247: The Battle Maiden Wants to Study Abroad (10)
“What’s that sound?!”
Rave yelled, frowning. Rho was trembling and covering his ears. Sauté seemed to be shaking as well.
The biggest problem was the green dragon. It froze and fell into the sea.
An anti-aircraft magic ray came straight at it.
“Your Majesty, I’ll neutralize it!”
She didn’t know what was going on, but the dragon was being attacked directly. They needed to quickly retreat to a place where they couldn’t hear that sound! Jill transformed the Sacred Relic of the Dragon Empress into a whip and swung it around the surrounding area, exploding the artillery fire from all sides. Just as she had intended, a tremendous explosion of smoke rose up.
“Rave, stay inside! Rho, cover your ears!”
Amid the smoke, Jill fell into the sea while still being held tightly by Hades. A huge splash rose from the surface of the sea. It was a good distraction.
First of all, they needed to get away. The intensity of the magic hit her along with the water pressure. Bubbles spread as she breathed out.
Why do His Majesty and I always end up getting attacked and running away…
—Before she knew it, the ocean-colored view had turned into a sandy beach. The explosions had faded away, and the sound of crashing waves filled her ears.
It was dusk when they reached the beach.
“Jill, are you okay?”
“Y-y-yes! What about Rho and the others—”
Sauté shivered next to her. Rho was beside him, spitting out the sand that had gotten into his mouth. Then, as if he’d been through a terrible experience, he clung to Jill, wanting to be held. There were no external injuries.
Haddy was being hugged by Hades who had helped Jill to her feet. Rave was on his shoulder, looking calm.
Everyone was soaking wet, but they otherwise were safe.
“What should we do, Hades? The green dragon should be nearby. Shall we go look for it?”
“Is it safe?”
“He seems to be safe. Looks like he was just paralyzed. He seems tired, though.”
“Let him go. If he joins the herd, we’ll be able to disguise his movements. We’d be better off using a different dragon if we go back… Jill, do you have all your luggage?”
“…What shall we do now?”
“…Isn’t that obvious?”
Jill muttered, squeezing the hem of her skirt. She also took her bag and its contents into her arms, squeezing them. She didn’t think about whether the money was okay.
“Your Majesty will now head to my residence with me as planned, and hide there.”
“Eh?”
“I thought it was strange to begin with. I didn’t expect Prince Vissel to grant my wish so quickly.”
He said that it was for some noble reason like checking on their youngest brother, but there must’ve been more to it than that. Thus, seeing the perfect opportunity, he pushed it onto Jill. He was trying to stop said youngest brother from harming Hades.
“There was something fishy going on. For example, that strange sound just now. I can’t let His Majesty go back as things are?”
“J-Jill…!”
Above all, if Hades didn’t return, Vissel would be gnashing his teeth. That was the only way she’d be able to get her revenge. Serves you right. She felt bad for Listeard for suffering the brunt of her action though. Well, she’d just help him with the Sufia incident to make up for it later.
Hades seemed touched and clasped his hands as he asked.
“So, I don’t have to return to the imperial capital tomorrow?”
“Yes, but please stay inside.”
“Of course! I’ll take care of the cooking and cleaning! But you need money right?! Should I get a job?”
“Money isn’t an issue. If it comes down to it, I can earn some as a mercenary.”
“Jill’s so cool! B-but, I’ll do my best too! I’m good at living life on the run!”
“Okay then!”
They were laughing together when Rave meekly spoke up.
“I-is it really okay, Little Miss? I can get us all back to the imperial capital where we can look into this…”
“If I did that, I’ll just end up feeling anxious.”
Jill didn’t remember any big fights or quarrels in the Grand Duchy of Leyca. Besides, everything that had been happening was different from the timeline that she remembered. Jill was worried that someone would betray Hades again, that he’d fall into danger, or collapse. It had been three months now.
As such, it’d be better to keep him within sight and protect him.
“I mean, Little Miss came here to study… But you’re just going to be protecting Hades again.”
“—Thank you, Rave, but it’s fine.”
The sun, turning red as it sunk beyond the sea, hurt her eyes.
“I’m used to it.”
Jill answered with a distant look, and Rave nodded back.
“I see.”
Hades was the only one frolicking in the setting sun, considering that night’s dinner.
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