Their intrepid leader nodded again.
"That thing did look like a dragon, true."
Jest exhaled through gritted teeth.
"So why are we going to the castle?! Even the crazy fools who went downstream agreed that going to the castle is suicide!"
The young knight looked at him with a smile.
"You know, I always wanted to kill a dragon."
Jest blinked.
"...Really?"
The knight laughed.
"Heavens, no! Despite what you think, I'm not crazy. Who in their right mind wants to fight a dragon? An actual dragon. Those things are unscientific, they aren't even supposed to exist… weren't supposed to exist, at least."
Jest shook his head in bewilderment.
"So why then?"
The young knight remained silent for a while.
Then, he looked at the castle again, his expression finally turning somber.
"Because I left my pregnant wife alone in the real world. There was a way back the last time… so, there has to be a way back this time, as well. The castle is the only man-made structure we've seen so far. Plus, it's rather conspicuous. So, I am going to conquer it and return home, even if I have to kill a dragon."
Jest stared at him with a mix of envy and admiration for a few moments.
It had to be nice… to still have a home, and someone waiting for you to return there.
Eventually, he sighed deeply.
"Well, alright. Let's kill a dragon."
The young knight glanced at him.
"What, no joke this time?"
Jest gritted his teeth.
"Bastard! This entire situation is a joke! Is this not fun enough for you?!"
The knight looked away with a wistful expression.
"To be honest, I don't really have a sense of humor. I've never been good at having fun. So, Jest… I'll delegate that part to you."
Just stared at him with wide eyes.
Huh?
'I didn't volunteer, though? What am I, a clown? No, but what is this bastard even saying?!'
The next morning, they sailed across the lake toward the castle.