The fact that Lena had attacked.
And the purpose of the Dawn Alliance.
We shared that information with everyone, including Claudia and the elder of the beastkin village.
“I see, so they are the ones…”
“Those fools…”
The elder looked somber.
And Claudia had a complicated expression—somewhere between frustration and sorrow.
She must have already known the purpose and true nature of the Dawn Alliance, even before I explained.
Even so, she hadn’t done anything… probably because she wanted to believe.
That they wouldn’t go any further.
That someday, mutual understanding would be possible.
It was because she had believed that, she had chosen not to act.
Some might say that was naïve.
But I like that way of thinking better.
“I apologize for dragging you into our affairs…”
Since Claudia bowed her head, I panicked a little.
“No, please, don’t worry about it!”
“That’s right.”
“But still…”
“Because of Aisha and Snow, we would have been caught up in this anyway… no, that’s not the right way to say it.”
“We’re involved too.”
Aisha and Snow are family.
And family problems are our problems too.
There’s no way we could ignore it or look the other way.
“I don’t know how much we can do, but please let us help.”
“For now, why don’t you hire us as guards? As payment, just provide us lodging while we’re in the village.”
“Fate, Sofia…”
Claudia choked on her words…
And then bowed deeply.
She didn’t need to go that far.
If anything, this situation was caused by us humans.
“In any case, we need to think of countermeasures.”
“I think Lena was searching for the village. She hasn’t found it yet, and we were able to drive her off, but…”
At this rate, it was only a matter of time before the village was discovered.
And if that happened, what then?
The Dawn Alliance had confused purpose with means.
If they discovered the beastkin village, they would likely use it as a sacrifice to forge another demon sword, all in the name of vengeance.
We couldn’t allow anyone in the village to be sacrificed.
And if things went badly, even Aisha and Snow might be abducted.
That was the one thing that absolutely had to be avoided.
“Hmm… in that case, repairing the barrier is our top priority.”
After thinking for a moment, the elder spoke.
“The barrier doesn’t only protect us from monsters, but also from malicious intent.”
“It has such a convenient function?”
“Of course, it isn’t absolute. If someone truly intends to destroy it, they could. But even so, it can conceal our presence and buy us time.”
“Then, it’s decided.”
The next task was the restoration of the barrier.
“You said we need Aisha and Snow’s power, but specifically, what do they need to do?”
“The princess and the divine beast must offer their prayers.”
“Prayers?”
“Feelings can sometimes become great power. If it’s the prayers of the princess and the divine beast, it can be strong enough to form a barrier.”
“I see.”
Just like people sometimes show superhuman strength in emergencies, the power of feelings truly exists.
And that power can manifest in unexpected ways.
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“In that case, please stay by the princess and the divine beast. They seem to trust you deeply.”
“Understood. Of course, I’ll do at least that much.”
I intended to stay by their side anyway, even without being told.
“Then, let’s begin at once…”
“B–bad news!”
With the force of someone nearly kicking down the door, a beastkin rushed into the elder’s house.
“What is all this noise?”
“The princess and the divine beast are gone!”
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