Facing The Locusts

“…It’s already night. Locusts are diurnal, so let us go and confirm the situation tomorrow morning.”

Gazing at them with his onyx-black eyes, Jonah spoke with a gentle smile.

“…!? B-but Jonah, we don’t have any time left! If we leisurely wait until tomorrow morning, we won’t make it!”

“Calm yourself. He is right—heading out at this hour would be pointless. There are still preparations to make. For now, rest your bodies for tomorrow.”

“B-but…”

Still unconvinced, Marguerite frowned and pouted.

“Come now, tomorrow will be busy. Both of you, go to bed quickly.”

“…Yes.”

Reluctantly nodding, Marguerite left the study together with Jonah.

“Jonah… everything will be all right… won’t it…?”

“Yes, I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Jonah gently stroked the back of Marguerite, who rested her head against his chest with an expression on the verge of tears.

As though consoling her as she was nearly crushed by anxiety from this unprecedented crisis.

…No, that description wasn’t accurate.

Jonah actually regarded the current situation as fortunate.

The locust swarm had either not yet reached Hagenberg territory or was only just at its borders.

If that were the case, they could keep the damage to a minimum.

Jonah was certain of it.

“Huhu… y-yes, you’re right. Both Father and Jonah say so, after all. I’m sure it will be all right—definitely all right!”

As if repeating it to convince herself, she suddenly lifted her face and showed a radiant, blooming smile.

Like a sunflower smiling toward the sun.

Even though she must truly be overwhelmed with anxiety.

Even though she must be so frightened her heart felt like it would break.

Yet still, she put on the bravest face she could.

To Jonah, that Marguerite was utterly dazzling.

That is why Jonah made a vow.

That he would definitely make this wonderful girl wear the brightest smile possible.

“Good morning, Jonah. Did you sleep well last night?”

The next morning, Marguerite visited Jonah’s room with a smile.

He had only just finished getting ready, so it was fortunate; one step later and Marguerite would have seen him in a most unseemly state. Jonah breathed a sigh of relief.

“Good morning, Lady Marguerite. You seem full of spirit.”

“Huhu! Of course! We’re about to fight those hateful locusts, after all!”

Saying that, Marguerite clenched both fists in front of her chest and psyched herself up.

Yet her hands—her shoulders—were trembling slightly.

Even so.

“That’s why you don’t have to worry, Jonah. Father and I alone will definitely protect the Hagenberg territory!”

“Eh…?”

At Marguerite’s words, Jonah involuntarily let out a dumbfounded sound.

After the flow of last night, he wondered why he was suddenly being left out this morning.

“U-um, Lady Marguerite…”

“It’s all right. Protecting the territory… protecting the people is the duty of the lordly Hagenberg family. So that you can live happily here with your relatives from now on, I will absolutely do my best.”

Marguerite gazed at Jonah, her ruby eyes filled with resolve and determination.

It seemed she had reached the conclusion that she would not involve Jonah.

She had surely spent the entire night thinking about it.

When he looked closely, there were faint dark circles under her eyes.

‘She really is hopeless…’

Smiling wryly, Jonah stepped closer to Marguerite and took her small hand.

“Lady Marguerite, leaving only me out is just too cruel.”

“Th-that’s not what I…”

“No. I have already decided that I will fight the locusts together with you and the Count. So I am absolutely going with you.”

“Ah…”

Tightening his grip, Jonah looked straight into her eyes and declared it.

Tears gradually welled up in Marguerite’s eyes.

“R-really… Jonah, you are so stubborn and hopeless…”

“Yes. I am stubborn.”

Jonah jokingly replied to Marguerite, who lowered her gaze with a soft smile.

“That being the case, shall we get going? I’m sure the Count is waiting.”

“Yes!”

Jonah and Marguerite held hands and headed to the entrance, where they found Count Hagenberg hurriedly giving orders.

“Good morning, Father.”

“Good morning.”

Marguerite performed an elegant curtsy while Jonah placed a hand on his chest and bowed.

Seeing the two adorable children, Count Hagenberg’s cheeks softened slightly as he nodded.

“Preparations are nearly complete. We can depart shortly.”

“My! Then to the southwestern edge of Hagenberg territory…”

“If we hurry, we can arrive by noon four days from now.”

According to last night’s letter, the locusts had reached the southwestern regions three days ago.

Arriving in four days would be far too late.

“Hans, I leave the rest to you.”

“Please leave it to me. In your stead, I will definitely protect Zwerg.”

“Good.”

Count Hagenberk nodded in satisfaction at Hans’s respectful bow.

Then—

“Four days from now is far too late. Let us go to the southwestern edge right now.”

Jonah declared, looking at the Count and Marguerite.

“Wait, Jonah. Even rushing as fast as possible, it takes four days to reach the edge of the territory from here.”

“Y-yes, exactly. No matter how you look at it, it’s impossible…”

“There is no need to worry.”

Jonah pointed his index finger at the floor and began drawing something at dizzying speed.

“…!?”

“…!?”

A glowing magic circle appeared on the floor, and the two gasped.

“If we use this magic circle to teleport, we will arrive instantly.”

“J-Jonah, just what in the world are you…”

“Explanations later—come on.”

Urged by Jonah, Count Hagenberg stepped onto the magic circle first.

“Lady Marguerite, please come this way as well.”

“Y-yes…”

Taking Jonah’s outstretched hand, Marguerite timidly stepped into the circle, and then—

“Coordinates S038, W054.”

The instant Jonah spoke those words, the three of them teleported to the top of a hill at the southwestern edge of Hagenberg territory.