48: The Dragon’s Curse
When I asked about the white knight who had nearly killed me and my subordinates, Liz nodded.
“Yes, we have the results of the investigation.”
“Tell me everything you know about his strength, his regenerative abilities, his objective, and how he infiltrated.”
“Understood. He was almost certainly a Dragon Knight from Rank Kingdom. We’re still confirming the details, but he was likely the captain. The last one, I should say.”
“Are Dragon Knights that strong, even without their dragons?”
“Rest assured, he was an exception. As for the other four—”
“Ah, that’s fine for now. I’ll read the report later.”
I hadn’t seen the other two, but Liz must have killed them. If they were easily killed, there was no need to rush.
“Yes. His objective was likely the assassination of the Lord of Disease. There’s a possibility of a larger diversionary tactic, but so far, there haven’t been any other unusual movements reported. In my opinion, it was a straightforward assassination attempt.”
“Well, I’d be worried if it wasn’t. —What about the infiltration route?”
“Based on the markings on the map he carried, it seems he crossed the Lital Mountains on foot and passed through the Great Forest.”
“Wait, Liz. …Did you just say ‘crossed the Lital Mountains on foot’?”
If I remembered correctly, the Lital Mountains were a range of towering peaks that formed the border, their summits perpetually covered in snow. Even disregarding the fact that it was a dragon’s lair, it was an avalanche hotspot. Not a place for safe passage, even with magic.
Then it hit me.
“…The lower passes?”
“No, the higher peaks.”
While there were lower passes, those were heavily fortified and guarded by the Listrea Demon Kingdom. The higher peaks, on the other hand, would have less security… or rather, no security at all.
But…
“That’s insane.”
“It is,” Liz agreed.
“But… he almost succeeded…”
“It was insane. If they can infiltrate that route with a small force…” Liz’s expression darkened.
“What about preventative measures?”
“We’ve requested the dragons to review their aerial patrols of the Lital Mountains, and the Beastman Army has increased their patrols as well.”
“Well, it failed, and I doubt anyone else would be that foolish…”
“I’d like to think so, but we can’t ignore the possibility. Maintaining unnecessary vigilance is a burden, but…”
It was a tactic the Lord of Disease often employed. For example, after wiping out one village, we wouldn’t target the next one.
We were an elusive enemy, appearing and disappearing without a pattern.
“Well, I doubt they could move a large army through that route undetected, so increased vigilance is the most practical solution for now.”
“Right.” I nodded.
“So, what about the secret to his strength?”
“Dragon’s blood.”
He had mentioned the dragon’s blessing. I seem to have a strange connection with Dragon Knights.
“Dragon’s blood has that kind of effect?”
“Normally, no. We analyzed the potion he was carrying. It seemed to be based on dragon’s blood. The refining method is unknown, but consuming it essentially creates a constant, maximum-strength healing effect.”
“So, invincibility?”
“For the duration of the effect, yes. He was still moving even after his brain was destroyed. Even the undead aren’t that resilient…” Liz grumbled again.
I understood her frustration.
“If they could mass-produce that…” The thought was chilling.
“About that… it’s probably… fine.”
“Why?” I pressed.
If he was a Dragon Knight, and their captain, he must have been strong.
But not strong enough to overwhelm both Liz, a member of the Royal Guard, and Samarkand, a greater demon.
A drug that turned ordinary humans into immortal heroes.
That was what it might be.
“According to the researchers at the royal castle who analyzed it, ‘It’s been a while since we’ve seen a potion and enchantment so… maliciously designed.’”
“…Side effects?”
“It’s all side effects. We need to investigate further, but it seems to… borrow against the user’s life force… their lifespan…”
“What kind of demonic invention is that?”
“Humans are more advanced in pharmacology… That said, the base ingredient is definitely dragon’s blood. Even if Rank Kingdom did have Dragon Knights, they’re gone now, so mass production is impossible. …Though I almost wish they could mass-produce it. It would be a convenient way for them to burn through their soldiers.”
“That’s a dangerous thought. And he called it the ‘dragon’s blessing,’ but isn’t it a curse?”
“You’re sharp, Master. It’s closer to a curse. Similar to a blood contract, in a way. Even stopping the dosage could be fatal… and with the amount he’d consumed, he probably would have died within a week.”
It was more of a drug than a medicine.
“I see.” I nodded.
“Eliminate it. Thoroughly. Request additional funding and personnel from His Majesty if necessary. —This is an order, in the name of the Lord of Disease. Erase everything related to that drug from existence, from the ingredients and facilities to the personnel involved.”
“Yes, Master.” Liz smiled gracefully and nodded.
“By the way, does dragon’s blood have any medicinal properties?”
“…Yes, some have been confirmed. It has similar effects on dark elves and beastmen. Probably the same for humans.”
“Like what?”
“Do I have to… say it?”
“What? Is it something I shouldn’t know? Something I might misuse? Like a deadly poison?”
“As long as the dosage is correct, it’s not a poison…”
“If you don’t have a good reason to refuse, tell me.”
“…It has a vasodilating effect, and a small amount is sometimes used medicinally for… physical conditioning, which is difficult to achieve with magic…”
It didn’t seem like something that needed to be kept secret. Meaning…
“So, there are other effects.”
Liz blushed slightly and whispered,
“…It’s also an aphrodisiac…”
Right, like turtle blood. I nodded inwardly.
“Could you say that again?”
“It’s… an aphrodisiac.”
“One more time, please.”
“I-it’s an aphrodisiac… You clearly understand already!”
Liz’s face was bright red. I smiled serenely.
“Hmm? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“That kind of banter is outside my job description!”
“By the way, can we get some?”
“…If you state a clear reason and request it through His Majesty, a small amount shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Do you think ‘I want to try it on my maid’ is a valid reason?”
“I will vehemently oppose that.”
“Okay, so I should drink it myself.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Wait, should we both drink it?”
“That’s also not what I meant.”
Bantering with Liz like this was… relaxing. I leaned back against the pillows and closed my eyes.
“Your ‘usual job’ must be tough, too.”
I smiled.
Then, I heard the chime of the doorbell.
We had a visitor.
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