Maxi grew weary at the prospect of spending the night in that bleak place. She was absorbed in thought, wondering whether she would be able to return to the castle that night, when a wooden bowl was suddenly thrust in front of her.
"Please have some, my lady."
Startled, Maxi looked up. It was the young knight who had tried to send her back to the castle earlier that day. He had a bowl of steaming soup in his hands.
"It's rabbit stew. It can't compare to the food in the castle, but it's edible."
Maxi blinked in surprise and reluctantly accepted the bowl. She was famished, not having eaten since morning. She eagerly brought a spoonful of warm stew to her mouth.
"Th-Thank you."
"My pleasure. And about earlier…"
Maxi felt her body stiffen, dreading his next words. To her surprise, however, the knight bowed his head.
"Please forgive me, my lady. It was not my place to say such things."