Chapter 510 – Future Adventuring Destinations

Tauro and his party were discussing where to go next at Count Graunewald’s residence in the Royal Capital.

For the time being, they would leave the Babylon dungeon to the dragonfolk experts. Even so, there were still many places in the kingdom they had never visited, including forbidden regions where entry was prohibited and restricted areas that required special permission.

An artificial dungeon had also recently appeared in the southwestern part of the kingdom, so they had no shortage of potential destinations.

Moreover, now that Black-Gold Wings had reached B-minus rank—however unexpectedly—they could accept special, long-term requests that had previously been out of reach. Their options had expanded considerably.

They had their new status as honorary nobles to thank for part of that freedom.

“Tauro, where do you want to go? I think it might be fun to take a ship from the eastern port city of O’Circus, cross the sea, and explore the islands,” Aeris suggested.

She remembered the city she had visited before and imagined the unknown waters beyond it.

“I want to try the dungeon in the ruins of the Holitz Mine. I hear it may be man-made,” Ragune said, displaying a typically dragonfolk enthusiasm for dungeon exploration.

“I’d like to see the vast forests and mountain ranges in the southwest, and visit the autonomous cities where elves and dwarves live,” Zion said.

“Hmm… I’d say somewhere farther south than Prime Minister Duke Barriera’s territory, like the leader mentioned. I’ve never been there, and farther south there are many neighboring countries, so it would be easy to travel in almost any direction,”

Ankh added. As a former mercenary, he naturally knew a great deal about many regions.

Most of the places Ankh had visited had been battlefields, though he rarely spoke about that.

“Everyone wants something completely different… but it’s nice to have so many interesting places to choose from,” Tauro said, enjoying everyone’s suggestions.

“Still, Ragune’s and Zion’s destinations are fairly close together, aren’t they? They’re both in the southwest. And the southern area Ankh mentioned isn’t that far away either, so maybe the southwest would make the best general direction,” Aeris said, taking the lead in organizing their ideas.

“The Holitz Mine ruins, the southwestern region, and all those autonomous cities… I hear more adventurers have been heading that way lately. Maybe that should be our destination. Though it’s interesting that no one suggested the north,” Tauro said with a wry smile.

“The north is… well…”

Aeris, Ragune, Ankh, and Zion exchanged knowing looks. Their reaction was understandable.

The northern region bordered the Empire, with which the kingdom had a long history of friction.

Other countries also lay along the kingdom’s northern frontier, but their possible ties to the Northern Empire couldn’t be ignored. Aeris had recently been attacked after being mistaken for the Saint, and Imperial involvement had also surfaced during the Assassins’ Guild subjugation. None of them was eager to become entangled with the Empire again.

“Besides, if we ever do want to head north, we can reach the area easily from the Dragonfolk Village using Tauro’s and Ragune’s abilities, so it isn’t as though we can’t go,” Aeris added on everyone’s behalf.

“True. Then it’s decided—we’ll head southwest. In a few days, after we send Five Dragon Virtues and the others back into the dungeon, we’ll be ready to leave. Everyone, please finish your preparations so we can depart right away.”

With that, Tauro made the decision and gave everyone free time until their departure.

Tauro then turned to his own errands.

First, he wanted to speak with his father, Count Graunewald, and his younger brother Haku before leaving.

Tauro had become an honorary viscount and would be establishing himself more independently from the Graunewald household, so he wanted to say a proper goodbye before setting out on another long journey.

“What’s with all the formality? Haha! Is that what this was about? Even if you gain a title and leave home, you’re still our son, and Haku is still your brother. Besides, honorary viscount or not, you’re still a minor and under our protection. If you ever have trouble, rely on us. Make sure you visit your mother sometimes too, and don’t forget to write. We’re family, after all.”

Count Graunewald laughed off Tauro’s formality and emphasized that their family relationship hadn’t changed.

Tauro felt relieved by his father’s words.

They were the parents who had taken him in, a commoner, and accepted him as their legitimate son.

Even if gaining his own title meant living apart from the household, he could hardly have complained after everything they had done for him. Yet they still called him family, and nothing could have made him happier.

“Thank you, Father. I’m truly fortunate to have such wonderful parents. Haku, I’m sorry I have to leave on another journey without having done much for you as your older brother.”

“Hahaha. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for you, Big Brother. You’re also the person I’m proudest of. Please take care of yourself.”

Haku answered his respected older brother with the warmest words he could offer.

“I’m not leaving for a few more days, so it’s a little early for that,” Tauro told him, partly to hide his embarrassment.

“Then what are you going to do over the next few days?”

“I’m thinking of paying Prince Fleue a visit. After that, I’ll probably spend the rest of the time preparing for the journey.”

“Then we’ll see you off properly when the time comes.”

“Okay,” Tauro said with a smile as he embraced his younger brother.

Outside the Graunewald residence, Aeris was waiting in the carriage.

“You’re going to see Prince Fleue too, right?” she asked.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

The two climbed into the carriage and headed for the royal palace to visit their friend.