“But why, father? If we continue to not pick laurel tree fruit, I think it will lead to confusion and disorder…”
“I know, but minotaurs are troublesome monsters.”
“…Are they too much for the royal guard?”
“…They would probably not leave unscathed.”
“Then what will you do? I mean, the dungeon already is…”
“…We will wait a little longer…”
“Father… What did that person tell you? You have been acting strangely since that meeting. All of a sudden, you ordered the hunt to stop!”
“I ordered the hunt to stop after gauging the royal guard’s strength. And I want to wait and see a little longer, in regards to the laurel tree. I feel like we have been relying on it too much recently, and it is having an effect on the quality of the fruit.”
“…Very well. I think there are factors only you know about, so I won’t say any more. Just don’t carry everything on your shoulders. I know I can’t be as reliable as mother… But I am still your daughter.”
“Yes, I will ask you when the time comes. Maybe things will get a little turbulent. Look after Sirk and Sahana.”
“I know you are busy, but isn’t that your job? Those two get lonely…”
“I know, I know. You really… No, nothing. I will see them right now.”
◇ ◇ ◇
“Is it true? Did you ask them to defeat the minotaurs?”
“Yes. They want laurel tree fruit after all. They should be able to pick it themselves.”
“But someone from the royal guard should… Please, at least let Alfriede accompany them.”
“That cannot be. Alfriede needs to guard this place. These are uncertain times, and we need to be ready in case something happens.”
“Are you saying chaos is likely to spread into this country?”
“This place should be fine, but I am not so sure about the neighboring town. And we do have precedents of foreign spies attempting to infiltrate.”
“…I understand. But can I have you check with your own eyes, and only then decide if it really is all right?”
“It is rare to see you so invested.”
“…Sirk and Sahana are also fond of them. Sirk in particular is interested in a girl.”
“Interesting… Very well. I will see for myself, and save my decision until then. If I don’t see the necessary power in them, I will put a stop to it.”
“Does that mean you will go ahead and send them there if they are strong to a certain extent?”
“Of course. To gain something, you must risk losing something. And generally speaking, should I stop them because it is dangerous?”
“…”
◇ ◇ ◇
“Are you sure about this, father? Hum…”
“Yes, it will grow back.”
“No, that is not what I…”
“I’m joking. They might come to need it, and I doubt they will misuse it.”
“…Just how far can you see?”
“Nothing. Despite being called dragon king, mine is a small existence. Someone like me could never…”
“…Don’t torment yourself so much. It was not your fault…”
“No, it was. It was my doing that took your mother from you.”
“…That is not true. I’m sure she…”
“Yes, I am sure she would say that. But that is why I decided to remain a spectator. There will be no more sacrifices from this country.”
“But…”
“Yes, I won’t deny that I am getting a little involved this time. It was a request from a friend, but it should also help them.”
“…Can you tell me more about it?”
“I don’t think that would do any good. Any more interference might lead them to find out about it… Still, you are voicing your opinion a lot for a change. Are you interested in someone in particular?”
“…”
“Well, fine. In any case, fate can no longer be changed.”
“What does that mean?”
“The door to the eighth floor has been opened. Did you not hear?”
“…Yes.”
“And I’m sure you have heard about it.”
“Is that why you gave them a fang?”
“Yes… I pray nothing bad befalls them.”
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I knew something was up with that 8th floor.
This chapter was very confusing maybe it was the perspective thing or the author trying to be vauge but hard to tell what’s going on and messes with flow a bit.
My guess is it’s the demon sora made a deal with that talked to dragon king about sora coming and that’s why he held off on anyone going for fruit, anyone else any ideas who the mysterious person giving dragon king advice is?
I was thinking the same thing. We know that Ingis has kept his eyes on Sora and spoke about him to others who were around him.
Thanks for the treat.