Chapter 924: Dragon Carnival ⑩

The first thing Lilia-san and I did when we joined the dragons’ social gathering was to visit the Gun Rock Dragon, the winner of the battle.

To be honest, I thought that being the winner, it would be difficult to talk to him since he would be surrounded by other dragons…… but when Lilia-san and I visited, just like in the story of the Ten Commandments, when Moses parted the sea, the dragons that had gathered near them opened the way for us.

……I could tell from Sympathy Magic that the dragons around us were quite nervous. Yes, it was as if a huge VIP had arrived.

No, I’ve heard from Alice that Magnawell-san has ordered the dragons to treat me with respect, and in the first place, someone who could be acquainted with Magnawell-san would undoubtedly be a VIP.

Anyhow, I went to the Gun Rock Dragon and greeted them, thinking that they would feel obliged when I suddenly approached them…… but it seems like they’re really happy instead.

Puzzled by their reaction that was slightly different from the other dragons, I asked them……

“……It’s no exaggeration to say that I was able to win this time thanks to Miyama Kaito-sama.”

[……Ehh?]

I think what they said was a complete exaggeration, because I don’t remember talking to the Gun Rock Dragon until the whole match was over, and I didn’t give him any kind of advice.

“We Gun Rock Dragons are naturally weaker than other dragons, and no one from our tribe has ever won the Dragon Carnival. However, I received a great deal of courage from Miyama Kaito during the Six Kings Festival back then.]

[Courage from me?]

“Yes! For Miyama Kaito-sama to have chosen us, who aren’t really popular, as the model for your battle against War King-sama…… And most of all, for the additional arrangements that broaden our possibilities, I am extremely grateful.”

[…………………….]

I see, so he was watching that art competition…… I see…… Let’s bring the fact that it’s actually a failed sculpture of a dog down to my grave. That “artwork” is a Gun Rock Dragon. A Winged Gun Rock Dragon.

“We are a wingless species, beings incapable of flight…… No, I thought we’re incapable of flight! However, when I saw Miyama Kaito-sama’s artwork, I realized that such thinking narrowed down my possibilities. Even though I don’t have wings on my back, I have wings within my heart, and thanks to training myself, holding onto the courage to fly towards the possibilities I have yet to see, I was able to receive this wonderful honor.”

[……S- So that’s how it is…… U- Ummm, I’m glad that I could be of help.]

What the heck is this feeling of embarrassment, looking at me like that with utmost respect…… At the time I made that, I didn’t even know what a Gun Rock Dragon was……

The atmosphere kinda seems like a good story was being told. Heck, Lilia-san was holding a handkerchief to her eyes, while the surrounding dragons seemed to be moved as well…… It seems like I, the only one who knows the truth, felt complicated emotions about this.

As I was thinking about this, I suddenly thought of an idea. Opening up my magic box, I took out the sad creature…… or rather, the Winged Gun Rock Dragon.

[Ummm, if you’d like, as congratulations for winning…… I can give this to you?]

“Would that be alright!?”

[Y- Yes, of course.]

“Thank you very much! I’ve been wanting to show this to my people for a long time!!!”

They’re insanely happy…… Unnn, well, I suppose it’s better for this artwork to be given to someone who will be happy with it, rather than keeping it in my magic box forever.

As a failed dog, it was my black history…… but well, if I think of it as a Gun Rock Dragon, rather than being an embarrassment to the eyes, it’s a very high-quality piece of art instead……

As the Gun Rock Dragon gratefully accepted the artwork, as if they were receiving a reward from their King, I suppose I’ll say one more thing for this moment.

[……Errr, ummm…… Please continue to do your best.]

“Yes! With Miyama Kaito-sama’s encouragement, I’ll strive to become the first Gun Rock Dragon to attain Peerage-rank!”

I think that in this world, there are some lies that are necessary. At the very least, telling the truth about that artwork won’t make anyone happy, and in fact, just disgruntled the mood here.

In short, I’m going to repeat myself…… That artwork depicts a Gun Rock Dragon. No matter what anyone says, it’s a Gun Rock Dragon.

……What is this? I’ve only just started interacting with the other dragons, but I suddenly feel incredibly tired……

Well, for the time being…… Farewell, the sad creature who is now officially known as a Gun Rock Dragon. I bid you good luck in your new home……

【Gun Rock Dragon Idol】

Failed Dog ⇒ Sad Creature ⇒ Gun Rock Dragon? ⇒ Winged Gun Rock Dragon ⇒ Gun Rock Dragon Idol…… This is an artwork that clearly shows the definition of a Cinderella Story, an item of low status unexpectedly achieving great recognition.

It’s said that this Idol is revered by Gun Rock Dragons as the ideal form they should aim for.

Furthermore, the Gun Rock Dragon who had received this Idol from Kaito, continued to tirelessly exert great effort, and as he later declared to Kaito, he became the first Gun Rock Dragon to receive a Peerage-rank.

And not only that…… “They had evolved into a Special Individual and really grew wings”…… Kaito’s artwork unexpectedly became reality, and since no Special Individual Gun Rock Dragon had been confirmed until then…… It has been recognized that “Gun Rock Dragons who tirelessly exert great effort gain wings”.

For creating the artwork of the Special Individual Gun Rock Dragon, something that shouldn’t have been discovered by anyone yet, Kaito’s name was extolled like a God by the Gun Rock Dragon.

Of course, such a convenient coincidence “couldn’t have happened without any external factors”.

If that is the case, there shouldn’t be any need to bother thinking about who is capable of granting the capability to evolve to a Special Individual to a specific species.

However, I’ll just leave this as a postscript that at the time when Kaito later visited the Sanctuary…… A certain someone looked really smug.