Following the Glowing Blue Path

Sharing space did make Mia feel warmer, but maybe not at all in the way Abel had in mind. Heat ran through her reddened face, making her forget how cold it was. She forgot that she had been shaking just a few minutes earlier and started thinking things like, If its just the two of us, maybe we can just live here.

It wouldnt be a big deal. He is, after all, my palace and paradise.

She couldnt think of anything useful right now.

Mia, look.

Eh?

She looked up at him because she wasnt sure where he was going. It seemed like a good choice. Then, after taking a moment to admire his good looks, she looked where he was looking.

That way. It looks like the water is going down.

She could also see it. The level of the water had gone down, letting more of the bank show. If it was just a bit lower, they might have been able to walk through it.

But

She looked up at the hole in the ceiling with sadness. The light that was getting through was definitely less bright. It was getting dark.

The water is finally low enough that we can try to get out of here, but it will be dangerous to move around in the dark.

Since there were tides, it was likely that there was a way out to sea. Mia didnt want to swim through the dark sea at night.

Hm Of course, youre right, but

Abel thought hard and crossed his arms.

We wont get anywhere if we just sit around and wait. Well get worse off the longer we stay here. Things are getting different. Lets pay close attention so we dont miss a chance to get away.

Abels words turned out to be true. Just as the last rays of light from the ceiling were going out, he let out an excited whoop.

Look, Mia! There! Water!

My! Whatis it?

She couldnt believe what she saw.

The waters surface was much lower than it had been before, but what was more important was that it now gave off a soft blue light. The light was too dim to be a torch or lantern, but it was bright enough to show them where they were and went on in a ghostly path deep into the cavern. With this light, getting around was probably easier than it had been during the day.

This is our opportunity. We cant let it go to waste. If we stay here, well only get weaker, urged Abel.

Mia thought for a moment. Theoretically, the best thing to do when lost or waiting for help was to stay put and save energy. The problem was that, given the people theyd come to the island with, it would be hard for the other people to try to save them.

Most of all, she was the groups expert on how to stay alive. How could they get her attention if she didnt do anything? She nodded because this self-made reminder of her skills made her feel more confident.

Okay, then. Then lets go.

She took his hand when he held it out. Mia followed the path of blue light as Abels hand guided her. There were many holes in the walls where they had landed, but the glowing road only went in two directions.

In one, the water level went up, while in the other, it went down. Swimming in the cold at night was a death sentence, so they went in the direction of the shallow water.

This ground is not flat. Be careful. Hold my arm, here.

Abel kept stopping and turning around to check on her and say words of concern and support. It made her giggle.

Abel, you are such a gentleman.

Even though things were bad, he slowed down so he could keep up with her. Not only that, but he kept her hand in his, and his grip changed from soft to firm depending on what he thought about where they were. Almost like he was leading her in a complicated dance, she couldnt help but smile.

That was something my older sister always said. She told me that I should always be nice to girls, no matter what.

Oh? Your older sister? You mean

Mia didnt pay much attention to the Kingdom of Remno or its royal family in the previous timeline.

Abel was about the only person she knew of. Its easy to see why, since she had spent all her time waiting for Sion to come to her.

Mia was different this time because she had done her homework. Why?

Because she had already made up her mind that Abel would be her husband. Mia had her sights set on him, so she used her newfound dating skills to do a lot of research before she met him.

Princess Clarissa? Was that her name?

She remembered that Abel had an older sister who was three years older than him. According to Mias research, this sister was a quiet, shy girl who didnt say much.

Doesnt seem to be the kind of person to tell him that

His answer to her confused frown was to shake his head.

Yes, thats her name, but it wasnt her. My oldest sister was the one who told me that.

Your oldest sister? Wow, I didnt know you had another sister

If you did, it would surprise me. She has died. About five years ago

Even though the ghostly glow had already made his face look blue, it got a little bluer.

I loved her very much. Shewas very nice. She was smart, but she was also strong. She had this aura about her that was very beautiful. I wanted to be like her. She said that everyone in Remno had the wrong way of thinking, so she wanted me not to be like them. to treat girls nicely

In the Kingdom of Remno, where discrimination against women was deeply rooted, there was once a powerful person who questioned the way things were.

Im not proud to say that I forgot for a long time I had forgotten why I tried to treat women well I thought it was just a quirk that I did. That I was doing it for no reason. It wasnt, though. It was because of her. Her words have been with me all this time, guiding me like a compass.

I had no idea that Abel had lost someone who had been so important to him I wish I had known her

She became thoughtful and asked, This sister of yours What was her name?

Valentina Remno. The kingdoms first princess.

I see. Lady Valentina

Mia would have to wait a while before she could remember the woman with that name.