Chapter 14
“That’s not the case. As long as the dragon remains, both my father and Mr. Viretta’s father are unlikely to easily bend their wills.”
“Why?”
“Ugh, Lanken. Haven’t I told you several times already? Have you forgotten everything? The reason I’m engaged to Iola is because of the dragon.”
Lanken tilted his head in confusion, making a soft “huh?” sound. Viretta lightly tapped her chest with her fist and lifted her chin.
“Listen carefully.”
“I’ll explain the social and economic consequences of the dragon in a way that’s easy to understand.”
Viretta and Iola began to explain back and forth. The explanation went like this:
If you trace how these two ended up engaged, you can’t leave out the story of the dragon they sought to hunt.
The problem began a year and a half ago, when a dragon arrived from abroad and settled in Medlidge’s mining area.
The Medlidge Trading Company originated as a mining business. Based on the mineral veins in the eastern region, the company gradually grew, eventually securing mining rights in the southeast as well.
Whenever mineral supplies showed signs of depletion, they pushed to develop new mining techniques and created new smelting methods. Medlidge never skimped on research funding, which kept their business thriving.
Thanks to this, the mines remained productive for a long time, and the small southern foothills had survived on mining for over twenty years.
When work is plentiful, people come in. When people come, money and silver circulate. When goods circulate, energy and life flourish, and towns grow. Workers from various regions turned a small village into a bustling city.
But a year and a half ago, a dragon flew in from afar and nested in the small foothills, causing upheaval.
With the dragon blocking paths, mining could no longer proceed as before. Miners lost work. As money drained from their pockets, taverns and restaurants collapsed first.
After that, as miners and workers left, inns faltered, and eventually the entire city began to shake.
Moreover, the city had no walls due to its gradual growth. People fearing the dragon might fly into the city began to leave.
As money ran out, people’s spirits faltered, and local security and the economy rapidly deteriorated. Medlidge, which tightly controlled the regional economy, had to find a solution.
“…And that solution is to get engaged to the mercenary group’s nephew?”
“Yes.”
Lanken, who had been quietly listening, asked. He knew there were problems in the mining area, but he didn’t fully understand.
“You’re thinking of bringing in a mercenary group to hunt the dragon?”
“No, Lanken. You know your father well. He doesn’t do anything that isn’t profitable.”
Lanken frowned in dissatisfaction, summarizing the current situation as “not profitable.”
“Medlidge Trading Company found a new business partner suitable for the turbulent times. A capable mercenary group that can provide forces to guard the caravan and maintain city security.”
“If the local security deteriorates, nearby branches would also be at risk, and the entire Medlidge operation could falter. On top of that, they need to develop other mining areas immediately, so trustworthy protection was necessary.”
“By chance, we were also looking for a stable source of financial support.”
Viretta and Iola exchanged words smoothly.
“But since it was uncertain where the dragon might go, neither side trusted the other. If the dragon rampages or security deteriorates, the mercenary group might cancel the contract.”
“Conversely, if the dragon flies to an area unrelated to Medlidge, Medlidge could unilaterally cancel the contract. So when two groups without trust join forces, they use a traditional method.”
“A marriage alliance, then.”
Both nodded.
Lanken immediately understood why they approached Najin, ignoring the many mercenary groups in Filian.
Najin was renowned as a mercenary city. The city’s prestige had made the nation of Sahara famous overnight.
Cadlen Medlidge, as usual, chose the best option.
It wasn’t a bad offer for Jin either. Having a financially strong trading company as an ally was a huge advantage.
“Traditional, but effective.”
By chance, Jin had a son of marriageable age, and Medlidge had a daughter of marriageable age.
The greatest alliance is a marriage alliance! Medlidge and Jin agreed on the engagement.
This was the series of events leading to the engagement.
“But if I kill the dragon, there’s no need to collude with Jin. No reason to be engaged, so they’ll allow the engagement to be broken.”
Since the engagement began with the dragon, eliminating it would end the matter. Theoretically, it made sense.
It’s like: there’s a money problem? Remove the money! The logic was blunt but not wrong.
Yet, some parts still felt unclear. Lanken tilted his head.
“Isn’t that from your elders’ point of view? If they insist, the engagement could be canceled… but on the other hand, Najin might be upset at missing a golden opportunity.”
“Ah.”
Viretta looked at Iola, caught off guard.
“Sorry. I didn’t consider someone else’s father.”
“That’s fine. Focus on Viretta’s father.”
“It’s not wrong, but the phrasing is odd…”
Iola’s smile made it even stranger. She rarely lost her gentle expression.
“Although it’s probably not a happy thing, your father wouldn’t ruin Viretta’s life just because of his personal gains or mood. He would understand. Your son—”
“Generous—”
“—is terribly disappointing and useless.”
“……”
“……”
Viretta and Lanken were slightly unnerved by Iola’s bright response, which contrasted with the content of her words.
But it lasted only briefly. Viretta clenched her fists and defended Iola.
“That’s absurd! Iola is a student at the National Academy of Mathematics, the best school in Filian!”
The National Academy of Mathematics, where Iola was writing her graduation thesis, was the top higher education institution in Filian.
Tuition was expensive, and entry required passing a difficult exam, making it a treasure trove of knowledge.
It was famous not only domestically but internationally, attracting excellent foreign students. Iola was one of them.
Such a student could never be useless. Yet Iola just smiled brightly.
“Most men in Najin, unless sick or disabled, work as mercenaries. Naturally, men who don’t become mercenaries are treated as half-measures. When I told my father I wanted to study abroad in Filian, he was already greatly disappointed in me.”
“That’s harsh.”
“When I received scholarships and recognition from professors at the academy, he was even more disheartened. How can someone just study and like learning without fighting or leading others?”
“Harsh, right? That’s harsh, isn’t it?”
It sounded like she was bragging about her intelligence, but with a solemn expression of regret, it was confusing.
Viretta didn’t know whether to congratulate or comfort Iola. Even Monaine’s criticism felt chilling.
“If you were to ruin even a strategic marriage in this situation, he would be greatly disappointed, but what can you do? You have to accept it.”
Despite the gloomy topic, the conclusion was cheerful.
“You seem like you’ve accepted it.”
“Expecting children to grow exactly as you wish is an ancient fantasy. I’m fine with it. I’ve betrayed my father’s expectations more than once.”
“Wow, same here! We have so much in common!”
Finally finding the right words, Viretta clasped Iola’s hand and smiled happily.
She looked extremely joyful, even blushing.
“Do you like it? Are you happy?”
“Of course. I’m glad we share something in common. If it’s about disappointing our fathers, I could talk about it all day.”
Viretta, who had run away from her mansion three days before the engagement her father had longed for, spoke. Iola, who had done the same, responded cheerfully.
“Ah, same here. It’s thrilling to find something in common with you, Viretta.”
“Great Father, save me from their clutches… why are you doing this to me?”
Even Iola blushed with joy, and Lanken clasped his hands together, praying once more.
In a life where hardships had doubled, divine help was more desperately needed than ever.
