After explaining our situation to Boris-san, we asked for information about Simone or the other dragonkin. Unfortunately,
「I’m sorry… I don’t have any information that might help you.」
「I see…」
It was disappointing, but at least he pointed us to a location where the aggressive dragonkin had been sighted frequently. With that as our next destination, we prepared to leave. However, Boris-san’s expression remained concerned.
「Are you sure you’ll be alright? The dragonkin you’re after is vicious.」
「We’ll be fine—it’s for a friend.」
I replied.
The others nodded silently, sharing the same determination. Simone wasn’t just a friend; she was a vital part of our group. She had saved us countless times, and now it was our turn to help her.
With Boris-san’s guidance, we set off toward the area he described. Eselda mentioned that the place used to be her resting spot, so fortunately, we wouldn’t get lost along the way.
As we walked, Charlotte struck up a conversation with Eselda.
「Eselda, did you always live alone?」
「Y-Yes… I’m not very good at talking to others…」
「That’s just like Simone when we first met her, isn’t it?」
「It really is.」
「Aye, it reminds me of those early days.」
Kiara, Martina, and Hanon seemed lost in memories of their initial encounters with Simone. Meanwhile, Charlotte and Ailia, who had met Simone more recently after she had grown closer to us, found it hard to imagine her as shy or reserved.
「I envy Simone-san. She has so many friends now, but… I don’t have any.」
Eselda admitted, her voice tinged with sadness.
She compared her solitary life to Simone’s current one, and it clearly made her feel inadequate. But the solution to her problem was simple.
「Then we’ll be your friends, Eselda-chan!」
「Huh?」
「Honestly, after coming this far together, I’d say we already are.」
「We’ve had plenty of conversations with you, especially when we rode on your back.」
Eselda was taken aback by the sudden outpouring of support.
「Is… Is it really okay? For a dragonkin like me to be friends with all of you?」
「Of course.」
I said without hesitation.
Hearing that, Eselda’s lips curled into a shy smile. It was the first time I’d seen her smile so naturally—it was heartwarming. She must have started trusting us more.
Just as we were soaking in the warmth of the moment, the ground began to tremble violently.
「What’s happening!?」
「Bale-san! Over there!」
Charlotte shouted, pointing ahead.
A massive cloud of dust was rising in the distance.
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