But your wife is almost the sole reason they decided to tell you how to break your curse. They are all eagerly looking forward to meeting her

Still, Edgar shook his head. There was no way he was bringing Rubica to meet the dragons underling.

Even he knew the name Blanco. So many adventurers had been killed by the ax she wielded, and it was hard to count their numbers. He had every reason to be worried.

I want to go with you.

Rubica they despise Claymore.

But they all like me. And if they hate Claymore so much, I shouldnt let you go alone. It would be even more dangerous.

Rubica clearly had made up her mind. And once she did it, there was no convincing her. Edgars head knew she was right. Its just that hed rather put himself in danger than to bring her to the cold and dangerous northeast.

I must have Carl prepare a mana stone carriage.

It was going to take them at least a week to reach Ibers territory, even when using the fastest mana stone carriage they had. Ios could close the distance in a day, but his method involving drinking dirt all along the way. Plus, he could travel with only one person at a time.

Your Grace, it will be too dangerous. I think we must gather adventurers who know how to fight the underlings and go with them.

It will take too long. Besides, they are helping me. I cant go with an armed band of guards. It would be openly starting a fight.

I agree with you.

But what if they just change their mind? We must have some kind of plan for it.

Even though their mana stone carriages were huge, they werent huge for an army to fit in them. Carl was so worried, but Rubica came up with an idea.

What if we take Ios with us? He cant hurt the other dragons underlings, but he can help us to escape or defend us.

Oh, of course!

Carl was delighted to hear it, but Edgar wasnt happy about it at all.

Escape? He can carry only one person at a time.

But he wont have to take us far. Well be safe once we leave the territory. A few seconds will be enough for him to do that.

But hes even stupider than a lizard, he wont be of any help.

Hes not

Even Rubica couldnt say he wasnt that hopeless, so she decided to say something else in his defense.

Youre right, but hes been improving. Now he doesnt throw a fit as often as before, and most of all, hes stronger than an entire army.

The more she complimented Ios to make Edgar see how useful he could be, the darker his face became.

She cant compliment him farther, its getting dangerous

Carl and Minos were stuck in the middle of it and glanced at Edgar. It seemed like Rubica didnt know how she was making him feel worse and worse and was trying to improve his relationship with Ios.

Why dont we ask his opinion first?

Minos managed to boldly chime in and raise an opinion. Edgar nodded only then. He had just been irritated to see Rubica compliment Ios so much, but he also knew they needed him.

Huh? Ibers territory? Umm I dont want to go.

However, to their surprise, Ios refused the moment they told him about it. To him, shivering in the snow was a horrible experience he didnt want to go through that ever again. Plus, he didnt like that he couldnt throw a tantrum in there as the area belonged to another dragon.

Ios, you dont have to go in there with us. Just stay nearby, and if we fall in danger, you come and

Why would you ever be in danger?

Ioss eyes widened. He still believed Rubica was a nymph, so he couldnt understand why she was even talking of any danger. Even Iber herself wouldnt be able to defeat her, and she had that skill of putting her opponents head in her armpit and choking them!

You must be afraid.

Edgar, who had been listening quietly as Rubica tried to convince Ios, raised a corner of his lips and spoke. His voice was extremely low, but it reached Ioss ears without a problem.

What? Were you talking to me?

Yes, you dont want to go just because they kicked your butt a couple of times? Youre so timid. Well, I guess youd never been spanked before that, you just believe in your own power and mess around.

Edgar!

Rubica couldnt stand it and hit his shoulder. She had wanted to come alone, but he insisted on coming with her, saying meeting Ios alone was too dangerous. Did he even want to break his curse? But even as she thought so, he kept staring at Ios and kept on the childish fight.

If youre scared, dont come. We dont need a coward.

You think I will be afraid of those underlings!

In the end, Ios jumped to his feet and pointed a finger at Edgar.

Well see! If you dont show up, I will smash up your butt! I dont care if youre Rubicas cousin or not!

Then he left, just like that. Edgar closed his bloodshot eyes only then and massaged them with his fingers.

All done, now we just have to go after him.

You provoked him on purpose?

You cant convince that idiot with reason. Well, we have a journey to prepare for.

Edgar stood up, called Carl, and started to give him orders. He always frowned to hear Ioss name and was constantly calling him an idiot and a hopeless lizard, so it was quite surprising that he actually knew how to handle him better than anyone else.

Maybe theyre closer than I thought.

There were some kids who always fought but looked for each other when they werent together. Rubica decided not to try to bring them closer from now on, which was good for Edgar.

The journey was going to take only a week, but they had much to prepare for as they were going to Ibers territory. While Edgar explained about it to the king and got written permission to cross the borderline, Rubica packed things with Minoss help.

You said the area is very lot cold and dry, right?

Yes, its still autumn here, but there, the snow had already piled up this high.

Minos raised his arms high and jumped. Seritoss winter was known to be severe, but it sounded like it was even worse in Ibers territory. They didnt have enough time to make thick fur coats, even with the new sewing machine Edgar had just invented.

So, Rubica had her maids help to find winter clothes in the mansion. It had everything, from a sable fur coat to a fox muffler. She chose and packed what was needed.

That sly old fox! He hadnt signed that permission yet!

However, Edgars rank was too high to just leave when the preparations were done. Nobles of marquis rank or higher had to go through a much complicated procedure to pass the borderline. It seemed like the king was still negotiating.

You havent left? Are you scared?

In the end, Ios showed up at the mansion again and made fun of Edgar.

We will leave soon.

Then he muttered a curse, although whether it was toward the king or Ios, it was hard to know. He looked so grim that Ios couldnt pick a fight with him anymore. He had no choice but to go to Rubica.

What are you making? A coat?

Oh!

Rubica had thought Ios would be waiting at their destination, so she was shocked to see him and dropped what she was making.

But thats too small to be worn there. It must come down to your ankles at least.

I wouldnt make a coat with such a thin fabric. Look closer.

Rubica showed him what it was. It was in size of a short jacket, but it had straps, ribbons, and frills.

Is that supposed to go on someones head?

Yes, Im making it as a present for Ibers underlings.

Presa was a shop that sold clothes for humans, at least officially. But Ibers underlings had huge ears for horns on their head, so they couldnt wear ordinary hats. They must be wishing to wear hats that matched their new dresses.

She just didnt want to waste her time doing nothing till the king gave his permission, so she recalled the monsters she had encountered and made headdresses for them. But as she had never met an underling before, she worried it might not suit them.