NOVEL WEB Chapter 130
130.
Nia’s properly demonstrated magic was astonishing.
An unrelenting storm of freezing cold effortlessly engulfed the enemy forces in an instant.
The storm that struck the center of the crowd spread outward, freezing the reinforcements coming over the snowy mountains for quite some time.
Only after turning the enemy forces into complete annihilation and even partially freezing the wall of Yeogkin did it finally cease.
“…So this is magic?”
Even my long-range strikes were absurd. Yet, magic went even further, exhaling enough power to freeze an entire army.
Nia had mentioned before departure that her magic might help in battle, but I never imagined she could unleash such large-scale destruction, far beyond mere defense or firing icicles.
She introduced herself as a scholar, but what kind of academic can freeze hundreds of soldiers solid?
The people on the castle wall watched with mouths agape, utterly unaware of the snowflakes falling onto them.
“Three hundred years of experience isn’t for nothing.”
I momentarily appreciated the view beyond the snowstorm and sheathed my sword.
Even with my heightened senses, there was no trace left. Complete annihilation. The sudden crisis ended as quickly as it began.
Of course, this scale was just the beginning.
It was only the initial spill from a broken dam; over time, the enemy forces will strike Yeogkin again.
“Considering the scale of this attack… it seems the frontlines haven’t completely collapsed.”
Had all three frontline strongholds fallen, things wouldn’t have ended so cleanly.
The worst-case scenario would involve designating Yeogkin itself as the frontline to block the monster’s assault. Fortunately, it seems there are still other lines of defense remaining.
That’s a silver lining, but there’s no room for complacency just yet.
The first line of defense guarding the northern frontier for so long has been breached. Judging by the situation, it seems only one of the three cities has fallen, but the other two could collapse at any moment.
Tomorrow, or perhaps the day after. Maybe even right now.
“Let’s leave immediately.”
As Solorun mentioned, before the north was isolated, all supplies and forces were gathered at the frontline.
This was the work of whoever inherited the Devalleta name after Reios’ death. If they foresaw this situation accurately, their threat-detection abilities were truly remarkable.
It would be great if this capable talent continued reinforcing the northern defenses…
“Their condition seems similar to Reios’, doesn’t it?”
Breaking the connection to a decaying tree solves the problem.
The issue lies with Peshua Devalleta’s eternal slumber.
“The cure for eternal slumber…”
In the story, it’s described as something inside that freezes the body.
That reminded me of cryosleep. Some force inside the body maintaining forced cryogenic stasis.
The protagonist Theodor used one of Sylvester’s treasures to cure one of the heroines.
Obtaining Sylvester’s treasure at this point is nearly impossible, so that method is on hold.
“…But it seems feasible.”
The unknown something inside…
The phenomenon when creating a mana core, absorbing external mana…
Would removing that unknown internal element cure the eternal slumber? An idea struck me.
“When we reach the castle, I should discuss this properly.”
The Duke of the North was the second most powerful noble in the empire in terms of military might. If we’ve already gained their favor, it would strengthen the imperial authority even more.
Finishing my thoughts, I took a step forward.
The atmosphere on the castle wall had relaxed somewhat, and the soldiers moved orderly to disband while maintaining discipline.
Exchanging polite nods with the knights and soldiers saluting me with shining eyes, I soon reached Nia, who was buried in the snow.
“Nia?”
As she brushed off the snow, her tightly closed eyes slowly opened.
Right as I was about to ask why she was sleeping on the ground, her lips parted slightly.
“Too much magic… fainted… recovering…”
Her small hands trembled.
When I took her trembling hand, she muttered something and lowered her head.
“…Cold.”
With a small thud,
Nia’s head rested on my shoulder.
Her complexion was deathly pale.
Her breathing was faint.
The slight tremors in my palm holding her close could be felt.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Placing Nia on my back, I gently spread a blessing. This should warm her up a bit.
*
While I was tending to the unconscious Nia at the castle wall,
Charles reported the traces of the Dark Cultists found in Yeogkin to Jeolbin, and following the Lord’s orders, the city went into an uproar to search every corner.
Meanwhile,
Lady Myna attempted to restore the holy artifact installed in the church.
Through Charles, I learned that Lady Myna mentioned how fortunate it was that the artifact was only contaminated, not destroyed. With enough blessings, it seemed the restoration would be complete by nightfall.
I was contemplating how to deal with the snowstorm when this relieving news arrived.
Thus, while being entertained appropriately at the Lord’s Castle, night soon fell,
And with the holy artifact working again, the snowstorm covering Yeogkin began to gradually recede.
After soothing the grumbling Lady Myna with a massage, I rested deeply in a plush bed and the next morning,
I informed Jeolbin and Erika that we would leave Yeogkin.
In front of the northern castle wall where soldiers bustled about,
As I was securing an unconscious Nia onto the howling White Beast, I heard Erika’s voice from behind.
“Your Highness, the Duke.”
Glancing back, Erika and her royal knights regarded me with serious expressions.
I understood what she wanted to say.
Witnessing such a forceful army usually only seen at the frontline inside Yeogkin, she’d likely want to return to the stronghold immediately.
“Erika, my lady. We must part ways here.”
“…What?”
Erika’s eyes widened in confusion.
Before she could hurriedly say something, I continued to clear up the misunderstanding.
“The situation back there doesn’t seem ordinary. Hence, we need to divide our roles. We will head to the frontline, but my lady, you shall deal with the cursed trees around Yeogkin.”
Our initial plan when we left Solorun was to resolve the disconnection between the north and central regions.
To handle the sealed monster dragon beyond the frontline, a considerable force was necessary. It’s obvious that a large number of beasts would be stationed between the frontline and the monster dragon.
Long ago, the suicide squad led by my father barely succeeded in sealing it after forcing their way through a massive army. Only three returned out of the entire squad; the rest fell beneath the cold northern sky.
But do we really need to repeat that now?
There’s a significant difference between that past suicide squad and me.
I am the Duke and husband of Iris, one of the highest powers in the empire capable of mobilizing considerable forces.
I’ve already left a letter with Wade to make contact with the center once the snowstorm clears. Given that we’ve successfully dissipated Solorun’s snowstorm as planned, a letter detailing the northern situation must have already reached the Imperial Palace.
Thus, we must separate here.
“My lady Erika, to be realistic, your return to the frontline wouldn’t significantly change the current situation.”
“That may be…”
“But our arrival at the frontline will bring meaningful change.”
Erika, who looked like she was about to say something, obediently nodded her head.
“…Your assessment is entirely correct. Not only Your Highness, but the Sacred Maiden, Nia, and both Charles, their power we’ve witnessed so far is truly remarkable. Adding that strength to the frontline would surely strengthen the northern defenses further.”
Her gaze turned toward beyond the castle wall.
Unlike the sunlit Yeogkin, the farmland was a cold, dark world under the snowstorm. I spoke to the Devalleta’s young lady, who briefly looked up at the gray sky.
“The fundamental problems in the north are two-fold. First, eliminating the monster dragon. Second, breaking the isolation caused by the snowstorm.”
Our eyes met as she turned her head.
“The snowstorm can be dispersed by destroying the cursed trees planted by the Dark Cultists. And as for the monster dragon…”
Eyes wide with suspicion, Erika’s blue pupils enlarged.
“I will handle its elimination.”
Complete eradication, not mere sealing.
When I left the Imperial Palace initially, the chances were fifty-fifty, but now I’m certain.
The monster dragon will be eliminated by my hands alone.
I am not the same person I was before, and neither will I be the same when I face that beast again.
“We’ve already requested support for extermination. Soon, a considerable number of troops will arrive to supply the north.”
“To have the reinforcements reach the frontline…”
“The remaining snowstorm must be cleared. I’ll leave that task to you, my lady.”
Erika’s eyes flickered. Even the knight who had silently observed the conversation offered a handkerchief cautiously – his eyes were reddened too.
Wiping her eyes lightly, Erika spoke.
“Following His Highness’ wishes, we will handle the cursed trees. Please take care of the frontline… of my sister.”
“Will do. And don’t worry about the method to destroy the cursed trees. Arthur!”
At my call, Arthur rushed over.
Watching our distant conversation like a eager puppy, our apprentice’s eyes gleamed faintly with hope.
Nodding at his gaze, I spoke to Erika.
“Arthur will move with you. Though there’s much still to teach him, destroying cursed trees should be within his capabilities.”
“Master!”
“Is your face brightening? Is Lady Erika that appealing?”
“That… Yes! She’s someone precious to me. For her, my life holds little value.”
“Arthur…”
Our gazes filled with mutual affection made me uncomfortable. What nonsense is this?
BANG!
“Ouch!”
“Don’t decide to die so easily. Fight tooth and nail to survive until the end. Only then can you protect your beloved, right?”
“Forgive me, Master.”
“When things settle, we’ll leave the north for a while. Make mental preparations. Once your education is sufficient for independence, I’ll send you back to the north. And Lady Erika, please understand that taking Arthur under my authority is necessary.”
Arthur, holding his aching back, nodded.
Even Erika reluctantly nodded, but her gaze at Arthur burned with passion. It reminded me of Iris’ look when I pulled her into the bedroom.
“…Anyway, take care, both of you. See you later.”
“Master! Farewell!”
Leaving their salutes behind, I approached the White Beast waiting nearby.
Muna and Charles were already mounted on other wolves and chatting with the people.
Our work in Yeogkin was complete.
We’ve already distributed the supplies, and the immediate threat has been resolved.
Now is time to head back to the frontline.
“Take care once more.”
“Ruff!”
The Wolf gave a vigorous reply. Patting his fur lightly, I heard the sound of footsteps and clinking armor nearby.
A faint voice of “Milord” indicated Jeolbin had arrived with his knights. Turning slightly, Jeolbin and his knights bowed deeply.
“Saint, we’ve come to see you off.”
“There’s no need, I said. You must be busy anyway.”
“Not at all. Yeogkin owes you a significant debt. In truth, our inability to offer proper compensation fills us with regret.”
Their cautious attitudes were clear. Jeolbin even fidgeted with his ring as if really considering giving it as a reward.
Isn’t that a lord’s signet ring?
Jeolbin’s discussion about rewards since last night continued until morning. The way this was going, he might really give me his ring. Though no reward was actually necessary.
Lightly clearing my throat, I scanned the surroundings before speaking.
“Jeolbin, and the people of Yeogkin.”
As I began quietly, all eyes focused on me. Everyone held their breath and listened attentively.
After carefully choosing my words for this rare speech, I continued slowly.
“I understand well the efforts you’ve made in this harsh cold to hold back the enemy forces.”
The Altain history is roughly 500 years.
Of that time, nearly half has been in conflict with the enemy forces.
Since the first Devalleta head was appointed Duke to guard the northern front, the north has continually defended against the monsters in this land of eternal winter.
Overcoming the paralyzing fear and shedding much blood in the snowfields, they have fulfilled their duty to protect the empire.
“Hence, to repay those who have devoted themselves to the empire, the Sword of Her Majesty and the Guardian Knight of the Empire has personally come to this land. Rather, I wish to express gratitude to you.”
Even amidst the chaotic situation,
The reason our nation could maintain its form was thanks to such unseen efforts.
“Daring to speak on behalf of the empire… Thank you for guarding the frontline. Heroes of the North.”
I bowed deeply to Jeolbin and the people of Yeogkin.
Slowly raising my head, I saw Jeolbin’s eyes brimming with tears as he spoke in a choked voice.
“Your Highness, the people of Yeogkin will never forget your help. May the blessings of the sun accompany your journey.”
Following their lord, the people of Yeogkin bowed their heads.
Quietly leaving them behind, I lightly tapped the White Beast’s head.
“Let’s go.”
“GRR!”
The White Beast leaped over the castle wall with ease.
Beyond the snowstorm, into the snow-covered world littered with monster corpses.
***
“They’ve left.”
At Erika’s words, Jeolbin nodded.
“Yes… What a hectic time it was when we reflect.”
From when the wolf pack appeared,
Casually overcoming the castle walls and finding the Dark Cultist hiding in the city, then annihilating the enemy forces that targeted Yeogkin.
Though it was a very short time, Cain’s encounter remained vividly imprinted in Jeolbin’s mind.
“Then, we should depart as well. Moving sooner would be better.”
“Destroying those cursed trees will disperse the snowstorm, right? I’m eager to offer Yeogkin’s knights to help.”
“Don’t worry, Lord. The Barony’s assistance is unnecessary. We have Arthur and the Winter Tree Knights. Please focus on Yeogkin’s defense.”
After a light bow, Erika’s party also rode their wolves and exited through the castle gate.
Jeolbin watched the closing gate silently for a while before turning around.
“Thank you for guarding the frontline, Heroes of the North…”
An old memory suddenly surfaced, causing him to shed tears without realizing.
Cain repeated every single word of the black-haired knight who visited the north long ago, perfectly. A father’s mannerisms passed to his son, perhaps.
When the monster dragon first appeared, the wind from the northeast brought hope. Just like that, the light piercing through the snowstorm was driving away the darkness of the north.
With a resolute expression, Jeolbin continued walking.
It’s our turn to help now. To make that happen, Yeogkin must conserve its strength.