The dungeon beneath Iphigenia Castle was a stark contrast to the grandeur above. Known for housing even the most dangerous criminals, its depths held countless stories of injustice. Orano and Caitrin found themselves confined to the second floor, a tier reserved for those deemed moderately guilty.

Hours passed without explanation or news. Desperation and frustration gnawed at Caitrin.

"Can't we ever just get into trouble for once?" she muttered sarcastically.

Orano stood, examining their cell. "Because we 'attacked' people, we've been thrown into a second-degree dungeon," he explained. "For something like this, we're considered moderately guilty."

Caitrin offered a small smile. "You don't have to think that way. Your goal was to help people. I could have stopped you, but I didn't. So, I'm also to blame."

"It was mostly my fault," Orano admitted. "But now isn't the time to dwell on it. If we do, we'll just be talking to ourselves."

Caitrin nodded, her sarcasm fading. "You're right. I don't want to stay here either."

As she rose to her feet, a thought occurred to her. Again, we're in this situation because of something I wanted. If we hadn't waited to sell the necklace, we wouldn't be here. Whatever I try to do, it seems to end in failure.

Caitrin's gaze lifted from the ground. "But right now, I can't worry about that," she said. "I have to find a way out."

As she stood, her eyes scanned the cell. A familiar figure approached. It was the young man she had seen earlier. Orano also recognized him and turned to face him.

"Mr. Natsuki wishes to speak with you in his office," the young man announced. "Please cooperate and follow me."

He unlocked Caitrin's cell and extended a hand.

"Hey! Wait!" Caitrin protested, her voice filled with both fear and excitement.

Ignoring her, the young man grasped her chains and pulled her from the cell. As Caitrin glanced back at Orano with a desperate look, he returned her gaze, his expression unwavering. A flicker of understanding passed between them.

Left alone, Orano sat down, his mind racing. Despite the dire situation, he remained composed. He pondered his options, searching for a way out.

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Just as he was about to lose himself in thought, the young girl from earlier entered the cell.

"After examining your belongings, we've determined your name is Orano Tatsumi," she said, her voice formal, her expression serious. "As a creature hunter, it makes sense that you would be here."

Orano crossed his arms, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "It's flattering to be addressed by my first name," he replied. "But I'm still unclear about who you are, the person who stopped us this morning, and the Earl."

He met her gaze, his eyes searching for answers.

Lydia sighed. "I'm Lydia Shimizu, the Earl's bodyguard for nearly a year. The Earl you met this morning is Mr. Natsuki Shigeru, the ruler of Ellesmere and a renowned figure among kingdoms. The person who accompanied him is Runo, a dedicated member of his security detail."

"I apologize, Mr. Tatsumi," she continued. "Attacking the Earl was a grave mistake, resulting in your imprisonment."

Orano nodded. "So, my fate is sealed."

"While you've been confined here, you haven't been sentenced to death or anything," Lydia replied. "Before the Earl makes any decisions, I want to speak with you about something."

Her voice softened, her expression growing serious. She looked at him with a sense of urgency, her eyes filled with a question.

Orano knew something was amiss. He met her gaze, his voice firm. "I'm listening."

"You attacked Mr. Natsuki, knowing it would lead to trouble," she said. "I want to understand why."

Orano lowered his head, his eyes closed. "It doesn't matter who the person is," he replied. "No one deserves a ruler who treats their people like slaves and doesn't understand their suffering. If a leader punishes their people without reason, denies them basic rights, and lacks empathy, they don't deserve to lead. As long as such a person exists, I cannot stand idly by."

Lydia bowed her head. "I understand."

Lydia produced a napkin from her pocket, offering it to Orano.

"Take this," she said. "It might be useful."

Orano accepted the napkin, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Why would I need this?" he asked.

"It's dusty here," Lydia replied. "If you sneeze, use it."

As Orano examined the napkin, Lydia turned to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot," she said, pausing.

Orano looked up, his attention piqued.

"Mr. Natsuki imprisoned you to avoid public scrutiny," Lydia explained. "He had planned to execute you, but that would have alerted the Royal Society. Speaking ill of the Earls is forbidden, so there's little negative information about them outside the kingdoms."

"Your actions may have seemed reckless, but they were ultimately the best option," she continued. "Now, we must prevent Mr. Natsuki from making a fatal mistake."

Orano's mind raced. Execution? The Royal Society? he thought.

He turned to Lydia. "You're revealing the secrets of the person you serve. Why?"

Lydia avoided his question. "I'll return later," she said. "Please don't attempt to leave your cell."

As she departed, Orano examined the napkin. She knows about this situation but does nothing, he thought. She's either afraid or under orders. Either way, the reality is different from what she's presenting. She's hiding something.

He unfolded the napkin, his eyes widening in surprise. Inside was a key and a note that read:

-Your equipment is at the end of the corridor, in the fifth room on the left.-