We ascended the mountain, guided by the lamias.
The winding mountain path curved around the slopes, and it seemed that the village of Ji Liz lay on the other side of the mountain—opposite the direction from which we had come.
「Pochi is amazing. To climb while pulling such a hefty load.」
「Kyururu!」
Pochi pulled the lizard carriage tirelessly and continued up the trail effortlessly. Moreover, it even appeared somewhat delighted.
One of the accompanying lamias spoke.
「The tarasque said it enjoys it.」
「Do you understand it was saying?」
「Yes. Emotions, resonate」
Perhaps the frequency of its cries varied with its emotions. Fascinating.
「Well, if it’s having fun, that’s good. I wouldn’t want to cause unnecessary hardship.」
「Indeed. You’re kind even to beasts… Ji Liz-sama must have chosen well.」
「Everyone wishes happiness for their family. And Ji Liz, too, flew down to us because he’s worried about you, didn’t he?」
I had contacted Ji Liz through the crystal communicator, and he promptly arrived at the foot of the mountain. His oversight in forgetting to inform us about the lamias was a minor blunder, but was genuinely relieved that no conflict had arisen.
「Right……we too, glad」
The lamia smiled.
The warmth in her expression was remarkably human.
In any case, after about two hours of ascending the mountain path, we completed a half-turn around the slope. And there it was—the abode of Ji Liz, the Dragon Village.
-0-
「Incredible… 」
My initial impression was one of awe.
The village had been carved into the mountainside, creating a grand expanse.
First, my eyes fell upon the terraced fields. They were meticulously leveled, and I could see wheat likely growing there. The golden ears of grain were ripening beautifully.
Next, the grazing pastures stretched out in green waves. From a distance, I spotted sheep, goats, and cows leisurely grazing.
Amidst the terraced fields and pastures, houses dotted the landscape. These were the lamias’ dwellings—simple wooden structures. I wondered what kind of life they led.
At the highest point of the settlement, the rocky face revealed a large cave.
That was the abode of the dragons—Ji Liz’s family.
-0-
The scenery was majestic, awe-inspiring, and pulsated with the rhythm of daily life.
But what truly moved me was the view from the slope overlooking the sea below—
「The ocean… 」
The blue water stretched endlessly into the distance.
Beneath the calm surface, I sensed boundless vitality—the source of life.
Geographically, it should be an inner bay, but the vastness of the forest made it hard to discern from here. Still, the blue sea extended infinitely.
「Sui-kun, do you like the sea?」
Mother’s voice interrupted my reverie.
「Not enough to say I love it, but Japan is an island nation, so I’m very familiar with the sea. We often went swimming and clam digging. Father and I used to enjoy it.」
When was the last time I’d been to the sea?
「…I remember how your father was moved when he saw the ocean here.」
Her voice choked with emotion as she hugged me tightly from behind.
「He was so overjoyed that he kissed me. Even though people are watching.」
「 Hmm, then will Sui kiss me too?」
「I won’t. And lovey-dovey talk about my parents makes me uncomfortable…」
I reprimanded Karen, who was closing in on me, and turned to my mother and voiced my complaint.
I know, stories from our parents’ youth are heartwarming, aren’t they? But when they mention things like kissing… well, it’s a bit embarrassing.
「Kwuun.」
「What’s wrong, Chocola?」
Chocola, at my feet, gazed up at me as if pleading for something.
「Do you want to play?」
「Bark! Bark bark!」
「Sure, you can use the pasture.」
Just then, Ji Liz, who had come to greet us, called out from above.
「But before that, allow me to introduce my family. Please bear with me for a moment.」
「Bark!」
「Yeah, I’ll be right back.」
As soon as Ji Liz said that, a silvery light sparkled at the entrance of the cave.
The dragon extended its wings, floated gently in midair, and then descended toward us in a majestic arc. If Ji Liz was a fighter jet, this newcomer resembled a graceful glider.
Its scales, unlike Ji Liz’s complex hues, were a dazzling silver. The undulating patterns were smooth, and the horns on its head traced elegant curves.
Its eyes, fixed on us, held kindness and tender affection.
But what caught my attention were the two little dragons clinging to its back and head—one looked timid, while the other regarded us with curiosity, their tiny gazes directed our way.
The large silver dragon lowered its head slightly and opened its mouth.
「Welcome, human children… though such phrasing is perhaps impertinent. Welcome, “Heavenly Bell Witch”-dono’s family. I am Mine Ah, wife of Ji Liz, from the Fafnir clan. And these precious hatchlings—on my head is Mine Ork, and on my back, Ji Ness. In the skies within our wing’s reach, may our bond endure eternally.」
Mother stepped forward, representing us, and offered a respectful bow.
「Thank you. Great dragon-dono, consort of our friend Ji Liz, Mine Ah-dono. I am Viole-Mukare-Hatano, known as the ‘Heavenly Bell Witch’, consort of Kazuteru Hatano also known as ‘All Night’ who’s soul eternally rests in the sky now. And here stands our beloved son, Sui Hatano. Our adopted daughter, Karen, hails from the enigmatic Elven clan, Quioy. Accompanying us are Chocola, a Cu Sith, and the tarasque, Pochi. Thus, the Hatano family comprises six members… bound by an eternal covenant, even beyond fleeting mortal lives, may our friendship lasts for eternity.」
After the solemn introduction, the atmosphere softened slightly—everyone present seemed to relax.
「Welcome, travelers from afar. We extend our warmest greetings.」
「We are honored….. By the way, our children are eager to play. May we borrow a corner of your pasture?」
Mother glanced at Chocola and Pochi, her expression wry.
Ji Liz’s wife, Mine Ah, also smiled, her eyes narrowing in an endearing manner.
「Certainly. In that case, Mine Ork, please show them around. Feel free to play together.」
「M-me? Can I handle it…?」
The little dragon perched on Mine Ah’s head fluttered its wings nervously, glancing around.
From its voice and manner of speech, I guessed it was a girl.
Stepping forward, I smiled at the young dragon.
「I’m Sui. Nice to meet you. Can I call you Mine Ork-chan?」
「Hyaa, hyaa……..!」
「…May we entrust our Chocola and Pochi to you?」
「Ah aa! Understood!」
「Chocola and Pochi, listen to her and play nicely.」
「Bark! BarkBark!」
「Kyurururu!」
Shocola barked, and then turned her gaze toward Mine Ork, waiting expectantly. Pochi raised his chin, his round eyes sparkling.
「Chocola, Pochi. Nice to meet you! … Now, come over here!」
「Nee-chan, do you think you can handle it? Well, the lamias are watching, so it should be fine.」
The other little dragon—perched on Mine Ah’s back—murmured as they followed Mine Ork toward the pasture.
「Hello, little brother-san over there. Can I call you Ji Ness-kun?」
「Yeah! Nice to meet you, nii-chan. This is my first time meeting a human!」
Ji Ness fluttered over to me and settled gently on my head.
「Ahaha! It’s wobbly! Get a grip, nii-chan!」
「Haha, surprisingly heavy. I think it will even even more when walking since I’m bipedal.」
「It’s okay, I’ll hold on.」
Ji Liz wore an exasperated expression and scolded his son.
「Hey, Ji Ness. That’s disrespectful to our guests! … I apologize, Sui. He’s a bit mischievous.」
「No worries, it’s fine. …We’ve ridden on Ji Liz’s back plenty of times too. Putting your son on my head seems fun.」
「See, nii-chan agrees.」
「Don’t just scold Ji Ness like that! Excuse me, Sui-san. Will you play with him?」
Ji Liz seemed both exasperated and slightly pleased by his son’s antics.
Mine Ah, while speaking to me, subtly kept an eye on Mine Ork-chan as she played chase with Chocola in the pasture.
The dragons may have different forms, but they’re not so different from us.
Seeing this happy family warms my heart.
「Mother, can I leave the souvenirs we have in the car with you?」
「Certainly. I’ll take care of the adult matters. So…」
「Thank you. …Karen, shall we join Chocola and the others?」
「Hmm. Pochi seems a bit disappointed that he can’t join the chase. I’ll keep him company.」
Mother gestured toward the parked lizard car, urging Ji Liz and his wife.
Ignoring her, we turned our faces toward the pasture.
「Alright, let’s run, Ji Ness-kun. …It’ll sway a lot, but hold on tight, okay?」
「Hyaa, just what I wanted!」
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