246: The Battle Maiden Wants to Study Abroad (9)
Flying across the sky, the journey to Leyca became a short trip. Jill had gotten used to traveling by dragon, so she was able to enjoy the scenery.
The dragon, protected by Dragon God Rave, continued to fly with speed and prowess that was inconceivable for a mere green dragon. It was so fast that it reached the sea by the afternoon. Normally, it’d have taken until night.
“Your Majesty, it’s the sea! Look!”
“At this rate, we can get across before the sun sets. Let’s keep going. Then, we’ll arrive at your new home by sunset. You’ll let me stay a night, right?”
“Earlier, didn’t you and Rave say that flying at night was no problem?”
“You want me to go back in the middle of the night? Without any rest? Either for the dragon or for me?”
That made her weak. Besides, as long as he left early tomorrow, Hades would be able to return to the imperial palace the same day.
“…Just for tonight. Don’t start asking about shopping or cleaning tomorrow morning?”
“What? I can’t?”
“No, and don’t visit once a week or without notice!”
Hades sulked, but Jill had her own reasons. If Hades were there, she’d be spoiled. Moreover, if she didn’t know when he’d be coming, she’d have to keep her room clean all the time.
“Your Majesty doesn’t understand a maiden’s heart.”
“Huh? A maiden’s heart…?”
“Do you want to swim back to the imperial palace?”
Jill clenched her fist, causing Hades to laugh, “Sorry, sorry…”
The sea below had already turned deep blue. They passed several fishing boats, and white waves rippled as they glided along.
“The Grand Duchy of Leyca is an island nation, isn’t it?”
“Yes. The fish are delicious.”
“Fish?! …No, well…”
She pulled out a map from the bag hanging from the saddle. In another leather bag, Rho and Saute were taking their afternoon nap, with Haddy as futon.
“Is this area also protected by Rave?”
The Grand Duchy of Leyca was an island just across from Radea territory, but it wasn’t connected to the mainland.
“Just to be safe, this area is the domain of the sea dragon.”
Perhaps hearing their conversation, Rave popped out. I see, Jill nodded.
“My parents are from the Kingdom of Kratos, but they grew up in Radea! Is there anything I should keep in mind when befriending my classmates?”
“…C-classmates… y-you mean, someone younger than me, or someone who can cook?!”
“There’s no use asking him, Little Miss. He doesn’t have any friends.”
“Oh, I see. My condolences.”
“You can’t say that?! Look, Jill. The Grand Duchy of Leyca is a vassal state of the Rave Empire. If I wanted to, it could turn into a principal in no time! Then, you’ll be in a private class, all by yourself!”
“I also love His Majesty, who can only use his authority for such petty things.”
“Guh…! Jill is becoming too strong, Rave!”
“It seems that Little Miss will grow up quickly… But Hades, what’s that?”
Rave climbed onto Hades’ head and narrowed his eyes. Following suit, Jill also looked ahead.
The sun had just started to turn red, and the intense light made her close her eyes for a moment. But she quickly opened them in surprise.
“Your Majesty… that’s a warship… Rave’s.”
The battleship’s flag that represented its affiliation had the national emblem of the Rave Empire—a dragon—sewn into it.
About ten warships bearing such an insignia were heading toward them in a crescent formation. Under normal circumstances, she’d be in awe. Yes, under normal circumstances, when the warships’ cannons weren’t aimed at them.
I have a bad feeling about this…
She shoved the map she was holding into her bag. It seemed that Hades had the same premonition. She could feel his grip tightening on the reins.
“Let’s go a little faster, Jill. Warships are usually equipped with magic sensor, normally, they’d be able to tell that this green dragon is officially registered with the Rave Empire. I don’t want to get held up or get into any trouble.”
“Your Majesty!”
By the time she shouted, a magic circles had already formed in front of the cannons. It was a magical bombardmen anti-aircraft magic.
Without warning?!
Not something a proper army would do—
—Magic was fired all at once toward them.
“Ukkyu—?!”
“Koke!”
“They’re pursuing us, Your Majesty!”
Even if they increased their altitude to avoid the cannon fire, the magical attacks would continue after them. Hades clicked his tongue and shouted.
“Grab your bags, Jill!”
Jill hurriedly removed her bag from the saddle, putting it on her bag. Rho and the others were inside it.
“W-what are we going to do, Your Majesty? Do we fight back—”
“We’ll pretend to be hit by artillery fire and fall into the sea! From the water, I’ll teleport us to the shore, so hold on tight!”
In front of her, instead of the horizon, she could make out the shape of an island. At such a distance, Hades, whose magic hadn’t yet returned, would be able to return without any difficulty.
“But wouldn’t it be quicker if His Majesty and I took control of them ourselves?”
“Then you’ll have to declare yourself as the Dragon Empress.”
“Ah, right…”
“Moreover, we don’t know what their intentions are. Maybe they really are from Rave. What’s more, despite knowing this dragon is from Rave, they’re shooting at it anyway.”
“N-no way, is another rebellion happening…?!”
“We’ll talk about that later, let’s go to Rave! If the dragon knows how important you are, it’ll still teleport you!”
“Okay—”
At that moment, something strange happened.
It was neither the sound of an explosion, nor the activation of a magic circle. Instead, it was the sound of a bell, something which didn’t suit the situation. It came from the island—probably a bell announcing the evening.
However, the sound resonated directly in her ear. It was a sound imbued with magic—
—What is that, the sound of a flute?
Suddenly, the green dragon they were riding stopped moving.
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