>>5307211“It's great. We have a whole freezer full, since the dragons have started attacking the Crimson Demon Village.” you explain, the warrior's eyes narrowing at you. “They've been attacking more and more lately, ever since our wedding.”
“Ever since your dad got that first one, yeah.” Megumin agrees, nodding along. “I don't know why they've become so much more aggressive lately, dragons usually stay away from our village.”
“You fight dragons?” Iris asks, you nodding to her. “That's so cool! I want to fight a dragon as well, but my bodyguard Claire here won't let me. She says it's too dangerous to engage such powerful creatures directly, but my older brother Jatis has gotten to fight one.”
“I told you, your highness, that dragons are dangerous foes not to be underestimated.” Claire says, looking exasperated. “Even one such as you, with the divine sword Calibur at your side, would still be in danger.”
“If you want, your highness, I could escort you on such a mission.” you reply, the woman glaring daggers at you as you speak. “A single dragon's not a threat for me.”
“You think rather highly of yourself, don't you?” the suited woman says, right hand going to her sword's hilt.
“Claire, stop.” Princess Iris says, a hard edge to her quiet, gentle voice as she turns and glares at the woman. Who seemingly melts under the glare, looking away from the young princess. “Sorry about her, she's very protective.”
“That's alright, she kinda reminds me of my mother.” you say, Claire blushing at this and looking away even harder. You notice the mage beside her stifling a giggle, the knightess's ears turning red as well. “But I am curious why you invited me here. I'm sure there is a reason you wished to speak with me.”
“Right to business, then? Very well.” the princess says, nodding shallowly to you. “I have heard many tales of your exploits, half of which seem too fantastical to be true. But if you truly destroy dragons regularly, they might all be real. So I was hoping to hear tales of your adventures firsthand.”
“Very well. I can tell you all sorts of stories.” you say, then an idea comes to mind. “How about we do it like this? Why don't you say a rumor you've heard, and we can tell you the truth of it?”
“That sounds like fun!” the princess says with a beaming smile, leaning forward a bit. “What happened to the Destroyer? I heard you both were the ones who destroyed it, is that true?”
“Yes, we took it apart.” you say, nudging Megumin to present her staff you'd made her. “And my wife now has the power from it's core here into the staff I made her.”
“Woah!” she says, looking at you both like your younger siblings sometimes do. And as you recall the tale, sharing your experiences with the princess, you begin to appreciate just how far you've come. And how much further you still have to go.
-Saiyan Conqueror Quest 176 Intermission II End-
