I want to eat dragon meat

On the ship, we loaded barrels containing wine, water, and salted fish.

Since the entire ship is prone to condensation, we laid wooden planks between the hull and the living space.

At the bottom of the ship, we made a collection point where dew could gather, providing emergency drinking water if needed.

Additionally, we brought along a knife made from dragon claws and a spear fashioned from dragon teeth. The remaining claws and teeth were used to make an anchor, and the rest were used as ballast for the ship’s bottom.

I was also able to set up Almira’s bed, using the white cloth that was originally at the bottom of the barrel, completing our preparations.

Despite the cramped living space due to the additional cargo, we couldn’t enlarge the ship further without compromising its stability, especially with all the dragon materials on board.

“Well, it looks like we ended up bringing more than necessary, huh?”

“That’s… well, we’ll need money when we return, and it would be a waste to just throw them away.”

Almira seems to have a frugal streak.

Anyway, if Almira has connections to sell off the materials, that would be quite helpful.

“Alright, let’s make sure we haven’t forgotten anything. Then, let’s set sail!”

“Alright!”

We both raise our voices.

“Then, let’s depart!”

Almira taps the mast made of dragon wings with her front paw. In response, the membrane sail catches the wind.

The ship moves forward powerfully.

“Wow, what’s that, magic?”

“No, I can’t use magic. It’s the power of the dragon within the ship.”

“Whoa, that’s amazing. Can I try it too?”

Casually reaching out my hand…

“Hey, no, you can’t!”

Almira jumps at me and stops me with all her might. It feels nice and fluffy.

“Why can’t I?”

“Because you’ve eaten an unbelievable amount of wind dragon meat, making you almost like a wind dragon! You might cause a storm strong enough to blow away the sails!”

“Huh, really? …Then, can this dragon membrane outfit of yours create winds too?”

“Yes, it can! I’ll do it instead, so please, whatever you do, don’t try it on the ship!”

With that said, the kitten sits in front of me, extending her front paws.

A gentle breeze blows. The outfit flutters.

“Hey, I can see it! I can see it! Sorry! Please, cover it up!”

Almira seems flustered, but it feels strange to panic just because a cat saw me.

◆

The ship continues to progress smoothly.

After crossing the current heading towards the sacrificial altar and sailing for a while, we caught a current leading towards land.

…That aspect alone is enough to make it seem supernatural.

“By the way, Almira! Are there any sea monsters or creatures around here?”

“Well, the fish you’ve been eating every day are already in the monster class…”

That was quite a shocking revelation.

“Wow, so those fish were that dangerous?”

“Yes, indeed. Fishermen get eaten by them every year. You’re just exceptionally abnormal, Tatsuki.”

I see.

So those fish that always bumped into me or nibbled on me were actually making dangerous attacks.

The disconnect between the sense of normalcy and what’s actually happening is quite severe.

Well, it’s no wonder I’m feeling strangely calm and unconcerned, given that I’ve been eating meat that can turn someone into a superhuman just by eating a piece or two.

Thinking about it, even if the ship were to capsize at this moment, I wouldn’t feel like I was in any danger at all.

While pondering over such thoughts…

“But, are you okay with this, Tatsuki?”

Almira asks, looking somewhat apologetic.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re not heading back to your hometown, but rather aiming for my homeland.”

“Oh, that’s fine. Actually, I probably came from a different world than this one.”

“A different world?”

“Yeah, a different world—can you believe it?”

I ask Almira, who tilts her head slightly, a question.

It might have been a bit mean to ask, considering it’s not something easily believed.

Almira looks straight at me and speaks.

“…Yes, I believe you. Because your way of thinking is fundamentally different from mine.”

“Thank you, Almira.”

Grateful that she believes me.

“So, since I fundamentally don’t know how to return, I’m thinking of going to town and gathering information. And if it seems like I can’t go back…”

“If you can’t go back, what will you do?”

“…Well, maybe living here and hunting dragons wouldn’t be such a bad idea?”

“T-Tatsuki-san, that’s not funny!”

As we exchange banter, unfazed by the storm we encountered along the way, after just three days.

In the early morning sunlight, the shadow of land comes into view.

“Look! Tatsuki-san, land!”

“Wow, we’re already here? That’s about half the expected time, right? That’s really fast!”

Although we skipped stopping at the islands as planned and came straight here, it’s still surprisingly quick.

“It’s all thanks to the excellent performance of this ship! It’s impervious to headwinds and high waves!”

The kitten bounces around happily, adorable as ever.

“I can’t believe it! We’ve survived from that sacrificial altar! Look, Tatsuki-san!”

From the shadows emerged a continent, now imbued with color and substance.

Almira points to a particular spot with her paw.

“My homeland, the Water City of Atlantia!”

Indeed, where the kitten points, there seems to be a cityscape visible from the ship. There is human activity there. Activities of a different world. Hopefully, in this different world, there will be different foods… and perhaps even dragons.