Chapter 133: Like a Dragon (1)

Nobody understood those words.

Because they didn’t even know what a Dragon Voice Organ was.

If Hernando had been present, perhaps they would have had some information. Yuri regretted his absence for a moment.

At that moment, Simon asked.

“With my limited mind, I find it hard to follow the words of the great dragon. Are you saying that the Dragon Voice Organ is an organ that allows one to speak like a dragon? That should only exist in beings like the great Cruar, right?”

The one who stepped up to handle the situation in Hernando’s place was none other than Simon.

An illegitimate son, accustomed to reading the room, he had developed an eloquence that even a proud dragon like that seemed to appreciate more than any noble.

Yuri wanted to applaud Simon, not Cruar.

[Originally, the great dragon Cruar has a cold and reserved nature, but if it’s a human so courteous and humble, perhaps he wouldn’t mind giving a more detailed explanation…]

“Thank you, great Cruar!”

[Dragon Speech refers to the Power of the Voice of Authority. The Dragon Voice Organ originally exists only in dragons, but its form is not so different from the phonation organs of other beings, like humans.]

While explaining, Cruar passed his hand over Cory’s entire body. Cory, who was burning with fever, gradually started regaining color in his face.

Simon asked again.

“Hearing the words of the great Cruar makes me feel like I’m starting to understand. So, are you saying Cory was born with similar vocal cords purely by chance?”

[They’re not vocal cords, but you could say he has something similar. Because this half-breed…]

Cruar’s tone, once light, grew a bit more serious.

[…is a hybrid with orc blood.]

Humans and orcs are similar, yet also different. Yuri knew orcs had originated from humans. That’s why Cruar’s words struck even deeper.

[Humans are, by nature, beings who harbor chaos. When mixed with orc blood, that quality intensifies. And because chaos represents infinite possibilities, an extremely low-probability mutation occurred.]

The group, including Yuri, nodded in understanding at Cruar’s words, even if vaguely.

They had seen other orc half-breeds.

Half-orcs had no fixed form. Each one was, essentially, a mutation. Some had multiple arms, others twisted wings, and some even tentacles instead of eyes.

Compared to that, Cory was quite normal.

Thus, what Cruar explained was that, in the midst of that grotesque chaos, a strange combination had aligned by pure chance, and as a result, Cory harbored something resembling a Dragon Voice Organ.

[If this great Cruar had to define it, he’d call it a miracle created by amorphous genes.]

Then, Cruar looked up at the sky. It was hard to read a dragon’s expression, but it seemed melancholic.

The silence stretched on.

[………]

Yuri, not wanting to keep flattering, nudged Jose and Laurent in the sides with his elbow.

Both clapped awkwardly. Simon, for his part, was not only clapping, but had fully prostrated himself.

“A miracle created by amorphous genes… sounds like a poet. It’s an expression that hits me right in the heart…”

While Cruar smiled pleased, Yuri approached Cory and checked his condition.

Thanks to Cruar, he had improved, but he was still not fully healed. His body continued to emit heat.

Yuri asked Cruar.

“Cruar, then how can Cory be cured?”

[Hmm…]

He scratched his cheek with a claw.

[If you ask with more courtesy and reverence, maybe I’ll give you a hint…]

“Cruar.”

Yuri no longer wanted to play that game. That role was better suited for Simon.

Someone had to talk to this dragon as an equal.

Yuri spoke firmly.

“Cory is a very important companion to me.”

[Hmm? Hmmm…]

“Could you please tell us his condition?”

Cruar scratched his neck.

[I was going to say it anyway, though now I feel a bit offended…]

“…”

[That cold look… he must be the son of that human monster…]

Uneasy, Cruar finally placed a large hand over Cory’s body.

[Once the Dragon Voice Organ activates, it doesn’t stop. There’s only one way to heal.]

“What is it?”

[To use it completely.]

That meant Cory had to awaken the power of the Power of the Voice of Authority, an ability allowed only to dragons.

Cory’s fate now depended on Cruar. Cruar crossed his arms and glanced sideways at Yuri.

[Hmm, hmmm… What should I do…?]

“Cruar, please, save Cory. I beg you.”

[Thinking about that stern look from earlier… doesn’t really make me want to…]

Then Yuri knelt on one knee.

Cruar was startled.

[Oh, there’s no need for a prince to kneel like that…]

“Please, Cruar.”

[So this human values his companion that much…]

Cruar nodded.

[Alright. Get up already.]

“Are you going to save Cory?”

[If the son of the human monster kneels, I suppose I must at least do that…]

“Thank you, Cruar.”

Yuri stood up. Then, he extended his hand toward Cruar.

Cruar tilted his head.

[What are you doing?]

“It’s a handshake.”

[Handshake?]

“Humans shake hands with those with whom they’ve formed a bond.”

Here is the English translation, preserving the same punctuation and format as the original.

Cruar’s eyes widened.

“And I’m not the son of the human monster. I’m Yuri Briol. From now on, please call me Yuri, Cruar.”

[It’s the first time a human has asked me to call them by their name…]

“Does it bother you?”

[It’s not difficult… human Yuri…]

“Just Yuri.”

The dragon’s massive claw didn’t quite fit with Yuri’s hand, but he held it as best he could and made the handshake gesture.

Yuri said.

“Cruar.”

[Hmm?]

“I know that from the beginning, you wanted to save Cory.”

[Who knows?]

“That’s why you came all the way here personally, didn’t you?”

Since Cruar had so easily accepted the obvious flattery and took the trouble to explain everything, Yuri had already figured out his personality.

Why else would he have flown to them as soon as Cory collapsed?

And like in Gert’s memories, why would he have cast the Voice of Authority spell so Gert could rise again, instead of leaving him lying there?

His appearance might be terrifying.

But he was kind.

“If I’d known Cruar was such a kind soul, I’d have visited you sooner. I’m glad I found out now. Thank you.”

[Hmm, hmmm…]

Cruar’s face visibly brightened.

Simon had been prostrated since the beginning, but Yuri was not so submissive. His praise, therefore, felt more sincere.

[This half-breed is important to you, Yuri?]

“Yes, he is.”

[A being capable of wielding the Voice of Authority is very precious. Even I don’t get many chances like this. I’ll take responsibility and teach him properly.]

“Thank you very much.”

[You say his name is Cory?]

“Yes.”

[Yuri. Cory. I’ll remember.]

“Thank you.”

With that, Cory’s situation was resolved for now.

Cruar lowered his head to Yuri’s group’s level and asked.

[By the way, how did Gert’s story end?]

“Well…”

Yuri explained to Cruar what had happened in the past.

When he heard that Gert had disintegrated along with the Demon Flower, Cruar nodded silently, lost in memory.

[He was a human with a will as firm as a mountain. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him…]

He knew that black magic altered the world’s balance, but had said that, since it was a human matter, he wouldn’t get involved. Of course, to Yuri, he only said that out of sheer laziness.

Perhaps that’s why he didn’t know much about black magic, beyond what happened in Adelein.

However, he did share something significant.

[There exists a grimoire steeped in black magic. It’s said to have a will of its own and to change owners. That scroll might be a page torn from that grimoire…]

“A grimoire?”

When Yuri asked, Cruar tilted his head.

[I also saw it vaguely in an old book, so I’m not sure. I’ll check my library later, and if I find something, I’ll let this human half-breed, Cory, know.]

“I’m truly grateful for your generosity, Cruar.”

[Khmm, hmm…]

“When do you think Cory will fully recover?”

[It depends on his own will, but if a great dragon like me teaches him, perhaps it won’t take too long…]

“That’s precisely the greatness of Cruar.”

[Khhmm…]

Yuri looked up at the sky.

Sunset was falling.

“Night is approaching.”

It was time to leave Adelein.

With Cory on his back, Cruar received cheers and bows from the group and took off enthusiastically.

Then, as if wanting to show off his flight form, he did a few loops in the air before heading toward the distant sunset.

As they watched him fade into the horizon, Jared murmured.

“Cory will come back safe, right? That dragon won’t eat him if he gets hungry suddenly, right?”

“Do dragons eat meat?”

“Don’t they? With that size…!”

“But elephants are herbivores…”

“With those teeth, he looked capable of crushing even bones.”

“Maybe, since he uses Dragon Speech, he feeds on the mana of nature…”

“Ha, does that even exist?”

“Will Cory be okay…?”

“Hahaha, Cory will know how to manage.”

Jose burst into laughter before speaking.

“So, shall we head to Brusen?”

“Hmm?”

“Didn’t I say I’d treat you to a full banquet when we finished this mission? Before going back to Briol, we should stop by Brusen.”

Yuri nodded.

“Perfect. I’ll finally get to try that famous Brusen full banquet that’s always talked about!”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Surely, Sir Jose will give us a grand welcome.”

“Sir Jonathan and Sir Froin will be thrilled too. Actually, why not greet His Majesty while we’re there?”

“Doesn’t sound bad either.”

Meeting the King of Brusen would be useful to counter the Empire in the future.

Yuri’s group decided their next destination—Brusen, not far from Adelein.

“By the way…”

“Yes?”

“Where did we leave the horses we brought?”

“Ah…”

“We gave them mandrake and hid them…”

Yuri’s group looked around with stunned expressions.

After the destruction of the Great Library, the entire area was a mess. The landscape had changed and it was hard to get their bearings.

Yuri cleared his throat.

“First, let’s rescue the horses.”

“Yes!”

***

Cory, who had lost consciousness, slowly opened his eyes.

“Ugh…”

A dim light shone before him. The torch on the wall flickered, revealing the rocky texture of the wall.

As he sat up, he realized he was in an unfamiliar place.

“Eh…?”

The place he lay in was a bed, and around him were antique-style furnishings.

A large mirror hanging directly across from him reflected his confused face. The setting was clearly a cave, but the objects were all luxurious.

He remembered what had happened before he passed out. And suddenly, he held his breath.

He didn’t remember everything clearly, but had a general idea.

He’d met a dragon. And had been taken to its nest.

“What’s going on…?”

At that moment, a voice came from outside the chamber.

[If you’ve woken up and don’t come greet me right away… I might be offended.]

Only then did what seemed like a dream start to feel real.

He had collapsed after killing the Demon Flower, and that’s when the dragon called Cruar appeared. Then, he had personally brought him to his nest.

Cory got up immediately and headed toward the voice.

The dim torchlight illuminated the cave, and in the center, Cruar was curled up. His yellow eyes followed Cory’s steps.

Cory bowed.

“G-g-good… morning. I-I’m Cory.”

It was strange. Standing before the dragon, he was overwhelmed by instinctive fear.

Yesterday, because he was sick, he could barely look at him properly, but now that he had him in front of him, his body was seized by a kind of primal terror.

He struggled to form words.

“Th-th-thank you… for saving me…”

[Khhmm…]

At Cruar’s low growl, Cory tensed even more.

“S-sorry… I’m… n-nervous…”

[Not only was he born with a Dragon Voice Organ, but also with innate fear of dragons? What a curious creature. Humans are truly clumsy and fascinating…]

Cory didn’t even understand what he was saying. Just seeing those scales, that towering form, those yellow eyes—his mind couldn’t process it.

[I suppose there’s no helping it…]

“S-sorry…”

[The great dragon Cruar shall bestow his mercy. Wait, Cory.]

Cruar even called him by name. And then muttered something in a low voice.

“Eh…?”

A light burst forth.

Blinded, Cory shielded his face. And when the cave dimmed again, he slowly lowered his hands.

What he saw then was hard to believe.

“Eeh?”

The dragon that had terrified him moments ago had vanished. And in its place appeared someone Cory never would’ve imagined.

[Is this form okay? Khhmm, hmm… If you bow and praise my generosity, the great Cruar might feel even better…]

A beautiful woman in a dress with long red hair looked into the void, casting sidelong glances at Cory as if gauging his reaction.