There’s still a bit of snow left in the shade of the trees, but it’s undeniably spring.
Nyunyudaphne has declared it so, after all.
And Zabuton and the others are finally awake.
Good morning.
Fufufu, it’s been a while.
With most of the spiderlings hibernating over the winter, the place felt a little empty.
Now things will be lively again.
-0-
Well then, time to get to the fields with the AFT.
With Metora’s wedding and reception coming up, there’s a bit of a rush.
But we’ll do it carefully.
While I’m working, dragons start arriving for Metora’s wedding.
Maxbergak, Suiren, Domaim, Kwon, Kworun, Sekiren…
A familiar group, as usual.
Those willing to lend a hand are helping with village tasks.
The rest have been stowed away in a banquet room.
-0-
For Metora’s wedding in Big Tree Village, Ursa and the others will be returning to Big Tree Village to participate.
Unfortunately, Gol, Sil, and Bron will miss out due to work commitments.
They are already talking about attending the wedding and reception that is to be held at the royal capital.
Ojess, Haifrigta, and Kihatroy, who are based in the capital, were planning to attend the wedding and reception at the royal capital too.
I invited them to the wedding and reception at Big Tree Village but they escaped with the excuse of being ‘far too busy’.
I suppose there’s someone they don’t want to see.
As I ponder who that might be, the days pass…
-0-
Wedding day.
Strangers emerge from the teleportation gate—every one of them is an impure dragon.
Among them, I spotted Ojess, Haifrigta, and Kihatroy, who looked utterly resigned.
Ehto, who are these unfamiliar dragons?
The impure dragons who came to help with that giant flying whale from another dimension are nowhere to be seen—this group is all new faces.
Before I can introduce myself, Hakuren arrives.
All the impure dragons, except for the three familiar ones, straighten up at once.
The scene looks like a baseball team in front of a strict coach.
「Yo.」
The greeting is spot-on.
Meanwhile, the trio of Ojess, Haifrigta, and Kihatroy are trying to slip away.
Some of the impure dragons notice, but Hakuren’s presence keeps them silent.
The three seek refuge with me.
I thought you weren’t coming?
They claim they were asked to escort others who weren’t familiar with the teleportation gate.
I see.
I finally get it.
It’s not like they’re avoiding someone, it’s more of being around those you’re not comfortable with.
The three have done plenty for Ursa and the others.
I’ll do what it takes to help them.
So, I’ll arrange their seats for the wedding and reception.
Since you’re already here, how about joining as support staff?
Would that be more comfortable?
Got it, let’s do it that way.
Hmm?
You’d prefer working right away?
Ah, you want an excuse to avoid being dragged around.
Alright then, go report to the oni maids for assignments.
Just say I sent you.
I’ll leave it to you.
By the way, aren’t Ursa, Metora, and the others with you?
…Apparently, Tiselle got tied up with work, and Ursa, Alfred, and Metora are helping, which delayed them.
Considering it’s her wedding, I thought Metora could have come ahead, but there she is, helping Ursa and the others on our behalf.
I’ll apologize to her later.
-0-
Hakuren called me over to introduce the impure dragons.
First, we met Metora’s groom, Guinell.
A slender man in his thirties.
But with a dignified posture and a commanding presence.
He has the air of a seasoned knight from some kingdom.
While I’m not exactly Metora’s parent, as a… well, not even her superior, I suppose, but as someone who’s worked with her, I offer my best wishes for their happiness.
Guinell gives me a firm nod.
Looks like he is not unhappy about the marriage.
Good.
-0-
Next up, Hakuren introduced four male impure dragons.
Grubel.
Aidon.
Zahazaha.
Jude.
They came upon hearing of Guinell’s marriage, concerned for their friend.
Though their worries turned out to be groundless, it’s clear they’re loyal friends.
All four have that same veteran-knight look.
Right, time to introduce myself.
…
Why do they look at me like that and whisper, ‘Is it true you’re Hakuren-sama’s husband? Were you threatened?’
「How rude. It’s because he fought me and won.」
Actually, you attacked our village, and I only fended you off.
We became friends afterward.
…Listen, you four.
Could you stop calling me a brave?
And no need for that reverent gaze.
It’s true that Hakuren hasn’t caused any trouble since joining the village, but that’s only because she decided to behave of her own accord…
Yes, Raimeiren cried with joy.
I see.
So, Hakuren used to be that…
If I apologize here, she’ll get mad, so I give her a silent look of apology instead.
Let’s change the topic.
Each of these four has a territory within human nations and is revered as ‘wise dragons’ there.
They must be quite impressive if they hold such respect, I thought—until they explained that, most of the time, they’re only called upon to mediate when Maxbergak, Suiren, or Helzenark cause trouble in their territories.
Come to think of it, Maxbergak is known as the ‘Devil Dragon*’, Suiren the ‘Demon Dragon*’, and Helzenark the ‘Violent Dragon’. They’re certainly infamous.
TN: Used to be Evil Dragon(悪竜) and Magic Dragon(魔竜). Now that I know where their alias came from, I guess it’s more appropriate to call them as such. To think they’re a couple of devil and demon to others.
Apparently, the reason these four are known as wise dragons is simply because they’re easy to communicate with and calm enough to handle those three’s messes.
But really, no need to be so modest.
If they have any issues with those three, they can come to me.
I’ll tell Dors and Raimeiren.
You’re afraid of being scolded back if you tell on them?
I don’t think those three would scold you for that….
I glance at Hakuren.
「Suiren might’ve gotten angry in the past, but she’s mellowed out since marriage. Helze could still get upset, but she’s aiming to win over Hikaru, so she won’t do anything to upset village chief.」
I see.
And Max?
「He only causes trouble for a reason. He wouldn’t get riled over mere tattling.」
Understood.
Heard that? Don’t hesitate to come to me if you need anything.
Finally, they all thanked me for allowing them to attend the wedding and reception.
They were supposed to be shown around by the oni maids but instead hung back, waiting.
Ah, they’re still waiting for others to be introduced.
I’ll try to speed things up.
The yet-to-be-introduced guests…
They were bowing at perfect angles before Girar and Guronde.
Looks like this will take longer than expected.
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