Lucia Tries to Save the Baby Dragon

Unable to take Sir Celes’s smile, I reflexively looked down.

Oh no, he’s going to think I’m acting strangely. I didn’t mean to seem distant. I wanted to keep having fun talking to him, like we did in the castle’s back courtyard. I feel really bad. It was like a heavy rock was crushing my chest.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah, no, nothing’s wrong! But what should we do about this little guy?”

“That’s a tough question. Knowing how vicious they are, it’s true that it’d be easier to kill it while it’s small,” Sir Celes said, clearly troubled. “But since it restored your mana, and we don’t know much about dragons biologically, I think it’s necessary that it’s examined while it’s still weak. After all, no one has ever seen a newborn monster before.”

I poked the baby dragon in my arms.

“The Commander and Lord Reynard are discussing what to do with it with Prince Edoardo right now. I don’t know what His Highness will decide, but from a Knight’s point of view, they’ll probably decide to nip it in the bud.”

“So they’ll kill it?”

Sir Celes went silent at my question.

“Pukyuuah!” The baby dragon looked up at me from my arms, and cooed innocently. I couldn’t take it anymore.

While I was traveling with Sir Gaius, the fact that we were killing things that weren’t even fighting back made me feel awful. I kept thinking that maybe if they wouldn’t cause any harm anymore, we could let them live like a normal animal. But since we didn’t know how long Soap’s effect would last, it was safer to kill them. I had made myself believe what I was told, but...

“Was the option of me casting Soap on it regularly brought up? Do we really have to kill it?”

“What do you mean, Lucia?”

“I mean, it would allow us to find out how long my magic lasts, and, like you said before, it would give us a chance to research dragons. I’ll take responsibility for it and make sure it doesn’t run wild, so can’t we let it live? I know dragons are dangerous, and I know how horrific monsters can be, but I... I can’t let this little one die when it hasn’t done anything wrong...” I trailed off. If there’s something I can do, I’ll work as hard as I need to for it.

“Then why don’t we go ask His Highness right now?” Eric chimed in. “We could keep them from killing it, I can research it to my heart’s content, and you and the Sacred Maiden will have saved it. Everyone wins. Plus, since it’s just a weak baby right now, it can’t do much damage, right?”

“That’s right! Let’s go ask Ed! Come on, Lucia, we’re going!” With her loud declaration, Miss Maria dragged me by the arm. She’s more active than she looks.

But this is just what I wanted. Miss Maria, Eric, and I all headed towards where the prince and the others were. Sir Celes tagged along as well, so that was extra reassuring!

◆ ◆ ◆

“Oh? So you’ve all come to beg for the dragon’s life?” His Highness spoke with a bright smile, having heard our plea. “I didn’t expect you’d take a monster’s side, Maria. Not when you were so terrified of them.”

“But this one is cute...” she mumbled.

“That makes no difference. It’s still a monster. But I do admit, that’s an interesting experiment. We could get an understanding of both Lucia’s power and a dragon’s biology and abilities. If you can guarantee our safety... I suppose it would be alright to try it.” The prince continued, still smiling elegantly. “Especially for you, Lucia. Gaining an understanding of your powers is of utmost importance. Though they aren’t the same as Maria’s, they seem to work along the same lines. Your powers will surely be a valuable asset.”

“Ah...!” Miss Maria gasped.

Suddenly, His Highness stopped smiling, and looked at me with strong conviction in his emerald eyes. “Lucia. You will tame this dragon, and make it react to your commands. You must also regularly cast your magic on it. Meanwhile, Eric will study its mana regeneration powers. In the event that it ever brings harm to anyone... We will dispose of it immediately. Understood?”

“Your Highness!” Commander Agliardi began to protest, but Prince Edoardo raised a hand to silence him.

“Fernando, if this goes well, it will be a boon to our country.” The prince said, his usual elegant smile returning. “None of the others can calm monsters. Now, are you all finished? Since Lucia is awake and came on her own two feet to argue with me, she must be fine. Then we should get going to the next Cristallo Sacro. Come here, Maria.”

“Okay...”

After being called by His Highness, Miss Maria quietly nestled close to him. Hmm? She’d just been as full of energy as ever, but something seemed to be wrong. I wonder why?