“Yes, yes, yes, I’ll deliver the message right away.”
The Gate Guard could barely tell that the young magician girl was just making things difficult for him, not a true enemy.
He took the letter and dashed off.
Although that magician girl was very pretty, he was now absolutely certain she was a rose with thorns.
“You’re so petty. Was it really necessary to mess with him like that?” Only after the little soldier had gone far did Sheffield dare to speak in a low voice.
“You may have great power, but you don’t understand the human heart, nor the ways of the world. That’s not your fault—your Ancient Dragons have no need for socializing. But we humans are different, we’re social creatures, most people have to live together in groups,” said Xiadam.
“What does that have to do with you tormenting that soldier just now?” Sheffield asked.
“Especially when joining a new group—if you can’t show off something extraordinary about yourself, you’ll easily get bullied.” Xiadam continued her analysis.
“Nonsense, you were clearly the one bullying the soldier. I may not be human, but I do understand a thing or two about the Human Race. I don’t think normal people would bully a magician—unless they’re brainless.” Sheffield retorted.
“You foolish Dragon, are you the human or am I? Who understands humans better, you or me?” Xiadam suddenly became tough.
“……” Sheffield fell silent.
She wanted to say, “You really might not understand humans better than I do. Ever heard of ‘the bystander sees things more clearly’?”
She’d lived for over a thousand years, even had children—what in this world could escape her eyes?
Even as a beautiful young girl, Xiadam was still that overly serious and extremely stubborn old man at heart.
The nature of the Human Race is just like you!
Before long, the Gate Guard returned with a squad of knights, hurrying to the rear city gate.
Their old-fashioned armor gave off a killing aura forged through countless battles—all real combat knights.
At the head was a middle-aged man without a helmet, wearing the same knight’s armor as everyone else, but with a red cape symbolizing his noble Lord status.
In situations like this, those who didn’t wear helmets were usually tough characters.
He had a stern face, with wrinkles that didn’t match his age, and clear scars from being clawed by a dire wolf.
It looked like being a Lord wasn’t easy for him—he was a battle-hardened knight Lord.
“Thank you, Magician. I am Otto Ravini, Lord of this place. I’ve already learned from Arnold’s letter about your help and contribution to the Pioneers.” Lord Lavini immediately dropped to one knee and gave Xiadam a deep bow.
Arnold was the Pioneer Knight Captain from before.
In his letter, he had praised Xiadam’s strength and achievements to the heavens.
He’d written that she single-handedly helped them establish the New Village, ruthlessly eliminating the Forest Lord Monster in the uninhabited woods.
“No need for formalities, Lord. I’m only here to collect my reward.” Xiadam replied coldly, though not without courtesy.
So young, yet so calm and steady when she spoke—all the knights looked at her with newfound respect.
“I understand. Please, both of you come with me. Let me arrange for you to rest first.” Lord Lavini said.
“Mm.” Xiadam nodded, not refusing.
“And this is…?” Lord Lavini suddenly noticed the Fat Little Dragon hiding behind the magician.
“It’s my Magic Pet. Don’t worry, it’s very safe.” Xiadam explained.
Since the young magician had said so, Lord Lavini didn’t ask further, leading the two girls and one dragon into the Defensive City.
A group of Defensive Knights followed behind, keeping a close eye on the Fat Little Dragon.
The timid Fat Little Dragon was frightened by so many knights staring at it, clutching at Xiadam’s sleeve with its little claws like a child.
The Defensive Knights all found it strange to see such a human-like little dragon.
They’d fought fierce Monsters for years, but had never seen a dragon with a turtle shell, let alone a two-legged, ground-walking one.
But since it was the magician’s Magic Pet, it must be extraordinary—not something ordinary people like them could easily understand.
……
This was a city lacking in vitality—big, yet empty.
Aside from a single tavern, there were basically no other entertainment facilities.
The residents here were all families of Defensive Knights, who had brought their households here to carry out their duties.
But this struck Xiadam as odd.
This place was in the southern part of the largest United Kingdom of the Human Race, and further south lay the Southern Forest where they had come from.
The Forest’s Magical Beasts rarely left the woods to attack the Human Race, who were nothing but skin and bones.
More often, it was humans coveting the forest’s abundant resources, actively invading the Southern Forest to set up Pioneer Land within.
So, although the southern border was a bit dangerous, it shouldn’t be so dangerous as to require Defensive Knights stationed here.
There must be some hidden secret!
Looks like I’ll have to find a way to get the secret out.
Though that was what she was thinking, Xiadam’s expression remained as calm as a mountain.
Though a bit stubborn, her mind was sharp, with a wealth of scouting experience.
A short while later……
The group arrived at the crossroad of the main avenue in the Defensive City.
Here stood a statue of a knight.
The whole Defensive City was shrouded in gray, but only this knight statue was spotlessly clean—clearly someone cleaned it every day.
Xiadam suddenly froze, her eyes wavering, unable to keep her composure.
“What’s the matter, Magician?” Lord Lavini also stopped and asked.
“Is this the Statue of the Unnamed Hero?” Xiadam asked.
“My lord, you can actually recognize it?” Lord Lavini was quite surprised.
Ordinary people couldn’t identify who the statue was meant to depict, since it wore a helmet and its face was hidden. If you weren’t an insider, how could you tell?
But perhaps this was deliberate, to conceal the statue’s identity. After all, its identity was somewhat sensitive.
“I remember he was the Kingdom’s greatest sinner, the Rebellious Dragon Knight who danced with Dragons, the Sword Saint of the Evil Dragon who killed countless people. Why do you erect a statue of such a traitor here?” Xiadam said in a low voice.
At these words, all the Defensive Knights and Lord Lavini looked uncomfortable, the atmosphere turning cold and harsh.
“My lord, you may not know, but those are all lies spread by the Central Kingdom. The Nameless Hero was nothing like that.”
“He and the White Dragon ended wars for thirty years. The Human Race of the continent never again suffered the ravages of war.”
“We are Defensive Knights—everyone who has witnessed the cruelty of war respects him.”
“Even if those nobles living in the comfort of the Central Kingdom slander him every day, we will never forget his contributions.”
“He is a true Hero.”
Lord Lavini’s tone lost some of its respect, standing firm on matters of principle.
Even a magician could not insult his idol.