The sun was covered with a black curtain of clouds. They were lucky enough to find a cave in the mountain. Jack and Tristan had collected a sufficient amount of firewood for the next two days.
"Ahh! I can't wait any longer. How long will it take to roast a duck?" Nine complained while Twelve ignored his useless whining. "Please learn to be patient brother."
Sloane helped her out with dinner.
—"It's going to rain soon. This outcome is different from events in the past. I'm worried."
Sloane got up and stood near the entrance of the cave. She spotted vague torch lights in distance on the ground level.
—"Sigh*I wonder what Yulia's doing. Father must be busy. I hope Cecile's doing well... And Miss Reina, I hope she's safe. Uggh!There's too much to take care of-"
"Milady, you seem to be troubled a lot lately. Is everything alright?" Jack interrupted her.
Even though he was younger than her, she considered him an equal and trusted friend. He was like a brother to her.
"It's nothing much. Just thinking about people back home. What about you?"
Smiling gently, Jack looked down at the cold cave stone.
"I want to win this competition. So that my mother could hear good news in a while. She's all alone in the house. My neighbor used to take care of her needs but, she died an unfortunate death."
Sloane knew that Jack only had his mother in this world. His father and grandparents died when he was very young. He only had a sickly mother who tried her best to raise him.
"And we'll definitely bring good news to her." She patted him on his back.
"Lady Sloane, Jack dinner's ready." Twelve called them standing behind which scared them to death.
The next morning was quite dull. The sky was still covered in black clouds. Sloane hypothetically confirmed the occurrence of a thunderstorm.
"Jack and Tristan will go and guard the flag. The other teams will be attacking us soon."
Sloane and the siblings departed with her to the opposite side. The assassins remained inside the cave to safeguard their goods.
"That's all of it. Lady Sloane comes up with some evil plans. I am envious of her." Tristan smiled squinting his eyes as the wind grew stronger.
Jack was irritated as Tristan kept commenting on Sloane. He didn't like any "outsider" talking casually about the esteemed Nirvana sisters. Even he kept himself as humble as to not offend their pride.
—"I'm sure the marquess would kill this muscle head if he were here."The thought itself creeped him out.
"Ahh! looks like, we have guests." Tristan grinned. He took out his double-edged axe.
"Let's greet them with warmth." He shouted sarcastically.
"You're eviler," Jack said drawing out his sword.