Even though she had prepared herself, Emily still frowned when she actually stepped into the geothermal core of the Red Tide Fief.
A scorching haze seemed to hang in the air. Waves of steam rolled over them, heating the rocks until even breathing felt like drawing air from deep inside a furnace.
She instinctively pulled the light cloak tighter around her shoulders. It offered no real protection against the heat, but the gesture brought her some comfort.
"Are your feet still burning?" Louis looked back from up ahead, his gaze falling on her boots.
Emily nodded, then shook her head, a gentle smile curving her lips. "It's manageable. It's a little hot, but with you here, I'm not afraid."
Louis chuckled and walked back to her side. "I originally planned to come alone. It really is too hot here."
"I know." Emily reached out and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead. "But I want to understand what you're doing, too."
Ever since the day she first met Louis, Emily had understood that this man would never confine his steps to greenhouses and banquets.
Emily wanted to walk beside him, not stay behind and wait.
The ground was as hot as an iron griddle. Every step felt like dancing on flames.
As an Elite Knight, she could use battle aura to ward off most of the heat, but sweat still seeped out constantly, running down her neck into her collar and soaking the fabric against her skin.
"So," Emily asked, looking sideways at Louis as he walked ahead and wiping away her sweat, "what kind of snakes are we here to catch, exactly?"
Louis did not turn around, but his tone was as relaxed as if they were strolling through the mountains. "Fire-Scaled Vipers."
Emily murmured an acknowledgment and asked