Ch.96Chapter 96

“Quite an interesting letter. You should read it too.”

Wendigo tickled the owl’s head with his claw as he recommended the letter to Geron.

The owl seemed to enjoy his touch… or rather his claw, making cute sounds as it flew to Geron.

Geron read the letter offered by the owl and shook it with a puzzled expression.

“Did he have a disciple?”

“I don’t know either. Judging by how it says ‘expected,’ perhaps it’s something recent.”

Wendigo shook his head as he answered.

Honestly, it wasn’t easy to believe that Gulmarg would have a disciple.

Not a human or beastkin, but a disciple for an Ogre…

“Surely Gulmarg isn’t playing a prank because he’s bored.”

“At least he didn’t strike me as that kind of person.”

Gulmarg was honest and had a peculiar way of speaking, but as far as personality went, he was quite serious.

But then again, if this was a scammer impersonating Gulmarg’s disciple, there didn’t seem to be any direct benefit for the writer.

What kind of scammer would risk facing two calamities—a Djin and an Ogre—just to ask for help for a witch?

‘…Come to think of it, there might be quite a few.’

In a world where even the self-proclaimed King of the Northern Gods was no better than a scammer, it wouldn’t be strange for skilled con artists to appear.

However, there was something odd. For a scammer, the letter seemed… rather amateurish in many ways.

Who in the world would admit to murder and then testify that they killed because the victims were bad people?

“It seems the person who sent this letter is either younger than expected or… too stupid to be running a scam.”

Wendigo tapped the armrest as he weighed which possibility was more likely.

Logically, the chances of it being an adult were higher.

Even for a child accompanying a witch, the harsh climate of the north was difficult for a young body to endure, and there was a high probability of encountering raiders.

Of course, there was also the possibility that they came with the help of adults.

Wendigo pondered for a moment before letting out a small chuckle.

He realized that the sender had succeeded in achieving their first objective.

That was capturing his interest.

“Well, they’ve succeeded in piquing my curiosity. Geron, have someone draft a letter. I want to meet Gulmarg, his self-proclaimed disciple, and the witch mentioned in the letter.”

“I hope it’s not some strange fellow. We’ve just started building residences for the witches, and I’d rather not get involved in more bizarre affairs.”

Geron grumbled as he stared at Wendigo.

In his old age, he was experiencing all sorts of incidents he’d never encountered in his entire life…

“Don’t worry too much. If they turn out to be strange, I plan to kill them right away.”

Knowing Geron’s hard work in overseeing various matters, Wendigo assured him.

Geron nodded while trying to hide his disgruntled expression.

Since his lord had promised to kill them, if the person was truly strange, they would certainly die, but…

‘Judging by the way he’s talking, I feel like we’re going to get involved in something strange again.’

As the saying goes, even a dog at a school learns to recite poetry after three years—Geron’s intuition had been sharpened by handling the aftermath of various incidents.

Surely this time too, something strange would happen, and he would be left to clean up the mess.

“Spirit, if you have no further instructions, I’ll take my leave now.”

“Go ahead.”

Geron calmly accepted his fate and left. He caught a passing servant and ordered:

“Please go to the Summoners and request tea and herbs that are good for the mind and body.”

“Um… Are you having a difficult ti—heup!?”

“Oh my! Of course! I’ll go right away!”

As the servant was about to ask Geron with a concerned expression, another servant quickly rushed over and covered his mouth.

“……”

Geron nodded with a somewhat bitter expression.

Sometimes, the warm consideration of subordinates could be more painful than a sharp dagger.

* * *

Unfortunately, Gulmarg and his self-proclaimed disciple did not arrive overnight.

It was difficult for the messenger owls to find Gulmarg, as he typically wandered around the forest, beating up monsters for a living.

Naturally, Wendigo spent his time judging people in the palace or having meals…

“The witches’ residence is already prepared?”

During dinner in the banquet hall with Geron and Skadi, Wendigo asked Skadi while putting a roasted whole chicken in his mouth.

Skadi smiled at his hearty appearance and nodded.

“Yes. Thanks to merchants from outside who supplied materials at cheap prices in large quantities.”

“They seem to be trying to gain an advantage over other merchants by showing a good impression to Lady Skadi.”

Regardless of the era, construction was a business that required considerable time, materials, and manpower.

So he had expected it would take at least a few months for the witches’ residence to be prepared…

“I hope the building wasn’t constructed shoddily?”

Wendigo asked Geron, concerned about poor construction.

He wondered if they had rushed the completion to please him.

But Geron shook his head.

Though he had no expertise in construction due to his wandering youth, he wasn’t completely ignorant either.

“It may not completely block the wind, but it should be fine as long as they manage the fire in the hearth well. The walls were built with sturdy timber, rocks, and solid clay, so there’s no worry about collapse.”

“Hmm… still, it seems to have been completed too quickly.”

“Um…”

“?”

When Skadi cautiously opened her mouth, Wendigo tossed a few fruits into his mouth and gestured toward her.

“Actually, I think it’s because more workers were involved than originally planned.”

“What do you mean? Don’t tell me… the architects forcibly conscripted farmers?”

Wendigo asked Skadi with displeasure.

If the architects had secretly conscripted people, he couldn’t let it slide easily.

From a certain perspective, it was almost like disrespecting Wendigo on his own land.

Skadi hastily waved her hands as Wendigo’s aura fluctuated fiercely.

“No! That’s not it! People volunteered to help with the construction!”

“…?”

Wendigo momentarily failed to understand and expressed his confusion.

The farmers originally assigned to the construction were to be paid wages considering their efficiency, but why would others participate in the construction without any benefit?

Although Skadi’s words were sincere, Wendigo wondered if perhaps she had been deceived.

Wendigo turned to Geron, silently asking if he was aware of this.

“Ahem. Honestly, it’s not that strange, is it?”

“Farmers volunteering to work without any compensation?”

“Well… it’s unusual, I admit.”

When Wendigo expressed his doubt, Geron nodded. It was indeed not an ordinary occurrence.

When nobles or chieftains began conscripting farmers for their own selfish interests, most people feared it.

Especially if rumors spread about conscription for construction, people would panic and hide in forests and mountains.

Who would like being forced into hard labor without proper food or rest, possibly facing death?

However, in Wendigo’s case, the story was quite different.

“Your reputation is exceptionally good, Spirit. Honestly, if imperial nobles heard about this, they might not find it strange to claim that you’ve bewitched people with suspicious magic.”

“No, that’s not… actually, you might be right.”

Wendigo was about to object but conceded when Skadi shook her head with a serious look.

It seemed that those who had been taught to do bad things from childhood were indeed skilled at it—those who had grown up considering class differences natural were quite vicious.

“To begin with, the nobles wouldn’t have paid proper wages.”

“But that’s more efficient, isn’t it?”

“The nobles probably know that too. They just have no reason to care.”

Nobles might appear foolish, but they weren’t actually stupid. Why wouldn’t they know that managing farmers with whips and no compensation led to poor efficiency?

They simply knew but didn’t care.

After all, the number of farmers would naturally increase over time.

For people who had lived under masters with such a mindset, Wendigo’s kindness must have been increasingly sweet.

“So don’t think of it as too strange. If anything, it’s strange that you’re so kind, Spirit.”

“Your nagging always pierces my heart. Still, I’m glad the architects didn’t overstep their authority.”

As Geron sipped his tea and spoke, Wendigo swallowed his mixed feelings along with his soup.

What could he do if the farmers had done it out of gratitude?

After finishing his meal neatly, Wendigo said to the two:

“By the way, if the construction is finished early, does that mean the witches have already moved in?”

“Yes. By now, Osa is probably explaining some basic precautions to the witches.”

Skadi answered Wendigo’s question.

Teaching the witches could be considered Skadi’s duty, but there was no need for her to teach everything.

Osa and other Summoners were also capable of teaching the witches about magic and mysteries.

“That… witch school?”

“You can call it whatever you like. There’s no official name yet.”

“Thank you. So the witches are currently taking classes at this witch school?”

“Yes. That’s right…”

“Then it might be good to visit for an after-dinner walk.”

“Eh?”

Skadi let out a confused sound at Wendigo’s unexpected announcement of a visit.

So… after personally beheading witches he had lived face-to-face with, he now wanted to meet the survivors?

“Is that not allowed?”

“Well, that’s…”

Skadi hesitated and looked to Geron for help with her eyes.

She thought Geron would be able to explain well to Wendigo why he shouldn’t meet the witches.

However, he kept sipping his tea and refrained from speaking, as if he had expected this.

How could he dissuade someone from visiting his own land when he wanted to?

‘I just hope the witches won’t be too startled… though that’s unlikely.’

There could be some positive effects.

As they were starting to enjoy the peace of the forest and forget what they had done, Wendigo’s direct appearance could implant the suggestion that he was watching them.

…Though it was uncertain whether they would have any foolish thoughts after witnessing Wendigo’s massacre.

Skadi realized that even Geron couldn’t dissuade him and finally nodded.

“…I think the witches will be pleased too.”

* * *

The new residence for witches was located near Skadi’s hut.

The school situated in the center was quite large.

Teaching witches required not only knowledge of magic and mysterious offerings but also ample space.

This reflected Skadi’s opinions, which Osa did not dispute.

“From now on, you will learn from Lady Skadi, the most skilled Summoner in the forest and a witch recognized by the Spirit.”

On the second floor of the building, Osa had gathered the witches and was explaining basic information about the forest and about Wendigo and Skadi.

She thought it wouldn’t be good to push knowledge onto the witches, including young children, from the first day.

Of course, while Osa had learned from Skadi, this was her first time teaching others…

Fortunately, Osa had quite a talent for teaching others.

When she tapped the necklace made of ice crystal, mystery flowed out and began creating ice symbols in the air.

A deer skull, a woman resembling Skadi, a kind-faced old man with a sense of experience, and beastkin and half-naked warriors…

“We are living by the grace of the Spirit. The abundance of this land, as well as its peace, can be said to be maintained by his power. Those who serve him closely…”

At the top was Wendigo’s symbol, followed by Skadi and Geron.

As various symbols flew around supporting Osa’s explanation, the witches were captivated by their splendor.

Osa looked at them with satisfaction.

‘Lady Skadi trusted me with this task, I can’t disappoint her.’

Fortunately, the spectacle of ice formations that captivated souls was highly effective in engraving information into the witches’ minds.

While the witches were organizing what they had learned on their parchments, a young witch raised her hand high.

“O-Osa ma’am.”

“Um… just call me teacher.”

Osa smiled and treated the young witch gently.

Being from a vagrant background herself, she couldn’t help but feel compassion for a child suffering at such a young age.

Perhaps sensing her feelings, the young witch asked her with a bright face:

“Teacher, you said the Spirit is someone to be grateful to, right?”

“That’s right. I, as well as the forest people and the north, can be said to be indebted to him.”

“But… he’s a Spirit, isn’t he? Isn’t he scary?”

At the innocent question from the young witch, not only the more mature children but also the adults froze and stopped writing.

They looked at Osa with trembling eyes, afraid she might punish them for insulting the Spirit.

However, Osa just smiled and shook her head.

“Well… no two people in the world are the same. The same goes for Spirits.”

“So… is the Spirit a good Spirit?”

“Yes. He simply likes good people and dislikes evil ones. He’s kinder than any other Spirit in this world.”

Osa stroked the young witch’s head, satisfying the child’s curiosity.

There was not a hint of falsehood in her answer.

Honestly, how many beings would use their power for the sake of others?

‘Well… I understand why they’re afraid though.’

Osa empathized with the witches’ fear, recalling the human-faced beast.

Moreover, these people had been hostile to him… it would be strange if they weren’t afraid.

‘Lady Skadi would be better at teaching magic or witch powers, and my focus might need to be on diluting their fear of the Spirit… Oh?’

As Osa was determined to resolve their fear, she paused at an unfamiliar sensation.

The sensation was strangely familiar yet alien, like the feeling of seeing something one shouldn’t see…

“Heeeeeeek!?!”

“Teacher?!”

Osa jumped back in surprise, and the witches, startled as well, followed her gaze.

At the end of it was a second-floor window…

“Oh dear, did I interrupt the class?”

There was a deer skull with ominous light in its eye sockets, looking at them.

As Wendigo scratched his head and apologized, the witches screamed and ran toward Osa.