I want to eat dragon meat - Chapter 9

The ship glides smoothly over the surface of the sea, nearing the cityscape of Atlantia.

“Hey Almira, what’s the Water City like?”

“It’s the most prosperous city in the Western Provinces!”

As Almira deftly maneuvers the ship, she proudly explains, “It’s a giant water transport city with ports on both the Western Sea and the Great River Koo. That’s the Water City of Atlantia!”

“Wow, a metropolis!”

As I cheer while observing the city, I wonder if this ship might attract unwanted attention.

“Almira, are we just going to dock the ship at the harbor?”

“Absolutely not! This level of divine artifact would cause a stir if it were docked in the harbor!”

Realizing the significance of the ship, I ask, “Do you think it might attract unwanted attention?”

“It certainly would. It’s a nuisance dealing with petty criminals, but catching the eye of those in power would be a much bigger problem. So, I’ll find a discreet spot to moor the ship.”

Almira skillfully guides the ship off its course toward Atlantia, eventually anchoring it in a small cove near the city.

“I’ll go ashore first. Can I leave the ship in your care here, Tatsuki?”

“If it’s safe for Almira, then I trust your judgment. Just be careful out there.”

“Thank you for your concern. I’ll find someone trustworthy to help with the ship, but I’ll need some money for that. Would you mind if I took a small scale as payment?”

“No problem.

In fact, it’s not even mine to begin with, and I don’t have any qualms about giving away what’s necessary.”

“Okay. Got it. And if you need more, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I appreciate that, but I can’t carry too many because they’re bulky!”

Well, she’s a cat, so it’s understandable that she can’t carry too much luggage.

I search through the bottom of the ship and select some small scales that Almira can carry, handing them over.

“I’m counting on you, Almira. Take care!”

“You can count on me! I’ll be back soon!”

As Almira dashes off with the dragon scale in her mouth, I can’t help but wonder if she’ll be targeted by unsavory individuals. But judging from Almira’s behavior, there might not be many people who can immediately recognize those scales as dragon scales.

With Almira out of sight, I return to the ship and stretch out, murmuring, “Ah, I can’t wait to go to the Water City.”

It’s my first time in a city in this otherworldly place. Being a major hub of transportation in a large city, it’s bound to have a variety of goods. Plus, now that I think about it, I haven’t had a conversation with a human for over ten days.

“…Actually, I might have been better off asking Almira to buy me some clothes. But then again, she probably wouldn’t be able to carry them.”

I dismiss the thought almost as soon as it arises. But this outfit is starting to feel problematic. It’s a Dragonhide Poncho, constantly fluttering in the wind and revealing everything from the side and underneath. It’s definitely not appropriate attire for appearing in public. Actually, it’s just embarrassing.

“I should at least get some fabric to cover myself up a bit…”

I mutter to myself, and then suddenly an idea strikes me. Almira’s bed is made of a large piece of white fabric.

“I wonder if I could borrow that just for when I go into town?”

I lift up the fabric, realizing that it’s quite large. Well, actually…

“…Clothes?”

It was a loose-fitting garment for women.

It looked like something people in ancient Greece or Rome would wear.

Could it be clothing belonging to someone associated with Almira?

I feel a bit guilty, but I decide to try it on.

It’s been a while since I’ve worn proper clothing. It carries the scent of culture, reminiscent of times long past.

I don the pure white garment and strike a pose.

With the Dragonhide Poncho underneath, it billows and flutters even though there’s no wind.

“Nike!”

My voice echoes fruitlessly. It’s lonely without anyone to banter with.

—

Feeling lonely, I step out onto the deck to bask in the sunshine.

Perhaps it’s just my imagination, but the sunlight feels softer here than it did at the Sacrificial Altar.

The waves lap gently against the ship, rocking it like a cradle. In the distance, I hear the cries of birds.

I might have dozed off for about an hour.

Suddenly, loud voices wake me from my reverie.

“Hey, isn’t this the ship, bro?”

“Wow, it’s definitely a strange ship! Are there no people around!?”

Their voices are rough and crude.

Unable to sleep through the noise, I sit up.

“And hey… damn, isn’t that one fine lady!”

A lecherous voice catches my attention as I see two men approaching the ship.

Oh, they look like thugs.

I think to myself, still a bit groggy.

Their faces are like caricatures of vulgarity, and their attire resembles that of bandits, despite being at sea.

“Hehehe, missy, if you’re bored, wanna play with us?”

Oh boy… are guys like this for real?

As I contemplate this strange feeling of awe, the other thug speaks up.

“Hey, bro, are you sure? That outfit… she’s probably one of those temple-serving noble ladies, right?”

Brother!

Calling him brother!

What a henchman move!

I clench my fist instinctively.

“No way! A lady as fine as her, you won’t see twice!”

Bravo, brother! Bravo!

In a fit of mysterious enthusiasm, I silently bless their interaction in my mind.

Well, I wouldn’t want lecherous looks or to be harmed, but the possibility seems slim.

Besides, that brother over there seems quite burly, yet I’m not at all intimidated by him.

“Hey, come over here! I won’t do anything bad, I swear!”

The older brother boards the ship and tries to pull me… but I don’t feel like I’m being pulled at all.

“What the… she’s ridiculously heavy!?”

Grumbling, the older brother pulls me.

I don’t budge. I’m not even resisting, but judging by his desperate expression, he’s exerting quite a bit of force.

This is troublesome. I might be weak, but if he doesn’t hold back, he might end up hurting himself.

“You damn brat! Listen to me quietly!”

Hey, I haven’t done anything.

Well, it’s getting annoying being dragged around like this. I should find a way to get him to leave before Almira comes back.

Decided, I stand up.

“Wha… what are you doing!?”

Then, I gently lift the older brother, who’s on all fours, with both hands. Like holding an egg, gently.

“What the hell are you doing!?”

And then, like a set shot in basketball, I gently throw him in a graceful arc. Whoosh…

“Ugh!?”

The older brother lets out a scream as he gracefully arcs through the air and lands on the shore.

Alright, he’s not dead… but he’s coughing. Does even that gentle throw cause damage?

“Brother!?”

“Cough, cough… damn it, remember this!”

The younger brother panics.

The older brother spits out a parting insult and flees.

Magnificent.

They didn’t miss a beat until the end. They deserve a medal for that performance.

Feeling a strange sense of admiration, I involuntarily clap my hands together.

In the other world, they’re an endangered species. I sincerely hope they’ll live on resiliently.