Chapter 59: Trapped in the Nest

To the northern locals, a prince from the capital was just an outsider. Foreigner, stranger—different words, same meaning.

To the people of Wolhanseong, I, an outsider, wasn’t someone to respect. The sense of shared enemies was apparently just my own delusion.

Even so, abandoning me and fleeing?

Or did they believe I’d die if left here? That I had no chance of survival?

The sounds of enemies chasing me day and night, the screams of those they killed to find me—they come alive when I close my eyes. I survived that chaos back then. Underestimating me is a gross mistake. I’m not the kind to die in a place like this.

“Abandoned, huh.”

I let out a hollow laugh. The empty sound echoed in the blood-stenched air.

Hondon stared at me intensely.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Was he scared of the chaos above? His expression wasn’t good. Surprisingly timid. If not that, I couldn’t tell why he looked at me like that. Like a frightened child.

Come to think of it, in Hondon’s lifetime, Wolhanseong probably hadn’t seen large-scale battles. Wasn’t he supposed to be one of its top fighters?

Still, his real combat experience couldn’t match mine.

…Suddenly, my trust in him plummeted. That scared face was proof of his inexperience.

What a mess. I hope Deokbong doesn’t die.

“I’m asking why you’re staring. Answer me.”

Hondon stayed silent. I looked away, sighing. Frustrating and absurd.

We could try climbing out. If I supported Deokbong, and he supported Hondon, we might get Hondon up.

With the rope, if Hondon escaped, we could all get out safely. But the situation wasn’t simple. Human sounds had stopped, but monster roars continued.

The problem wasn’t escaping the cave but the monsters outside. Whether the party was killed or fled, only monsters remained above.

Alone, I might survive somehow. No guarantees, though.

Maybe I’d die, maybe I’d live if lucky.

That’s life.

Especially my life.

When have I ever been sure I wouldn’t die?

The problem is I’m not alone.

I’ve never thought I was good at protecting others. What now?

“Your Highness, what do we do now?”

Deokbong asked, hoping I’d save him. But I couldn’t be his savior.

How pitiful.

“Let’s wait for now.”

“Wait, Your Highness?”

Deokbong glanced at the monster eggs, asking. He used to struggle to speak to me, but now I seemed less intimidating. Or fear drove him half-mad.

“If you’re waiting…”

He looked at the ceiling, specifically the hole.

I smirked and asked.

“Regretting coming down here, aren’t you?”

Deokbong shook his head vigorously.

“No, no, Your Highness.”

Sure looked like he did.

“I know how you feel. I feel similar, but all we can do is wait.”

Hondon’s face grew darker.

Now I get it. This guy’s never faced a life-or-death situation.

Mocking me despite that? Unbelievable.

“We can’t escape the cave yet. Want to be monster food? I could lift you up if you do.”

Deokbong shook his head harder.

“No, not at all! Please retract that!”

“Alright, keep your voice down. They have ears too.”

We waited a while. Hondon’s expression worsened. “Bad” didn’t cover it.

The torch was burning out. The flames seemed to fade faster due to anxiety. Once it died, we’d be in complete darkness. Then we’d be helpless.

“This is bad…”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“The torch will die soon. Losing visibility is a big problem.”

Sighing, Hondon approached from the corner.

“The fire…”

Starting to speak, he looked down gloomily, avoiding my eyes.

I recalled a story from the journey to Wolhanseong. Amid idle chatter, some useful info came up. One was the ability of the Son clan, rulers of Wolhanseong.

A major local power like that wouldn’t lead without an ability.

But such abilities aren’t common. Their existence was a closely guarded secret. Unless used for propaganda like the royal family, those with abilities were a trump card. A powerful card that could turn the tide. A golden opportunity.

…That’s what helped topple the Ye clan later.

Some nobles revealed hidden ability users, claiming a new dynasty.

Anyway, the Lord of Wolhanseong or their kin likely had this ability. The lord was very likely one.

I’d guessed there was a reason they didn’t come, but if I’d dragged the lord here, would things be better? Sword skills don’t surpass human limits, so they’d be no match for a monster horde.

Ugh. Did I foresee this? If I had, this wouldn’t have happened.

Or should I escape to Wolhanseong alone and return with help?

But would that succeed? I asked myself but found no answer.

If I died, these two would face worse trouble.

While waiting for Hondon’s hesitation, I gave up pondering and tapped his foot. He wasn’t looking at me anyway.

Hondon flinched, raising his head.

He hesitated, glanced at the half-burnt torch, and spoke with resolve.

“Your Highness?”

“What?”

“Do you know of the Son clan’s ability?”

The ability of Wolhanseong’s Son clan.

It was fire.

I narrowed my eyes, staring at Hondon.

When I didn’t answer, he grew anxious.

“You knew?”

I stayed silent.

Hondon muttered to himself.

“Of course, they wouldn’t send me without reason…”

Was there a deal with the Lord of Wolhanseong?

“I said I didn’t want to come…”

Hondon started sniffling. I was thrown off.

It must’ve taken guts for him to speak.

But knowing earlier could’ve improved things, leaving a bitter taste.

If I’d known, we could’ve dealt with the monsters sooner.

My expression must’ve shown my thoughts. Hondon added, sniffing.

“It’s not a great ability.”

A small flame flickered at his fingertips.

His eyes red, he said awkwardly.

“It drains a lot of energy, so it won’t help much.”

“Low efficiency?”

If so, it might be useless in battle.

I’d thought the Son clan’s ability could threaten the royal family, but seeing it, it didn’t seem useful. Was that why the Ye clan overpowered them? Or did their bloodline weaken like the Ye clan’s ability?

Is the Lord of Wolhanseong different?

I should check if the lord’s ability threatens the royal family.

If I survive, that is.

Deokbong’s torch looked too hot to hold. It’d burn his hand soon.

“Then, Deokbong, you can put it down.”

He set it on the broken eggs. The yolk-soaked pile didn’t catch fire, and the flame died.

“So, we have fire… thankfully.”

Glancing over, Hondon avoided my eyes. His tiny flame seemed embarrassing.

It was weak, but better than nothing, I could say for sure.

“Now what should we do?”

No one answered properly.

“Don’t know.”

“Your Highness, decide. I’ll follow your orders.”

I sighed heavily.

Deokbong’s shoulders flinched.

These passive people.

“Why must I decide? Am I the only one with a mouth? A brain? You have them too, so think and speak. Don’t you know three heads are better than one?”

Hondon glanced up, retorting.

“But too many cooks spoil the broth…”

“Shut up.”

A weak rebuke silenced him.

“There seems to be a path deeper in.”

Deokbong answered.

“Yes, there is.”

“Then how about going that way? We can’t go up now.”

Hondon looked displeased. His fire made his face clearest.

“What, you don’t like it?”

“It’s not a good plan.”

“You want to fight? I’ll lift you up with Deokbong, so fight the monsters alone. If no monsters remain, I’ll pull you up.”

No reply, so I added.

“If you can do that, it’d be great for me.”

Hondon couldn’t respond.

“…Do as you wish.”

He didn’t seem confident fighting the bird-like monster horde.

I stepped toward the path deeper in the cave.