Chapter 34 (1/2)

Volume 1

Atelier Tanaka Chapter 15.3

Chapter 15.3

Dragon Extermination 5 Part 3

The night passed as Christina continued pummeling me.

I just now noticed the sky was beginning to turn white.

.Isnt it about time you gave up?

This suggestion came from the side being beaten to a pulp.

I know that I wont die, or at least I think so, but that doesnt make this any less painful. More importantly, after all of Christinas attacks, my clothes are now completely gone. In other words, my miserable blood-soaked naked body is now exposed for all the world to see.

Ive lost all dignity now.

Guu..

Christina responded with an annoyed groan as I took one painful step forward.

Its understandable that she would be annoyed. After all, shes been attacking me nonstop for an entire night.

It seems that shes getting exhausted.

Even if her status is staying the same, she will be getting mentally exhausted seeing an enemy get hit repeatedly yet show no signs of taking damage.

Thats why I have this to say,

I have a proposal.

I stand back up and face the dragon.

What

A calm one-on-one discussion finally began.

From the very beginning, we never wanted to fight with you.

.

After hearing my words, Christina let out a Guu sound.

Rather, it seemed like she was more shocked than anything.

Its not that surprising considering this has been a pretty one-sided fight so far.

To her, Im nothing more than an empty can on the side of the road. Yet, this empty can, no matter how many times she stepped on it, it would never be crushed. Its actually a funny story if you think about it.

I have no intention of harming you.

.You expect me to believe that after this battle has been going on for so long.

I could see the exhaustion in her body and hear it in her voice.

Thats why I know shes willing to consider it.

Instead, I have a favor to ask. Will you listen? It is something that will benefit us both. And we truly do not want to harm you.

.

Something we need.

A way back home.

A substitute for a now broken airship.

Something capable of carrying the corpse of a Red Dragon.

Or should we continue this fight until we both can no longer move? If thats so, Ill just burn you to a crisp.

(TN: I genuinely dont know if this is NSFW or not)

..

How about it?

Now that several hours have passed, my MP has recovered considerably.

I conjure a small fireball in my hand near my waist.

It was a signal for her to decide.

.What is your wish?

I did it.

The Ancient Dragon agreed to listen.

Im sorry to ask, but can you fly with me and my companions on your back?

.Aaaah?

Christina just looked at me, puzzled.

And our party became airborne.

This is amazing. As expected of a dragon; the speed of an airship cant even be compared to this.

We were riding on the back of Christina to the capital city of the Peni Empire. Of course, the noble mage, Team Orgy, the female knight, and Sophia are all here.

Honestly speaking, the ride is very uncomfortable.

The scales are rather rough and I would do anything to have even a small cushion.

Still, theres nothing that can com

pare to this speed.

By the way, Sophia-chan had found some clothes for me in the crashed airship. Her LUC has restored at least some of my dignity.

Though exposing myself publicly wasnt so bad, but for now, I think its best if I cover up.

If we keep flying at this pace all night we should be able to reach the capital by tomorrow. Even if we stop and take several breaks we shouldnt be behind our original schedule.

I see, so this dragon was really a blessing in disguise.

The noble mage spoke as he sat with his legs crossed on the dragons back. He seems rather calm considering hes riding on the back of a dragon. He would occasionally reach out and pat the dragons scales and seemed to be deep in thought.

Sophia-chan, on the other hand, looks incredibly nervous and I can tell shes covered in sweat from here. She looks like shes about to cry. She reminds me of a child that was forced onto a scary ride at an amusement park.

U-Umm, can we really return to town like this?

She asked this with teary eyes.

She looks incredibly stressed.

We dont have much choice but to use the dragon. Besides, it will be fine.

She looks somewhat pitiful after hearing the answer.

..Really? Is that so?

She was carrying the liver of the Red Dragon in her hands.

It was wrapped in a small piece of leather and similar in size to a small bag of rice.

The parts of the dragon that could not be wrapped up are currently stored elsewhere.

Shes able to wrap things properly and create leather sacks. Shes strangely suited to being a luggage carrier. The way she pushes forward through teary eyes is amazing. I want to marry her.

Yes, so please try to relax a little.

B-But..

Sophia-chan doesnt seem to relax at all. I want to put her at ease so she will enjoy being in the party more. Maybe she can try talking to the dragon directly?

It does make sense for a woman riding on the back of some strange beast to feel nervous. Its similar to being asked to ride on the back of some strange man youve never spoken with. The only one that seems to be enjoying the ride is the noble mage.

Dragon-san, this passenger feels uneasy about the journey, can you try talking to her a bit? And dont talk about your excellent flying abilities, because she wont care.

Of course, as the leader of the party, I have to ensure everyone feels comfortable.

I tap on her scales while asking this.

The man, who I plan to make kneel before me some day, asked me to talk to you. Though I am rather unwilling, I promise to deliver you safely to wherever that man wishes.

Nice, Christina.

Is that so?

Y-Yes.

She held the leather bag filled with the liver close to her chest. Im still afraid she might not be able to handle the stress of flying, but lets hope that she can hold on a little longer.

Ill remember thishuman.

Christina continued to be annoyed.

How am I supposed to respond to that?

The mind I developed from being a company slave my entire life suddenly kicked in.

Perhaps we should make an appropriate appointment for you so we can talk this over.

.

Absolutely not!? Does that mean theres zero chance of us talking!?

Im sorry for making such a dangerous creature my enemy.

How much pain did she cause me in just one night? If the blonde haired lolita hadnt been taken hostage I wouldve been able to attack properly, but I feel like Ive experienced enough pain to last the rest of my life.

But it really doesnt seem like she wants to negotiate.

So, Ill just need to change my plan.