The battle subsided, and I headed towards Sylvie, who had been captured.
“So… the ultimate… moment? Was it the moment of killing? The arm that was taken was gradually pulled towards her.
“Yes, this is it,” I thought. “I’ve won, I’m victorious, a complete victory.” My whole body went numb at that moment. I could feel the feedback from the sword I was controlling. This was my true strength, and I wouldn’t be underestimated as just a girl again!”
Who is this child? Is this Sylvie? The girl smiling next to Philiana. A pitiful girl made into a weapon by the desires of adults.
“I am strong! Those men are no different from swords in the hands of monkeys! Just as that woman said, and I will become even stronger!”
It hurts. The arm that’s being grabbed is hurting. The shadow extending from the back of the carriage seemed to be approaching us, crawling along the narrow ceiling.
“Sylvie, calm down. You’re not like that. That power is meant to protect people. Didn’t you say yourself that it was to make someone smile?”
Sylvie’s movements stopped short. The hand slowly let go.
“Yes. That’s right, but I can’t go back now. I’m not Sylvie anymore. I am the Thousand Swords, the murderer. I can’t live by deceiving the people I love.”
There, I saw a girl shedding tears, regretting her sins. She wasn’t a monster who enjoyed killing. It was all because of the malice poured into her by a select few.
“Hey, let’s go home. Back to our family. Don’t worry, things will surely change from how they were. For now, let’s just think about our own happiness.”
I took Sylvie’s hand and we went outside. Our companions, who had been searching with us, rushed towards us.
“Thank goodness, you’re safe. Come, let’s hurry.”
Philiana gently pushed Sylvie’s shoulder. Though hesitant, she headed towards her family. Then, from the flock of Bicorns, a woman emerged.
“Sylviieee—”
“Tha… thank…”
She fell to the ground, embracing the small girl.
“I’m so glad, Sylvi, ahh, I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Mo… I missed you.”
Sylvie’s mother trembled, clinging to her as if she would never let go again. Watching the scene, my eyes welled up. Her father soon joined them, gently embracing them both. Your family wouldn’t forget you, would they sell their own daughter?
“I’m glad for you.”
“Yes.”
Philiana also had tears in her eyes. One by one, Sylvie’s close friends, acquaintances, and relatives came and surrounded her. At this point, I suddenly wondered what the Chieftain had told them to take Sylvie away. From what I could see, Sylvie was just a girl with many friends and a good relationship with her family. It was only natural for everyone to worry when she suddenly disappeared.
Naturally, her parents would express their dissatisfaction. And they would surely protect her with their lives. I wondered how she had been torn away from such people.
“You are the ones who saved Sylvie, aren’t you?”
“Thank you.”
Her parents, wiping away their tears, came to us and bowed their heads.
“No, we were also saved. But… why did she leave?”
“Well, it’s not so much that she left…”
“She was kidnapped.”
Kidnapped? So that’s what happened. That’s why she was treated as a missing person! Should I tell them the truth? No, I’ll keep quiet. Sylvie probably wouldn’t want me to.
“I see. We encountered a girl like this alone on the road, and it seemed strange.”
“We don’t know how to thank you enough.”
I don’t need any thanks, really. More importantly, we need to move on before we’re caught by the White Horn.
“Is everyone alright?”
“Ah, we are. More importantly, are you okay?”
Huh? Me? Ugh, it hurts! That’s right, I remembered. The pain returned once the excitement subsided. Rolling up my left arm, I saw it was bright red. It was a bad idea to try and block it with such a small shield.
“Brother, you’re in trouble! Water, cool it down immediately! Hey, maybe your cloak can help!”
Karubene squeezed my cloak tightly. Water dripped out of it like a soaked cloth. Sharin scooped it up and poured it onto my arm.
“Indeed, it’s quite convenient. Someone, bring a basin!”
“By the way, what about Cecilia? Is she alright?”
“I’m fine.”
A slightly haggard Cecilia appeared from behind. She had helped Shimon. Speaking of which, where was Shimon?
“You look more hurt than I do right now. Thank you for protecting me. Your back was so cool.”
“Eh?”
“It’s… nothing. Don’t worry, the Sage’s younger brother is alive.”
Cecilia waved her hand and disappeared somewhere. Did I… did I just get praised? By Cecilia? Wow, have I finally become a man? I wanted to say, but Karubene was supporting me from behind. It’s strange how this guy, who is usually so flippant, can be so reliable when it matters.
Wait, am I forgetting something?
“Hey, brat, have you forgotten about us?”
Oh, right. Veronica and Piyo, who had charged into the enemy lines.
“Pant, pant… D-did you see how hard Piyo tried?”
“Sorry, I didn’t.”
Piyo, charred black with a twig, and Veronica, equally sooty, collapsed on the spot.
