Demon Prince 43

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Chapter 43. The New Dragon King

[Alright, we've arrived. This is the cave.]

“It’s cold.”

Since we’re at a cave high up in the mountains, it’s freezing. If this were Earth, we’d be somewhere between Russia and China. Even though it's autumn back in Japan, it feels like the dead of winter here.

[Hmm? You’re cold? Doesn’t bother us at all. Anyway, let’s go.]

“I’ll warm you up~”

“Me too~”

“Whoa.”

Suddenly, Hati’s older sisters hugged me from both sides. They’re definitely warm. Especially my arms, which feel especially happy…

“Woof woof!”

“Oh, Hati. Are you jealous?”

“Come on, it’s fine once in a while. Let your big sisters have a turn~”

With that playful banter, we continued deeper into the cave. It’s a massive cave. Even the dragon we saw in the forest could fit in here.

[Hey! It’s me. Are you here?]

Calling out to the master of the cave, we proceeded further. We eventually came to an open space. Curled up and sleeping there was a single dragon. A beautiful dragon with pristine white scales.

[Hey, wake up. It’s me, Fenrir.]

[Hmm… who is it at this hour?]

The dragon stirred and slowly raised its body. It’s huge, just as big as that black dragon from before.

[It’s just after nightfall, so it’s not an odd time. More importantly, it’s been a while.]

[Oh, Fenrir. Long time no see. What’s this? Visiting with the whole family? But I thought you only had two boys.]

[The one with black hair isn’t my child. However, the reason we’ve come concerns him. We need a favor from you.]

“Nice to meet you, beautiful dragon. I am Jun Elmbarn, prince of the Demon Kingdom Elmbarn. I apologize for this sudden visit, but I have an urgent request. Would you kindly listen to what I have to say?”

[Such formalities. I am the Sacred Beast, Holy Dragon, and I oversee the dragons in this region. But you…]

“Yes? What about me?”

The dragon stared at me with large eyes. Suddenly, she glowed, and before I knew it, standing there was a stunning blonde woman in a pure white dress with purple eyes.

“You’re adorable!”

She suddenly hugged me. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she pulled me close, pressing my face against her chest.

“Wah!”

“So cute! What’s the deal with this child? Is he someone’s fiancé? Surely not yours, Fenrir.”

[Of course not. He’s the contract holder for my youngest daughter. Also, my entire family has been staying at his castle. That’s why we’ve come here to ask for your help. Now, let’s get down to business.]

We explained the events that had led us here. At first, the dragon listened with a smile, but as the story went on, her expression grew more serious. By the end, she let out a deep sigh.

“I see. So that’s what happened. The black dragon you mentioned was Bahamut. He lived in the mountains to the southwest of here. I’m sure of it.”

[You knew him?]

“Yes, if it’s a black-scaled dragon with the Dragon King’s crest, there’s no mistaking it. I hadn’t seen him in decades, though. I didn’t know things had turned out like this.”

“Does that dragon have any family? If so, I think we should return the crest to them.”

“No, he doesn’t. He once proposed to me, but I turned him down. He wasn’t my type. It seemed to really upset him because he swore he’d remain a bachelor for life. Still, I heard he wasn’t above fooling around, so there might be a secret child out there somewhere. That’s part of why I rejected him.”

Whoa. That’s oddly… human. I guess even dragons have love lives.

[Ah, I remember hearing that story back then. So, he was that guy?]

“Yes, that’s him. He also had a drinking problem and loved to fight. But for some reason, his followers adored him. He just wasn’t a match for me. I suppose the fact that he didn’t try to force me to marry him with the Dragon King’s crest makes him more decent than most.”

So, the Dragon King’s crest could force female dragons into marriage if used improperly. Yeah, that’s pretty low.

“As for the Dragon King’s crest, I don’t mind taking it. But I have a few conditions.”

“What kind of conditions?”

“They’re not too difficult. First, I want you to keep it secret that I’ve inherited the crest. We can’t rule out the possibility that those who attacked Bahamut were after the Dragon King’s crest. If word gets out that I’ve inherited it, I might become a target too.”

“What do you mean by 'after the Dragon King’s crest'?”

“There’s an old technique that allows the crest to be temporarily sealed. It was developed as a safeguard in case the bearer dies before passing it on. But in the wrong hands, it could be used to steal the crest.”

[Such a technique exists?]

“It’s an ancient one, and as far as I know, it’s not known in the demon realm. Also, the seal is only temporary. It can’t be maintained long-term.”

“I understand. I’ll keep it a secret that you’ve inherited the crest. However, I did consult my family before coming here. They already know, but I’ll make sure they don’t tell anyone else.”

“That’s fine. Just make sure they stay quiet. Also, I’m going to change my home, just to be safe.”

[Hmm? Do you really need to go that far? No one knows you’ve inherited the crest yet.]

“It’s just a precaution. We know for sure that someone targeted Bahamut, who held the Dragon King’s crest, so I have to be careful.”

“So, should we also keep the location of your new home a secret?”

“Yes, please. And one more thing: I want you to form a summoning contract with me.”

“A contract? I don’t mind, but why?”

“If I’m ever in danger, I’ll send out a thought signal. When that happens, summon me immediately. That way, I can escape. But don’t summon me on a whim—it might blow my cover.”

“I understand.”

[Do you have any idea where you’ll go?]

“Not really, but I might visit my brother and his wife. It’s been a while.”

[If you have nowhere to go, why not stay at this guy’s castle like we do? You’ll have to live in human form, but it’s quite comfortable.]

Hey, don’t make decisions like that. Well, I guess it’s fine, technically.

“Hmm, let’s see. Living with this cute little one wouldn’t be bad, but I’ll pass for now. I want to travel the world for a while and visit some old friends. Might as well, right? After that, I’ll visit your castle.”

“Yes, you’re welcome anytime.”

Staying for a short while should be okay. After all, I owe them.

“And one last condition. Find the one who attacked Bahamut. This is non-negotiable. If we don’t know who it is, we’ll always have to live in fear of another attack. Once we know, I can use my Dragon Breath with my kin to wipe them out. No more fear. And if we find out who it is, we might also learn their motive.”

“Their motive, you say?”

“Exactly. If they were after the Dragon King’s Crest, why did they need it? I can only guess, but I doubt it’s for anything good.”

What could they want with the Dragon King’s Crest? The power to control dragons... Yeah, nothing good comes to mind.

“I understand. They’ll likely try their best to stay hidden, so I can’t guarantee we’ll find them, but I’ll ask my father, the Demon Lord, to help. It could be a national security issue.”

“That’ll do. Now, let’s form the summoning contract.”

Following the same steps I used with Hati, I perform the summoning contract with the Holy Dragon. Even though I can’t summon her at will, a second contract with a divine beast is pretty impressive.

“Yes, the contract is complete. Now, hand over the crest.”

“Okay, the crest…”

How exactly do I transfer the crest?

[What’s the holdup? Hurry up.]

“Um, how do I pass on the crest?”

I’ve never thought about it or looked it up. All I knew was that some crests could be passed on.

[You didn’t know?]

“Well, it can’t be helped. Do exactly as I say. It’s simple and quick.”

“Understood, please guide me.”

“First, bring out the crest.”

“Okay.”

I make the Dragon King’s Crest appear on my forehead. The Holy Dragon leans in and touches her forehead to mine. Too close. She’s really beautiful in human form, so it’s making me nervous.

“Um, excuse me…”

“Stop blushing and focus. Now, wish from the bottom of your heart to transfer the crest to me. Don’t pull your forehead away.”

This is tough. I secretly activate the Demon God’s Crest to boost my concentration. Then, I focus on the transfer. And then—

“Alright, it’s done. The Dragon King’s Crest is now mine.”

[Well, Jun, feel better?]

“Yeah, actually. My head feels lighter.”

I had been using potions to manage the headaches, but now that the Dragon King’s Crest is gone, the pressure on my head has disappeared. Thank goodness, I’m finally saved.

“By the way, is there anything you want in return?”

“From me?”

“The Dragon King’s Crest is powerful, even if you can’t use it. Passing it on could mean taking on new troubles, but it’s also a huge advantage for me. And who’s to say I won’t misuse it? You just met me, so you have no reason to trust me. You should set some conditions to protect yourself.”

I get what she’s saying. But still, I mean…

“It’s fine. Fenrir said you’re a good person. I trust Fenrir, and since he suggested giving it to you, I believe it’s the best option. So, I have no reason not to trust you.”

“Oh, I see.”

[Hmph.]

The Holy Dragon looks at Fenrir, surprised. Fenrir turns away, avoiding her gaze. Honestly, they act more like humans than divine beasts.

“Well, aside from that, is there anything you want? I’ll grant one request.”

“Let’s see... You mentioned earlier that I can’t summon you at my convenience, but could you let me summon you once, just once, when I really need your help?”

“A slight contract amendment, huh? Fine, once. But only once.”

“Yes, thank you. That’s all I ask.”

“Alright then, the contract is officially sealed. Everything’s settled, and you’re heading back now, right? I think I’ll set off on my journey too.”

“Yes, thank you, Holy Dragon—no, the new Dragon King.”

“Dragon King, huh? Never thought I’d become one. Well then, until we meet again.”

“Yes, until we meet again.”

[Farewell, Dragon King.]

And so, I passed on the Dragon King’s Crest to the Holy Dragon, and a new Dragon King was born.