Lein stood frozen with her eyes wide open, stunned about the story the little girl told. Her mouth slightly opened expressing her disbelief. She barely managed to blink as she processed everything. Many things came into her mind. How could that have happened? Why? How much horror did this little girl have to bear? How intense was her experience with that cruelty? 

She may have told her story, but Lein never got to any conclusion that she wanted. Instead, she only heard the despair the little girl, Rume, went through. How extremely unpleasant it was to hear about humanity’s ruthlessness.

Flames of fury gradually engulfed Lein’s heart. She could feel that her magic could spiral out of control. Her eyes may have hidden her anger, but sooner or later, her emotions might leak out. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Calm down...calm down. Shouldn’t go on a rampage now without fully comprehending the situation.

Now then… I wonder what drove them to do that? Fear? Likely. One man’s ulterior motives? Possibly. But emotion definitely is the major drive in this. But why? What’s truly the root cause of it?

From Rume’s story, she didn’t find any answer as to what the root cause was. She couldn’t guess precisely what made the villagers get aggressive like that, and calling someone a Demonic Witch. She knew nothing about the village’s past. What they went through.

Another term for sorceress used by people is the word “Witch”, thus it was common for Lein to be called as such. It was a name nothing to be feared with. But it seems, to this village, a Demonic Witch is something else entirely.

Demon influence definitely had something to do with this. She could think of a few demons that may link to the term Demonic Witch. But nothing was certain.

Topping off with all the uncertainty, Lein couldn’t help but feel even more frustrated.

— Let me kill them, those damn villagers. Then, everything will be a happy ending!

She realized she was taking off towards an undesirable route, she took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.

Now now. Don’t get worked up like this. It’s unbecoming of a lady, especially like me!

Yearning to not be alone in her resentment, she turned towards Galeila to see her reaction. Even though she was a dragon, there were some ways to tell her feelings. Well, she also was all silent all this time, hence that should be one of it.

True enough, there were some reactions. Though Lein couldn’t tell anything from Galeila’s brows, nose, or face, seeing the dragon’s eyes wide open and her silence, Lein could already tell she was also in a state of shock. A rare occurrence it was.

Galeila only returned, to what Lein assumed as a composed expression, after she noticed Lein’s stare. Not wanting to be locked onto her gaze, Lein instantly turned back to Rume.

Stood there was a little girl who went through hell. Though it may not be completely through physically, it was hell emotionally. Ultimately, the torment of seeing her own mother burn at the stake was too cruel for a child to see. Yet, this little girl standing before Lein didn’t cry.

The little girl didn’t break into tears as she told her story. Still, it was plainly obvious she was holding back all the tears, anyone could tell that she wanted to burst into tears. It was then that Lein wanted to make the choice of helping her in any way she could.

However, what could she do in this kind of situation? She couldn’t do anything when everything was over.

“Lein…”

Lein heard Galeila's voice from behind. But she couldn’t bring herself to turn around. That was because she knows that Galeila already read through her inner conflicts.

Galeila continued to speak nonetheless.

“At times like this… No — do you remember the time you went through something like this? I know you do. So, I ask you, what happened then?”

Of course, the scene from a long time ago instantly came into her mind. How could she forget something so important in her life. It was then at this moment, she knew what to do, even for only just this moment.

She slowly walked towards Rume and kneeled down. The little girl looked back at her cluelessly. Lein suddenly took Rume in her arms. She hugged her tight as though never letting her escape.

“M-Miss Lein?”

“Rume… let the tears go. I am here now to rub away your tears as they flow. My warmth will give you comfort as you free yourself from the heavy weight in your heart. As you are in my arms, you can cry all you want, there is no need to hold it back anymore...… You have been... through a lot.”

Lein couldn’t see Rume’s face, but she felt her tremble as she held her. A short moment later, she could hear the sobbing of the little girl. Streams of tears fell from her eyes as she let go of the weight she kept all this time in her chest. All the frustrations, anguish, sadness, and grief, expressed with all her tears.

 

 

Galeila gazed at the scene before her with pure sympathy. Her heart ached when she heard Rume’s story. She was so dumbstrucked that she was speechless for a moment. It was rare for her to be that way for she was never always into human affairs. But when a child was in a predicament such as this, it was an entirely different matter.

Human cruelty really is something else…

She knew she wasn’t in any position to say something as such, but she couldn’t help thinking about it. All living creatures are cruel in their own way. There were no such species that can be called as a perfect paragon. Nevertheless, humanity is one of the cruelest out there.

However, there were always exceptions among many. Even among the villagers which treated the little girl cruelly, there ought to be at least one that was different. It was the reason why she never hated the race called Humans.

Amidst the ugliness, there is always beauty somewhere within. One of those beauties is the girl named Lein, and now, another one appeared before her eyes. A little girl who was a subject to disdainful cruel acts. This girl’s name was Rume.

Even with all the hardship, she endured and persevered. She moved forward until their fate met.

Galeila decided to help this little girl reach a better and brighter future.

That said, she still didn’t know how to do it at the moment. But slowly and steadily, it will come.

The air was filled with silence with the exception of a single sobbing child. Galeila had an idea, but she had to wait until the little girl calmed down. As moments passed, the sobbing gradually subsided until the child let go.

“I… I am fine now.”

Rume was still snuffling as she rubbed her eyes, but Lein took her handkerchief out and rubbed her tears for her.

“Okay.”

Lein gently patted Rume’s head, at this, Rume gave a slight smile. Seeing this, Galeila couldn’t help but form a tender smile. It was truly a sad yet heartwarming scene.

“Rume,” Galeila called out. “Know that you are not alone anymore, we will be here for you. Doesn’t that mean we are now friends?”

Rume’s eyes went wide for a second before giving off a broad bright smile which could charm anyone with its adorableness.

“Yes!”

Galeila returned a smile of herself.

“Hey! Rid of that grin on your face, it’s creepy.”

“How rude of you, Lein. It’s not creepy at all.”

“Well, surprise. It is.”

“No it’s not.” Due to Lein’s ambush of teasing, Galeila sought an ally. “It’s not creepy, right Rume?”

“I think it’s not creepy at all!”

There was still a slight tremble in Rume’s voice. However, this was a way to cheer the little girl up, little by little.

“See? Even the youngest is on my side. You need to fix your taste on what is creepy or not, Lein.”

“Hah! Whatever.” Despite those words of hers, Lein let out a chuckle. “By the way, isn’t using your humanoid form more convenient in conversation. What about you go transform into it?”

“I don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

“Well, not today at least. I currently have an idea.”

“Oh? And what would that be?”

Galeila didn’t answer but instead raised her head to look above — or precisely, towards the sky. At this gesture, Lein will immediately understand what she was trying to say.

“Oh! You meant that! Awesome! Let’s do that!”

She displayed her excitement akin to a child’s.

“Lein, what happened to your lady-like manners?”

“Eh? Uh.” Lein immediately composed herself from all the excitement. Looking at these made Galeila amused. “Yes, that one, let’s do that.”

“What is?” Rume asked in cluelessness.

Lein turned to face her with a wide grin.

“We are going to fly.”

Rume gasped.

“Really?! How?”

At that cue, Galeila stood up showing her four giant legs. The ground shook with her every step as she strode forward. Once she reached an open area, she spread her wide wings open. Her broad pair of wings was enough to almost reach the edges of the glade. Rume had her mouth agape as she fell into astonishment.

“Let’s go, Rume.”

Lein gently pushed her from the back.

“Where are we going?”

“Where else but behind that dragon’s massive back.”

It was apparent on her Rume’s face that she was still processing what she heard. After that, as she got closer to Galeila, she appeared to be somewhat reluctant.

“Is this fine?”

“Of course it is.”

“Okay…”

They stopped before Galeila’s neck. Rume was puny standing before the massive dragon. It seems that the little girl was puzzled as to how to climb up to Galeila’s back. However, this issue was trivial for the dragon lord. She grinned and used her magic.

The next moment, big and thick vines grew from the ground. It was so sudden that it prompted Rume to be startled. That said, they posed no threat. The vines got together, the tiny ones tangled at each other, and gradually, the vines formed a staircase that ascends towards her back.

“Woah. How did that…?”

Seeing that Rume asked a question with a surprised expression, Galeila decided to answer.

“It’s magic, Rume.”

“Magic? Is that how it is? Amazing! I never saw anything like it!” She said in excitement, her eyes shining as she looked at Galeila.

“Nah, that is just the basic stuff, Rume. I can do something better than that.”

“Really, Miss Lein? Awesome!”

“Basic, huh? So you are saying that you are now talented enough to do that as though it is something trivial?”

“Of course, who do you think I am? I am one of the strongest sorceresses in this continent.”

“Really now?”

Even though Galeila’s response was in monotone, inside she was proud. Proud like a mother seeing her daughter all grown up and impressively skilled. She did sound a bit arrogant, but she had the right to be so. Galeila saw the way she worked hard in the past to reach her ambition of being a strong mage. It was fine to take pride in your skills when you worked hard for it.

“You don’t believe me?”

“Of course I believe you. Hehehe… In any case, what are you waiting for? Time is of the essence.”

Out of concern, Lein took Rume’s hand as they slowly got up the stairs.

“Um, thank you.”

“Mm.”

Galeila looked at them with amusement as Lein held Rume’s hand. It brought an image of a big sister walking with her younger sister. When they reached her back, Lein helped Rume down. What greeted Rume was a grassy sensation. Well, that was because Galeila did indeed have a grassy body, along with it few vines spread all around. 

That said, beneath her grassy skin was a layer tough as a true dragon’s scales. Amazement shone all over Rume’s expression, thrilled about standing on a dragon. Meanwhile, Lein sat sideways like a proper lady on the center of the back where it was comfortable to sit. Well as grassy as it was, it felt like having a picnic in a grassy meadow.

Lein patted the surface beside her urging Rume to take a seat. At first, Rume was unsure on how to sit on the dragon’s back, but after watching Lein, she imitated the way she sat. Lein had Rume sit at the part where she could see the front because she figured that Rume will appreciate it more.

“Alright, hold unto these.” Lein indicated at the protruding vines.

“I will also cast a barrier to protect from the wind.”

After Galeila said so, in a moment her entire body flashed.

“Aah, I miss this.” Lein quietly said.

“Alright, everyone ready?”

“I… I’m ready.”

“Ready!”

“Well then, let us reach for the skies.”

Galeila flapped her massive wings leaving an intense wind spreading throughout the entire glade. Bursts of wind that would be enough to blow away a little child such as Rume. However, Rume felt no wind at all while she sat there dazzled.

Before Rume could realize, they were already above the ground. Gradually, at every flap of the dragon’s wings, they ascended. As they got higher, Rume’s eyes shone in excitement with her mouth agape.

“Beware. I’m going up towards the sky where the clouds are within our reach.”

Galeila said as she turned her neck to look at her passengers.

“Better hold on tight, Rume. Maybe that will make you feel better. And as for you, Galeila, please be considerate and gentle.”

“Oh? I thought you always loved this part.”

“Well, I’m not exactly your only passenger, am I?”

“Good point. I’ll try. But, where’s the fun in that?”

“I suppose.” Lein smiled as she let out a quiet giggle.

“Anyhow, brace yourself.”

A pair of vigorous waves of her wings and they ascended in a much quicker pace.

“Woah!” Rume expressed her surprise with a thrilled expression.

 Every wave, their speed of ascent increased. It went to the point that Rume reflexively tightened her grip. She must be a bit anxious at this, yet there was no fright in her eyes. For only a few seconds, they had almost reached the clouds. Rume took a glance towards the bottom.

Her eyes widened in astonishment.

“Wow! Everything is so small! I see everything!”

Her expression was so child like that it warmed Lein’s heart to see her happy. Galeila on the other hand could only hear the child’s excitement from her voice, but that was enough to make her feel happy for the little girl.

“Is that the village?!”

She extended her hand to point towards the bottom.

“Yes, yes it is!” Lein answered her question.

“Incredible!”

Still somewhat overwhelmed, she looked around while eyes full of wonder. There was so much to see. Forests extended to the far distance, mountains ranging from afar, an expansive land that seemed to stretch for eternity.

“What’s that?”

She pointed in the far distance. It appears to be a human-made structure. But Lein could make out it was a wall.

“That’s the city called Haldis.”

“A city?! Wow! It looks big!”

Rume never had been to a city nor seen one, so it must have excited her to see one even from this distance.

Hm, maybe I should take her to a city next time.

Galeila noted in her mind. As a child who stayed in a small village her entire life, it might be great for her to experience going to a city.

But, I should bring her to a more exciting one… maybe? If something comes to mind.

Then in the next moment, suddenly everyone’s sight was covered in white. At first Rume was surprised by the sudden change because she was staring below all this time, but a few seconds later she had realized what it was.

She immediately turned all around her surroundings.

She gasped in amazement and astonishment. She was at a loss for words. 

It was wonderful. 

She was in the skies, where birds flew, where one gets closer to the twinkling stars, where clouds come and go.

She had never seen such a scene before, nor had she been through this experience.

Such serenity.

It was such a great feeling that Rume unconsciously shed tears. Upon realizing the tears flowing down her cheeks, she quickly rubbed them off.

Seeing Rume, Lein couldn’t help but pat her head in hopes of comforting her. The little girl gave a warm and joyful smile while her eyes still dampened by tears.

Galeila felt a sense of warmth in her heart. It was so moving to see a girl who suffered and possibly went through countless ridicules, form a happy expression. Even though they were of different species, it made no difference. It didn’t matter.

Regretfully, this kind of thought was not common amongst different races. Some would never care about the other race and look down on them, some would not even care to give even just a tiny speck of sympathy. Dragons, as wise and old as they are, were no exception.

But, Galeila was different. She respected other species, and she was interested in humans the most. She didn’t know exactly why she was so fond of them, but it wasn’t really important to mull over the reason. All that she knew was her love for humans.

Galeila gradually slowed down and eventually stopped. She hovered amidst the clouds.

“Have you wondered how it would feel like to touch a cloud, Rume?”

Rume looked at her eyes with curiosity and anticipation.

“Then, go ahead.”

“Okay!” Rume nodded vigorously.

She slowly extended her arm. Then she slowly reached out her hand towards a white cloud. Her eyes wide with anticipation. Then her eyes dove into the cloud. Expression of surprise on her face.

“... Wow…” She quietly said.

She moved her hand back only to find it damp. Her hand must have also felt somewhat cold. Her mouth slightly opened in what she just learned.

“Amazing! I thought it would be fluffy.”

Hearing this, Lein chuckled loudly.

“It’s quite a shock, isn’t it? I went through the same thing.”

“Still, it is nice to know this.”

She again reached out, cherishing this rare moment and committing it to memory. From images to sensations. This was a wonderful experience. The one she will remember for the rest of her life.

Galeila wanted to take her on a flight anywhere else. However, there was an issue. It would not be a good idea for a dragon like her to just casually fly around. For instance, if she passess through, it might incite panic to many. Another is that some might try to attack her. 

Not all take kindly to dragons. Well, the northern part of the continent had plenty of exceptions, but anywhere else wouldn’t be good if a dragon suddenly showed up. It was something to be expected, not everyone will be comfortable or happy if something incredibly dangerous and terrifying suddenly flies over their heads.

Thus, to be safe, all she could do was to fly up high in the sky. That said, as the north was safer for dragons than anywhere else, she could just fly high above a massive city. Show Rume some architecture new to her eyes.

Upon seeing Rume retracting her hands back, Galeila spoke.

“Rume, are you ready to continue this short journey of ours?”

The little girl turned with a bright smile and nodded.

“Yes!”

“Alright, then let’s take a look at some civilization.”

The dragon waved her wings and flew forward. Though she said they were heading to some civilization, they were not heading towards the city Rume first saw. The reason was because Galeila thought that that city was too simple, nothing worth noting about. Thus, she decided to head out towards one of the largest capitals of the north.

It was a harmonious trip. No harsh winds to hinder the dragon’s flight. Sky showing no sign of any storm. No flying monsters in sight — though a rare occurrence of coming across one. Meanwhile, Rume kept watching the ever expanding landscape below, appearing to be mesmerized by the view. Her heart pumped fast in excitement.

Several minutes later, a wide city with colossal walls emerged in the distance, getting closer and closer every second. Its stone walls were polished cleanly to the point which one could think they were entirely built from metal. Atop of the four corners of the walls stood a giant statue of the same man flourishing his sword with the hilt by his chest. It was a statue built in tribute for a hero which saved the city far in the past.

Standing on the battlements were knights in a quite fancy full plate armor. Although the human passengers on her back were unlikely to see them, Galeila could easily with her own eyes.

Knowing that this city was safe for a dragon to get closer, she slowly descended. That said, it will undoubtedly catch a lot of attention, but it mattered little. At least, none of them would be hostile against her. However, that didn’t mean she would go all the way down. Galeila only intended to descend a little so the city would be a bit larger in the eyes of her passengers.

“Wow! What is that big building?!”

She pointed towards the center of the city. There stood a large and tall building of platinum which Rume had never seen one of its kind in her entire life, until now. It was so tall that its multiple towers and the central building reached higher than the great walls of the city.

“That’s the great palace of the capital city Meldies of the nation Alderam. Such a good sight, isn’t it?”

Lein, who was familiar with the setting, introduced Rume to the place below them. Indeed, it was a wonderful sight. The city walls were emblazoned with streaks of gold which glinted even from above. The palace was so large that Rume wondered how many rooms were in there. It was a moated castle with large bridges connecting it to the city.

It stole Rume’s breath at first, such large architecture and a wide city, no one could blame her if she was stunned by the sight.

“This nation may be small compared to others in the North, but it is quite a powerful country,” Lein continued. Even though such a subject would prove some challenge for the little girl to understand, Lein still decided to explain. Actually, she was quite into the tour guiding thing.

“It’s very influential for such a small nation, wealthier than any surrounding countries. I guess that's just how it is when your nation is a trading hub, perfect for businesses and transportation of goods.”

“... So does that mean there are a lot of people there?”

“Uh… Basically, yes.”

“Amazing. Wait, does this mean there are other places as big as this?”

“Oh yes, some are actually bigger.”

“I’m sorry we can’t land, Rume,” Galeila said apologetically.

“It is alright. Seeing it with my eyes is enough for me.”

“Is that so? Very well then.”

As Galeila flew around the city, she noticed a lot of activity on the walls and other parts of the streets. The city’s soldiers had begun taking action it seems. Seeing a large dragon circling around their beloved city prompted them to go on alert.

Galeila was a famous dragon in the north, but she couldn’t blame them if they failed to recognize her outright. Nevertheless, Galeila decided not to stay here long. Someone important might recognize her and shove some political saying and responsibilities into her. One of the reasons she left was because she didn’t want to get involved in such things anymore after all. Freedom is great, even for just a little.

If she could choose between returning or not with no repercussions. She will immediately choose the latter. Besides, it’s not like they need her anymore. Several Dragon Lords are within the council, surely they could rely on them. Still, Galeila was the most powerful among them, they might suddenly walk up on her doorstep and drag her back by force.

Enjoy life while it lasts, kids!

Galeila shouted in her mind.

“I have been wondering, if this is the north, then does that mean there are also a lot of interesting places in the south?”

“Oh yes there are a lot, especially the angels. Aaaah, the city of angel how a—” Lein immediately covered her mouth.

She must have realized that she shouldn’t say anymore than that. Can’t risk having Rume show interest in the south.

Galeila recalled what Lein said about the southern part of the continent. If it was true, then it must be truly very dangerous. Still, if they just go in there as tourists or something, surely they would be safe. Imagining how large the south is, not all of it must be dangerous. But taking the risk is too dangerous.

Just how much has changed in the south?

As it was dangerous to go to the south, and to the city of angels, then she had to consider not picking places from the south for their adventures.

Adventures? Hm, why not? It might be good for Rume to go out, experience the most wonderful and bizarre things. Visit places she never had been… This is just like when Lein was still young.

Reminiscing about the past, Galeila couldn’t help but smile.

In any case, we need to go.

“It’s almost sunset. We should go back. Is that okay, Rume?”

“Of course!”

Then they headed back to the glade.