Huh!　Is that Mother Erna?

　I lean forward from my seat and stare at the girl on stage with my eyes wide open.

'You're way too surprised by that female actor's large breasts, aren't you?

'Sure it's big, but I'm not surprised by that right now!

　I tugged on the cheek of Mutsuriskebe, who sat next to me, and returned my gaze to him again.

　I could hear a stifled protest next to me, but I ignored it.

　Standing proudly at the entrance was the girl called Erna.

　I look at the girl and she reminds me of Mother Erna, whom I had seen yesterday.

　Mother Erna, always smiling, gentle and kind but scared when she was angry.

　She loves sweets and tea, and has a bit of a childish side to her.

She's a very fast-paced mom, smiling and saying things like "Step aside for a minute" or "This is so good.

　--that.

Didn't you hear me?

　The way he glares at the crackpot and the man with a sharp look in his eyes. There's not a soft smile in the slightest.

　I'd heard that she used to be an adventurer, but she wasn't quite the image I'd imagined.

　I thought that Mother Erna had always been a soft kind of woman.

'What?'

　I didn't know she was this sharp.

　.........Then it's just like sister Elinora......

　I had certainly wondered who Elinora sister's personality resembled in the calm Throulette family. There was, but I didn't think she was like Mother Erna.

　Everyone in the family says that me and Mother Erna look alike, but that's ridiculous. I think the person who looks most like her is Sister Elinora.

''.........Ah, ah, ah!　Get out of my way!

　The man almost cowered for a moment, but he recovered and reached out to grab Erna's breastplate.

　But the pachymono twisted up his arm.

'Ouch!'

'It's not a good idea to try to grab a girl's chest.

Ugh!

　The man grunts in frustration as the crackpot takes his arm behind his back.


'Are you okay?'

Yes. If you hadn't restrained me, I would have just burned it.

That's ugly.

　Pachymono chuckles when he hears Erna's words.

　This was how Father Nord and Mother Erna met.



　◆

　Then Pachimono became an adventurer and completed his requests one by one with his sword.

...You again.

Hi, Erna. What a surprise.

　Although they were the same soloists, Pachimono and Erna often ran into each other on the hunting grounds.

'You're not following my trail, are you?

'No, I think I left the guild before you did today. Why don't you do the request with me if you want?


　It's not just on the hunt, but in the streets of King's Landing.

"Why are you here?

'What?　Bols said the baked goods here are good. He said he has a sweet tooth, despite his appearance.

Well, if you're done buying, get out of the way.

"Excuse me. We're out of fruit muffins.

..........

Do you want one?



　It's the same solo, so it's only natural that the hunting grounds would be similar. I don't know how many times I've encountered them in private.

　Fortunately, Pachimono is a swordsman and Erna is a wizard. It didn't take long for the two of them to get to know each other as they worked on their requests together.

　However, I never thought it would be so embarrassing to watch my parents get to know each other.

　It's already something that makes me feel heartburned watching them.



　◆


　In the course of several requests, the two of them had somehow become adventurers who had become famous in the royal capital.

　Instead of armor made of materials that could be sold anywhere, Pachimono wore light and strong armor made of special ores.

　Wrapped in silvery armor and a blue cloak, Pachimono looked like a holy knight.

''You made it back safely today.

'Yes. I can't wait to get home and take a bath.

　Walking next to Pachimono in a lazy voice was Erna.

　Her robes don't seem to have changed, but she has a necklace around her neck that looks like a magic tool.

　The staff was also somewhat longer and the color of the gemstone attached to it was very clear.

''Well, let's get on with it and report back to the guild.

Yeah.

　His voice has become very soft compared to the early days. I guess that's how close I've become to Pachimono.

　So does that mean that if I get to know Sister Elinora better, I'll be as rounded as Mother Erna?　No, I can't imagine it for a minute.

　Then we reported to the guild and were about to return to our respective lodges.


　Can!　Kung!　Kung!　Kung!

　The sound of bells echoed through King's Landing.

''What is this?''

The bells. What's going on outside King's Landing?

　The two of them look at each other quizzically as the bells ring out loudly.

'Enemy attack!　Enemy attack!

　Then a man who looked like a guard shouted loudly and ran.

'Attacking the enemy, neighboring country?　Or is it a bunch of demons?

　Crackpot tries to catch the man and get information out of him.

'Wrong!　How much better it would have been that way!　We're screwed!　This country's f*cked!

'Then what is it?　Quickly say it. You're so pathetic for a man.

　The guard, who was in a state of panic, managed to point to the sky after Erna slapped him.

　Then his mouth snapped open and he let out a scream-like cry.

'Doh, it's a dragon!　The dragons have come to this country!

...a dragon?

　At the same time as Erna raised a quizzical voice, there was an explosive sound that shook the atmosphere in the theater.

''Gagaaaaaaan!''

　A red dragon emerged from the stage. Its body is surrounded by countless scales.

　It slowly descended, moving its large wings that sprouted from its back.

　For a moment I thought it was a real dragon, but when I looked closely at it, I could see what appeared to be a few connecting eyes on its body.

　However, even so, thanks to softening the indirect parts and moving them with magic and magical tools, it is still able to move its neck and wings dexterously to reproduce the raw gestures of a dragon.

　It's as if a real dragon exists right in front of us.

　The excited voices of children who must have seen the dragon for the first time can be heard flickering in the hall.

'A dragon?!'

How could you come to this place?

　The dragon landed on the ground with ease as Pachimono and Erna shouted in surprise.

　Then the dragon nodded its head, opened its wings wide, and let out a roar.

''Gagaaaaaaah!''

Hi, hi!

Run!

　The guards and people nearby panicked and fled, disappearing from the stage.

　The dragon opened its vicious fanged mouth wide and let flames spread around the area.

　The audience shouted "Oh! And then you raise your voice.

　That's a lot of money for only the most popular play, really.

　You can hear the sound of the stage lights changing to orange and burning as the stage lights are staged to burn up by the dragon's scattered flames.

'Erna!　I'll fight the dragons to protect us all!

　With a tense voice, Pachimono pulls the sword from its scabbard.

　He holds the stunning long sword firmly in place, its blade glowing silvery white.

''Sanity!　It's a dragon!　It's not like those goblins and orcs out there!

'Yeah, I know. Even standing here, I can feel the terrifying presence of the dragon.

What if?

　Patimono raises a voice of restraint, turns back to Erna and slowly tells her.

'--But I'm an adventurer!

......


　By the way, it's a good scene right now, so the dragon is standing by tightly, making a similar gesture. It seems that in this world too, promises are firmly kept.

It's a good idea for the adventurer to not have an adventure.　It's not every day you get to have an adventure like this. What about Erna?

　Pachimono asks with a scowling smile.

　In response, Erna takes a moment to pause.

'We know the answer!　I'm an adventurer too!　Besides, without me, Nord would be dead!

　He held up his wand with a big heart.

　The old Erna mom is too masculine.

'....I see. Thank you, Erna.

　Erna turns away from the crackling smile to shyness. The redness of her face isn't the light from the flames, it's quite an act.

''Hey, hey, are you done discussing your marriage?　I'm all set, okay?

　A man's voice broke the lukewarm atmosphere.

'Who are you married!'

　If you look in the direction of the voice, you'll see Bors appear from the top of the building.

　Then many adventurers, each with their own weapons in their hands, crept up to the edge of the stage and onto other buildings.

'Bolus!　Everyone!

Hehe, we're adventurers too, you know. If you two want to take credit for something, it's not going to happen.

　Thus began the battle of dragons versus adventurers.


　◆


　On the stage, many adventurers will be facing off against the dragons.

'Here comes Breathless!

I know!

　Flames light up in the dragon's mouth in an attempt to burn up the adventurer standing in the vanguard. Flames shoot out of the dragon's mouth as the adventurer retreats from Breath's range.

''I seek the protection of the flowing water!''

　The fire that consumes the adventurers is prevented by a wall of water by Erna.

　I mean, that actor can use magic too.

　So it's a battle drama unique to this world with magic.

　When the dragon's breath is cut off, Pachimono goes into the dragon's face in one fell swoop.

　And as it was, he swung his sword at once.

　Kiiin!

　The high-pitched sound of "I'm sorry, I don't know what that is," was transmitted into the hall. I thought it was audio, but the blade wasn't being held in place, it was actually clashing with the dragon's fangs.

　The dragon blocks the long sword wielded by Pachimono and tries to pierce it with his fangs.

　The sound of high-pitched sword fights echoes together, and I turn my head to Eric.

''Hey, that wasn't just a shortcut, it actually hit, didn't it?

Oh, and the dragon's fangs are made of high-altitude ore, so they don't mind being slashed with all your might. You can cut them with all your might.

...you're all serious about this.

'Try going all the way out here and stopping a bit or something. The whole audience is going to be very disappointed.

Well maybe that's true, too.

　It's certainly too shabby when the actors pretend to hit the sword, even though they are using such a large and powerful dragon.

　I'm not sure if it's possible to be a little reckless because of the many magic elements in this world.

　From the top of the building, adventurers with bows on guard are taking up positions.

　It's not that the arrows are rounded, but they are pointed.

　Huh?　Is that really going to happen?

　While I'm surprised, the drawn arrow is fired at the dragon.

　I mean, I really did shoot it!

　A number of arrows straight ahead are closing in to strike the dragon, but they fall to the ground as the dragon swings its wings wide.

''Gagyaaaaahhhh!''

　If you look closely, you can see the wind swirling around the wings, covering them.

'There's a trick in those wings too, right?

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what to do with it. It's an expensive thing that important people have for self-defense. It's a good idea to have it to protect against surprise arrows.

　I wonder how much money they really spend on this place. Well, it's probably thanks to the fact that the owner of this place is an aristocrat.

　A fierce battle is still going on on the stage.

　Men with shields are blown away by the cleave by the dragon's tail.

　With the vanguard wide open, the dragon narrows his target to the pachymono wielding his sword in front of him.

　And once again, the dragon's mouth turned red and was spat out in one fell swoop.

　Just as the blazing flames were closing in on Pachimono and seemed to be consuming him, a dome of water boiled up around Pachimono.

　The flames and the water collided with each other, causing steam to rise.

''Erna!''

It was entirely appropriate to be prepared!　It's really dangerous!　"I seek you, clear water, for I am gathering you.

　The wall of water loses its effectiveness and the crumbling water takes shape again. It becomes a large spear and flies into the dragon's face.

''Gagaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

　It pierced into the dragon's large eyes and the dragon screamed in agony.

'Now!'

　In response to Erna's sharp voice, Pachimono's sword blade gleams.

　It's a strengthening of the sword blade by clothing it with magical power.

　When Pachimono clothed his legs with magical power, he readied his sword and leapt at once.

　The pain of the spear of water closes in on the dragon, which shakes its head in pain.

　However, a dragon is a dragon. When he instantly recognizes the target, Pachimono, he has power in his eyes and meets it with his strong fangs.

''Ooohhhh!

　Then the two shadows intersected, and the dragon's head was blown clean off.

　They really do lose their heads!　I've heard stories of people beheading off their heads at noblemen's social gatherings, but it was true!

　The dragon's head falls to the stage and the giant body sinks belatedly.

　At the same time, the adventurers on stage and the audience erupted in cheers.

''Erna!''

Nord!

　Pachimono and Erna embraced each other with admiration. They hugged each other forever amidst the cheers of many people.



　◆


　Since then, Pachimono and Erna have had an audience with King Misfirito, who has done a remarkable job.

　The stage was changed, and the two met the king sitting on a luxurious chair in the audience room.

　King Misfirito is a blonde old man with a crown on his head. He has a crown on his head, and I think he looks like the suspicious old man I saw from the sky a while ago.

　I'm not sure if that suspicious old man is the king after all.

"Raise your face.

Ha!

　Pachimono answered the king's voice immediately and slowly raised his head.

'This is a great achievement. Your skill with the sword that dropped the head of the dragon that flew into the king's city is impressive.

Thank you.

"Thanks to you, many of the citizens of King's Landing were spared. "I thank you as well as the king of my country. Now, it's time to reward him. Is there anything you want?

"...then I'll give you an estate to live in peace with your loving wife.



　You're not going to be able to do that.

Huh, I'm tired.

　I sat down by the front steps of the theater and breathed in and out of the air as much as I could for the first time in a long time.

　The sky was tinted with the setting sun and many of the audience members outside the theater were smiling as they made their way home.

　All the people walking around were talking about the theater they had just seen. Everyone seemed to be having a good time talking to each other. It was a good time for dinner. A shopkeeper was shouting at the customers who were feeling better after watching the play.

　It actually worked and a lot of people walked into the store.

　If I were an adult, I would too, but I'm just a kid, and if I don't get home soon, Mother Erna and the others will be worried about me.

'After all, that play is always exciting to watch, isn't it?

　Eric, standing next to me, watching the sunset, muttered something uncanny in a soft voice.

'Eric's habits don't suit his heartbeat or anything like that.

'What?　I suggest you should take a lesson from your father.　What makes you think that his noble father's son is such a jerk? So you're his adopted son?　They're very different from your brother and sister's appearance, aren't they?

'You said things you shouldn't have said!　And you're being sarcastic with your puns!　I care a lot about your appearance, too!

　I felt like I'd spent half a day with Eric today and got to know him better, but I still think it was my imagination.

　Me and Eric got into a fist fight, got ripped to shreds, and went our respective ways home.



'I'm home!'

Hey, welcome back. I heard you were out with your friends?

　When I leave Eric and go back to my room at the inn, I see Mother Erna smiling softly at me.

　I stare at Mother Erna, remembering the play from earlier.

'Hmm?　What happened to Al?　Is there something on my face?

　It's not as if she was wondering why I was standing there staring at her face forever, but Erna's mother asked her while tilting her head.

It's a good thing that you're able to get your hands on a lot more than just one.

　Her expression froze as she said it in an admiring manner while looking at Mother Erna, and her expression froze.

　A noise echoed from the back of the room, as if a spoon had been removed. I looked over and saw that Nord Dad had frozen where he was about to drink his tea. The look on his face is as if he has seen something unbelievable.

　Now, with good instincts, Nord-Dad must have realized I'd gone to the play. That's why he has a surprised look on his face.

　What a thought, I felt a sharp, chilling pain in my head.

'Ow, it hurts!'

Oh, my God, what is it about Al that he comes home and sees me and says I'm getting fat?

　Mother Erna, still smiling, bites me with an iron claw. The fact that the eyebrows are moving with a faint twitch is the proof that she is angry.

　It's scary.

'No, it's not, Mother Erna!　It's not about your body, it's about your character!

Character?

　The misunderstanding was cleared up first when I made my desperate plea, and my fingers relaxed.

　However, she does not intend to let her hands go from her head. This response is the same as that of Elinora's sister. No, it's natural since it's also a technique taught by this person.

　I don't know if it's thanks to Mother Erna bending down in front of me, or if it's thanks to Father Nord, but I can hear the sound of him sipping his tea after exhaling in relief.

　Mother Erna's gaze prompts me to continue with my words.

'I've seen the Dragonslayer play!

Nah!

　When I said once and for all, Erna's face was aghast, and in the back of the room I could hear Father Nord blowing out a cup of tea.

　To me, it's even more astonishing that Mother Erna doesn't take her finger off my head, even if she's upset.

"...Well, Mother Erna used to be as sharp as Sister Elinora. I'm surprised. 'And without me, the Nord would be dead! I can't believe it. My mom is just as much of a twinkle in the eye as you are. And that's the last thing, isn't it?　My beloved wife in front of the king - ouch!　I'm in the middle of something great!　Why is the Ironclaw back on!

　d*mn it, I'll get the details from the Roomba!　I'll invite Count Merna to join us!

　I went to sleep that day, rubbing my head and making up my mind.