After a while, Viscount Lancaster rode up beside Prince Gelo and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, it should be... rocks on the mountain collapsing. Though it is rare, it does happen occasionally. But... as long as we aren't on the mountain and don't get hit by the falling rocks, there's nothing to worry about."
"Uh, is that so?" Prince Gelo nodded, then suddenly thought of something. "Rocks usually don't collapse for no reason, right? Could some animal have caused it?"
Lancaster was somewhat stunned. "What kind of animal could have that much strength?"
Gelo said, "A dragon! A legendary dragon! The reason I came to hunt in your territory this time was because I heard people say that there seemed to be dragons in the forests of your domain. Lancaster, tell me, are there really dragons in your territory? Could the disturbance just now have been caused by one?"
"Uh, well..." Lancaster gave a bitter smile. "Your Highness, dragons and such are all made up by foolish hunters and farmers. None of it can be taken seriously. In fact, not only have I heard them swear that they saw dragons flying over the forest, I've also heard them say that savage werewolves roam about every night, while at noon, Fire Bears covered in flames roar through the forest.
"Every time, I sent people to investigate, only to find that it was all false. After giving those who spread the rumors a few hard lashes, they behaved themselves and didn't dare spout nonsense for quite some time. And the rumors Your Highness heard were probably spread around carelessly by bards who left my territory."
"Is that so..."
Letting out a soft breath, Lancaster continued, "To be honest, Your Highness, there are ordinary wild beasts in this Black Forest, and