The fair maiden in white, upon seeing Fiora, was pleasantly surprised. Gracefully, she extended a courteous greeting and inquired, "Princess Clearice pays her respects. How come you are here?"
Fiora smiled playfully and replied, "Naturally, we've come to the 'Inter-Tribal Martial Magic Tournament' in your Ice and Snow Kingdom. Clearice, how did you end up here? And so mysteriously, too."
Before Clearice could respond, a figure in white behind her abruptly unveiled her face, revealing a delicate and enchanting countenance, exuding a pure and innocent aura. She giggled, saying, "I had Clearice accompany me for a little outing. Long time no see, Fiora, Orlina."
The two princesses joyfully stood up and approached the beautiful maiden. Excitedly, they exclaimed, "We thought who it might be. It turns out to be Queen Icesnow! Your habit of wandering aimlessly hasn't changed, huh?"
This exquisite and beautiful maiden was none other than the current Queen of the Ice and Snow Kingdom, Ice Snow 17th. She had known Clearice, Orlina, and Fiora since childhood, and meeting them now brought immense joy.
The other two figures in white also unveiled their veils, revealing two elegant and pretty maids.
As the queen and the princesses frolicked together, Clearice calmly observed the remaining individuals. She quickly recognized the renowned figures from the Holy Demon Continent, the "Earth Knight" Park and the "Illusionary Swordswoman" Livia. Her gaze finally rested upon me, who was sharing laughter with Shanon and Ayer.
She had personally experienced Shanon's prowess, unable to withstand a single blow from her formidable fist, even with advanced water defense magic like the "Aqua Halo Wheel." Sensing immense, almost unbelievable dark energy from Ayer, she found me an enigma, as if exploring the depths of the cosmos, all sensations cast into the void.
Witnessing the two formidable individuals and the breathtakingly beautiful maidens leaning affectionately against the mysterious man, Clearice felt an inexplicable strangeness in her heart.
I gently pushed Shanon and Ayer away, approached Clearice, and introduced myself, "I am Wu Lai, one of the representatives of Babunica in this tournament. Just a humble, unknown magician. I've heard of the 'Ice and Snow Saintess,' and today, I see that the reputation is well-deserved. I apologize for the earlier rudeness of my subordinates. Please forgive, Miss Clearice."
Hearing my words, Queen Icesnow pouted, "I don't believe such a powerful martial artist would be your subordinate. I've never seen anyone break Clearice's barrier before; you must be lying."
Shanon coldly remarked, "I am Sir's subordinate, his female slave. If you slander Sir again, I won't be polite."
Her icy demeanor sent shivers through Queen Icesnow, who quickly hid behind Clearice.
Clearice comfortingly patted the queen's fragrant shoulder and said to me, "Clearice apologizes on behalf of the queen for the earlier incident. Please forgive us. The Ice and Snow Kingdom welcomes all of you to participate in the tournament."
I waved my hand in the void, and the black "Hellfire" swiftly flew into my grasp. Smiling, I said, "In that case, we don't need to camp in this icy wilderness. I believe the mage and the queen will offer us a comfortable place to rest."
Clearice was astonished by my effortless retrieval of the "Hellfire." However, Queen Icesnow, with a disdainful expression, teased, "You want beauty; Orlina is a princess and can naturally accompany me. As for you, representing Babunica, you can stay here."
I wore a disappointed expression and said, "Is that so? It turns out the queen of the Ice and Snow Kingdom is so lofty. We, mere servants, are not worthy of your noble gaze."
I saw through this pretty young queen as a delicate flower in a greenhouse, innocent and inexperienced, certainly not my match.
Indeed, I rendered Queen Icesnow speechless. Crystal tears welled up in her beautiful eyes, giving her a tearful appearance.
Clearice, obviously very fond of the young queen, gave me a stern look and extended her pure white hand to wipe away the tears from Icesnow's eyes. She said to me, "Mr. Wu Lai, you've gone too far. The queen has been pampered since childhood, showered with endless love. Treating her like this, she can't bear it. If anything happens to the queen, I won't spare you."
I chuckled indifferently. Spare me? Ten "Ice and Snow Saintesses" combined wouldn't be enough to threaten me. Why should I be afraid?
Clearice and her three companions rode Water Spirit Beasts (a type of water-elemental magical creature resembling horses, gentle and adept at running) ahead to lead the way, while our group, riding dragons, followed in the sky. The princesses and Park were excited about riding dragons for the first time, looking around with great interest.
Icesnow's villa was situated atop an icy peak, surrounded by swirling snowflakes. The white castle stood majestically, appearing ethereal against the night sky.
As the dragon group descended, guards from the villa cautiously approached with weapons drawn. Clearice, arriving on her Water Spirit Beast, quickly dismissed them and arranged accommodations for us.
Throughout the night, Queen Icesnow glared at me with resentment in her watery eyes, adding a touch of adorable charm to her youngest daughter demeanor.
With the moon rising high, the snowy ground reflected moonlight, casting an endless silver brilliance.
A graceful figure emerged on the villa's corridor. The renowned "Ice and Snow Saintess" Clearice walked out slowly, her stunning face becoming even more ethereal under the moonlight, resembling a celestial fairy.
Clearice was usually a woman of few desires, but tonight she couldn't find peace. The peculiar representative of Babunica kept haunting her thoughts, an image she couldn't erase. Helpless, she decided to come out for a stroll in the snow.
Letting out a sigh, Clearice shifted her gaze to the edge of the villa castle, where an unforgettable scene unfolded before her eyes. At the pinnacle of a silver-white peak, a robust and masculine figure proudly stood. Behind him, two wings unfolded—one white, one black—strangely mystical and imposing.
Beside this man, who was neither an angel nor a demon, a silver giant wolf stood proudly, exuding an aura of kingship, imperceptible yet undeniable.