I, Viretta, Am Going to Hunt a Dragon

Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Debating intelligence over simple two-digit arithmetic is one thing, but taking joy in such a debate? That’s plain foolishness.

A quiet sigh escaped Ranken’s lips.

"Indeed, your intelligence seems entirely normal. However..."

While Viretta’s quick grasp of money matters suggested she wasn’t unintelligent, her frequent boasting and over-the-top ambition often gave the impression otherwise.

Still, factoring everything in, she was likely of average intellect. Saffron, purchased and brought along, wasn’t dealing with an outright fool.

"Your intelligence is normal, so why have you completely lost your mind?"

This realization plunged Saffron into despair.

If they had functioning intelligence and judgment, why were they hunting a dragon? With this group? Why?

Even with his limited worldview as a born-and-raised slave, Saffron couldn’t fathom the logic.

"You still don’t understand, Saffron. The dragon has descended upon the mines, causing the Medleidge family great financial loss. Naturally, this loss must be resolved, leading to a partnership with a family of considerable—"

"Exactly! But why are you two staking your lives on something like this? Explain it to me in terms even a lowly slave could understand. Surely, you, who are so much greater, aren’t as blind as I must be!"

"To summarize, Iola is writing a thesis, and I’m fighting for a future with someone I love," Viretta said with a grin.

"A future where you’re chewed up and swallowed by a dragon, no doubt? Forgive my bluntness, but that’s the only outcome this pitiful slave can foresee..."

Saffron’s words were steeped in passive aggression as he lashed out at Viretta with each syllable.

His dark energy radiated through the carriage, making even Ranken uncomfortable as he sat up on the driver’s seat.

"Let me ask, why write a thesis about dragons in the first place? Does failing to do so mean someone’s coming to kill you? Even a lowly slave values his life; are noble-borns different?"

"The pursuit of knowledge is a path that demands the risk of one’s life," Iola answered smoothly, entirely unaffected by Saffron’s jabs.

Viretta and Iola, impervious to passive aggression, continued the conversation as if Saffron had been earnest.

Saffron’s shadowed face twisted in frustration.

"Oh, so sacrificing a few lives for the sake of your studies is perfectly acceptable? How noble, truly noble."

"While noble status is irrelevant to my studies, I appreciate the compliment."

"Of course, of course. My insignificant slave’s life... perfectly fine to grind beneath a dragon’s molars, I suppose."

"I’ll be the first to be ground up, so you don’t need to worry."

"Ah, what a relief. I’ll sleep soundly dreaming of being chewed up by dragon fangs tonight."@@@@

"Such passion, dreaming even of dragons. Viretta, your eye for talent is impeccable."

With a pleasant smile, Iola delivered what sounded like heartfelt praise, while Viretta, standing behind him, smugly puffed out her chest as if basking in his validation.

Their impenetrable optimism sank Saffron completely.

The most difficult opponents are those with whom you simply cannot communicate.

Though they seemed to be speaking the same language, the conversation spiraled into a nightmare of disconnection.

Saffron’s futile attempts to reason spiraled into endless, fruitless exchanges.

Defeated, Saffron collapsed onto the floor, emitting a thick aura of despair.

"Culture is deeply intertwined with law and economics, so I decided to study law and accounting as well."

"Wow. That’s impressive."

Viretta nodded along vacantly, unable to follow the connections. Thankfully, Iola’s tendency to interpret her responses positively made him a convenient and lovable companion.

"However, even after studying law and accounting, I found gaps in my understanding when drafting my thesis. That led me to physics."

"I... see."

By this point, Viretta was growing visibly pale.

Already juggling five majors, Iola now revealed he had added physics to the mix.

"And while studying physics, I developed an interest in geology. Then came zoology."

"Finally!"

"Yes, finally. So after completing natural sciences, I decided to focus my thesis on dragons."

"......"

Seven majors.

Iola, at 23 years old, had not only studied seven demanding subjects but had brought five of them to the verge of completion.

For most, a single major required four grueling years.

"You’re incredibly talented, Iola."

Viretta’s gaze darkened slightly as she reassessed her fiancé.

Arms crossed, she scrutinized Iola from head to toe.

"Flawless in both intellect and physical prowess. A perfect family background and impeccable character. Truly..."

"An ideal husband," Ranken interjected.

"A reason to break off the engagement," Viretta muttered under her breath, closing her eyes in resignation.

Despite liking his personality, his capabilities were overwhelming. Marrying a man like him would leave her feeling utterly redundant.

However, Viretta’s logic was difficult for most to grasp.

Still baffled, Saffron crawled toward the driver’s seat, whispering in Ranken’s ear.

"Did I miss something? Did her affection drop because she thinks, *‘I’m not good enough for him...’? Please tell me this isn’t some third-rate melodrama."

Though Saffron’s voice was low, everyone in the carriage could hear him. Yet only a few took him seriously.

"Eh, I don’t get it either, but that’s just how Viretta is."

"Unbelievable. If she’s so intent on ruining her life, she might as well marry me instead."

Saffron’s bitter remark hung in the air, spreading an awkward tension through the carriage.

"......"

"......"

"......"

A peculiar sense of unease settled over the group.