The Chains That Bind Their Kin

“Jonah. Inside this box is something the Hero left behind for the world—what’s called a Barrier Stone.”

Titancia revealed it without the slightest hesitation.

“W–wait, Cia, you just—!”

“Jonah is not our enemy, nor would he ever betray us. He is absolutely different from the others. I guarantee it.”

Titancia placed a hand over her chest and looked directly at Quylindra.

There was not a trace of falsehood in those fresh-green eyes.

“Haa… well, Jonah is still a child. Perhaps I was worrying too much.”

The two held each other’s gaze for a moment before Quylindra sighed and shook her head.

“As Cia said, the wooden box holds a Barrier Stone created long ago by the Hero. With it, all demonic forces can be repelled.”

With a confidence that seemed to fill her expression, she told Jonah.

“It repels… demons…”

“Yes.”

Quylindra began explaining their goal going forward.

Their kin, the Swart Elf, had formed a contract when they sided with the Demon King five hundred years ago.

A vow never to betray the Demon King—on penalty of death for every member of their tribe should they ever break it.

Even five centuries after the Demon King’s defeat, the contract still persists.

“…The one who told me all this was a Swart Elf woman. After she revealed the truth… she was killed.”

“………………”

Finishing her story, Quylindra bit her lip in frustration and clenched her fist.

“W–wait! The Demon King is gone, the world is at peace—so why is a contract with someone who doesn’t even exist anymore still binding the Swart Elf!?”

Unable to accept the explanation, Jonah hurriedly asked.

After all, without the Demon King, the Swart Elf should have no reason to fight, and the contract should naturally become void.

Yet they still obey the contract and continue to fight the Elf even five centuries later—why?

“…Because the one they made the contract with wasn’t the Demon King.”

“Eh…?”

“The Swart Elf’s contract partner was one of the Demon King’s top officers—a demon known as ‘Zarichu the Hunger.’”

According to Quylindra, the Demon King had six supreme officers, each bearing a title: Malevolent Thought, Falsehood, Apostasy, Chaos, Red-Hot, and Hunger.

Falsehood and Red-Hot were defeated in the great war, but the remaining four were either absent during the final battle or fled before they could be slain.

“…Zarichu the Hunger slipped past the Hero’s vigilance and escaped. He’s been rebuilding himself within the Swart Elf’s home—the Stygian Forest.”

“He knows we cannot act recklessly while he holds the Swart Elf as hostages.”

“That’s horrible…”

In short, the Swart Elf were still being tormented—living shields bound by that ancient contract.

Hearing everything, Jonah tightened his fist.

“But that ends now. Zarichu’s pact is sealed by a demonic oath. And the Hero’s Barrier Stone can neutralize all demonic power. With it—we can undo everything!”

“Exactly.”

Raising the wooden box, Quylindra and Titancia nodded firmly to one another.

If the legendary Hero created it, its power must be immense.

But… Jonah couldn’t shake a creeping unease.

“Tomorrow morning, we’re heading to the Stygian Forest where the Swart Elf are. I’m sorry, but Jonah—you must stay here until we return.”

After dinner, inside the small wooden room prepared for the night, Titancia delivered her decision.

Her voice—her green eyes—were filled with unwavering resolve. It seemed she already knew Jonah intended to follow them.

“B–but Lady Titancia, you know about my ancient magic, don’t you? I’m sure I could help…”

“No. And once we activate the Hero’s Barrier Stone, your Ancient Magic will likely become unusable. I won’t allow you to be put in danger.”

“………………”

Having been clearly denied, Jonah fell silent.

“…You no longer have business here, Jonah. Honestly, you could even leave this country altogether.”

“Wh–what!? No!”

After discussing the Swart Elf and the Barrier Stone, Jonah had asked Quylindra about the Fairy Forest.

But even she, the chief, did not know its location. With the path to that legend cut off, Jonah truly had no reason to remain here.

But—

“No! I’ve come this far—I want to see it through to the end!”

“…You really are a good boy, Jonah. And that is exactly why I can’t take you.”

Titancia embraced him gently and whispered into his ear.

Frustrated, Jonah squeezed her tightly in return.

“Th-then at least tell me where the Stygian Forest is. If my Ancient Magic won’t work once the Barrier Stone is used, then it shouldn’t matter, right?”

“………………”

Titancia hesitated at Jonah’s request—after all, she was the one who said his magic wouldn’t function afterward.

Letting out a small breath, she took from her bag a map of the Aubern forests—something only Elf possessed.

“Jonah, here is our Elf village—and this spot here is…”

“The Stygian Forest, right?”

“Yes.”

The Stygian Forest lay at the western edge of the Duchy of Aubern.

From their village, it was about half the distance between the capital Minga and Mittenberg. As an Elf, Titancia could reach it within a single day.

“Jonah, don’t worry. We will come back safely.”

“…Okay.”

Titancia hugged the downcast Jonah again.

As if telling him—and herself—It will be all right.