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“Jonah… please, stay safe…!”
Having repelled the remnants of the Demon King’s army that had attacked the border fortress, Duke Lanberg rode toward Gratz with Patricia and Titancia.
One of the captured demons, after interrogation, had said the following.
“By now, Lord Taromati should have taken control of Gratz.”
She knew they had left a sufficient garrison, but Duke Lanberg still couldn’t shake her unease.
Above all, the captured demon’s smug, satisfied attitude cornered her heart.
“…………………………”
“…………………………”
Silently riding just behind Duke Lanberg were Patricia and Titancia.
They had seen Jonah’s abilities and trusted him completely, but even so, mistakes could happen. Though not to the same extent as Duke Lanberg, they too felt the same urgency to return.
That said.
“…Lady Lanberg, may I ask you something?”
“! …What? I’m in a hurry right now!”
Flustered, Duke Lanberg answered in a harsh tone.
“Why are you so desperate? The number of soldiers stationed in Gratz is sufficient, and it doesn’t seem likely to fall so easily. Yet you act as if you know the worst possible future… and you are panicking because of it.”
“…………………………”
Hit at the core, Duke Lanberg fell silent.
She had not yet told Patricia and Titancia about the tragedy six years ago.
Hesitating whether to tell them or not, Lanberg steeled herself and looked at the two.
“…Six years ago, in a situation just like this, I had my beloved younger brother taken from me. The Apostasy Taromati is trying to recreate that time.”
Duke Lanberg began to speak haltingly.
Daniel’s death. The death of her father, the former duke. Six years of defending a domain that could be called a relic.
Each word woven from her mouth carried feeling.
“Something like that…”
“That’s why Taromati will surely target Jonah. Last time, the remnants of the Demon King’s army targeted only Daniel and killed him mercilessly—knowing it would make me suffer.”
Someone among her subordinates or servants was in league with the Demon King’s remnants. Duke Lanberg had been sure and had kept investigating, but unfortunately she still didn’t know who it was.
Then.
“In that case, Jonah will absolutely be fine.”
Titancia said this with a look full of conviction and nodded.
“In the Stygian Forest, I saw a dear childhood friend who, even after her dignity was stolen, had no choice but to obey the Hunger Zarichu. Zeria, who was bound by that ridiculous ‘contract’ and only ever had things taken from her.”
“Titancia…”
“The one who was angrier than anyone at such injustice was Jonah. If someone who cares so deeply is subjected to such unfairness again, Jonah will surely inflict an even greater injustice in return.”
Yes… Jonah is the one in this world who cannot tolerate injustice above all.
Perhaps Taromati the Apostasy was already tasting despair. Titancia thought so.
“Heh… you like Jonah, don’t you?”
“Mm, I love him.”
Titancia answered shamelessly to Duke Lanberg, who gave a slight wry smile.
Now that they knew of the terrifyingly formidable enemy named Marguerite, Titancia’s feelings of reserve or shame had already gone somewhere else.
“Well, putting Titancia’s romance aside for now, as she says Jonah’s wrath would be terrible. The Apostasy Taromati might be made to taste despair so deep they’d hate being alive.”
“N-no way, that Jonah would do something like that…”
“No, if it’s Jonah, I truly think he would.”
Patricia had also acted alongside Jonah and understood his nature.
Even in the duel between the Paired Dragons, Jonah had shown a different side than usual.
Above all, Titancia believed in Jonah that much. If so, it was surely true.
Patricia pictured Jonah’s smile and couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle.
“In any case, I think Jonah cares for Lady Lanberg that much. You have done that much for Jonah.”
“I-I wonder if that’s true…”
“Yes. Lady Lanberg certainly cared for Jonah.”
Even if it was in place of the deceased Daniel, the affection directed at Jonah was no lie.
Patricia, watching nearby, knew that Jonah understood that.
“And… it seems my worry was unnecessary after all.”
“Ah…”
Where Patricia pointed—at the gate of Gratz—there stood Jonah, using his small body to the fullest, waving with a bright smile.
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