Chapter 42: Reverse Scale
7EaMhValdrova Castle, territory of the Grand Duchy of Valdrova.NW672V
zJoqThat day, Ruri was presenting her weekly report in front of Valdrova.W5F
e7tiE“The latest we know is that Perda has arrived safely at the empire and is currently speaking in the imperial palace.”Ma4
rdcIt was, essentially, a report on Perda’s movements.gs3
aiBUpon hearing it, Valdrova let out a sigh, as if relieved.gz9fD
u3fK— I see. I’m glad he arrived safely.UQu85U
9NiEUu“…Haven’t I told you several times already? That, except in extreme cases, monsters wouldn’t attack that carriage.”Og1umh0
byXThe far east was considered an abandoned land, with many undeveloped areas.G1Qh
8lJQ7Because of that, forests were abundant, and where there are many trees, there are also many monsters.aDN
DAg306JEncountering monsters during a journey was more than twice as common as in other regions.yV5v
YeHW2Even so, Perda’s carriage did not run that risk.XOGpaj
XVSF3When it was built, a dragon scale had been hidden inside it.7i2V9
EdiAAMonsters, guided by instinct, would avoid even approaching due to the smell and presence of the dragon.6p9i
Nl2YSxFZero probability of attack.67sBZQ
kjW3And just in case, it was also escorted by Arwen, a knight of Count Consilus, so even if an attack occurred, they could move safely.TNKmHFi
HM7HpTC‘And even so…’f6qN
5FiJXhValdrova could not remain at ease.3dbuk5
AYUsSfXThe mere fact that he had left the territory made her uneasy.Yc2
OYBNDIf she worried even when he was right in front of her eyes, sending him somewhere beyond her reach was like a bolt from the blue.ytzg
REL— Is he eating well?sTIV5b
UsInR— There won’t be monsters nearby, right?D145zr9
vuH— He isn’t hurt, is he?6Aen2b5
6DoG4Those were questions Ruri had heard barely six hours after his departure.qWwtU14
z38k‘As if she were taking care of a sick chick.’f62
ZYylShe treated him like a fragile creature that could die at any moment.3556O
ootONpIt was inevitable.KzX
ZmyOiFor an immortal being that had existed since times close to the origin, a mortal human of 18 years was no different from an ant.h1Sx4c
dhcMoreover, Perda’s body was weaker than that of a normal person.N2ax48
2cWcIRuri had no choice but to attach a spirit to his carriage to receive reports every three hours.EmQEr
EeDVxaMAnd she deeply hated having to do so.6ytDige
vWPK‘She is straying further and further from the dignity of a sovereign.’1hM23
x9Ny5TIShe had never been a particularly majestic dragon.1svA
duWRuri knew Valdrova’s two sides.NmE0Hnm
1LXoNTXWhen she took her red dragon form, she always spoke with solemnity and seriousness.yTreNu
LAkGVdShe was a solitary guardian, and her presence imposed constant tension.etrr
o2UCBut when she adopted human form, all that tension disappeared.22h2o
GhYdJRaHer face, her gestures, her behavior everything changed until she seemed like a different person.Porbhz2
Ra5n2She became a pure woman, far removed from any imperial dignity.VtIL7bM
AMHsuR‘I can accept all her facets…’rf5DhX
3EjaBut Ruri wished that at least that line would not disappear.zwfYlP
BtzhHowever, the more Perda integrated into Valdrova’s life, the more she felt that even in her dragon form she was losing her dignity.0Fy5a7
OjRBc5Her emotions were mixed.H4nYLil
6Ij1QlRuri wanted her master to be happy.ksH6sX
aqQslBut she also wanted her to maintain her presence as a sovereign.FQFVsiz
0kTd‘Perda.’csm1
pkJNdEverything had changed since that man appeared.fjaWy3
V9RShe owed him a lot, but she also had many reasons to detest him.qAeTlB
nxgUFL“I will not report on his return.”qdLgm4X
OrNAt those words, Valdrova moved abruptly.X02
iRG50— Why?9aL
2Q8h“We already know that the outgoing path is safe, so there is no need to worry about the return, right?”PG3Mn7
wgEh— ….But the return path could be dangerous.WEseK
V5wsOnce again speaking like a grandmother worried about her grandson.rWS
hzwQU“Then why don’t you go yourself to receive him?”qGt
gcqW— Hmm…ombL
JXN4Valdrova lowered her head, hesitating.iCX
Mc2Despite her concern, she still felt uncomfortable interacting with humans.AfnR7Ir
cwdqpYrSeeing that she could not respond, Ruri pressed on.njZvk
Fgr“You don’t need to worry so much about Perda. For us, 18 years is little, but in human society he is an adult.”o3mmHl
0fmAj— I know.aDvff
qK0“And he is handling well the things you could not do.”cMdZDB
4foha— I know that too…6A38Inf
9r5U1zn“So don’t worry so much. As long as you are well, there will be no moment when Perda is in danger.”XM8t
MlqYhOeIt was at that moment that it happened.JQOn9ke
WInKvLInside the calm refuge, the wind began to stir, taking shape.cOehP4U
NThIo2The superior wind spirit, Storm, appeared floating beside Ruri, showing only its face.OAogibG
OK4i2zL“It seems news from Perda has arrived. One moment…”KkqJ
y9tF5R— Alright.1KeJ
Ubl7Valdrova adjusted herself and waited.FC4pGVJ
2FWftgRRuri listened calmly but her eyes suddenly widened.UH1TBkb
JpBJ“What? What does that mean…?”gpajNd
npDcOut of surprise, she raised her voice.5gpUu4
KcjoqeThen she lowered it again.TSX4
Q1IlrBut Valdrova was not someone who could ignore it.tEixf
qOpSE— What’s happening?2Nso
qz7Ruri did not respond.RFDJn75
wcO4sShe only listened to the spirit.hSziUG
L5hXWmd— Has something happened?AXR
Bc1r“Please wait a moment, my lady.”hRH
zclValdrova’s golden eyes moved.ufU2Imh
Cvp7GShe had sensed something.6kw08
QCvysF— Has something happened to my fiancé?CQUFfb
JOkHHer patience was reaching its limit.ZYYGH
8iKeHer presence began to lose stability.MXTQ
5LdblCrack—sSM
ENwyHer claws dug into the ground.SMyMMt
c0aPRumble—ByQ
ZPpVDThe entire cave began to tremble from her emotions.Zq2WhZr
XLTRX1M— Tell me the truth. What has happened to my fiancé?kIFt
feTUWmValdrova, the red dragon.4hNQ
nmJWr6xMistress of fire and strength, was gradually releasing the power she had been containing.mB8
Fm31dPAfter listening to the spirit, Ruri finally spoke.R8v
je6Xt“It is nothing you need to worry about.”6yLoUi
YlCp— Then what has happened?puF
H4T“It is only a political matter. The message came urgently, nothing more.”4XbNeSp
yEZ— Then my fiancé is fine?HFy
i9Bbcp“Yes.”mhXV
FsnXaFThe trembling ceased.jJ84
cirPdValdrova, who had risen, sighed and coiled herself again.6zsMqd
AxNq— Then why that serious expression?4PWk7
n7vqpU“I was just concentrating. I’m sorry for worrying you.”oIJ
XSltk— Hmm… I see. Very well.4m1Dr
mrgNLAVValdrova trusted Ruri and calmed her heart.B1TK
AZWNgR“Then I will take my leave. I still have territorial documents to review…”thZ3
RcZkB— Good, you may go.IHdjX
WIqlQRuri left the refuge.mfH
HJL2She walked in silence.BZQ
XahShe exited the cave and slowly advanced through the forest.dZVKdhk
h2No0jsUpon finding a marker, she stopped.BeZf5m6
xzpThis should be enough.55SdDkP
2WezuTOnce she was far enough that Valdrova could not perceive her, she finally spoke.kRVY
bXo2“Storm.”UH5KtEQ
ClQiThe wind spirit appeared again.O2QM
ZdrUHrV— Yes, my lady.jgiR9c
cAG“About the message your subordinate transmitted…”h6KHrGG
gHQViRuri’s voice, now lower, trembled slightly.9oZ1G1
M1u72r9“Do you swear there is not a single lie?”TQV2
oLOsF9The wind spirit, Storm, trembled for an instant.aBV2ty
XMjIts face remained expressionless and professional, but behind that a strong restrained agitation could be felt.7efhTu
dhiYLtOIt could not be otherwise.2hvfMkp
JbX7shThe news it had brought was not a simple political matter.Ihh
osl6— Yes. It is recorded that he was attacked by the magical investigator inside the sealed warehouse and was injured. I received that urgent report and am simply transmitting it.M0uDGQG
NgICThe regent of the far east had been injured inside the imperial palace.yBpMD2
fiAEsIn human politics, that would normally be resolved through negotiations and agreements.hSANAhw
gcYowBut the one involved was someone who would become the consort of a dragon.Y1S4pF
708Tw‘And also my lady’s fiancé.’3BM
j89rHAPWhen Valdrova suspected that something had happened, she became greatly agitated.ndy
V1ouLndIf she had been told directly that he had been injured, it would not have remained a simple diplomatic issue.rfn
wKa037n‘My lady would lose her mind…’WUGQt
EWEvUlzAnd then other dragons would also move.AD6F
fWVmITThat had to be avoided at all costs.IQM
mola465‘Dragons must not intervene.’r6KWxM1
adc40tRBut a dragon’s descendant was different.zmqKWc
GrmjW3“Understood.”ou7rGHz
IXhFrom Ruri’s back, wings spread.5S1p
ZpdWHer silver wings shone brighter than ever, extending powerfully.IS3E
lV51FThoom!Tm0a
ryUV4rWith a single flap of her wings, her figure disappeared.Iy7
X7f0HNThe owner of wind and steel, the silver dragon.gq1b5
PkYIWhen she flew, no one could follow her with their eyes, which was why she was also called the silver comet.A9DSY
m2Fzl6KAs someone who possessed that power, Ruri could also move at an overwhelming speed.mtRx
NSRyl2A sense of pressure kept growing in her chest.7QkUy
fDY1lMWhy had Perda entered the sealed warehouse?HGHKX
ikeHAnd why had he nearly died inside the imperial palace?8MEqtL
Ytg9‘Did they really dare to underestimate my lady that much?’Fric
bWnRuri had never had a good impression of the empire.KzeljK
JrZoFrom the beginning, the third prince, who shared that blood, had approached Valdrova with the intention of using her.Vdp40D
eTsuXAnd not satisfied with that, the nobles had even used him as an excuse to expel him from his family.btZGk
IdBA humiliation.Cl3b7PN
ARnAn unforgivable humiliation.Oub
IEGaerHHowever, Ruri had not acted.qJTGX
479Q4JNot because she didn’t care, but because Valdrova did not wish it.silW
3w0c8She believed her own misfortune was natural, and did not cling pathetically to the hope she once had.OCr3dF
qkKY89‘And now that she had finally regained that hope.’5GX
vkfA6uBAnd they dared to endanger someone who was going to become the consort of a dragon?xXY
6w7NYCrack—5Wq
XemTAfter flying at full speed for about five minutes, the empire appeared before her eyes.fqEHMDO
fnHIgCOThe place that had taken Perda a week to reach took her mere moments.7Rb
6h03ZwjHer silver eyes fixed on the imperial palace.osLO
YPkA0‘No matter what it is.’fgfvu5J
dBWWuhSomeone had to pay for this.5wTewM
CFgDZiUThe silver comet that cut through the sky descended directly onto the palace.DpkZhn
9MVS7Cu***2EFvETc
64CWeN“Level 1 alert! All knights and mages within the imperial palace are notified! Enter combat state and assemble at the royal garden entrance!”Ncsv7ga
tO9bXThe point of impact was the palace garden.152mxj3
LNI69OKnights and mages, startled, hurried toward it.wI2Oi
TZQPerda also walked in that direction, following their movement.oce5TF
VYi5AA knight, seeing him walk so calmly, drew his sword and asked,U9sF6
iwDX6kk“Who are you? It’s the first time I’ve seen you in this palace!”T8Jj
gOe4GSUHe seemed like a young man full of a sense of justice and duty.wfVIsxF
fa9And, unlike the other knights, also somewhat naïve.Ajq9fJz
3zF5CB9“I am Perda Valdrova, regent.”EvsxwP
MOgmbnp“Perda Valdrova? Ah! The one who was arriving today… My apologies for not recognizing you, regent!”cWvXCnY
gCF9“It’s no problem. Are they gathering in the palace garden?”jSurjCm
16tV“That’s right. It’s a level 1 alert, so could you withdraw to a room for safety?”gfQH
bEPrc“It’s a good idea, but it would be better if I go with you.”B7Tq
nCpRAxY“Huh?”RHJLHZ
YX44FPn“Guide me to the garden. I don’t know the place well.”sh863
xwoqtk“That’s not possible. In a level 1 situation, you could be in danger, regent.”bfW
67UPerda understood upon hearing that.AUokqQm
scHOHThis guy had no idea what was really happening.hd1Ak
Hdw“Because of me, you are already in danger.”Asa
Qh8Z“Because of you, regent…?”mB6
ePrG2His face showed he understood absolutely nothing.1lLR
3ZGSeeing such a foolish expression, Perda let out a sigh.xBg2H
YDL“What is your name?”gFT
3WU4kxP“Ah, my name is Malcolm. I’m from Peach Hill, so I don’t have a surname.”XaPp
Ci1V“Alright, Malcolm of Peach Hill. Don’t try to understand it with that limited capacity you have. The only thing you need to do is guide me to where we need to go.”QQEw
7TwPwX“B-but I have the duty to protect the citizens…”f97LMkJ
AmxtO“How difficult you are. Tell me, do you prefer to lose your life or to resolve this in the best way?”zvP7
CKN“I came here prepared to give my life.”asMLxQZ
MZQIEVs“….”QDkno
NSPMzxWorse than he expected.0GG5nVp
XtRWith someone like this, it wasn’t worth continuing to talk.wSYAe
yG0“Then I’ll go on my own.”Cvp8Ch
TUMBPdb“Ah, you can’t go that way! Seriously…!”K7zrJe
xBA2zVEPerda moved forward, leaving Malcolm behind.Z8e
KvqEven though he kept insisting that he couldn’t, he didn’t dare touch him, so he just hovered around him.dH6b2
tZ1In front of the palace garden, right at the entrance, numerous knights and mages had gathered.pdLvj
j3Z6zY9“Third knight squad! Tight formation!”h0H
RRq3NEu“Fifth knight squad! Tight formation! Form wing!”JKCW0ft
qupTr0xFollowing the commander’s orders, they blocked the entrance.rje
Mjt“Second mage corps! Prepare for defense!”QIzql
b6yp“Third mage corps! Prepare bombardment magic!”Mafq
zX8The mages also finished preparing for combat.Itjwfg0
l8tM“The intruder is moving! Heading toward the entrance!”Ux0c4
pEJBShouted a mage maintaining a detection spell.k6YV
sI7u“All units! Prepare yourselves!!”Zntib
aHXchThe tension became unbearable.bLz
fHHuiIn front of them was a wall made of rose vines.dytp
YFXnWs6Then, a silver light shone in a rectangular shape.FPzI
051nWith that flash, the wall collapsed, forming something like a doorway.yfcya
qY9A9PiThe intruder appeared.2iTG
1oqXODtAnd what came out was a silver-haired girl dressed as a maid.l1kBB
kWg‘Ruri.’GSu6Uw
WYhhJust as Perda had predicted.4b1Ofhd
LIMuP6If there was an intruder in the palace in a situation like this, it was most likely her.D0DeI
lP7CBut she did not look as usual.USWJ
ZgLaRSilver wings, a thick tail extending beneath her skirt, a pair of horns stretching backward like lightning.w996
zy5eupAnd an intense aura that awakened instinctive fear.VuvAfjF
MkPGAi“A-a dragon?”Q2Xwk
tNySomeone shouted, and morale dropped instantly.ztREyoc
ZeQBRYThose who had never seen a dragon not even a descendant reacted immediately.V4wItQR
BRnVmAD“Don’t be afraid! It’s only a dragon spawn!”whZV
Aakt1A dragon spawn.xpHr
J6hbBeings who inherit dragon blood after undergoing an ascension ritual, servants of the dragon.00hN
0gPEach of them is equivalent to a well-trained knight, capable of defeating several human knights without difficulty.Dqot0
XQGPuThe commander shouted that to maintain morale.iy81L
YkbBut even he couldn’t believe it.zPz815
Sxp75O‘A dragon spawn breaks the palace’s magical barrier in a single strike?’fbIb6hU
wmm5HoThe imperial palace was one of the safest places created by humans.fBSEKM
NHxThe anti-air attack barriers were composed of three layers.FiqHRP
YgeIf all were not broken, they would regenerate automatically, preventing any aerial infiltration.CkHCtn
uMRYFffNot even a meteorite could break through them.euBn2LH
KWwIHk5And that girl had destroyed them alone.SqXc
gPmP‘And a dragon spawn can emit a Dragon Fear of this level?’W036
FooThat was what confused even experienced knights.KxH9xDC
FhEqnXnDragon spawn cannot generate Dragon Fear.2ytKk
xV2But that girl was doing it.OAVQ
moxknAs if she were a dragon whose reverse scale had been touched.QLF
8rZTheir bodies trembled, cold sweat flowed endlessly.vpMdHn4
r3G8913The formation was on the verge of collapse, and some mages even lost concentration and canceled their spells.MpooW
yEWGDD“Uaaah…”tzkUg
yim4NuOMalcolm, who was nearby, could not withstand the Dragon Fear and fell to his knees.5LE
o1maAnd at that moment, he saw something impossible.VdpZ
gdBxk4‘How can the regent be so calm?’3CU
zXUMYpNot only was he not sweating, he was the only one still standing firmly.RpKkALg
eDBQrHis unwavering gaze was almost absurd.p8c3C
FBW“You said your name was Malcolm, right?”kuv9N4B
lmMGgwPerda spoke to him naturally.cSOAfA
kdVV“Huh? Ah… yes… yes, that’s right.”BgLio
7NS“You were right.”9MC
up2C0T“Huh?”842f0
HkzPerda’s gaze was fixed on Ruri.wHcFR
YPdM85And Ruri’s eyes were also on him.WU9qt1b
KSvOSok“I might be the one in danger.”Avf
4GsIRuri was completely furious with Perda.yMuXk
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Haimiya_cutie.
Body Integrationit’s a good thing she didn’t tell her that he was hurt in sealed wear house.