Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 72

The Great War (2)

“Lapi, what are you planning to do now?”

“What else? You said you’d rat me out to the Lord about this whole thing. Do you think that fiery temper will leave me alone? I’m going back to my lair for a while to get some sleep. Don’t even think about looking for me, and tell that old geezer not to bother either.”

“So, you’re afraid of the aftermath. Well, you should be. They all think you’re just out on a normal frolic. You almost had me fooled too.”

“I didn’t completely fool you. I did go out frolicking from time to time. I was even in the capital until recently. …Just so you know, I’m telling you the truth, so don’t try to read my mind to check. I’ll get angry.”

“I’m not reading it. I’m frolicking too, right now.”

Lapis Lazuli looked at Trowel, who was answering with a smile, with a wary gaze. It wasn’t just that he didn’t trust his words; it seemed like he sensed something else was wrong.

“Stop smiling like that. It doesn’t suit you at all.”

“That’s harsh. I’m just happy to see my godson after so long.”

“Ha, is that why you greeted me with a punch as soon as we met? It’s only because it was me that it ended with just a bruise. If it were someone else, their skull would have been crushed by that one blow. Were you serious when you said you would have killed me with your own hands earlier?”

“Of course. It was your fault, after all.”

“That’s why people say you have a split personality.”

Trowel having a split personality? He certainly had unexpectedly violent moments, but it was hard to agree with that. Isn’t it said that quiet people are scarier when they get angry? There was no reason to hear such a thing just for getting that angry. But Trowel didn’t seem to care much, just shrugging his shoulders. Lapis Lazuli, losing interest in provoking him when he didn’t react, soon stopped talking.

“Anyway, I’m leaving. And… it was rude of me to act like that when we first met, Elquines.”

“Ah, uh-huh.”

I nodded, feeling bewildered by the unexpected apology. He chuckled and turned around, slowly starting to walk away. Where had the confident, even brazen, attitude from the beginning disappeared to? His shoulders were slumped as if he was dejected.

But usually, wouldn’t he use spatial teleportation to disappear in a situation like this? Why is he walking?

I blankly watched his receding figure, wondering. And it seemed Trowel had the same question. He shouted at his departing back.

“Lapi! Your lair is far from here! You’re not thinking of walking all the way, are you?”

“Why not?”

Lapis Lazuli stopped walking and replied, sounding annoyed. When Trowel looked at him in disbelief, he immediately made a grumpy face.

“Do you think it was easy for me to create a barrier to trap the Spirit King? And it broke forcefully, so I feel terrible right now. Honestly, even walking is hard.”

“What, did your dragon heart break or something?”

“If that happened, I’d already be dead. Anyway, I can’t use magic or anything in this state.”

“Serves you right.”

“Shut up.”

Hmm, now that I think about it, he did cough up blood when the barrier broke. It seems the internal injuries he sustained then were quite severe. It was definitely his fault, but I felt a sense of responsibility since it happened because of me. Reluctantly, I approached Lapis Lazuli and grabbed his arm. He looked at me, his eyes widening slightly.

“…What?”

He seemed puzzled, but not particularly displeased. Without much explanation, I pushed energy into his body. Soon, white mist began to rise from the point where I was holding him, gradually enveloping his body. The healing ability was activated.

Lapis Lazuli looked at me with a slightly bewildered face. He seemed to know what the phenomenon that was happening meant. When the mist disappeared, I let go of him and asked.

“How do you feel? Are you okay now?”

“…Ah, this is really amazing. The chaotic energy flow has completely returned to normal. I’ve heard about Elquines’ healing abilities, but I didn’t know it was this powerful…”

Lapis Lazuli touched his chest with a curious expression. His gaze, carefully examining his body, revealed undisguised admiration. He was a nasty guy, but seeing him like that made me feel proud.

The next moment, he gave me a questioning look. He didn’t seem to understand why I had helped him. Feeling embarrassed for no reason, I quickly made an excuse.

“I, I just did it out of kindness. It would be troublesome if you collapsed halfway while walking aimlessly like that.”

“Why? Wouldn’t that be more satisfying for you?”

“What? Seriously, what do you take me for? I’m not that mean-spirited, you know?”

“…I guess not. You’re quite a nice guy.”

“……”

I felt a little awkward at the casual response. I wasn’t expecting anything in return, but hearing an unexpected compliment made me feel like I had planned this situation from the start, which made me feel a bit embarrassed. But the fact that I didn’t feel too bad about it probably means I have a simple personality.

Lapis Lazuli stared at me intently. I felt my earlobes getting hot under his overly intense gaze. As I hesitated, he said with amusement.

“Hmm. Hey, Trowel. Are all newly born spirits like this? I’ve been feeling it since earlier, but their reactions are quite fresh.”

“That’s just his personality. Don’t tease him anymore. El is not someone you can treat carelessly.”

“Who’s teasing? I’m just curious. Even if he’s a successor, his personality is too different from the previous one. I can’t believe he’s the same Elquines as that obnoxious guy.”

…Wait, why has this guy been insulting Ellyuen since earlier? Feeling a surge of anger, I glared at him. I wanted to argue fairly, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak, fearing he would ask what business it was of mine. Even if I revealed the truth, he would only laugh at me.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“…Nothing, it’s nothing.”

His face showed a puzzled expression because of my vague answer. He stared at me for a moment, then asked in a serious voice.

“Do you really not want to make a contract with me?”

“What?”

“I’m not going back on my promise. I’m just wondering if you could give me one more chance. I admit my approach was excessive. But I was quite desperate too. I’ve never failed to get what I wanted since I was born. But to think I can’t have what I want the most. You seem to dislike these words, but I’m not particularly ignoring you or the spirits. To be honest, I feel really miserable every time I’m rejected.”

“If you know it makes me feel bad, why don’t you stop using those expressions?”

“Then will you make a contract with me?”

I paused for a moment at his suddenly brightened face. It would be better if he kept being brazen, but seeing his puppy-like sparkling eyes made it hard to refuse. I hesitated for a moment, then looked at him.

“Hey, was your name Lapis Lazuli?”

“Just call me Lapis, or Lapi is fine too.”

“Okay, Lapis. What exactly do you want from me? Is it just making a contract?”

“Of course, that’s not enough. Actually, there’s something I want you to do if we make a contract.”

“What is it?”

At my question, he excitedly explained as if he had been waiting for it.

“There’s a lake in my lair. It’s the most famous lake in Olshita [a fictional region], which is already famous for its beautiful scenery. You can’t imagine how much I suffered to move it. If I wrote about it, it could probably be made into a book. Anyway, I brought the lake with so much effort, but there’s a bit of a problem now.”

“What problem?”

“There’s no water left in the lake. It all dried up a long time ago, leaving only a desolate dirt floor. I want you to refill that lake.”

What, is that all?

I slowly relaxed the tension in my shoulders. I was nervous, wondering what kind of grand request he would make, but it was just refilling a lake. For me, the Spirit King of Water, it was easier than breathing. But just as I was about to nod casually, Trowel spoke.

“Lapi’s lair is in a lava region, El.”

“Huh? La, lava?”

“Red Dragon clans mainly live in volcanic areas or underground where lava flows. Their bodies have strong fire energy, so they can only find comfortable places in such locations. He’s no exception. In addition, Lapi is a dragon who was born with the strongest fire energy among the Red Dragon clan.”

“……”

I looked at the red-haired man in front of me in confusion. I knew that Red Dragons had fire attributes, but I didn’t know that it determined where they lived. Moreover, if it’s a place so hot that lava flows, it’s not an environment where a lake can exist. Even if it’s refilled, it will probably evaporate again quickly, and even if it’s lucky enough to remain, it would be more like a hot spring than a lake.

“Do you want to take a hot spring bath or something?”

“Of course not. I want a normal lake. A lake made of cold water that you can see in any forest or valley.”

“Hmm, I understand what you mean, but it seems a bit difficult in that area? It’s hard for water spirits to live in lava regions. I can refill it, but it’ll be hard to maintain.”

“I know that too. But it’s different if it’s the Spirit King.”

“What?”

“Elquines, the Spirit King of Water, you can keep the lake maintained in any environment, right?”

I was momentarily confused by his smiling face. Combining his words, there was only one thing that situation could mean.

“…Are you telling me to live there?”

I stared at him in disbelief as he nodded as if it were obvious. Lapis Lazuli, or Lapis, seemed unaware of the problem with his statement, looking puzzled.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why? Do you think I’m a decoration to be installed in a fountain? You want me to live in your lake to maintain it, what are you thinking?”

“I’m not asking you to stay there forever. Just give me enough time to appreciate it. Let’s see, about 100 years should be enough.”

What? How many years?

I was shocked by the scale, which far exceeded my expectations. But Lapis, on the contrary, asked with a face that he didn’t understand.

“Why do you look so surprised? Considering our lifespans, 100 years isn’t that long. Besides, how long have I been waiting until now? For me, that’s already a considerable concession.”

“…Sorry, but I’m frolicking right now.”

“What? Ah, you mean that contractor related to the rumor.”

Only then did Lapis seem to realize the fundamental problem. He frowned slightly, then turned to me with a smiling face.

“Why don’t you just quit that contract? Human frolics are all fleeting anyway. And this is your first frolic, right? There’s no need to get involved in such a troublesome thing from the start, is there? If you want to travel, do it with me later. It’ll be much more comfortable to be with me than with a lacking human, right?”

Like a kidnapper giving candy and coaxing, he soothed me in a gentle voice. I sighed and shook my head.

“I’ve already decided to help him. I can’t just reverse that decision.”

“Then what about the contract with me? What about my lake?”

“That’s not very important, is it?”

“It is important to me! And I come before that guy! I’ve been waiting for you longer than that damn human!”

Hmm, I felt goosebumps for a moment, but I endured it. Still, it was much better than threatening me with a sarcastic tone like before. No, this is tiring in its own way. Feeling a headache coming on, I quietly covered my forehead and sighed.

“Anyway, my thoughts haven’t changed. I can make a contract right now. But fulfilling your request will only be possible after my frolic is over.”

“When will that be?”

“Well, maybe when my contractor dies?”

“…Are you planning to kill me with anticipation?”

I gave an awkward smile at his blazing red eyes. He really is a selfish dragon. He just claimed that 100 years is short, but he can’t accept it when the situation is reversed. Lapis glared at me for a moment, then nervously swept back his hair.