Prince Asser stormed forward, grabbing Varon by the collar.

  "Where did she go?!

  What were you doing?!"

  Varon said nothing.

  "Answer me!"

  Laika stepped in.

  "It's my fault...

  I overexerted myself at the guild."

  Jabir raised his hands.

  "Calm yourselves.

  We'll find her.

  They won't harm her—she's leverage.

  They'll use her to pressure us."

  "I won't let them touch her," Asser growled.

  "There's no time for strategy!"

  "Your Highness," Jabir said gently.

  "This isn't the time for rage.

  The princess needs you.

  The kingdom needs you.

  You're all we have left.

  We'll find a way—I believe that."

  From behind—

  Dais entered.

  "What's going on?"

  He stepped into Kasra's room, eyes scanning the scattered jewels.

  "She's gone?

  Tch... how unfortunate."

  Laika's hands flared with fire.

  Jabir held her back.

  Dais turned to Varon.

  "You failed.

  You embarrassed me in front of the prince.

  I brought you here to protect her.

  Where is she?"

  Varon's voice was low.

  "I'm sorry... Your Highness."

  Asser's eyes burned.

  "Sorry?

  Get out of my sight!"

  Dais gestured coldly.

  "Leave.

  Your reckoning will come."

  Jabir turned to Sylvance.

  "Stay with Princess Sara."

  "Understood," Sylvance replied, already moving.

  Laika walked beside Asser, who now moved slowly, Jabir at his side.

  "Your Highness," Dais said.

  "The circus has arrived."

  "Circus?" Jabir echoed.

  Laika glanced at him.

  Jabir shook his head.

  They entered the throne hall.

  Guards watched Asser's face—his silence unsettling.

  —

  Outside the palace, behind a stone wall—

  Dais stood before Varon.

  "Well done.

  You're free of the burden that weighed you down.

  Go assist Patlos in guarding the child."

  Varon nodded and vanished.

  —

  Dais entered the throne hall.

  The circus performers bowed.

  "It is an honor to present our special performance to the royal family of Aurik!

  A moment we shall never forget!"

  One of them asked:

  "Where is the princess?"

  "Ah... she's occupied.

  You may begin."

  The circus began their music and illusions.

  Laika leaned toward Jabir.

  He stood and quietly exited, leaving Laika with Prince Asser—who didn't blink, didn't move.

  He wasn't watching the show.

  Dais smiled.

  The performers exchanged glances.

  One of them winked.

  Varon walked through the night.

  Snow fell in silence.

  He moved toward the abandoned fortress beyond Aurik's walls.

  There—Patlos stood, watching the child.

  Varon exhaled.

  "Patlos?"

  "Varon?

  You finally came.

  This child is dangerous.

  Don't provoke him."

  Varon's gaze drifted to Aurik—its towers ablaze, snow drifting through the sky.

  Patlos followed his eyes.

  "The plan seems to be working, doesn't it?"

  He glanced at Varon's wrists.

  "Didn't know you had a taste for this kingdom's trinkets."

  Varon looked at the bracelets.

  "Trinkets? Why?"

  "They're useless."

  Varon raised his hands, staring at the twin bands of gray and white.

  —

  In Aurik, Jabir rushed into the Emerald Inn.

  Jawaher and Mulham looked up, startled.

  "Jabir?" Jawaher smiled.

  But their expressions shifted.

  They rose and left the music behind.

  Upstairs—Jawaher was stunned by the news.

  "Mulham, I need information.

  Anything on the princess's location."

  "Don't worry," Mulham said.

  "I'll do what I can."

  "And I'll help," Jawaher added.

  Jabir nodded and left—heading straight for the Korta tunnels.

  —

  He descended quickly.

  Assassins watched him—some with greed, others with precision.

  Jabir moved through them effortlessly.

  His face unreadable.

  His eyes unblinking.

  Karras emerged.

  "Jabir?"

  "We need to talk. Now."

  Karras unlocked a cell and shut the door behind them.

  "What happened?"

  "The princess...

  She's been taken."

  Karras's eyes widened.

  "We need the assassins.

  To find her.

  Or at least... trace her."

  A voice echoed from the shadows.

  "Well, well...

  Merchant Jabir.

  The man who killed my son before my eyes."

  Jabir turned, unfazed.

  "Jamah?

  Here to shop?"

  Jamah drew his sword.

  "I came to settle a debt."

  Jabir didn't blink.

  "There's no time for that."

  Jamah stared, then looked at Karras.

  He sheathed his blade.

  "The princess is missing.

  The Black Order is using her to manipulate the prince."

  Jamah's expression shifted.

  He sat, eyes fixed on Karras.

  "You will not fail this mission.

  This is what the Korta tunnels were built for.

  We protect the royal family from cowardly assassinations and foolish traps."

  "And we failed.

  They succeeded in taking her."

  Karras stiffened.

  Jabir watched.

  "If you find anything—anything—tell me."

  Jamah stood.

  "Don't worry.

  If we find her...

  I'll come myself."

  Jabir nodded and left the tunnels.

  —

  In the throne hall, Prince Asser sat motionless.

  Laika stood beside him, watching the strange movements around them.

  Guards entered.

  Mages from the Mage Guild lined the walls.

  In the palace corridors, soldiers filled the halls.

  Sylvance stood watch in Princess Sara's chamber, eyes sharp.

  Rumors spread—

  Princess Kasra had vanished.

  Kidnapped.

  The city stirred.

  The mages and guards responded with force.

  —

  In the streets of Aurik, the Red Knight—Klen—walked beside Rose.

  "Did you hear the rumors?" Rose asked.

  "They say the princess was taken.

  By unknown forces.

  Prince Asser is devastated."

  Klen stopped.

  His armor gleamed—gemstones pulsing with magic.

  "So... they took her."

  He drew his sword.

  Rose raised her hand.

  "Calm down!"

  "I swear—by my honor, my glory, my pride, and my name—

  I will find the princess.

  I will not let them harm her.

  This is a stain on the legend of the Red Knight.

  On the Royal Guard."

  Rose sighed.

  "Why did I tell you..."

  Klen turned to her.

  "Miss Rose...

  Don't you feel it too?"

  He looked into her eyes.

  People around them stared.

  Rose met his gaze.

  "Fine.

  Let's do what we can.

  Let's head to the Emerald Inn.

  I trust we'll find something there."

  They searched for something—or someone.

  Within the Mage Guild, mages worked tirelessly.

  Inside and out, the halls pulsed with magical energy.

  They had learned the truth.

  The Mercenary Guild summoned its strongest.

  And deep beneath the city, the Korta tunnels buzzed with noise and murmurs.

  Then—footsteps.

  Sylvance drew her bow and sword in one fluid motion.

  She opened the door.

  A figure stood there—cloaked in crimson, sword in hand.

  She narrowed her eyes, bowstring taut.

  The figure lunged.

  She parried, spun, and struck—her blade piercing the intruder.

  He vanished.

  "A false shadow?" she muttered.

  "A test?"

  —

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  In the throne hall, the circus continued its performance.

  What should have been laughter and wonder now felt hollow.

  Prince Asser sat motionless, his eyes empty.

  Laika raised her hand.

  "That's enough.

  Thank you.

  We'll arrange future performances."

  She glanced at Asser.

  Dais smirked.

  "Why stop them?

  Is the High Commander of the Mage Guild jealous of such... dazzling talent?"

  Laika met his gaze.

  "Perhaps.

  We've failed at many things.

  Might as well become jesters."

  The performers' expressions shifted.

  Dais's smile darkened.

  "We'll see you soon," Laika said.

  The circus bowed and exited, exchanging glances.

  Outside, guards and mages surrounded the hall.

  Asser stood.

  "Your Highness," Dais said.

  "We have an important meeting, don't we?"

  "Meeting?"

  "Of course.

  But if you'd rather rest, I can handle it.

  No need to strain yourself—especially while we search for the princess."

  "He'll attend," Laika said.

  "And I'll be with him.

  If he needs help, we'll bring it."

  Asser walked slowly.

  Laika followed.

  Dais emerged, hands raised.

  Guards and mages watched him—unblinking.

  Dais's eyes widened.

  He felt it—something behind him.

  Burning.

  Watching.

  He lowered his hand.

  —

  In the city's winding alleys, Jabir moved swiftly.

  And there—

  Jamah stood in his path.

  Rose lay back on the bed, eyes drifting shut.

  She whispered softly, "It was... a long day... I need to buy a magic staff... tomorrow... I have enough coin..."

  Sleep took her swiftly.

  —

  The next morning, light filtered through the frost-laced window.

  Rose stirred, stretched, and stood. She walked to the glass and peered outside.

  "Wow... the snow's stopped," she murmured. "But it's blanketed everything."

  Outside, mages walked the streets, flames dancing in their palms, melting the ice as children played behind them. The towers of Aurik still burned quietly, casting warmth across the rooftops.

  Rose slapped her cheeks. "Alright! A new day! I need to buy a staff—and pick up my cloak. Granny must've finished it by now!"

  She descended to the inn's common room.

  Fadi was already serving guests, moving with practiced ease.

  "Good morning!" Rose called.

  Fadi smiled. "Morning!"

  She sat quietly.

  He returned with a tray and winked. "Eat up! Fried eggs with rice, mint leaves, and a splash of berry juice. I know you're eager for new missions."

  Rose smiled. "Thank you."

  She devoured the meal, unaware of the curious glances from nearby guests.

  Fadi leaned in. "Look at you... no longer shy. You speak with confidence now."

  Rose paused mid-bite. "What do you mean?"

  "Nothing," he said, bringing another drink.

  "I wanted to ask... where can I buy a magic staff? Nothing too expensive. Just something good."

  Fadi nodded. "Ah, I forgot to tell you. A letter arrived this morning—an official commendation from the High Commander of the Mage Guild herself. Laika."

  Rose's eyes widened. "What?!"

  Fadi handed her a pouch heavy with coin.

  She gasped. "What is this?!"

  "Your reward. That mission... it was dangerous. The scroll contained information vital to the upper political tiers."

  Rose blinked, voice soft. "All I did was deliver a message... Everyone wanted it. It was terrifying."

  Fadi raised a hand. "Doesn't matter. You succeeded. That's what counts."

  She opened the pouch and counted. "Thirty coins..."

  Fadi smiled. "That's expected. A high-level scroll from the Mage Guild always pays well. But they're never easy. They require skill—and courage."

  Rose looked at him. "I plan to register with them. But after seeing their level... I'm scared I'll fail. Laika caught a fleeing mage with a flick of her hand..."

  Fadi placed another plate on the table. "You're young. You have time. Don't give up. I've seen people join with no magic at all—and they learned. Became skilled. You already have the basics, don't you?"

  Rose nodded as she ate.

  "If you want a good, modest staff," Fadi continued, "head to the Mage Guild Square near the academy. You'll find shops with a range of prices—from humble to extravagant. Choose what suits you. I don't know much about magic gear, but that's the place."

  Rose smiled. "That's exactly what I needed. Thank you!"

  She separated fifteen coins into a small pouch and whispered, "These are for Klen..."

  Then placed five coins on the table.

  Fadi raised an eyebrow. "You can pay later if you want."

  Rose shook her head. "No, please take them now. I appreciate your help. I don't want to burden you."

  Fadi blinked. "It's alright, miss."

  "I insist. Also... if I keep all the coins, I might get excited and buy an overpriced staff. So please."

  Fadi chuckled and took the coins. "Alright. That covers four days of breakfast and lodging."

  "Thank you!"

  "Safe travels."

  Rose stepped out of the Daisy Inn.

  Snow blanketed the rooftops. The air was crisp. She smiled—and ran.

  Rose walked through the snowy streets until she reached a small shop tucked between stone buildings—Wendy's Tailoring.

  She stepped inside. The bell above the door chimed softly.

  The shop was quiet.

  Rose glanced around, intrigued by the neatly folded blankets and finely stitched garments. She wandered slowly, fingers brushing the fabric.

  A gentle voice called from the back, "You've returned, my dear."

  Rose turned. "Ah—Grandmother Wendy! I came to pick up the coat."

  Wendy nodded. "Of course... here it is."

  She handed Rose a beautifully crafted cloak, its stitching precise, its fabric soft and warm.

  Rose's eyes widened. "Thank you... it's beautiful. And it smells wonderful."

  "I washed it for you," Wendy said with a smile. "It was terribly dirty."

  Rose bowed her head. "Thank you. I'll be back soon—I may need more clothes. Maybe something custom."

  Wendy moved slowly to her seat by the table, resuming her quiet work. "Of course, my child..."

  Suddenly, the door slammed open behind Rose.

  A young man stormed in. "Mother! I'm here!"

  Wendy looked up. "What happened? Lost all your coins again? Come to take more?"

  Rose turned, surprised.

  "Yes!" the young man snapped. "And I want more money!"

  Wendy sighed. "I have nothing left but what feeds me, son. Do you want me to starve?"

  "I'll pay you back—double!"

  Rose stepped forward, anger rising. "You! How can you speak to your mother like that?"

  The young man glared and advanced. "And who are you? Got your ugly coat? Then get out of my way!"

  "Semhar!" Wendy barked. "You will respect our customers—or they won't return."

  Semhar scoffed. "As if I care! I told you—we should leave this wretched kingdom. Go to Leonithra like that merchant Jaber. Come back with bags of gold!"

  Rose whispered, stunned, "Does he even know what's happening beyond these walls?"

  Wendy shook her head. "You know nothing of the world, my son. Jaber was forced to live there. He endured hardship among pirates before he rose. He didn't choose that life."

  Rose's eyes widened. "Pirates?"

  Wendy smiled gently at her. "Go now, dear. Thank you."

  Rose stepped outside, casting one last glance at Semhar.

  He continued, "That girl must've paid you something!"

  Rose walked into the snow, removed her old cloak, and wrapped herself in her mother's coat.

  Snowflakes drifted from the sky.

  She looked up. "So many people don't know what's out there... That's how my father was treated in our village. They didn't believe him. They answered with foolishness. They didn't know the invaders were already at the gates... But he endured it all."

  Suddenly, the door behind her burst open.

  Semhar shouted, "You! Did you really pay her? I know my mother's too soft-hearted! Did you?!"

  Wendy followed, breath heavy. "She paid, Semhar. Come back inside!"

  Semhar growled. "I don't believe it!"

  Rose turned, eyes steady, unblinking.

  Semhar raised an eyebrow. "If you didn't pay... I'll have to make you. Unless you'd rather—"

  Rose opened her mouth to speak.

  But a voice rang out behind her.

  "Or what? Will you rob her? Strike her?"

  Rose spun around.

  "Klen?" she gasped.

  He stood tall, armor gleaming, voice proud. "What a glorious day, Lady Rose! A day of honor, greatness, and nobility! But... I see someone here who lacks all three."

  His gaze locked onto Semhar.

  Semhar stepped back, eyes narrowing at Klen. "Who is this? Your personal guard?"

  Klen raised both arms high. "I am the Red Knight! Noble, magnificent, and honorable! Companion to Lady Rose—and protector of this place from all bullies!"

  Semhar drew his bow and aimed at Rose.

  Wendy gasped. "Semhar! What are you doing?!"

  "I know you're kind, Mother," he said, voice trembling. "But you don't see how people take advantage of you."

  Guards turned. Passersby slowed, watching.

  Klen stepped forward. "By the honor of the Red Knight—you're bold, young man!"

  Semhar's hands shook. "You think your armor will scare me?"

  Rose whispered, "Klen... no need. He's holding the bow wrong."

  "I know," Klen replied calmly.

  Wendy smiled faintly. "You're a foolish son..."

  Rose blinked, surprised by the old woman's calm as she walked back inside.

  Semhar growled. "You think you're noble?"

  Klen raised his arms again. "I am noble!"

  Semhar stared. "You're strange. Ridiculous."

  Klen grinned. "A Red Knight must be strange. Mysterious."

  Rose tugged his arm. "Let's go. I want to buy a magic staff."

  Klen nodded. "As you wish! Let's go!"

  Rose handed him a small pouch. "Klen..."

  He looked down. "What's this?"

  "Your share from the last mission."

  Klen took it solemnly. "I'll accept it only so you won't be angry. I know if I refuse, you'll tarnish the Red Knight's reputation!"

  Rose smiled. "Exactly."

  They walked away.

  Semhar called after them. "You two! I'm talking to you!"

  Klen paused... then kept walking.

  Semhar entered the shop and sat beside his mother, who continued sewing.

  "They... ignored me."

  "I asked them to," Wendy said.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Doesn't matter. Why not get to know them? Work with them?"

  "I don't want to. I'm terrible at fighting."

  "You're terrible at close combat," Wendy said. "But you're gifted with precision. Why not focus on that?"

  "I haven't trained in ages..."

  "You can start again."

  Semhar hesitated. "The girl..."

  "Rose?"

  "I saw her give that strange man a pouch of coins. They seem... connected."

  Wendy smiled. "Next time, I'll ask her to take you along."

  "No need. I don't want to live like that. We'll get rich without all that."

  Wendy looked up. "Semhar... who said your mother wants to live rich?"

  "Why not? Who doesn't?"

  Wendy shook her head. "I'm already rich, my son. I ask nothing from this life."

  Semhar frowned. "But Father worked so hard for us..."

  Snow fell softly outside. The wind whispered through the cracks.

  "We worked hard to feed you, to shelter you," Wendy said. "Now your father is gone. It's just you and me."

  "I live happily when I see people wearing what I've sewn. When they value the time I've spent."

  Semhar looked at her.

  "You are my treasure," she said gently. "And this humble shop, filled with your father's scent... that's all I ask."

  Semhar stood and left quietly.

  —

  Elsewhere—

  Rose walked beside Klen, nearing the academy.

  She watched the mages—some chatting with friends, others entering or leaving the grand halls.

  Many glanced at her with curious eyes.

  She clutched her cloak tightly. "Klen... I'm thinking of registering."

  Klen placed a hand on her shoulder. "Why not? It's the right path. I see you wish to become even more noble, magnificent, and honorable! I support you!"

  Rose sighed. "You're ridiculous."

  Klen gestured ahead. "Look! All these shops sell magical gear. I buy healing potions here—and tools to ease missions!"

  "Like that potion you used on the bears?"

  Klen placed his hands on his hips, voice booming. "Exactly!"

  They arrived at a storefront.

  Rose read aloud, "Flora's Scrolls and Magical Equipment."

  Klen asked, "Is this the place?"

  "Maybe..."

  They stepped inside.

  Mages turned, eyes wide.

  Then they saw Klen—his gleaming armor, his towering frame.

  And they stared.

  Inside Flora's Scrolls and Magical Equipment, a mage glanced up from his counter.

  "Who are they?"

  Rose hesitated. "Ahem..."

  She wandered through the shop, eyes scanning shelves of magical gear—scrolls, gemstones, enchanted tomes.

  Approaching a vendor, she whispered, "Excuse me... I'm looking for a magic staff. Something suitable for me."

  The man raised an eyebrow. "What's your rank?"

  "Rank?"

  "You're not part of the Mage Guild?"

  "Not yet."

  He sighed. "Forget it."

  Rose blinked. "Why?"

  "You beginners always rush to buy magical tools before passing the guild's trials. No rank, no training. My advice? Don't waste your coin."

  Rose lowered her gaze.

  Klen stepped forward. "We're looking for a training staff. Do you have one?"

  The man studied him. "I do."

  He walked to a chest and opened it, revealing a wooden staff—simple, tapered at the top.

  "Like this?"

  Rose's eyes lit up. "Yes! That's perfect!"

  The man nodded. "Four coins."

  Rose handed him the pouch and took the staff.

  Suddenly, a green aura shimmered around it.

  The man stepped back. "What... is that?"

  Customers turned, murmuring.

  Rose bolted from the shop, Klen close behind.

  "By the Red Knight's honor!" he cried. "A strange, magnificent, noble embarrassment!"

  "Just move!" Rose hissed.

  —

  They arrived at the Mercenary Guild.

  Inside, Razan stood reading. Jalmoud sat with eyes closed.

  Razan stared at Rose without blinking.

  Rose smiled. "Looks like winter's arrived."

  Razan replied flatly, "So?"

  "I suppose the bears have entered hibernation."

  Klen raised his arms. "A noble, magnificent, and honorable joke!"

  Razan shut her book. "What are you implying?"

  Rose glanced at Jalmoud.

  He opened one eye. "So you've finished the basic missions... and now you seek the intermediate tier. The Mercenary Guild congratulates you, failure."

  Razan added, "I'm surprised the High Commander of the Mage Guild acknowledged you. Must be a mistake."

  She turned to Klen. "I didn't expect you two to become friends. But you suit each other. A circus duo. Perhaps Princess Kasra would enjoy the show."

  Rose narrowed her eyes. "You two don't know how to value people. That explains everything, you fools."

  Jalmoud roared, "What?!"

  Razan snapped, "Jalmoud, no!"

  But he stood and slammed his fist into the table, shattering it.

  Rose turned. "Klen, grab a mission. Let's escape."

  Klen dashed to the board, snatched a scroll, and ran.

  "A noble, magnificent, and honorable medium-difficulty theft mission!"

  Rose followed him out.

  "Alright," she said breathlessly. "Show me what you picked."

  Into the Tunnels

  Snow drifted gently across the city. Citizens moved through the streets wrapped in heavy coats, while the towers of Aurik burned steadily, casting warmth into the cold.

  Klen handed Rose the mission scroll.

  She read aloud, "Hmm... it's a protection mission. A nobleman named Nasser... he wants to travel to the Korta Tunnels."

  Rose hesitated. "I've never been there. Klen, what do you think? Should we return this?"

  Klen shook his head. "No need, Lady Rose. We can handle it."

  Rose continued reading. "Nasser seeks an audience with the leader of the tunnels—Kras. He wants protection inside."

  Klen nodded. "Then let's go."

  "The address is listed," Rose said. "Let's head to his residence."

  She walked ahead, reading the scroll. Klen followed.

  Suddenly, a figure blocked her path.

  Rose froze. Her hand trembled.

  Klen stepped forward. "Lady Rose? What's wrong?"

  She looked up.

  Varon stood before her, silent.

  Rose whispered, "What do you want?"

  Klen moved beside her, watching Varon carefully.

  Varon's voice was calm. "What was in that message?"

  Rose blinked. "What message?"

  "Don't play games. Answer me."

  "I don't know."

  Varon glanced at Klen, then back to Rose.

  "It was from the Red Mist," he said. "They wanted a formal invitation for Princess Kasra. Did you deliver it?"

  Rose's breath caught. Klen watched her closely.

  "I don't know what it contained," she said. "But I would never harm the princess or the prince. That's all I know."

  Varon turned away. "Then be careful. The Red Mist is recruiting the desperate—those without coin. They're being used. Sent to die without knowing why. Made into targets... like the message you carried."

  Rose's eyes widened. She whispered to herself, "The old man... he destroyed the original and replaced it..."

  She looked up. "You mean we're targets of your kind... not just you."

  Varon narrowed his eyes. "Your kind?"

  He smiled faintly—and walked away.

  Rose exhaled. "I need to tell someone. Quickly."

  Klen walked beside her. "Who was that? He seemed dangerous."

  "Yes," Rose said. "He's one of them."

  Klen stopped. "Them?"

  "I'll tell Uncle Mulham. If General Sylvance meets him, she'll know. He's close to the princess... she might be in danger."

  Klen nodded slowly. "I don't know, Lady Rose... but he seemed like someone guarding something precious. I sensed the spirit of a knight in him. He bore traces of the Red Knight's honor."

  Rose frowned. "I don't think so. Let's keep moving."

  —

  They arrived at a grand estate.

  Rose's eyes widened. "What a beautiful house."

  Klen nodded. "Noble, magnificent, and designed with honor!"

  Rose knocked on the heavy wooden door.

  A maid answered. "You're the ones escorting Lord Nasser?"

  Rose nodded. "Yes."

  "Wait here."

  As they waited, Semhar ran past—chased by a group of men.

  Klen pointed. "Isn't that the boy we spoke to?"

  Rose blinked. "Yes... I hope he doesn't bring trouble to his mother."

  The door opened.

  An older man stepped out, dressed in a fine robe.

  Rose bowed. "It's an honor to meet you."

  Klen bowed deeply. "A noble privilege to protect you on your journey!"

  Nasser smiled. "I didn't expect things to move so quickly."

  Rose tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

  As they walked—Klen ahead, Rose behind—Nasser spoke.

  "Since the guild was liberated and Prince Asser took action, the country feels alive again. I see young people rising, learning, climbing. It's beautiful. I wish my son were among them."

  Rose looked up. "Your son?"

  "I lost him two months ago. He ran away... or worse."

  Rose's eyes widened. "So this mission... is to find him?"

  Nasser nodded. "Yes."

  Klen beamed. "Then this is a noble, magnificent, and honorable mission! The Red Knight rejoices at the chance to reunite a family!"

  Rose frowned. "You speak as if it's easy. The tunnels are filled with assassins and mercenaries. They know only coin."

  Nasser raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you accepted this mission without knowing the way."

  Rose laughed nervously. "Who said that? We know it well! Right, Klen?"

  Klen raised his arms. "I don't know where it is! But Lady Rose surely does—she's noble, magnificent, and wise!"

  Nasser sighed. "I should've marked this as high difficulty..."

  Rose stepped forward. "Don't worry. We'll protect you. And maybe... we'll find your son. I believe that."

  Nasser smiled. "Perhaps."

  —

  They walked westward until strange tunnels appeared.

  Nasser nodded. "This is it."

  Klen looked around. "That's all I know. Lady Rose, you lead."

  Rose nodded, took a deep breath, and descended.

  Klen muttered, "These tunnels are... very narrow."

  Nasser said, "This is how they live."

  Klen walked forward—and hit his head on the ceiling.

  Rose chuckled. "Only the Red Knight suffers such problems."