When Evelyn arrived inside the cave, a scene of despair unfolded before her eyes. The view in the cave, where flames lit the knights in several places was like Hell.

The caves ground was filled with the corpses of Devil Eye, and the disgusting smell of demon blood made it hard for her to breathe properly.

Adrian, how about Adrian?

But everything became a problem when she confirmed Adrians safety. Evelyn shook off the knights hand, trying to stop her and ran inside. But soon, her steps stopped when she saw that a pile of stones blocked the narrow cavern passage.

No way, is he over there? Adrian, is he safe?

Princess, please calm down. The Prince is safe. His Majesty is with him.

But, Serus answer left Evelyn more confused.

I used explosives to destroy the demons, but the fragile cave ground also collapsed. But before that, His Majesty already went to the carriage to save the Prince and defeat all the demons. We will remove this stone rubble soon.

Is it true?

Yes. The knights are still working on it. Over there, on the less stony side, you can hear His Majestys voice.

Where?! That way?!

Evelyn hurriedly went to that place without hearing his answer. She walked on a demon corpse several times, but he couldnt stop her feet because of this.

Princess, I need to tell you something first.

Evelyn suddenly had a bad hunch as Serus grabbed her hand. She was sure that Fabian saved Adrian, but why did her heart beating so fast?

I will tell you the whole situation, so please listen calmly.

Whats going on?! Go ahead and tell me!

His Majesty said that the Prince was wounded by a demon.

Evelyns lips quivered all of a sudden, listening to him.

W-Why is he now, no. How can he get hurt!

Now is not the time to worry about it.

Seruss words were a little harsh, but what he said was true. The number of knights currently available wasnt many, so it would take quite a while to clear the pile of stones. Nevertheless, the reason why he was saying this was probably because she needed to make a quick decision.

Then, what should I do?

Evelyn was struggling to hide her emotions. It seemed easy for Fabian to do it, but when she tried it, Evelyn couldnt help but feel bad.

Since the last mysterious demon attack, His Majesty has always carried an antidote in his body to deal with poison. It is an emergency antidote to prevent the spread of poison and at the same time will also help to stop the bleeding ..

Evelyns hand flinched at the word poison. Because it was common knowledge that if the demons poison injured someone, there was a risk of being addicted. Now, the poison of anxiety was spreading through her mind.

Is Adrian addicted? Tell me whats wrong with him now! Didnt His Majesty give the antidote to Adrian?

Theres a possibility of addiction. The problem right now is that the antidote works only for His Majesty.

Evelyns face turned pale.

What..?

This is an antidote that can temporarily cope with an emergency situations and was made only for His Majesty. I dont know if you know of this, but its a Imperial blood-medicine that has been extracted from His Majesty s blood.

Evelyn had heard of blood-based medicine before, but she didnt know whats the use of that in the current situation?

I mean, that antidote cant be used on Adrian?

Im sorry.. Evelyn almost collapsed because her legs were weak.

But, theres a possibility.

Evelyn squinted her eyes at Seruss words.

If the Prince has His Majestys blood, that medicine will be effective to a certain extent.

Evelyns head was dizzy. No way, she hoped that it wasnt Fabians trick He couldnt do this.

At this moment, Evelyn felt like she was at a crossroads where she couldnt choose anything.

Sir Serus! Weve made a gap here !! Logan shouted from the corner of the pile of stones. But it was Evelyn who came up there.

Everyone, give me a little distance.

Hearing her calm and determined voice, the knights nodded and went to break rocks on the other side.

There was a hole in the lower part of the ground, covered only by a few stones where she could peek inside.

Evelyn sat on the dirt floor and rested her head in the cracks of the rock.

Your Majesty, are you there? Your Majesty!

Not long after she had repeatedly called him, Evelyn sensed Fabians presence. The gap was so narrow that she couldnt see his face. Only her low voice could pass through the hole.

Evelyn, listen carefully. I dont think we have time.

Yes

She felt her heart dropped. Then, Evelyn put her ear in the crack, so she didnt miss a word.

Adrian is wounded by the demon and bleeding, and it looks like hes poisoned too

Evelyn clenched her hand until the nails dug into her palm.

This poison wont threaten his life if hes treated properly, but since hes still a child Most importantly, Serus said that he needs time to destroy this pile of stones. Theres nothing we can do about it.

Her eyes quickly turned red. But she couldnt waste time crying right now.

Please tell me honestly. Is Adrians condition really bad?

Im sorry.

The words of apology pierced Evelyns heart. Fabians low voice was full of guilt. And now, she felt so stupid when she thought for a moment that it might be his trick.

I cant guarantee that everything will be fine until I can get out of here .. Have you heard about the antidote from Serus?

Yes.

Thats the best I can give Adrian is bleeding a little now .

Adrian was a child who never cried even though he was stabbed with a thorn. Evelyn found it difficult to maintain her sanity when she heard that such a child was bitten by terrible demons and bleeding.

How bad is it?

I cant judge accurately. So its better to use my antidote on him.

Then whatever happens, first of all.

Of course, I wanted to give it to him. But the side effects of blood-based medicine are severe when its used by someone who isnt blood-related.

Evelyn bit her lips tightly.

So, I need your confirmation.

Her eyes were trembling.

Evelyn, I want to save this child. I really mean it. Fabians voice rang desperately through the cracks in the stone ruins.

whether hes my child or not, I want to save him. But theres a limit to what I can do.

So, thats why Fabian said he was sorry because he couldnt forgive himself for hurting his child.

As an Emperor, no, I promise as a person. After I leave this place, I will forget the truth that is needed to save this child. I will forget it all. And I wont ask you again.

Evelyn wasnt the only one who wanted to save Adrian.

I wont force you to admit your sin or take this child away.

There was a word lingered in Evelyns mouth. She thought it was a secret she would never tell even if she had to risk her life. But now Adrians life was at stake.

Now Evelyn couldnt think of anything. No calculations, no judgments, nothing.

So tell me. only one word is enough.

Even in a low voice, there was faint despair. Evelyn opened her tightly closed eyes. There was hope even though she still couldnt see Adrian.

Evelyn

She promised to keep it a secret until the day she died. She thought it would be all right if she had lost her life.

Can you help this child? Tears rolled down Evelyns cheeks.

Your Majesty..

Sometimes, some things couldnt be hung on the scale.

Help him..

It was the life of her beloved child.

Please help Adrian, Your Majesty.. The crying that she had endured all this time finally broke out. Evelyn sobbed, clinging to the resentful pile of stones that had blocked her.

Please, help him.. Evelyn couldnt stop crying after she spat it out.

Your Majesty, please save the child..

Evelyn begged him, putting everything down. Fabian beyond the wall could felt her sincere heart and despair.

Fine.. I will surely save this child. Fabian turned his back from the pile of rocks where he could hear the crying sound of his loved one.

There was something more urgent than comforting Evelyn right now. As Adrians face, who was lying on his stomach, looked bluer than before.

Without delay, Fabian took the medicine bottle from his chest. It was an item that couldnt be used until he heard Evelyns answer.

Adrianyou must take my antidote. While holding the child, Fabian opened his lips and spilled the medicine. But Adrian coughed and spat it out.

Fabian used the other way. He put the antidote into his mouth and fed it to Adrians.

Only then did the child manage to swallow the antidote. Fabian repeated the same thing several times, and the medicine in the bottle ran out quickly. This was all the treatment he could do for now.

Theres strong blood flowing within you too. Its the same blood with someone you said was strong. Fabian said softly while carrying the child in his arms. So Im sureyou can get through this.

The life in his arms seemed too fleet and small. Fabian had no memory of hugging something so fragile like this.

He had never been so desperate in his life as he was now. How he felt when Evelyn left was completely different from how he felt when he saw his breathless son.

Youre a brave child.

This child whispered thanks for being hugged by Fabian even though he just had a terrifying experience, and his whole body was covered with scars. So, he couldnt lose his life to demons in a place like this.

If that happened, Fabian probably wouldnt be able to forgive himself.

So, Adrian.. you have to help me. Fabian touched his forehead while holding Adrian. The desire to cool down this hot fever was like a string of prayers.You have to help me so that I can keep my promise.

Fortunately, only a small amount of blood flowed out of his wound. However, Fabian didnt feel relieved because Adrian had shed quite a lot of blood. The antidote was working, but his fever was still not completely reduced.

What was left now was the fight between Adrians stamina and time to escape from this place.

Adrian. Fabian never believed in God. But for this time, he wanted to pray to the absolute being.

Weve just met

Once he heard Evelyns answer, everything became clear. Adrian was his child with Evelyn, whom Fabian loved so much.

I still have so many things I want to do for you. Fabian couldnt say in a second that he knew all about fatherly love. But his instinct to protect the small warmth that was sleeping in his arms coursed his whole body. He felt helpless, just like Evelyn, who was crying now.

Nothing, I havent done anything for you.It was the first time Fabian hugged him so tightly. And he didnt want to make this the last.

Come on, You can do it.

Adrians eyes flinched. Fabian looked closely at his face, and his heart pounded at the moment.

Ugh..

A weary voice rang through his small lips.

Adrian?

Ughhh..

Adrian slowly opened one of his eyes. As he tried to rub his eyes with his tiny hands, Adrian couldnt move his body as he wanted. And soon his tears came out again.

Adrian, can you see me?

Uhm.

Only

If the antidote worked well, Adrian should have woken up by now. Because the longer he lost consciousness, the harder it was for him to recover from the poison.

Fabian was forced to pinch Adrians cheek. Then, his two small, round eyes opened wide.

Jimoo.

Fabian was so happy that he felt his throat tight.

Jimoo, you pinched me.. Adrians eyes suddenly filled with tears.

Soon, the saddest cries in the world burst out. Only then did Fabian feel relieved, freed from his fear. Luckily, Adrians scream was loud. Even Evelyn, who was behind the pile of stones, could hear it clearly.

Jimoo Jimoo has bothered me!

As his loud cry broke out, everyone who was stricken with despair in the cave could finally let out a long sigh.