3 bar menu

Chapter 319

「Mr. Dran~」

A gentle voice, soft as the spring breeze, called out. The voice belonged to an adorable girl with wavy golden hair and eyes reminiscent of a blue, wet full moon. Anyone who laid eyes on her would involuntarily smile. However, her lower half, covered in deep green scales, marked her as a giant snake, which might not be appealing to everyone. She was a Lamia, a woman of the half-human, half-snake race. Although she was already in her twenties, her face and demeanor retained the beauty of a grown woman with a touch of innocence, enhancing her charming and carefree aura.

Moreover, she was my lover and wife, Serina. Ahem.

Years had passed since I, known as Dran, had taken on various titles, including the assistant to the lord and steward of the Bern Baronial Estate, and after the extinction of the End Dragon. Not only had the Bern Baronial Estate developed remarkably, but Serina’s growth and her unchanging qualities continued to impress me. Now, Bern attracted not only visitors from the Jarla Village but also from other hidden Lamia villages across the country, as well as wanderers who decided to relocate after undergoing strict personality assessments. As a representative, Serina was busy negotiating with the Bern authorities, growing more reliable and, of course, even more beloved each day.

Currently, Serina and I were in a part of the Dark Wilderness northwest of Bern, which had become the capital. Around us were soldiers, scholars, and magicians who had come to investigate with us. The Dark Wilderness was the domain of the Demon King Yaharm, but we were in an area that could be considered within the barony’s sphere of influence, where new villages and cities were planned for development. It was relatively close to the Moles Mountains, so looking eastward revealed the lush greenery at the foothills, a comforting sight compared to the desolate wilderness.

「I’ve scouted the area, but there isn’t a water source nearby. The underground water veins are also a bit far off,」 Serina reported, adorably furrowing her brows. I nodded in agreement. Unless we dug very deep wells or undertook significant river engineering to change the water flow, establishing a semi-permanent settlement in this area seemed challenging. We were searching for favorable land within the defensive line formed by the fortress golems created during the last war, but it was proving difficult to find.

「It seems creating an artificial water source with magical tools would be the quickest solution. While such demanding construction could generate employment, which isn’t entirely a bad thing… 」

「Bern’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate as many magical tools as needed. If this news reaches Ryuuki-san, he might send us some tools or magical items made by such immortals,」 Serina said softly, using a soundproofing spell to ensure others couldn’t overhear.

「Since Ryu has started training earnestly to become the Water Dragon Emperor and has more free time, he’s been visiting us more often. With the Sea Demon Kings completely defeated, Ryuuki has no more lingering worries and now has time to act as a private individual rather than a public figure. Naturally, he would come to visit us.」

Ryuuki was using the pseudonym Ryu-Kitts without much effort to hide his identity, posing as a rootless adventurer. However, as a rare (disguised) dragon beauty traveling alone, she inevitably drew attention and had already become somewhat of a celebrity in the Bern Baronial Estate.

「I find it amusing rather than troublesome. Her playful nature doesn’t bother me.」

「Yes, I feel the same. She seems much lighter, both physically and emotionally, after shedding her burdens. I like the current, free Ryuuki-san. But unlike Ryuuki-san, Chris-san, who’s stuck with administrative work, looks quite envious.」

「Chris enjoys his work as a lord and is proactive about it, but he’s better suited for physical activities outside rather than desk work. We can’t just hire Ryuuki for that either.」

If we did, it would cause a massive uproar among our compatriots who come to trade from the Moles Mountains or those already employed as Draconians. Well, only if we were honest about Ryuuki’s true identity.

「But with Alexander-san and Leviathan, your sister, visiting often, it seems like it wouldn’t be a problem for Ryuuki-san to stay in Bern openly,」 Serina mused.

「Alexander and the others also conceal their true identities. Besides, even if we told our compatriots the highest gods were actually descending, the kingdom’s people wouldn’t believe it.」

「If the report came from you, the prince might believe about eighty percent of it…」

「Perhaps. I’ve spent quite some unusual and intense times with Prince Sperion, forming a unique bond that’s different from the usual master-servant relationship. It’s not just me; it’s the same for you and the others. There’s probably no other Lamia on the continent as close to the crown prince as you, Serina. Similarly, Diadra, the flower spirit, Lynette, the golem, and Dramina, the vampire, all share similar bonds. I’m grateful I was reborn in the Kingdom of Arkrest. I had no say in where and when I was reincarnated, so I must attribute it to fate or my deeds in a past life. Ha ha ha.」

「You certainly made many enemies among the evil gods.」

「Those who provoke my wrath have it coming. Now, let’s get back to work. Solving the water issues in this area will test how well our magicians can perform without our intervention.」

「You’re not allowed to intervene or give instructions, okay?」

「I know, I know.」

「Hmm, I’m not so sure…」

「While worrying about me is fine, Serina, don’t let your power lead you to take any forceful shortcuts. Given your heightened spiritual status from the End Dragon incident, turning a drop of water into a lake is probably easy for you now, right?」

「Ha ha ha, indeed. It feels like I’ve come a long way and changed significantly. I never imagined talking so much with Lamia from outside Jarla Village or meeting someone as wonderful as you, Dran.」

「The feeling is mutual. I never thought I’d end up committing my life to the Lamia girl I met in that swamp.」

「We’re a perfect match, aren’t we?」

「Yes, we are.」

Our subordinates, seeing us laughing together during work, later complained that it felt like they were being fed spoonfuls of sugar. If we had neglected our work or slacked off, it would have been grounds for reprimand, but we’re thorough when it comes to our duties. Serina had finished her water source survey before approaching me. Our magicians are capable of producing high-quality magical tools to convert magic or spiritual energy into water.

「Let’s call it a day. There’s no need to rush excessively since we have a long way to go.」

「Yes. The Demon King seems preoccupied with a country in the west, so we should enjoy some peace for a while.」

「Indeed. With children to raise, I hope the Demon King’s army remains quiet.」

The house in Bern, or rather Chris’s mansion, was now bustling with the constant cries of babies. It’s the happiest kind of commotion in the world. Hmph.