Because Cecilia loved the world, he became curious about the world, and because she cherished it so much, he wanted to protect it. For the people she loved and the wildflowers she liked…

Idrish had decided to live together with her in the world she loved so much.

So, without Cecilia, everything lost meaning in an instant.

Idrish had no intention of living in a dull, colorless world without her.
Having known Cecilia already, Idrish now realized he couldn’t turn back time to when she wasn’t there. This was not a matter he could choose. It was either that or death.

Not knowing that. That he thought he could easily send Cecilia away. He couldn’t have been more foolish. His rationality was paralyzed by fear, and he had no idea how long he had wandered through the forest.

Every sense felt distant, as if sunk into a swamp.

‘Cecilia, where are you? Please show yourself.’

His heart burned as if placed on hot charcoal.

It felt like he was dying every moment. Confirming Cecilia, who would smile at him unharmed, seemed to be the only way to escape this agony.

But at the same time, cruelly, no matter how much he ran, it didn’t seem like he was moving forward. The piled-up snow on the ground kept pulling at his feet.

“Cecilia!”

Fear choked even his ears. Even his own voice sounded like it belonged to another world.

Idrish, who had been running for a while, stopped.

Several people were lying in the melted mud and snow, and the surroundings were stained with blood. They were the escort knights who had followed Cecilia and Heron.

Idrish, filled with extreme fear, looked around. At this moment, he just hoped Cecilia wasn’t here.

He brought his ear to the man’s mouth, and faint breathing was heard.

“Where is Cecilia?”

Idrish’s voice trembled.

“I… don’t… know… she… ran away…”

As the voice faded, he couldn’t finish his words and lost consciousness. Idrish let him down and stood up. He looked around in extreme terror.

In other words, Cecilia was also in danger.

“Heck, heck.”

A small white tiger panted, breathless. The squirrel in his arms and I were the same. Are they still following?

After the village battle ended, Agila’s eagle beasts seemed to have entered the forest where we were.

I thought they would quietly return to Agila’s territory, but for some reason, they sporadically covered the forest. Because of that, it became extremely difficult for us to avoid them.

Rolling, lying down, and doing all sorts of things to avoid them, but eventually, we ran into a group of Agila.

〈Ah!〉

〈We’ll stop them, run away!〉

We separated from the knights, and although our steps did not falter, I had a duty to protect Heron and Roderio.

〈Stay alive!〉

I ran desperately with Heron and Roderio. That moment, we saved our lives, but ultimately, the three of us were left stranded in the middle of the forest.

After transforming into a hard-to-find humanoid form, we settled in the bushes. Roderio squatted down and brought Heron into his arms.

Roderio’s body trembled with fear. Heron pretended to be composed, but it was undoubtedly frightening.

‘It’ll be okay.’
I licked Roderio’s nose gently, full of sincerity. His eyes and fur were a mess, covered in a mixture of snow and dirt.

All this because of me… even though they didn’t have to come out.

Guilt overwhelmed me. I tried relentlessly to regain my composure, not falling into emotions and facing the immediate dangers of reality.

Yes, I’ll just hide like this until Agila withdraws completely. I’ll go back then. I firmly made up my mind.

But misfortune struck me once again.

After holding my breath for how long, I heard voices nearby.

“Still, killing a few makes you feel better.”

“Aren’t there any left? Look carefully. Those little rats are small and good at hiding.”

Chuckles followed. It sent shivers down my spine. Their voices became louder and louder, and I even heard the sound of bushes being vigorously disturbed.

‘They’re coming this way.’

It was only a matter of time before they found the three of us. And once detected, we stood no chance.

‘In that case… there’s only one way.’

I left Roderio’s embrace. Roderio and Heron widened their eyes. I raised my head confidently.

‘Now it’s time for me to step forward. You two hide.’

Just as the knights helped us escape earlier, this time it was my turn to assist the two of them in fleeing.

Roderio tried to grab me with his front paws. But I firmly pushed him away.

‘No, Roderio.’

Communicating with my eyes, Roderio’s emerald eyes welled up with teardrops. I turned around. I heard Heron dragging Roderio, who couldn’t make a sound, into the thicket.

I deliberately ran through the tall grass, making noise.

“Hey, look! The squirrel baby is running away!”

Not a squirrel, but a thorn mouse!

I kicked my legs vigorously. Perhaps my feet were barely visible.

You little rascals, follow me!

The eagle beast humanoid followed me according to my plan.

“Catch that thing!”