17 The Inspection Commander Got Los (2/2)

No one expected Lady Chalice to wander around. Though Levi always had a hunch that she would do so, he chose to believe that the Lady would have enough sense of danger and self-preservation to restrain her curiosity and stay put.

But alas! How wrong of them to think that way. They had underestimated the guts that the princess have. All the time that they were busy setting up camp, the lady took her sweet time to get lost. The fog had already settled in their area when they realized her absence.

Luke slumped down. Worry and anger evident in his handsome face. The light from the fire intensified the sombre mood he was exuding.

”The princess is smart, Luke. Let's believe in her. Her cunning mind will keep her safe. Besides, we're still at the outskirts. She can't possibly get into the inner regions within just a few hours.”

Levi comforted him. Although, he himself was skeptical of his own words. They have no choice. The fog had already encompassed the place and there was almost zero visibility. They could only helplessly wait for the morning and hope that the princess was able to keep herself safe.

”I'm going to look for her. You three, continue to ride for the mine tomorrow. I'll meet you there the soonest I find the princess.”

Before Levi could even protest, Luke had already disappeared into the fog. He could only sigh and concede. Not that he had a choice. The rest of their group can only settle to look for her while on the road. He stared at the place where Luke disappeared. He clenched his fists. He was her knight. Levi should have kept his attention locked onto her despite other matters. Now he feels utterly useless.

”My lady Chalice, what kind of fief inspection commander are you? Leaving your squad behind. You have driven Luke crazy now. That guy is surely blaming himself even more that I do.”

Levi murmured while glumly stoking the fire, venting his frustrations. He also wanted to go out there. But he knew he would only hold Luke back.

---

Meanwhile, a figure silently leaped through the trees despite the fog. A certain urgency and disguised panic evident in the figure's face. There was no trace its usual gentleness,only a severe expression was shown. Even his icy blue eyes had become frozen and sharp, they had turned unforgiving at the faint light of the stars.

”I'll make sure to tie you up at my waist the moment I find you, woman.”

Luke swore, his hoarse and worried voice fading along the mist.