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Chapter 323

Author’s Note: This occurs before chapter 322
「Don’t you think about settling down, Bahamut?」
Dran’s sudden question caused Bahamut, the leader of the dragon species, to raise and lower his eyebrows before letting out a small sigh. It had been several years since the battle with the End Dragon, and Dran was now over twenty years old.
His naturally calm demeanor remained, and his rather average face had gained a certain ruggedness. Despite his youth, Dran was already renowned as a great magician in neighboring countries, a loyal servant supporting Bern Territory, and the companion of its lord.
At this time, Bahamut had taken human form. The two were strolling along the bustling main street of Bern, which had grown into a large city rivaling the best in the northern part of the Arccrest Kingdom, thanks to Dran’s tireless efforts.
Since Christina had become the lord of Bern, the wars involving neighboring countries had subsided, and the kingdom, now including the annexed Romal Empire, was at the height of its prosperity. The sight of multiple ancient dragons walking about, especially frequently, was a rarity worldwide.
「Are you asking this only to me, brother? Among us seven dragons, you are the only one who has settled down, so you indeed have the right to ask such a question…」
In his human form, Bahamut was a handsome, muscular man with an aura of a sage who had experienced all the hardships of the world and understood its truths. He wore a robe that seemed to be made from his black scales and unnecessary glasses, enhancing his wise appearance. The people of Bern, passing by, couldn’t help but be curious about the distinguished-looking man walking beside Dran, the house steward of Bern Territory.
As they whispered among themselves, trying to guess the identity of this intellectual-looking new retainer, their hushed conversations reached Dran and Bahamut’s ears. However, they paid no heed and continued their walk.
「If I weren’t married, I wouldn’t be asking such a question. And I can only ask it of you or Leviathan among our siblings. No, perhaps not even Leviathan…」
Dran could only imagine Bahamut or Leviathan settling down and having children among their siblings. The rest were either obsessed with sleeping, speed, silently staring at things, or being a super brocon. It wasn’t hard to see why Dran’s choice would be limited.
「It’s not an unreasonable question for family visiting nephews and nieces, but it’s not something other races would expect us dragons to discuss.」
「Dragons are often misunderstood as lofty beings. The Dragon Cult is an extreme example.」
Bern, which had become a holy land for the Dragon Cult due to its proximity to real dragons, posed its own challenges for Dran. The incessant trouble from greedy individuals seeking rare dragon materials was another nuisance.
「Since you appeared in human form, we’ve been making efforts to visit our brethren on the surface, but wherever we go, we’re treated with excessive respect. Breaking down these barriers will take time.」
「Even the dragons of this world who have known me for a long time are like that. I thought things had become more familiar with Ryuji, Ruru, and Vajay, but it’s still far from enough. They fear to even glimpse our shadows without permission. This is no exaggeration.」
The three dragon emperors, Albion, Fuka, and others, had grown accustomed, but the general dragon population remained tense around them. Showing them how casually other dragons interacted with Bahamut in the Dragon Realm might make them faint. True dragons and divine dragons were practically heavenly beings to the dragons of the earthly realm.
「Unlike us who dwell in the Dragon Realm, the earthly dragons, though mortal, live much longer than other species. Changing their mindset in less than a decade is challenging. Rushing things would lead to poor results. If we can’t reform our own kind’s consciousness, trying to change how other species view dragons will take even longer.」
「Well, I’m used to such responses. As long as our children don’t face the same struggles, it’s fine.」
The two entered a narrow alley off the main street, making their way to a corner where dragons from the Moles Mountains, disguised as humans, ran shops. These shops, once hidden and only accessible to those who met specific conditions, were now mingled with regular shops run by dragons. People unaware of the true nature of the shopkeepers would often buy goods or chat at the storefronts.
Some dragons, staying in their natural forms, had started businesses like aerial delivery services, while others, bolder, lived openly in urban areas without changing. They rented land suited to their dragon forms, offering photo opportunities, allowing people to touch their scales, or sharing some of their vast knowledge for a fee.
Dran and Bahamut’s visit was a secret, and their true identities remained hidden. The dragons of the Moles Mountains believed Dran was a high-ranking reincarnated dragon, not the ancient dragon Dragon. Watching the interactions between dragons and other species at the shop fronts, Bahamut spoke.
「Your children…」
Dran, now over twenty as a human, had several children with his companions. Fortunately, both mothers and children were healthy, growing strong day by day. Of course, they were no ordinary children. Even if Dran were a mere human, the mothers were exceptional, rare beings among their kind, boasting unparalleled strength.
「Ah.」
「Since you’ve passed down human blood, I can assure you that your children, even when they grow up, will remain within the bounds of this earthly realm.」
This was a critical issue for Dran. If his children inherited even a fraction of his power as an ancient dragon, they would become beings far beyond ordinary life. While Dran and his companions could understand and accept this, others might fear, distance, and reject them.
「Well, if you say so, I can be at ease. I know I tend to be overly protective and biased towards those I care about.」
Dran was aware of his tendency to be lenient with those he was close to. Knowing he should be strict but ending up “spoiling” them was one of his major flaws.
「That’s your nature. If you had passed down your ancient dragon blood, you might have given birth to a child who could inadvertently destroy the world. When I first saw your nephews, I was relieved you made the wise choice.」
「I didn’t mean to be that reckless…」
「Seeing you acquire so many companions at once made it hard to believe you were prudent.」
Bahamut glanced at young dragons selling sweet-smelling crepes and older dragons arranging precious metal crafts from the Moles Mountains, continuing.
「Despite your lack of prudence, those around you will compensate. In that sense, I’m not too worried. Seeing this place, I can tell that the interactions between dragons and other species, though not ordered by superior beings like us, are progressing well.」
Dran laughed heartily at the indirect compliment about Bern’s governance. Praise from the most knowledgeable and strict black-scaled dragon was highly trustworthy.
「Forcing interaction is impossible, but much can be gained from interacting with vastly different beings. There will be conflicts, but we have the wisdom to avoid them.」
「Misunderstandings and clashes, reconciliation and mutual understanding—it’s a repeated process, but it’s how it goes. Piling up tragedies and comedies is what history is. Even for us dragons.」
「Even as one of the primordial seven dragons, I don’t think it’s our responsibility to take everything on. Bahamut, you’re too caring. You should avoid meddling in issues that the parties involved can handle themselves.」
「Just watching can be quite painful.」
Having been a central figure among dragons since their inception, Bahamut was often compelled to intervene in the current frustrating situation. Remaining indifferent or condescending would have spared him these worries, but Bahamut was too kind-hearted for that.
「Hmm, I understand. If we intervened, many issues could be resolved quickly. But that wouldn’t help in the long run. The world might have been filled with dragon cultists by now.」
「I don’t want more responsibilities.」
「Well, I think it would be good for you to find someone to support you, like I have, brother.」
「Are we back to the original topic?」
「Indeed. Whether you choose a different species like Lamia or Vampire, or a fellow dragon like Ryujin or Vajay, love is free.」
「Coming from you, such words are unexpected. Love… Alexander would be furious.」
「I choose my words carefully. If you find a partner, I’ll bless and trust them.」
「But I can’t think of anyone suitable right now.」
「Haha, take your time.」
「I can’t promise anything. But considering you were reborn as a human and gained multiple companions, who knows what the future holds. Maybe I’ll also want someone by my side someday.」
「Just considering it makes our talk worthwhile. Whether it’s a Slime, an Antman, or a Harpy, finding someone to share your heart with would be a blessing.」
「Marco… your human brother. To you, he’s a brother, and to us, he’s the same. Alexander might have mixed feelings, but Hyperion and Vritra look after him. I’m grateful he’s been a comfort to you.」
「I’ll always feel that way.」
Dran bought two meat and vegetable-filled bread from a food stall, handed one to Bahamut, and they sat on a bench in the alley, enjoying the hot bread. The seven siblings, immersed in a peaceful moment, were content.
「The peace and prosperity you’ve built are commendable.」
「Hmm? I’m honored.」
「ButI worry if you’ll refrain from interfering after your human life ends.」
「Your concern is valid. I’m not very confident either. But Dramina, Diadra, and our grown children will be here. I trust they can handle it.」
「…Indeed. Entrusting the future to the next generation is a privilege of parenthood. I see, that privilege is quite appealing. Maybe I should seriously consider finding a partner.」
「You should. If Bahamut gets a companion, gods and dragons alike would be astonished.」
「I’m not a spectacle, but it was similar for you.」
「You should experience my struggles and, even more, the joy of having someone to support each other.」
Bahamut nodded at Dran’s smiling face and took a bite of his bread. The taste, pleasant to his human-formed body, was perhaps enhanced by the relaxed conversation with his brother.