"Alright."
In the workshop on the first floor, my father was there.
He had changed into his work clothes and wrapped a headband around his head to get into the zone.
Behind him stood Licorice and Aisha.
Their appearances were the same as always, but their expressions were different.
They were facing straight ahead, and I could feel a strong determination from them — the resolve to absolutely repair the sword.
"Alright then, let's get to work. I’ll forge the sword, and you, little fairy, pour in your magic when I give the signal."
"Leave it to me!"
"Aisha, when the little fairy’s magic starts to run low, replenish it for her."
"I’ll do my best."
The three of them were full of motivation.
But it wasn’t like they were overly fired up…
They were just the right amount of tense, and just the right amount relaxed.
Yeah.
At this rate, it’s bound to go well.
I was confident that the snow crystal sword would be restored…
But events took an unexpected turn.
――――――――――
"...We're running out of time?"
A few hours after the sword repair had begun, Horn-san came to ask something.
Sofia and I responded...
And then, we were told that the awakening of the Purgatory Dragon was near.
"I had placed a magical device to monitor the state of the seal... According to it, the seal will break in about half a day."
"No way...!?"
"What do you mean? I thought the seal was sturdy and that there was no immediate danger."
"Yes, there shouldn't have been any problem... But I've checked multiple times, so there's no mistake. At this rate, the seal will likely break in about half a day."
Why is something like this happening...?
What in the world is going on?
I thought about it from various angles...
"“...Could it be”"
Sofia and I spoke at the exact same time.
Something that shouldn't be possible is happening.
And we had an idea of who might be capable of such a thing.
"The 'Dawn Alliance'... maybe?"
"I think it's possible. Could it be that thieving cat again...?"
This time, there shouldn't have been any sign of them...
But strangely, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this ominous premonition was right.
Could Lena be up to something again?
I couldn't help but feel that way.
"That's why I plan to head out immediately. What about you two?"
"Well..."
The repair of the Snow Crystal Sword wasn't finished.
If we waited for it to be completed, the Purgatory Dragon would likely revive first.
In that case...
"I'll go too."
"Fate!? But the sword..."
"Sofia, could you lend me a replacement sword?"
"...Understood. Given the circumstances, we can't afford to sit around waiting for the repairs to finish."
If possible, I had wanted to fight with the Snow Crystal Sword.
A symbol of the bond between humans and fairies.
Fighting with that sword would have carried so many emotions.
But this wasn't the time to be selfish.
Preventing any damage was the top priority...
For now, I had to focus solely on defeating the Purgatory Dragon.
"Then get ready quickly. I'll be waiting at the city gate."
"Understood."
After seeing Horn-san off...
Sofia and I looked at each other.
"There’s a lot to do."
"Let’s take care of it quickly."
We both exchanged small smiles.
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