Chapter 36: Elaia

Hey, kid, what's with the serious face? Not like you.

Hmph, of course, pigs like you wouldn't understand the contemplations of a noble fairy.

Are you worried about not finding any traces of your companions?

...

You were close to them, huh?

No, not really.

...

Still haven't found a clue, huh?

I thought if we found the Holy Sword, we'd be able to find traces of the missing fairies.

But even after finding the sword, their traces are gone.

Nothing at all.

...Could it be unrelated to the sword?

At this point, it feels like someone deliberately erased all traces.

So... does that mean there are enemies inside?

Perhaps. We'll need to check it out.

Once this journey is over, I'll head back to Avalon.

If someone made your friends disappear, tell me. I'll handle them.

You can't let go of that bravado, can you?

What!? I'm serious!

Hah, hearing that, the fish have come back again.

Ugh, those sashimi!

(I found the Holy Sword... but I couldn't do a thing.)

(Ethan always makes sacrifices to help me...)

(But once again, I failed to live up to expectations.)

(Am I really the true successor of the Holy Sword?)

(Even if we manage to form the Alliance, if the Holy Sword doesn't respond... then I...)

Elizabeth.

Weren't you supposed to be resting?

I couldn't help it. You looked like you had a lot on your mind.

...

Is this because of the Holy Sword? Don't worry. That sword's true master is none other than you, Elizabeth.

Really... do you think so?

What?

I'm afraid, Ethan. What if the Holy Sword never responds? What am I supposed to do then?

If that happens... I... Ethan, I...

Ow!

Elizabeth, did you forget who I am?

Yes?

I am the Knight of the Holy Grail and the Swordbringer.

The person I chose to bring the sword to is you, Elizabeth.

...!

I will never acknowledge anyone else as the master of the Holy Sword. So... we will always be together from now on.

So don't be so down. We still have a long way to go.

Ethan...

(It was a rather clumsy attempt at comforting Elizabeth, but fortunately, she regained her smile.)

Ethan, can I ask you a favor?

What is it?

There's something I want to say... something I want to tell you once the war is over.

So Ethan, please promise me you won't marry anyone before then.

...!

Ethan!

Uh... huh?

Look! Ships are approaching!

Ugh... they ruined a perfect moment!

Uhm... Ethan?

So, we've arrived at Elaia...

So now we need to take back the royal family controlled by the Tiamat Apostle.

Will King Edward's daughter be okay?

They wouldn't kill a princess with hostage value. Let's head to the royal palace first.

...

So, you are the group led by Elizabeth?

King Edward, as per the agreement in the Council Chamber, we've secured the alliance not only with Cornwall but also with Cameliard and Mercia.

Now we are here to secure Elaia's alliance.

Hmm...

My lord, what should we do?

..........

My lord?

These are the traitors who rebelled against King Vortigern!

Arrest them!

Damn, old man! Have you lost your mind?!

So it's you, my lord. Soldiers, take them away!

Everyone, run!

Tch! Okay!

..........

I'm sorry...

Huff... huff... This is a dead-end now.

Is there no way out?

Hoho, it seems your journey ends here.

Damnit!

Huff... huff... She's definitely a monster.

Ugh, she never gets tired.

That power... it's quite alluring. I kind of want to test it again.

Damn, this perverted...

If you want to escape, there's a way through the back. How about it? If you want to run, I'll turn a blind eye this time.

It's a bit disappointing when a rare amusement ends so easily.

Ethan, what should we do...

Tch, she's letting her guard down. Let's not miss the opportunity.

We'll see!

You're acting like a third-rate villain, Ethan.

No, it's still impossible. Grow stronger and try again. Haha.