84. A New Resident And Witness To History, Isn’t It?

“Welcome to Golden Dawn. I am Kyle Gandarl Veil Road, entrusted with governing this town. Please call me Kyle.”

Waiting in the parlor of Kyle’s mansion was, of course, Kyle himself.

The third son of the Viscount of Veil Road, he had rarely appeared in public due to illness, but at 12 years old, his success in developing Golden Dawn had rapidly elevated his reputation.

When I first met Kyle, he was being blatantly bullied by his brother, Zaid. Seeing this, I resolved to help Kyle.

Fortunately, just before meeting Kyle, I had been marked with the highest emblem of an alchemist, which enabled me to cure Kyle’s illness. Not only that, but I also contributed to improving life in Golden Dawn.

There were also achievements like defeating a dragon.

All the credit belongs to Kyle, but we must not forget the great efforts of adventurers and comrades.

Now, a new historical achievement was about to be inscribed for Kyle Gandarl Veil Road.

With a noble’s soft smile, Kyle, still showing signs of youth, reached out to the lizardman before him, who seemed twice his height.

The lizardman, a sharp-eyed humanoid lizard, slowly grasped his hand in return.

“I am Jurara, son of the village chief of Gourd Swamp Village. While details are to be discussed, once a new village is established, I am set to become the chief. I look forward to working with you.”

“Yes, I look forward to working with you too, Chief Jurara.”

Thus began the first official meeting with the lizardman race, though it had taken some time to reach this point.

Kyle wanted to meet the lizardmen immediately after learning of their arrival in Golden Dawn, but the lizardmen requested a week to tour the town first.

This proposal turned out to be beneficial.

Kyle accepted and issued an edict immediately.

He banned conflict or discrimination against the lizardmen and temporarily halted commerce with them.

At first, I wondered why commerce was banned, but before the edict spread, a merchant named Akindo approached the lizardmen, wanting to trade their belongings for daily necessities.

It made sense. Trading without understanding each other’s values would be impossible.

Akindo probably wanted to know what the lizardmen valued highly, even if their first deal was a complete loss. The need for information was clear.

Of course, the deal with Akindo was stopped immediately. All necessities were being provided by Kyle, so there was no problem.

The lizardmen, led by Jurara, acted politely while touring the town, and were accepted by the residents of Golden Dawn without trouble.

This acceptance was thanks to Kyle’s strong policy of abolishing discrimination against beastmen and demihumans.

Though brief, this mutual understanding led to the official meeting.

After the greetings, Jurala spoke up.

“…We lizardmen have long been forbidden to contact humans. It’s an old rule, but whenever we observed human settlements, we couldn’t imagine interacting with them.”

Kyle nodded slowly at Jurala’s earnest words.

“To be honest, I was unsure if humans like Raidoc or Craft would accept us. However, the town governed by Kyle-sama indeed welcomed us. After discussions, we wish to come under Kyle’-samas protection. Would you accept us?”

“Yes. As previously mentioned, the Kingdom of Maugaria and Viscount Veil Road accept the lizardman race and grant autonomy to their settlements.”

Thanks to the week of preparation, confirmation from the Viscount Veil Road, Kyle’s father, was possible.

Interestingly, the reply clearly stated that permission was obtained from the king.

While travel between the Viscount and Golden Dawn takes a week with a super horse raised on stamina potions, how the Viscont communicated with the king within that time remains a mystery.

It might involve the rumored national treasure-level artifact that uses magic for communication. If it exists, I want one too.

I digress, but thus began a new interaction between the human and lizardman races.

◆

After the meeting with the lizardmen, I was summoned to Kyle’s room. Upon arriving, I found Leafan and Myrna there, both turning their eyes towards me.

“Good work, Craft-kun.”

“Yeah. I think this was the best possible outcome.”

“That’s good to hear! All the preparation was worth it.”

“Yeah, good job, Leafan.”

As usual, Myrna sat on my lap, looking up at me.

Doesn’t that angle hurt your neck?

“…Stories, souvenirs.”

Waiting silently for Myrna’s reaction, she finally muttered impatiently.

“Oh. Here’s a souvenir. It’s a ceremonial dress from the lizardmen, their traditional attire. A joint gift from Leafan and me.”

From my spatial storage, I pulled out the ceremonial dress given by the lizardmen. Leafan immediately took it and showed it to Mina.

“Myrna-sama, let me help you put it on!”

“Okay.”

Naturally, our bodyguard Persia was in the room too, and the three of them left to change.

After a while, Leafan and Persia returned, but Myrna was nowhere to be seen.

“What’s up?”

“Myrna’s feeling shy.”

“Shy?”

Hmm?

The lizardmen’s everyday clothes are a bit skimpy, with questionable chest protection, but the gifted clothes are for celebrations, covering more skin. Besides, Leafan adjusted the size, so it shouldn’t be embarrassing.

Both Leafan and Persia were calling out to Mina in the hallway.

“It’s okay, Myrna. You look wonderful!”

“Yes! I chose it, so you must look very cute!”

Yeah, she rejected all the ones I picked.

Leafan and Persia practically dragged the reluctant Mina into the room, but she immediately hid behind Leafan’s back.

“Come on! Show Craft how cute you look!”

“Very cute, Myrna-sama! …Hey Craft, don’t I get a souvenir?”

Persia glanced at me, cheeks slightly flushed, though it might have been my imagination.

“Oh, I have something for you. Here!”

I pulled out a doll woven from dried grass.

The doll wore a long mask and held a spear and shield valiantly.

Modeled after a formidable lizardman, it had a thick tail and a broad chest.

Yeah, it looks cool!

“…What is this?”

“It’s said to be a charm modeled after a legendary lizardman. Shururu recommended it as a gift for a warrior.”

“Did you… not mention it was for a woman?”

“Huh? I said it was for both men and women.”

“…I see… lizardman culture… but that dress…”

She didn’t seem as pleased as I hoped. Alphard had been thrilled when I gave him his in the hallway.

“Craft… was that really your souvenir?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh, Craft… Here, Persia, this is for you!”

Leafan offered a ring set with a deep green stone.

The rare gem shimmered emerald green in the light.

“A ring?”

“Yes. It’s not valuable as a gemstone, but it’s a beautiful stone used in lizardman village ornaments.”

“This is nice. Too valuable a gift would be burdensome, but this is perfect for everyday wear.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Thank you, Leafan. …Craft, you need to learn more about the world.”

“Eh?! Me!?”

Her sudden criticism made my voice crack.

What did I do wrong?!

“Uhh…”

Myrna, still behind Leafan, was grumbling. I wished she’d let me see her in the dress.

“By the way, Myrna, the doll you gave me kept me company during my long journey. Look.”

I took out the zombie—no, lovingly crafted rabbit plush Mina had given me, now a bit worn despite my best efforts to keep it clean.

“Praise this little guy who went on a grand adventure in your stead.”

“…Okay.”

Her curiosity won over embarrassment, and Myrna tottered over.

In her traditional outfit, a mix of red, blue, green, and purple patterns, she looked completely different from her usual dress.

“Oh…”

Unexpectedly mature with makeup, Myrna’s appearance momentarily left me speechless.

No, no! She’s just a kid, the same age as Kyle!

“How do I look, Craft? Isn’t Myrna-sama adorable?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. I think it looks great.”

Though internally shaken, I managed to respond. Persia sighed.

“Craft-kun, you’re supposed to say it suits her and she’s cute.”

“Eh?! Oh, right. You look very good and cute, Myrna.”

Leafan and Persia gave me half-lidded stares, but Myrna blushed deeply and looked down.

“Mm…”

Myrna fidgeted with the rabbit doll, and silence filled the room.

What is this atmosphere!?

Someone help!

My plea was answered by a knock at the door—our savior arrived!

“Is everyone here?”

Kyle!

You’re the best little brother in the world!!

Kyle entered, smiling brightly.

“Oh, Myrna. You’re all dressed up. It suits you very well.”

“…Mm.”

“Is that a gift from Craft-oniisama?”

Kyle glanced my way, and I nodded slightly.

“It’s from Leafan and me. Actually, it’s a gift from all the lizardmen who provided the clothes.”

“Thank you, Craft-oniisama, and Leafan. We must thank future Chief Jurara too.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Myrna, did you properly thank them?”

Kyle gently asked, and Mina lifted her face slightly. Kyle peeked into her eyes and smiled softly.

“You must express your thanks properly.”

“…Mm.”

Myrna turned, bowed gracefully like a noble, and whispered.

“Thank you…”

“You’re welcome.”

“Yes! I’m glad you like it!”

After her thanks, Mina quickly left the room.

“Excuse me.”

Persia followed Myrna out, replaced by Alphard.

Today, Persia and Alphard were sticking close due to Kyle and Mina’s separate activities and the lizardmen’s presence.

“Craft, thanks for the charm earlier.”

“Ah, well. Persia didn’t like hers, though.”

“What?”

I intended to brush it off, but Alphard’s eyes widened.

What’s up?

“You gave that doll to Persia too?”

“Yeah…”

“You really are… Well, never mind.”

“Eh? What!? Did I mess up!?”

“”It’s always the same with you.””

Leafan and Alphard chorused, despite slight differences in their words.

Why!?

The legendary lizardman doll is cool, right!?