About an hour later, the knights finally sent word from ahead: "We found an exit up there, Your Highness."
"It seems we found the right place." Antitina had also noticed the princess's tension and comforted her. "Although the process was rather tortuous, at least we haven't completely lost hope. Judging from Grand Duke Lantorilan's reaction in his letter, they're still on our side. With Valhalla's military strength, these schemes can only remain schemes."
"Thank you, Antitina. I understand. I'm just worried about Haruze."
"He is the lord's student. The lord taught Prince Haruze far more than swordsmanship. As his elder sister, perhaps Your Highness should have a little more faith in Eluin's future King."
Eluin's Crown Princess finally nodded.
The knights soon secured the secret passage's exit from outside. As expected, the exit was in the Mist Forest. There was supposedly a hunter's cabin nearby, though it had long since been abandoned. In the cabin, the White Lion Guard knights discovered many standard military weapons. Though they had long since rusted, it seemed this place had been a secret base of the Jandernel Family, with its outward appearance serving merely as a disguise.
Once this was confirmed, Antitina and Princess Griffine finally relaxed. Under the knights' care, Freya was the first of the three to emerge from the secret passage. The Valkyrie then took the princess's hand and helped her out.
Although an elf's eyes could quickly adapt to changes in light intensity, Princess Griffine still instinctively narrowed her eyes when she suddenly stepped into the sunlight.
Just then, she suddenly heard a sharp whistle beside her.
"Your Highness, look out!"
She heard Freya cry out in alarm. The next moment, something heavy slammed into her. The tremendous impact sent her falling backward, her back crashing hard against the wall