#i love thinking that earnest was like. the edgy vengeance knight. and now here he is

[claire-starsword]

Bloodline of the Sacred Dragons - Chapter 3-8 & 3-9

He caused great damage, but having been finally defeated, Ziduur no longer posed a threat to the continent of Rune. That made everyone's hearts at least a little lighter.

"This is so terribly wrecked," Guntz freaked out as he inspected the damages on the Pao Train. Strangely, there was some happiness in his face too. There were parts of the machine he so far hesitated to touch or take apart, but now, to repair it, he would fiddle with them to his heart's content.

"But I'll fix it. Yes, I believe I'll have it all back to normal in three months," Guntz said to Koron, making a rough estimate.

"If that is how long it will be, there is nothing we can do. I'm just happy it can be fixed," Koron replied humbly. She hid a small sigh from everyone's sight.

The only good news is that the living quarters in the back cars were all okay. They wouldn't be able to act as a caravan for a while, but at least they could still live without issue.

"No, make that two months. That is, if I help."

All of a sudden, Krin had entered the conversation.

"That'd be great, if I call Master Crock and Lyle it will go even faster," Guntz went along with her.

"Leave it to me."

Although Koron couldn't deny a certain fear, she left the job in their hands.

"That's how it is, so, I'll be staying here," Krin told Karin nonchalantly.

She had always been one to jump into an idea as soon as she had it. Karin only smiled bitterly at her little sister's selfishness.

"Do as you please. That's just like you, anyway."

With her sister's permission, Krin went to Guntz, and they began to struggle together with the bunch of blueprints he had made. Very quickly, they had shut down everything else from their attention. Next to them, Cerberus laid down, seemingly bored as she watched her master move around.

Bleu gave his farewells to Koron once again. With Krin and Cerberus staying behind, the group of six continued to Uranbatol.

"Take care, Sir Bleu. Lady Karin, I will take great care of your younger sister as well. To everyone, may good meetings and the Light's protection be with you."

Sent away with these words of Queen Koron, the group left the Pao Plains.

***9***

The centaurs that once fought alongside Bleu were gathered in Uranbatol. With the help of Queen Koron, they had built a new town focused on sea trade.

"Seems like you had a hard journey. Until we finish preparations for your ship, you should relax and rest."

The governor of Uranbatol, Earnest, laughed brightly while buried in mountains of paperwork. Bleu added an official letter from Queen Koron to the piles. The letter contained a request for aid in the form of materials and provisions for the restoration of the Pao Train, and for a ship for Bleu's group to cross the ocean with.

"Still, those ocean monsters that escaped from us were defeated there, huh."

"You mean what a shame, don't you?"

Vankar poked fun at Arthur.

"Well, they wrecked half of our warships, so I wanted us to be the ones to finish them off."

Pelle laughed bitterly. He likely meant it.

The harbor, which was their whole livelihood, had to be closed off due to the kraken's attack. They immediately dispatched warships after it, and managed to sink the ship that seemed to be controlling the monster. However, a good part of the devils in there managed to get into the land.

When it came to the kraken, they couldn't leave a scratch on it. Half of their ships were sunken, unable to do anything against underwater attacks, and the fleet had to retreat in panic.

After that the kraken vanished, and they missed their chance at revenge.

"If you're on a journey, why don't we come along?" Pelle proposed, as if looking for an outlet for his burning fighting spirit. He used to be a wandering mercenary, and the idea of traveling to an unknown continent seemed to have greatly picked up his interest.

"You can't, each of you should know very well why," Earnest stopped him with no space for excuses.

"The only one busy here is you, uh, sir. Ah, I guess Arthur also has his hands full reforming the navy. Then, it'll be just me and ol' Vankar. So, that good for you, Bleu?"

Bleu struggled to answer. Earnest made a look that said 'don't indulge him'.

"We're not gathering a whole force to invade the place… but I appreciate the sentiment. Thanks, Pelle."

Pelle clicked his tongue at Bleu's reply. Vankar laughed heartly at him.

"Pelle, Vankar, I'm sending you two as messengers to Her Majesty Koron. You'll guard the supplies during transportation and the train while it is repaired. If some unlucky bandits come by, then you can kick their asses as you want. …Which is not something I should say with ladies present, is it?"

Earnest laughed, while Arthur agreed with a serious face. The governor turned to him a bit offended, but then Arthur grinned at him. Earnest snorted back at his friend.

"Then, how long will it take for a ship to be ready?"

Arthur told Camallia it would take around two days.

"Then, you and I can discuss the details. Until the ship is ready, we'll take your offer and relax in town."

Saying that to dismiss them, Bleu went with Arthur to another room.

To the next part>