Chapter 510 – The Next Adventure Destination

Tauro and his party were discussing their next adventure destination at the estate of Count Graundewald in the royal capital.

Since the dungeon Babylon has been left to the experts of the dragon race, so we won’t be going there, but there are still places within the country that we haven’t been to yet, forbidden areas where entry is prohibited, and areas where access is limited. 

Recently, an artificial dungeon had also been created in the southwestern part of the kingdom, so there was no shortage of places to adventure.

Moreover, having been promoted to B− rank—albeit somewhat by luck—we could now take on special quests that took a long time that previously would have been impossible. There were plenty of things we could do.

Thank you, Honorary Viscount.

“Tauro, where do you want to go? I was thinking it might be fun to take a boat from the port city of O’circus in the east and cross the sea to explore the islands.”

Aeris suggested, recalling the city she had visited before while imagining the uncharted waters beyond.

“I want to try the dungeon in the ruins of the Holitz Mine, supposedly man-made” Ragune said, showing a typical Dragonkin preference for dungeon exploration.

“I’d like to visit the large forests and mountain ranges that spread across the southwest, a land rich in nature, and see the cities of elves and dwarves who live there under granted autonomy,” Zion said.

“I… hmm. Maybe further south than the Prime Minister’s Dukedom, which the leader mentioned. I’ve never been there, and if you go further south, there are many countries bordering it, so it would be easy to travel anywhere,” 

Ankh added. Being a mercenary, he was naturally well-informed about many regions.

Although most places Ankh had visited were battlefields, he usually didn’t talk about that.

“Everyone’s ideas are so different… but it’s nice that there are so many fun places to go,” Tauro said, enjoying hearing everyone’s opinions.

“──But the places Ragune and Zion want to go are close to each other, right? Both in the southwest? And the southern part that Ankh mentioned isn’t far either, so maybe that direction would be the best general area,” Aeris said, taking the initiative to organize their ideas.

“The Holitz Mine ruins, the southwestern region, and the many autonomous cities, huh? I hear there are a lot of adventurers going that way recently. So maybe we should go there? –But still, no one’s saying anything about the north.” Tauro added, nodding to Aeris while gathering his thoughts and giving a wry smile.

“‘North is──, hmm…’”

Excluding Tauro, Aeris, Ragune, Ankh, and Zion exchanged meaningful nods. Their reaction was understandable.

The north bordered an empire with which they had lingering conflicts. 

Although other countries share borders with the Kingdom, it cannot be denied that they are all connected to the Empire. Aeris had even been attacked after being mistaken for the saint, and the empire had been involved at the time of the assassination guild subjugation, they did not want to get involved any further.

“──Also, if we wanted to go north, we could easily get there from the dragon-people village using Tauro and Ragune’s abilities, so it’s not like it’s impossible,” Aeris reasoned, speaking on behalf of everyone.

“…Indeed. Then it’s settled—we’ll go to the southwest. After a few days, once we finish sending the The Five Virtues of The Dragon team to the dungeon, we’ll be ready to depart. Everyone please prepare so we can leave immediately.”

Tauro decided, giving everyone free time to do as they pleased until the day of departure.

Tauro then decided to take care of some errands.

First, I had to say goodbye to my father, Count Graundewald, and my younger brother Haku.

Naturally, Tauro had become an honorary viscount and was to leave the House of Count Graundewald, so he thought he’d say goodbye before setting off on another long journey.

“What’s with all the formality? —Haha! Is that all? Even if you gain a title and leave home, you are still our son. And Haku is still your brother. Besides, even though you are an honorary viscount, you are still a minor. You’re under our protection. You can always rely on us whenever you’re in trouble. And make sure to visit your mother occasionally, and don’t forget to write to us, okay? We’re family, after all,” 

Count Graundewald said, laughing off Tauro’s formality and emphasizing that they were family.

Tauro felt a sense of relief at his father’s words.

These were my parents who had accepted me, a commoner, as their legitimate son.

So, even if I our tie had been severed by me relinquishing that title, I wouldn’t have been able to complain, yet they still call me family. Nothing could make me happier.

“Thank you, Father. I am truly fortunate to have such wonderful parents. —Haku, I’m sorry that I have to leave on this journey without being able to do anything for you as your older brother,” 

“Hahaha. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for you, Big Brother. You are also the person I am most proud of. Please take good care of your health.”

His younger brother Haku had the best words for his respected brother, Tauro.

“The departure is still a few days away, so it’s too early to say that.” Tauro scold Haku for his words, partly to hide his embarrassment.

“Then what will you be doing for the next few days?”

“I was thinking of saying hello to Prince Fleue, but once that’s done I think I’ll spend the time preparing for my journey.”

“Then, at that time, let us see you off properly,” 

“Okay,” Tauro said, smiling as he embraced his younger brother.

Outside the Graundewald estate, Aeris was waiting in the carriage before departure.

“You’re going to greet Prince Fleue as well, right?” she asked.

“Yes. Let’s go then,” 

The two climbed into the carriage and headed to the royal palace to meet their friend