Chapter 27: The Voice Echoing in the Cave (Bernhardt’s Point of View)

Marie abruptly vanished.

There’s no sign of Laseid either.

It happened soon after I asked Marie for her wish. My vision abruptly shifted, and I was thrown back to where I was.

“For the time being, I must find Marie. I’m worried because she’s a scaredy cat. As for Laseid… I don’t care.”

The thought of Marie, who was terrified in the dark, made me smile. She’s usually very mature, but seeing that side of her makes me think she’s just a kid who is younger than me.

The cave is bright, but I’m sure she’s scared. I need to find her as soon as possible.

This cave is not a difficult passage, but it contains a strange magic. A normal person would be lost by this point.

Because I’m a demon, I have enhanced senses. I can feel Marie’s magic, albeit very faintly.

I proceed with caution as I follow Marie’s magic. I also sense Laseid’s immense magical power emanating from a completely different direction than Marie’s.

“Are these really natural caves?”

It’s not every day that you come across natural stones of this caliber in a cave. Not to mention, natural stones cover the entire cave. These are high-quality natural stones as far as the eye can see.

The Ancient Elemental Dragons live above the cave. Was it their magic that caused this?

No. Their magical energy is distinct from that of the other dragon species.

In any case, I don’t want this cave. What I want is that Marie’s wish come true.

“…Marie’s wish.”

Whatever her wish is, I want to grant it if Marie so desires.

Even if the wish is difficult.

I was thinking when I found myself in a wide open space.

Even in such a large space, natural stones are buried all around.

“Huh? Marie’s magic presence is here. Was she around here before? If that’s the case, she could be anywhere.

The natural stones begin to glow as I search for a way forward. I was so dazzled with the glow that I quickly covered my eyes with my hands.

“God’s precious child. Do you have a wish?”

A woman’s voice can be heard echoing throughout the room.

“What? Who’s there?”

“What is your wish?”

The voice repeats itself.

“My wish is… I wish I could fulfill Marie’s wish. Any wish. Anything goes as long as Marie is happy.”

“Blessed are you. Your wish will be granted.”

The natural stone’s radiance fades. When I opened my eyes, all I saw was empty space.

“What was it?”

“Hey, Mariel! Bernhardt!”

That’s Laseid’s voice. He must have been looking for us.

I was so focused on the voice that I didn’t notice what I was holding in my hand.

---