The mine in front of Adriana, almost 50 years old, was accidentally discovered by her grandfather while riding a horse. The Count then fell into a mine pit. He survived but the horse did not. Inside Adriana's grandfather found many low-level power stones. Called low level because it cannot be used as a weapon and can only be used to strengthen the function of light, heat, and fire stones, which have already been found. Making the three stones used for daily work stronger and more durable.
"We're going into this mine."
Adriana's father Count Affonso got off his horse. He stood at the mouth of the mine, waiting for his son Ferdinand to approach. After that, he ordered the knights he had hired to help Adriana get off the horse.
"The power stone in this mine will not be able to help Ferdinand awaken his magic power." Adriana revealed what was on her mind immediately. "This mine is too old too."
Count Affonso looked at his illegitimate son angrily. "The power stone we were looking for is in here! You will get it!"
Adriana sighed. "My magic isn't an attacking type and I can't even lift a sword. How can I find what you want."
Ferdinand pointed to the four knights around them. "They will come with you inside. Then me too!" He said, pointing to himself. "They will guard us against mana-poisoned black beasts."
"Doesn't that explain how I can find the power stone you want? Just now it's just how to get inside and guard it!"
Ferdinand's hand went up and Adriana's half-sister looked annoyed. Maybe he wanted to slap Adriana if he still asked. However, that in no way stopped Adriana's questions.
"Just do as I tell you while we're inside!" said Ferdinand, widening his eyes threateningly.
"As the person involved in this quest shouldn't I know how?"
This time without hesitation a slap landed on Adriana's cheek. It feels sore and uncomfortable. However, she decided not to look down and just let his tears well up. It's not that painful.
"If I still hear your voice again, I will slap you again, my little sister!" Ferdinand threatened.
Then the man, Adriana's half-brother turned around so that Adriana could only see his back. He walked towards the mouth of the cave that led down. There were carved stone steps there covered in moss, looking slippery.
"We're going inside."
Two knights quickly stood behind Adriana, waiting for her to move. But reluctance made Adriana decide for a long time.
"Go fast!" Cout Affonso finally spoke, staring at him like a nuisance insect.
Adriana stepped into my mouth, down the stairs that Ferdinand had stepped on first. In three steps, Adriana had to hold on to the ropes attached to the walls tied carelessly to the piles that looked weathered. The stairs were deep and there were only a few light stones that helped them to see properly.
It's been a tough journey, Adriana said in her head. Very difficult.
***
One of the knights was forced to dismount from his horse and was left in the place of Algis's broken leg while they continued their journey to Vander Fort. Once they passed through the Demon Forest, Vander Fortress located in a beautiful meadow-like area came into view.
The Fort's door opened at once and from inside two horses came out with their riders to greet them. The message from the palace must have reached here first using magic.
"Welcome, Your Majesty to Vander Fortress."
Cyril stretched his neck to see through the crowd. I can finally see Viscount Adelman! Only he became a normal human in the midst of these immoral people! Cyril's smile suddenly widened.
He had read what Adelman looked like in novels. However, seeing it for yourself turned out to be better than it looked. Her reddish hair, the wound on her left cheek, her giant body, and the large sword on her back.
If only there was a fan system in this place, Cyril would be the number one to show off.
"Ignorant of manners! Now the actions of these commoners are like women!"
Cyril quickly turned his head, looking at the knight who had sentiments with him after he helped Maria. He made the right decision by interrupting the moment of the forced proposal at that time.
"Isn't that better than being a coward by forcing his will on a woman who can't do anything?" Cyril deliberately raised his voice. Whispering about it immediately happened and the face of the noble in front of him turned red with embarrassment.
Cyril smiled happily as the man backed away, disappearing back into the line. That way Cyril could stick his head out again among the other heads to be able to see the admired figure of Adelman. However, it was a pity that Adelman had drifted away with Algis, his servant, and the captain of the seventh knight palace.
Annoyed, Cyril forced his horse to gallop forward following the other knights first. Cyril intended to walk even closer to Adelman, Algis, the servant, or the captain of the seventh knight. An almost impossible thing, due to the distance the other knights put between them and the person riding in front.
"Shit, why don't you just walk together!" mumbled Cyril.
In the end, he preferred to pay attention to his surroundings, the meadows surrounding the Varden Fortress. The atmosphere there was calm, almost suggesting that there had never been any enemies at all.
However, Cyril knew that was not true. The Varden Fortress was the busiest battleground of the year. Even without stopping every day. Because this fortress controls the attacks of monsters from the forest in front and behind it. In other words, the existence of this fortress was a decoy to distract the black beasts from the capital and cities after.
The pain in his body was only felt when Cyril got off the horse. His reins were quickly taken over by the other knights from the Varden Fortress.
"Please rest, we will take care of your horses here while that happens!"
Cyril let out a shaky breath and plopped down on the grass immediately. The mad Crown Prince in love would have killed them all had he not fallen off the horse. Thankfully the horse gave up its urge to take a break and galloped steadily southward, to Adriana's place.
"You bastard," Cyril moaned, slapping his tired legs.
"I think it's wrong to recognize people, aren't you Cyril from Asmodeus' mercenary squad?"
Cyril's thoughts quickly broke, he lifted his head and saw a man in knight training clothes or something a few feet from where he was sitting. Cyril gulped.
Trouble comes, remember something, Cyril! He told himself to try now.