103 She Finds Something Hidden (2/2)

”It's not-” Christian choked. Robin looked at him with an unbelieving stare.

”Really, it isn't what you think it is.” Christian insisted.

”I'll be the judge of that.” Robin said cooly as she confiscated his flask. Bringing it up ro her nose, she sniffed. ”Eh, it really isn't alcohol?...There's no smell...but then again, it could be a flask magicked to not let the smell escape...”

She took a sip. ”It really isn't alcohol!? Isn't this just water?” Robin asked. ”Why would you put water in a flask when you can just grab some from the water barrel?”

”That's because this is no ordinary water.” Christian sighed. ”It's Holy Spring Water. I went through a lot of trouble in order to get this before I left. Do you remember when I was caught in that spell that had me -er...chase you all over the Capitol?” He asked.

”To be honest, I was trying to forget it.” Robin replied flatly.

”Ah..well, this was the antidote that I heard you fed me while I was out.” Christian replied somewhat awkwardly.

”It is highly effective at expelling and cancelling any foreign mana or active spells that affect the body. So, if, per se, there was an illusion spell surrounding the castle, after drinking holy spring water, unless it were a high ranked spell, the odds of being trapped in an illusion are greatly reduced.”

”Really?” Robin asked.

”Yes, really.” Christian nodded. He didn't tell Robin that he secretly suspected thst he might still be under the effects of that failed potion.

”Somehow, this water sounds more amazing now. Ah, and I just drank some! Was it expensive?” She asked Christian, a bit worried.

Christian shook his head. ”Not expensive, just troublesome to acquire, since there's only a certain amount that we take from the spring every year, to preserve its effectiveness. Any additional water must be applied for, and approved by the Spring Guardian.

Luckily, my father had prepared some for the banquet, to prevent any unfortunate accidents from happening. But, when I filled a flask with it, I was caught by old Skinflint...”

”Ah, you were scolded?' Robin chuckled.

Christian nodded. ”For two whole hours after the party ended, I had to listen to him. The more precious something is, the longer the scolding.”

Robin nodded, and patted him on the shoulder, returning his flask. ”You have my sympathy.” She said solemnly with a straight face, but her trembling shoulders gave it away.

”What, you're laughing at me!?” Christian exclaimed.

”Ahahahaha, Sorry!” Robin burst out into laughter. ”I can't help it! The prince getting lectured by the treasurer, hahah! The mental image is just too funny!” She doubled over laughing, then stepped back, out of reach ofChristian's hair-ruffling hand.

”You...” Christian's expression twitched. ”Get back here! I will make sure that not a hair on that head is in its place, when I'm done!”

”Haha! That's only if you can catch me~” Robin said, running straight towards the ruins. ”I'll race you there!”

”Hey, that isn't fair! You had a head start!” Christia complained, as he followed Robin to the ruins. Robin hid out of sight, when she arrived, planning to play a trick on Christian.

”Ooy! Get out here, Robin, and face me!” Christian called out.

”Ho? I won, so I should get a prize, shouldn't I?” Robin asked. Her voice echoed in the ruins, making it hard to tell where she was hiding.

”It can't be called winning if you ran before the race was announced. You cheated!” Christian replied, looking around.

”So, no prize? How disappointing. I'm afraid I must decline then.” Robin teased. ”How strange, for someone who is quite willing to throw money away to random strangers, you sure can be stingey about the strangest things.”

”Robin, I'm serious. Although these ruins are small, there are still dangers involved. Please come out where I can see you!” Christian said, more seriously.

”Then why do I get the feeling that you're the most dangerous thing here?” Robin replied, leaning against the greenery growing out of a small cliff face behind her.

Toc! Toc. Tuk...

The noise echoed out from behind her, as a portion of the cliff opened up to reveal a cavern. Robin, in surprise, turned around swiftly, only to realize that it was probably a secret room she had discovered by accident.

”Gotcha!” Christian grabbed her from behind, and messing up her hair. ”That's for laughing at me!” He said, before noticing Robin's attention was elsewhere.

”It looks like I found something.” Robin said, quietly.