The following day, while the merchant was surprised to suddenly have more traveling companions, he agreed to let the small dragon and wolf join them. Perhaps being a traveler in different lands had made him quick to adapt.
As the wagon continued down the road, they started to see houses among the surrounding trees and fields.
“We’ll be reaching Rahana Village soon.”
“Yes. And so…”
“You don’t need to say anything. Well… Have you decided where you’re headed?”
Keita looked surprised, but the merchant just shrugged.
“You and the dragon seemed to talk for a long time late at night. And you looked better this morning.”
“I…do?”
“Like a burden has been lifted. You seem refreshed.”
Perhaps he was right.
More than anything, it was the words he heard from Canila in the morning.
‘Keita. I have a request.’
‘What?’
‘From now on, I want to cooperate with Salia and help Sheto. Will you lend me a hand?’
‘Yes. Okay.’
Canila thanked him, and all was decided.
And so for now, he would be acting with Fi and following the dragon god’s orders.
Before he knew it, the dark emotions had vanished as if they were never there. The shackles around his ankles and wrists were gone, and he felt light. Like a prisoner who had been set free.
They started to see more people on the road, and then a town came into view. The merchant pulled on the reins and waved his hand.
“Alright, let’s part ways here then. If we get any closer, the guards will be troublesome. They have soldiers from the Hero’s army stationed there.”
“I see. Yes, I wouldn’t want them to suspect you of anything.”
“It’s nothing. Also, here.”
He threw a small purse. It was filled with silver and copper coins.
“For all of your work up until now.”
“But this is too much, even when subtracting meals and lodging.”
“I just added a little on top. But it’s no more than an ordinary mercenary would make. Don’t worry about it.”
“Thank you for everything.”
The merchant nodded, and the wagon moved on.
After seeing him off, the dragon god’s voice came.
‘Now, I look forward to working with you, Keita.’
“Yes.”
‘Let me ask you this. What do you wish for, during this journey?’
It was a strange question. What did he want? He hadn’t thought about that before.
“I don’t know.”
‘You don’t want to get your village back?’
“That…is in the past. Going back would only cause confusion for the people. And I don’t think there is anything I can do now.”
‘This journey will be harsh. To be honest, there may be times when I will have to prioritize the safety of Sheto and Fi over you.’
He could be cut off and discarded. The words were heavy. To the dragon god, Fi was a friend, while Sheto was the Hero of his ally. There was no comparison. That being said, he had not expected it to be said out loud.
After he let the words sink in, the dragon god spoke again.
‘And so, I want to ask you. If upon hearing those words, you decide that you won’t cooperate with us, I will allow it.’
“Wouldn’t that be very troublesome for you?”
‘I will think of a solution.’
He said. But the dragon god sounded a little amused as he continued.
‘The fun in a game comes in using your wisdom to find victory with the hand that you have. A game is more interesting when there are restrictions.’