66 Episode 66 "A guardian god appeared from the bottom of the sea, so I talked about the situation and negotiated.".txt (2/2)

Cecil. Do you get it?

I asked.

'I understand. Dear Nagi.

A reply came back to me in my head.

Cecil is in the Great Hall.

They're separated by an iron door, but they're not that far apart in a straight line.

That's why I surreptitiously linked to him using the ”mind linkage level 1” earlier. I wanted to confirm some things.

From the depths of the sea, a being with tremendous magic is approaching. Ah ...... yes. Rita's ”presence of mind” seems to be responding to your ”presence of mind” as well. She says she doesn't feel any hostility, but the presence is too big and scary.''

Size?

'It's long anyway. It's so long that it surrounds all the sacred sites.

Cecil's voice is choppy.

Maybe it's jamming because of the sea dragon's enormous magical power.

I told Cecil, 'I'll talk to you later. After telling Cecil 'call me if you need anything', I turn my attention to the lake. I was able to confirm that the ”Cheat Skill” can be used in the center as well. That's enough for now.

''The sea dragon is coming. Souma-sama.''

Iris came up from the lake and took my hand in hers.

With a whoosh, the wind swirled around us, sending the water up into the lake.

The water rose and fell like a downpour. It drenched me and Iris.

Iris is already drenched, her white robe sticking to her thin body. To be honest, it's not much different than not having any clothes on. Iris has her back to me, and she's close to me. I put my hand on her shoulder. The only part of us that's warm is where we're touching.

Iris's scales glisten with pearl. I'm the proof that I'm a sea dragon hero.

...... My ears are ringing.

Is it because I'm tense or is my central space quivering? Or is it because the space in the center of my body is trembling?

I've been through a lot since I came to this other world, but this is the first time I've faced such a huge existence.

No, it's different.

Without Cecil and the other ”cheat characters”, this is the first time I've faced something this big.

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

The surface of the water rises... and breaks.

I saw blue horns. Something's head jutted up.

A pair of narrow eyes, buried in a face with countless wrinkles, looked at us.

Big.

The head alone is as big as a truck loaded with cargo.

But the shape was definitely a dragon.

We are grateful for our first descent in a year. Our guardian god, 'Kelkator the sea dragon'.

Iris said as she rested her back on my chest.

A dragon with blue scales covering its entire body was right in front of us.

I hope you are breathing well, my bloodline.

The sea dragon Kerkator replied.

It was a voice that seemed to echo through space.

Its appearance resembled the Oriental dragon of my world.

The part coming out of the lake was about 20 meters long by my reckoning. Its body was like a snake, with scales and fins on its back. I don't know how far the torso goes. If Cecil's words are correct, then it's probably a percentage of the total body here. The rest is in the water.

Only the head, part of the torso, and the paws are out of the water. The paws gripping the ground have three claws. The head has a rugged bump and eight horns. Its eyes are so narrow that you can't tell if they're open or closed. Numerous fangs are peeking out of its gaping mouth.

...... Is this the guardian god of the port city of Irgapha, Kerkator, the sea dragon?

I'm not sure if it's a true ”god” or not, but I do know that no ordinary demon is going to be able to compete with it. Large is simply a threat, and a dragon high enough to talk to people would at least have magic resistance.

The magic power swirling around them alone is not likely to be a match for me or Cecil.

This is exactly what makes it an exceptional existence from the point of view of humans and demi-humans.

This year's festive season has arrived again.

Iris bowed her head to the sea dragon. I'll follow suit.

'Bluntly.'

When the sea dragon speaks, the floor and walls chatter and tremble from the vibrations.

I'm sure you'll be able to hear the words clearly even so, it's just like a god class dragon.

I'm sure you'll be able to find someone other than a maiden to bear my authority (pressure) in this place now.

Iris has found a qualified 'sea dragon hero'.

Iris squeezed my hand.

I held up the Scales of the Giant Monster Fish, Leviathan.

Oh,” he said. You have defeated my natural enemy!

'Technically, it was my slave who defeated him. Kerkator, the sea dragon.

”Then that slave must already be a part of you.

...... What do you mean?

'That slave has become part of you and has become your hands and feet and wields power. He wanted it, and you have accepted it. So the slave's achievement is yours. The slave wants to blend in with you. Hence, you're certified as a 'sea dragon hero'.

'I don't know, but it's like the party leader who ordered the slaves to defeat the big monster fish is given the right to be a hero?'

That's all very well.

The sea dragon Kerkator, who was on the lake with his sickle-neck on his back, turned to me and nodded.

I will acknowledge you as a sea dragon hero.

You will be able to find out that you have the ability to regenerate the annoyance of our sea creature with your tentacles, and that you have defeated a big, annoying monster fish that is able to regenerate itself within a few decades even if you kill it, without being called.

I don't know if you don't like to be reminded of it or not, but the sea dragon is yielding its head over and over again.

...... You must have been really stressed out.

It's annoying. The big monster fish, Leviathan.

Its tentacles regenerate, and its body is huge. It even has the ability to paralyze people...

You're the only one who can't help it! Iris wishes to reenact the First Rite with the brave Souma-Nagi.

”End the festivities of your generation?

'There was a conflict because Iris was a priestess. This holy place was almost razed to the ground as well. Just for being a priestess, ...... she was targeted and people were bleeding in front of her ...... Iris doesn't want that anymore.

Iris presses her back against my body.

I'm at the end of my rope. You know, Iris. Being a miko is a black job.

The priestesses are the chosen ones, but that's why they're treated as research materials and tradable objects. I'm so tired that I feel like I'll go out of business if I'm left alone.

”I read the legend of the sea dragon too.

...... It can't be helped. I'll try to negotiate with the sea dragon on my end too.

It said you gave this port city your blessing to bless your children and the brave.

”How

'But the rituals for it have become a burden to the miko. That's because some of the maidens of the past may have been willing to do their part, but not Iris. I mean, things are crazy around her now.

Explain.

In an indifferent voice, Kailong said.

You're going to listen to me. That's great.

'Iris was attacked by an enemy with a special skill. That guy wanted Iris to be his research subject.

Explain again.

'Another enemy tried to seduce Iris's brother, Neuel-Hafeumea, to destroy the holy place and the ritual. The remnants of that attempt are still in the dungeon. You should be able to check it out.

”Then make a proposal.

'I think we should release Iris from her mission as a priestess for once here.

The benefits are twofold. Those of your blood will be able to live freely. That would be a blessing to Iris.

Secondly, security will be restored. If you eliminate Iris, the port city will lose its sea dragon protection. That's why the enemy will come after Iris. And a battle would ensue. The sacred sites and towns will be ravaged. If Iris is no longer a weak point for Ilgafa, we can stop the chain of events.

”The brave men of today's world

Kerkator, the sea dragon, pshawed and let out a breath.

Is this angry?　Or are you happy about it?

”You're a man of logic.

It's in my nature.

'Consider ”Re-enacting the Original Ritual”. Prove Your Connection to the Miko.

I'm sticking it to the priestess. Iris isn't unwilling.

I'm rather at ease in the arms of Master Souma.

”Prove your connection again.

Iris has already pledged her allegiance to her brother, Souma-sama, her soul!

Looking up at the sea dragon Kerkator, Iris shouted.

''As the daughter of the lord's family, I cannot wear a slave collar, but Iris's heart has already revered Souma-sama as her Lord!

In my nightly fantasies (already), I've had dozens of mind and body encounters with Soma-sama!　Soma-sama - her brother's fingers gently and awkwardly guided Iris. The sensation is imprinted deep in Iris. It is no longer indistinguishable from reality!

For Iris, the only thing left to do is to execute. As soon as Iris is ready, we have already drawn up more than a hundred plans to attack Souma-sama's sleeping arrangements!

Wait a minute, Iris. Let's sit down and talk about it.

'We're past the stage of settling down. The bulwark of Iris's heart has already been broken since they carried out their plan to take a bath together. Only in front of Souma-sama can Iris become the 'girl in love' that is everywhere.

To balance that desire with the responsibility of protecting Ilgafa, I ask you to 'Re-enact the First Ceremony'!

”I will consider.

The sea dragon Kerkator nodded his head as if he was thinking for a bit.

''Consider. Seeking further information.''

Iris has had an attempt on her life twice in the past few days.

And each time, the Souma saved my life.

First the living mail, then the fake one that tricked the demons. Just a few days ago, he was attacked by his own brother.

Iris's heart fluttered as she watched Master Souma give precise instructions to the slave girls under her command.

'Maybe it's a blessing that she's a priestess. But Iris can't even walk out freely because of it.

It was a great relief to have Souma move in next door.

''The 'Sea Dragon Priestess' is of your blood, isn't she?　Their offspring feel the burden of the mission. If there's a way to make that a little lighter, let me know.

Let's ask Soma-sama to connect the blood of the maiden to the future: ......

Will you shut up for a minute, Iris?

I tried to cover Iris's mouth as she was kneeling in front of me for now.

She looks happy as she wriggles in my arms.

Anyway, that's all I'm going to say. What do we do now?　The ”Sea Dragon Kerkator

'Re-enacting the Ritual'

Kerkator, the sea dragon, said.

''As part of this, we will conduct a 'sea dragon test'. 'Master-Servant Contract. The priestesses are to be 'secret slaves' of the heroes.'

”'Hidden slaves'?

'Iris-Hafeumea. I interfere with the 'covenant' by my blood flowing in you. If a priestess were to become the slave of another, the city would be upset. It is not my intention.'

Yeah. That bothers me a lot, too.

”Let's make sure the collar doesn't recognize it. We'll decorate the collar as befits a miko.

Why do we need a master-servant contract?

This is a substitute for a soul promise. The ritual is too complex to be performed here and now. Therefore, I will use the servant-obeying covenant as a means of proving our connection.

With a grave tone, the sea dragon said, ''I don't know anything about it.

Either way, we don't know of any formal 'soul agreement' ceremony. We need to enslave Iris in order to do it in our own way.

The sea dragon Kerkator is listening to me. I don't know because they're on so many different levels of existence, but they seem to understand what's going on over here, and they're willing to grant Iris' wishes.

If it were ......, this would be a compromise.

'Okay. Be my slave, Iris.

Okay. Dear Souma.

Iris turns to me and drops to her knees in front of me.

I take out my medallion and declare.

'I make a master-slave contract with Iris-Hapheumea, with Souma-Nagi as her master. The terms of the contract are: 'In return for Iris' release from the ritual of the priestess, I will call Soma-Nagi my lord. The dissolution of the contract is...'

It has to be worth it, Master Souma.

Iris said, as if she had read my inner thoughts.

That's a brilliant schemer. That's a shrewd thing to do.

''Until Souma-Nagy's life is stable and she can live without working, this will do.

”Yes. Then 'Contract'

The ”Contract,

Kachin, we beat the medallion on his chest.

The collar was wrapped around Iris' neck.

But it's not made of leather, it's a collar with scales and sea dragon reliefs on it.

The sea dragon seems to have interfered with the design of the collar.

I'm sure this can be explained by the fact that I gave it to you as an ornament.

Thank you. Thank you, Kerkator, the sea dragon.

This way, no one will notice that Iris has become my slave.

I should be able to have Iris stay at the lord's house as before and only serve as my slave when she comes to my house. I'll get to the details later.

...... Iris finally belongs to Souma-sama, doesn't she? ......

This is no time to dwell. I'm still in the first stage of the ritual.

The sea dragon is still staring at us.

''Then tell me what the 'Test of the Sea Dragon' is about. An errand quest?　Or is it a quest to defeat them?

”It is only a reenactment of the ritual.

The sea dragon Kerkator raised his clawed arm.

''I tell you who qualifies as a 'Sea Dragon Hero'. Save the Priestess (・・・・・)''

Huh?

Iris is looking very unsettled.

What do you mean?

'Just as the first brave man was.

I will save the miko from the memories and pain of the Sea Dragon's Daughter who chose to live in the world of men!''

The moment the sea dragon Kerkator cried out.

Magic power swirled in space, and.

The light disappeared from Iris's eyes.