Episode 141

Detil Forest was quite quiet and still.

Hearing that the animals had fled the forest in just a few days, it did feel a bit eerie that even common birdsong couldn’t be heard.

In the dense forest, there was an old, beaten path leading people onward.

As I walked along that path, I suddenly turned around sharply, feeling the presence that had been lingering for a while.

“Who’s there?”

“…….”

As I spoke, staring into the empty air, two people soon appeared from behind a tree.

“Desar? And Peter too?”

The two of them looked at each other as if asking why the other was here, as if they hadn’t come together.

“Didn’t I tell you both to wait at the mansion?”

“Afterward, I kept feeling uneasy. And before I realized it, I had followed you here.”

“My lady, the aura of this forest is not normal. It feels as if a powerful dark energy is engulfing the forest.”

“…….”

As expected, these two had an almost animal-like sense.

Especially Desar, who seemed to have detected the dark energy emanating from the evil dragon.

I had already reminded myself multiple times that I was heading into danger.

Even so, seeing the two of them standing in front of me with such serious expressions, I suddenly thought for a moment: was I really about to do something utterly reckless?

“Let’s just go back together, my lady. If you sense danger, there’s no need to even try.”

“Even without the power of Aisil Lake, you are already recognized as the Little Duchess by everyone.”

The two of them took turns trying to persuade me, and it was clear they had already half-realized that the evil dragon inside the barrier had awakened.

They were among the empire’s best swordsmen, and now that they were standing right in front of the barrier, it would be impossible not to feel the danger lurking beyond it.

“Even so… I have to go.”

“Why, my lady? Is your goal really just simple curiosity about Aisil Lake?”

In response to Peter’s question, I finally answered.

“Actually, that was just an excuse. I can’t explain everything right now, but it’s not something as simple as curiosity that’s making me go.”

“…….”

At my words, the two exchanged glances, and then Desar spoke first.

“Since your will seems firm… then we will go with you.”

“What? But only those holding the key can enter beyond the barrier.”

“The person who designed the barrier around Aisil Lake was an ancient Tower Master. Initially, the barrier was managed not by Chetwind, but by the Tower. Later, the key that allowed passage through the barrier became a symbol of the Tower Masters and was passed down to their successors.”

Desar pulled out the half-pendant he wore around his neck and showed it to me.

“I only recently learned the pendant’s true purpose myself. I never thought the day to use it would come so soon.”

“That necklace… is another key to the barrier?”

At my stunned words, Desar nodded nonchalantly.

“Unlike the one from Chetwind, this key apparently allows others to pass through the barrier together. Sir Peter can accompany us without issue.”

“…….”

What was this unexpected situation?

Judging by their expressions, it seemed there was no point in trying to persuade them otherwise anymore.

Outwardly they were acting like they were asking for my opinion, but just looking at their eyes, it was clear they had already made up their minds.

‘No, really, we could die…!’

It would have been enough for only me to get involved in this.
If things got truly dangerous, I had at least the protection of Askan to save my life.

But they were just humans, without the protection of any transcendent being.

As I struggled internally, Askan’s voice sounded in my mind.

[Those guys don’t look like they’ll back down. Just take them with you. They’ll be more useful than not.]

‘More useful than not…? They’re human! It’s not like packing an extra sword!’

I thought, glancing back at the Holy Sword Kirios slung over my back.

I had brought it along because Askan said it would be helpful, but truthfully, it was just a burden.

[You just don’t know yet. Those two aren’t ordinary humans. And if worst comes to worst, I’ll teleport all of you out of the barrier. You don’t have to worry.]

‘…Really?’

[Yeah, so don’t get bogged down here. Let’s go already.]

After a short exchange with Askan, I eventually let out a small sigh and spoke to Desar and Peter, who were still standing firm without backing down.

“Alright, then let’s go into the barrier together. However.”

I looked at the two of them and said,

“We don’t know what kind of dangerous things might be waiting. Are you really okay with getting caught up in something without even knowing the reason?”

At my words, the two nodded immediately as if they didn’t even need to think about it.

“It’s natural for a knight to follow their master. My only duty is to protect you, my lady, so there’s no need to question or argue.”

At Peter’s words, Desar also nodded and said,

“You don’t have to worry about us. Please proceed as you wish, my lady.”

“Then… alright. Let’s go, into the barrier.”

I placed the key given to me by Catherine into the opaque barrier that blocked the way ahead.

Then, with a sudden pulling sensation, my body was drawn through to the inside of the barrier.

Desar and Peter followed right behind me, entering the barrier as well.

Kiyaaaaaak!

“……!”

The moment we stepped inside the barrier, all three of us immediately sensed the abnormal atmosphere.

It was completely different from outside the barrier.

There was the rough roar of a beast echoing from afar, tremors shaking the ground, thunder crashing in the sky, and all the plants were withered.

It felt as if we had stepped into another world.

I could feel with every part of my body that somewhere here, the ferocious evil dragon was alive and breathing.

“My lady, are you sure you want to continue?”

“…Yes, I must.”

Even after sensing this overwhelming atmosphere, when I didn’t waver, Desar and Peter said nothing more, instead each drawing their swords and following behind me.

There was no need to search for the path to the lake.

With each step closer, the raging anger of the evil dragon grew stronger, making it clear we were on the right path.

How long had we walked, tension building with every step, when I finally stopped.

Through the withered trees, I could see a blue lake.

And in the center of it, a massive being was letting out an ear-splitting roar.

Bergeus, the evil dragon who had been sealed and submerged beneath Aisil Lake for over a thousand years, was now awake.

The pressure and overwhelming difference in power were so intense that I instinctively staggered back.

Kiyaaaaaak!

Bergeus, awakened only a few days ago, was still tormented by the dark energy that had built up inside his body over a millennium of being sealed.

He had lost his reason and was in an extremely ferocious state.

He couldn’t even notice the weak presence of beings like us.

The golden eyes, filled with madness, reminded me of someone.

First, we had to bring Bergeus to a state where he could be reasoned with.

Askan had said he could not manifest physically within the barrier.

Therefore, I had to physically touch the dragon’s body so Askan could purify the dark energy accumulated inside him.

“My lady, that is…”

“The evil dragon has really awakened.”

I spoke to Desar and Peter, who were staring at the raging dragon, overwhelmed.

“Desar, Peter. I’m going to approach the dragon. I know you think it’s insane. But I’m not going there to die. I’m going to save him. Save Bergeus.”

“You’re saying you’ll save the evil dragon?”

“Yes. Can’t you see how he’s suffering? I can’t explain everything, but I have the power to purify his dark energy.”

Technically, it was Askan’s power.

At my words, Desar and Peter tightened their grips on their swords and said,

“Then we will cover you. While we draw the dragon’s attention, you circle around and approach from behind.”

[Do as they say, Sierra. That’s the best method for now.]

“…Alright. But if you feel it’s dangerous, you must immediately retreat from the lake. If you die… I won’t forgive you.”

When I said that in a low voice, faint smiles spread across Desar and Peter’s faces.

“Don’t worry. You must be careful too, my lady. Otherwise, we might end up disobeying that terrifying order of yours.”

After exchanging what sounded more like threats than reassurances, we each scattered to our assigned roles.

The operation to tame the evil dragon had officially begun.