Lost Children I

Intent on escaping that hell hole of an underground, Seraphine took her turn to lead and protect Eric this time.

Right before anyone could find the event place of the auction at that gruesome state, they went back to the tunnels where they came from. They searched around the labyrinth-like pathways for what seemed like an eternity. Even after an hour already passed, they did not manage to find any way out - it was just passages after passages.

"Seraphine, I think you should rest for now..." Eric chimed in from behind, sensing that she was already exhausted from all the running and walking that they did.

"I'm sorry I can't be of much use. If only I could see, I would have memorized this place."

"It's alright. You did more than enough when you saved me earlier..." Seraphine reassured him with a smile and a pat on his head, finding his look of disappointment adorable.

"Besides, we'd only been through these tunnels once. How could first-timers like us possibly memorize it?"

"I could."

"Eh?"

"I may not look like it, but I can memorize things easily. Within only one day, I already memorized the voices and names of all the new maids and menservants in my castle."

Dumbfounded, she only went speechless at that.

That is quite remarkable of him - and he does not even sound like he is bragging. Even though he is physically disabled, he holds so much potentials. She, on the other hand, had never been good at anything beside being all charming and pretty in her previous life. She really hopes she can acquire some life skills that can help her become self-sustaining and independent this time.

Perhaps, she can start after they get out of here.

"So, you two are here, after all. I've been looking."

After hearing that all-too-familiar voice, both of them turn around, completely taken aback.

Seraphine is alarmed to find Clement making his way to them. Unlike hours ago, he appears to have only come from some roughhousing. His hair is ruffled, and so are his clothes. She can bruises and wounds riddled all over his body, which makes him look a little worse than them.

Still, Seraphine has not forgotten what Clement has done. Before he can do anything again, she hides Eric behind her and confronts him herself. She is not about to let him touch any of them again.

"Relax, Sera. I'm not planning to do anything to harm you. I've come to help..." Clement started, halting on his tracks when he saw her putting her distance and taking a step back.

"I was wrong. I'd been dumb and naive. My brother betrayed me in the end. He didn't listen to me, and he beat the hell out of me before locking me up-"

"If you're trying to act all guilty and regretful to earn my trust again, I'm afraid you've already done enough damage. I no longer care about your circumstances, Clement..." Seraphine cut him off with a furious tone and a taunting expression, earning a pained look from him.

"You yourself also didn't listen to me. Why did you expect I would listen to you?"

"I understand where you are coming from, but you have to believe me. At least just this once. If you want to get out of here, you have to."

He has a point right there, but still, she has one as well. Though she's desperate to get out of here as soon as possible, she still doesn't know the whole story between him and his elder brother - this can even be another ploy that they made. There's a reason to both think and not think that this all a mere trap.

"Seraphine..." Eric whispered to her out of nowhere, catching her attention.

"Let's follow him. We can use him to get out of here."

"Huh? What are you saying?" Seraphine whispered back to him, astonished by his suggestion.

"Don't worry. I'll handle him if he misbehaves again. I still have that weapon."

"B-But... You really shouldn't..."

"Trust me."

Emphasizing his point, Eric tries to reassure Seraphine by grabbing her hand and squeezing it gently - and as he continues looking that steadfast and determined, she finds it hard to oppose.