Chapter 51:

Chapter 51:

* * *

Eshel rolled up the tent entrance and stepped outside.

Whats going on?

A magician! I heard theres a magician here!

The lady who rushed into the campsite spoke.

Juliet, who had followed Eshel out, saw her too. Her clothes were generally clean, but she looked desperate as if possessed by something.

Where is the magician?

The people of the campsite reflexively looked towards the tent.

I-I am Magda. I came from the nearby village Canabel.

The lady who introduced herself as Magda alternated her gaze between Juliet and Eshel, looking conflicted.

She was confused about who the magician was.

Juliet noticed and promptly stepped back. Eshel sighed and stepped forward.

It seems that I am the magician you are looking for. Whats the matter?

However, the next moment, Eshel was taken aback.

Magda had suddenly knelt down in front of him.

Please save our children! Please, magician!

Magda explained that five children from her village, including her daughter, had gone missing.

No, in such a case, you should appeal to the nearby lord, maam. How can you just come looking for a magician?

But, but

Magda explained.

This mountainous area has been called the dragons nest since ancient times, and there is a legend that only a magician can save the children when they go missing.

And, the villagers did go to the lords office. But Im not sure if they can get there in time

Magda dropped her head in defeat.

Juliet, growing curious, quietly asked.

Is there really such an old story?

Eshel shrugged.

Well. Ive heard an old tale about a magician kidnapping children.

Eshel seemed to ponder for a moment, then casually asked Juliet.

What do you think?

Juliet, who was just observing, was caught off guard by the question.

Why are you asking me?

Because neither Walter nor Teo, who are in charge, are in sight.

Eshel was right.

Walter and Teo were nowhere to be found.

What does that have to do with

Juliet was about to protest, but noticing everyone, including Magda who came for help, was watching her, she closed her mouth.

Since Helen, the owner of the Guild, and her family were not present, it was her responsibility to decide what to do with Eshel, the magician from Marigold. That was the logic.

Juliet was in a quandary.

If she really cared for the campsite, she should have ignored Magda and said her to leave.

But Eshel seemed genuinely eager to help Magda.

Then

Screaming, the three of them fell down a steep cliff into a dark space.

* * *

Juliet felt as if her entire body had been shattered.

Huuk.

When she barely managed to open her eyes, everything around was dark.

Where am I?

Ah, youve regained consciousness.

Hearing Eshels calm voice, Juliet briefly suspected that she had been kidnapped by this mad magician.

However, once the darkness became familiar and she saw Eshels face coming towards her, she realized her misunderstanding and discarded her suspicion.

Why do you look like that?

If you could see your own face, you wouldnt be saying that.

With a calm reply, Eshel glanced around once before handing her something.

Drink it slowly.

It was a half-empty canteen.

Juliet obediently drank the water that had pooled on the ground. Only after relieving her thirst did the surrounding scenery come into view.

Where are we?

It seems were below the mountain.

Below the mountain?

Do you remember when you said we should turn back? Just after that, the ground beneath us gave way, and when we woke up, we were here.

Eshel was right.

Juliet realized that the space they were standing in was a narrow crevice on the cliff.

It seems we fell quite deep as the light doesnt reach well.

No wonder. It was rather dark around.

I dont know how were alive, but fortunately there seems to be some mossy plants at the bottom that cushioned our fall. Plus, it seems to be night now.

It was an easy-to-understand summary.

Although she felt like praising him, Juliet flinched as she looked around.

Eshel, are there other people here besides us?

Yes.

Eshel let out a shallow sigh and continued to explain.

Everyone else is sleeping now. Additionally, were on night watch duty.

In one corner, Magda and five young children were huddled and sleeping.

The kids are safe.

It seems so.

Eshels tone was stiff.

Wondering why, Juliet looked at the other side and realized the reason.

Who are those people?

Theyre said to be members of the Black Mane Guild.

Juliets expression became ambiguous.

What kind of mane?

Whats that name?

Are you asking me?

After falling from the cliff, Eshel explained what had happened during the half day when Juliet was unconscious.