“Ryujin-sama! You’ve come to our aid!”

The large man, while kneeling down, deeply bowed down to me.

“It has been a while since we last saw you, since you live further away from here, you had to come a long way to go down here…… for you to arrive before the Abyss breeding season, I, Baron, cannot thank you enough! I am honored to be able to meet you again!”

N-No, you completely mistake me from the wrong dragon.
Sorry, but I don’t know your ancestors at all.
Are you sure your so-called Dragon God hadn’t already left you?

In fact, what the heck is an Abyss breeding season? That sounds like hell.
I don’t want anything more to do with those kinds of monsters.

The maiden-like girl walked towards me and stood beside the large man.
She lifted her hands on the air and chanted “tei, res” with a soft voice.
After that, she pointed her grand staff at me and closed her eyes.

【“I am your shrine maiden, Hibi. Your appearance may have changed, but it is reassuring to us that you are lending us your power once again.”】

A voice is entering my head.
Looks like she can use〖Mind Speak〗.
Unlike the last time you came offering tributes to me, you’re talking normally to me now. Was the way you talked before something you do during rituals?
And wait, you’re talking to me casually in my head…… oh well, as long as we can understand each other, I guess.

I’m sure I can converse with them if I use〖Human Transformation〗, but this is better since we’re using our thoughts, we won’t misunderstand each other. I hope.
According to what Adofu said about the Lithuvar Tribe, they were a dangerous race, or so he said.
They might show hostility to other people outside, and if they find out that I’m not their Dragon God, they might get all hostile at me too.

However, I did save them from a monster…… maybe somewhere in the future, they trust me enough that it won’t bother them if they find out who I am.
And then, they won’t see me as an enemy, but I guess they won’t continue treating me as their Dragon God anymore when that time comes.
Maybe I can take a chance and persuade a few of them. And by them, I meant the two in front of me.

Alright, my priorities are lined up.
If it ends up in a battle, with these forces, we won’t be easy to be taken down.

Remembering my conversations with Ball Rabbit, we can even send images to help visualize our intentions clearer.
In truth, I am a completely different person from your previous Dragon God……

“Ryujin-sama, if it weren’t for your arrival…… we would’ve been……”

Oh no, this Baron, or so he’s called, is starting to weep while covering his eyes with his hands standing.
He slammed his head down on the ground with vigor, not to mention, I can see leaks of his tears in the gaps of his fingers, plus he sounds like he’s crying with joy.

No wait, honestly, I really am a different dragon… um, hello…?
…………

【“Ryujin-sama, is there something wrong?”】

Conversation through〖Mind Speak〗again.
Since I was still impatient, I halfheartedly nodded my head.

Baron instantly raised his head.
Although his face was unsightly sullied with his own tears, his face was brimming with pleasure.

…… I… I was a fool for going along with the flow.

I turn my eyes away from Baron’s burning fiery eyes.

“Baron, stop showing such a disgraceful sight to Ryujin-sama.

You’re only troubling him even more.”

“But… But!”

The proclaimed Dragon God’s maiden, Hibi, opened her eyes, and Baron shows a face of disapproval.

Hibi bowed to me, and her smooth-looking skin still looks young.
She looks like she’s around 15-17 years old.
Meanwhile, looking at Baron’s physique and guessing his age. I think he’s around in his mid 20’s.
But, looking at them both, it seems that Hibi has higher social standing.

I guess being the Dragon God’s shrine maiden is a very important role to play.
But, in terms of age, Baron is also rather composed in his own way, which just goes to show how much hardships and experience he’s already had.

A-Anyway, it can’t be helped that I nodded and you went with your own conclusions.
Now that it’s come to this, it’s time for Plan B. I don’t know where your Dragon God is, nor do I know what the hell he’s doing, but with that being the case, then so be it. I’ll do it. I’ll become the next generation Ryujin-sama! [T.N: pffffffffft XD]

Well, at least with this, it lessens my risks of enemies, and it will also confuse them as well.
And, if I end up building a strong relationship with them, then even if my identity is found out, we can still trust each other. (I think)
Now that I’ve ascertained the situation of these two, I haven’t really seen any traits that they are that rumored bloody race yet.
Maybe it was just a misunderstanding?

…… And besides, it’s not bad to be spoiled once in a while.

After meeting eyes with Baron and Hibi, I turn around and face the sky.
Wait, no, this won’t do. I almost showed a lame side near their village entrance.
I am their Dragon God now, I need to get a grip, or else.

Come to think of it, it’s been quite a while since I last saw groups of humans.
The first time was when I was still a Plague Dragon and that time I fought against the Little Rock Dragon.
…… Back then, well, I don’t think those events even lasted an hour for me.

So it’s finally come, my route to being a Guardian Deity.
It’s the greatest time in a dragon’s life.

…… Just that… it’s time for me to head back now.
Wight should still be waiting for me somewhere.
I did have that Treant act as her bodyguard, but it still doesn’t sink in that I got myself a high-ranked monster.

I turn around away from the two.

“Are you already planning to leave, Ryujin-sama? Everyone in our village is still uneasy, but if you would come to our village even once, then……!”

“It is my job to calm our people down! Baron, be quiet for a minute! To trouble Ryujin-sama with our problems is……”

Umm, if it’s just to visit there once, or just to see how things are going there for a moment, then yeah, sure, I can spare some of my time, but……
I can’t really leave a rank E Wight alone for too long out here……
Maybe next time, when Wight has grown a little bit more……

“Besides, have you forgotten that the purpose for us being here is looking for medicinal herbs? Even now, as we speak, that traveler is suffering, you know.”

“B-But, still…… I mean, yes…… you are right, Hibi-sama.”

Baron drooped his head again.
…… S-Seeing a large man get talked over by a young girl is… well… it’s just miserable.

But wait, you’re doing this for a favor?
I guess this really clears up the rumors of you guys being that dangerous tribe…… hm?
That suffering traveler……? You have somewhat piqued my interest……

I turn around towards where I told Wight to wait for me.
An image of Wight pointing her finger at her fellow brethren, the Lithuvar Tribe, and worried about their well-being, just up ahead enters my mind.
…… Should I relieve her worry? But wait, don’t tell me…

I once again turn around and look at Baron and Hibi.

“Ryujin-sama……?”

Please do tell me about that traveler you spoke of before.