Chapter 29: Witches' Forest

At this rate, it might be better to go back...

No, if we don't stop by Mercia, we won't be able to secure the alliance pledge.

We need to head to Elaia and Isiel next, which are at the western edge.

...If we go through the Witches' Forest, it will be faster.

The Witches' Forest?

Yes, it's a forbidden forest, much like the Black Forest.

If we go to Mercia through the Witches' Forest, we might be able to avoid any interruptions.

That's right. It's not a pleasant place, but there's a path leading to Mercia.

This guy really comes in handy during times like this!

Hmph, consider it an honor to have me along.

Let's head to the Witches' Forest!

It's tough. Maybe it would have been better to just break through.

Huh? Ethan, isn't that a person up ahead?

A person...?

Sniff... Mr. Goblin, what's going to happen to me now?

What do you mean what's going to happen? You're going to live as our slave and do all sorts of things... Hehehe!!

W-What kind of "things" are those...?

That scene... seems familiar.

Something... horrifying comes to mind...

Ah! They're getting farther away!

Are you okay?

Th-Thank you.

Huh...? Unnecessary meddling...? You could have set the whole village on fire...? Oh no! I don't want anything hot!

Huh? What did you just say...?

D-Don't mind me...

Princess! There's another goblin horde over there!

Those annoying pests! Let's get out of here for now!

Th-Thank you for saving me...

That was close. It's dangerous for a woman to wander around in a forest like this.

Yes, I understand... I'll be more careful next time.

It isn't that dangerous? Ah, no... I'm not that confident in my skills....

...? What is she saying?

...Looks like she's talking to her hat.

Huh? Hat?

There's no doubt about it. Right? The Fire Witch Morgause.

W-What...!?

Did you think I wouldn't know? I may look like a child, but there's no way I wouldn't recognize that hat.

And you are?

Morgana?

So you finally recognize me.

The Fire Witch?

Perhaps you intentionally got caught. I can't figure out what that witch and her hat are thinking.

Morgana... uh, it's nice to meet you...

What were you doing with the goblins?

Th-That's...

You can relax and tell us. This pig here is the Swordbringer... a prophetic being.

And those two...?

N-Nice to meet you. I'm Elizabeth Pendragon from Britannia.

I'm Bedivere, the guardian knight protecting my princess!

I see... You're the rumored Swordbringer and the fallen Princess party...

F-Fallen Princess...

H-Hang in there, Princess. I'm here for you.

Right, Elizabeth. That's not exactly wrong, is it?

As for the goblins... I got caught on purpose. The hat said it would burn away the bothersome monsters all at once...

So, do you happen to know the way out of this forest? We've been wandering around here for a while.

Hmm... Well, now that I've met Morgana, I'll help you until you get out of the forest.... But...

Ethan, goblins!

Eek!

Should we say goodbye?

Yes, if you go this way, you'll reach Mercia.

I can only accompany you this far...

Thank you, Morgause!

Hmm... But what are you all heading north for...?

Elizabeth...?

...It will be okay to say to her.

We're traveling to find the holy sword. Right now, we're stopping by nearby kingdoms to secure the alliance pledge.

...The holy sword?

...That's strange.

Strange?

...No, it's nothing... Ah?!

Morgause?

Swordbringer.

Face your inner self, and you will manifest.

What...

Is that... a prophecy?

I don't know what it means, but the hat has taken charge. Why would a spirit that doesn't interfere with history...

I-I'm sorry! Sometimes the hat steps in like this...

As long as you are okay, that's what matters.

Thank you, Morgause.

Yes, y-yeah...!

Take care.