783 Talk to Bear and Liese - Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

Defeating the newly arrived Ice Dragon would bring an end to everything. But to do so, a battle is inevitable. "So, will that Ice Dragon return?" If it doesn't come back, there's no way to defeat it. "It’s targeting my position, so it will return. Plus, it won’t let you, who attacked it, escape." So, it's angry at me for using fire magic. Running away would be easy, but it would cause trouble if it started attacking indiscriminately because of me. “I shall return." I wanted to hear more details, but the Ice Dragon spread its wings and flew off towards the mountaintop. I turned my gaze to Kagari. "You truly have a knack for diving headfirst into troublesome matters,” She sighed, exasperated. “It’s not that I like it,” "You're the one who’s fought with unrelated big snakes and slimes, aren't you? And now it's the Ice Dragon." "It just turned out that way because of how things unfolded." "Normally, one would avoid such things. Choosing to battle an Ice Dragon out of preference is uniquely yours." "Because, strategically, it’s the best choice." "Indeed, looking at the whole picture, you defeating the Ice Dragon is the best choice. Everyone would be happy. But you, alone, endure the hardship without any personal gain." There's no personal benefit for me in fighting the big snake, the slime, or the Ice Dragon. But fighting is also something I do for myself. "It brings peace to my heart." "Your heart?" "It was the same with the big snake. If I had abandoned Sakura to save myself, and the Land of Harmony had been destroyed with Sakura dying, I couldn't forgive myself; it would haunt my dreams." I would likely regret it. It’s because of the bear gear I received from the gods that I feel a sense of responsibility. If the enemy is truly beyond bear gear, then I’d probably run away. "Even so, few would be foolish enough to risk their lives." "Calling it foolish is unkind." "But thanks to that foolish action, we were saved." Is that praise in some form? "So, it's fine to defeat that Ice Dragon, but how do you plan to do it?" It’s fine. "I guess I’ll report back to Liese and the others first. Then, head to the Ice Dragon at the summit?" The Ice Dragon left before I could have a detailed discussion. Its concern over the eggs probably made it anxious to return quickly. Summoning Kumayuru and Kumakyu, I return to Liese and the others. "Yuna, Kagari." Upon our return to the mines, Liese and the others emerge, having been observing the entrance. “Are you two alright?” “Yeah, we’re fine.” “Sorry for worrying you.” “I’m glad to hear that. So, what happened?” I recounted the conversation with the Ice Dragon. “So, the Ice Dragon at the summit is an eminent figure?” “Did it come aiming for the throne of the Ice Dragon?” "Since it laid eggs, isn't it a queen?" "It doesn't really matter, does it?" The old men chime in to keep the story moving. "Well, we’ve decided to help the Ice Dragon at the summit." Liese and the others appear conflicted hearing my decision. "I understand how you feel. Helping the Ice Dragon that froze your family and town is bound to be complicated. But this is the best solution." Though it was my decision, Kagari explains on my behalf. "Moreover, the new Ice Dragon seems to harbor animosity towards humans. If it wins, it might start attacking people." “Do you think we hope for the Ice Dragon on the mountain to lose?” “If a new Ice Dragon appeared to defeat the one who froze your family, wouldn’t you root for the new one?” The enemy of my enemy is a friend, as they say. Although neither can be called allies in this case, I believe the Ice Dragon at the summit is the lesser of two evils. "It wouldn’t be truthful to say no. However, over these three years, we’ve realized the Ice Dragon on the mountain didn’t freeze us intending to kill. It just settled on the mountain, freezing our town as a result." "Unreasonable though it may be, that is the nature of an Ice Dragon." "Therefore, we no longer desire to defeat it." Everyone nods in agreement with Liese’s words. "If the new Ice Dragon defeats the one at the mountain and intends to settle here, treating humans as prey, it would be disastrous." "Although I was prepared to die anytime, I wish to see our town freed from the ice. For that, the Ice Dragon on the mountain must prevail." "So, if the Ice Dragon gives birth and leaves, there would be no greater joy." “Please, don’t worry about it.” “Yuna and Kagari, we entrust the matter of the Ice Dragons to you.” Though they say that, their true feelings are uncertain. Nonetheless, I am grateful for Liese and the others' words. It makes it easier to act. “Thank you. I’ll proceed to protect the Ice Dragon on the mountain and defeat the new one.” I urge Liese and the others to stay away since we don’t know what might happen, and if anything strange occurs, to hide in the mines. Kagari and I head towards the summit. “Climbing the mountain again, here we go.” “We have to stay close to the Ice Dragon on the mountain in case the new one attacks.” “That’s true, but still.” “We also need to hear the new Ice Dragon’s story.” Information is vital. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.” Kagari and I, riding Kumayuru and Kumakyu, proceed to the summit. “You’ve come." The Ice Dragon sits in the same spot as before. I assume the eggs are nestled beneath its body. “I want to ask you something.” "What do you want to ask?" "Does the other Ice Dragon understand language? Do Ice Dragons even speak human language?" “I am the only one who can speak." Really? So other Ice Dragons can’t speak. “I just want to confirm; did you flee from the other Ice Dragon to get here?” “That one waited for me to lay eggs. I sought a place to hide and came here." Because of that, this town was encased in ice. Quite a troubling situation. But then again, humans don’t consider the animals, birds, or insects when building homes or developing land. "So, do you know when that Ice Dragon will come?" "It won’t let me escape. It will come soon." That’s a relief. The thought of it coming a year later was quite frightening. “Child of humans, do you truly intend to fight?” “I don’t want to fight. But, since it seems I've become a target for its resentment, I can’t afford to let it attack people indiscriminately.” The new Ice Dragon is poised to strike humans. If it stands against humanity, then battle is the only course. "Will you join the fight?" “I have no intention of leaving until the child is born." So, it means it will fight until the child is born, right? Kagari and I decided to rest in the bear house until the Ice Dragon appeared. We also took the opportunity to seek approval from the Ice Dragon regarding the bear house. “I don’t mind." With its blessing, we set up the bear house and went inside. “Phew, it’s so warm in here,” Kagari noted. “Even with magic, is it still cold outside?” "The warmth of magic and the warmth inside a house are different, you know," She replied. I see. Just like a fireplace, a heater, a kerosene stove, or a kotatsu, each gives off a different kind of warmth. I served Kagari some green tea I had bought in the Land of Harmony. “It’s hot, but it warms you to the core,” She said. I prepared a cup for myself and drank. Indeed, it warms you from the inside out. “Kagari, are you thinking of heading back?” I asked, confirming once more. “What’s this all of a sudden?” “This whole situation doesn’t really concern you, does it?” “If you put it that way, it doesn't concern you either.” “I’m just doing this for my own satisfaction.” There's also the concern of dreams. Having the bear gear from the gods and yet abandoning Liese and the others would definitely haunt my dreams. “In that case, the same goes for me. But if my presence here bothers you, I'll leave this matter to you.” “That’s not true at all. I’d appreciate you being here with me, Kagari.” Not only because of her knowledge, but she’s also invaluable in combat. "Just make sure to escape if things get too dangerous.” “You should do the same. If something happens to you, Sakura would be devastated.” “Yes.” “Moreover, if anything were to happen to you, I’d have no way to return.” Indeed, if something were to happen to me, Kagari would be stranded. I value my life. My motto is to take things slowly and peacefully. Therefore, I don’t plan to fight to the very brink of death.