Trapped in Another World With No Magic

After the training session at the firing range, where Daniel taught most of his inner circle, including the Stalvaltan Grand Duchess and her daughters, how to use firearms to defend themselves, Neith approaches Daniel for a request. “Brother, a word?”

Daniel is lazily lounging on a lounge sofa on the observation deck of the airship. He requested some alone time to rest and think, away from his many mistresses for the time being, and Magnir is the one standing guard. Of course, as the lead Jomsviking and Einherjar, Neith is allowed to enter without question.

It’s not the best time for Neith to make the request he wishes to make, but it has been a few weeks, and he owes it to his fiancee to visit her, since a brief visit is no trouble for a dragon.

“Neith-nii-san? Good to see you.”

Daniel stands up, and the grey dragon in his human form hesitates for a moment. The human emperor has asked Neith to treat him like a brother, rather than an Emperor, but he specifically went out of his way to use the term that Geirahoel has been using. Given Daniel’s insistence on Neith’s silence, the human is pulling a prank on the youthful Dragon Empress at his loyal friend’s expense.

That said, Neith is thankful that Daniel is trying to help the two dragon siblings restore their relationship. Geirahoel feels rightfully betrayed by Neith’s many failures as Larvenmaouchoul to protect his little sister and the other dragons from the red tyrant, but Daniel also insists that she is just a ‘tsundere’, which is an Earth word for a defiantly-shy person, making them cute when their fiery language is seen through.

Daniel is a miracle worker, since his mind looks at everything different than a denizen of Zenkon would. Neith knows his emperor and brother by name is quite unextraordinary in the grand scheme of things, but because his world is so different, his averageness serves him well on this world.

“Good to see you as well, my Liege,” replies Neith, opting to bow his head politely, rather than to kneel, since Daniel is in a relaxing capacity and doesn’t want to be an ‘emperor’ right now.

“Did you need something?”

“With your permission, I’d like to go visit Miss Roestren.”

Daniel only needs to ponder it for a moment, answering just before Neith clarifies. “Ah! Your fiancee, right?”

“That’s correct,” replies Neith with a warm smile. He’s always genuinely impressed that Daniel shows so much interest and compassion for his friends and family. “I’m still not entirely sure how to court a woman, and I’m not sure if I should be honest.”

“Honest about what?” asks Daniel sincerely.

“I am concerned that I do not feel the mutual emotions as Miss Roestren, and that she could and should seek out someone who does.”

The human mechanic smiles. “I see. I get you. I thought exactly like that, before.” Daniel walks away from the dragon, approaching the large observation window. “I’m still terrible at it, if I’m being honest. The women around me now wanted me before I knew I wanted them. It wasn’t like that on Earth.”

Neith steps up alongside Daniel, looking out over the forest stretching beyond the landing zone. There’s not an abundance to see other than mountains in the distance, some clouds in the sky, and some fields way off in the distance. Then again, the whole world ultimately looks like this; a blend of colors and terrains. Perhaps Neith has wasted time not appreciating the small things.

“Is it acceptable?” asks Neith.

“Do you dislike Miss Roestren?”

“Certainly not. She is quite pleasant to talk to, and she seems to have an excellent family upbringing.” Neith chuckles. “Given how much her mother and father adore each other, it is surprising she does not have as many siblings as Empress Gwenesphia.”

Daniel laughs. “I see, I see. That’s good.” He adds gently, but with a point, “But, I would suggest not blurting that out. You never know why a couple doesn’t have more children.” He looks directly into the dragon’s eyes, and the grey knight nods knowingly. The dragons are certainly well acquainted with fertility troubles.

The mechanic adds as he looks out over the horizon again, “Infatuation is instant, often called ‘love at first sight’. But, actual love is built. It’s an appreciation for all of the things that make you smile and think about that person. Gwenesphia is beautiful when she smiles, and she has a gentle demeanor that is truly comforting to be around. Treia’s feistiness is fun to be around, and she is brave and adventurous. Kera’tai is charming, with a sincerity rivalled only by Hekate, who doesn’t know how to be dishonest. Though… her last stunt surprised me a bit. I know we’ve talked about the Dragon Empresses. Most of them were enemies when we first encountered each other, same as you. But… Now, I’m constantly worried about them, thinking about them, reminiscing fondly on our happy moments, looking forward to the future. People are meant to grow closer together. That’s why we have the ability to communicate.” Daniel smiles, facing his dragon brother. “If Roestren already likes you, you don’t have to struggle to earn her affection. Instead, you just need to spend time with her and do things that interest you both so that you come to miss her the moment she is out of sight.”

Neith looks down in thought, nodding in agreement. But, the ever-perceptive human cocks his head. “What’s wrong? Is that not something you want?”

“It… is. But, I also worry… Do I not have a responsibility… to the dragons?”

“Ah… Well, that’s something to speak to Roestren about, for certain, if it’s a concern of yours. That said, I don’t know where you stand with the other female dragons, but assuming she disapproves of you having a harem, you could ask her for permission to at least provide your, uh… essence, since dragons are in a threatened population.”

Neith nods in understanding.

“Additionally, and this is just another suggestion, I don’t know the lifespan of Boruans, but I assume you’ll outlive her if I don’t get you killed. In that hypothetical future, you could potentially pursue that option.”

The grey dragon can feel relief filling him. In just a few seconds, Daniel has suggested two reasonable ideas if Roestren does object to him having a harem. That said, Neith also knows that, deep down, just having children is still a good thing, since, even if the children will never be fully ‘greater dragons’, they may inherit all of the traits to be recognized as one. Likewise, there is also the chance of ancient traits returning, or mutations creating even greater offspring. Simply passing on his blood is a service to the dragons, even if the mother is not a dragon.

And, as Daniel mentioned for some of his consorts, Neith finds Roestren charming.

Perhaps even I can become attached. Let us hope.

“So, what will you do?” asks Daniel.

“I’ll speak to Roestren and see where the conversation goes, my Liege. Thank you.”

Daniel pats his shoulder. “It’s a little awkward for me to be teaching someone twenty times my age.” The human scoffs, adding dryly, “My real age, that is.”

The grey dragon can’t help but laugh as well. “I can teach you magic and means of revenge, my Brother. I am confident there are other fields I would be wiser in.”

“Either way, if I am helpful, I’m glad. Please let me know when the wedding will be.” Daniel winks, and Neith nods appreciatively.

“Then, I shall take my leave. I should return in three days at most, my Liege.”

“Take a radio with you as well. If I need anything, I’ll contact you.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Neith bows and makes his way out.

***

Later that evening Neith checks his clothing and makes sure he looks presentable. He is usually wearing his knight’s armor, so this time, he decided to dress more formally. He didn’t go too fancy, since he’s visiting his fiancee, but he also doesn’t want to be disrespectful by making no effort at all.

The grey dragon takes a breath and knocks on the door to Ulkamak’s home. There’s a slight delay before the dragon can sense, hear, and smell a presence approaching the door, thanks to his highly-evolved senses.

The door opens to Vynseria asking politely, “Yes, who is…? OH! Sir Neith! It has been much too long! Come in! Come in!” The large boruan woman warmly welcomes the dragon, all but dragging him inside by the arm as she calls out, “Dear! Roestren! We have a guest! Come greet him!”

Vynseria brings the grey knight into the den, and shortly after, the stocky boruan father and husband and his young daughter enter from the workshop. Roestren’s father is a furniture maker, while Roestren is a magic artificer serving the Imperial Army. She has been on administrative leave following her meeting with Neith, known as ‘Choul’ at the time, which is a little worrying, since that was several months ago.

That said, the young boruan woman immediately recognizes Neith, and she gasps, brightly calling out, “Sir Neith!” She bounds over to him as Ulkamak laughs warmly.

Without warning, Roestren hugs Neith, and he feels a strange sense of comfort with her. He gently embraces her in turn, and she hums appreciatively. “It’s so good to see you, Sir Neith.”

“Miss Roestren, it is truly my pleasure.”

“How did you know I was here, though?” asks the young woman curiously as she looks up.

Neith clears his throat, saying a little awkwardly, “I have stationed a personal guard in town to watch over you who let me know that you were home.”

She gives him a bit of a pouting lip, but she restores her smile just as easily.

Ulkamak takes the moment of pause to greet the dragon, shaking his hand. “Have you been well, Sir Neith?”

“I have,” lies the dragon to not burden them. He has had some adventures that he’ll tell them about, including the fight against the forest archfiend, but he’ll leave out his injuries and near-deaths.

Vynseria says warmly, “Make yourselves comfortable! I’ll go make some tea.” She walks into the kitchen, and Ulkamak says, “I’ll join her in the kitchen so you two can catch up first.” He follows his wife, leaving Neith and Roestren in the den.

The young woman fidgets, her tail swishing back and forth nervously. “I… I missed you, Neith.”

“Same. I apologize that I haven’t been able to visit. I have some new stories to tell.”

They both laugh lightly, and she ushers him to a seat, sitting next to him. “Were you truly alright?” asks the young woman, placing her hands on his forearm. The dragon is new to innocent expressions of kindness like this. He focused so narrowly on his pursuit of revenge, that he forgot what it means to truly care about someone. He doesn’t dislike the feeling of her hands on his arm, even if he would be slightly hampered in using his arm to attack or defend. Instead, he would be content if her hands remained for a long time.

Maybe I’m not as indifferent as I feared… Though… What am I supposed to feel?

He was going to withhold all of it, but Neith replies gently and honestly, “I… was involved with several battles. Not everything went the way we hoped. But, as you can see, I am intact and safe.”

Her expression softens into concern, but she stays relaxed, nodding in understanding. “I see…”

“We are constantly preparing for greater threats, so it shouldn’t happen again. I promise to continue to return to you, my Lady.”

She blushes and smiles, again nodding. “Y-You better. You promised to marry me.”

“I did, and I will keep my promise.” Neith places his free hand on hers, which still rest on the dragon’s forearm.

I wonder if I should bring it up now…

Neith looks at her, and she looks into his eyes, cocking her head. She can tell he’s deep in thought, so she seems to be curious as to what it is so suddenly.

“My Lady… I will keep my promise, and I will abide by your wishes. But, I would like to ask you for… something awkward to discuss.”

“Wh-What is it?” asks the young boruan woman.

“I…” Neith clears his throat. It seems simple in theory, but now that he thinks about it, it’s awkward to discuss it. For dragons, it’s simple. The strongest decides who will be his mates. But, for many of the other races, it’s often monogamous, so simply declaring that she should abide by his rules would be a recipe for disaster.

Seeming to pick up on the cue, Roestren calls out, “Mom! Dad! Stop listening and go away for a little bit!”

“We’re not listening!” calls back Vynseria.

“Yes you are, Mom! I can see your shadow!”

“Tell Sir Neith that we will accept him for who he is, so long as he treats you well.”

“MOM!”

“I’m going, I’m going!”

“Take Dad with you, too! I’m serious!”

“Yes, dear,” replies Ulkamak’s voice.

After a moment, Neith can tell the two have moved into the workshop, and Roestren takes Neith’s hands. “I’m ready. Please tell me what it is. If you wish for me to move to the Fievegal, then I will. If I have to become a citizen and forego my work, I will do as I must.”

“None of that, at least… Well,... uh… Please allow me to explain, and then allow me to clarify. This isn’t simple to explain briefly.”

She nods, a little concerned, but ready to hear him out.

Neith explains the dragon culture, and how there are always more females than males. He explains how it is typical to have a harem, and that female dragons only compete over the number one affectionate role, but accept the harem as necessary.

The grey knight can tell that Roestren feels uncomfortable, and Neith says, “I understand if you dislike this. I only wanted to express my desire to support the dragon population as one of the few males. That said, I don’t need or want more than you if it will make you unhappy. I would ask you to allow me to provide my essence if the opportunity arises, but I will remain committed only to you.”

“Y-You mean… Just to make children?” asks Roestren, trying to understand. He can tell her mind is racing and she’s nervous, fidgeting with her fingers, which are still interlocked with his.

Neith nods. “I’m not asking because I have anyone in mind specifically at the moment. But, if possible, I just wanted you to understand and give your permission, if you don’t mind.”

She ponders deeply. Neith opens his mouth to suggest the other alternative, but he decides to hold himself back. It’s a very sore subject for even some of the shorter-lived races to discuss mortality, especially coming from a dragon, who has the potential to live for millenia.

Shialvalgarro was said to be over 10,000 years old, and Neith met him once before he disappeared at the time Morthybargaron took control of the hoard. She doesn’t need to know, or it’s a conversation to be had much later.

“I understand…” replies Roestren softly after a moment of deep thought. “I… I don’t want to be one of many. B-But… if the dragons need you… I just… Does that mean… ch-children with me…?”

“As many or as few as you want, my Lady. I don’t wish to brag, but I have every intention of supporting our family.” He smiles, and a female voice calls out from the direction of the workshop. “Take his offer, dear!”

“MOM!” shrieks the boruan, her cheeks igniting in a bright pink, while Neith tries to suppress his laugh.

“I didn’t hear anything!” retorts the boruan mother. “I just know an offer is being made! Don’t let him go!”

“Mom! This is serious!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

“She’s telling the truth,” offers Neith gently. “And, so am I.”

Roestren blushes, looking to the side as she fidgets. “I… Y-You’re so… forward!”

“I wanted to be completely honest and up front with you, and I never want to do anything behind your back.”

She nods appreciatively, smiling sheepishly. “Th-Then… As long as I’m your one and only wife, y-you may do what you need to for the other dragons.”

Neith shifts to a kneel on the floor, still holding both of Roestren’s hands. “My lady Roestren; I, Neith Lawson of the Fievegal hereby pledge my heart and loyalty to you, Lady Roestren. I shall remain faithful, and I shall protect and provide for you so long as we both shall live.”

The only things brighter than Roestren’s cheeks when her mother was teasing her are the young boruan woman’s cheeks now. They are practically emitting light with how brightly pink they are, but she can’t peel her gaze from her dragon fiance, who has just made such a sincere and profound vow.

“W-Will you marry me now?” asks the young woman, the only thing she can think of to honor such a declaration.

Neith studies her face for a moment as he thinks about it, giving her time to take it back if she changes her mind suddenly. But, she waits patiently, never looking away from him.

She is truly sincere, even if she has no more experience than me.

Neith smiles affectionately. His heart isn’t racing like Daniel said it might, but he does feel a certain comfort in the idea of moving forward with Roestren. She truly is sweet and genuine, and he enjoys talking to her. In fact, she takes his mind off of his worries and makes him feel relaxed.

“As soon as possible,” replies Neith sincerely. “With your family’s permission and my Liege’s leave, I’ll get the earliest possible date.”

She squeaks and squeezes his hands. “R-Really!?”

“Yes. So, Roestren, just to confirm,...” Neith digs in his magic back briefly, presenting a ring he had been preparing. “Will you marry me?”

“YES!” cries out Roestren, her eyes immediately gushing tears of joy. She pounces onto him, embracing him and kissing him, repeating over and over, “Yes! Yes!” After a few moments, she calls out, “Mom! Dad! Give us permission to marry as soon as we can!”

Both parents rush back into the room, hugging the both of them as they agree without hesitation. “Oooo! Of course! You have our blessing!”

Ulkamak pats Neith’s shoulder, adding confidently, “Let us know what we need to do, Sir Neith. If we’ll need to travel, we’ll need to make arrangements.”

Neith laughs, replying sincerely, “Thank you for your blessings. I’ll make it happen sooner than later, so I’ll be in touch with the arrangements, if that’s alright.”

All three of the boruans are giddy with excitement, and Vynseria gleefully pushes Neith back onto the sofa. “Rest, dear Neith, while I go begin preparations for a feast for us to celebrate!”

“I-I’ll help, Mother!” She blushes, leaning close and kissing Neith’s cheek. “I have been practicing.”

The dragon bows his head. “If I won’t be a burden, then I would be honored, my Ladies.”

They both giggle, moving quickly to the kitchen to begin. Neith is conscious of the fact that tea has been all but forgotten, but they’ll remember soon enough.

Ulkamak sits down in the lone cushioned chair nearby, saying, “Ahhh… What an auspicious day. To think I would be so pleased about my daughter’s marriage.”

“You flatter me, sir,” replies Neith sincerely.

“But of course! Truth be told, the stories have started to reach here.” The boruan man leans foward, whispering quietly, “Is it true you faced the Three Terrors?”

“Not alone, but I was party to taking them down.”

“Hah! I knew it! I’ve heard a grey dragon arrived with the pelt of Tyror on its back, and I suspected it was you.”

Neith laughs warmly. “That’s true. That was me. I was stuck in my true form for a time after its defeat, and it was the best way to carry the pelt.”

“And, it made for quite the entrance, by the sounds of it!” jokes the boruan man brightly. “The more we heard, the luckier we felt that little Roestren earned your hand.”

“I only carried out my duties, sir. But, thank you for the praise.”

“My pleasure!” The muscular bovine man relaxes in his chair.

Neith asks, “Has… there been no word on the Imperial Army?”

The kind father smiles gently. “Ah… While she is still on administrative leave, it’s possible her command is still sorting out priorities after the failed excursion to the west. And, a magic artificer like Roestren isn’t an especially high priority until she has deployment orders. Keeping her home where she is easy to reach is better than having her on the road when she is needed. This isn’t the first time she has had delayed orders, and she had a commanding officer that kindly explained it to us during one of her earlier deployments.”

“I see… So, she could be summoned at any time?”

Ulkamak nods. “However, this works out well for all of us, I think. There is a clause in the pledge of service that allows a soldier to end their contract if a pledged servicemen is in an inactive status for six months, and she’s on number five now.”

“Really?” asks the dragon with surprise.

The boruan man nods. “Yes. I’ve heard from some acquaintances who have experienced it that it’s an old clause in the Empire that specifically came about from magic artisans, who are typically nobles. Often, the army is hesitant to deploy them because of their inherent value, and enough nobles banded together to prevent them from wasting time in an inactive status when they could be making a great deal of money. The sacrifice is losing one’s completion of service medal, but that’s a small price to pay if the Imperial Army is avoiding paying the soldiers due to budget constraints or a lack of planning during times of peace.”

“That’s strange. Are the soldiers not expected to continuously train?” asks Neith.

“I don’t know all of it, but what I can say is, as you might guess, there is no formal training in the military for artisans and artificers. They have to apprentice under active artisans or artificers, or go to one of the academies. Roestren was fortunate enough to find a mentor when she was seeking to pursue her passion for magic equipment.”

“Interesting.” Neith nods as he ponders his soon-to-be father-in-law’s words. He then looks at the furniture-maker, asking sincerely, “What about her career, then? Will she be disappointed if I ask her to come to the Fievegal?”

Ulkamak smiles. “You’ll have to ask her to know for certain, Sir Neith, but as I father, I can only ask you to help her find opportunities to use her hard-earned skillset.”

The grey dragon chuckles. “There’s no shortage of work in that field. In fact, I suspect she’ll be able to apprentice under some of the best artisan’s in the world, if she so desires.”

Ulkamak laughs, agreeing amiably. “If that is true, I am certain she will be happy.”

Ironically enough, it’s quite true. If either Empress Wenlianna or Lady Ahok are willing to accept her, it should be a win-win. I’ll have to speak to them when I get a chance.

“What if the army does give her orders?” asks Neith.

“Well… she has a little over a year remaining on her pledge of service. In that case, it may be wise to hold off the marriage.”

Neith nods, thinking deeply about this.

I wonder if we should be more cautious, then, about our relationship getting out…

Ulkamak suddenly laughs, distracting Neith from his thoughts. “Apologies, my boy. You seem to be very concerned about my daughter’s well-being, and I can’t help but appreciate that.”

The dragon laughs nervously, and the boruan father adds gently, “I’m confident she’s in good hands. That said, there is one more thing you could do…”

“What is it?”

“Well… If she were to become pregnant, even if she is deployed, she’ll likely be recalled once it is confirmed. After all, if it occurred while she was in an inactive state, it is quite forgivable.” He grins at Neith, and the dragon realizes what is being said.

“You mean… before we are married?”

“‘Illegitimate children’ is a notion of human-led countries, mostly. If I’m not mistaken, the Fievegal has no such stigmas.”

“That’s correct,” confirms Neith, a little unsure.

“And, if she is married before the child is born, then it is not an issue either.”

The Fievegal knight can’t help but laugh lightly. “I see… Are you giving me permission, then?”

Ulkamak sighs with a somewhat defeated chuckle. “As a father,... I am choosing the lesser of two evils, if you can believe it. No father wants to hand over his baby girl so easily, but…” He smirks at Neith. “If it means she won’t be in danger on the battlefield anymore and have herself a solid husband… I will have to look the other way, won’t I?”

Neith can’t help but give a kind scoff. He doesn’t know what Ulkamak is feeling, but he is being given the man’s greatest treasure, by all appearances. It is truly an expression of trust, which surprises the dragon.

Neith bows his head to his imminent father-in-law. “I will not dishonor your trust, nor that of my Lady Roestren. If she agrees, I will… ahem… do what needs to be done.”

Ulkamak bursts into a hearty guffaw. “Thank you for that, Sir Neith. Please do.”

The dragon nods. Now, he’ll just need to ask Roestren for her thoughts on the matter.

***

Neith enjoys family dinner with Roestren and her parents, which they generously accommodate him with a hearty meat entree that had to have been somewhat expensive for a common household. That said, Vynseria and Roestren spared no effort, and the dragon is wholly satisfied.

As before, Vynseria and Ulkamak invite the dragon to spend the night in their home so long as he’s in town, which he accepts gratefully. It’s certainly not that he can’t afford an inn, but it allows him to spend even more time getting to know his fiancee.

And, if she is willing, to ensure their wedding can happen in a more hasty manner than before.

Like the first time, Vynseria urges Neith to sleep in Roestren’s room, and he sets up on the floor, while Roestren lays down to sleep on her bed.

“S-Sorry, Neith. I know today was… energetic.”

The dragon chuckles warmly. “I’m thankful, actually. The place I grew up in was… cold compared to this. It makes me feel truly welcome.”

“I’m glad… And you are welcome, Neith. You’ll be my family soon. S-So,... I’ll happily give you all the warmth you need.” She lays on her side, smiling at her dragon fiance, while he faces her. He returns a smile of his own, and she asks gently, “If… it’s alright, how old are you?”

“I think I’m around seven hundred and twenty years old this year, though I admittedly lost count a few times”

“S-... Um… That’s a lot. I-I’m… Twenty one.”

Neith chuckles, joking softly, “Having second thoughts?”

“Mm-mm… I just… hope that you’ll remember me…”

Neith replies sincerely with a soft tone, “It’s far too early for you to worry about that. But, I promise I’ll never forget you.”

She smiles with a faint rosiness filling her cheeks.

There’s a moment’s pause as the two rest their eyes for a moment. Out of the blue, the boruan woman asks softly, “Neith?”

“Yes?” He opens his eyes, looking at her. Roestren’s expression is soft, but a little more serious than before.

“Um… I-If you want… W-We are going to be married, s-so… Would you… l-like to sleep with me?”

Neith hesitates for a moment, once more giving her a chance to retract her statement. He asks gently, “Is that alright?”

She nods sheepishly. “Mm-hmm. I-I’d like that, actually.”

Neith smiles. He patiently climbs to his feet and approaches the bed, which she scooches to leave him plenty of room. Her bed is bigger than she needs now, since a boruan woman will eventually grow much larger. The grey dragon carefully lies down beside her, and she smiles as she faces him. She flops her blanket over both of them, sliding just a little closer to him. “Thi-This is… This is my first time… I-It’s kind of exciting.”

The dragon chuckles gently, petting her cheek affectionately. “I feel the same. I am lucky to have such a beautiful fiancee.”

She grins, blushing brightly. The young boruan woman leans close and kisses him briefly. “Good night, Neith.”

“Good night, Roestren.”

The two close their eyes as they ready to sleep together for the first time.

***