"My father is a blacksmith. He is here to create what he wants to create. I will not allow anyone to interfere with my father's way of life... even if it is Verrier-sama's command."

(But...! If I have this power, I might be able to save my older brother and my hometown.)

Verrier desperately clung on.

"...I will prepare any reward, no matter the amount. Anything...!"

Those words were so full of anguish. Darius had been silently watching the exchange until then as he quietly opened his mouth.

"As Sofia says... I don't plan on leaving here for the time being. I'm sorry about that. I still have things I want to do in this workshop."

(...Oh, I see. Well... I suppose that can't be helped?)

While Verrier was disappointed by the response, she didn't intend to involve any more outsiders.

"...I see. If that's the case, could you at least lend me the weapon you made?"

(I heard his weapon was excellent. If he would lend it to me, perhaps... I might be able to fight better than I can now.)

Darius hesitated for a moment at Verrier's suggestion.

However, he then slowly nodded.

"...Weapons, huh? Well, that's fine, but they're over here, so take a look."

Darius said this and then led the group to the armory.

The moment the door opened, Verrier felt the pressure of dense magical power.

It was just a plain, unassuming warehouse. But the swords, spears, and axes were leaning against the walls, and each one exuded power.

Even the royal treasury didn't have such a collection of exquisite treasures.

Even to the untrained eye, it was clear that each and every one of those trees was of national treasure class... no, of even greater value.

Before the array of weapons lined up there, Verrier gasped.

(With this much weaponry, it's even possible to defeat those monsters...!)

With burning anger in her heart, Verrier reached for the sword that shone with the most powerful brilliance.

But the moment her fingertips touched the hilt, the sword repelled her hand and dull light showed its refusal.

"What...?!"

Verrier raises her voice. However, Darius is not surprised by the scene and simply exhales quietly.

"...Princess. I'm sorry, but these children might not be able to help."

"But why...?"

"These children... they seem to resonate with the hearts of their owners… Perhaps they couldn't empathize with the current princess's heart."

Darius's quiet words pierced Verrier's chest.

Vellier bit her lip in frustration and nonetheless reached for the sword again.

"Why...! Why won't you answer me!"

However, that hand was once again repelled by a dull light, as if blocked by an invisible wall.

"I am...!"

Verrier tightly clutches the national treasure necklace that shines at her chest.

She will fight to save her older brother and her hometown.

Even if the battle is scary, she can't show a weak heart.

She turned that feeling into strength and reached for the sword. But the result was the same. The sword continued to reject her as if stubbornly keeping its heart closed.

(Why... why, why!?)

Verrier's heart was screaming.

(...Just, why?)

But Darius said quietly while seeing through Verrier's anguish.

"...You should cool your head a bit. You and your subordinates are completely exhausted, and wouldn't it be better if you rested here?"

"...But I have to get back soon."

Out of impatience, Verrier said that, but then Sofia quietly interjected.

"Verrier-sama. Even if we leave now, it will be night soon… The forest at night is even more dangerous than during the day."

Darius also spoke in a gentle, persuasive tone.

"Sofia's right. Resting properly here will ultimately get us there faster."

"..."

Verrier tried to shake her head firmly. However, what the two of them said was the truth. If she rushed ahead out of panic alone, she could lose her subordinates.

"...Alright. I think I will stay here for just one night."

Verrier replied as she then turned back to Darius.

"Then, could you please lend me just this weapon? I understand now that I am not worthy of this sword. However, perhaps one of my subordinates might be able to wield it."

At her desperate plea, Darius stared intently at Verrier's face for a moment.

Then, his gaze shifted to the necklace sparkling on her chest.

"...Alright, I understand. But, as a condition... could you leave that necklace here?"

"Wh-what...!? Th-this is... from our country...!"

Verrier was speechless, but Darius's eyes were fixed on her with an undeniable seriousness.

"Without that, I can't lend this child… What will you do?"

Verrier bit her lip hard. A national treasure and the power to resist the monster.

After a long, long silence, she took off the necklace with trembling hands and offered it to Darius.

(...For now, there's nothing I can do.)

Verrier told herself that. Of course, she could borrow a sword, and of course, this large group could spend the night safely outside this dangerous barrier.

If he thinks of it as compensation, then a national treasure or two wouldn't be too much.

Having watched Darius put the necklace in his pocket, Verrier was still a little hesitant.

A national treasure, which is also a symbol of hope.

However, Verrier let it go as she repeatedly questioned herself about whether her choice had been the right one.

Chapter 40