Tiamat, I'm going to find a girlfriend!

Only this time——

The person above became himself, and the person below became Ian.

Come again? !

Artoria regretted her earlier outburst of curiosity, which led her to run over to Ian's side.

But the girl, who felt that her misfortune was about to strike, heard something unexpected the next moment.

I won't bite you.

"I promise--"

"Because Artoria is a very important friend of mine."

"Eh?"

If before it was simply about getting to know the concept of "friends," then now Ian is seriously explaining his own thoughts.

Although it might just be a dream—

But they are also 120% serious.

He values ​​himself highly.

That's why there's the saying "don't bite yourself".

Ok……

He knew he had done something wrong.

Once she understood the motivation, Artoria found herself less resistant to Ian's actions.

after all--

If we look at it from a different perspective...

If you have a very strong impulse towards only one person, but at the same time you want to protect that person...

That must have been agonizing every moment, right?

Before, I wouldn't say anything; now I only dare to ramble on in my dreams.

Perhaps she's afraid of alienating herself?

This feels so frustrating...

"..."

Artoria glanced at the doorway and, after confirming that it was unlikely anyone would come in at this time, she made a decision.

The girl unbuttoned the first two buttons of her clothes.

In this way, what is revealed at dawn is that fair shoulder.

as well as……

That's what he needs.

"It'll only be for a little while..."

Artoria bent down.

She didn't know what kind of behavior she was exhibiting.

but……

It doesn't seem as hard to accept as I imagined.

A little satisfaction in one's sleep is perfectly reasonable, isn't it?

As if he had smelled the aroma of food, Ian quickly took that small and cute curve into his mouth.

"Well--"

Artoria covered her mouth with both hands.

They overestimated themselves.

Being sucked and not being sucked are two completely different things.

This tingling, numb sensation is irresistible!

But having said that...

However, Artoria also noticed something.

Even in his sleep, Ian kept his "promise".

He no longer harmed himself in a beast-like manner as before.

of course……

Instead, even worse behavior has emerged.

But the embarrassing things didn't end there.

As the first rays of sunlight streamed into the room, Artoria noticed that Ian's eyes had been open at some point.

"Eh!"

When did you wake up?

"..."

Ian released his mouth.

"At the very beginning."

"Eh--!"

Artoria blushed.

"you……"

"Don't go with that guy."

At this extremely awkward moment, Ian suddenly said something like that.

"That thing tastes off."

"Ok?"

Artoria blinked.

"That rascal?"

"Correct!"

"That's the guy who told you he could become king!"

Ian's unusual excitement instantly confirmed one thing for Artoria.

That was her intuition, and it was right.

"so--"

"So that dragon really was you?"

"..."

"Are you annoying?"

Ian looked at Artoria in front of him.

"I... I was going to tell you later."

"But this time, it's just too urgent, so..."

"I'm not unhappy."

Artoria interrupted Ian.

"I can feel your desire to protect me."

"Is that why you're thirsty?"

"Ah."

"As expected."

Artoria laughed.

"If it's a dragon, then everything makes sense—"

"It's perfectly normal for dragons to not die from falling."

"but……"

Artoria stared directly at Ian in front of her.

"I still want to be that king."

"Because everyone is really suffering."

"I want to end all of this."

"But that guy is a bad thing—"

"I know, and I believe you."

Artoria's eyes shone brightly.

"Therefore, I won't be swayed by that guy."

"But if becoming king can save everyone, then that is indeed the future I long for."

"..."

Ian was silent for a moment, then finally nodded.

"I see."

"In that case, I will respect your choice."

"Eh?"

"Do you mean you want to become king with me?"

Artoria asked with a smile, but was met with an extremely serious look in the other person's eyes.

"Ah."

"I will protect you."

"I will protect you forever."

"..."

The girl's cheeks flushed red once again.

If the last time it was because of shame, then this time...

That was genuine, heartwarming emotion.

However, this feeling of being moved did not last long.

Because Ian soon succumbed to the dragon's nature again.

sip--

"Go easy on me! Be gentle! If Brother Kai hears this, we'll definitely get into trouble!"

Artoria never imagined that she would no longer find this kind of thing offensive.

“Then, Ian, if that's the case—”

Will you do something with me?

"..."

The boy looked up.

That's asking what the other person means.

Artoria didn't keep them in suspense any longer; she quickly said:

"Come practice swordsmanship with me."