"...I don't know what to say first. So please—go ahead. I will stand guard at the entrance."
Howard's voice cracked as he spoke.
Unlike his clearly trembling voice, there was no wavering in his bowed posture. Howard had frozen in place the moment he confirmed that Edwin—who had passed through the mine entrance moments ago—was unharmed. Since then, he had paced back and forth between the inside and outside of the entrance with a bewildered expression.
Every time he came and went, Howard looked as though he might burst into tears—disbelief written across his face. In the end, he chose to lower his head rather than show us his weeping.
Watching him, I naturally assumed my place was beside Howard.
"I will never interfere with Edwin's tour of the mine. So just this once, come with me."
I had told Edwin several times that I wouldn't obstruct his exploration. So my role was simply to deliver the magic stone necklace to him. While waiting, I steadied my heart—still shaken by everything.
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