(Yuuta's:- POV)
I squinted at the map in my hands like a general studying enemy territory. It wasn't just a map—it was my grand strategy for the day. The plan to survive Mount Fuji with my pride (and dignity) intact.
Using a stick I picked up from the trail, I started pointing at the mountain board like a self-proclaimed hiking instructor.
"Alright, listen up, you lizards—"
Erza's eyes narrowed. Her arms crossed, and the temperature around us dropped just enough to make me regret existing.
"What did you just call us?"
I coughed dramatically. "I mean—Divine Dragons! Yes, yes, my bad. Don't interrupt your brilliant leader while I'm presenting our route!"
She sighed, clearly surrendering to my nonsense. Elena clapped her hands, thrilled like I'd just announced a magic show.
And Allen? Don't even ask. That demon looked way too invested, nodding like I was actually making a war speech.
If he ever decides to follow me into battle, humanity's doomed.
"First," I said, tapping the map with the stick, "we'll march—uh, walk—to the top of Mount Fuji. On the way, we'll see deer, a few tea houses, maybe some nice scenic views. Sounds peaceful, right?"
I paused dramatically, then glanced at Erza.
"With our feet, of course."
Her eyes narrowed even further. "What's that supposed to mean? And why did you look at me when you said that?"
I gave her my most innocent smile. "Oh, no reason. I just meant some people might be tempted to cheat using wings. You know, hypothetically. Totally random thought."
Her tail twitched. Not a good sign.
"You think I can't climb this tiny mountain without flying?" she said, her voice dripping with pride.
"Not saying that," I said, already realizing I'd said exactly that.
"Listen, mortal," she said, stepping closer, "even if a hundred of your kind tried to climb this mountain, none would reach the top faster than me. On foot."
Now that hit my pride like a slap. I straightened my back. "Oh yeah? Then how about a little bet?"
She smirked. "Go on."
"If you use any magic or wings," I said, pointing the stick at her like a sword, "you'll do my laundry and wash the dishes for a week."
She crossed her arms. "Fine. But if I win, you'll clean my wings, tail, and horns with that expensive Dandelion shampoo you hide from me—and massage me for three hours every night for a week."
I blinked. "Three hours?"
"Scared?" she teased.
"Ha! Please. Deal, you lizard queen."
She leaned in close, her crimson eyes gleaming. "Deal, you idiotic mortal."
We shook hands. The air around us felt like a battlefield declaration had just been made.
"Papa! Mama!"
Elena's sudden shriek echoed through the trees, loud enough to scare a poor bird right out of its nest. Her little face scrunched up in distress as she pointed at us. "Fighting is bad!"
I blinked, stick still in hand. "Eh? We're not fighting, Princess," I said, raising both hands like I was being held at gunpoint. "We're just… discussing our strategy."
Erza tilted her head, that calm-yet-terrifying expression on her face. "Of course not, Elena. Your father just happens to mistake losing arguments for strategic planning."
I turned to her slowly. "You know, I feel like there's a hidden insult in there somewhere."
"Ohhh… okey-dokey!" Elena said, giggling. "Elena thought Papa was fighting again!"
I nearly choked. "Again? When did I—wait, what do you mean again?!"
She didn't answer, just laughed and skipped in circles like a tiny fairy who just declared me guilty by default.
Meanwhile, Allen stood nearby, posture straight and expression unreadable. He looked like a royal guard stationed to protect the imperial family. Except, in our case, he was protecting us from… squirrels? Falling leaves? My stupidity? Hard to tell.
He didn't move. He didn't blink.
He just… watched.
A shiver crawled up my spine. "Allen, you're making me uncomfortable again. Can you, uh, not look like you're about to assassinate someone?"
He gave a formal bow. "Apologies, my master. I merely stand ready to eliminate any threat that dares—"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Go back to my shadow before you scare the tourists."
He nodded solemnly. "As you wish."
The ground beneath my feet rippled like ink in water, and in one smooth motion, Allen vanished into my shadow. The silence that followed was weirdly peaceful… and way less creepy.
"Alright!" I clapped my hands, pretending like I totally had control over this family expedition. "Now everything's set. Let's go hiking!"
"Yaaaaaahhh!" Elena cheered, raising her arms like a soldier charging into battle.
Erza just sighed, rubbing her temple. "Sometimes I wonder which one of you is the real child."
I grinned. "If you're asking who's cuter, I won't argue."
She gave me that look. You know—the one that says 'One more word and you'll be sleeping outside.'
So I shut my mouth immediately.
And just like that, our grand expedition up Mount Fuji began—with one overly excited child, one exhausted dragon queen, and one hopeless human who still thought he was the leader.
"Alright, everyone! Step back!" I said, grabbing my trusty stick and dragging it across the dirt like a professional referee. "This—" I tapped the line with authority, "—is our starting point!"
Erza crossed her arms. "You're taking this very seriously for someone who can barely climb stairs without complaining."
"Hey! I'm a professional planner," I said, drawing another line just for dramatic effect. "Now listen carefully, Lizard—uh, I mean, Erza. On my count—three, two, one—we start climbing. And remember, no magic!"
She puffed her cheeks, clearly taking offense. "Hmph. I know the rules, mortal. But don't forget our bet."
"Oh, I won't, Lizard Queen," I said with a confident grin.
Her eyes twitched dangerously. "Say that again, and you'll be rolling down this mountain instead of climbing it."
Before the argument could escalate, a small voice interrupted.
"Papa! Mama! Elena wants to join the race too!"
She said it in the cutest voice imaginable—tiny, excited, and full of sparkly energy.
I swear, my heart physically skipped a beat. I actually clutched my chest like I'd been shot by a cuteness arrow.
"Yes! Yes, you'll join too!" I said immediately, half-panicking, half-melting.
"Yaaah! Elena will race too! Elena will win!" she said, jumping up and down, her tiny hands forming victory poses.
Erza sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. "And how exactly do you plan to include her in this ridiculous race? Don't look at me. Carrying her on my back would count as cheating."
I smirked. "Don't worry, my dear wife. I've already planned for that."
Erza's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "That sentence always leads to something stupid."
"Allen!" I shouted proudly.
From the shadows, Allen materialized in his usual dramatic fashion, bowing deeply. "You have called, my master. This humble servant obeys."
I pointed my stick at him like a commander issuing a critical order.
"You will join the race. However, you must use only your feet—no teleporting, flying, or whatever shadow nonsense you do. And…" I paused for effect, "…you'll carry Elena on your back."
Allen's golden eyes gleamed as he nodded solemnly. "It will be my honor to compete alongside you, Master Yuuta. Carrying the young lady shall be this servant's pride."
I puffed my chest. "Good! That's the spirit!"
For once, I actually felt kind of powerful. Like the head of a noble family leading his troops up a mountain.
Erza, however, was quick to pop that illusion.
"Don't get carried away, dear," she said dryly. "You're not superior—you're just stupidly confident."
"Confidence is half of victory!" I declared.
"Then you'll lose half as fast," she muttered, stretching her legs.
"Alright!" I said, lining up beside her. "Everyone ready?"
"Yaaaahhh!" Elena cheered from Allen's back.
Erza cracked her knuckles. "Ready."
"On my mark…" I raised my stick dramatically. "Three… two… one—Go!"
To be continue....