Chapter 23: Proof of Friendship
T/N: I’ve never been so happy to see a Jade chapter… Dorami’s POV is pain.
Marin-chan’s subjugation target is a slime.
They should be wandering around the capital.
However…
“Dorami! Marin-chan!” (Jade)
They were nowhere to be seen.
The slimes may have been hard to find so they went further away.
I ran down the road while carefully listening so I wouldn’t miss their voices.
After running for a while, I could see a faint light in the distance.
“That’s…” (Jade)
It resembled the light from when Dorami transformed into her dragon form.
I strengthened my legs even more and kicked the ground as I dashed. I ran through the grasslands and entered the forest.
There was a white dragon.
“Dorami!” (Jade)
When I rushed over, Marin-chan exited the cave.
As soon as she saw me, she sat down—relieved.
“I’m glad that you’re safe!” (Jade)
“I-I’m sorry…. I’m sorry for taking a quest in the evening…” (Marin)
Marin-chan was crying.
Her clothes were all muddy, but she didn’t look injured.
“You don’t have to apologize, I’m not angry. Your safety is the most important thing. There are a lot of monsters around here, so let’s hurry home.” (Jade)
“There was a monster…” (Marin)
“…Gua.” (Dorami)
Dorami, who had been exposed as a monster, let out a sad voice.
Maybe she’s afraid of looking at Marin-chan, her head was hung down.
However—
“A Wing Bear attacked us a little while ago and I almost died… Dorami-chan saved me…” (Marin)
“…Gua?” (Dorami)
Dorami looked at me.
I can’t really read her expression, but she looks confused.
Dorami, you probably thought that Marin-chan is scared of you.
But, that’s just your misconception.
“Ah, that’s right!” (Marin)
Marin-chan ran back into the cave and took out some clothes.
She handed it over to Dorami.
“Hurry and wear this. You’re going to catch a cold if you’re naked.” (Marin)
“Gaa…” (Dorami)
“…What’s wrong? By any chance, can you not return to being human?” (Marin)
“Gaa.” (Dorami)
After shaking her head and hesitating for a moment, Dorami was enveloped in light.
I closed my eyes because of the light and by the time I opened them, I saw Dorami’s familiar figure.
Dorami averted her eyes from Marin-chan and asked timidly.
“…Aren’t you afraid of Dorami?” (Dorami)
“Why?” (Marin)
“Because Dorami is… she’s actually a monster. She’s a very strong dragon.” (Dorami)
“I was definitely surprised, but I’m not scared at all! After all, Dorami-chan is Dorami-chan! It doesn’t matter if you’re a monster!” (Marin)
“…Then, we’re still friends?” (Dorami)
“Of course! Look, this is our proof of friendship!” (Marin)
Marin-chan handed Dorami a pouch and a hairpin, and Dorami’s face broke out into a smile.
When she received the pouch and the hairpin, she wore them as is, without any clothes.
“It’s proof of our friendship!” (Dorami)
“Good for you, Dorami.” (Jade)
“Yeah!” (Dorami)
“Then, go and get dressed so we can go home.” (Jade)
“Let’s go~! …Ah, why are you here?” (Dorami)
“T-that’s right! By now, you should be dancing with my sister…” (Marin)
“I went looking for you two because you were missing.” (Jade)
Dorami and Marin-chan were taken aback by my words.
You really don’t have to mind it…
“Sorry… It was a great opportunity to dance with your favorite Garnet, but Dorami messed it up…” (Dorami)
“No, it’s my fault… Onee-chan was really looking forward to dancing with Jade-kun too… It’s all my fault…” (Marin)
“It’s not. It’s Dorami’s fault. Jade was really looking forward to the dance, but Dorami got in the way, she’s really sorry…” (Dorami)
“I’m really, really sorry…” (Marin)
“Don’t worry about it. For now, let’s just go home. I have to show Garnet-san that you two are safe.” (Jade)
I raised my voice and acted cheerfully in an attempt to erase their guilt.
The two of them nodded, but they seemed exhausted and couldn’t walk.
I carried Marin-chan on my back and Dorami in my arms, then briskly walked back to the capital.
