“Hey! Adelaide Lewendiff! You’re so unfair!”
“What? You just called me unfair?”
Why did that happen?
They’d just promised to be friends, hadn’t they?
No sooner had I turned to intervene than a miniature war erupted between Killian and Adelaide: Stung, Killian flung the leaves from his hair at Adelaide’s direction.
Killian:
“You heard me—then you ran away? When I told you not to get between me and Celestia! How dare you scheme behind my back, you cunning girl!”
Adelaide:
“You’re at fault! Why do you keep interfering in our time together? You’re a guy—you’re trying to sabotage us like some spiteful man!”
Me (exasperated):
“You two…?”
Where do they pick up these insults?
Worried, I approached—and they collectively pushed me aside, matching each other with playful slaps.
Killian:
“You don’t even remember Celestia said to be friendly—idiot! You don’t deserve to be a friend! Go home and reflect!”
Adelaide:
“You—prince yet you’re petty and bitter! Celestia’s time is precious, and she’s wasting it on you!”
Me (gently):
“Killian… Adelaide… please stop…”
These future elites were battling with serious force.
Killian:
“You’re a girl, so you’ll never marry Celestia! If you wed someone else, she’ll be mine! Go find a husband fast!”
Adelaide:
“What did you say?”
Their conflict balanced until Killian’s bold smash broke Adelaide’s resolve. She flicked her short hair aggressively and pushed him with all her strength.
Adelaide (angry):
“You creep!”
Killian:
“Ah!”
Killian staggered backward under the force—he briefly resisted but eventually stumbled.
The truly strange part:
Me (calling):
“Killian? Killian??”—he had vanished.
Just forest air, right? No dungeon, no demonic portal—right?
At first, Adelaide thought he’d hidden on purpose; she pressed on, calling his name with tears in her voice.
Adelaide:
“K-Killian!”
I crawled forward—on hands and knees—and found a large, unnatural cavern entrance. I just knew the Deaark salt was down here. Thank you, author.
Adelaide whispered:
Adelaide:
“Celestia… are you going in?”
Me:
“Killian must have fallen here. Adelaide, can you fetch help?”
I tore the hem of my dress into strips, tied one high up on a branch like a trail marker, giving the rest to Adelaide.
Me:
“Tie a knot twice on each tree we pass. This will guide rescue teams back.”
Adelaide:
“Yes, Celestia.”
Me:
“If the villa is past the beach, the trail leads out there. I’ll go inside and find Killian. Don’t worry—just go get Sir Briven and the knights. Okay?”
Adelaide wiped tears and nodded.
Deaark is a holy land—if anything dangerous lies ahead, I’ll face it. For Killian.
Me:
“I’m sorry—and tell Killian I’m sorry too.”
Adelaide:
“It’s okay, Celestia—even better if you tell him yourself. Go slowly.”
I jammed the torn fabric between my drawers and entered the cavern. Suddenly—like being swallowed—I slipped inside.
Me (screaming):
“Ahh!”
It felt like a thrilling ride; I held my heart tightly until dust cleared. As my eyes adjusted, I spotted silver hair a few steps ahead.
Me:
“Killian? Killian? Are you okay?”
He looked unconscious.
I crept forward to hear his heartbeat—it pounded strong. No odd intentions, I promise.
I settled next to him—the darkness too thick to see injuries, and I wasn’t going to grope him for medical inspection. My conscience still intact.
Some time passed. He groaned.
Me:
“Killian? Are you awake?”
Killian:
“C-Celestia?”
Me:
“Yes—slow down, don’t move so fast.”
I helped him up carefully. His aura flowing even faintly told me internal healing might be happening—but I stayed cautious.
Me:
“Do you feel hurt anywhere?”
Killian:
“I think…I’m okay.”
His hair glimmered under dim light.
Me:
“Adelaide’s gone for help. She’ll bring rescue.”
I tapped his shoulder.
Killian:
“Why are you down here?”
Me:
“To save you.”
Killian:
“It’s dangerous…”
I thought: if saving you is lethal, it’s worth it.
Admittedly dark—but this is our secret.
I hesitated, then spoke honestly.
Me:
“You’re my friend—who else would come?”
This is … not giving me an excuse to be killed later, right?
Unexpectedly, he stayed silent a long time—but I didn’t want to press.
Killian:
“I… I… Celestia is… the most precious person to me.”
Me:
“Me?”
Killian:
“You, yes. Because you’re kind and you make me happy. You’re the only true friend I have.”
That was enough.
Tears fluttered in my chest—I felt warmth flood me. And then I slipped.
Me:
“You’re precious to me too … Killian.”
I hadn’t meant to say that. It’s dark in here—a terrible time for feelings. He said nothing.
Did he think I was burdening him? I regretted my words deeply. My mouth is unchecked.
Then, outside came distant voices—footsteps. Adelaide had succeeded.
I needed to comfort her.
I turned toward the entrance seeing a glow nearing—Rope with magic light and communicator dangling—Sir Briven to my rescue.
Me (shouting):
“Killian, come here—can you reach this?”
He shook himself and grabbed it.
Communicator:
“Princess—can you hear me? I’m sending the line. Tug twice to confirm!”
I pulled as hard as I could.
Me (wincing):
“Ouch!”
Rough rope scratched my hand.
Me:
“You okay?”
Killian:
“It’s a sturdy rope…”
He pulled out a handkerchief and bandaged my wrist—gently—and moved aside.
Killian:
“I’ll do this from here.”
Me:
“Thanks…”
He began speaking into the communicator, while I examined the cavern lit by the magic lamp.
I discovered small pebbles shining like gold—yes! Deaark’s salt!
I carried a handful in my sleeve—planning to analyze them later.
Killian:
“You go up first—I’ll pull if needed.”
Me:
“And you?”
Killian:
“It’s too narrow for both—I can’t handle the weight.”
Why so grown-up?
He draped his jacket around my shoulders.
Me:
“Why…”
Killian:
“S-shh… your clothes…”
I realized—my dress is torn and mud-stained. Quickly I slipped my arm into his jacket.
Me:
“I’ll tie the rope.”
Killian:
“Let me.”
Despite being my age, he carefully and skillfully tied another knot around me—steady and supportive. Then pulled the rope twice for signal.
Killian:
“Climb up—and I’ll see you soon, Tia.”
