Vol 4 Prologue (1/2)
Prologue
[Excerpt From the Meeting Minutes with a.s.sociated Individuals, Written
by the Traveling Archeologist Sherilyn from London, Beginning of the 21st
Century]
Dragons have nine similarities.
Heads like a camel, horns like a deer, eyes like a ghost, ears like a bull,
appearances like a snake, bellies like a mirage, scales like a carp, claws
like an eagle, palms like a tiger.
Such is the [Dragon]'s appearance as written in Chinese books.
But it was merely a fantastical description written in text, combining various
creatures to form a strange biological existence.
At the same time, the dragon's greatest similarity was its considerable
semblance to snakes.
Whether it was eastern or western, dragons always had a thin, snake-like
body, and at the same time exhibited characteristics of other beasts
special to the region; therefore it always looked different given variations in
location and time. The greatest unchanging aspect of this beast was that it
always had its foundation as a [Serpent], which, regardless of region, has
not differed since ancient times.
[Notes of the Witch Lucretia Zola, Regarding the Mythology of Perseus
and Andromeda]
The monster perched by the waterside (likely a great serpent or
dragon-kin) required them to present a girl as sacrifice.
At this moment, the timely appearance of a hero defeated the monster; he
then took the rescued girl as his wife.
We have confirmed that even in the far-eastern j.a.pan, there were also
stories like that of Perseus and Andromeda. The most renowned examples
would be the tales surrounding the Yamata no Orochi.^ ^
Susanoo defeated the Yamata no Orochi before marrying Kus.h.i.+nada.^^^
Then from the tail of the slain serpent, he was granted the blessing of a
divine sword.
Therefore, Susanoo acquired the [Sword] from the body of the [Serpent].
There were several similarities to the formula that we European witches
are familiar with.
For example, Siegfried who became immortal after killing the dragon
Fafnir,^^^ or the knight Sir Lancelot who received the magic sword from the
faerie of the lake.^^
In other words — confronting dragons was the hidden symbiotic relations.h.i.+p
between heroes of steel and the G.o.ds of the earth and water.
[Liliana Kranjcar, about to go on vacation, just before meeting the
[King]]
It was already late July and about to change months.
Europe was in the middle of summer, the season of long vacations.
Spending the long vacation in either resorts that avoid the summer heat or
coastal locations was good; renting a villa to spend leisure time was alright
as well, even relaxing at one's own home from morning to night was not a
bad call.
So for Liliana Kranjcar to a.s.sess her own swimsuit in front of the mirror in
her room, it was not something others should gossip about.
Because it should be like that.
”...No, no this isn't good either, how can I wear something like this in front
of everyone!”
Liliana was looking at herself in the mirror, frankly pointing out that it was
impossible for her to dress like that.
The long vacation was scheduled to be spent by the sea this year.
Therefore, she was now trying out the new swimsuit now. But...
What was wrapped around her slender body were the upper and lower
portions of a bikini.
Although her body was very slender, the lush and delicate chest, as well as
the feminine waistline, were both very soft, while her slim legs were like
fine gla.s.s, all of it giving a fairy-like cuteness and the
dangerously-balanced charm of a girl.
Liliana looked despairingly at her posture.
— Definitely not! This is way too exposed! Way too vulgar!
Liliana's white skin tone overwhelmed the blue lines of the swimsuit that
was covering her.
It was way too daring.
Even though it fit perfectly, it was still problematic.
Although such an appearance may create some opportunities for her,
things that could not be done just could not be done.
The blistering summer sun, the scorching hot beach.
At this time, the shy Liliana strolled in her swimsuit, watched by a
gentleman (definitely a handsome guy, clad in swimwear, with the tanned
skin of an athlete) who could not keep his eyes off her.
The shy Liliana occasionally made eye contact, but the guy sent an
elegant smile her way. She thought it would finish with just that, but the two
of them met again several hours later
”J-just what am I thinking, really compared to this, Karen!”
”What are your orders, Liliana-sama? Does that swimsuit still meet your
wishes?”
As Liliana addressed the exclusive maid who stood behind her, the other
replied in a calm steady voice.
Karen Jankulovski.
A pet.i.te and cute girl who was wearing a maid outfit.
At age fourteen, she was at an age when studying should be her focus.
But, Karen was currently an apprentice sorceress studying at the Kranjcar
family's [Bronze Black Cross] magic a.s.sociation. She already finished her
high school courses, a result of constantly skipping grades while studying
within the private school ran by the a.s.sociation.
Now she worked besides Liliana, receiving an education necessary for
witches.
”It's rare to come here to shop, but I feel like this swimsuit doesn't fit me;
seems way too showy.”
”Not at all; I think it fits you perfectly.”
”No! F-for a lady, just wearing such a thin swimsuit is already a problem!”
”Don't you often emphasize that you are a knight and not a lady?”
”Eh, that is completely true, b-but what about as a girl! That's right, a pure
girl shouldn't wear such shameless clothes.”
Liliana declared in a high tone.
But Karen sighed with a tiny sound, and with gentle eyes that looked like
she was dealing with a selfish child, she said:
”Really? Since Liliana-sama says that, there's also another swimsuit that I
prepared but you might mind what others think of it.”
Karen replied in a teasing tone.
Karen Jankulovski was not only an excellent witch, but also a capable
maid, not to mention someone with an unforgiving tongue full of critique for
others.
”Since it's a swimsuit, it's natural to be very thin; the fact that you mind
such minor details also means that your tolerance is far too low ah, I'm
really sorry, I accidentally spoke my mind, please forgive me.”
Liliana could not help but frown as she heard these words that lacked the
sincerity of an apology.
But, such a level of criticism was not enough to change her views.
”Then, what do you think of this swimsuit? I prepared it as a backup just in
case. This is a blue one-piece swimsuit, completely lacking any cuteness;
its simplicity and lack of s.e.xiness is its only trait, a piece that completely
lacks any sense of interest — ”