Volume 7 Chapter 46 The Calm Before The Internal War
Ridge had been informed about the upcoming operation, even while she was resting in bed. She was regaining some of her strength, but she would still be confined to bed for a while. Windy was peeling fruit nearby.
"So, it seems like things will get a bit noisy when Echidna and Moruru return."
"I understand. If Echidna-sama arrives at the enemy's base, then what about Terin-sama?"
"Yes, we should move quickly before the enemy strikes first."
"Then, there is something I would like to say."
"What is it?"
Ridge stares into my eyes.
"To be blunt, Terin-sama is in love with you, Wade-sama."
"...Eh?"
My mind froze for a moment.
"Wait a minute, Terin? In love with me?"
"Yes."
"Why????"
I asked, realizing I was asking a very basic question. Ridge closed her eyes and thought for a moment, "Well, this might take a while to explain..."
"Wade-sama, you and Terin-sama have met before, haven't they?"
"Oh, yeah. I met her. I gave her glasses."
"She fell in love with you at first sight."
"Seriously!? Just because of that!?"
I exclaimed in surprise. I had bought the glasses on a whim and given them to her on a whim.
"Terin-sama told me that it was a very precious memory for her. She said that the glasses showed her the beauty of the world, and that she was captivated by your refreshing smile."
"Isn't it more than half because of the glasses?"
I felt like it was more about the glasses than me. From what I heard, my appearance was also being enhanced by the glasses, so 80% of it was probably the glasses' power.
"Furthermore, I have been telling Terin-sama about your wonderful stories whenever I had the chance. Her heart is about to burst with love."
"Then the culprit is you, Ridge! The glasses were the spark, but you're the one who set the fire!"
I didn't feel like I had anything to do with it, but I was still the center of attention. Why...?
"So, I believe you can bring Terin-sama over to our side. If Terin-sama is willing to come to our side, then perhaps we should talk before engaging in battle."
"Eh, oh, okay... um...?"
Ridge smirked.
"If things go well, we might even be able to get Terin-sama to help us strengthen Durandal. What do you say? In love, the one who falls for the other first loses."
"Hmm... well, if you say so, Ridge, then I guess it's okay to talk..."
"Then please keep that in mind."
Ridge chuckled. I crossed my arms with a serious expression.
* * *
After finishing Moruru's training, Echidna was in a good mood today.
"Echidna-sensei, you're humming a tune."
"Yes. Moruru is growing well, and my preparations should be taking effect soon. It's about time for them to start foaming at the mouth. And that's why I'm in a good mood."
"Preparations?"
Echidna clamped her mouth shut, realizing she had said too much.
"But I've gotten used to living here. Maybe I should move on before I get too attached."
Echidna said, trying to change the subject. Echidna was a master of deflection.
"What preparations?"
But Moruru's persistence was even stronger. Echidna flinched under Moruru's sharp gaze.
"W-what is it? Moruru, what are you suspicious of?"
"Something seems fishy... It's like when Ridge was hiding something. Sensei, are you hiding something?"
"Shhh, I'm not! I'm not, I tell you!"
"...Fine. I'll believe you then. Echidna-sensei, you're the ancient dragon teacher I respect."
"Yes! I'm one of the few of my kind! I would never lie to someone like you!"
―――But that was a lie. Echidna had been plotting something evil and keeping secrets.
Echidna's secret was that she had been leaking information about the Wade camp to the enemy 'Oath' camp.
It's always the case that she harasses the arrogant king's subordinates. The thrill of pulling off a successful prank and escaping with a burst of laughter was her signature style. Getting caught before the prank was complete was a big no-no.
...Well, lately, most of her pranks didn't go as planned. But Echidna wasn't one to dwell on minor details.
Her reason for following the Arrogant King's orders was simply to feign obedience and get into trouble. She would never do anything for free, that was Echidna's philosophy.
This time, she had vaguely sensed that both sides were up to something, so she contacted the 'Oath' camp, figuring that if she exposed everything, they would be in a big predicament!
The 'Oath' camp's response was as follows.
'We can't fully trust you, so we'll only accept information that won't cause us much loss if it turns out to be false. Especially stuff like the base entrance, that sounds like nothing but a trap.'
Needless to say, Echidna was furious.
'What?! You dare compare me to the Arrogant King, you insolent fool! That's it! I'm done! I'm leaving!'
With a flap of her wings, Echidna stormed out of the 'Oath' base.
While the negotiations had failed, it also meant that the camp had listened to her less risky information.
Days later, Echidna realized this and looked forward to the day, soon to come, when the Wade camp would find themselves in trouble. That's why she was in a good mood.
This was the thought process and actions of Echidna, the one Roman called "a master of pointless betrayals."
Speaking of which, ancient dragons were far from unintelligent. However, they were so strong that even an idiot could become a grand.
Moruru's exceptional intelligence for her age was probably because she needed it to survive in a world of such powerful beings.
As Echidna, who was quite intelligent for an ancient dragon, was returning to the base with Moruru, she noticed a suspicious look from the young dragon.
But with no evidence to confront her, the 2 returned to the base in silence. As usual, Wade greeted them with a "Welcome back, both of you." Then he looked at Echidna and said,
"So, we've got you."
"Huh?"
Wade's figure blurred. Immediately, Echidna realized, "Oh, this is bad."
She dodged, but it was too fast. She couldn't dodge in time and her arm was cut off. She instantly regenerated it with the mark of the ancient dragon.
The severed arm fell to the ground with a thud. Moruru stared at it, and Echidna and Wade glared at each other.
"As expected of the 'oldest ancient dragon'! But I'm sure now from our exchange! Echidna, you still can't beat me! Now, give up! How much did you tell the 'Oath'!"
With a ferocious grin and a face even scarier than the ancient dragon's, Wade approached Echidna. Echidna, though scared, bravely retorted.
"Ugh, shut up! I just leaked a little information to the enemy to mess with you, and you're making a fuss! I hate you! I hate the arrogant king, the 'Oath', and I hate you, Wade!"
Echidna cried and yelled. As she watched Echidna's behavior, Moruru's gaze lost all respect.
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