Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou (LN) - Volume 3 - Chapter 4

Extra Chapter: A Very Dramatic Before and After 

The whole world was dyed red. 
The fading sunset illuminated a grisly sight. Flames burned throughout the city. Blood splattered the walls and clogged the gutters. A massive magic circle hung in the sky, eclipsing the tragedy below. 
“This... This can’t...” A young girl’s voice echoed through the silence. 
She had beautiful black hair and piercing golden eyes. And she couldn’t have been more than ten. Reflected in her eyes was her hometown, embroiled in a swathe of flames. She stood atop a small observation platform, her long hair and kimono swaying in the warm breeze. 
She gripped the wooden guardrails so hard her knuckles went white. They creaked ominously under the force of her grip. 
That wasn’t the strength a little girl should possess. But then, she wasn’t any ordinary girl. She was a member of the dragonman clan. And through her veins flowed royal blood. 
She had watched as the world’s most beautiful capital, her hometown, was invaded and razed to the ground. The city of verdant trees and crystal waters had been unable to withstand such an overwhelming onslaught. Why did this have to happen? Until recently, the different races had lived together in peace. There had been no discrimination, no persecution. 
She gazed, dumbfounded, as the flames raged through the city. 
“Princess...it’s not safe here. You must escape.” The girl’s attendant urged her to flee. However, the young girl shook her head without taking her eyes off the city. 
“Princess...” 
“Venri. I am the princess of Klarus. My father, and my countrymen are still fighting down there. Yet you would have me flee? If there is a place I should be... it is down there.” 
She pointed to the battle still raging below. Her attendant, Venri, ran up to her. 
“You mustn’t, Princess!” 
“I know. Even if I were to go, I would only be a hindrance. Never have I cursed my youth and inexperience so.” 
A thin trail of blood ran down her mouth. She’d bit her lip so hard it bled. It took every ounce of her willpower not to rush down and aid the army below. 
Her country had been razed and her people slaughtered. Now, her family was on the verge of being killed. And she was powerless to stop it. She hated her own weakness more than she despised her enemies. 
It was then that the person whose safety she feared for the most appeared. 
“Tio, I told you to head inside the barrier!” 
“Father!” 
The girl’s, Tio’s father was a giant of a man. Massive scaled wings sprouted from either side of his back. This was the man Tio respected more than anyone, the king of the dragonmen, Kharga Klarus. 
Kharga was in bad shape. His combat kimono, which was made out of monster hide and sturdier than most armor, was tattered and filled with burn holes. His body was crisscrossed with cuts and burns. The massive gash across his stomach was still bleeding. 
Kharga was the sturdiest black dragon in existence. On top of that, he was one of the few skilled enough to be able to only partially transform himself. Even attacks capable of pierce his kimono would still be stopped by his impenetrable scales. 
His penchant for charging headfirst into the enemy lines while stopping everything they threw at him had earned him the nickname “Mobile Fortress.” 
And so Tio was shocked speechless when she saw how wounded he was. Kharga smiled bitterly and knelt down in front of his daughter. 
“Tio. As you can see, we have lost. Though we tried everything we could, we were unable to fight against the changing times. I am sorry I could not at least leave you behind a home to live in.” 
“That, that cannot be. How could you say that, Father! For the dragonmen to perish at the hands of something so insignificant... It cannot be! Tell me it can’t!” 
“We have become the enemies of the entire world... Tio, do you remember what I told you? The one thing you can never do is avert your eyes from reality.” 
“Father.” 
That one word was filled with unimaginable pain and sorrow. Tio hugged her father, heedless of the grime and blood that smeared onto her kimono. 
It just couldn’t be. Dragonmen were supposed to be the guardians of this world. They had built a place where people of any nationality, any race were accepted. A place where people helped each other and worked together. A place of peace. Every country, every species, had been indebted to the dragonmen in some way. 
And yet, in just a few years it had all fallen apart. In the span of a few seasons, everything changed. 
Dragonmen were monsters. Dragonmen were oppressing the different races. Dragonmen were prone to going berserk. Dragonmen had turned against the gods. Dragonmen were... heretics. How did it come to this? Tio thought. 
Dragonmen’s ability to transform certainly was fearsome. It was magic no other creature, sentient or monster, possessed. But that was precisely why Dragonmen had strove to be nobler than anyone else. To turn that fear into awe, and then into respect. 
They had disciplined themselves rigorously. At all times they were ready to help others, a paragon of bravery, and both the sword and the shield of all people. 
As a result, they had managed to create a mortal paradise. Though it had taken centuries, they had created a kingdom where all races were accepted. Not only that, but they had created a global alliance, so that all people, everywhere, would help each other in times of need. 
—Guardians of the world. —Protectors of peace. —Kings among kings. That was how the people had seen dragonmen. 
But now those same people were killing her countrymen, spewing vile insults at them as they destroyed her home. 
It felt unreal, like a nightmare. Over the course of a few years, everyone had come to despise and fear dragonmen. And now an alliance composed of every other race was burning her city. She still couldn’t believe it. This couldn’t be real, it had to be a dream. All she wanted was to wake up from this nightmare. 
Wake up and go back to a world where her friends and family were still alive. Where the lush trees and sparkling rivers of her hometown were still there. Where people still lived happily together, regardless of race or nationality. 
“Tio! Get a hold of yourself! The future of the Klarus dynasty rests with you!” 
“Father...” 
Her father’s stern voice brought her back to reality. She wiped away her tears and looked up at her father. She couldn’t just cry forever, and wallowing in pleasant daydreams would achieve nothing. 
Kharga gazed down at her, his eyes full of love. Without a word, he swept Tio up into a hug. He held her tight, savoring her warmth. As if this was the last time he would ever get to hold his daughter. Tio coughed and tried to loosen his grip. It was tight enough that she couldn’t breathe. 
But then she stopped. Over her father’s shoulders, she had caught sight of Venri’s expression. And she could tell from the strength of her father’s hug that something was wrong. Suspicion welled up within her. Why had father left the battlefield to come to her? 
“As you can see, we have lost.” She recalled her father’s words. Though she was still young, Tio was wise beyond her years. She put together all the puzzle pieces, then came to a bone-chilling realization. She realized what her father meant to do, and stared at him in shock. 
“Father... this cannot be true. Please, tell me it’s not.” 
“Heh. You really are sharp. I guess you inherited both Orna’s looks and brains.” 
His wry smile confirmed Tio’s suspicions. It appeared this was, in fact, the last time she would ever talk to him. 
She didn’t know how to put her thoughts into words, but she knew she had to say something. But before she could, there was a thunderous roar and a massive shockwave spread out from the capital’s center. It was strong enough to shake even the faraway observation platform Tio stood on. She unconsciously covered her face and shrank back. 
Silence followed in its wake. Tio and Kharga both looked grimly at the city. 
“H-How could they...” 
“......” 
Tio sounded almost hysterical. 
There was nothing left at the site of the explosion. It was just an empty crater. But that was not what Tio was referring to. One after another, pillars of wood started rising up from the ashes. On each of them was a crucified dragonman. 
One in particular caught her attention. No matter how far away she was, she’d never be able to mistake that figure. 
It was Orna, her mother. Her pale green hair and golden eyes made her recognizable from even a mile away. Normally she was a gentle person, full of smiles. But when she went into battle she turned into a gale. She tore through enemy ranks faster than the wind, leaving trails of destruction in her wake. Tio loved her more than anyone. 
And now she was staring at her crucified corpse. With how badly wounded her body was, it was clear that she’d struggled until the very end. But now she was strung up as an example of what happened to those who resist. 
A cold, dark fire burned in Tio’s eyes. Her jet-black mana usually looked more majestic than fearsome, but right now the ripples of black that emanated from her body resembled the very depths of hell. Anger and hatred welled up within her, and she began transforming. 
“Tio.” 
“Fa...ther.” 
Her body was covered in a raging whirlpool of mana, and she could barely speak through her anger. Before she could give in to her rage, her father knelt down and hugged her again. 
Tio’s golden eyes glowed with fury. Why aren’t you trying to avenge her? Why aren’t you trying to kill these bastards who slaughtered her people? Why are you so calm even though Mother was just killed? Her accusatory glare bore into Kharga. 
Still hugging his daughter, Kharga spoke in a quiet but firm voice. 
“We know not our purpose for being.” Kharga silently urged his daughter to continue the mantra. Her anger still burning, Tio repeated the words she was taught since birth. 
“Is this body beast, or human? If there is meaning to everything in this world, then where does our meaning lie?” 
Kharga hugged Tio tighter and joined in the chant. 
“For no matter how long we search, we can find no answer. And so whether we are beast or human, we bare our souls and thus swear.” 
This was the vow with the world the dragonmen clan had made ages ago. 
“Our eyes exist to pierce through falsehoods and see the truth.” 
Both father and daughter’s voices melded together, forming a single whole. The strength drained from Tio’s body as she gradually calmed down. 
“Our claws exist to tear down walls, and destroy the malice within.” Kharga let go of his daughter and gazed into her eyes. This was important. It was the last lesson he would ever teach his daughter. The power of their words calmed Tio’s anger, and she slowly regained the solemnity dragonmen prided themselves on. 
“Our fangs exist to bite through our weakness, our anger and our hate.” More blood dripped from Tio’s mouth. She bit through her lip again to remind her of who she was. 
“For when we forget our compassion, we are no more than beasts. But so long as we wield the sword of reason—” Kharga lightly touched the blood on Tio’s lips. The blood she’d shed were the tears of her heart. Gently, Kharga wiped them away. 
Tears welled up in Tio’s eyes. But she didn’t let them spill. Hatred and anger eroded one’s heart. To give in to such impulses was to be weak. She turned her negative emotions into tears, but she didn’t let them fall. To do so would be betraying her pride as a dragonman. 
Dragonmen were strong, kind, and above all, noble. 
Now of all times, she couldn’t forget those words. Not when her father was in front of her. Not when her people, when her mother had fought to the death to defend their pride as dragonmen. 
Tio sucked in a deep breath, and nodded to her father. These were the words her mother, her father, and all of her people had lived by. The words they’d taught her. 
“We are dragonmen!” She shouted that at the top of her lungs. Kharga hugged his daughter again. This time he knew it truly was the last time. However he had nothing to worry about anymore. Tio had grown into a splendid woman. 
“Tio, listen well.” 
“What is it, Father?” 
She knew their time together was coming to an end. She desperately held back her tears and looked up at her father resolutely. 
“Our true enemy, this world’s true enemy aren’t the people attacking us right now.” 
“...Our true enemies are the ‘gods’ of the church, aren’t they? They are the ones who made this world so twisted.” 
“That’s right. I did everything I could to destroy them, but... I wasn’t fast enough. Because of that, we dragonmen will perish here. We have no choice. You know why, don’t you?” 
“I do. Because if we do not, the people of this world will remain twisted. The only way to end this war is for our race to vanish.” 
Her heart sank as she spoke those words. Kharga nodded solemnly. 
“The gods are not only powerful, but cunning as well. But they are not all-powerful. And evil will never reign forever. One day, eventually, someone will appear who can strike them down. Of that I am certain. Tio.” 
“Yes, Father?” 
Kharga gave Tio his last order, both as a king and as a father. 
“Live.” 
“But... Father. You said we—” 
Her father had just impressed upon her how important it was that the dragonmen race perish. Kharga smiled triumphantly. It was an expression Tio had rarely seen. 
“I’m no fool. I knew with how powerful my enemy was that I would need a backup plan. Dragonmen will indeed perish tonight... in the eyes of the world at least. Far from the continent, I’ve created a hidden village. Along with a secret path the gods will never discover. My father, along with a few chosen people area living there already. Until the time finally comes that we can overthrow the gods, they will stay hidden there.” 
“Grandfather’s over there!? But Father, you said Grandfather had died... Ah, I understand now.” 
Adul Klarus, the previous king, and Kharga had been aware of the enemy ever since the world had begun to change. They had made sure to take various precautions in case the worst happened. But most of them had been undone. At first glance it seemed simple coincidence, but they soon realized that the gods’ meddling was behind everything. Soon after, Tio’s grandfather, the strongest red dragonman alive, supposedly died in battle against an unknown threat without even leaving a corpse behind. 
However in reality he had feigned his death, and headed to this hidden village. That had been Kharga and Adul’s final ploy, the last card they could play to make sure dragonmen never truly vanished from the world. And by feigning his death, he made sure no one would be looking for him. 
Tio was glad her beloved grandfather was still alive, but at the same time sad because she knew what this meant for her father. 
“Father... you’re not coming, are you?” 
“I can’t. I’m the current king. Without my death, this war will never end. And besides...” 
“Besides?” 
“I could never leave Orna all alone on the battlefield.” 
Tio smiled weakly at that. Kharga tenderly stroked her hair and spoke his parting words. 
“Tio, you are the pride and joy of Klarus line. You inherited my black scales, your mother’s wings, and your grandfather’s fire breath. Live strong my daughter. You have your own black flames, and the fierce flames of the Klarus family to protect you.” 

“I will. I promise, Father.” 
Having passed on his wife’s dying message, Kharga handed Tio over to Venri and flew off toward his final battlefield. Venri had been briefed on the plan ahead of time, and led Tio down the secret path. Just before she vanished inside, Tio looked back for one last time. 
She saw a majestic black dragon tearing through the battlefield, his flaming breath so powerful it sundered the earth below. 
Throughout the battle, the dragonmen had taken great pains to avoid killing the invaders. Though most of the world had turned against them, a few members of each race had believed in the dragonmen, and stayed behind. Kharga and the few remaining dragons fought only to give those people enough time to escape. 
They refused to give the gods the satisfaction of watching people of the same race kill each other. Even on the verge of annihilation, they protected their citizens. No matter how painful their despair, they refused to give in to anger and hate. 
Kharga’s breath parted his enemies and his defiant roar rang out through the heavens. It was a challenge to the gods sneering down from up high, a resolute cry that their pride as dragonmen would never be sullied. 
“Mmmgh.” A faint groan could be heard from inside one of the rooms of an eastern-style wooden house. A beautiful young woman, the person who had emitted the previous groan, rolled over in her sleep. Had anyone seen her in that moment, they would have been instantly smitten. 
Her disheveled black hair and exposed cleavage made her look bewitchingly seductive. On top of that, her exposed legs and plump butt were sexy enough to blow away any man’s self-control. 
She must have been seeing a nightmare, as her body was covered in sweat. However, that only made her more alluring. A sheen of it covered her breasts and thighs, enticing the viewer. 
“Hmph. I have not had that dream in a long time. Five hundred years later and still I see them in my dreams. It seems I have yet to truly grow up.” Tio heaved a sigh as she straightened out her crumpled clothes. Then, ignoring her gloomy thoughts, she threw open the door. Sunlight flooded the room. A bright blast like that was powerful enough to wash away even the worst nightmares. 
Tio looked out at her village. In the past 500 years, it hadn’t changed at all. Kharga had chosen to put it on a bountiful island far off the continent’s coast. The soil was well-suited to farming, and the island was populated by wyverns and wild animals. The dragonmen that had survived the tragedy and their offspring had lived peacefully here for the past five centuries. 
It was a far cry from her old home, but it was good enough to house the few hundred dragonmen that lived here. Tio stepped onto her porch and heard a voice call out to her. 
“Good morning, princess. Were you having a nightmare?” 
“Mm, good morning. It was a dream about the past. I have not had a dream like that in ten years. Perhaps it was a message from my mother and father from the other world. A reminder not to forget them.” 
Venri, who looked to be rather old now, gave Tio a concerned look. However, Tio just winked playfully at her. Enough time had passed that she could joke about their deaths now. 
Venri smiled awkwardly. She had intended to comfort Tio, but it looked as though that was unnecessary. 
At first she had followed Tio around as her bodyguard, but now it was Tio who usually looked after her. On top of that, Tio’s strength had far surpassed her own. In both physical and mental strength she was unparalleled. Only Adul, the village chief, could hold a candle to her anymore. 
Had the dragonmen kingdom not been destroyed, Tio probably would have gone down in history as one of their greatest queens. That she never became one was one of Venri’s greatest regrets. She put such gloomy thoughts aside and changed the subject. 
“Would you like to have breakfast? I could get you something if you wish.” 
“Hmmm... Breakfast does sound good... Hm? Where’s Grandfather? I do not sense his presence in the house...” 
“Ah, Kartos-sama called for him earlier this morning. He has yet to return.” 
“What? Old man Kar called for him? This early in the morning?” 
Old man Kar, as Tio called him, was one of the village elders, and as old as Adul. He had the rare job “Observer” and was skilled at detecting the flow of mana. Of course even for someone like him it wasn’t easy to track mana somewhere as far as the mainland. Unless the usage of mana was so massive that its repercussions could be felt even on the island, it drained months of mana to scry mana usage across the continent. The scheduled scrying was only a month ago. Which means whatever old man Kar sensed was massive enough that it could be felt even here. Tio felt a, not exactly ominous premonition. It was more as if she could sense a change was coming. She said goodbye to Venri and ran off to Kartos’ house. 
When she arrived, she saw a few of the other elders were also there. There was a tension in the air, and Tio’s heart began to race. 
“You came too, Tio?” 
“Indeed, Grandfather. I had this vague feeling that something was off. And judging from everyone’s expressions... something has happened on the continent?” 
Adul smiled wryly and nodded at his granddaughter’s astute deduction. He had a thick mane of red hair and looked far too young to be called “grandfather” by anyone. 
“It would seem the Holy Church, or rather the gods have summoned forth some truly odd guests. Quite a few of them too. One of them possesses a great strength. According to Kartos’ divination, he holds the job, ‘Hero.’” 
“Hero...” 
Divination was one of Kartos’ job’s skills. It allowed him to discern the job of anyone he specified. Tio narrowed her eyes and mulled the word over. Hero was a job she had never heard of. 
“This is a turn of events we cannot ignore. This must be investigated. I was thinking we should send Aroyce out again to—” 
“I will go.” 
Aroyce was skilled in covert action, and blended easily into crowds. 
For better or worse, Tio stood out. Her looks were of course conspicuous, but she also carried herself like royalty. Both her mannerisms and her speech were a dead giveaway. She could hardly pass for an average citizen. Hence why others more suited to the task had gone on previous scouting missions. Until now, Tio had been content to hear their reports. 
Until the time was right, the world was not to learn of their existence... That was the village’s most important rule. If the humans ever learned dragonmen still lived, they wouldn’t rest until the clan was wiped out for good. For all those reasons, it was unwise for Tio to go to the mainland. 
Though the kingdom of Klarus was no more, the villagers still called Tio “princess.” Tio understood very well her influence in the town. Which was why she had taken the law very seriously. For her comrades, her parents, and the world, she couldn’t let the dragonmen be destroyed. She hadn’t left, despite how much the village had bored her. 
And yet, now she stated that she wanted to go. The elders all stared at Tio in shock. 
“...Tio. Do you realize what you just said?” 
“Yes, Grandfather. I understand all of the risks. But I still wish to be the one to go. Let me handle this investigation.” 
“Why do you wish to go so badly? Why not let someone more suited to the task handle it?” 
“I have this feeling. Grandfather, this development is going to change the world. Something inside me is telling me I have to go. If you try to stop me, I will force my way through. I absolutely have to see this through.” 
“......” 
It was rare for Tio to be this stubborn. The elders were still staring at Tio in shock, but for a different reason this time. There was a fierce determination burning in her eyes. 
Adul met her gaze, and after a long staring contest, shrugged. He nodded his assent. 
“Very well. You may go, Tio. See the world for yourself. However, make sure not to draw the gods’ attention. And as the law states, you will go alone. Do you understand?” 
“Completely. ...Thank you, Grandfather.” 
The other elders voiced their opposition, but Adul talked them down. In the end, they agreed to let Tio go. 
The next morning. The sun had yet to rise. Tio was standing atop a cliff in the corner of the island. 
The news that she would be going on the investigation this time had spread like wildfire. Starting with Venri, a procession of people had come to voice their protests. But in the end they were unable to change her mind, and she started packing for the trip. 
The island was a fair distance from the mainland. Most dragonmen had to exhaust their entire mana supply to reach the continent. Even Tio, who had more mana than most, would have a hard time making the trip. The flight took nearly a whole day, which was why Tio had decided to leave early in the morning. 
The entire village had come to see her off. 
“P-Princess. Are you sure you won’t change your mind? If anything happened to you...” 
“She’s right! At least take some guards with you!” 
“Yeah, take me! I’ll protect you even if it costs me my life!” 
Even now Venri hoped against hope that she might be able to convince Tio. Aroyce, the village’s veteran scout, offered to join Tio despite knowing the rules. Some of the other young men also offered to come along, blushing at their own boldness. Many of the other villagers tried to convince her not to go as well. 
All of them cared deeply for her well-being. She was loved by the entire village. 
“I understand your feelings. And I apologize for causing you such worry. But just this one, I am afraid I must have my way.” 
Her determined voice quieted the protests. Tio cast her gaze over the villagers. She looked them in the eye, challenging them to test her resolve. 
“Venri. I know just how much you care about me. You have been by my side even longer than Grandfather has. You are like another mother to me. I beg of you, please let me have your blessing before I depart.” 
“Prin...cess...” 
Tears leaked from Venri’s eyes. No words could have made her happier. 
“Aroyce. Look after my grandfather while I’m gone. Fufu, of all of my suitors you were the strongest. I can count on you to handle things while I am gone, right?” 
“How can you call me strong when I haven’t even been able to scratch your scales even once? However, I could never refuse the woman I love. ...You never did play fair.” 
Aroyce couldn’t bring himself to refuse after Tio smiled at him. Especially since she was trusting him to look after things. 
Despite being over five hundred years old, Tio had never slept with a man. Most dragonmen were married long before they reached her age. However, no one had been able to clear Tio’s requirements. In order to become her husband, a prospective suitor had to— “I-I’ll beat you one day, Princess! And then I’ll finally... You have to stay safe, for me!” prove they were stronger than her by beating her in a fight. It was a simple enough requirement, but one that was nearly impossible to fulfill. For Tio’s strength had surpassed even Adul’s. Ever since the day she’d watched her parents die, Tio had devoted herself to training. At some point she’d grown so strong no one else could match her. 
All of the young men who wished to wed Tio, including Ristan who was barely more than a boy, tearfully tried to stop her from going. 
Tio was strong, kind, and noble. On top of that, she was beautiful and wise. Over the centuries every young dragonman had tried to win her hand in marriage. But none of them had managed to so much as scratch her scales. Tio was so tough that she had long since forgotten how pain felt. 
“Seriously, what a bunch of hopeless men. I appreciate your concern, but... words can no longer stop me. Feelings alone are not enough. Strength alone can achieve nothing. You need both, or you can never hope to change my mind. I am going. And if you wish to stop me then prove you have the strength to drag me back. Maybe someday... one of you will be able to do manage that. Fufufu.” Tio chuckled and brushed off the men who were trying to stop her. After being told all that, there was nothing they could say back. 
“My comrades. My beloved people. Watch me.” Everyone’s gaze focused on Tio. She addressed the village with all the solemnity and majesty of a real queen. 
“I do not know what awaits me on the continent. Nor do I know what the future holds. However, the winds of change are blowing. Something big is happening. And I know that I must confront this change directly. But fear not. Believe in me. Believe in your princess.” —In the strongest dragonman alive, Tio Klarus. Everyone unconsciously took a step back. The force of her determination had cowed the crowd. No one uttered any more words of complaint. As one, they villagers bowed their heads. They had decided to put their trust in Tio. 
Her eyes full of tenderness, Tio nodded to the crowd. She waved one last time to Adul, transformed into a jet-black dragon, and leaped off the cliff. 
Sandwiched by the white clouds and sparkling ocean, Tio cut through the wind. She was finally on her way to an unfamiliar land. 
Nothing had changed for the past five hundred years. As her father had commanded the day he died, she had stayed alive. However, she was done with just living. Like her parents had done before her, Tio was ready to stake her life for a cause. That was the kind of life Tio Klarus wanted to live. 
She could feel that something was changing. The dream she’d had the other day must have been a sign. 
Her gaze pointed forward, Tio said with conviction, 
“Something is going to change... I can feel it.” 
“I can feel it, Maaaaster~” 
“Quit moaning all the damn time, you pervert!” 
Hajime held Tio up with his artificial limb. Every time he squeezed her face, she writhed in pleasure. They had stopped in a small town for dinner, but their meal was all but forgotten. The other customers were edging away from Hajime, while Yue and Shea had already moved to a different table. They were doing their best to pretend they didn’t know Hajime. 
Twitching, Tio feebly tapped on Hajime’s arm. He would have let go at that point, but when he saw what she was holding in her hand, he started squeezing even harder. A vein pulsed in his forehead as he slowly put more force into his grip. 
“No moooooooore! I’m dyiing! The ecstasy is killing meeeeeeeeee!” 
“If you don’t want to die, how about letting go of that thing in your hand?” 
“Nnngh. This is a misunderstanding. I swear I’m not lying. Please believe me.” 
In her hand was a pair of Hajime’s underwear. When she’d gone to wipe her mouth during dinner she’d pulled that out of her pocket by mistake. He gave her a piercing glare and snatched his underwear back from Tio’s hand. 
Released from his iron grip, she fell limply to the floor. 
“Th-That was wonderful... Haah... Haah,” she panted, a vulgar smile on her face. 
“Alright, so what’s your excuse for pulling this out of your pocket during dinner of all times? Well, you perverted dragon lady?” 
“P-Perverted dragon lady...For me, the proud daughter of the Klarus line to be called a perverted dragon lady. Haah Haah. And that scornful gaze... Excuse me, Master. But may I change my panties?” 
There was a metallic clunk as Hajime pointed one of his artifacts at Tio. “Three, two...” he started counting down. Tio hurriedly starting explaining herself. 
“This is a misunderstanding! I happened to find your underwear lying on the floor of your room and thought to return it to you! However...” 
“However, what?” Hajime lowered his weapon. So far, Tio had a surprisingly valid reason for carrying his underwear around. 
“I realized depending on how I used it, I could get you to punish me—” 
Hajime snapped. Tio was unaware of the sudden change and was cupping her flushed cheeks and preparing her next words. 
“Oh, Master, what kind of embarrassing things are you making me say?” 
“Hm? What is it, Master? Your expression suddenly turned kind—” His expression certainly did look gentle. Then, without warning, Hajime pulled Tio forward so she was on all fours. Confused, Tio looked up at him as he circled around to her back. 

“So in the end, you’re just a pervert.” 
He pulled out Donner and fired a full round into her ass. 
“Ahiiiiiiiiiiiii! My arse! Oh my arse! Thank you so much, Master!” Sadly all that earned Hajime was Tio’s gratitude. She really was tough. There was no lasting damage on her butt. 
Thanks to their antics, the group was kicked out of the restaurant. For some reason, Yue and Shea both gave him exasperated stares as they left. Depressed, Hajime dragged Tio behind him as they looked for somewhere else to eat. 
For most of the journey she was just panting heavily, scaring off nearby passerby. However for a few seconds, she looked up at Hajime with a serious expression on her face and muttered, 
“Grandfather, everyone. I do not think I can return anymore... Haah... Haah...” 
Whether she meant to her village, or to being the princess everyone knew, only she knew. 
It’s possible she may have meant something else entirely.