Inside the spacious and brightly lit Earth Dragon stable, Felix stood with his hands on his hips, his cat tail wagging happily, as he showed Subaru the spirited Earth Dragons in their stalls.
"How about it? Isn't it amazing?" he introduced proudly, his finger sweeping across a row of Earth Dragons with their heads held high. "These dragons were all personally selected by Lady Crusch; each one is a top-tier Earth Dragon."
He turned and winked at Subaru. "It's also Lady Crusch's wish to gift an Earth Dragon, so please don't be shy. Feel free to choose a child you like!"
The Earth Dragons let out synchronized snorts, as if showcasing their excellence.
Subaru looked at these majestic creatures, feeling a little hesitant. She looked for help from Carlisle and Rem behind her, but the knight merely shrugged helplessly, and the maid gently shook her head; neither of them had the ability to discern a good Earth Dragon from a bad one.
"Alright, don't overthink it~" Felix comforted, his cat ears twitching. "Just pick one you feel a connection with." He patted the neck of the nearest Earth Dragon. "These children are all one-in-a-hundred talents; you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose~"
Subaru began to walk slowly along the stalls. The Earth Dragons watched her with curiosity or arrogance; some even let out friendly low growls. Just as she reached the middle of the stable.
"Aoh!"
An exceptionally clear neigh suddenly echoed throughout the entire Earth Dragon stable. Everyone turned in surprise, only to see an Earth Dragon with golden eyes excitedly pawing at the ground, its thick tail wagging continuously, staring intently at Subaru.
"Eh?" Felix's cat ears shot up. "What's wrong with this child? It's usually the quietest!"
Subaru, as if possessed, walked towards the restless Earth Dragon. Felix quickly tried to stop her. "Be careful! This child's temper isn't exactly..." His warning abruptly cut off. Because after the Earth Dragon saw Subaru approach, it miraculously calmed down, and even actively brought its large head closer, affectionately rubbing against Subaru's outstretched hand.
Subaru stroked the Earth Dragon's cool skin, suddenly feeling a strange sense of familiarity. The Earth Dragon's appearance wasn't outstanding, but its eyes were exactly like her own, shining brightly in the setting sun.
"I've decided," Subaru announced with a smile, "I'll take this one"
Felix's eyes widened, watching this usually proud Earth Dragon now nuzzling Subaru's palm like a spoiled puppy. "This is truly astonishing... I never thought Subaru would choose this child."
"What's wrong?" Subaru asked curiously, scratching the Earth Dragon's chin. "Is it strange to choose him?"
"Of course it's strange! This one is famously difficult to handle," he said in a low voice. "Because he's so exceptional, countless people have wanted to take him, but each time he would resist fiercely, even throwing off those who tried to ride him." He looked at Subaru's still-intact hand with lingering fear. "When I saw you reach out just now, I was already preparing healing magic..."
Subaru chuckled, and the Earth Dragon, as if understanding, nuzzled her again.
"Subaru's intuition is really something~" Felix said with a hint of resentment. "She immediately picked the most excellent, and most difficult to tame, child."
The Earth Dragon meekly lowered its head, its golden eyes gently watching Subaru, who was stroking him. It softly nuzzled the girl's palm, a contented purr rumbling in its chest.
It would never forget that day when it was caught in a trap, and in its despair, it was this black-haired girl who, despite the danger, pried open the sharp iron clamp and bandaged its wound.
"Good boy..." Subaru murmured softly, always feeling this touch was strangely familiar. The Earth Dragon suddenly raised its head and let out a long neigh, a sound filled with joy and longing that humans could not comprehend.
Felix watched this scene in astonishment. "This is incredible... It's so affectionate towards a stranger."
The Earth Dragon gently nudged Subaru's forehead with its nose, just as it remembered the girl stroking its head and saying, "Be careful not to get hurt again," when they parted that day. And now, it had finally waited for the chance to repay this kindness.
— — — — — —
After choosing an Earth Dragon and naming her "Patrasche," a name inspired by a loyal dog character from an anime Subaru once loved, the three emerged from the spacious Earth Dragon stable. At this point, the preparations for the subjugation force were nearing completion, and the camp was filled with a tense yet orderly atmosphere.
Just as they were about to head to the assembly point, a loud voice suddenly came from behind them.
"Yo! You blue-haired, blue-eyed knight over there!" Accompanied by hearty laughter, a tall, dog-like beastman strode quickly towards them. "You must be Carlisle Eltheran, right? The one my lady and that Julius kid talk about all the time?"
Carlisle turned, noticing the other party's unique way of addressing him and his familiarity with Julius, and immediately guessed the newcomer's identity.
"Indeed, I presume you are..."
"Oh, don't be so formal!" The beastman waved his hand dismissively, interrupting him. He took a few quick steps forward and, without a word, slung an arm around Carlisle's shoulder. "I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time! I never thought I'd actually get to fight alongside the legendary 'Perfect Knight'; it really gets the blood pumping!" He clapped Carlisle hard on the back, producing a dull thud.
Carlisle was a little helpless with this sudden enthusiasm but maintained a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Commander Ricardo."
"Hahaha! This serious demeanor is exactly like Julius when he's out in public!" Ricardo laughed heartily, releasing his grip and revealing his sharp canine teeth. "You'll loosen up once we get to know each other! I heard that Julius kid hardly ever wins when he spars with you? Once this is over, how about we two spar a bit?"
Carlisle subtly rubbed his shoulder, which had been sore from the pat.
Just then, two small figures rushed over. The more composed cat-eared boy bowed first.
"Pardon me, the Commander is always so reckless," he said respectfully. "I am Hetaro, pleased to make your acquaintance."
The other lively cat-eared girl bounced in and interrupted: "I'm Mimi! Pleased to make your acquaintance!" She proudly puffed out her chest. "And I'm the Vice-Commander too!"
"Sister..." Hetaro sighed helplessly. "Please be more composed."
Carlisle nodded gently to the two cat people. "I've long heard of the Iron Fang mercenary group. It is truly an honor that Lady Anastasia could send such elite individuals to assist us. I look forward to working with you in the coming battle."
Ricardo laughed heartily again: "Alright, alright! Don't be so polite, we're about to set off!" He vigorously brandished his large sword. "Let the White Whale see the might of our Iron Fang!"
As everyone was talking, a crisp female voice came from not far away.
"It seems Anastasia's reinforcements have all arrived."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, and Crusch was striding over, looking dashing and heroic. She had shed her usual elegant men's formal wear and changed into a set of shimmering silver armor. Her long hair was neatly tied into a high ponytail, gently swaying behind her as she walked.
Felix immediately straightened his back: "Lady Crusch! Your attire is truly..."
"Suitable for the battlefield, isn't it?" Crusch's lips curved slightly. Her gaze swept over the assembled crowd, lingering briefly on Carlisle. "Lord Carlisle, thank you for waiting."
Subaru unconsciously held her breath. Crusch at this moment was a completely different person from the elegant noble in the council room, exuding a sharp, imposing aura.
"Everyone," Crusch suddenly raised her voice, her words piercing through the entire camp like a drawn sword, "the time has come." She turned to face the direction of the plaza. "Follow me for the final pre-battle mobilization. Today will surely be the White Whale's doomsday!"
Note: Subaru hasn't realised that Patrasche is female, just like in canon.
...
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