"Waaah, so you can actually take on a form like this, Typhon?"
At the rim of Mount Etna's crater, Melusine was quietly waiting for Novia's return. Of course, the first thing she saw was the red-haired girl holding his hand.
She didn't recognize her, but the aura flowing off her body was fused with the volcano itself, and given Novia's reason for coming here, Melusine immediately understood: this shy-looking girl could only be that one—the Greek progenitor dragon, Typhon, just like herself an Origin Dragon.
Although it irked her a little, Melusine remembered the "one-day promise" she had wrung out of Novia not long ago, and so she forced herself to feel at least a little pleased.
"So it really is Albion… my senses weren't wrong…" Typhon tilted her head, studying for another couple of seconds, before turning to Novia with deep puzzlement. "Why is your scent all over her body? How did that even happen?"
Novia froze, wearing a rather complicated expression. Melusine, however, nodded solemnly.
"Yeah, I'd like to know that too."
"…Was it some kind of data transfer?"
"Yes, exactly. A very special kind of transmission between humans and dragons. Can you do that too, Typhon?"
Melusine puffed her chest proudly in front of Typhon, looking smug.
"I see. I won't lose to you, Albion."
"By the way, I go by Melusine now. Not like you."
"Oooh, Melusine, huh? In any case, I've decided—"
Typhon felt that Albion's words carried some extra meaning. Probably… some kind of experience she herself didn't know about.
"I'm going to initiate an internal data transfer with Avia right now!" Typhon declared with perfect seriousness. "Avia, tell me—where is your data transfer port located?"
"…."
Novia cleared his throat, glancing helplessly at Melusine. But the silver-haired dragon only returned a bright, innocent smile that said: I know nothing at all.
"…Let's talk about that later. For now, let's head back."
"Then we'll do the data transfer once we're back? But it's so simple! I remember all you have to do is connect to each other's core systems, make sure the data doesn't get corrupted in transit, and it's done just like that."
Typhon said this with utmost seriousness, then added, "Let's start soon! I'll definitely surpass Melusine!"
"Heh. On this point, Typhon, I think you'll never manage it."
Melusine shot her a provocative glance and took Novia's hand.
"Why not?"
"Because you're too stupid."
"…Avia, Melusine is bullying me. She's not a good dragon."
"…Enough already."
The young man sighed, feeling more and more like he was babysitting. Still, he forcibly cut off the quarrel and dragged both girls along.
"Whatever you two want to fight about, we'll deal with it back home."
So, just as they had come, they avoided air traffic routes in the sky, and Melusine carried Novia away into the eternal heavens. Typhon trailed behind with a pout—she had to admit her speed was still a bit inferior to Albion's.
Thanks to the concealment of Primordial Runes, to ordinary eyes, they were nothing more than three fast-disappearing clouds.
---
Not long after, in Romania, Manaka Sajo had just finished writing out her strict daily schedule—her meticulous plan to steadily raise Novia's favorability toward her—when a knock came at her door. She instantly brightened and opened it with practiced elegance.
And then… she nearly fainted.
What was this? What on earth was this!? Novia had only gone out for a while, and somehow he'd brought back another dragon?! And one this powerful? Why were they all stronger than her?!
And the way this one gazed at him with such undisguised tenderness—damn it, yet another rival!
"What!? Novia, you're leaving?"
The silver-haired youth had just told her politely that he was grateful for her help, but he needed to return home. Hearing this, Manaka instantly felt her entire future collapse. If she let him go now, the distance between them would only grow and grow.
She could see it already: a few months from now, Novia smiling gently and saying, 'Manaka Sajo, you're a good person…'
The terrifying thought made her brain overheat. No, she had to come up with something—anything!
"No! You're our guests. How could I not treat you properly? Why don't you stay a few more days, let's get to know each other better…"
And so, under Manaka's insistent pleading, Novia reluctantly agreed. For the blonde girl, it was a small but precious victory.
It's fine. As long as I persist, take it slowly, and put in the time… I'll succeed one day!
Encouraging herself with these thoughts, Manaka finally retired late into the night. The warm atmosphere between the four of them gradually dispersed as each went to their rooms to rest.
But as the blonde girl lay in bed, planning what kind of breakfast to prepare for Novia tomorrow, she suddenly remembered Melusine's earlier behavior. A terrible feeling shot through her chest. She jumped out of bed, checked Melusine's room—empty. Checked Typhon's—also empty.
Now she found herself leaning against Novia's door, straining to hear. Nothing came out from within. And yet, her chest hurt unbearably.
---
Earlier that night—
While everyone was saying their goodnights, a red-haired girl had quietly crept into the wrong room, intent on finally performing the "data transfer."
Typhon froze.
She couldn't believe her eyes.
Melusine was kissing Novia. Their faces pressed together, their bodies pressed close. She was wrapped around his neck, pulling him down onto the bed with her.
Typhon's knees went weak. Her throat closed up. Her face burned so hot it felt like it would catch fire. Embarrassment overwhelmed her, and fear made her want to run away.
And yet—this, this must be the true form of data transfer.
"Um… I-I want to do that too."
"Novia, I want it to be tonight. As we agreed, tonight you can't touch anyone except me."
Melusine stopped Novia from protesting, then turned her head back to glare directly at the dumbstruck Typhon, her tone laced with challenge.
"Stay out of this, Typhon. Don't get in my way."
Her silver-haired face was practically glowing with smugness. She knew exactly how seriously Novia took his promises. As long as she put it this way, she couldn't lose.
"…But you said this morning you'd make breakfast. That was a lie. So I'm canceling that promise."
"Wha—! Novia, that's cheating!"
And so, the night unfolded just as Typhon had hoped.
Though to be fair, Melusine didn't exactly lose out either.
As for the next morning—Manaka Sajo was, once again, stuck making breakfast.