‘I can only sincerely hope that April’s purity will enlighten him…’

April, for some reason, was enjoying her conversation with Blesett without any hesitation.

The smile that appeared on Blesett’s face as he looked at April was… definitely…

‘…Youthful.’

It was as gentle as the mountain breeze mixed with the fragrance of spring flowers. It was certainly soft, unlike the typical final villain.

“…Aha.”

Uh-oh, that ‘aha’ of his!

I have to confiscate that ‘aha’ from Blesett. It’s genuinely scary whenever he says that.

“So, that’s it.”
Blesett’s reaction upon hearing the purpose of our visit to this village was rather indifferent. It wasn’t like he was angry or disgusted… just a nonchalant “aha.”

‘He seems like a sinister guy…’

Anyway, it’s challenging to read anything from that guy’s expression or voice. I have no idea what he’s thinking or how he lives.

Are all dragonoids like that? No, by this point, even Arwin, who is also a dragonoid, looks like a fairy.

“Come to think of it… Your Excellency, I sensed a unique magical aura from you. As the Azure Dragon humanoid, I am very sensitive to such negative energies.”

Blesett spoke to Graian, and April, who had turned back into a rabbit, was snug in Graian’s arms.

Blesett’s gaze seemed to momentarily focus on the rabbit, but soon, he raised his eyes and formed a subtle smile. It was a mechanically produced smile.

“I understand the situation. It’s unfortunate in many ways… But being a part of the Azure Dragon is not something I can easily reveal.”

I expected that. Honestly, even if I were in his shoes, I would be wary if someone I didn’t know suddenly appeared and asked for help. So, I understand Blesett’s perspective. However…

I clenched my fists on my chest after briefly lowering my lips and advanced.

“…I beg you. We’re really desperate. I don’t want to see Graian consumed by the curse, even in my dreams.”

“…”

Blesett silently stared at me as I earnestly appealed. His eyes were chilly, devoid of warmth.

…Convincing Blesett was expected to be a difficult task, but… is it really impossible? Is he really this difficult of a guy? Well, it’s ‘Blesett,’ after all.

Still, I didn’t give up hope. Even if he dislikes humans, he might show some leniency to non-humans. He should feel sympathy for the tragedy of the Solzbary family…

“I have one thing to ask.”

” …?”

After a long silence, Blesett finally spoke. His blue eyes were strangely brighter than usual.

“Glorya Ainstain, do you hate dragonoids?”

“What? No… I don’t hate them. And if possible, could you call me ‘Solzbary’? I’ve distanced myself a lot from the Ainstain royal family.”

“…I’ve heard countless rumors about you. A notorious evildoer who hated, abused, and violently attacked dragonoids. That was you. But suddenly changing your ways? Honestly, I find it hard to believe. Are you really Glorya Ainstain?”

At that moment, I flinched a bit unconsciously. If I answer ‘yes’ here, it will be a lie.

However… I had no choice. There’s no way around it, right? Sometimes in life, you have to lie.

“Of course, I am Glorya Ainstain. It might be suspicious that I suddenly changed… but…”

With an effort to maintain a calm attitude, I answered.

Blesett stared at me for a while and unexpectedly nodded without much resistance.
“It’s not a lie.”

As he spoke, Blesett’s eyes returned to a deep watery color. …Wait, what was it just now?

“One of the abilities of the Azure Dragon humanoid. It’s a kind of insight that can discern whether the opponent’s words are true or false.”

“…?”

Did I lie?

“Anyway… My intention not to easily reveal the blood of the Azure Dragon remains firm. However…”

Closing his eyes slightly, Blesett looked at me intently. This time, his gaze was much softer than before.

“You are the Harmonizer of the world.”

“…!”

“I am curious. If you are qualified as the Harmonizer of the world… if you can fulfill that role.”

My heart raced. A positive premonition emerged.

“…I will allow you to have my blood if you are the person qualified as the Harmonizer of the world.”

Thus, the promise was made that the blood of the Azure Dragon would be given ‘when Blesett feels inclined to watch over me.’

…I don’t know when that will be, and whether I can become a ‘Harmonizer of the world’ recognized by him is a question, but nevertheless, it was not a bad conclusion.

If we obtain the blood of the Azure Dragon, Graian and the Solzbary family can be liberated from the curse.

‘I just have to work harder from now on.’

I’ve already made plans to rescue the non-human slaves. When Blesett sees my achievements later, he’ll surely be surprised.

“Thank you so much for saving my wife. How should I repay this kindness…”

“It’s not a favor, please don’t worry.”

Before leaving the village, the snake gentleman who saw us off shed tears, expressing his gratitude. Lady Blue Magpie also stood by his side with a face full of gratitude.

“I didn’t know Your Excellency was the Duke of Solzbary… But I’ve confirmed through this incident that you are as just and merciful as your reputation. I will always pray for Your Excellency.”

So, we left the village with farewells from many, including the snake gentleman.

April and Blesett also exchanged goodbyes.

“…Well, I’ll come by then, April.”

“Yeah, let’s definitely meet again!”

…? By then? When is that? Is Blesett going to come? What kind of stories did we just hear…?

‘Why does it feel so uneasy…’

When we left the village and only our group remained, I was about to casually ask April when she suddenly turned into a rabbit!

“Kyawong~!”

“…Did you transform on purpose?”

“Kkiyaawong?”

Don’t pretend you don’t know, you cheeky rabbit…!

After that, I tried to catch her off guard on several occasions, but the rabbit continued to feign ignorance.

‘I’ll see about this rabbit later.’

I’ll have to catch her off guard when she least expects it.

Returning to Solzbary Duchy, I quickly proceeded with the next plan.

“Until we meet again, Your Majesty.”

Finally, a few days later, I seized the opportunity to meet King Elowen.