Kriiash kraf shkiee kel! Pfeitrei, sister, oh, where art thou and thy insight, for my eyes weep at my ignorance.
lloxtressa was crying and speaking carelessly as she downed another shot of sake before pouring more for herself. This by itself wasnt strange a woman got drunk and continued drinking without restraint. However, the problem was how her silver powder had frozen the area around her table and was starting to affect the rest of the hunters guildhall.
Argh, Yorshka, stop her already! Her Imperial Majesty will destroy my guild and the whole city if you dont! Muraina shouted at Yorshka before turning her head around to the adventurers and guild staff. All of you, if you dont want to freeze to death, get the hell out of the guild!
With that single command, everybody quickly left the guild except for a specific few people myself along with Saori, Yorshka, and Rajah.
Muraina then erected a few [Air Shield]s around and the others while Saori told Rajah to jump back into her shadow. Yorshka then sent out her scales silver powder to form a shield to ward off the freezing aura of lloxtressas powder. Once she made sure everybody was safe, Yorshka [Gale Steps] towards the drunk dragon empress.
W-Whats going on?! I questioned Saori and Muraina about the situation.
O-Oh, well, you know, we were just having so fun Saori stumbled over her own words before Muraina imdiately skipped over it.
The four of us went out to drink to cheer up Her Imperial Majesty. Dragons cannot hold their liquor very well and, while Yorshka assured us it would be okay, this disaster happened. Thats about it, Hestia. So, before your mo Empress lloxtressa destroys the city, could we rely on your help to calm her down?
Your dragon mother drank herself into a depression because of what you said to her, and now please would you cozy up to her so she doesnt kill everybody and usher in an ice age? was what I understood. Was any of this really my fault to begin with? Yes, while I could have said things more nicely, she couldnt have expected that I would just jump into her lap and we would play mother-daughter, right? A ridiculous notion.
Still, it wasnt like I couldnt see her anguish.
M-Matriarch! Yorshka shouted, trying to gain lloxtressas attention.
Hmm? She placed the bottle of rice wine on the table and looked at Yorshka.
Your daughter! We brought your daughter, Matriarch! Yorshka pointed at , prompting lloxtressa to turn to . You wanted a proper talk with your daughter Hestia, right? Well, here she is. So, please, it is getting too cold for everybody to handle. I ask you if you could reabsorb the released powder.
Her pleading seed to have gotten to lloxtressa, as the powder around seed to have cald down, but any progress was stopped as more tears began to drop from her eyes.
M-My whelpling. Young one, look, shes supposed to only be a year old, but she-she already has a humanoid form. I didnt get the chance to help her form it, huec! she lanted. A whole year! A whole year of her entire existence and I missed it all! I wasnt even there. All the preparations and all I did was sit in my cave, weeping and feeling sorry for myself instead of turning the planet upside downlooking for her.
Urgh, please, stop.
The mont I heard that, it struck the daughter inside . I could sympathize with her, since those words ca from a genuinely worried mother, sothing that, if I were her daughter, I would appreciate very much. Well, the problem for was that she actually was my mother.
I felt bad for her. She was drunk, right? So these words were her actual emotions and feelings without any kind of filter, and it beca harder and harder to watch as she continued drinking. But, on the other hand, all of this was cause of . She began to feel all this sorrow starting from when I went missing, and during the entire one year Ive been in this world, I havent even given her or my dragon father a single good thought.
In fact, I was mostly apathetic to anything concerning them until Yorshka fully explained to about lloxtressa's situation. Cernust told just how much of an uproar my egg being lost was to the dragonewts, but that was more politics than personal feelings. I was one of their princesses, so patriotism was their motivator and not any personal connection to .
It was an Oh shit, I shouldnt get Artorias involved thought. I was more worried about Artorias getting hamred down by zealous dragonewts if sothing were to happen to ; although, now that I thought about it, my actions didnt exactly take that worry into consideration perfectly. Maybe I was just the type of girl who didnt think of the consequences and just went along with what I wanted to do. King Drangleic did scold after I entered Shaturein, endangering myself in the process.
Just like how I couldnt make my legs walk to lloxtressa. I wasnt brave enough to confront her.
And she saw this. She saw hesitate. She saw being unable to act. Her shoulders dropped as she placed her rice wine down, before recalling all the powder around her, literally reabsorbing it back into her scales.
I understand The temperature of the guildhall was steadily warming back up by the outside heat of a sumrs day, but to , the room still felt extrely cold. Like the awkward silence after your parents lectured you for misbehaving. The inability to talk back, since you knew you did sothing wrong.
Matriarch? Yorshka blurted out as lloxtressa stood up from the table, unsteady on her feet. You should probably sit and drink so
No, there is no need. Ill be retiring. I think I shall sleep for a bit. With those words, lloxtressa made her way outside of the guild. Although it was clear she was drunk, she walked with a certain amount of grace, as if to say this was nothing.
When she passed , all I did was give her a small glance, just enough for our eyes to et. I could see frustration and sadness just from how her eyes wobbled. The fact I turned away and didnt speak probably stung her even more.
I was hurting her.
Once I heard lloxtressas wings flap and fly off, the three older won quickly turned to . Was it disappointnt I saw in their eyes?
Just say it already. I am a bad daughter, right? No, I was just a bad person overall. Thats what you three want to say, right? Just spit it out, I know it already I told them before slumping down at a nearby chair. I was so done with this day.
Saori, Yorshka, and Muraina just looked at each other, but didnt say anything. They simply kept silent, as if they were willing to let things cool down for a mont.
Hey, Hestia-san, why did you dine-and-dash like tha Uhm, what is with this atmosphere? It was Tatsuya and Kyouya, who both barged into the guild.
Oh, thats right. I forgot to pay the tavern for the food and drinks
Haaaa, Muraina let out a sigh as she gestured sothing to Saori and Yorshka. Sorry, you two, the guildhall is closed for the mont. Mind going outside with for a bit? Without any complaints, both boys were escorted from the guild with question marks over their heads.
Did you take Rajah in as part of your shadow pack? I didnt know he arrived with Tamae-chan and the others, I said, seeing as neither Saori nor Yorshka were about to speak.
Yeah, Rajah and the rest of his family; you rember his mother and siblings. They seed to have evolved since we last t. Rajah and his siblings still needed so ti to grow up, though, Saori explained, going along with my icebreaker. They were quite excited to see you again, Rajah in particular. But, when they saw you in that state, they decided to stick around, and that was when they t the garms. They got pretty jealous.
Rajah instantly decided that he wanted to beco a shadow pack mber, even demanding it from Saori like a spoiled child. Although it technically ant Saori was his tar master now, he did it since he learned of the dangers I faced which caused to fall unconscious. He wanted to beco stronger at all costs to defend .
Rajah had just finished his assimilation, while his family is still inside my shadow. All four are taking a few weeks, since it seed the protective blessing Aurena gave them was still in effect, right up until they beca a mber of the pack. I presud that, since they will be taking on your [The Light]s blessing, Aurena probably removed the blessings since they weren't needed anymore Are you willing to bring them along, Hestia?
I dunno. Can I protect them?
That question this constant damnable worry. Am I strong enough to protect everybody? I honestly wasnt sure after what the demonkin just did. Not only did they murder Eshe and the Griffon King Assurfel, but they also managed to bring in that monstrosity. I even learned afterward that lloxtressa was the one to actually kill the geisenlarg king.
It was frustrating. My powerlessness was gnawing at , and that was on top of how much Eshes death was killing inside. Once again, I felt weak. When I told Saori and Yorshka about this, they couldnt help but shake their heads.
Yorshka ca over and brought a chair over to sit next to . Hestia, you are being too hard on yourself. Why are you trying to put all the responsibilities on your own shoulders? You might be a dragon, but even a dragon cannot carry the planet. You expect too much of yourself, and the mont you face a wall, you lose faith in yourself? That is not the way.
Shes right, Hestia, Saori agreed. It isnt wrong to ask for help, Ive told you this ti and ti again. This is why Tasianna and I were working so hard! Why I was so very frustrated when you didnt even think of evolving into a B rank because you thought we couldnt handle your berserk form if you evolved. You keep looking down on the people who can help you. Always thinking everything has to be done alone.
She was right. I did think like that. Before I evolved into a B rank, I thought Saori and Tasianna were too weak, since I had that mont after Shiterno rged my skills without my consent, causing my body to go out of control. If it weren't for Master Kush, they probably would have died.
I was only made aware of how asinine my thinking patterns were after they defeated in a duel with specific rules. And now, look at how both of them developed. They were a far cry from how they used to be.
I think you can agree that Ive gotten stronger, no? I managed to kill a pretty powerful lich nearly on my own. Saori looked at while boasting of her accomplishnt. Yes, it wasnt a perfect kill. I still have a long way before I have a better understanding of my current body. But you can't deny that it was an improvent. You saw what Tasianna could do. Even with that, we, as a party, werent enough to perfectly slay that monster. If you are talking of protecting others, even I am not strong enough to protect you yet, Hestia.
After letting digest those words, Saori continued, Ive said it before, Hestia. You think a lot, not in a positive way, but in a negative one. You worry about everything, as if you are expecting the world to judge you for every little thing. As if you are going to an audition and you have to make sure every single step and action is perfect. You arent, Hestia. You arent a trainee anymore seeking the lilight to make your parents proud, all while hiding your frustrations under a mask ant to force back your tears. You really aren't. The mont you stop thinking about the perfect performance, the more you can think about the next concert. Do you understand what Im trying to tell you?
I nodded. Saori made wonder if I had developed at all. Had I not grown up at all, or did my personality developnt regressed since Eshes death?
Im sorry. For what I said before. That was an incentive for to say that you didnt know well. With out of commission, I cannot even fathom what you have been doing in these three weeks, and I still said sothing so terrible to you, I apologize for what happened when I woke up.
Saori sighed, showing a wry smile. Yes, apology accepted. However, can you promise to stop thinking that you have to deal with everything by yourself all the ti? Its patronizing to Tasianna, Ellaine, Grimnir, and for everything we did to contribute to our party. You hear? I dont like repeating myself twice, and you probably dont want the sa lecture a third ti, right?
I nodded. I promised to never be overly selfless to the point of being selfish, again.
Yorshka caressed my shoulders, seeing contemplate Saoris words deeply. Our party isnt strong enough, thats what Saori said. If you think that shes correct, then its fine. There is so much to change and develop inside a party compared to yourself. More variables to change. Heroes do not beco legends by being alone, Hestia. They beco legends not only through their sweat and blood but also through the people they et on their journey to the top. Tragedies and hardship may happen, but to learn how to handle them and use them as the catalyst to your success is the key here.
Stay strong Eshes last words to .
I stayed strong when I fought the geisenlarg king, and I managed to help everybody push him back, but I didnt have the strength to protect everybody nor to kill it outright. If I reflected on the battle, I believe there would have been better ways to go about it. With a huge list of attacks to choose from, I most likely chose the wrong ones.
There were ways for to get even better. Upgrade spells and attacks, develop better tactics, or even beco a better leader to for my party. Repetition was the mother of learning. If I just gave up, I could never progress further, which ans tragedies like Eshes death could happen again. It could happen to another person I was close to.
Besides, you have now, Hestia, I raised my head to Yorshkas words. Tamae already said it, we will be joining you. I am part of the package.
But what about your duties as a Knight of Aurena? I asked.
Pah, do you really think I cared about it? Hestia, this was just the job an old friend asked to do. Too bad for the salary, but its not so important considering what we will be doing. For example, the money the kingdom offered as a reward for saving them was huge!
I turned to Saori. Offered?
I declined it. With how the kingdom is looking and what their plans will be in the future, they need it far more, whereas we can just travel around for more funds. We made a ton of profit from your concert through pastry sales alone, dont you rember?
Saori rejecting money? Damn, am I the only one who is regressing in character developnt?!
See? No problem, right? And, if you really want to be specific, there is another person you can add to our party at this very mont. Who will make the most direst ergencies into a cakewalk, so long as she can stay awake long enough to act.
The answer was obvious.
My dragon mother. Everything led back to her.
Yes, please. I know I am saying this as a mber of clan Nordor, but please talk to your mother, Hesta. She loves you. All she did while we were out was talk about you. When you were unconscious, all she wanted to know was who you are and how to properly talk with you. She even asked about your previous life, and how your real mother treated you. We helped her practice being a mother, although, uhm, her talents for housework or even cooking were not subli.
Which further explains why she and Saori got along so well. They had three weeks to get to know each other.
I need to get stronger.
I clutched my hands into fists, before pushing myself up. I began taking large whiffs of air, quickly identifying the sweet sll of a dragon. I activated [Mana Eyes], detecting a trail leading out from the guild to the top of Griffonpeak the peak of Wintertalon. I deactivated [Mana Eyes] the mont I had her location, not daring to keep it active any longer and strain my eyes.
See you later, I nodded to both of them, before Rajah jumped out of Saoris shadow and made a small growl. Yes, yes, see you later, too. Ill greet you properly once were back ho.
I exited the guild and spread my wings, telling Tatsuya and Kyouya Im sorry for leaving them with the full check and that we will et again, before flying up to the tops. I continued following her scent, until I finally made it to the peak, where I saw lloxtressa sitting on a rock, gazing at the blue sky in solitude.
Empress lloxtressa. I knew she didnt want to hear that, but I couldnt just call her mother.
Yes, my little whelpling? The tears she just shed were still there, visible for to see as she showed no signs of cleaning them. She looked like she still was slightly tipsy.
Im sorry, I forced myself to say. I-I know you wanted to hear sothing else. I know all of this was not what you had envisioned or expected. Yorshka had already explained your plight to , so I cant even excuse myself for the cold reception I gave you. Its just I-I dont really know what to say. The three weeks you experienced might as well never happened for , and I still rember yesterday as the day one of my friends died. Its all
Co.
I stopped talking. I looked up from the ground, seeing the tears lloxtressa had frozen before they were absorbed into her skin. She made room on her boulder and tapped it, gesturing for to co over and sit down with her. I had no reason not to accept and nodded.
As I sat down, lloxtressa held her hand up for a mont before the surroundings began to heat up. In the next second, a cracking sound appeared out of nowhere and a ring of frozen air appeared around us, hiding us from the world. Did lloxtressa just warm things up inside the frozen sphere out of consideration for ?
You dont need to ask for forgiveness, Hestia. Your own circumstances haven't been easy on you, and, as you said, I had three weeks to prepare myself ntally. You didnt. You only had a second, she said, while I was intrigued and distracted by her ability to control the temperature itself, not just the ice.
No, no! You shouldn't say that! I wasnt there for the whole thing but I saw you crying and spilling your heart out. I heard that, when youre drunk, youre more susceptible to speaking your mind. I hurt you, I understand that now. Just because Im conflicted doesnt an that you should find excuses for .
But isnt that what a mother should do for her whelpling? Make her feel more comfortable? Yes, I did find it unfortunate that we couldnt bond as fast as I wanted, but when I was pregnant with you, all I could think about was how to take care of you. You, my child, were my dream and the reason for my drive to evolve into an SS rank. Have you heard about it yet?
I nodded. I explained that Yorshka had told her story, about how she swore to only lay an egg once she was one of the strongest beings in the world. To have the strength to protect her future child. For that reason, she trained endlessly to beco the second SS rank among the current era of dragons.
Yes, that is correct. The child of two SS rank dragons should be powerful. Even without your father and mother around, you would be able to defend yourself. That is why I beca Eltharions sixth empress. I am so very glad that you managed to survive all this ti all by yourself, Hestia. Your life is my treasure, and even if you cannot accept as your mother just yet, I have regained my will to live by eting you.
Guk! Ark, that really hurt my heart. Jeez
I felt even more terrible than before. What have I been doing? I was already aware of her situation, but I still was too simple-minded.
No, no, no. Blaming myself right now, would be doing exactly what Saori just told not to do. Dont overthink everything. Things happened. It was better to forget about past mistakes if the person in question wanted to do so.
My lips unconsciously curved into a small smile after acknowledging my fault.
You know, it wasnt easy. Born as a G rank and the size of a gecko. My first kill was a loopabit, and it really traumatized with how I had to crush its neck to slay it, I joked, and lloxtressa giggled.
Yes, I heard it from Saori. Im sorry you had to go through all of that, but the fact you hatched far too early in your incubation ti and yet still developed into your current self is a blessing. lloxtressa then touched my head and pulled it closer to hers, up until our forehead touched. Hestia, I am very glad that you beca my child. If your soul wasnt in my whelplings body, I fear this probably would have been my last few years in this world. That despair would have eaten up.
I imdiately pushed her away from , unable to control the tears dropping from my eyes. Verdammt, did you really have to say that?! Verdammt nochmal. Your scent is so intoxicating and then you even threw that out? Youre impossible, lloxtressa.
I turned my teary face away from her, hiding my flustered face as I tried to clean my wet face. lloxtressa giggled once again and caressed my wings, and even used her tail to stroke mine.
I still rembered from the lizardman that among scale-kin, stroking each others tail was considered a sign of attraction, but maybe it was different for parent and child? Just like how kissing each others cheeks was considered familial love?
We sat there in silence. Just being there, for each other. I didnt have any urgency to leave like before. As my parallel minds told , the mories of Mama and lloxtressa weren't being rged together. It was just the surprise of the situation.
We both stared into the blue sky and down to Griffonpeak. We watched as the clouds moved each other, even talking about how so of them looked like birds. lloxtressa didnt seem too interested in the cloud talk. I could hear it slightly from her voice, but it wasnt as if she was bored. I believe speaking with even about the dumbest and most mundane stuff was probably extrely exciting for her.
Like a mother speaking with their child over the phone after they went off on a school trip or sothing.
Can I ask you sothing? I inquired, deciding to finally get to the whole reason I followed her out here. lloxtressa nodded, so I took a deep breath to steel myself before speaking, What are you planning on doing now? Now that you t ?
If I am to be honest, I would like to bring you back to Miononbolax. Saori, Tasianna, Ellaine, and Grimnir those are your friends, right? I asked them about your journey and what you are doing, and that is when I learned that Goddess Aurena and Kargryxmor have given you a divine Quest. That you are their champion I want to bring you away from their scheming.
It was as Kramps expected lloxtressa wanted to bring to Kargryx.
I heard from Kramps
Kramps?
Oh, sorry, I ant Kargryxmor. I call him Kramps since he is my grandfather, right? I explained.
Oh I see. So you can accept Eltharions father before your own mother?
Gck!
No, no, no thats not really what I ant! I-uhm-I just thought it would be
Kriehihihi, she giggled. Its alright! Its alright! I am rely teasing you. You do not need to explain yourself but I guess Kargryxmor will. Kishagas kriis til, Karshgrixgar!
I let lloxtressa shout her frustration into the sky before continuing what I wanted to say. Ooookaaaay. Now, where was I?
So, what I wanted to say is that I wish for you to allow to stay here. I heard from Kramps that, if I were to co with you, I would not be able to leave Kargryx until I was five. Until I matured.
That is correct. That is the imperial law Eltharion enacted. At the age of five, dragons have developed enough for their bodies to handle even the most drastic changes during their evolution. Unlike other beasts, we dragons do not beco adults when we beco five. In fact, it would normally take almost 100 years for a dragon to fully reach maturity.
Huh, I guess that is why Im not feeling any sexual attraction to any guys at all. If I were my past self, a few nobles probably would have caught my eye, but they were pretty much whatever to if I wasnt interacting with them.
lloxtressa further explained that the young prefix was just a way for the Divine System to control the minimum age a dragon may evolve into A rank. It was the right age to evolve above B rank, without showing any signs of issues. Before the System, this prefix didnt exist after all, and you were only considered mature after your 100th birthday.
The System sure influenced a lot of cultures, even the dragons.
Which is why I would like for you to co with . I dont wish to see you hard, Hestia. And I believe that you need to finally learn how to take care of your dragon body because I can see how the shine of your scales is dulling, despite how healthy they look. This should be a parents duty.
I didnt answer her.
You disagree?
I nodded. Yes I want to stay around here. Here, on Altrust. I know I have no idea how Miononbolax is, but I dont think its ti yet for to go there.
lloxtressa turned her head, looking back at the blue sky. But why? I can hear your heart beating, my whelpling. It slowed down after our initial talk and it suddenly jumped up after you said that. Could you enlighten ?
Considering I could hear her tone of voice clearly, I guess its fair for her to hear my heartbeat. Good hearing can be a problem sotis.
I-I want to continue what Im currently doing. Im an idol. The others probably already told you everything, so I don't think it should co to you as a surprise. My goal is to sing and dance, to bring everybody a smile as I appear on stage and, Aurena promised she would allow to et Uhm, m-my
You human parents? You can say it clearly, Hestia. I will not be offended. Your human parents raised you well. As your mother, I am very grateful to them that they gave such a brave little daughter. You are a reincarnator. I have accepted it, lloxtressa comforted . But your heart still hasnt cald down yet. Its actually increasing. Are you sure this is what you wanted to talk to about?
lloxtressa, uhm, could you please not listen to my heart for a mont? While were speaking right now, at least, I asked her, expressing how hard it was making it for . lloxtressa agreed without complaining.
I stroked my face, taking a mont to try and form the correct sentence for this before speaking.
Well, you see, after seeing what happened during that attack, I learned that Im not really that strong, and to get even stronger than now, Ill need to wait four more years and develop the skills necessary to evolve. That will definitely take a while, and, with how Aurenas Quests demands to possibly start a war with the demonkin and maybe even the empire, I wanted to ask if you could maybe help with it?
No.
I widened my eyes. I knew my request was pretty rough, but since lloxtressa was an SS rank, I thought she would be the perfect force to fight against the demonkin. I didnt expect her to solve everything herself, no way would I allow her to do everything. I wouldnt be able to forgive myself for abusing our relationship like that.
When I asked her for her reason, lloxtressa didnt give it much thought. Hestia, have you heard what we dragons had done during the demon invasion imdiately after the Origin Gods appeared in this world?
I retold what Yorshka told . Kargryxmor, being probably the strongest being at that ti, stood on the frontline in the defense of the planet with the Origin Gods. He led the dragons into battle against the demonkin, before he ascended to godhood with a few of the older dragons joining him as his aides.
Exactly. However, that was how the greatest tragedy of the Dragon Empire Kargryx happened. The civil war between Eltharion and his siblings. Many dragons the children and relatives of those who left us for the divine realm died, fighting for their preferred ruler. Your uncle and I were the very few who stayed out of the succession war, in no small part because of our own sorrow over losing our father.
She paused at this point, looking at her own hand before continuing, We dragons have bled and died for the world far too often already. We have lost all our parents either through battle or the apotheosis of Kargyxmor, only to end up fighting against each other as our ideals conflicted. Hestia, what has Kargryxmor told you about us? That we are lazy? That we broke the oath he selfishly created between him and Goddess Aurena, arrogantly believing we dragons would wish to continue being this worlds protectors for the rest of ti? No, we dragons finally understood how much we have sacrificed.
But, what about the other races? The elves, for example? Shouldnt they have helped you also?
And many of our elven comrades have either chosen to enter eternal sleep or developed a conservative stance to interacting with the ever-changing human race. Yes, while I do not know much of the current Peolynca and its events, I can tell you that those who fought back then are not too thrilled to be dragged into another battle. Even if you are his daughter, Eltharion will never, ever support this idea of yours, Hestia. He wouldnt, for the emotionally-scarred Eltharion has seen enough.
She then pointed down at Griffonpeak, telling to look at the many people walking down there. It is astounding how much humans have developed. The last ti I was here, this whole area was just a wild, uncontrollable forest filled to the brim with monsters. Now, that very forest has shrunk and was pushed to an edge by the Saelari and humans. How many years has it been? How much ti has passed?
She then turned to , looking into my eyes with a mix of waning sadness and acceptance of reality. Hestia, this is your first lesson as a dragon: we will outlive many of the people we et in our lives. It is an inevitable truth. Dragons have extrely long lives even as C ranks and, once you make it to S rank, you will, for nearly all intents and purposes, be immortal. Sotis, it is better for the old to stay out of the affairs of their juniors, for every bond made could end after we wake up after a nap.
I did not expect this to be her perspective. Saori and Yorshka told to rely on others more, but the mont they said that, this happened. What am I to believe?
But at the sa ti, isnt the life of a dragon too sad? No, the life of an immortal. People you et could just die before you and you would simply live on. Ive been having this thought for a while now, and I thankfully had friends who could live for quite so ti. Tasianna was immortal as a fairy and maybe Saori could also beco immortal by becoming S rank. But what about Grimnir and Ellaine? What about Rajah? The many people of Griffonpeak?
The mories I made here, they all began flashing before . The fans I made today, could all die tomorrow.
Hestia, allow to tell you sothing. To the Origin Gods, if the planet itself isnt in danger, they will never personally intervene. Do you understand? Goddess Plesia and God Marsven by themselves are truly enough to protect all of us. Goddess Aurenas Divine Quest is simply a small issue, which will disappear after a nice, long sleep.
A large-scale conspiracy concerning the whole church of Aurena and the empire was only a small issue? Was that actually true? To , all of this sounded far larger than I was. To , those demonkins and a potential wars were enough for to stay up all night.
My shoulders slumped down. You know, I have been thinking about this whole impending war thing. How many people will have to die for it? Even if I could protect those on my side, what about the others? Those who dont wish to die but must fight because of the orders of their leaders. As an idol, I should be soone who brings people hope and happiness, not end their lives through fire and claws. And now, you tell all of this is just a small event even for the gods? Unbelievable.
Sotis I really do wonder if Im idol material. With how I am
At least, I beleived Aurena cared for her followers. But then again, the fact she told to help her with this will bring out conflict. I could naively wish to solve this peacefully all I wanted, but so people couldnt be reasoned with. Different ideals and goals will battle against each other to stand at the top just like the Kargryx and Leosfalt civil wars.
An idol should bring smiles, even if she has to lie for it. That was showbiz, and my parents even warned about it. The thing is? Is sobody who causes a huge war really idol material? The lives I took up until now were necessary, I told myself that.
After Eshes death, I had the thought of just stopping. Like, staying out of all this conflict. I an, the thought of losing even more friends was tortuous and then I began thinking of the people on the other side of the war. If I had the opportunity, I could be performing for their entertainnt. All this thinking makes it so hard for to know what to do. What is right and what is wrong?
The mages under Thyra were complete strangers to . Maybe I t them during the ball, but in the heat of the battle, I wasnt able to rember any of them. But, despite that, the mont they were consud by the geisenlargs claws, I felt saddened by their deaths. A complete stranger. So, what would happen if I have this sa reaction when I et a nervous soldier fighting on the other side?
lloxtressa stared at as I gazed aimlessly into the horizon, only to bring my attention back after a few seconds. Cherish your own life and those of your loved ones. A flawed reincarnation like yours and Saoris is rare, so I hope you understand to value your own life, my little fla. Those who wish to threaten it or your ideals are the enemy. Never, ever forget this. To live is to kill. Like the loopabits life you had to take to survive, if you second-guess everything, then your ideal place should be the scholar room with all the philosophers.
That is quite blunt, I admitted.
I am simply saying what I believe would be the best mindset for myself and for you, Hestia. You dont need to be a tyrant like your grandfather. So issues can be solved by peaceful discussions and diplomacy. It is the privilege of living beings to negotiate. Two predators would not fight each other if they have nothing to gain or if they are unsure if they can win. But if all things fail, then you must dominate your foes, and make them regret ever facing you!
This was the ferocity of an ancient dragon. This was also her wisdom to .
Dont forget, Hestia, she made our foreheads touch again. If my brother were to be slain, I would destroy everything their slayers held dear. If you were to vanish from my life, I would bequeath Peolynca the gift of an eternal ice age.
S-Shit, shes serious!
I push her back. The forehead touching was a bit too much right now. A-Alright, alright, I get it! Ill get strong, Ill stop whining like this But, lloxtressa, I would still wish for you to let stay around in Altrust. I dont want to go to Kargryx and get grounded for the next four years. I still want to continue traveling. If possible, could you allow this?
lloxtressa tapped her cheeks, thinking about it before smirking. Only if you can prove yourself strong enough to survive through adversity, Hestia. The adulthood pilgrimage forces a whelpling to survive without their parents, to journey and experience life outside secluded Kargryx. Many of them die from unfortunate circumstances, but those who return can prove themselves as powerful beings. Aside from one, all your older siblings ca back alive and well, Hestia.
The last one was probably the youngest of my older sisters, the one Cernust ntioned. She probably was still journeying, since she made her pilgrimage a few years prior to him. Then again, maybe she was already back in Kargryx?
As such, if you wish to stay outside, then let this be your pseudo-pilgrimage. If you cannot prove yourself, I will drag you and your friends to Kargryx, where you will train and prepare for your adulthood ceremony. Do you believe you have the strength to do so?
I nodded. However, please, teach , lloxtressa! My dragon abilities are still things Im not sure I fully understand yet. Im not even sure of my anatomy. If I could know my body better, maybe I can make better use of it.
Kriehihi, of course, my little whelpling. That is what a mother is there for, she smiled. However, your fights are your own. A dragon unable to fight is not fit to leave their roost. If that mont cos, then I will appear, and that is when you will also leave Altrust, Hestia. I will not allow you to complain.
I understand, I grinned, happy that worked out fine. Then, can I rely on your help on our journey?
Of course, but dont forget that I will not be fighting your battles. If you wish to travel, then I will treat you like an adult dragon. Aside from that, 3500 years of constant fighting have worn out. I am tired of fighting, Hestia. So
lloxtressas scales began growing from her naked skin before moving around her scale dress, altering its design and adding more ornants onto her hair, wings, and tail. Ice also ford, either levitating around her like fireflies or they were added to her outfit.
From the simple one-piece she had at the beginning, it slowly turned into a dress filled with intricate scale design. Her ice even ford into accessories, carapace, and also a crown on her head. It was majestic, fitting for an empress of the Dragon Empire, Kargrx. Perfect, for the silver dragon matriarch of clan Nordor.
dont make your mother worry, alright, Hestia?
She wants to say it.
Her smile and eyes were telling she was anticipating sothing from . lloxtressa might have said she accepted my situation and the circumstances for why I acted like I did this morning, but her attitude right now was saying the opposite. I guess its to be expected right?
But, am I really willing to call her as such?
M-Mother? In the end, I made myself say it, just to appease her. Not like a word would matter that much.
Hmm. But for so reason, lloxtressa was still not happy. Did she sense my insincerity? You called Mama when we first t. Could you call that? It feels closer, no?
Hold on, when did I say that?!
The only ti I could think of was when she first arrived? Or maybe I said it while sleeping? Sleep talking would probably count in her book, wouldnt it? Argh, does it really matter when I do so? Im not gonna call her that, in any case, thats the na for my Mama.
I smiled and shook my head. Lets just stick with mother, please.
llox Well, I guess shes Mother now Mother was naturally not delighted about it but she didnt seem offended, at the very least. Good enough for .
With the main topic of the subject down, I stood up and asked Mother if she was okay with rejoining the others. As nice of a view this was, it felt a bit too lonely up here. I wanted to be with the others. Thankfully, Mother accepted it, seemingly having recovered from her tipsiness during our talk.
After she broke the ice barrier, we both unfurled our wings and dived back into the city. Flying with her felt pretty weird, to be honest. I didnt know how to describe it. Surreal, maybe? I never would have thought I would be flying around with my mother. Then again, never would I have imagined I would be reincarnated into a dragon, so stranger things could always happen.
Eshe, once again, I hope you can rest in peace.
I am not so sure if I can actually live up to what Eshe expected from . A hero? As if I could live up to being a virtuous hero similar to Eshe. Honestly, I still have no idea what was right and wrong here. I was sure the other side the demonkin had countless reasons for doing all of this, but I didnt know them here and now.
An idol? Who knows if I really counted as one. I always wanted to be an idol who could bring a smile to peoples lives. I suffered by myself just so I could fulfill this dream, making others worry for as a result. And now, I was confronted by a reality I wished wasnt real.
Was it evil? After all, evil to one person might be good to another. To the demonkin, Eshes death was probably worthy of celebration. The death of a saintess of Aurena would probably bring out jubilation similar to the death of a tyrant, while the humans would cry and mourn for her. Two sides, two stories.
However, Eshe probably didnt want to think like that. To stay strong, she told . To stay bright like a star in the shroud of a night sky. To continue being the idol I wanted to be.
However, this star had a little shadow around it.
The bastard going around doing whatever he wanted, making my life and those I love worse and worse. The one who killed the Griffon King. That demonkin who ordered for Eshes and, I presu, my own death. The person who caused all the disasters in Artorias.
To , that guy was pure evil.
It was enough for to consider all of this large enough to act on, regardless of how small of an issue it was for the Origin Gods. My happiness was in danger.
Like Mother said, But if all things fail, then you must dominate your foes, and make them regret ever facing you! And, War demands blood, Eithalr said to . His saddened eyes were enough for to understand what he had to go through to say those words without any hesitation.
Do you hear , demonkin of pride? All the plans I ruined up until now? Those were only the beginning, I will continue ruining all your plans. Every single last one of them. You ruined my happiness. I will not let you get away with this.
If I was to make sure my friends and happiness would survive, I needed to stop that piece of shit.
And while doing so, I will make sure the world will know the na of Peolyncas first idol Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor, imperial princess of Kargryxmor. Earths definition and image of an idol should not affect Peolyncas ideal idol.
Ravenous fans who throw out love and hate for an idol, not understanding that we have a life and emotions as well? The price of stardom. The price of being a public figure, like one of the Blessed. So things couldnt be changed even for the most idealistic people, but I am still an idealist through and through. The fact I even decided to beco an idol in the first place already made abnormal.
Mourning ti was over.
Eshe, watch . This little star will shine even brighter than before!
Profile:
Na: Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor
Level: 18
Race: Young Sunfang Dragon
Age: 1 Years
Job: Incandescent Blaze Level 30/30
Status:
Health: 16514 ( 1032) Mana: 44493 ( 2340)
Strength: 8979 ( 1296) Intelligence: 12826 ( 823)
Vitality: 4814 ( 578) Wisdom: 6501 ( 611)
Agility: 12264 ( 899) Stamina: 8888 ( 823)
Effects: None
Skill Points: 13050
Unique Skill:
[Dreadfla Dragon Lv. 4] [Hellblade Dragon Lv. 3]
[Solar Core Lv. 3] [Venerated Saintess Lv. 3] [Idol Lv. 3] ( 1)
[Volcanic Blaze] (New)
Skill:
Magic skills and related:
[Lightning Magic Lv. 3] [White Flas Lv. 4] ( 1)
[Corrosive Fire Lv. 3] [Sacred Magic Lv. 7] [Terra Magic Lv. 3]
[Wind Magic Lv. 10] [Wind Amp] [Wind Magic Efficiency]
[Storm Magic Lv. 3] [Space-Ti Magic Lv. 6] ( 1)
[Space-Ti Magic Efficiency] [True Draconic Lineage]
[Draconic Barrier Lv. 6]
[Silent Casting Lv. 10] [Magic Power Enhancent Lv. 7]
[ntal Stability Lv. 8] [ntal Warfare Lv. 5] [Fluid Cast Lv. 4] ( 1)
[Delayed Cast Lv. 3] ( 2) [Continuous Cast Lv. 3] ( 1) [Mana Eyes Lv. 5] ( 1)
Physical skills and related:
[Unard Technique Lv. 8] [Unard Mastery Lv. 4] ( 1)
[Sword Technique Lv. 1] [Spear Technique Lv. 9] ( 2)
[Spear Mastery Lv. 5] ( 2)
[Draconic Roar Lv. 4] [Sundering Enhancent Lv. 8] ( 2)
[Piercing Enhancent Lv. 9] ( 3) [Crushing Enhancent Lv. 5] ( 2)
Senses and movent skills:
[Silence Lv. 1] [Accuracy Correction Lv. 8] ( 1)
[Concentration Lv. 7] [Foresight Lv. 3]
[Danger Perception Lv. 7] ( 1) [Probability Correction Lv. 8] ( 3)
[Detection Sensor Lv. 3] [Enhanced Olfactory Sense Lv. 6]
[Enhanced Vision Lv. 9] ( 1) [Tracking Lv. 5] ( 2) [Night Vision Lv. 8]
[Odorless Lv. 1] [Evasion Lv. 10] [Acrobatic Lv. 10]
[Air Walk Lv. 5] ( 1) [Terrain Maneuvering Lv. 6]
[Mid-Air Maneuvering Lv. 8] ( 4) [Aerial Fighter Lv. 4] (New)
Resistances:
[Physical Super-Resistance Lv. 6] ( 1) [Absolute Pain Tolerance]
[ntal Corruption Resistance Lv. 3] [Mind Protection Lv. 5]
[Mana Leak Resistance Lv. 10] [Abnormal Status Nullification]
[Fear Resistance Lv. 5] [Lightning Resistance Lv. 6] ( 4)
[Sacred Resistance Lv. 2] (New) [Wind Resistance Lv. 9] ( 2)
[Water Resistance Lv. 3] ( 1) [Dark Resistance Lv. 2] ( 1)
Stat growths and related:
[Speed of Sound Lv. 1]
Others:
[Stage Fever Lv. 5] [Handicraft Lv. 6] [Woodworking Lv. 7]
[Stonecrafting Lv. 1]
[Trap Creation Lv. 9] ( 1)[Instruction Lv. 2] [Identity Blocker Lv. 10]
[Tranquil Mind Lv. 1] [Cooking Lv. 8] ( 1) [Benevolent Aura Lv. 3]
[Draconic Aura Lv. 3] [Royal Presence Lv. 3]
[Dismantle Lv. 8] [Gluttonous] [Thought Acceleration Lv. 4]
[High-Speed Calculation Lv. 2] ( 1) [Multi-Thought Processing Lv. 3] ( 1)
[Parallel Thoughts Lv. 10] [Core Regulation]
[Humanize Lv. 10] [Telepathy] [Aerokinesis]
Job:
[Incandescent Blaze]
Ability List:
Dragon:
[Dreadflare Aura] [Hellblade Edge] [Scale-Dust Veil] [Hellfla Breath]
[Solar Beam]
Spear:
[Spiral] [Spark Crescent]
Unard:
[Dragoon Jump] [Gale Steps] [Dragoon Dive]
Spell List:
Custom Magic:
[Symphonie des Feuergottes] [Prayer] [Sanctified Blaze]
[Sanctified Blaze: Halo of Consecration][Ignite] [Panzer] [Unheilge Engel]
[Scorching Sun]
Custom Spell Song:
[The Will to Fight and Survive] [Dragon Fire] [My Darkest Thoughts]
[The Heir of Hope]
Lightning Magic:
[Lightning Bolt] [Purple Flash] [Levin Core]
Holy Magic:
[Sacred Smite] [Sacred Veil] [Sacred Field] [Banishnt Beam]
[Major Heal] [Omnictus] [Gloria Ascendence]
Earth Magic
[Terra Wall] [Bedrock Blades] [Rumbling Might]
Wind Magic:
[Wind Bullet] [Wind Cutter] [Air Shield] [Wind Slash]
[Swift Winds] [Wind Blast] [Featherfall] [Aerial Blitz]
[Tornado Bullet] [Sylphids Cloak] [Tailwind]
Space-Ti Magic:
[Haste] [Storage Magic] [Warp Point: Entry] [Warp Point: Exit] [Room]
The Light Magic:
[Shine] [Sanctuary]
Titles:
[The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmors Blood] [Divine Inferno]
[Otherworldly Reincarnator] [Princess]
A note from AbyssRaven
Mother and daughter, now reunited. Ice and fire join together. One is a singer. Can we call this a "Song of Ice and Fire?"
Hehe.
If you guys want to support , Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 20 advance chapters any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!
If you guys enjoyed this chapter then, please follow the story. If you guys want the story to grow, then giving it a rating or a favorite will do wonders: Rawr
Thank you for reading this chapter.
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