“Don’t move suddenly. Don’t provoke it.”

Alicia spoke softly.

According to a book she had read in the past, monsters were created by mixing multiple life forms with forbidden magic.

If it retained the characteristics of the animal, sudden movements could potentially trigger its aggressiveness.

“Step back slowly.”

Upon Alicia’s words, everyone slowly moved back a bit.

Then, the monster approached slowly, shaking its head as if it was curious.

“Sister. To the right.”

“Hmm?”

“I have an idea. Move a bit to the right. I’ll go to the left.”

Edward spoke in a small voice, sneaking a glance upwards.

Following Edward’s gesture, Alicia glanced up and nodded. She seemed to understand Edward’s intentions.

“Edward. Cut it off when I give the signal.”

“Okay.”

“Both of you also need to move carefully. Absolutely do not scream.”

The Duke and Duchess nodded, sealed their lips, and moved a bit to the right, following Alicia. Matching their pace, Edward also carefully moved to the left.

As Alicia and Edward split into two directions, creating distance, the monster paused.

It seemed to be debating which way to go.

“Over here. Come this way.”

Alicia gently shook her skirt.

Upon seeing the movement, the monster drooled and moved toward Alicia.

Edward slowly moved until he could see the monster’s back, then he picked up a long knife from a ruined food tent.

As the monster slowly approached, shaking its head from side to side, and Alicia retreated at the same pace, several people ran out from the opposite side and screamed when they saw the monster.

The loud noise excited the monster, causing it to howl and move abruptly.

“Run!”

Alicia quickly turned around, grabbed the Duke and Duchess’s arms, and ran.

“Sister, faster!”

At Edward’s cry, Alicia rolled the Duke and Duchess on the ground.

At the same time, Edward cut the rope, and the stone statue, hung for the event, fell, hitting the monster.

Simultaneously, Edward ran to Alicia, helped the Duke and Duchess up, and they hurriedly avoided the monster.

“Kraaaak!”

The monster writhed under the statue, causing it to break with a loud crash.

Startled by the noise, the Duchess’s legs gave out, and she sat down right there.

“Mother!”

“You go ahead. We’ll all die at this rate.”

“Duchess! Please stand up!”

“I’ll help you.”

As Alicia helped the Duchess stand, the monster rose again with a creepy noise.

Edward, who had picked up the knife earlier, stood in the front.

“Edward. It’s too much for you. Give that knife to me.”

“I’m going to be a knight, so this isn’t scary at all.”

Alicia tried to dissuade Edward and reached out for the knife again.

“Step back, Edward”

“It’s okay, sister. I think I can do it. That thing is pretty hurt too, you know.”

Edward spoke bravely and his expression was firm, but the tip of the knife he was holding was shaking slightly.

Just then, the monster roared and charged, and Alicia protected the Duke and Duchess, and Edward stretched out his arm with the knife and closed his eyes tightly.

“……?”

When nothing happened, Edward opened his eyes slightly and saw someone standing behind the monster, which fell, spewing black blood, and his eyes widened.

“Are you okay, Edward?”

Eric, who had brushed off the blood on his sword, approached.

“You were really brave. Well done.”

“Uhhuh.”

Edward, relieved, let out a strange sound and hugged Eric. Although surprised, Eric soon patted the boy’s head.

“Eric. Oh, my son.”

The Duchess saw her son’s face and cried, relieved.

Beside them, the Duke used the ground to lift himself up.

“Are you alright?”

“I seem to be alive at least.”

“Yes, it seems so.”

‘This kid. Speaking like that? You might be a knight, but we’re just ordinary people. You, my son.’
Duke Gloster swelled with indignation internally, but lacking the energy to express his anger, he merely raised his hand.

When Eric turned his head toward Alicia, she smiled at him while comforting the crying Duchess.

“Don’t worry, we’re almost done here.”

Eric surveyed his surroundings. A few monsters still roamed, but they seemed manageable and would soon be dealt with.

“Alicia, can you head toward the gallery? It’s safe there; we’ve finished clearing it out, and it’s being used as a refuge.”

“I will.”

Alicia helped the now somewhat calmer Duchess to her feet.

“I’ll watch our back, just go straight ahead. Once everything is cleared, I’ll come to get you.”

“Understood. Are you injured?”

“Me? I’m fine. It’s not all my blood.”

Only then did Alicia seem relieved, she smiled again, calling Edward who was still clinging to Eric.

“Edward, let’s go now.”

“Okay.”

Edward detached from Eric and helped Alicia support the Duchess from the other side.

Seeing this, Eric gave a playful smile and ruffled Edward’s hair.

“I’m counting on you, Edward.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Hurry up.”

Eric glanced at a monster sluggishly moving on his left and hurried Alicia along.

He watched them walk away for a moment before he redirected his steps toward the monster.