Justal, who came to target Sen no Tsurugi, was a High Elf of the Ancient Species.
“I’m sorry, that’s just how he is.”
After Justal left, Shimon bowed his head apologetically. He was certainly arrogant, but Shimon figured he must have been someone who prioritized his own race.
“It’s fine. By the way, what are your plans from here?”
“It looks like we’ll be leaving here in a few days. Before that, my Older Sister is attending a party. The Whithene Church also needs backing, you see.”
So, they needed sponsors. It seemed like being a Sage was a tough job, not only having to protect peace but also entertain guests.
“Hey, are there any other Unicorns?”
“Yes, of course. But compared to Bicorns, their numbers are overwhelmingly small. I don’t know why, but they’re difficult to give birth to. That’s why only my Older Sister is here right now.”
Wait, there are many Bicorns, but only one Unicorn? Can they win with that? As their rarity was high, expectations were also high. As Shimon said, Clarissa must have had a difficult life.
“Would you like to join us if you’re interested? Everyone else is probably here just to see my Older Sister or to gather political funds anyway. They serve food, but people barely touch it and throw it away. It’s such a waste, isn’t it?”
That’s a real waste. We should definitely go. We’ll probably be looked at strangely, but that’s nothing compared to our journey so far. Remembering how we starved in the desert makes most things seem trivial.
“The party is tomorrow night. Until then, you’re free to do as you please, though I’d rather you didn’t leave this place.”
“Ah, thank you very much. Some of us are injured, so we’ll take a little rest.”
After Shimon left, we decided to sleep as well. Journeys always seem to have some event happen at the destination. Philiana was holding Sen no Tsurugi’s hand in the darkness.
“Don’t worry. We will definitely escort you back to your parents.”
“That’s right! That pointy-eared fellow, saying whatever he wants. If he has so much to say, why don’t they stop the Dark Elves themselves?” Nina huffed. The moonlight streaming through the window flickered faintly in Sen no Tsurugi’s eyes.
“…Why…”
“Huh? Did you say something just now?”
“…Why are you protecting me when I’m your enemy…?”
It was the first time I had heard her frail voice.
“You are not our enemy.”
“No, I am an enemy. I was trained to kill you.”
“Then we are not your enemies. How about that?”
The voices of our companions, which had been audible until then, abruptly stopped. Everyone was focused on the conversation between Philiana and Sen no Tsurugi.
“…Don’t know.”
“Is that so? Then how about this? We defeated Claudio.”
At those words, the girl’s eyes widened.
“D-Defeated him…? Is Gulf’s story true…?”
“Yes, this scar on my mouth is proof.”
Philiana wiped her mouth, revealing a scar hidden by makeup. It was a mark left when she caught Claudio’s sword with her mouth.
“He was strong. But what he did to you was wrong. Your power belongs to you alone; you must not use it as a weapon.”
Sen no Tsurugi seemed clearly agitated. For the first time, emotion appeared on her previously expressionless face.
“There are people stronger than the Sage…”
“Yes, there is nothing absolute in this world. To you, Claudio was everything, wasn’t he? But that was just an illusion. Nobody will get angry at you whether you laugh or cry.”
Perhaps unable to bear the shocking reality, her hands trembled slightly. The symbol of absolute fear had crumbled. Her cold eyes seemed to regain their light.
“C-Can I go home?”
“Yes, of course. We’ll go now.”
“R-Really?! I don’t have to fight anymore? Anymore, anymore…”
Large tears welled up and soaked into the carpet. The chains that had bound the little girl’s heart were now severed.
“I want to go home, I want to go home… I’m sorry, Mom and Dad, I… It’s okay if you don’t need me anymore, even if you don’t need me, I want to see you.”
“Nobody said they don’t need you. I’m sure your family is waiting for you.”
“But, they said I was sold…”
It seemed they had been lying after all. I couldn’t believe parents would sell their own daughter, but I couldn’t say for sure. There are parents who would give their daughters to men they’ve never met. However, this child must have been loved and raised. That’s why she wants to go home.
“That’s a lie.”
“That’s right! It must be a lie Claudio told! Besides, aren’t you stronger than him? If you fought seriously, you might have been able to defeat him.”
“Hey, Nina!” Nina pouted, as if to say ‘but that’s what I think.’ Still, it might be true that Sen no Tsurugi is stronger. She’s just a child now, but when she grows up, even Claudio might not be a match for her.
Philiana tightly hugged Sen no Tsurugi, who was quietly shedding tears.
