However, he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

In this place, unless one shouted, hardly any sound would be heard, yet he couldn’t raise his voice. Instead, he kept his thoughts to himself.

If he were a noble, would many things have changed? Was that why Bake, that child, always seemed so nervous about his status?

Deep in thought, Cheshire raised his head roughly.

It was unpleasant, especially that it was Bake, even when using him as an example. He was different from that child. He knew his place and didn’t covet more. No, looking back, maybe that’s why it turned out like this.

Deep wrinkles formed on Cheshire’s smooth forehead.

He didn’t want to think in this way, but the more he tried not to, the more it bothered him.

Imagination wasn’t a sin, especially unintentionally dreaming on days like this. In fact, he had sometimes thought about it.

His own imagination standing next to Livianna, not another man.

However, it felt uncomfortable when he imagined it. He couldn’t deny that the image of that nobleman reminded him unpleasantly of Bake.

Eventually, Cheshire ruffled his hair roughly with his dry hand.

“Whew, at times like this, it’s better to be busy. Just not thinking about anything…”

Cheshire spoke but then slowly held his breath. Whether it was thanks to the name borrowed from a cat or because of his experiences wandering around as a mercenary, he had unusually keen senses.

Due to that, he sometimes received teasing from his comrades for being like a beast, but even so, his heightened senses were helpful for survival.

Of course, that didn’t mean he hoped to detect anything strange.

Cheshire blinked his eyes quickly. With just one blink, his yellow eyes transformed into those of a hunter.

Lowering his body, Cheshire shifted his hand to his waist and silenced his footsteps.

Before escaping, he set the castle on fire and scattered the slaves. Although it would take some time for pursuers to catch up after piercing through the chaos, unfortunately, the opponent was Lord Crayton.

The territory owned by Lord Crayton was not ordinary. He could summon troops from anywhere.

Especially if the disappearance of Lady Crayton, the wife of Lord Crayton, was implicated, it would be even more complicated.
Cheshire, releasing the tension in the hand holding the sword hilt, skillfully climbed the tree.

“First, assess the situation and try to finish it as quietly as possible.”

Although he didn’t know which pursuers were following him, he could handle a few soldiers alone. Cheshire hid his body among the dense leaves, stealthily climbing the tree step by step.

The forest here was dense, and the terrain was rugged, making it difficult for a large force to advance easily. If he could hide and ambush properly, victory was within reach. At least, that’s what he thought.

That was until he failed to notice smoke rising from all directions in the darkness.

“If I had them in front of me, I would have given them a good beating.”

He would have dealt a proper blow if they were right in front of him.

Cheshire hurriedly descended from the tree, contemplating Bake’s face. Although making a loud noise while descending, it didn’t matter now. He had to avoid them at all costs.

Cheshire rushed without hesitation into the cave.

Whether it was due to a nap or not, Eden immediately got up.

“What’s going on? Your breathing sounds rough.”

“We need to move right now. Otherwise, we’ll end up as roasted meat.”

“Roasted meat?”

“Those crazy bastards seem to be planning to burn the entire mountain.”

Cheshire quickly tried to pack his belongings into the bag but ended up just throwing them away. It couldn’t be helped, no matter how regrettable it was. Now was the time to maximize speed. He couldn’t afford to increase the weight.

Without a staff or support, Eden couldn’t walk properly. Cheshire had to carry him and run.

“I’m okay. Let’s dash right away, starting with Livi[dash].”

“I can move alone.”

The now awakened Livianna got up in no time. Although her eyes were swollen and not fully open, she quickly grasped the situation and immediately stood up.

Eden looked at his sister, who was exerting force in her eyes, then turned his gaze to Cheshire.

“Make sure to check if the fire has really started.”

“Smoke is gradually rising. The flames will spread soon.”

“Still, check again. How the smoke moves, whether it’s gradually increasing. Properly.”

Eden said firmly. Cheshire hesitated for a moment but soon returned after surveying the situation again by climbing the tree.

“How is it?”

“Smoke is rising from all directions, but it’s not going beyond a certain range.”

“Unfortunate luck. It’s like hunting raccoons.”

Eden casually nodded his head.

“Hunting raccoons?”

Cheshire recalled a story he had heard from an old hunter long ago.

What did the hunter say? A seasoned hunter would often set a fire in front of a raccoon’s den. The raccoon, unable to overcome the smoke, would rush out without realizing and meet its end.