Ansel's speech plunged the city of Red Frost into a fervor. Seraphina, who had the privilege of witnessing it all up close, was filled with a sense of pride.
She was supposed to return to the manor with Ansel to prepare for the final stages of the cold wave, but due to her overwhelming excitement, she chose to remain in the central square.
[Long live Lord Hydral!]
[Oh, God... Thank you! Thank you for sending Lord Hydral to the Red Frost territory!]
[I want to become the most powerful sorcerer in Red Frost... No, in the North, in the entire Empire, to become the most powerful aid to Lord Hydral!]
Ansel could misinterpret anything, but he could never misinterpret Seraphina.
The young wolf's desire for feedback, or [evaluation], at this age and stage of mental development, was incredibly strong.
She could never resist the temptation to peer into the hearts of others, and that curiosity.
"Hmph, dream on, Ansel already has me."
Seraphina sneered at the heart's voice she had just heard.
The most powerful sorcerer in the Empire... In at most ten years, no, five years! Even if it's the world's most powerful sorcerer, I can smash it with two fists! Ansel doesn't need any other help, I'm enough!
Ansel's words and actions gave Seraphina an absolute reason to support him. That occasionally confused, wavering heart was now completely, without reservation, tied to Ansel.
For Seraphina, there was nothing to worry or hesitate about anymore. Days ago, she needed to use methods she disliked to threaten others... But from now on, she wouldn't consider so many things, she just needed to focus on becoming stronger.
"Speaking of which, the feeling when I was on the podium just now..."
The girl clenched her fist in confusion: "Is it what Ansel said, the process of spirit and flesh becoming one, did I almost break through to the third stage just now?"
She didn't know how many extraordinary beings would laugh at her words, let alone how crazy they would be when they found out it was true.
At the peak of [Crystal Staircase], and reaching the third stage of the [Throne], is the most important transformation stage in the Heavenly Road, as the sixth stage is like a castle in the air.
It signifies that extraordinary beings can manipulate the ether scattered in the atmosphere without the aid of any external objects, completely separating from the mundane.
This process requires a large amount of material to construct a ritual to ensure the stability of the soul and body becoming one in the ether, which is difficult and dangerous to describe.
How could there be a monster in this world …that could reach the [Throne] just by walking and suddenly having an epiphany?
But she exists, she is the destined hero who can even despise the extraordinary itself.
It's just that now, the overlord who dominates the world on the original world line, the Sky Wolf Emperor who fought with the Dragon King on the peak of Elysian and fought with the Flamefeast Emperor in the imperial capital, is now like a little dog, looking for words and hearts that praise her master everywhere.
The almost endless praise made Seraphina feel elated. Although no one mentioned her, the mysterious girl who came on stage with the great Lord Hydral, Seraphina knew very well... The help she gave to Hydral was great!
In the long run, Ansel's good policies will be fully implemented; in the short run, the cost of coal distributed to the poor... She saved it all!
Only at this time, our Miss Seraphina would think this is an astronomical figure.
Seraphina also wanted to publicize her contributions a bit... mainly the former, after all, the latter is just saving Ansel's money, which has nothing to do with the common people; but allowing Ansel's policies to be fully implemented, this is all for the good of the common people!
That bad-hearted Ansel and the Count of Stoneheart deliberately did so, saying how well they did, but in fact, they only did a little bit... So many common people were deceived and had to say good things.
But this has been changed by me, Seraphina!
Miss Young Wolf thought so happily, and by the way, wiped out the little dissatisfaction with Ansel in her heart.
In this way, she also made a significant contribution to the great cause of changing the Red Frost territory!
"It's a pity that no one would believe it if I said it now... and I can't steal Ansel's thunder."
Seraphina scratched her snowy hair: "I'll tell my parents when I get back!"
She was so excited and happy, happy for successfully doing what she wanted to do, helping those who have always been looked down upon, and living a hard life.
Seraphina reveled in her own strength and talent, which had caught Ansel's eye and granted her the opportunity to realize her noble aspirations.
"Henceforth, when people mention Ansel, they will immediately think of me!"
The young girl indulged in her future expectations, envisioning herself and Ansel joining forces to vanquish marquises and kick grand dukes…Speaking of which, who was more significant, the marquis or the grand duke? No matter, as long as me and Ansel were together, no one could stand against us!
Excitedly, she traversed the bustling crowd, having had her fill of cheers and praise. Seraphina decided to seek more invigorating sustenance—how could these words prove Hydral's contributions to the Red Frost territory and its city? She resolved to observe more people and events before returning to share her findings with Ansel.
Seraphina journeyed far, not only through the central square but also along the four crowded avenues leading to it. Each person excitedly discussed Hydral's deeds. Seizing the opportunity, she donned the hood of her black velvet cloak. Although her snow-white hair was not uncommon in the northern lands, the increasingly burdened Seraphina did not wish to be recognized.
"You're talking about that Hydral," she interjected into the crowd's conversation. "Is he really that amazing?"
"… You must be from out of town, miss," several middle-aged individuals cast unfriendly glances her way.
"Yes, indeed," Seraphina feigned nonchalance. "I came to the Red Frost territory after hearing about such a person."
"That's not surprising, then."
Their expressions softened considerably, even becoming quite friendly—just as Seraphina delighted in eavesdropping on people's praises for Ansel, they too sought an uninformed individual to ardently extol Hydral's greatness.
"Let me tell you, after arriving in the Red Frost territory, he killed over a hundred of those damned bureaucrats along the way!"
"… Really? That many?" Seraphina hesitated for a moment.
"No, not that many!" his companion interrupted. "It was only fifty-something!"
"Nonsense, it was thirty-something! Lofro, who shoveled snow at Lord Hydral's manor, said so himself!"
"It was forty-six! Do you even know..."
The debate over the exact number of bureaucrats Hydral had executed continued, but someone interjected, "In any case, he avenged us and upheld justice! Upon arriving in the city, he immediately slaughtered the fat pig, the Count of Red Frost!"
"Damn it," a middle-aged man spat. "His initial promises sounded good, claiming he would make the Red Frost territory more prosperous. But he didn't even bother pretending... Old Farnell next door went mad after the Count of Red Frost took his daughter."
"Nobles are all like that," Seraphina agreed.
"Right, all nobles are—except for Lord Hydral, of course."
"He reformed the patrol team in the outer city district. If I remember correctly, it took Lord Hydral less than three days after taking over the Red Frost territory's affairs to execute that scoundrel, Butcher Krenvka. He abused his position as the patrol team captain and treated the outer city district as his own kingdom."
"Haha! I remember! That guy wet his pants before being hanged, just like a dead dog!"
At this point, the people cheered again, "Long live Hydral!"
"Speaking of the outer city district, can you believe it? That foul-smelling place, where even the cold wind couldn't disperse the stench, has transformed! I'd wager that even if the entire outer city district were demolished and rebuilt, it wouldn't match its current state!"
More and more people joined the discussion, sharing stories Seraphina had never heard before. It was only now that she realized how much Hydral had done for the city and the Red Frost territory.
By this time, Seraphina's status as an "outsider" was irrelevant. The people eagerly exchanged their genuine respect and admiration for Hydral, and Seraphina did not detect a single insincere sentiment among them.
These ordinary, humble individuals embodied the purest gratitude and kindness.
The thought warmed Seraphina's heart and intensified her disdain for the Count of Stoneheart.
She still couldn't fathom what had led him to so confidently claim that commoners were ungrateful, insatiable beasts, and that Marlina would agree with his views. It was as if his brain had been filled with shits!
If he were thrown into this crowd, she wondered if he would dare to spout such nonsense!
Seraphina was certain that if the Count of Stoneheart continued speaking, he would be beaten to death on the spot.
"Oh, do you remember that incident? The one with Lord Hydral's attendant, that girl who always caused trouble?"
Seraphina's expression stiffened.
"Are you talking about when she injured someone in public? I know! Lord Hydral actually volunteered to go to jail, believing it was his fault for not disciplining her properly and that his crime was even greater! I'm telling you, I know some of the jailers in there. They said Lord Hydral really ate the pig food in the cell... Damn it, even pigs wouldn't eat that stuff! But Lord Hydral actually ate it!"
With her face burning, Seraphina couldn't bear to listen any longer. She tightened her hood and hurriedly left.
The people didn't notice the departure of the young out-of-town lady and continued their conversation. "By the way, what happened to that unfortunate merchant afterward?"
"Him? Don't even mention it," a well-off-looking young man said sympathetically. "He was utterly ruined by that Miss Marlowe. He brought his entire fortune to the Red Frost city to start a business, but after opening his shop for a week, he only made a few copper coins. He's finished!"
"Oh, why?"
"What else could it be? It's because that Miss Marlowe refused to settle the matter and insisted on going to court, right? Once it went to court, it was like slapping Lord Hydral in the face. Regardless of what Lord Hydral thought, do you think the nobles and merchants would let him continue?"
"Oh... That's really unfortunate."
"Yeah, who would have thought he'd run into that ill-fated Miss Marlowe?"
"… Speaking of that Marlowe, didn't she blackmail Safur, the weapons shop owner on East Street?"
"It seems she yelled at him for charging so much for a dagger. Safur was so scared that he offered it for free, but she refused. In the end, Safur could only sell it at a price 'she deemed appropriate.'"
"Why does Lord Hydral care for her so much? Could it be..."
"Don't even think about it. What kind of woman can't Lord Hydral find? Would he like an ill-mannered stray dog?"
"Hey, let's not talk about her anymore. Let's continue discussing Lord Hydral. Did you know there's a rumor that Lord Hydral wants to help the entire territory's poor survive the great cold wave by distributing a lot of coal?"
"Are you crazy? Do you know how much that would cost? Even Lord Hydral..."
"But he mentioned it in his speech just now!"
"Haha, my old man at home said he'd seen too many lords like Lord Hydral who do some good deeds to deceive us when they first take office. If Lord Hydral really does this, I'd like to see what he has to say!"
"Long live Hydral!"
*
Although Seraphina typically scampers about after her daily exercise, she lacks a clear understanding and concept of the infrastructure of Red Frost territory, hence she fails to notice any external changes.
However, as she strolled through the streets from noon till dusk, she felt an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.
Following Hydral's speech, the entire Red Frost territory seemed to plunge into a grand celebration. People in every nook and cranny of the streets were incessantly repeating his name. Shops of all sorts inexplicably began offering discounts, children were enacting stories about him, and adults were passionately discussing him with tears in their eyes.
Some were dancing in the streets, others were strumming instruments and singing, some were reciting praises with open arms, and others were standing on the toppled statue of the Count of Red Frost, shouting the name of Hydral.
Seraphina didn't need to see Red Frost become more magnificent or refined. All she needed was to see these people, who once had nothing to rely on and held no expectations for the future, courageously and confidently starting to live their lives with faith and hope. Seeing this, Seraphina felt that everything was truly wonderful.
"Ansel..."
The young girl casually sat on the steps by the roadside, one hand supporting her cheek, the other hand stroking the ring on her finger.
As if she had thought of something, her face suddenly turned a bit red. Her face, gently caressed by the setting sun, looked charming and attractive at this moment.
"How wonderful it would have been if I had met you earlier."
Seraphina closed her legs, somewhat foolishly fantasizing, "If I hadn't gone to school at the age of twelve, but was discovered by you, would I have become an extraordinary person like you by now?"
"And also..."
She awkwardly pinched her own cheek, her tone wavering as she whispered, "And in that case, four years would have been enough..."
"Ahhh! I don't want to think about it anymore! It's not too late now anyway!"
Seraphina slapped her own cheek forcefully, stood up, and shook off those absurd ambiguous thoughts.
"Now is not the time to think about these things. You are a person who is going to do great things, Seraphina, together with Ansel!"
"It's time to go back, it's almost dinner time... Hmm, if I invite Ansel to eat with me, he should agree, right? Hehe, I can tell him about what I saw today, he will definitely be very happy!"
The excited girl didn't think twice and started running, almost knocking down a pedestrian, but her reaction was quick enough.
"Hey, are you okay?" Seraphina, who had sidestepped, glanced at the young man.
"Um... Ah, I'm fine, are you okay, miss?"
"If I were in trouble, you would definitely be dead by now."
Seraphina expressed her physical strength in this way, but the young man obviously misunderstood, and laughed awkwardly with a stiff expression, "Y-yes, I'm sorry, I'll leave now."
"Hey, wait, why are you nervous?"
Seraphina looked at him with a puzzled face, "Everyone is so happy, why do you look like you don't feel anything?"
"I... I..."
Raul was stunned by the question, "Should I... be happy?"
"Shouldn't you be happy?" Seraphina said somewhat unhappily, "Didn't Ansel... Hydral's words make you happy?"
"Ah... Oh! You, you mean that?"
Raul, who had somewhat understood, breathed a sigh of relief, "No, I, I admire Lord Hydral very much, his speech was too... powerful, I have never heard such a heart-shaking speech."
Seraphina, with her arms crossed, pretended to nod while listening to the other party's heartfelt words. After confirming that there was no mistake, she had already turned around and was about to leave, but then she heard another sentence:
[But in such a short time, who can be sure whether this is true or false?]
The she-wolf turned around abruptly, the brutal cold light flashing in her dark red eyes scared Raul so much that his legs went soft and he collapsed on the spot.
"You... forget it!"
Seraphina suppressed her displeasure and left straight away.
He must be some guy who came out of a village and doesn't know how good Ansel is... Okay, I know I was the same before, but isn't it very clear now?
Ansel, he must be the best!
Seraphina, who had thrown the small unhappiness in her heart behind her, hummed a song and walked home in the last ray of sunset.
When she arrived at Ansel's manor, it was almost dark. The maids were still busy in the yard, sorting out the mountain of gifts, marking them. Seraphina glanced at them, curled her lips, and walked towards the main house door.
"I hope it's not too late, Ansel probably hasn't eaten yet... I don't want to eat alone."
Seraphina, who was muttering to herself, gripped the doorknob and pushed hard.
The young man leaning on a scepter appeared in her sight.
He seemed a bit surprised, but soon smiled gently and teasingly, "I was worried that you were kidnapped, Seraphina."
Seraphina was stunned. In the moment of eye contact with Ansel, her face unconsciously started to heat up. If it were before, she would have retorted, but now she looked away and said somewhat shyly, "So, so you were planning to go out and look for me?"
"Of course not."
Ansel shrugged, "My maids have been busy from afternoon till night, I have to let them rest well."
Seraphina, who was embarrassed because she had misunderstood, couldn't help but punch Ansel in the chest, "You will die if you lie to me?!"
Hydral tilted his head, blinked, and laughed lightly, "But I never lie to Seraphina."
"You! Forget it... don't keep saying that."
That little temper disappeared in an instant. Seraphina, with her head slightly lowered, lightly touched her left foot with her right foot, her body swaying slightly, "I definitely trust you."
"Did you eat anything before you came back?"
"No, I'm starving." Seraphina stuck out her tongue.
"Then why are you still standing here?"
Ansel reached out his hand to her and said softly, "Go to the dining room and wait for me, I'll be back soon."
The soft candlelight in the hall reflected Seraphina's eyes, making them crystal clear and moist. The handsome young man reflected in them was so clear, filling her vision.
"…Yes!"
Seraphina nodded vigorously, handed her hand to Ansel, held it tightly, and smiled brightly,
"You have to be quick, or I'll eat all your food!"
"Okay, dear Miss Seraphina."
The unprecedentedly satisfied young wolf crossed that door, holding that warm hand tightly, and walked into the warm and bright hall.
She was walking towards her anticipated beautiful future.