T/N: Brias epithet has been changed from Poisonous Spider -> Venomous Spider.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The cave began to collapse.

The cave-in began at the center of the tunnel, cutting Seol and the others off from the pursuers. It expanded outward, forcing the two groups to run toward different exits.

Get out of the waaaaaay!

R-Ruuuun!

Rumble rumble rumble!

Seol shot Devrick a glare after seeing how large the explosion actually was.

Woah, woah, said Devrick. Dont worry. Itll end soon.

Rumble rumble rumble

The spine-chilling screams were drowned out by the sound of the collapsing tunnel. Gradually, as the tunnel continued to cave in, the screams grew fainter and fainter until they disappeared altogether.

See?

Seol wasn't entirely certain about the safety of the transferees on the other side, but the rumblings dying down suggested that there likely weren't too many injuries.

Bwahahahaha! Bye, you stupid transferees! If I knew things were going to end up like this, I would have set more explosives!

Kuahahahaha!

Did you see how they froze in place? They were fucking terrified, haha!

"Of course, I saw it! It's obvious how weak those dogs are when they come running to pick up scraps!"

The smugglers continued to mock the transferees, who had clearly been lured by Hain IVs promised rewards.

The broker must have leaked it.

Did he recognize Princess Riona?

Seol initially thought that it was fine, as it seemed like the broker didnt recognize her at all, but the situation was definitely turning for the worse.

We can catch our breath for now, but they will definitely know where were headed.

All of Nevenias transferees were blocked off by the collapse of the tunnel.

Not only that, but it would take too long for them to wrap around the border to meet them at the exit. By the time Nevenias transferees made it to the opposite end of the route, Seol and the others would have already made it halfway through Adeline.

Rumble rumble rumble

Hey, you, said Devrick, calling Seol who was lost in thought. I know that Im caught up in this because of you, but that was pretty good.

It was your plan that was good.

Hah! So you have eyes on you as well!

- Rubs his nose proudly.

- Y-Youre more amazing!

- That wasnt bad partner.

Rumble rumble

The group emerged safely through the exit.

Hey! shouted Devrick. Where are you guys headed?

Im not telling you.

I just didnt want to head in the same direction, hmph. Regardless, Im going to pay you back for this, alright?

Do whatever you want. Ill show you how thankful I am later too.

Devrick scoffed after hearing Seols answer.

If you cant tell me Lets go, boys!

Where are we going?

Anywhere else. Its over for us in Nevenia. Lets go somewhere else before we get caught for helping the traitors.

Clip clop

Devrick and his men turned their horses, preparing to head off.

However, before he did, Devrick turned back around one last time as if he had something to say.

Princess Riona, right?

......

"It won't be easy, so let's see how long you'll last. Haha... Seems completely impossible to me, though."

Before Brispin and Chadorf could respond, Devrick had already left with his men, laughing the entire way.

Dont mind him, Your Highness. Theyre just words from low-class individuals.

Riona tried to laugh after hearing those words of comfort.

Im fine, sighed Riona. And its the truth.

Your Highness

Crow, said Riona, turning to Seol. Where do we go now?

Seol gestured toward the mountains ahead of them.

Were going to cross those mountains.

Nogurs is known for its rough terrain, can we really go there on horseback?

We can if we stick to the roads. We look like ordinary travelers, and the terrain isnt so rough that horses cant manage it.

Ah! Thats a relief.

Then lets go.

Haha okay.

As Princess Riona did her best to cheer herself up, Chadorf made efforts to assist her.

Are you alright, Rine?

Yeah, Im fine! Im completely fine.

Please let me know if its too hard for you! shouted Chadorf. I can try to slow down our schedule.

Your words are more than enough. Thank you.

Im sure you know by now that Im more than just words, Chadorf laughed.

Hehe

Your Highness

However, Seol was only half right.

While horses could definitely cross the Nogurs Mountains, there were sections where riders had to dismount. Some parts of the path were nearly vertical, while others were so narrow that one could easily fall off the side of the mountain.

Haah Haah

Haah Haah

Everyone other than Seol was exhausted.

Brispin was weary due to his old age, Chadorf was exhausted from the weight of his heavy armor, and Riona, having never traveled this far in her life, was also feeling the strain.

Despite repeated recommendations from the others to change into lighter clothes, Chadorf steadfastly refused, insisting he couldn't let his guard down around the princess.

Consequently, Seol, being the only one not fatigued, took on the task of leading all four horses by himself.

Haah Haah

Seol surveyed the land before looking back at the three.

I dont think well be able to make it over the mountain today at our pace.

Then

We should rest for now. However, well only be resting for a short while.

Haah Haah okay.

Color returned to everyones faces.

Though they were desperate to run away, their bodies weren't able to keep up with their hearts.

......

Seol looked at Riona, she had clearly been through a lot in such a short amount of time.

Hahaha! laughed Chadorf. Leave the bedding to me!

You know how to do that as well? asked Riona.

Ive been training specifically for moments like this.

Chadorf quickly began gathering items to create a makeshift bed.

However, it was all pointless.

In Seols eyes, the effort was shoddy at best, resting on that would only worsen their short break.

Realizing this as well, Chadorf awkwardly laughed.

"I apologize, Your Highness. Sleeping in the open might be uncomfortable, but given our situation..."

Im fine, Chadorf, smiled Riona. I am more than thankful already.

Thank you. Then

As the two continued their conversation, Seol pulled out his bedding along with something else: pouches filled with warm stones.

Since lighting a fire would expose their location, they needed these stones to maintain their temperatures, especially Princess Riona, whose clothes were thinner than the others.

Seol handed the pouches to the other three.

Brispin was in awe.

Oho So it could be used like this too?

Chadorf was completely shocked. He never could have imagined that Seol would be carrying around such expensive warm stones as if they were nothing.

A-Arent these warm stones? You have so many Where did you get the money to

I never said I was poor.

S-Still

If you dont need them, I could

Its not that I dont need them In fact, I want to ask for more!

With these many warm stones, they could soundly sleep as if they were in their own beds.

Light returned to Chadorfs face.

In fact, Princess Riona seemed happy as well.

Wow these are really warm.

Fufu theyre called warm stones, explained Chadorf. Adventurers use them a lot. In fact, the knights bring them too when we train in the wilderness.

Seol then took out more items.

Grab

It was a pillow stuffed with high-quality Kukuru fur and a mat.

Youll be able to sleep a bit better on these.

Is this

Why? Do you not need it?

No, I was going to ask if this was all you had Im rather large, so I was hoping to use two.

Everyone seemed extremely happy, thanks to Seol.

- Nobita: Sorry, Doraemon I found someone more useful

- Nobita

- Hes tired of the take-copters now.

Seol wasnt done yet, though. He started preparing a meal.

Crack.

Sizzle

Seol intentionally cracked the warm stone to make it even hotter, turning it into an improvised tool for cooking food.

The three remained silent, occasionally glancing at Seol as he diligently worked on creating something.

[You have finished cooking.]

[You have made Smoked Boar Neck with Veggies.]

[It smells great. The dish was a success.]

[You have finished cooking.]

[You have made Truffle Soup.]

[It smells great. The dish was a success.]

Seol then handed a plate to everyone.

Its simple, but this should be enough for a meal.

H-Huh? This is simple?

This smells incredible, but is it really okay?

Ive already sprayed a scent to get rid of the smell.

Th-then Ill gladly take a bite

Everyone took a bite.

Riona's eyes quickly widened in surprise. The three then looked at each other, their eyes widening together in shared astonishment.

Th-this is

Why? Does it taste bad?

No, its so delicious! I was shocked!

Thats a relief then.

The princess then began stuffing her cheeks like a squirrel, causing Chadorf to laugh as well. He then turned to Seol before giving him a nod.

He was thankful to Seol.

Small moments of joy like this were irreplaceable during difficult times.

The meal she was enjoying now could become a cherished memory, a source of strength for her in the future.

"Hehe I didnt think Id be so happy to leave that stuffy castle. There could have been a world where I never enjoyed this."

Chadorf smiled bitterly.

They all began to feel drowsy as the warm soup heated up their bodies.

After Seol agreed to stand on guard, the others drifted off into sleep.

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

Urgh

Princess Riona rubbed her eyes and glanced around as she rose from her slumber.

Hm? What is it?

Sensing her movements, Chadorf woke up as well and quickly tried to help her.

Well

She then whispered something into his ears.

Chadorfs face stiffened before nodding.

Does she need to use the restroom? asked Seol.

Hiek stammered Riona. H-How could a princess ever do something like that in the woods?

Of course! added Chadorf. And you shouldnt say something so rude!

Then where were you trying to go right now?

H-Her Royal Highness and I were just about to go on a walk! The night air is nice, after all!

Would you like me to go with you? asked Seol, beginning to stand up.

However, Chadorf quickly stopped him.

"Y-You don't have to come! Her Highness is not attending to personal matters at the moment. However, in Nevenia, eavesdropping on royalty during their private moments is a crime punishable by death! You wouldn't want that, right?"

Chadorf!

Riona glared at Chadorf with tears in her eyes as Seol awkwardly laughed.

I guess there are a lot of perverts in Nevenia if thats the law, right?

Of course! That is why we try to rule them with it.

What a scary law. Okay, I understand. Ill wait here, so dont go too far, okay?

I cant promise that! The princess has rather active bowels, so it could be quite lou

Chadorf! Shut up already please

Ahem Well, we will be back.

After letting them go, Seol settled into a light nap, all the while keeping his senses sharp.

Chirp

As Seol dozed, the cries of birds filled the air, their gaze fixated on him.

* * *

Despite Seols warning, Chadorf and Riona went quite deep into the wilderness.

Fwoooosh

W-Would you like me to sing?

Why do you say that, Chadorf?

Because Crow was trying to stick to you when you already had me, Your Highness.

......

Is there something you want to say?

Riona responded to him from the bushes.

Chadorf Do you think well be able to escape?

You must resolve yourself, Your Highness.

Im terrified. Everything is so new to me

I know, Your Highness.

Everyone is our enemy. The entire world Why do they hate me so much?

Even if they come with a dozen carriages, I will defeat them all.

......

With the former king dead, you are now the mother of Nevenia, Your Highness. You have been pushed out because of those sly snakes, but you must return to Nevenia. Could you promise me that?

Chadorf

Thankfully, the transferee Earl Brispin hired is quite capable, said Chadorf, his arms crossed. Youve seen it as well, havent you, Your Highness?

You felt that too, Chadorf? Hes

Yes. He is not normal.

Are all transferees like that?

Chadorf shook his head.

I doubt it. Still, it is fortunate for us. And

Turn.

Chadorf turned his head, looking directly at the encroaching darkness.

You over there, said Chadorf. Do not come any closer.

Huh? Chadorf? asked Princess Riona. Whos there?

Your Highness, have you finished?

Yes, Im coming back now

No. Please stay there for now.

A young boy who seemed much younger than even Riona appeared from the darkness.

M-Mister, he cried, tears in his eyes. I got lost in the forest. Im so hungry

You wont fool me, said Chadorf. Ill kill you if you get any closer.

Shuro, the boy, instantly changed his expression, no longer crying. He immediately tilted his head in confusion.

Thats strange. Why didnt you feel sorry for me?

Because I dont have the ability to right now. Are you also after the princess?

Yup, thats why I was waiting here. Are you going to resist?

Chadorf! Riona shouted from the darkness.

It is alright, Your Highness. Fortunately, I brought my weapon with me.

Chadorf entered a stance, covering his body with his kite shield and holding his spiked flail closer.

He tensed his body, preparing for his opponents move.

And then

Fwoooosh

The young boy quickly swung his fist.

Hes fast!

Chadorf raised his shield, blocking it perfectly.

Though the standard way to fight was to deflect it, he decided that letting his opponent punch a metal shield was the far superior option.

When he stops, I should

However, Shuro punched straight through it.

Crush!

Hrgh?

Chadorf flew off, his shield destroyed.

Thud!

Chadorf was flung into a tree, causing it to shake and rustle from the impact.

He barely managed to maintain his consciousness, but this short interaction was more than enough for him to know that he stood no chance of ever defeating him.

He was at a loss for what to do. His body already felt heavy.

Chadorf began to think. What could he do to help Riona live?

Grit

Chadorf shouted, blood spurting from his mouth.

Princess Riona, run! Go to Crow!

Cruuuush!

Chadorf narrowly managed to dodge Shuros punch, ducking just in time.

Cruuuuush!

The tree fell down, causing a loud thud.

Crow? asked Shuro. Whos that?

None of your business, you bastaaaaaard!

Fwip!

Chadorf then charged, attempting to tackle him.

He was trying to carry him to a tree on the opposite side, but

Thud!

While his tackle was successful, Chadorf was too weak to bring him anywhere.

Haah Haah

Not bad.

Baaam!

Shuro kicked Chadorfs chest.

Urgh

That was a lie, by the way.

Chadorf's weapon slipped from his grasp, leaving him defenseless.

His eyes were beginning to gloss over. Chadorf was moments from going unconscious.

Ahhhhhhh!

Fwooosh

Chadorf grabbed a rotting branch and began swinging it wildly. He was like an old candle, trying to maintain whatever embers he could before extinguishing entirely.

However, a candle would never be enough to take down a lion.

Baaam!

Shuro blocked his attack with one arm and

Bam!

Thud!

Khrgh

Shuro kicked him away as if he was tired of him.

Knights are so annoying. But

Fffffft!

A dagger landed on Shuros back.

I wonder what this is, princess?

Y-You foul!

It hurts.

Pull

Shuro immediately pulled it out, letting it drop down to the floor.

Clatter

N-No way How

Fwoooooosh

Shadows filled the hole in his chest.

Yup, I was lying when I said it hurt!

Fwip!

Ahhhh!

Shuro lifted Riona into the air by her neck and pinned her against a tree.

K-Krgh

Wheres the statue?

What are you talking about

This again? Im not interested in your life, okay? I just want the statue, alright? I wont hit you.

Ptoo!

Riona spat at Shuros face.

Kill me already.

Baaaam!

Bwrgh Ahhhh It hurtsssss

Shuro punched her stomach. He made sure to hold back enough not to destroy any organs, it was just enough to hurt her immensely.

Sorry, I lied when I said I wouldnt hit you. So, wheres the statue? Ill go back after I get that, okay?

Hahahahaha Youre lying again, arent you?

Howd you know? smiled Shuro. Are you not going to talk?

Im not

Hm Hitting you any more might be dangerous, so I should cut something off instead.

Surprisingly, Riona felt no fear right now.

Its not like I can do anything about it.

She had already done all she could.

Her opponent was a monster, she had no more options.

Your arm! I should cut that off, yeah!

Slice!

The sound of something being cut.

...Huh?

Riona fell to the floor.

Cough Cough..

She teared up as air finally entered her lungers once more. The red marks on her neck only proved that she was still alive.

However She also had both of her arms.

Then that sound from earlier

As she tried to raise her head, she noticed Shuros arms. They were lying on the floor, no longer moving.

That hurts

Kyaaaa!

Fwooosh

She then felt someone pick her up and quickly move her somewhere else. It also came with a familiar scent and size.

I didnt expect perverts who wanted to hear you use the restroom to be in the mountains as well, Your Highness, said a voice from behind a crow mask. Was Chadorf actually telling the truth? I should apologize to him, I thought he was lying.

Are you Crow? asked Shuro, trying to pick up his arms.

A pervert doesnt need to know who I am.

Fwoosh

Karuna, the person who cut Shuros arms, reappeared by Seol.

Riona was shocked after seeing them.

With Karuna by her side, her heart gradually settled. Just having Karuna by her side made her feel like she had the entire world on her side, protecting her.

After placing Riona down, Seol continued talking with Shuro.

According to Nevenias laws you need to be punished by death.

Youre lying, right? What kind of law is that?

Yeah, I didnt believe it at first either. I dont blame you.

Seols golden eyes were fixed on Shuro from behind the mask.

I will carry it out immediately.