Roel's thoughts drifted, and the moment his awareness relaxed, he accidentally made the faintest sound from his hiding place. This tiny disturbance quickly alerted the old man, who had been recounting the past. His eyes sharpened as he set down the wooden staff beside him and called sternly toward the hiding place, "Who's there?" His voice carried vigilance and wariness. The old man cautiously scanned his surroundings, his gaze finally settling on Roel's position.
Startled by the sudden shout, Roel's heart tightened. He silently cursed his mistake, but quickly recalled the rule Ang had repeatedly warned him about on the road: "Do not casually reveal your hiding place." Roel forced himself to remain calm, making no further sound as he held his breath and waited quietly. Ang beside him remained motionless, his gaze steady as he weighed their next move. He knew that Roel, as one of the Guanda people, would not immediately draw suspicion. But if he revealed himself rashly, he might instead provoke the old man's vigilance and hostility. For now, the best course was to observe how things unfolded before deciding.
Ciri looked at the old man in confusion and asked softly, "Elder, what is it? Did you hear something wrong?" The old man frowned and shook his head, quietly instructing, "Ciri, there may be others here. Go outside and check the surroundings first." The girl clearly did not understand, but she obediently walked out of the ruins to inspect the area.
After watching Ciri leave, the old man's face took on a guarded expression as he slowly approached Roel's hiding place. As his footsteps drew nearer, his eyes held deep suspicion and an indescribable calm, as though he were silently calculating the other party's intentions. Roel held his breath, watching anxiously as the old man came