CHAPTER 30…………………………………………….
Kautz’s hand tensed on the reins.
“Miss, could you stay here for a moment?”
“…Why?”
“I need to check the surroundings.”
“Mm.”
Tension made me gulp down the black, night-filled air.
By the riverside.
We still had a little way to go before reaching the area where the deble were, and I didn’t know when or where danger might strike.
“Kautz, be careful.”
“Yes, Miss. You need to stay right here.”
“Okay.”
Kautz dismounted and handed me a small magical lantern that glowed softly.
Once he left, the world felt even quieter.
Only the soft pawing of the black horse could be heard.
I looked at my small hands holding the reins, then scanned the surroundings.
The forest was pitch black.
It was a place where wild animals—or monsters—could appear at any moment.
Zelaus.
I repeated the magic spell under my breath, like a prayer.
It was weak, but it was the only weapon I had.
Then it happened.
A sharp, panicked neigh cut through the suffocating air.
“Ah!”
Startled, I gently stroked the black horse and whispered,
“Shh, don’t make a sound here.”
But was it already too late?
The heavy breathing of something unknown seemed to draw closer.
At that moment, a flash of yellow light appeared and disappeared between the dark bushes.
“…No way!”
I had no other option.
It was a wild monster.
Instinctively, I thought only of getting out of there.
“Giddy-up!”
At my signal, the black horse started running.
I didn’t know where we were heading, but I had to follow.
Holding on tight to avoid falling, I let the horse lead the way.
The black horse finally stopped in a clearing scattered with rocks.
Without trees blocking it, the moonlight poured down brightly.
“Phew.”
Unlike the frantic ride just moments ago, the horse calmly grazed, making me feel this must be a safe place.
“Ouch…”
My body ached from the tense ride—my hips, waist, and stomach all sore.
I dismounted and looked up at the bright night sky.
Kautz must be worried.
His words telling me to stay put echoed in my mind.
Then, noticing the black horse slowly moving forward, I unconsciously followed.
“Hey! Where are you going?”
The horse plodded along until it finally stopped and started drinking water.
It must have been thirsty from all the running.
I felt sorry for it.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize you were thirsty.”
I approached and held the lantern closer so the horse could see.
Then I dipped both hands into the cold, clear water.
So refreshing.
It felt as if my mind cleared.
Maybe it was water seeping from the river.
As I took a sip of the trickling water, something caught my eye.
“Wait… what’s this?”
A stone protruding from the water glowed with a reddish hue.
I pressed it with my hand, but nothing transferred to me.
Either it was naturally red, or it had been colored over a long period.
A color between pink and red…!
Could it be a magic stone?
Even the smallest clue had to be checked.
My heart started racing.
Looking around, I saw what looked like a dark hole not far away.
And there, between massive rocks, it was—
“…!”
A cave.
I walked slowly toward it.
In the original story, Ron had said he saw the magic stone in a cave.
I couldn’t be sure it was here.
But something felt strange.
It was as if the cave was pulling me in.
Maybe, just maybe, the magic stone is really here!
If I happened to find it, locating Ron would become much easier.
Despite my determination, each step was scary, and I kept glancing back at the black horse tied behind me.
Though hidden in the dark, it must be watching me.
Just a little longer. It’ll be over soon.
I muttered that to myself and kept walking.
Adjusting the lantern slightly, I could see a small cave that could fit two or three adults.
Leaves and twigs crunched beneath my feet.
Now the ground was solid rock instead of soil.
Okay… just a quick in-and-out.
Ten steps.
I had never ventured alone into a dark cave like this.
What if something was inside?
I dimmed the lantern to its lowest intensity and proceeded.
A damp, sticky chill wrapped around me.
Shivers ran across my body.
Drip… drip… Tiny drops fell from the ceiling.
One step, two steps, three…
Something’s wrong…
The deeper I went, my heart raced for an unknown reason.
I wasn’t scared because I was alone.
My skin tingled with a sensation I had never felt before.
Then—
“Ah!”
I froze mid-step.
Something had slithered across my left leg.
Like a venomous snake!
My shoulders and neck stiffened; I couldn’t move.
“What… what just—?”
I moved only my eyes and saw a lump slither past.
“Ah! A g-ghost!”
Could ghosts exist in this world too?
I screamed and collapsed to the ground.
It was miraculous I hadn’t fainted.
Then I felt something nibbling at my hand.
“Ah!”
Was it a gross bug? A venomous snake?
Yet, oddly, it didn’t hurt at all.
It tickled.
I steadied myself and shone the lantern brighter.
To my surprise, the thing biting my hand was—
Woof woof!
A tiny puppy.
“Ah! What the heck, a puppy in a cave!”
I felt like I’d aged ten years from the scare.
The pup wagged its short tail nonstop, watching me innocently, as if unaware of my fright.
I laughed at the absurdity.
I petted its tiny head, inspecting it.
Maybe a little over a month old.
Its droopy, round eyes were irresistibly cute.
It seemed eager to chew on something—probably teething.
“You scared me, you little rascal!”
When I petted its head, the pup jumped slightly, thinking it was play.
Not exactly… but I petted it gently anyway, then got to my feet.
The tension had eased slightly.
“I guess I should head back.”
Time had passed.
Kautz would be looking for me.
Now that I knew the cave’s location, I could come again later.
“You coming too, or staying?”
The puppy tilted its head as if pondering.
“Want to go together if you’re alone? I can feed you…”
Before I could finish, the pup trotted off without looking back.
“…I wanted to say you could survive. Go ahead then.”
I reluctantly turned to leave.
But then, the puppy’s bark from deeper inside the cave stopped me.
“Why are you barking? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t follow?”
The puppy whined at my question.
What now? Was something wrong?
“Don’t tell me… you’re trying to scare me again?”
I cautiously approached the puppy, wondering if its mother or siblings were nearby.
But my expectation was completely wrong.
“…W-what is this!”
The lantern flickered, revealing a small figure crouched beneath it.
And I realized—it was a person.
