn't really fond of vegetables—was there any meat?
But elves clearly favored a mostly vegetarian diet, and meat dishes were rare.
Just as he was craving something savory, Beyarela brought out the dish he'd been hoping for.
"Guildmaster, I wonder if you like sweet steamed egg custard?"
She placed a steaming bowl of egg custard in front of him.
Seeing it, Kurose Akira's face lit up.
"I love it. Thank you."
"Then let's begin."
Beyarela sat down gracefully, smiling as she removed her apron.
"Tonight's dinner was prepared especially for you, Guildmaster. Please, eat your fill."
"Mmm…"
Surrounded by the warm hospitality of the three elven women, Kurose Akira enjoyed the meal Beyarela had prepared just for him.
The cozy atmosphere filled him with a long-lost sense of warmth.
But just as they were happily enjoying dinner, a voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Beyarela, may we come in?"
"Elena?"
A flicker of confusion crossed Beyarela's face. She didn't understand why Elena would come at a time like this.
"Flora, go open the door."
"Okay!"
Flora obediently went to answer it.
When the door opened, Elena appeared—but even more surprising was the person standing behind her.
The Elven Queen?
Kurose Akira was taken aback. Why was the Elven Queen here?
"Your Majesty?"
Beyarela and her daughters immediately rose and knelt when they saw the queen.
"We greet Your Majesty the Queen!"
"Please, rise."
The Elven Queen smiled and gestured gently as she stepped inside.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
They all stood, their expressions still filled with confusion over the queen's sudden visit.
Elena followed her inside.
With their silver-white hair and elven features, the two looked almost like mother and daughter—or sisters.
The first thing Elena did upon entering was shoot Kurose Akira a fierce glare, clearly still holding a grudge over what had happened earlier.
Kurose Akira ignored it completely. He'd already forgotten about that whole thing.
"May I sit here?"
The Elven Queen walked to the seat Beyafluo had been sitting in and asked softly.
"Please," Kurose Akira replied.
She sat down slowly, her elegance and aura drawing his attention.
Only then did Beyarela and the others take their seats as well—six people fitting snugly around the small table.
"Your Majesty, you came to…" Beyarela asked hesitantly.
"I'm simply here as a guest," the Elven Queen replied warmly. "Lela, there's no need to be tense."
"For Your Majesty to visit my humble home is my honor."
"Did you prepare all of these dishes? Your cooking is as wonderful as ever."
The queen glanced lightly over the table as she spoke.
"Yes. Since the Guildmaster is visiting tonight, I made a bit extra," Lela nodded gently. "Please wait a moment—I'll fetch utensils for you and Elena."
"Thank you," the queen said with a smile, then turned her gaze to Kurose Akira.
"I'm benefiting from the Guildmaster's presence tonight~"
"Not at all."
Kurose Akira smiled lightly. He hadn't expected the Elven Queen to drop by like this.
Dining together with the Elven Queen—this was a first.
Just as he was about to resume eating, a familiar sound reached his ears.
"Ha~ ha~ ha~"
"Hm?"
Suddenly—
A familiar black shadow shot into his arms like a cannonball and began enthusiastically licking his face.
"The Spirit Dragon!?"
Kurose Akira looked startled. Why was this little thing here!?
"Mm~ mm~"
The Spirit Dragon excitedly licked his cheeks, its shameless flattery making its owner, Elena, frown.
"Stop! Stop it!"
The Spirit Dragon ignored Kurose Akira's protests and continued its licking frenzy. Left with no choice, he turned to Elena for help.
"Elena, do something!"
"Hmph~"
Elena lifted her wine glass, deliberately pretending not to hear him.
Kurose Akira frowned, raised his voice, and issued a firm command.
"Stop. Sit."
"Woof~!"
Upon hearing the order, the Spirit Dragon immediately sat obediently in front of him, displaying absolute submission.
Phew—
Kurose Akira let out a long breath, relieved by its obedience.
Just as he was about to resume his meal, he suddenly realized—
The Elven Queen beside him was gone.
No—wait.
Your Majesty!?
Why are you squatting on the floor?!