Chapter 16 – It’s the Magic You Chose (4)

As they neared the North Sea, the ocean winds sweeping down from the mountains at the ice-free port pushed back some of the cold.

Members of the Hook’s Claw Knights tossed reindeer hides to their squires, instructing them to dry them in the sun.

Wiblet hid his troubled feelings as he watched the exhausted rookies struggle, even at the initial frontline touching Heljeb.

Soon, the weather would warm, and the remnants of the demons would surge forth—

Their weakness would soon translate into bloodshed.

“Don’t be too hard on them, Captain,” Hans, a veteran, gently advised as the fresh recruits cowered under Wiblet’s disapproving gaze.

“It’s not weakness that’s making them collapse. Anyone would feel the same approaching that fortress.”

Hans pointed to the enormous ice fortress visible in the distance—the Fortress of Rochear.

There were three main gateways to the demon realm from the continent.

The Hook’s Claw Knights guarded the Ravierre Mountains at the Pennheim border, while the Ice Empress and the soldiers of House Rochear guarded Senrir Lake.

The gleaming ice fortress, so frigid it froze even light around it, was not mere ice but a crystallization of magic.

“Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that those demon remnants will breach that fortress,” Wiblet countered.

“You’re concerned about that demonic idol? The Rochear faction should handle the investigation adequately.”

Even for a reserve force mainly composed of rookies, venturing to the North Sea with the Hook’s Claw was no easy feat.

Yet Wiblet, the Margrave, consistently insisted on thoroughly investigating anything related to demons.

He was the epitome of a knight, tirelessly working for the kingdom, determined not to overlook even the smallest clue.

“If even a single demonic pawn appears within the kingdom, the situation will spiral out of control.”

“That’s true. Since the Great War, everyone’s grown complacent. The damage could be extensive. Most Grand Dukes didn’t even participate in minor conflicts, including your former comrades.”

Hans was referring specifically to Terra Ernisten. Wiblet nodded in agreement.

“It’s better to leave that fellow to live quietly.”

“Sir?”

The knights hurriedly erected windbreaks against the cold rising from beneath the lake.

Watching them, Wiblet fell into deep thought. The comrade he was thinking of wasn’t Terra, as Hans had mentioned.

“Damn, it’s slippery here. Eris, want a piggyback? You’ll fall at this rate.”

“Why do you always favor her, Louis? Look, Nova’s getting pissed.”

“If you’re jealous, ask Wiblet. I can only carry one person.”

“I’d rather fly than get a ride from that old fart. Hey, Eris! Don’t let him carry you, come here!”

Wiblet, born and raised in the kingdom, didn’t quite grasp the restrictive life of Monarch’s Saintess.

Whenever asked what she would do after the war, Eris always said she wanted to travel freely.

Louis seemed particularly keen on making that happen, often taking special care of Eris.

Even while cutting off frostbitten toes on the ice.

“He shouldered too much. It’s a wonder he didn’t go mad… Well, he did seem a bit unhinged at the end. Even Terra couldn’t help him.”

“Terra, sir? I’ve heard that most mages with unique magic aren’t quite right in the head.”

“Are you including me in that, Hans?”

“What? Oh, no! That’s not—”

“I’m joking.”

Wiblet drew his sword and scratched the ice as he moved toward the Fortress of Rochear. His subordinates couldn’t endure much longer.

“I’ll meet the Ice Empress alone. Be ready to depart when I return.”

***

Crack! Crack—!

The lake’s surface began to fracture where the sword had sliced through.

The closer he got to the fortress, the more intense the cold that pierced his body.

Wiblet clicked his tongue and swung his sword through the air. His unique magic activated, erasing the frigid air surrounding him.

After what seemed an eternity, he finally sighed in relief as the transparent fortress walls loomed up to the sky.

There was no need to enter the fortress itself.

Its master was already seated on an ice stool and chair in the middle of the frozen lake.

“What brings you here, Margrave?” The voice was emotionless, cold, and hard.

A woman with neatly combed blue hair wore a white and blue uniform without even a coat.

The ruler of the North, head of House Rochear, one of the five Grand Dukes of Pennheim.

The Lance of the Half-Demons. The Flower of the North Sea. The Keeper of Frost. The Empress of Extreme Ice.

The Ice Empress.

Esther Silvesta de Rochear.

Wiblet glanced at the solitary lance piercing the desolate lake before speaking.

“I came to inquire about the demonic idol found near Adenbury.”

“I investigated. There was no trace of demonic karma.”

“Could it be the work of a dark mage?”

“I can’t rule it out. But my role is to kill demons here.”

She made it clear it wasn’t her concern.

She had no time for investigations. Esther’s attitude clearly displayed her character.

The Lance of the Half-Demons. Even if demons infiltrated Pennheim, Rochear was not a shield to protect anyone.

“Aren’t you worried about your sister at Farencia Academy?”

“Not particularly. My only concern is whether I can completely purge Heljeb before I die.”

“I heard she’s participating in the magic duel. Were you aware?”

“The result is all that matters. A dull lance is useless.”

She seemed made entirely of ice, from head to toe.

Further conversation would be pointless. Wiblet decided to conclude his business and return to the Ravierre Mountains.

“I’ll retrieve the demonic idol and investigate it personally.”

“I’ll have it sent to the knights’ headquarters.”

At least she was willing to cooperate to that extent. The journey to the North Sea hadn’t been entirely in vain.

“Ice Empress.”

Before departing, Wiblet glanced at the fortress walls, which showed no signs of melting despite the changing seasons.

“When do you plan to clear away this unpleasant mess?”

“It would stink if it melted. It also instills fear, so I intend to leave it as is.”

“Fear, is it…”

Indeed, even demons weren’t mindless monsters charging blindly forward.

The faint crimson hue, almost imperceptible as ice, adorned the fortress—a beautiful yet grim testament to countless deaths.

<Unique Magic of Esther Silvesta de Rochear: Glacial Orchid>

No matter where one looked—straight ahead, skyward, or even at the bottom of the frozen lake.

<Little Ice Age ⌜Ice Age⌟>

The corpses of demons slain by Rochear’s lance were strewn everywhere.

Surely, to create such a hellscape and not bat an eye showed she wasn’t entirely sane.

As he left the blood-soaked Senrir Lake, Wiblet didn’t look back.

***

The day of the magic duel arrived.

The circular arena, reminiscent of a colosseum, was packed with spectators.

I was performing a final check on Adela’s karma in the waiting room.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m okay.”

The Lit-Vice test paper showed a color lighter than a ripe persimmon. This should suffice.

“Remember, you can use magic amplified by Mana Pressure up to three times. Use Thunderstrike, Ignite, and Wind Shear as the situation demands, and absolutely do not use any other magic.”

“Got it~”

Did she really understand? Sometimes her drawn-out speech endings made me uneasy.

“Here, take your test paper. It’s yours.”

“…”

“Adela?”

“Just hold onto it for me, teacher. I might lose it during the match.”

Really? Then I’ll just toss it.

I gave Adela one final piece of advice and handed her a bag of popcorn.

She entered the arena, munching on the popcorn as she went.

Now it was time for me to get to work.

[Popcorn: 1 bag for 3 silvers / Caramel popcorn for 5 silvers]

Considering Farencia’s high prices, where a single loaf of bread cost 1 silver, this was quite reasonable.

Students who spent money like water didn’t hesitate to shell out a few silver coins.

“Two bags of popcorn, please!”

“Mm, that smells good. Should we get some?”

“Mister! Over here~!”

As the six mages gathered in the center of the arena, their magnificent robes billowing as the announcer introduced them, I bustled about.

The enticing aroma of popcorn filled the spectator stands as it quickly sold out.

After making a circuit of the arena and scanning for more potential customers, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

I turned to see a young man in a neat attendant’s uniform.

“Viscountess Ruhillen wishes to purchase some popcorn.”

“Is that so? Take a bag, then.”

“Well, you see, I don’t have any cash on me…”

Is he an idiot? Then why did he come?

Despite my incredulous look, he insisted that Darling wanted popcorn.

Glancing around, I spotted her seated in the VIP section, separate from the regular seats.

She was gesturing for me to come over personally.

With the attendant leading the way, I reached the prominent viewing box jutting out from the sides of the arena.

The view was indeed superior. I could see Adela and Liv below, preparing to take their oaths.

“You’ve arrived, shopkeeper.”

“Here’s your popcorn.”

When I offered a bag, Darling shook her head.

“I don’t desire that much.”

“Then…?”

“Just one kernel. I’ll pay the full price.”

Is she joking?

But she really did put a single popcorn kernel in her mouth and handed me 3 silvers.

“May I leave now?”

“Give me one more.”

“Pardon?”

“I’d like to purchase another kernel.”

I handed over another kernel and received 3 more silvers.

Just as I was about to depart, Darling grasped my sleeve once more.

“One more.”

“…”

Pop.

Clink.

Pop.

Clink.

A few more such inexplicable transactions took place.

“This method of trading is rather inconvenient.”

“Then why don’t you just purchase an entire bag?”

“I don’t want that. Sit here.”

She shifted aside, patting the seat next to her.

Then she opened her mouth wide, clearly implying I should quickly feed her the popcorn.

If she’s this close, she could just take it herself…

Crunch, crunch.

Left with no choice, I sat down and fed her the popcorn.

At this rate, I wondered if I’d manage to sell everything today.