Enchanted II-3

"What *is* that thing?!"

Clara turned to me, demanding information about the legendary beast.

"It's an ancient monster from the Hero's Legend. According to the tales, it looks like a snow leopard and moves at incredible speed."

"That's ridiculous! It's impossible to deal with!"

"You're right. We don't stand a chance. It's smarter not to fight it."

"There's no telling where something like that might show up. We can't just ignore it."

"Isn't it safe enough? That monster hasn't caused any trouble in decades. It's probably just living deep in the woods. As long as we don't go near it, there shouldn't be any problem."

"I know, but..."

Clara tried to calm herself with Alex's words.

Kenny, meanwhile, continued to soothe her.

As I remained on guard, Rina approached me.

"Taro-san, regarding what the royal soldiers were talking about earlier..."

Ah, that the weapon was developed based on my paper... I never expected that, but still, I feel kind of sorry about it...

I actually read that paper myself.

Is that so! Then I guess I'm feeling a bit queasy.

"Taro-san didn't do anything wrong. Taro-san published that paper aiming to reuse magical stones and solve magical stone disease. It was used in an unintended way. That's all I think it is."

"That's all? You suffered too, didn't you, Rina?"

"Someone who refuses to listen to others' words won't understand any feelings. In short, I'm not bothered at all. And please call me Rina, not by my name."

...Well, if that's fine with you, then it's fine.

Rina.

....Rina.

She smiled brightly, seemingly satisfied. There was a strong sense of pressure, as if she'd forced the words out unwillingly.

"By the way, where are we heading right now?"

"Near Entshi. I'm meeting someone there." "Huh?"

We moved to a spot where we could see Entshi in the distance.

The group on the cargo platform gazed at the city at their leisure.

"Then I'll be going."

Night

I signaled to everyone and made my way to near the castle.

Just as before, I soared to a high altitude and reached the room where Lina used to live. This time, I left a single letter behind and immediately took off again.

I hope it works out...

Around noon the next day.

I waited for someone away from the city.

"Hey, Taro. Are they really coming? That person."

Clara lounged on her magic four-wheeler, looking bored.

There's no need to worry. She should arrive soon.

"Here they come!"

I spotted the person I was waiting for slowly approaching on horseback.

Guildmaster Andrew and the maid Anne.

The horse stopped in front of the magic four-wheeler.

"Master Taro. We've arrived."

Andrew called out upon seeing me.

I stepped forward to meet Andrew, but before I could, another voice reached me.

"Anne?"

Lina spotted the maid Anne and dashed forward.

Anne, too, immediately broke into a run upon seeing Lina, before even uttering her name.

The two embraced, confirming each other's presence.

"Thank goodness you're alive... You're all so filthy..."

"Anne... I... I..."

Overwhelming emotions poured out, and tears welled up.

Lina, who hadn't cried since beginning her escape, couldn't hold back her tears this one time.

"Thank you, Lord Taro. I will never forget this kindness."

"Not yet, Anne. We haven't found William."

"William! That child is still alive, isn't he?"

The guild master and Anne couldn't answer.

"We don't know for sure. But there are rumors that he's been making progress in battle."

Andrew replied with a forced, desperate tone.

"I see..."

Lina visibly sank with disappointment.

"For now, I plan to entrust Lina to a safe place. Then, I'll gather information and attempt to rescue William."

"Is that even possible... No, perhaps you're the one who can do it..."

Andrew nodded slowly, as if coming to a realization.

"By the way, what kind of safe place are you talking about? Is there such a place within the kingdom?"

"My family's home."

Clara stepped forward.

I see... Indeed, your family home would have stood at a slightly different stance from the current government's policies.

He's just a grumpy old man.

Clara shares her thoughts.

Even so, speaking one's mind directly takes courage, and sticking to that opinion requires strength.

Clara said nothing and walked toward the magic four-wheeled vehicle.

Then we'll be on our way. That sounds good, Anne.

Rina wore a worried expression.

"Don't look like that. I won't send you off alone again."

"Wha—?"

"Rina, I left a letter for Anne. It asked whether she was ready to abandon the town."

"Anne, you..."

"You're not just a daughter to me—you're like my own child. If my child were in danger, how could I stand by and do nothing? My vow won't allow it."

"Anne, thank you. Truly, thank you."

"I'm returning to the city. I have a duty to protect the guild there. And even though we're not blood-related, I was instructed by your father to help your brother. He's doing his best, after all."

"Mr. Andrew, I leave the rest to you. Please forgive me—for though I should be protecting the city, I have no choice but to flee."

"Duty is nothing without life. For now, flee and live. You are a person of great talent. As long as you live, there will come a time when you can use that strength. Until then, endure."

As we were seen off by Andrew, we set off toward Clara's family home.

With the power of this magical four-wheeler, we should reach our destination within a week.