Epic Of Ice Dragon: Reborn As An Ice Dragon With A System

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"I… don't really know what else to say, just like you, I was also a victim. I once more apologize, for not having the power nor the insight to prepare for such a threat… You have all the right to hate me, even more to want me out of the throne. Let me tell you that Rose, the legitimate heir of the throne will soon become the Queen, as her training will be completed by the end of this year."

The people listened to Sapphire in silence, most looked tired and sleepy, but as they ate, the energy came back to them and they were able to slightly smile, relieved the nightmare was over.

"Queen Sapphire…"

"Well, we've already faced some terrible things before…"

"At least, unlike before, this problem was solver quicker…"

"In only a week…"

"Y-Yeah… but the torture… it was painful."

"At least they had the decency of not using children for this but… what were those soldiers even doing?"

"Please Lady Sapphire, don't worry!"

"I am quite mad myself, but even then, this was not something you could have ever predicted either way! It's literally the end of the world, just what are these cracks all over the place?!"

"Hey now, it's not the end of the world! Lord Drake is here to protect us from any danger now!"

The people was in shambles, some seemed still scared, thinking the world was ending, while others were optimistic and seemed to have forgiven the queen way too quickly and easily. Sapphire didn't really know what to say regarding the current situation.

"It's alright, Sapphire, you don't have to say more," Drake said. "This is a catastrophic event that has no precedent before, so its obvious people is panicking or confused. Let me explain to everyone what's happening."

Drake stood up and explained to everyone what was actually happening, from Zipangu slowly "merging" with Yggdrasil as this world's "method of self-preservation", and about his battle against the menace of Chaos and Pandemonium, who were the ones that caused this whole mess to begin with.

"S-So that's what's happening!"

"Even though the Dragon King defeated those monsters, there's still this whole mess left behind…"

"C-couldn't he fix it?"

"Hey, don't be rude with the Dragon King! He did all he could! Imagine if those monsters would've remained alive!"

"I'm trying to fix it," Drake said. "But I don't think it's completely possible. Yggdrasil is doing this as a last resort to not… be destroyed. Closing these cracks and portals… it might be possible if they're small enough, but massive ones like these, they may remain forever."

"T-Then does that means we'll get attacked again?!"

"Will those men reappear?!"

"W-What do we do? Should we move to another island?!"

"Calm down!" Drake said. "I am simply telling you the truth, but there's another truth, I will be protecting this island with my full force now. Although I might leave, I'll leave my summoned familiars, and once there's any danger, I'll come here or send someone to take care of it. I will take full responsibility for everyone's safety until the world and its various conflicts finally stabilize."

The people fell silent after hearing Drake's sincere words, they didn't expect him to go so far for them, just one of many islands out there, people that shouldn't really matter in the great scheme of things, even less for someone like him, a being so beyond and above them.

And yet, his kindness and compromise were all-encompassing, his love for the people and especially, the friends he made here was made clear.

"I ask you for only one thing, Aquarians," said Drake. "Please, trust me."

"W-We'll do…"

"Of course!"

"I mean, what else can we do?"

"Yeah…"

"Thank you so much!"

"I feel safer now…"

"Ugh, this won't solve anything you know?!"

"Just shut up already dude! Nobody cares about what you got to say!"

"But I mean it! Even if he protects us, so what?! We're still all weak pathetic ants in the great scheme of things! Just waiting to get stomped… what sort of importance do we even have? We'll simply be swept away by all these monstrously strong beings… we're nothing…"

As some pessimistic people spoke their minds, the rest of the citizens fell silent again, being made to understand their position in this world.

"That is not right," Drake said. "You're all Aquarius' people, a Divine Sea Dragon of immense power that gave up his life for all of you, to me you're important people, the last few Mermen at that, your island is full of rich culture and traditions, your people is wonderful, and your history is incredible. I believe that every single one of you carry within your hearts a part of Aquarius, so please, look at life more optimistically, even if its hard… I am sure he would have done it."

His words resonated with people's hearts, and inspired them to value themselves a bit more, to think of themselves as not just insects. They were indeed special and unique in this world, and they had to embrace their identity and their island, even if compared to the world they were small and "insignificant", to Drake, they were among the people he cared for deeply.

"And this boy right here…" Drake said, as Triton walked to his side, guided by his mother. "He's Aquarius' son! One day, this little boy, Triton, will become even stronger than his dad. I'll personally train him. In the near future, he'll protect all of you with his divine power, right son?"

"E-Eh? Ah… yeah!" Triton nodded with a confident smile. "I'll do my best, everyone…! S-So please… don't fall into despair! We'll fight together and rise back!"

"Heh… I guess the brat got a point."

"He's optimistic…"

"Well, what else can we do anyway?"

"Right!"

"Yeah!"

"It would be wonderful if he could become King with Queen Rose!"

"Rose?! No wait Rose's going to marry Coral, I like Eleanor!" Triton said out loud. "Ah…!"

However, the boy quickly realized what he had ended up saying, growing redder in embarrassment, and Eleanor did the same after hearing his confession. After seeing such a cute display of youth, the people ended up laughing cheerfully, and the tense atmosphere slowly disappeared.

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