At the café they had stopped by, when Nidzveld and Eingana appeared and began approaching Kaito, Cornelia gazed off into the distance, her mind racing.
(……I’ve already heard of the great dragon’s wings. I’ve heard them, yes, but…… no one ever said I’d actually encounter beings who could truly be called great dragons. T- There’s no mistaking it, these are Nidzveld-sama and Eingana-sama of the Four Great Demon Dragons…… w- what am I supposed to do here……?)
It was obvious that as nothing more than the eldest daughter of a County, Cornelia stood on a completely different level compared to Nidzveld and Eingana, who were Six Kings Executives. Naturally, since Cornelia’s position was lower, she could not carelessly greet or speak to them first.
After all, the Dragon King Magnawell had once, after a peace treaty, bestowed upon humanity the means to command flying dragons…… the origin of what is now called flying dragon flight, bringing a massive revolution to human commerce. Even today, he was revered by countless merchants as if he were the God of Trade, and for the Sharon County, who managed a large trading house, he was an exceedingly important figure.
To incur the displeasure of the Dragon King’s camp was tantamount to commercial suicide, and with two of that camp’s Executives present, it was inevitable that she would tense up.With a smile, Nidzveld approached and, noticing Cornelia hidden behind Kaito, offered a brief apology.
Since it was directed at her, Cornelia stiffened with nervous posture and returned a simple reply.
[……I don’t recall seeing you at the birthday party. Miyama Kaito-san, who is this lady?]
Seeing the exchange between Nidzveld and Cornelia, Eingana, curious about the woman he had never seen before, asked Kaito, and in that instant Cornelia’s tension reached its peak.
(……K- Kaito-sama…… I beg you. Please, please have mercy…… In this situation, there are several possible ways you might answer. But please, just introduce me simply as “a friend I’m out with”. If you say it like that, then at least…… please……)
Cornelia now stood at what could only be called a decisive moment. Yet it was one where she herself had no choice; everything rested on Kaito’s words.
If Kaito simply stated she was a friend, Cornelia could give Nidzveld and Eingana a small bow, then quietly remain in the sidelines so as not to interrupt their conversation.
But depending on Kaito’s response, the situation could change drastically. Though Cornelia desperately wished for a safe and uneventful outcome, as with all previous victims of stomachache incidents, her prayers would not be answered.
[Ahh, since meeting here must be some kind of fate, “let me introduce you”. This is my friend, she’s the daughter of a Count, Cornelia-san.]
And so Cornelia’s wish went unheard, as Kaito explicitly introduced her. This was, in truth, extremely significant. In effect, Kaito had indirectly guaranteed her standing and granted Cornelia permission to greet Nidzveld and Eingana.
What’s more, as if to gild the lily, he had deliberately added “daughter of a count”, which was practically an invitation for her to state her household name as well…… of course, Kaito hadn’t thought that deeply about it.
[I offer my greetings to the great Sky Dragon-sama and Sea Dragon-sama. I am Cornelia Sharon, eldest daughter of the Sharon County of the Archlesia Empire.]
[Fumu. Since you are a friend of my comrade, I cannot treat you discourteously. I am Freabell Nidzveld, one of the Four Great Demon Dragons, the Dragon King’s Executives. I would like you to call me by the name Nidzveld, bestowed upon me by Magnawell-sama. I look forward to your company, Cornelia-domo.]
[Then I as well…… I am Aquaria Eingana, also one of the Four Great Demon Dragons, the Dragon King’s Executives. As with Nidzveld, please call me Eingana. I hope today’s meeting will lead to a good exchange.]
[I- It would be an honor.]
Truthfully, Cornelia was trembling. Of course, she had heard some things from Eris beforehand…… but this? For two of the Six Kings’ Executives, upon first meeting, to return such courteous introductions, and even go so far as to imply future association, this was an astoundingly favorable reception.
(I- I had heard from Eris-sama, but…… i- is it really to this extent? Just being introduced as Kaito-sama’s friend…… and already…… w- what incredible influence……)
In reality, being a “friend of Kaito” puts one in an immensely trustworthy position. Partly it was because Kaito had a keen eye for judging people, but more than that, being his friend was almost a guarantee of character.
The reason was simple: anyone with a troublesome personality or who tried to exploit their connection to Kaito…… would have been swiftly dealt with by Alice or others. Therefore, the fact that someone could maintain a friendship with Kaito was itself proof they were at least decent and reasonably trustworthy.
Still, even while receiving such preferential treatment, welcomed warmly by two of the Four Great Demon Dragons…… Cornelia, sitting in a café with plenty of people around, was acutely aware of the pain in her stomach.
……Little did she know that ahead still awaited a fateful encounter with not just one, but two of the Six Kings themselves……
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [Ah, I see. If someone’s a villain or greedy bastard, Alice or a certain crazy God would take them out right away…… so just being Kaito’s friend by itself is proof they’re a good person……]