Published: July 3, 2025
CHAPTER TEXT:
Markdorf, the Imperial Capital of the Debuhi Empire.
That afternoon, Count Hans Kirchhoff, the imperial governor, delivered urgent news to Emperor Rupert the Sixth.
"Your Majesty, as reported yesterday, it has been confirmed that the attackers in the Whitnash incident were members of the assassination cult."
"I thought as much. But, they must be being paid to carry out that plan, right?"
With Hans's report, Rupert sighed softly and nodded.
"Yes. It's regarding the Eastern Kingdom. It seems they have taken on Whitnash as a separate job as well. Well, they are the kind of people who will do anything for money... so it seems they are collecting from both sides and doing both jobs."
"They're certainly busy fellows. But if that's the case, we can't afford to let them take a break. The Whitnash issue is frustrating, but we need their activities in the Eastern Kingdom to continue for now."
Saying this, Rupert took a sip of tea.
"You're right. For that reason, as I proposed yesterday, I sent someone to directly confirm with the 'elder of the mountain' at their stronghold in the Village of Avan."
"Ah, that's what you mentioned. If it's true, you will question the leader directly about the matter. They must have been surprised that we know their stronghold."
When Rupert said this, for some reason, Hans hesitated with his next words.
This was an extremely rare occurrence.
"What's wrong?"
When Rupert prompted him again, Hans steeled himself and opened his mouth.
"Yes. The thing is... the Village of Avan was completely frozen."
"…What?"
"The entire village was frozen."
Upon hearing this, Rupert remained silent for a solid five seconds.
After finishing the last of his tea, he slowly opened his mouth.
"Is it a natural disaster, or the work of some unknown monster...? Otherwise, could there be an abominable mage involved...? Ah, that's right, there was a mage that Oscar underestimated."
Hearing this, Hans was astonished.
"Could it be... a mage capable of freezing an entire village...?"
"Hmph. If Oscar were enraged, he could probably burn a city to the ground with infernal flames. This is just the ice version of that. However... I didn't expect it to be this severe. I should have taken Oscar's report more seriously. This is my blunder."
The latter part was mumbled so quietly that even Hans could barely hear it.
"Hans, investigate that water attribute magician immediately. Pass this information to the imperial mage brigade, and also get direct information from Oscar about that water attribute magician. Understood? I command you."
"Yes, sir."
A short interlude '0114' will be posted today at 9 PM.
It's about what happens to Ryo and the others after this.
I apologize for the continuous interludes...