Up ahead, Rocks suddenly felt the weight on his shoulder lighten as he fled.
Alice had used the last of her strength to wrench free of his arm, then tumbled to the ground with little Teach in her arms.
"аліce! What are you doing?!"
"Do you think you can deal with those monsters behind us with only one hand?" Alice rose to her feet, her gaze resolute.
"Listen, Xebec. Anyone who bears the Davy name, if they're captured...
We'll suffer a fate more terrifying than hell!
I know that better than anyone!"
Rocks roared, "Then get back up here!"
Alice continued, "I used to be a pirate, but after I married you, everyone in this family welcomed me with open arms.
I've long understood the fate this name carries!
So you have to leave me behind!
If I can't even protect our child, if I'm just a weak woman who needs you to protect me every moment...
Then you never would have fallen in love with me, would you?!"
Rocks froze, at a loss for words.
"If I really am captured..." Alice hugged the innocent little Teach close. At last, tears slid down her cheeks, but her voice was firm as steel.
"I'll end Teach's life first, then take my own!
We'll split up and each survive! I'll see you in Lulusia, Xebec!"
She shouted the place they had agreed to meet, then took one last, deep look at her husband. Resolutely, she turned and ran down another path with the child in her arms.
Rocks's outstretched hand stiffened in midair, then slowly clenched into a fist.
At last, he could turn around... without holding back.
The pursuers were almost upon him.
Garling Figarland watched Rocks stop and turn to face them alone, then smiled with interest.
"So you've finally