Twenty minutes after slipping onto the side path.
The forest smell grew thicker, and a cave that opened its mouth in the shadow of a slope came into view.
There were traces of trying to hide it by human hands.
But it was sloppy.
A hastily made bundle of branches, a beast path packed down, soot from fire.
"…Here."
Rigel who got down from the driver's seat lightly stroked the horse's muzzle, then fixed his gaze before the cave.
Left and right of the entrance, two shadows in the rock shade.
Lookouts, probably.
"Master, I…"
"You don't have to do anything. Stay quiet for now."
Faster than he finished speaking Rigel's fingertips moved.
Two stones flew without sound.
Forehead, throat.
The two collapsed without even time to raise their voices, and it ended with only fallen leaves sounding small.
Miena's throat twitched.
"J-just now…"
"We're going in."
Rigel stepped into the cave without hesitation.
The inside was cold, damp, and the farther in the heavier the air.
