Under the clear, refreshing skies, as part of the preparations for the Sacred Tree Festival that we’re heading to, we now find ourselves standing before a large gondola and two white dragons.
To reach the Elven Forest, we’ll be riding these flying dragons—or rather, a flying carriage of sorts. The gondola is crafted with levistones, which resemble those crystals you’d see in a certain castle in the sky. By channeling magic power into the gondola, it floats, while the two dragons pull it through the air.
These dragons, known as “White Dragons,” are said to be among the fastest of the flying dragons. With their speed, they’ll bring us to the Elven Forest in just a few hours. Naturally, such convenience comes with a high fare. Moreover, the White Dragon service is highly popular among nobles, and Lunamaria-san apparently had a tough time arranging it for us.
While Lilia-san and the others discussed the route, Kusunoki-san, Yuzuki-san, and I found ourselves mesmerized by the white dragons. I had previously seen the flying dragon Neun-san hunted, but these white dragons were larger, with their 7-meter-long bodies and beautiful, snow-white scales.
Although they’re classified as monsters, they don’t seem hostile to humans—likely because they’re accustomed to interacting with people. Still, they aren’t exactly friendly, they behave more like dignified creatures ignoring us, as if deeming us unworthy of their attention. Unlike pet dogs, who’d get excited at the sight of people, they’re just ignoring us like we’re people they shouldn’t be concerned with……
I had the impression that girls might not like reptiles, but as long as they look cool, it doesn’t seem to be an issue. Kusunoki-san and Yuzuki-san eagerly approached the white dragons and tried to touch them, but the dragons remained completely unresponsive.
While observing from a distance, I noticed a smaller dragon—less than a meter in length—peeking out from behind the two larger ones and glancing at me.
Could it be a child of the white dragons? I’m not sure if it’s because it isn’t yet accustomed to humans, but it was hiding behind its parents, watching us with wary eyes.
Kusunoki-san and Yuzuki-san, too absorbed in admiring the larger dragons, didn’t seem to notice the little one.
[Fruuuuuuhhh!]
[……………..]
When I took a step closer, I was met with a fiercely hostile glare.
She looked like a frightened dog, ready to lash out and bite if I dared to come any closer.
That’s when I suddenly recalled my conversation with Kuro—how she mentioned that my Sympathy Magic could help me communicate with beings that couldn’t speak.
Since this seemed like the perfect opportunity, I decided to give it a try.
Thinking so, I focused on releasing friendly emotions as much as possible, imbuing my intent to befriend her into my magic power, and sent it toward the baby dragon using my Sympathy Magic.
[Kyuu?]
The baby dragon tilted her head and let out a small cry, staring intently at me.
Sensing that she still felt some fear, I released my Sympathy Magic again, carefully infusing it with friendly emotions.
After repeating this several times, the baby dragon seemed to grow curious, fluttering her small wings as she cautiously moved closer.
[Kyuuk, kyyuuiii. Kyuukyuuii?]
[Don’t worry. I’m not going to hurt you.]
Smiling gently at the chirping baby dragon, I slowly extended my hand toward her.
She initially shrank back in fear, but as she sensed the sincerity in my emotions, she allowed my outstretched hand to touch her tiny paws. Gradually, her guard began to lower, little by little.
Once she let her guard down, the baby dragon quickly became attached, like a child, and meekly allowed me to pet her.
I had expected her skin to feel tough because of her scales, but as a baby, her skin was surprisingly soft. It wasn’t quite as soft as mochi, but it had a rubbery texture that was surprisingly pleasant to touch.
[Kyuuukk~~]
Seeing the little dragon purr contentedly as I petted her… she looked undeniably adorable. I had imagined dragons to be more like oversized lizards, but this white dragon resembled an affectionate kitten more than anything.
Taking my hand away from her head, I carefully lifted the baby dragon with both hands. She no longer resisted, settling meekly into my embrace.
[Kyuukyuuii! Kyuukuruuu!]
[Ahaha.]
The little dragon pressed her head against my chest, rubbing against me affectionately. Her spoiled behavior was adorable, and I couldn’t help but smile as her touch tickled me.
Then, as if thoroughly enjoying herself, the baby dragon started using her little paws to climb up my clothes.
[Unnn?]
[Kyuu, kyuu, kyuu.]
Her sharp claws looked a little intimidating, but thankfully, they didn’t tear through my clothes as the materials were sturdy. As the little dragon continued her playful ascent, crying out with each step, she eventually reached my right shoulder. Seeming content, she settled down there with a satisfied expression… though I have to admit, she’s surprisingly heavy.
[Kyuuukuu~~]
As the little dragon began to relax on my shoulder, it seemed like Lilia-san and the others had finished their conversation. When the Flying Dragon Service’s driver turned toward us, she spoke.
[Ah, that’s right. I forgot to mention it. To learn the route we’ll be taking today, I brought the child of these two white dragons. She’s still not accustomed to humans, and she can be dangerous, so I ask you to stay… away from… her?]
[……Errr.]
[Kyuuii?]
The female driver’s eyes widened as she turned toward me and saw the little dragon perched on my shoulder.
[N-No way… H-How in the world did you… That little dragon isn’t even emotionally attached to me yet…]
[Ummm, please don’t mind it. That little one is just, errr, a special case…]
[So, you’ve finally extended your claws to monsters… Miyama-sama, you really are…]
Along with the dumbfounded driver, Lilia-san and Lunamaria-san looked astonished as they watched me.
Thanks to my Sympathy Magic, it seems that a baby dragon wouldn’t normally get emotionally attached to someone so quickly.
[Wow~~ It’s so cute. Let me hold it too…]
[Fruuuuuuhhh!!!]
[Hyiiihhh!?]
Proof of this is that, while the baby dragon has grown attached to me, she let out a low growl and threatened Yuzuki-san whenever she tried to touch her.
[Don’t worry, she won’t hurt you either.]
[Kyuuii?]
[Yeah, that’s right. So, you don’t have to snarl at her.]
[Kyuu… Kyuuku, kyuuii!]
When I explained that Yuzuki-san wouldn’t hurt her, the baby dragon tilted her head for a moment before nodding in understanding.
It seemed she got the message, as her feelings of hostility toward Yuzuki-san began to ease.
[Yuzuki-san, it’s alright to touch it now.]
[Eh? Ah, yes……]
[Kyuu!]
[Fwaahhh, it’s so soft…… This child is so cute!]
At my prompting, Yuzuki-san reached out again, and this time, the baby dragon didn’t growl. Instead, it meekly allowed Yuzuki-san to pet it.
Seeing this, the female driver’s jaw dropped, her stunned expression lingering for a moment before she turned to approach me.
[You’re from another world, right?]
[Ah, yes. What’s the matter?]
[……If you ever decide not to return to your world and stay here instead, please contact me. We’d love to hire you under extremely favorable terms!]
[……Huh?]
[You’ve got a remarkable talent! If you can tame a flying dragon this quickly, you could become the best flying dragon driver in the world!]
[H-Huh……]
Her excitement only grew as she started explaining how difficult it usually was to tame a flying dragon.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I glanced at Lilia-san and the others, silently asking for help. However, they simply looked back at me with wry smiles, as if they had completely given up on the situation.
Dear Mom, Dad— After meeting the white dragons of the Flying Dragon Service, a baby dragon became emotionally attached to me. What’s more, with startling enthusiasm—I was scouted.
<Author’s Notes>
Baby Dragon (♀)…… I see, this must be a new heroine huh……
T/N: I planned on just referring to this baby dragon with it, but with the author’s note, I guess she’s a female huh…… 9/13