Hunters: brave travelers who hunt monsters
with their trusty cait sith by their sides.
Hunter Huey pursues one quarry in particular,
one he stumbled upon by sheer chance...
Me?
The Red Dragon!
"QUEST: Hunt the Red Dragon!"
"Property #10: Hunter goes Dragon-Hunting"
I'd just finished up a job to steal a dragon egg.
I was camped out by the Zorata Mines, one of many dwarven strongholds.
It was then...
that the red dragon appeared!
There's one thing I'm sure of.
A dragon showing no aggression nor willingness to take flight...
It must be...
"NEW SPECIES!"
A new species!
A mew discovery!
It is just a cowardly dragon who cannot fly.
We'll have his hide next time, Albert!
You got it, boss!
Well? Have you picked up on his trail?
Our info says it was spotted up at the Temple of Fall.
The Temple of Fall?
He's gotta be in there somewhere! Time for some dungeon diving!
Don't know if we need to dive at all.
Seems the dragon has already moved on.
What? That info cost us a pretty penny!
We'll just have to make up for it by lootin' that temple!
That'll pay for our...
Don't be ridiculous.
Stealing is a crime.
I'm meowy sorry.
It's easy for adventurers to forget about things like the law.
Stealing monster eggs for jobs is completely different.
This doesn't fare well.
He's gone into the Forest of the Dead.
What, you scared to go in there, Huey?
Yes.
All those stories about ghosts are just stories, dude!
But what if they're not?
Arrow.
Dagger.
How'm I supposed to fight off ghosts with these basic weapons?
I can't make stuff explode, or summon lightning, or resurrect people!
I'm just a regular ol' guy!
C-Calm down, dude...
It's the middle of the day. We got time before ghosts come out to play.
But ghosts aren't the only thing I'm scared of.
Well, what else, then?
Look at this shriveled-up forest...
There's gotta be poison gas or something making that happen, right?
Y-You've got a point...
Let's just... go around.
You got it, boss.
It's a house.
Sure is.
We're sure a dragon lives in this house?
Yeah, the map we got from those old grannies says this is the place!
Lookin' for a dragon?
Well, all right, we can help ya.
Couldn't let a cutie like you go wantin'.
Breaching client privacy is bad practice.
Let's sneak in, c'mon!
Very well.
C'mon, dude.
This situation just feels so wrong.
What? How?
If this were the situation, I'd be down to fight for sure.
But what if he's just sitting in his house?
How am I supposed to handle that?
I can't just barge into a guy's house without asking for permission!
You can't?
If it looked a little bit more like a lair, I might be able to handle it!
How 'bout we just watch the place for a bit, huh?
Okay.
So this is the Flame Dragon Lord's lair!
Looks like a plain old house.
Look!
That shiny armor! They're Heroes!
They must be here for the dragon, too.
Where's the loot at?
Gotta be some around here.
They walked in like they owned the place!
Dammit, they'll beat us to the punch if we're not...
Huey!
You can see inside from up here!
I see those Heroes from before...
Your Flame Dragon Lord ain't here, buckos.
The Flame Dragon Lord? Is that the dragon's name?
Our awesome boss is a bit busy at the moment.
Y'see, he's plannin' world domination!
Wh-What?
When did this happen?
A shocking new revelation.
The boss can turn a whole kingdom to ash with one puff of his fire breath.
He's that powerful?
It's only a matter of time until he's got the whole world in his claws!
Wh-Whaddo we do?
We shouldn't take his followers' word at face value.
Still, he doesn't seem to be here, so let's retreat for the time being.
First, let's get us some fire-resistant gear!
Heck yeah!
The grind begins.
Terrible beasts? In need of materials? Place a hunter request with us today!
Guild lady! Terrible beasts? In need of materials? Place a hunter request with us today!
Y-Yes?
Print posters for the Flame Dragon Lord and send them to every guild in the land!
Wh-Whatever is the Flame Dragon Lord, sir?
A beast that threatens to end the world as we know it!
And so, the legend of the Flame Dragon Lord was spread across the land.
We'll lie in wait for the Flame Dragon Lord here and ambush him.
We just gotta surprise 'im!
That we will.
By the way, why're we ambushin' him here?
Oh, I just...
got a feeling. That's your reason?
I can't believe I'm travelin' with a half-assed hunter like...
Look! There he is!
Why're there so many people here? Ow, ow...
How was I supposed to know there'd be bandits here?
Let's just keep an eye on...
So this is the Flame Dragon Lord's dark power!
That's how Huey saw it.
Wh-What now? We gonna go for it?
No, the Flame Dragon Lord is enraged; we can't ambush him now.
Our plans may have failed this time,
but we're not through with him yet.
One day, our chance will come, and on that day, his head will be ours!
Ain't that right, buddy?
Like you could do anythin' without me, bud.
I'm with ya all the way!
"QUEST: Hunt the Red Dragon!"
"FLAME DRAGON LORD"FAILED!"
Meanwhile, our Flame Dragon Lord...
D-Don't you think that was going a little too far?
I only burned them to a crisp, that's all.
Which is definitely going too far!
Savages who demand organs from people they've only just met
are hardly deserving of mercy.
Well, sure, I get that...
And I did restrain myself.
What part of that was "restrained"?
Look, there.
Their horses and goods are untouched.
It's a miracle!
The other party seems to have given up and left.
I'm glad we didn't have to fight both at once.
What other party?
If they'd attacked from that angle, I fear I might have blown off your head.
Are you trying to scare me right now?
I wonder what all this stuff is.
It would appear that most of these items were made by companies outside this area,
so I'd fathom these are stolen goods.
Then we should probably get them back to their rightful owners!
What is it?
H-H-Holy moly...
This is a human girl... right?
This dragon's a fine father of two!
Stop! And who are you talking to?
So... what do we do with her?
She was probably... no, definitely kidnapped, huh?
From what we see here, I'd say so, yes.
Then let's go into town and tell the guards to help!
A dragon stole away a human child! They'd likely mistake you for the kidnapper.
Yeah, figures.
I could use magic to teleport her and these goods back to town.
That's a great idea! You're so smart, Dearia!
"Please adopt me" I'm sure someone will decide to take her home.
She's a person, not a cat!
What if someone kidnaps her again?
Very well. Let us ask her for her home address.
H-Hold on a sec.
What's the matter?
I gotta find a place to hide.
Why?
She'd get freaked out if she woke up and saw a big ol' dragon, right?
Ahh, indeed.
Where am I?
H-Hello! I'm not gonna hurt you...
Who are you? Where am I?
Did you kidnap me, you insolent peasants?
Papa!
I am the esteemed daughter of Edred Wilhelm Ostern Fran Malloy Roy Karlher...
von Alvin, Andriana Ellen Croixdeia Margarethe Emmalyn Narsham Felna...
Kingdom!
Know your place!
What?
What an impressive name.
You dare mock me?
Letty here was not the one who kidnapped you.
The real culprits are most likely those charred corpses over there.
After defeating them, we happened to stumble upon you in their stolen goods.
What?
A-And what do you have to prove that story is true?
Well, Letty here is quite the unique specimen of dragon.
He's sweet, gentle, and kind...
Aww, shucks...
weak, cowardly, can't handle hot foods, and can't even fly.
He could never kidnap someone.
It's true, but you could've phrased it a little better!
Very well. I shall take you at your word.
Th-Thank you.
Especially considering that pea-brained visage of his.
"Pea-brained visage"
Especially considering that pea-brained visage of his.
He would seem to be harmless.
If you'd like to return home, I can teleport you there.
No, thank you. I've actually just run away from home.
Wait, what?
Yes, the going hasn't been easy, but I have no intent of returning!
Very well.
Hold on a sec!
You're so young! You can't go running away from home!
I bet your mom and dad are really worried about you!
Silence, cretin.
Wha...?
I hear that an elf's wisdom is greater than any found in a book.
May I ask for yours?
What would you like to know?
I need to find a house I can lay low in for the time being.
Someplace where I might hide from those who pursue me.
Do you know of any such place?
I just might.
Is there anything in particular you'd desire for your dream home?
Let me think...
What about my house, Dearia?
Seeing as this is a sudden request, I suppose only one thing is important.
I'd like a building made entirely of glass, surrounded by tropical flora.
The second floor needs a slide,
and a sculpture of bathing goddesses in the center...
"bongo bongo"
As well as a stage where I can enjoy dance and music performances.
All in one glorious bath!
That was all just describing a bath?
A simple one, yes.
I see. A property for laying low with a private bath attached.
How about...
It's just a cave, is it not?
While it might appear to be a mere cave,
inside, it houses a four-bedroom residence.
W-Wow!
No one would ever come looking for me here, of all places.
Also, one question...
Why are you coming with us, too?
Dearia's helping me find a house, too!
A dragon going house-hunting?
Why? Do you need a castle for your hoard of gold?
I-It's none of your business!
Well, I suppose I could let you stay with me if you became my retainer.
No, thanks!
Right then, I'll bill the agency fees and property cost to your retainer: Letty.
Oh, come on!
I'm too big.
What would you like to look at first?
The bath, of course! I'd like to wash myself clean right away!
This is the bath. Do enjoy.
What?
You dare call that leaky faucet a bath?
No need for rude language. This is a free-flowing cold mineral spring.
Its sulfiric content can treat athlete's foot, rheumatism, and nerve pain.
I'm not afflicted by any of those!
A bath must have enough water flow to fill a bathtub!
Not to mention fragrant bath salts, soaps, and perfumed oils!
Boy, you sure are spoiled.
Quiet, drummox.
Drummox? What's a drummox?
A cross between a dragon and a lummox, stupid!
We need more water!
Will this suffice?
Suffice how?
The basin beneath the water is ten meters deep. A spacious tub, indeed.
Surely this is enough water.
That was not what I meant!
A waterfall is hardly a bath!
The living space is just behind the waterfall here.
I'm speaking!
It comes with a sauna as well.
When you're finished there, you can dive straight into the basin.
I think not!
How difficult is it to find a proper bath?
Do you even know what a bath is,
or do I need to teach...
Watch out!
"Huh?"
"WAUGH!"
Some help you are! Now we're both falling!
I'm sorry!
Jumping in already? How impatient.
Now see here, Elf...
Since you seem ignorant to the concept,
let me inform you that baths are supposed to be hot. Toasty warm!
Understood.
Is this hot enough?
Hot!
The water temperature in this salt spring can rise to 120 degrees Celsius.
This is too hot!
The living space is inside the volcano, next to the magma chamber.
"up here"
The living space is inside the volcano, next to the magma chamber.
So I can burn to death in my sleep, you dimwit!
Pip is waiting it out in an icebox.
I've been dragged all over, and for what?
To be prepared like stew in a dragon's cooking pot.
I'm trying to help! You could be a little nicer!
I'm only doing this because you said you wanted a bath!
But why must I bathe in your cookpot?
What else were we going to use?
I'll leave the water here so you can make it hotter if you want.
Don't peek.
Why would I?
I'm gonna stay here, though, just in case!
If you have something to say, then out with it.
So, uh, why did you want to run away from home in the first place?
That's none of your business.
Well, sure,
but I'll hear you out if you want.
My father ate my cupcake without asking me first.
That's it?
Maybe you should just forgive him?
Why should I?
He needs to reflect on what he's done, the big buffoon!
I get holding grudges over food, but sheesh...
Still, it's dangerous for young girls to travel alone.
I mean, you already got kidnapped once.
I-I just let my guard down, that's all!
If Dearia hadn't been there to help, you might've been in worse trouble.
Yes, I'm quite aware!
I know I'm well within your debt.
So I'll state it formally.
Th-Thank you for saving me.
You may be a bit of a halfwit, but you are a kind dragon.
I'm glad it was you who found me.
Can I hear that again?
Absolutely not! And don't look at me!
Where is that elf, by the way?
I think he said he was going on a walk.
Oh, there he comes now!
Excellent. Let us make camp here for the night.
The Flame Dragon Lord! Why are you here?
Look, long story...
The Flame Dragon Lord? The one pursuing world domination?
It's just a rumor, nothing more.
Hey! Isn't that the princess?
What?
Then it was you who kidnapped the princess, Flame Dragon Lord!
Huh? And you're cooking her into a stew?
I'm not! She...
Wait, you're a princess?
I told you my name and title when we met!
How was I supposed to remember all that?
Fear not, Princess! We will save you!
Ugh, they're so persistent!
No matter where I go, they follow after me, like some kind of stalker!
Princess! Oh, Princess!
That's why you're trying to lie low.
I haven't been kidnapped! I left home by my own will!
What?
So kindly make like a tree and leave, you horrible stalkers!
"stalkers" Stalkers?
'm in the middle of a bath, you perverts!
"perverts"
I'm in the middle of a bath, you perverts!
"perverts"
Try being a bit more perceptive, you numbskulls!
"narcissists"numbskulls"
You self-centered narcissists!
Maybe go easy on them.
You villain! You've brainwashed the poor princess!
Dispel your charms at once!
Seriously?
Uh...
I won't let you have her!
You'd really...
Prepare to die, Flame Dragon Lord!
We're stronger than we were before!
Oh, jeez, oh, jeez!
You'll pay for stealing our gear...
Right here, right now!
"aaaaaugh!"
First the bandits, now these creatures... how terribly misfortunate we've been.
Dearia! Did... Did you just...
It was just a simple spell. They're quite capable of surviving it.
They are Heroes, after all.
What are these Heroes made of?
So, what does the Great Flame Dragon Lord intend to do with me?
Nothing. Also, could you please not call me that?
I still think you should go home, but I don't wanna force you.
But I'd be worried about you traveling all on your own.
So until you decide you want to go home,
you can travel with us if you want.
You want me to come house-hunting with you?
Is that a no?
N-Not exactly.
You did protect me from those Heroes.
If you insist, then I suppose I must come along.
Here, have some soup, uh... what's your name again?
You may call me Nell.
Glad to have you with us, Nell!
Likewise!
The princess and her knight.
This is horrible! It's blander than water itself!
If you don't like it, then don't eat it!
Or perhaps a wife and her mother-in-law.
"Elf Housing Realty"
Those of you who own pets should consider the type of flooring in your homes.
"Pets and Flooring"
Those of you who own pets should consider the type of flooring in your homes.
"I ain't nobody's pet!" I ain't nobody's pet!
While cats may safely slide on wood or linoleum,
dogs may injure their hips or backs while slipping about.
Consider a home with less slippery surfaces to improve your pet's well-being.
Next time, "A Home for a Kingdom."