Esmeralda Disappears After Saying, Ill be Right Back.

Well, I have to get out of here, even if its just to go to Esmeraldas tea party Anne, how did the two of you get here? Why are you even down here?

After convincing Esmeralda with just words, Mia started to think about how things were going.

Yes, about that

After Anne told her story, Mia sighed.

So thats how it went. And theres no way to go back?

She was happy to hear that Anne had come in a different way, but was sad to hear about the cave-in.

Yes. I dont think well be able to get rid of all the rocks. Also, well have to climb up a pretty steep hill, Anne said, giving Esmeraldas ankle a quick glance.

Unfortunately, I dont think well be able to go back the way I came. What about you, milady?

In fact, we were also caught in something like a cave-in. The ground just gave way beneath us.

Mia thought about where they had stopped.

The thought of climbing back up to that hole in the ceiling gives me the creeps.

Agreed. It doesnt make sense, especially since Esmeralda is hurt, Abel said.

That cave in the back did also go in the opposite direction

Anyone could guess where it would lead.

Anyway, lets first look around this shrine to see if there are any ways out. I think we should go back to where we first landed if we cant find any. What do you think?

When their survival expert made a suggestion, the group nodded. This could be seen as a sign of bad things to come, so it was good that Anne spoke up after a short pause.

Um, milady, may I suggest that we take a short break? Lady Esmeraldas foot still hurts, and you look a little tired yourself.

Mia yawned almost right on cue.

Phew. I agree with you. Then lets take a short break before getting back to work.

After a short nap, the group went outside to look around the shrine.

Well, everyone elses nap was short, so they went off to explore the place on their own while Mia had a much longer one.

At the end, they found that there were only two ways to get here. Anne took one way, and Mia took the other.

I wonder if that other path in the cave leads out. I sure hope so, said Mia when she woke up and joined the rest of the group.

With few choices left, the group went back to the cave where Mia and Abel had fallen in, hoping that there might still be a way out.

When they got there, Abel pointed to the water.

Look. On the way here, it was already pretty high, but now its even higher.

He had a point. Where the water used to only reach their ankles, it now goes up to their knees.

I see. Then there is still hope. If it goes up and down with the tide, it must go out to sea, Mia said.

Esmeralda got on her knees and reached for a handful of water.

Yes, this is seawater for sure. Theres a good chance its linked to the outside.

She looked up at the ceiling and then around at the other people in the room.

I think we should wait a while before trying to leave. Ive heard that the sea is very dangerous at night.

On Esmeraldas advice, they decided to take another break. To keep warm in the cold cave, they huddled together.

This feeling of cold I think of the dungeon when I see it. Ha ha, how odd. This seems like fun.

Even though Mia was hungry, she found that she was beginning to enjoy herself.

May the moons be kind to us, and may we all remember this fondly as a fun summer adventure

Soon, light started to come in through the hole in the ceiling, which meant it was morning. Strangely, the blue light in the water went away quickly after that.

I wonder if its because of tiny creatures that only light up at night.

That made a problem for them. Even though there was light in the cavern, the path ahead was now dark. Sunlight couldnt get any further into the tunnel.

They could bring a torch, but once they were underwater, it wouldnt help much.

I knew we would need this someday!

Esmeralda took the pendant from around her neck and held it up with pride.

The stone in it gave off a soft glow.

This will give us some time to see. We dont know whats ahead, so Ill go ahead and check out the way. It looks like well have to swim, so Im the best person for the job.

She threw off her clothes with a flourish, revealing the swimsuit shed been wearing since she went swimming in the spring.

Then she started to put her feet in the water.

Wait, let me go.

Abel ran to get in her way.

You can stay here and rest a little longer, ladies.

Esmeralda looked at him, making sure to look down her nose as she did so.

No, Prince Abel, I dont think so. Heres how I see it. Would you say youre a good swimmer?

Well, maybe not a good one, but I can swim, he said, but he didnt seem to believe his own argument.

Esmeralda laughed like she had won.

Youre right. So stay here like a good little prince and let me take care of this. Id like you to know that Ive been swimming every summer since I was a child.

But even so, I cant let a woman like you put herself in danger in this way.

Thank you for caring, Prince Abel, but you might want to learn more about your position.

Position? What position?

She laughed at how confused he looked.

Is it necessary to ask? Of course, your role as Miss Mias future husband.

Future hus-? What?!

He stiffened in shock, which made her laugh even louder.

Miss Mia is both my best friend and my princess. As a proud Etoiline, I wont let anyone put her husband in danger. Theres no way that could happen. This matter is also very important for Miss Mias safety. Failure is not an option, so delegating would not be a good idea.

Anne, who had been listening to the conversation, was the next person to raise her hand.

What about your ankle, Lady Esmeralda?

Huh? Ankle? Wha Oh

Esmeralda was upset, and all of a sudden, she seemed to find something very interesting about the ceiling.

Uh, I forgot about it completely! How odd! Um, Anne, I think your treatment must have worked

Mia gave her a raised eyebrow because of that.

Huh. Really?

Wh-What? Does that bother you, Miss Mia? she asked defensively.

Mia looked at her for a moment before she smiled.

No, absolutely not.

She then bowed deeply and said, Thank you, Esmeralda. Im happy to put myself in your skilled hands.

That made it easier for Esmeralda to get back into her normal routine.

She smiled back and told him, And you wont be let down. I promise that Ill bring you good news when I get back. Then, when we get home safely, Ill finally be able to invite you to that very fancy tea party Ive been waiting so long to throw!

Even though its usually not a good idea to promise to keep long-awaited promises after doing something very dangerous, Esmeralda did it with her head held high, not caring at all that she might have had just raised a flag.

Then she probably did something shed never done before. Her face softened into a smile that was neither sly nor proud, but kind and sincere

Dont be afraid. Ill be back right away.

She didnt.

Her words were as empty as the room they were in, and her anxious eyes kept staring at the still surface of the water she had just jumped into.

Well, she didnt come back right away.