After dealing with the hell that was the mana stream problems, I went to sleep .
“This stream… No… No more… Aaa…”
I am having a nightmare . It is a replay of the mana stream problem again . “Guardian-sama, a group of humans is approaching”
“Oh?! Visitors?”
“It is most likely royalty . Even so, their standing is far below yours . ”
I change into my original human form and Runamiria’s face suddenly distorts . Whenever I enter this form her mood becomes complicated .
“It’s just a way to hide my true power” “If you say so . ”
“Well . I’ll wait while napping . Runamiria, please wake me up when they arrive”
“Yes master”
I have a pretty good idea why they came . They need to crown a new emperor .
Wait… Let me modify the bed a little . It is too troublesome for my current size .
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“So this is the shrine of the Guardian Dragon of the Assurado continent”
The Assurado continent is unified under one nation: the Gozman empire . The first prince, Harold murmured once he saw the giant shrine in front of
him .
“Yes, this is the shrine of one of the seven guardians: the God of Sloth . Once you finish your audience and come back safely, we can complete the coronation ceremony . ”
The very first emperor of the Gozman empire started the tradition and continued for all 23 generations of emperors after him . The tradition is valued as an audience with a God is like having divine blessings .
“Then, your majesty, we will take our leave . ” “Wait . Let me borrow your sword . ”
As Harold will be meeting a higher being, he wants to make a good impression . However, he lost his composure when one of the knights handed him a sword .
“Don’t worry, it’s only heavy at first . ”
Harold blushes in embarrassment and with a trembling hand, catches the sword .
“Now Harold, I will give you a word of advice about the challenges that lie ahead . ” It was from his father, the current emperor .
“Inside, you have to defeat your own enemy . ” “Enemy? Is it a mighty beast?”
Harold’s face went pale . He thought he was only supposed to meet the God dragon, as a part of the coronation ceremony .
“No, there are no monsters in the area . ”
Harold breathed a sigh of relief . His talent in swordplay and magic is only mediocre, far from what is required to become a hero .
“The entire ordeal wasn’t too difficult . I have confidence that you will succeed . ”
The emperor laughed to reassure Harold . He also wanted to appear strong, as it will help him build political support in the future .
“So, who is my enemy then?”
“It is the most formidable enemy possible: yourself . ” “Myself? What do you mean?”
A doppleganger? A monster that can transform?
“Harold, do you know our country’s motto?” The emperor asked the confused Harold .
“Of course: Never give up . ” [ED: lol . ]
The Assurado continent consists mostly of harsh terrain covered with ice and snow . Thus, every single day is a struggle for survival where only the strong can live . For example, if you failed to collect firewood, you died . If you couldn’t hunt for food, you died . Diligence here is highly valued as a virtue, especially in the royal family since they have to lead the masses . Due to their diligence, the royal family has led the Gozman empire as the main powerhouse .
“Good . Don’t lose your way . You have to continue our legacy . ” “Yes father!” Harold nodded vigorously .
“Go, my son . ”
After his father finished speaking, Harold stepped into the shrine without hesitating .
“He already went in . ”
“Your majesty, please don’t worry . The prince is strong . I have watched him grow since childhood, I have full confidence he can succeed in the trial . ” These words came from a knight that had trained Harold since he was little .
“Alright, make preparations for a camp . We will await his return . ” The emperor sighs, staring at the shrine .
“Guardian Dragon God of Sloth, I leave him in your care . ” He wishes for his son’s safety . “And Harold, come back safely and don’t disappoint me . ”
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“So Runamiria, I am thinking about remodeling the bed . It’s so hard to get on and down from it . I’ll lower it . ”
“No! The strong must look down on the weak from high . Besides, Guardian-sama looks great sitting there . Looking downwards at 37 degrees, lowly creatures will even faint from seeing your majesty . The angle of your first pair of wings is at 84 degrees, the second at 55 degrees, and the third at 31 degrees . Your feet should be…”
“What? Am I a magazine model?” “Eeh? Magazine?”
“Don’t worry about it . The point is, it’s difficult for me to get up onto the bed . ”
“Master, please don’t change it . ”
Time passed peacefully while the prince continued to venture deeper .
Bound Pleasures 
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