It’s not the cave that’s frustrating, but this situation.

“Let’s first think about getting out of here.”

“But, Etienne, what caused this situation was…”

“Fernando, I know what you’re trying to say. But for now, getting out is the priority. Let’s leave and talk again. I have a lot to say too.”
As Etienne spoke, she turned her head and met eyes with Lehart. He responded with a look that seemed to say, ‘Sure, let’s thoroughly investigate.’

‘Yeah, let’s properly examine this.’

Etienne turned around and surveyed the cave. She mentioned there seemed to be a space resembling something man-made around the Mitri tree. Although such spaces had been discovered only twice so far, they were often discussed among the people.

She couldn’t understand why. Just because there was such a space, it didn’t mean there was any treasure, so it was incomprehensible. But now, she felt like she might know the reason.

“This… it’s made by the Mitri tree.”

Etienne gently swept her hand across the earthen wall. Dirt clung to her fingers. It wasn’t a cave with touchable rocks; it was a wall made of soil and silvery roots that captivated Etienne’s gaze.

It felt mystical and seemed not easily forgettable. Perhaps people who were deeply impressed like herself were the ones who spoke about it?

“The roots of Mitri created this space.”

For a very long time, the Mitri roots had undoubtedly gradually expanded their territory, creating this space.

“Yeah, fascinating. How did the roots create such a vast space?”

Lehart, too, looked around with an expression of amazement. Only Fernando kept his gaze fixed on Etienne.

He seemed to be on guard, wondering if anything might happen to her. Seeing Fernando like that, Lehart clicked his tongue.

“I’m really curious now.”
Lehart looked back and forth between Fernando and Etienne, then muttered to himself.

“I’m so curious about their relationship.”

Having known Etienne’s secret, he became curious about her relationship with Fernando, who was entwined with her.

As she had mentioned, once they got out of here…

“Shall we go inside?”

“We should.”

Lehart, suppressing the tension rising within him, stood at the front calmly.

“Etienne, stick close behind me.”

Seeing that there was no light inside, Lehart spoke, and Fernando stood behind Etienne.

The intention of the two to protect Etienne was evident. However, Etienne, without them noticing, took something out of her pocket.

“Your Highness, wait a moment.”

She boldly grabbed Lehart’s clothes as he was about to step forward. Thanks to that, Lehart’s center of gravity tilted slightly backward. When he straightened up and looked at Etienne, she handed him a torch.

“This…?”

“Fortunately, I have one. I saved it for special occasions because it’s very small.”

Lehart, seeing the tiny torch that was barely the size of a regular torch, chuckled as if finding it cute.

“Well, we don’t know how bright it will be, but it’s better than nothing.”

Since there was nothing more to say, Etienne lightly tapped Lehart’s back, as if signaling to move on.

Lehart, who had intended to protect Etienne while taking on the role of a leader, felt a strange sensation.

“I feel like I’ve become a shield. Does that make sense?”

“Let’s go.”
Etienne had no intention of correcting Lehart’s thoughts. As if approving of Fernando’s action, she lightly tapped Etienne’s shoulder.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Except for the initial landing spot, all the passages were narrow. The only fortunate thing was that it wasn’t too cramped due to the height.

However, there were multiple branches in the cave. When they encountered another fork in the path, Lehart stopped, and Etienne stretched her head forward to look.

“Which way are you going?”

“Since we entered the cave on the right before…”

“To the left.”

Fernando, who was at the back, spoke briefly. It was the same earlier. Lehart turned his body towards Fernando.

“You’ve been deciding on the direction with confidence since earlier. Is there a reason for it?”

Lehart asked, but Fernando’s lips remained sealed. It seemed more like he didn’t want to converse with him than not having a reason.

“Quite arrogant against the Second Prince, aren’t you?”

“He’s probably behaving like this because he knows the Second Prince won’t cause trouble over this. Besides, he’s generously giving us directions, so there’s no reason for him to receive more punishment.”

Etienne spoke on behalf of Fernando. She didn’t like the close proximity to Lehart as he turned, so she quickly spoke to tidy up the situation.

“Unlike the Second Prince, who treats people around him based on his mood, His Highness the Crown Prince is a very gracious person, right? Shall we go back then?”
Let’s not fight amongst ourselves about what’s good; I hope we can proceed quickly.

“Do I seem generous to you?”

“What?”

Etienne furrowed her brow.