... Fluff, fluff.
Softly, the snow settled. White flakes drifted down, gathering on the ground. One by one, the crystals of snow, which would soon disappear, came together to form a thick layer. It blanketed the earth, painting it white. The snow continued to fall, never melting, making winter eternal. Yet, there was a lingering doubt, a sense of waiting.
... Fluff, fluff.
She wondered if this coldness would ever thaw. With enough waiting, enduring, and perseverance, perhaps the snow would turn to water, soak into the earth, and eventually bring forth new life. She hoped that spring would come for her as well.
Yulie's life began with death. She was given life at the cost of her mother's. It was the original sin she committed by being born into this world.
"Wow..."
In the inner castle of Freyden, where it always snowed in winter, a small child watched the knights' sword dance in the white practice yard. Many knights swung their swords and sweated, but among them, her father and brother stood out the most.
They were magnificent, proud, and beautiful. From a distance, it looked like they were performing a play; up close, it resembled a dance. Her brother, Zeit, finished his training and looked at her, the sweat on his body frozen into tiny jewels.
"Ah, um... I..." Yulie stammered, avoiding his gaze.
Zeit had never initiated a conversation with her. No one in the family did. They always maintained an invisible barrier, insisting she wasn't at fault yet keeping their distance.
"Yulie."
But that day was different. Zeit looked at her with a bitter smile.
"Y-y-yes, b-b-brother?"
"Would you like to try holding a sword?"
"... Sorry?"
From that moment, the dream of becoming a knight took root in Yulie's heart. A knight serves their lord, becomes a sword to strike down enemies, and protects the people and the nation while holding onto their beliefs. There is no self in that dream. Yulie, a child who should never have been born, the one who took her mother from her family, had only this dream to cling to.
It was a dream from long ago. Yulie opened her eyes. The pre-dawn sky was dark, and a dull pain throbbed in her chest.
Knock, knock—
A servant knocked on the door. Yulie rose from her bed. The aching pain spread through her body, but she knew it would pass if she endured a little longer.
"The warm water is ready."
"... Okay."
Yulie entered the bathroom and stared blankly into the mirror. She looked at her reflection, recalling Deculein's words, "If you do not become a guardian knight within that time, you may have to marry for convenience. Therefore, do not remain idle. Do not act foolishly. I may change my mind and not let you go."
There was little time left now.
***
[Side Quest: Demon Purification Support]
◆ Store Currency +2
Meanwhile, I was in Dephalem Forest near Hadecaine in the western part of the Empire, where the concentration of demonic energy had been increasing lately. Gargoyles and other demonic creatures had started to appear. The cathedral had requested, and the Mage Tower had accepted, this purification quest.
"... Hmm"
At first, I smashed through the demonic beasts and made steady progress. Then, I stumbled upon a region filled with death markers. The entire area was marked in a vivid red, the most intense I had ever seen. My intuition warned me that entering would mean certain death; it wasn't just ordinarily dangerous.
The Villain's Fate attribute operates based on my abilities. Simple traps set by a few goblins wouldn't even register on my radar. But this forest was different. Beyond lay an enemy I couldn't overcome.
"Hmm..."
Of course, I grow stronger when facing demons. But the concentration of dark magic here was too thin to be effective, unlike in Crebas Canyon or the Demon's Barrier, where demonic energy was thick.
"Is something wrong, Professor?" asked Terfeit, the blonde priest trailing behind me.
I stood still, looking for an excuse that wouldn't make me appear cowardly as I backed away.
"We're turning back," I declared firmly, offering no further explanation.
Terfeit looked puzzled and said, "We haven't even reached the source yet."
"We've done enough reconnaissance and analysis for now. We'll handle the rest later. Thorough preparation is crucial to avoid disaster," I stated calmly as I walked away. "We could finish this quickly if we wanted to, but I want to teach you the importance of a cautious approach in demon extermination."
Terfeit nodded reluctantly, and we walked out of the forest in about thirty minutes. At the entrance, Yeriel and the retainers were waiting, Yeriel's cheeks puffed out in displeasure.
"Is the task complete?" Yeriel asked.
Terfeit shook his head and replied, "Today was just reconnaissance. We've reached a point where we'll continue later."
Yeriel turned sharply to glare at me, but I ignored her and got into the car.
Terfeit gave a slight bow and said, "Thank you for your efforts today, Lady Yeriel."
"Yes, thank you too, Priest," Yeriel replied curtly, then quickly got into the car. As soon as she sat down, she yelled, "Why? Why can't I join?"
"Silence," I commanded.
"You didn't even go all the way! It couldn't have been that dangerous anyway!"
As the eldest daughter of the Yukline family and acting lord of Hadecaine, Yeriel wanted to join us on today's purification mission. However, I had no intention of bringing her to the battlefield.
"You would only be a hindrance."
"I'm a Yukline too! If demons are the enemy, I can fight!"
It was because Yeriel was not truly a Yukline.
"Don't act foolishly. A leader doesn't belong on the front lines. And if you insist on joining a battle, consider our promise null and void."
"... Are you serious?" Yeriel muttered, her expression hardening as she glared at me through gritted teeth. "You've been pretending to be a good brother of mine all this time, but how could you humiliate me in front of the vassals today? How am I supposed to face them now?"
Yeriel had been eager today. She had come dressed in various gear to assert her legitimacy to the vassals. Since this incident happened near Yukline territory, she must have felt a sense of responsibility. However, I ignored Yeriel. I had refused her request to join us and, in plain terms, humiliated her in front of the vassals.
"Yeriel."
"What!"
"Yeriel."
"... What?"
I hardened my expression and said, "Yeriel."
"Oh, for goodness' sake, what! ...Sir," Yeriel pouted, her voice trembling.
But this time, I couldn't back down.
"Stop being so childish."
I reminded myself that everything I did was for Yeriel's sake.
"Stop throwing tantrums. You should understand this without needing me to tell you. How long will you keep acting so immature?"
Yeriel knew Yukline's traditions well. Her unusual stubbornness today was likely her way of showing the vassals that these traditions had been passed down to her.
"Behave according to your position. Show proper dignity and decorum."
Yeriel didn't respond. She leaned against the window, her face hidden by her hair, looking as if she was about to cry. Her small shoulders shook, and her breathing was ragged.
"Proceed to the Floating Island. We have stuff to accomplish today."
I said nothing more to Yeriel.
"Is he gone? Has Deculein left?" Gerek asked, his voice tense as he sharpened his dagger in the now-abandoned Dephalem Forest. "Is he really gone?"
Between the tall coniferous trees, he blended in seamlessly, his long black hair tied back. Despite his nickname, Multi-Persona, he was strikingly handsome.
"Yes, he's gone," Arlos confirmed with a nod.
Gerek asked again, "Really? Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Really?!"
"I said he's gone, you retard."
"Ah, no way!"
Gerek finally accepted it after Arlos added a curse. The Ashes, each with a few screws loose, always needed a bit more convincing.
"Do you think he noticed us?"
"Of course, you fucking idiot. It's hard not to notice when you're radiating that much murderous intent."
"Deculein must be a coward, then. I was luring him on purpose!" Gerek exclaimed.
Arlos just chuckled in response. She had a good idea why Deculein avoided Gerek. His voice replayed in her mind, saying that there's nothing more fearful than a fool and a madman. That was likely Deculein's thought process.
"Ugh, this is so frustrating," Gerek groaned, banging the back of his head against a tree trunk.
"But Gerek, is there a specific reason you're targeting Deculein?" Arlos asked. "Or do you just want to kill him because he's famous?"
"Huh?" Gerek said, tilting his head innocently. Then he grinned and continued.
"Well, I have a lot of grudges against the Yukline family. They flooded our village," he said, tapping his forehead with his fingers. "The voices in my head? They're all my family who died back then."
His Multi-Persona were the result of the Yukline family's actions. It was a somewhat reasonable explanation.
Gerek then turned and asked, "What about you, Arlos?"
"I don't. I have no intention of killing him," Arlos replied.
There had been an incident involving Deculein, but it wasn't personal. Killing him would only stir up a hornet's nest, bringing the entire Yukline family against her. She had no interest in such madness.
"Why not, Arlos? Your parents were mages too, weren't they? Maybe they had a grudge against the Yukline family."
"... Shut your mouth," Arlos snapped.
Her parents had died before she turned three. She didn't know the reason and didn't want to know.
"Who knows? Maybe Deculein killed them too."
"Deculein was just a kid back then. Stop spouting nonsense and shut your fucking mouth."
"But—"
Arlos grabbed Gerek by the collar, her eyes filled with rage. "Keep talking like that, and I'll kill you myself. I'll tear out your guts..."
"Alright, I'm sorry. Forgive me~ I was just pissed off because Deculein suddenly left."
"Shut up and get back to work," she snapped, releasing his collar.
In truth, they had never planned to ambush Deculein. They were just on a mission in the area. However, when they heard by chance that Deculein was coming, Gerek, Gleifer, and the others in Arlos's team lost control.
"Anyway, I'm going to kill Deculein," Gerek said, leaning against the tree with a relaxed smile. "That's what my family wants. Isn't that right, little brother?"
"... Yes, big brother. We want it. You know how much I suffered when I drowned," Gerek murmured in a different tone.
"... Yes, I know. Father told me too..."
Ignoring Gerek's bizarre conversation, Arlos unfolded a newspaper.
Symposium's Sixth Problem Resolved by Head Professor Deculein? At the Place of Verification...
***
The third settlement of the Red Garnet Adventurers, who roamed the continent, was the Principality of Yuren.
"Here, everyone, read this. It's this year's adventurer exam pamphlet," Ganesha said, spreading it out in the mansion where she stayed with the children.
Prepare for the 133rd Adventurer Exam! The Adventurers' Guild Awaits Skilled Challengers!
Discover the Q&A with Guild Master Gohol on Page 37!
Interested in the Latest Adventurer Rankings? See Page 47!
Carlos, Leo, and Ria read the pamphlet while eating ice cream. As Ganesha watched the children, she suddenly noticed how tall Ria had become.
"Wow, Ria, you're growing so fast. You have the perfect build for an adventurer—strong, but not too bulky or too slight," Ganesha said, touching Ria's shoulders and arms.
"Oh, ahaha! Stop it, why are you doing this—ahaha!" Ria laughed, squirming and pushing Ganesha's hands away.
"In just three more months, you'll be taller than Reylie."
"Why am I being dragged into this?" grumbled Reylie, a member of the adventurer team, as she ate potato chips on the sofa. She then turned to the two boys. "Carlos, Leo, you two are growing slower. Ria's already five foot three. What's your excuse?"
The two boys scowled, their pride wounded.
"R-Ria is two years older than us, so she grows faster..."
"True, but you'll grow taller eventually. It's all in the genes," Reylie said, shrugging.
"Enough about that, Reylie. How are things in Freyden these days?" Ganesha asked.
Reylie, Yulie's cousin, was practically a walking news source for the Empire. She knew almost all the rumors.
"Well, not much lately. But it seems like Grand Knight Yulie has reconciled with her fiancé," Reylie replied with a shrug.
"Reconciled with Professor Deculein?"
"Yes, they aren't fighting, at least."
Ganesha's eyes widened in surprise. Just as she was about to ask another question, Ria suddenly shouted, "What?! They've reconciled?!"
Ganesha and Reylie turned to Ria simultaneously. She looked as if she'd been hit on the back of the head with a hammer. Reylie chuckled, thinking how this young girl had recently started reading newspapers and was already interested in such rumors.
"Yes, that's what the rumors say. Why do you ask?"
"That can't be right!"
"... What do you mean, that can't be right?"
"It can't be true!"
However, her reaction was far more dramatic than expected. Muttering something unintelligible, Ria rushed off to her room.
"What's wrong with her, Captain?" Reylie asked, puzzled.
"... No idea. Did Ria eat something bad?" Ganesha replied, just as puzzled.
"Yay~ Then we'll take Ria's ice cream—"
The two adults shared a laugh while Carlos and Leo took the opportunity to grab Ria's ice cream.
"Put it down! It's mine!" Ria shouted as she burst out of her room. She snatched the ice cream and retreated back inside.
***
The fifth-floor Grand Hall on the Floating Island of Megiseon was chosen as the venue for the Symposium's resolution. The rumors about the Symposium had been as fleeting as clouds, but now, the solution to the Symposium's sixth problem, presented by Deculein, would be proven in this prestigious location.
"... Wow. Whoa. Wow. Whoa. Wow," Epherene muttered, who was lucky enough to attend, engrossed in the spectacle.
Renowned mages were everywhere. Among the judges were Ethereal-ranked mages Rogerio and Gindalf, as well as Louina, Beka, and Ihelm. Even the Empress's brother, Grand Prince Kreto, was present.
"Look at that cat," Epherene said, noticing a red cat lounging next to Kreto and yawning nonchalantly. "It's so cute."
"Quiet, Epherene. Don't be so childish," Sylvia chided.
Epherene glared at her. Both had earned their tickets and entry passes for their role in resolving the Baron of Ashes incident.
"Hey! Aren't you Epherene?" someone called out.
Epherene and Sylvia both turned to look.
"Oh, you're the professor's sister from before, right?"
It was Yeriel, Deculein's sister, whom they had met by chance before.
Yeriel chuckled and said, "Yes, it's me. Long time no see."
"... Thanks to you, I got penalized," Epherene said, pouting.
Yeriel shrugged and said, "Really? Sorry about that. But I got caught too, so we're even."
"Oh, did you really, ugh—"
"Hello," Sylvia said, gently pushing Epherene aside and greeting Yeriel with a polite smile. Her manner was warm and courteous. "Nice to meet you. I'm Sylvia."
Yeriel nodded awkwardly and replied, "Yes, I know you... You're Sylvia from Iliade."
"Yes."
Just then, Sylvia's eyes shifted to someone else, and Epherene's gaze followed. She stood out more than anyone else. With her snow-white hair and striking appearance, she was the only knight in a gathering of mages. Yulie had received a special invitation as Deculein's fiancée.
"Lady Yeriel, how have you been?" Yulie asked, wearing a robe over her light armor. She approached Yeriel with a friendly smile.
"... Fine. Hello," Yeriel replied, her lips twisting in slight annoyance.
Yulie seemed eager to continue the conversation, but Yeriel turned her head away, clearly uninterested. Yulie could only manage a bitter smile as she took her seat.
— The lights will dim now.
At the host's words, the lights went out.
— Now, we will present the solution to Symposium's sixth problem, which has remained unsolved for fifteen years.
The Grand Hall, though not large, was the most prestigious venue for magical academia. The curtain descended on the stage.
"Phew..." Epherene sighed, feeling the rising tension, and glanced at Sylvia. "... Sylvia, what are you doing?"
Sylvia seemed odd. She was silent, staring intently as if with laser focus at something. Following her gaze, Epherene saw the back of Yulie's head, her white hair unmistakable.