Arthur pulled Emilia toward the corridor leading to the back of the library. The girl was confused when they reached a dead end.
"What now?" she asked anxiously. "There's no way forward!"
"Simple, we just go down," the prince replied, crouching to open a secret passage underground.
Emilia was surprised to discover the hidden entrance, especially since she had stepped on that same tile every day. They descended a long metal staircase, the darkness enveloping every inch of the space. Arthur suddenly stopped. It was the last step. Emilia followed blindly until the young man lit a torch using his magic.
"We're underneath the library" he began, after a long silence in response to Emilia's questioning gaze. "This passage connects to a corridor in the palace, as well as to an elf tavern. I come here after my training sessions to avoid unnecessary crowds."
"And what do we do now?" Emilia asked, taking everything in and thinking of possible escape routes. "Do we head to the tavern or flee to the palace?"
"I'll check. You stay here," he said simply, turning his back.
"No! I can't stay here alone in the dark."
"Are you afraid?" he asked with a mocking smile, which made Emilia quickly lower her head, blushing.
"O-of course not. I just think it's dangerous."
"There's no danger. Hardly anyone knows about this escape route," Arthur countered. "And you can keep the torch if you want. I just need to check which path is best for us to take."
"Please, let me come with you."
Arthur hesitated for a moment, his expression turning serious.
"No. If you won't heed my request, then obey my order as your future king."
Emilia didn't argue further. She knew her place and was well aware of the terrible things Arthur could do—and had done—in his past life.
"Can I... keep the torch?" she asked, shyly glancing at the flame.
"Take it. I'll be back soon. Don't leave this spot for any reason."
The prince walked down a dark, eerie path and disappeared from view. Elves could use mana for night vision, unlike Emilia, who could only see her own feet.
A long time passed, and Arthur did not return. The human girl's throat began to feel dry, but she held on. She sat on the sandy floor, staring at her feet for a while.
"I wonder if Dad, Mom, and Oliver are okay..." she thought, and before she knew it, her eyes drifted shut.
She didn't open her eyes willingly, but because voices were speaking behind her.
"Is it her?" asked a deep, yet strangely sweet voice.
"Without a doubt, Your Majesty," another, harsher voice replied.
"Capture her, alive. Don't lay a finger on her."
Emilia tried to sneak away quietly, but she blacked out when she felt a sharp blow to her head.