Three People Wishing For Safety

“Has Jonah still not been found?”

“Y-yes…”

Patricia asked, but the palace maidservants hung their heads with gloomy expressions.

Jonah had run off somewhere as if fleeing from the hall where the celebration was being held, and although everyone in the Palace searched, he still had not been found.

But Patricia was certain Jonah would not be found.

He could teleport anywhere using ancient magic.

“…After all, I shouldn’t have had Jonah attend a place like this…”

Muttering that, Patricia bit her lip.

The sad, pained, aching expression Jonah showed when he ran out.

Even when he came to the Palace and had an audience with Emperor Karl, or when he met the hero Titancia, Jonah might have been surprised or confused, but he never showed an expression like that.

They didn’t know what was wrong with Jonah, but it was certain the celebration was the cause.

“Princess Patricia, Jonah still hasn’t been found, has he…?”

The voice, full of concern, belonged to a guest of the celebration and someone with another purpose today: the hero Quylindra.

Beside her stood a long-eared girl whose face rarely changed, but like Quylindra she had bright green eyes that couldn’t hide her unease.

“…Yes, we’re searching everywhere, but…”

Patricia answered Quylindra in a flat, even voice.

This wasn’t the usual way she would respond, but Patricia had grievances toward Quylindra.

Jonah, whom she had invited to the Empire strictly as a friend, had become known to Emperor Karl and the imperial officials as a hero solely because Quylindra had let his existence slip.

Patricia was furious, thinking how Quylindra would take responsibility if Jonah were used by the Empire—or worse, by nations across the world.

Then.

“…Hm, Jonah is surely no longer here.”

The long-eared girl murmured in a sad voice.

According to Quylindra, Jonah had defeated Zarichu, the Demon King’s army officer known as “Hunger.” If so, it wouldn’t be strange for someone of the Elf, the long-eared clan, to know about Jonah’s ancient magic.

“Excuse me. You are…”

“…My name is Titancia. I am the leader of the Elf, Quylindra’s daughter.”

When Patricia asked, the long-eared girl—Titancia—gave her name.

“I see. Then it makes sense that you would know about Jonah.”

“……………………”

Titancia sent a silent, appraising look at Patricia, who had placed a hand on her chin and nodded.

From Patricia’s words, she inferred that Titancia must also have formed a bond with Jonah and been in some way saved by him.

Because Patricia had also realized that Jonah had teleported away using ancient magic.

“Because of that, I’m afraid it’s no longer possible for him to meet with Lady Quylindra.”

“I see…”

Why Jonah had left this place.

Quylindra understood that it was all her fault.

“…Truly, I’m unfit as both a mother and a hero.”

Although she and her daughter Titancia had kept Jonah’s ancient magic secret for fear he would be targeted, Quylindra, out of motherly affection, told the Empire about him.

It was no wonder Jonah became angry when he learned that. Quylindra was nearly crushed by guilt and remorse over the mistake she had made toward someone who had helped her.

“Sigh… That’s probably what happened, I suppose.”

“Eh…?”

Quylindra, her face downcast, looked at Patricia as she sighed and spoke.

“Jonah was certainly surprised, but he did not refuse to meet Lady Quylindra. Even today, right up until the last moment, he was happily preparing for the meeting.”

“Ah… I-I see.”

Against her better judgment and moved by pity, Patricia tried to comfort Quylindra.

It was precisely because of Quylindra’s nature that Jonah had trusted her.

“He probably disliked the celebration itself…. Surely the cause lies in something about this celebration.”

“…That ‘something’ you mention? What is it?”

“I don’t know. But just remembering Jonah’s face from that moment makes my chest tighten.”

Patricia frowned and gripped at her chest.

Quylindra and Titancia both understood from that how dearly she cared for him.

They also understood why she had earlier responded with a certain coldness and resignation.

“In any case, unless Jonah changes his mind, he won’t come back here. He might never be seen again.”

“………………………”
“………………………”
“………………………”

At this point, it would be fine even if Jonah never returned here.

All that mattered was that Jonah be safe.

Patricia, Titancia, and Quylindra wished for that.