12 - The Dragon and the Woman

Centuries had passed.

On Dragon Roar Mountain, the peaceful days continued.

For the human race, a century might seem like a long time, but not for a race with long ears like Rostelina.

However, it was enough time for the young girl to transform into a full lady.

From a pretty girl to a beauty.

Yet, inside, Rostelina remained the same.

As innocent as she used to be.

It is natural to live without contact with anyone other than Saleyakt and Laplace.

However, her heart was far from at peace.

Her smile had disappeared and sadness occupied the majority of her heart.

It is natural...

These stories... Ever since Laplace told her about his time as General of the Five Dragons, Laplace seemed darker and more disturbed.

Superficially, Laplace was the same, but Rostelina knew.

It is not as straightforward as anger or bad temper.

But an accumulation of negative feelings over time.

Moreover, Laplace had been away from home more often lately.

He used to be always at home, now he returns only once a month.

Rostelina knew the reason.

Because Laplace is trying to confirm the rumor of the resurrection of the Great Demon Empress Kishirika Kishirisu.

The Great Demon Empress was famous enough that even Rostelina knew of her.

She led the demons in the war against the human race thousands of years ago.

It was a war many centuries before Rostelina's time.

A tremendous war that involved the entire world.

The war ended with the defeat of the Great Demon Empress.

But if she were to resurrect, the flames of war would begin again.

She does not know how Laplace would act.

Would he side with the human race or with the demonic race?

Or watch from the outside?

Whatever his decision, he was undoubtedly busy preparing for it.

All that effort, even though the rumor had not yet been confirmed.

"Haa..."

Rostelina sighed as she brought in the dirty laundry.

She knew that Laplace was busy.

Laplace had always been a man with a mission. If a great event was happening in the world, it was natural that he be involved.

It is natural that he be too busy for Rostelina.

But there was a knot in her heart.

What if he were avoiding me?

What if he were upset that I asked about his time as Dragon General?

Laplace said that first.

This story had a bad ending.

No matter how good things were going, everything ends with a sad ending.

What she had heard so far was not so tragic.

An orphan, half-dragon and half-demon, was found, educated, and gained status.

On the contrary, it is a success story.

If the story ended here, it would be a happy ending.

But the story did not end.

After all, Laplace lives in this remote and arid place, travels the world, writes his books.

Something drastic must have happened.

Something decidedly tragic happened to Laplace... but what?

Perhaps Laplace does not want to talk about it.

And if I keep asking, he might never come back.

If so, Rostelina will not proceed.

It's all right.

Certainly, Rostelina wants to know what came next.

The reason for that pained grimace Laplace occasionally makes.

She wants to know.

Then she can be his support.

But if Laplace has difficulty talking about it, Rostelina does not need to know.

She can support him, even without knowing.

Laundry, cleaning.

After centuries, even his cooking had improved considerably.

It is hard to say, since Laplace said "it's tasty" about everything, but Saleyakt praised his cooking.

That was conveyed through Laplace, as Rostelina never learned to speak with Saleyakt.

Anyway, she tries to help in other ways.

Like organizing the shelves.

Recently, Laplace locked himself in his library writing when he returned home.

He would come out after a while, complaining that he couldn't finish writing everything.

Apart from those simple exchanges, Rostelina and Laplace rarely spoke.

I want you to tell me more, with me.

I have always made that effort.

I am no longer a child.

"Oh, Master, I would like to know if you will return soon..."

The clothes are ready and the house is clean.

After lunch, I will clean Saleyakt's bed.

Do not forget to spread Saleyakt's scales and droppings around the house.

That prevents other dragons from invading his territory while he is away.

It's probably all right anyway.

"…"

Soon it will be time for dinner.

But Rostelina was lost in sighs.

She had no appetite.

"...Ah!"

Then, Rostelina's long ears caught a certain sound.

The beating of a large pair of wings.

A sound more powerful and nostalgic than that of the red dragons wandering around the neighborhood.

It is Saleyakt.

Laplace is back!

"Master!"

Without hesitation, Rostelina ran out.

As if it were a cue, Laplace was on Saleyakt's back.

Laplace raised his hand upon seeing Rostelina, and slowly Saleyakt flapped his wings and landed in the field in front of the house.

An elegant and refined landing, far too graceful for red dragons.

Simultaneously with the landing, Laplace leaped off Saleyakt.

Saleyakt yawned, as if he were tired, and silently returned to the back of the house.

He was probably exhausted from the long flight.

"I'm home, Rostellina. What's wrong? It's rare for you to greet me outside like this."

"It isn't! I have always gone out to greet you these days!"

"Really...? My apologies."

"No, it's all right! So, Laplace-sama... Would you like to have dinner?"

Rostellina asked nervously.

Laplace is often declined when questioned.

Laplace does not eat much.

"Ah, yes. I've been flying around without eating for some time, so I am very hungry. Please, take care of me."

"Yes!"

But he seems different today.

Rostellina replied cheerfully and ran to the kitchen.

The fire in the furnace had not yet been extinguished.

Pour the water from the barrel into the pot and it begins to boil.

"Rostellina."

"Yes! What is it, Master?"

In response to a call from behind, Rostellina was about to run.

"Ah, no, just listen while you prepare dinner."

But she stopped at Laplace's command.

With her lips pressed together, she resumed preparing dinner.

"I confirmed today that the Great Demon Empress Kishirika Kishirisu has been revived.

"No, not exactly, she was revived at least five hundred years ago, but now she is fully formed.

A master puppeteer of Warrior Demon Lords.

...Soon, there will be war."

Rostellina's hand froze for a second.

The war will begin soon.

Rostellina really doesn't understand.

She has never experienced war.

Many people died during the Human-Demon War.

But Rostellina lives an isolated life on Dragon Roar Mountain.

No war, however great, would affect this place.

"And it seems that the one pulling the strings behind the war… is him."

"Him?"

"That which I must pursue and defeat... the enemy."

Rostellina's hand froze.

"I do not know his objectives.

But I have the obligation to find out and stop him.

I will find all the traps he sets and destroy them.

I will stop him."

"…"

"Then I will take part in the war. I still do not know which side I will be on."

Before Rostellina, the water began to boil.

But Rostellina could not help but look back.

Laplace is strong.

But he is alone.

The Five Dragon Generals no longer exist.

The enemy probably killed them.

He may die.

Laplace may lose.

"Master..."

With an anxious heart, Rostellina left the kitchen.

Laplace, as always, is seated in a chair with a neutral expression.

However, a shadow appeared on his face.

We may not meet again.

Rostellina had that premonition.

"Ah, do not worry, Rostellina.

It will be a while before the war begins.

Until then, I will be with you."

Feeling Rostellina's anxiety, Laplace smiled and said:

"Then, how about some food? I have been hungry for some time now."

"Yes..."

Rostellina returned to the kitchen and resumed cooking as requested.

Soup, grilled meat, and some vegetables.

It was completed in little time.

However, no flavor could overcome her anxiety.

"Yes, it is delicious today."

Laplace ate the meal and said.

But was it really?

"What's wrong, Rostellina? You are very quiet today."

"Master..."

"Hmm?"

"Do you really have to go to war?"

Upon hearing this, Laplace was concerned for a moment.

However, he soon grew solemn and nodded.

"Yes, I must go. Especially if he is involved."

"Why..?"

Why?

That word came from somewhere other than Rostellina's convictions.

I shouldn't ask.

She thought, but she did.

"I understand... I understand. I forgot. Speaking of which, I only told you half the story, so you did not know."

"Eh?"

"Let's talk. I am sure you will understand if you hear it all.

What happened to the Dragon World… no, what happened to the world,

and my mission, why must I fight against him."

Upon hearing this, Rostellina asked cautiously:

"I thought you… didn't want to talk about that?"

"That is not true.

It is a painful and sad story, but it is a past that must not be forgotten.

If I do not speak about it, I may eventually forget."

Laplace said, seemingly decided about something.

"Come, sit down, Rostellina. Or do you not want to listen?"

Upon hearing those words, Rostellina swallowed hard.

I want to listen.

What happened in Laplace's life?

What happened to Laplace, the Dragon General?

I have always wanted to know.

I will not ask if he does not answer or if he does not want me to know.

"Please, tell me!"

Then, Rostellina took the place assigned to her.

The seat beside Laplace, her place by his side.

"Okay, let's talk. The final story of the Dragon World."

Then Laplace began.

The final story of Laplace of the Five Dragon Generals.