Just as Karubene’s mood improved, they learned they were being chased by the church.
When they opened the door, Shimon was there, as expected. He seemed driven by a sense of urgency.
“Hiroaki, this is sudden, but you need to run.”
“So, they’re calling us the False Heroes, huh?”
“W-were you listening?”
He averted his eyes awkwardly.
“We’re leaving immediately. I’m entrusting this child to you.”
“About that, my companions… White Horn, you can’t be sure what they’ll do to Sen no Tsurugi. They see her as a complete enemy.”
“But she’s still a child. And she’s lost so much emotion from being separated from her companions. Is this really the time?”
Shimon nodded slowly. What a terrible situation. If they left her like this, she might truly break.
“I understand. It’s regrettable, but we’ll flee with Sen no Tsurugi. Thank you.”
“No, I’m sorry. For things to have come to this.”
He lowered his head, as if biting back regret. He probably felt there was nothing he could do.
“Come on, let’s go out the back.”
We hastily packed our belongings and followed Shimon. However, as if anticipating our actions, church members were waiting for us there.
“Wha-damn it!”
“Lord Shimon, please step aside. That person is a wanted criminal. Surrender peacefully.”
There were three of them, and we outnumbered them. Should we break through by force? Just then, Sen no Tsurugi suddenly moved in front of us. And before we could say anything, she threw a knife towards our opponents.
However, the blade deflected just before striking the member’s heart.
“Honestly, I warned you it was dangerous, Lord Shimon.”
An Elf man appeared. His face was a little aged, but being an Elf, his exact age was unknown. Still, he had deflected her attack, indicating he was quite skilled.
“Justal, please. These people are my life savers. Let them go.”
The man called Justal narrowed his eyes and glared at us.
“Life savers, you say? It seems you had some trouble with the Basilisks. Very well, but you’ll have to leave Sen no Tsurugi behind.”
So that’s how it is. What Shimon was saying wasn’t entirely wrong. Once handed over to the church, who knew how she’d be treated. Sen no Tsurugi’s expression remained unchanged as she once again made her weapons float around her.
“Run.”
Huh? Was that her voice? A small voice came from the front. But she definitely said “run.” Could it be Sen no Tsurugi? She still had her own personality. She wasn’t completely broken. Besides, even if that were the case, our decision was already made.
“We’re staying with this child. In return, we won’t hand over Sen no Tsurugi. She’ll stay with us.”
“What did you say, False Hero? What a sanctimonious fraud.”
“No, Hiroaki! You need to run for now.”
Shimon said that, but I understand. Even if we escape now, they’ll surely come after us later. If a fight is inevitable, it’s better to try negotiating here. We don’t enjoy fighting either. Someone would definitely get hurt.
“Hey, what do you mean by ‘false’?”
Nina snapped at Justal’s remark. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, but the reason was now changing.
“Because we defeated Cedric, right?”
“Ho, so the report was true after all. So the Holy Swordsman Cedric was just a rich brat in the end.”
“He wasn’t like that. Don’t spout nonsense when you don’t know anything.”
Justal scoffed at me, a hint of mockery in his tone. At first, I thought he was an unlikeable guy. But through the battle, I saw the true Cedric. The expectations, respect, and trust from those around him, he bore so much on his young shoulders. He must have spent countless sleepless nights burdened by that weight.
I wonder if he safely returned to his companions. And this time, I wonder if he’s truly walking his own life.
“Why are you chasing a Dark Elf? What grievance do you have?”
“It’s not something that can be explained in a word. But we must stop them. No matter how much you try to interfere, we will reach Auroa.”
Justal’s mouth twisted into a pout, as if he knew well. As he was about to say something, the sound of hooves echoed from behind.
“Justal, what is the meaning of this? Shimon, what are you doing now?”
“Older Sister, I told you, I’m acting independently from the church. Tell them to release them.”
Clarissa looked towards Justal. He shrugged as if to say, “What can I do?”
“It appears they intend to protect Sen no Tsurugi. There’s no mistake about it, this Bicorn.”
“Is that so? This child? It’s hard to believe.”
“We came to meet you to return this child to her family. We won’t run away. Instead, we request to accompany you to Bicorn with this child.”
The Sage nodded as if he had no choice.
