Chapter 185: Second Hand
{TL: By Creed}
Screams and angry shouts could be heard from all around.
Along with them, the sounds of people rampaging.
Even explosions echoed through the air.
What on earth was happening on this Blue Island?
I didn’t know.
I didn’t know anything, but…
I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
How could I stop this situation?
What should I do…?
“…Come to think of it.”
A thought suddenly crossed my mind.
“Fate, what is it?”
“The people who were rampaging… they were holding cursed swords, weren’t they?”
“Yes. I can’t say for sure, but they did look similar.”
“It’s already been proven in the Leafland incident that cursed swords can make people lose control… And also, Lena was there.”
“…Could it be?”
“I’m pretty sure this is Lena’s doing.”
Realizing it so late, I felt exasperated with myself.
I should have reached this conclusion much sooner.
No…
Even before that, I should have reported Lena to the Adventurers’ Guild or the Knights’ Order and had them search for her.
If possible, they should have captured her.
Because I failed to do that, things had turned out like this…
“Fate, regret can come later. Right now, we need to do what we can.”
“…Yeah, you’re right.”
Reflection could wait.
Right now, I had to deal with the situation in front of me.
“Let’s split up. I want to search for Lena.”
“In that case, I’ll—”
“No. Fate, I need you to handle the people rampaging in the city, just like before. Those wielding cursed swords are too strong for ordinary adventurers.”
“But then, wouldn’t that mean—?”
“It’s fine. You’re strong, Fate.”
Sofia gave me a reassuring smile.
That smile was gentle, warm—
And it strengthened my resolve.
“Alright. I’ll do my best to minimize the damage.”
“Thank you. I’ll find Lena and see if there’s a way to put an end to this chaos.”
Sofia’s expression turned serious as she said that.
She had said she would "ask" Lena, but…
She probably meant by force, if necessary.
I had no intention of stopping her.
Lena was someone who was hard to hate, but…
If she had caused all this, then no matter what, we had to stop her.
“Licorice, could you support Fate?”
“Eh?”
She made a face like she really didn’t want to.
“I’d rather hole up in the inn. My instincts are screaming that this is dangerous…”
“It’s fine. Fate will protect you. Also, I’ll give you some delicious cookies later.”
“I’m in!”
Without hesitation, Licorice took back her words and agreed to come along.
Was that really okay? I wondered, but…
Well, it was Licorice, so it was probably fine.
"Aisha-chan, you and Snow should stay with Fate, okay?"
Seeing the devastation in the city, it was clear that staying indoors wasn’t necessarily safe.
There was always the possibility that a crazed attacker wielding a cursed sword could force their way inside.
In that case, it was better to stay together.
As long as they were within sight, I could protect them properly.
"Aisha, are you scared?"
"No. As long as Daddy is with me, I’m okay."
"Don’t worry. And make sure to hold onto Snow tightly."
"Okay!"
Aisha held Snow firmly in both hands and gave a determined nod.
Given the situation…
She must have been terrified and on the verge of tears.
But she held it in and showed a brave face.
She was an incredibly strong and admirable daughter—more than I deserved.
But I couldn't think like that.
I had to work hard to be the kind of father Aisha deserved.
"Well then, I should get going."
"Mommy."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Be careful, okay?"
Hearing her daughter's heartfelt words, Sofia’s face melted into a doting expression.
Then, she spread her arms wide and pulled Aisha into a hug.
"It’s okay, Aisha-chan. Your mom is the strongest in the world, after all."
"Oooh!"
"So don’t worry, alright?"
"Okay!"
The amazing thing about Sofia was that calling her "the strongest in the world" wasn’t entirely an exaggeration.
Aisha seemed reassured, and her little tail, which had been twitching anxiously, finally stopped.
"Fate, you be careful too, okay?"
"Yeah, I’ll be fine."
"Alright, see you later."
TL Note: Now it's actin time.....
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