I visited Exam’s home to hear the full story.
“Now, let’s get to the main point. Unfortunately, I cannot send you back to your world like the White Witch can.”
“That’s only natural. That’s a special power only she possesses.”
“Why does the White Witch obey Auroa’s orders even though she is so strong?”
“It’s because she had her true name revealed to the Black Witch. But at the same time, the Black Witch’s power was also sealed. To regain her power, she has no choice but to kill the White Witch.”
“I see, so it was a mutual destruction. And she entrusted her revenge to her son.”
“Wait, does that mean Auroa knows the White Witch’s true name?”
“Indeed. It seems she used her last bit of power to cast a defense spell on her son. Because of that, the White Witch cannot lay a hand on Auroa.”
“Wow, I’m finally seeing the full picture now. Anyway, if we don’t stop Auroa, this world will head for ruin. Before the White Witch, who is the only wedge, is killed… Hmm? Wait a minute, why isn’t she killing her? Since she can’t lay a hand on her, she could attack her all she wants.”
“Why doesn’t Auroa kill the White Witch?”
“That, I don’t know either. Perhaps she’s trying to use her.”
“Well, that’s likely the answer. If she can gain an advantage unilaterally, she’ll have more than enough leeway.”
“And so, I doubt the Light Elves will catch up to Auroa. They’ll likely make their move only when full-scale war breaks out. It’s not that they’re bad; it’s just unavoidable because they’re such a large organization. Originally, this shouldn’t be left to you…”
“Yes, I understand. We will continue our journey by our own will. Besides, if this isn’t resolved, the White Witch likely won’t help us either.”
Exam lowered his brows apologetically.
“I’m sorry, but all we can do is send you to the north. This is a gamble, but if it goes well, we might be able to catch up to the Dark Elves. What do you say, want to give it a try?”
“Of course, please do.”
“I see. Then, when you’re ready, give me a call. I’ll combine my strength with that idiot.”
“That idiot” must be one of Exam’s old friends. I hope he can make this a peaceful town this time.
After that, we stayed in the town of Bicorn for a while to recover from our injuries and regain our stamina. Thanks to the recovery magic cast by the members of the White Horn, our bodies quickly returned to normal.
Kizaris, who had been expressionless for a long time, was slowly returning to his former self thanks to Shimon. Lilium provided us with food and supplies as a token of gratitude. Among them were clothes. We were told it would be cold in the north, so they were very much appreciated.
However, there was one thing that bothered me: Sylvie. What happened to her after that? Would she have returned to her family and be living happily?
Philiana and I visited her home. Sylvie’s parents gratefully welcomed us in. It wasn’t just her parents; relatives and friends were also thanking us, treating us like heroes.
“N-no, we just happened to meet her by chance.”
“Thank you for bringing our daughter back! We don’t know how to thank you enough. Please accept this.”
They offered us money in a bag. These people, who weren’t exactly well-off, were offering us this much.
“No, no, we can’t accept this. More importantly, how is Sylvie?”
Then, everyone present exchanged awkward glances.
“Well, Sylvie is…”
“She’s still recovering from the shock.”
They nodded in agreement, looking at each other again.
“Where is Sylvie now?”
“Ah… she’s confined to her room. We can sometimes hear loud noises.”
It seemed she was confined alone in a hut outside. I originally wanted to say goodbye, but in her current state, it seemed impossible. I called out to her from outside the hut.
“Sylvie, we’re leaving now. We will definitely stop the Dark Elves’ ambition. So, Sylvie, don’t give up either.”
There was no reply from her. A little later, Philiana knocked on the hut door.
“Um, I’m sorry. After everything that happened, I couldn’t protect you.”
“…Please go home. I’m a monster now.”
A small voice replied from inside. In the end, we couldn’t save Sylvie. I thought we had freed her from Claudio’s curse, but… he had imprinted himself so deeply in her heart that it was beyond our reach.
“Let’s go. Let’s finish this quickly.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
I hardened my resolve for the final journey. So that no one else would be caught up in such sad battles.
