Chapter 166

Episode 166

We encountered some familiar faces on our way north.

The investigators of the Lucius Inspection Unit stood before me, saluting in unison. It seemed Jericho’s messenger hawk had led them here.

“Inspector! We’re glad you’re safe. We were on our way back after receiving the office manager’s retreat order.”

“Good work. It must have been a difficult mission. Is anyone injured?”

“Just minor injuries. We’re ready to continue the operation.”

I intended to send the investigators back.

Just because they were reliable didn’t mean I could push them recklessly. I couldn’t coddle them either, but for now, it was better for the three of us to move alone.

“Head back to the Inspection Unit headquarters. Wait there for further orders.”

The investigators were confused. Jericho explained the reason.

“We encountered a demon on the way. We don’t know how many more there might be. It’s too dangerous for you to handle, so follow the Inspector’s orders.”

“Yes, sir! As you command!”

The investigators turned around and quickly disappeared from sight. We resumed our journey.

The wasteland gave way to a white snowy field.

Snow fell relentlessly, but it was a minor inconvenience for us. Jericho cast a wide shield spell to maintain visibility.

We rode on and on.

As we approached Whitefield County, the cold and blizzard intensified.

We were fine thanks to our mana and aura, but the horses quickly reached their limit.

We had only made it this far by using mana and aura. Without them, travel would have been impossible.

Jericho said, “We need to stop by a nearby town and change mounts. These horses aren’t very resistant to the cold. We should switch to reindeer.”

Reindeer were animals native to the northern part of the continent. They had thick fur and sturdy builds, capable of carrying people and specialized for long-distance travel.

However, they weren’t as fast as horses. They were known for their steady pace.

“How far is the nearest town?”

I didn’t want to waste time. Jericho took out a map from his pocket and examined it carefully.

“The closest town is Bluefjord. It should take about half a day to get there. We just need to change our course slightly eastward. It’s best to keep going without resting.”

“Let’s do that.”

“I’ll navigate.”

Even though I was the possessor of this body, reading maps was a different matter. Jericho, as a member of the Tulu family, immediately set our course and started riding.

After a long journey, we safely arrived at the town of Bluefjord.

A large mountain loomed behind the town, its peak covered in perpetual snow. The occasional blizzard gave the place a distinctly northern European feel.

But there was another change we could feel firsthand.

“…Are you from the capital?”

We visited a stable to change mounts, but the owner was curt.

We were wearing warm robes, but we were also armed with swords and armor. There was a reason for his attitude.

As we got closer to Whitefield County, the residents seemed to be wary of outsiders, especially those from other regions.

I could guess the reason.

‘It must be because the Imperial Family failed to address House Whitefield’s grievances.’

People in the south weren’t afraid of the Nordics, the barbarians of the north. They were physically far away and rarely encountered them.

But it was different for those living in the north.

Most of them were directly or indirectly involved in the conflict. For them, the Nordics were a matter of survival.

In short, it was a sentiment that had accumulated over a long time.

In such situations, it was best to clearly state our identity.

I showed him the Inspection Unit’s insignia.

“I am O’Brien von Walker of the Lucius Inspection Unit. I am the head of House Walker and a vassal of Duke Kalisto.”

“House Kalisto? You’re from the south. What brings you so far north?”

“We have business with House Whitefield. Can we see your reindeer? We’ll pay generously.”

“Now you’re talking. This way.”

The owner’s attitude changed. That’s how influential House Kalisto was. Or maybe it was because I promised to pay generously.

He led us inside.

“I’ve been handling reindeer here for 30 years. To get to Whitefield safely, you need to choose one that can run well. You’ll have to ride for another fifteen days through blizzards. I have some good ones.”

The owner showed us the reindeer. Their sharp antlers were impressive. I didn’t know how to judge animals, so Jericho checked them for me.

“Hmm, these are decent. Strong legs. Let’s see… Their age is also appropriate. How much are they?”

“I’m glad someone who understands is here. 500 gold per reindeer. If you trade in your horses, I’ll give you a special price of 400 gold. House Kalisto is practically an ally of Whitefield.”

400 gold was about 40 million won in my previous life’s currency. The price of a Sonata.

But he was only offering 100 gold for a horse?

These horses were worth over 500 gold in other regions. But they weren’t very useful in this area, so it couldn’t be helped.

“We’ll take them.”

I handed the owner a pouch of gold coins. He counted the money and immediately ordered his workers to bring the reindeer outside.

They seemed docile and obedient.

We mounted the reindeer and took the reins. Before departing, I asked the owner, “You said House Kalisto is practically an ally of Whitefield. Is there a reason?”

“Of course. I’m a local now, but I was born in Whitefield County. I’m well-informed about the situation there. I heard Kalisto sent the most supplies this time. The other families sent nothing but garbage. They have no conscience.”

He frowned. I could clearly see the public sentiment.

“If those Nordic bastards cross the gate, things will get interesting. What good will it be to regret it then?”

He wasn’t insulting me directly, but criticizing the nobility was a grave offense. He could be beheaded for it.

On the other hand, it clearly showed the level of public sentiment in the north.

‘If I put myself in their shoes, I can understand.’

If they were forced to make sacrifices just because they were close to the northern gate, it was only natural for them to be dissatisfied.

I thanked the owner and set off on the reindeer.

After fifteen days of diligent riding, we finally arrived at Whitefield County.

But we couldn’t cross the border.

“Whoa, it’s completely blocked? To control the border like this!”

Jericho had every right to be surprised.

Usually, the borders between territories were loosely managed. But what stood before us was a fortress-like gate.

If we were on the Nordic side, it would be understandable.

But this gate was in the northern part of the Empire, ultimately connected to the capital.

It felt like a silent protest.

I hadn’t even met the Margrave yet, but I already had a sense of what kind of person he was.

“Just in case, don’t engage even if they provoke you. They might not even believe we’re from Kalisto.”

“Yes, sir.”

“But if they disrespect the lord, we must punish them accordingly.”

Selendis’s loyalty shone even in the blizzard.

“I understand your feelings. But we don’t have time to waste. It’s important to meet the Margrave as soon as possible. Do you understand?”

“Yes, my lord.”

Ten knights, armed with massive maces, stood guard at the gate. There were originally four, but they were reinforced when we came into view.

They were technically knights, but they were called something different in the north.

Warriors.

A fitting title for this harsh land. Their aura was rough and powerful.

As we approached, the ten warriors surrounded us.

“This is the sacred territory of House Whitefield. All outsiders are forbidden. Turn back now!”

I hadn’t imagined we would be blocked at the border.

And they even called us “outsiders.” It meant everyone outside of Whitefield was considered a foreigner.

This was getting more and more difficult.

But I couldn’t panic. I dismounted from the reindeer and stood before them.

“I am O’Brien von Walker of the Lucius Inspection Unit. I am also the head of House Walker and a vassal of Duke Kalisto. We have business with House Whitefield. Open the gate.”

“Lies!”

House Kalisto didn’t work?

I soon understood why.

“We know the Imperial Family sent you, O’Brien von Walker. How dare you show your face before the Grand Duke! We cannot speak with those who have betrayed honor and loyalty. Get lost! If you don’t retreat, we’ll consider you enemies!”

I had activated ‘Automatic Combat’ just in case.

I could easily take care of ten people if I wanted to. But doing so would be irreversible.

“It seems we’ll have to come back another time.”

We retreated. The ten warriors continued to glare at us.

“I didn’t expect this much resistance. Could Prince Chertan have made a mistake?”

“The prince didn’t make a mistake. He just tried to win them over with wealth, which backfired. It would have been different if Prince Karma had come.”

But that was impossible. The moment he did, the Imperial Family’s authority would plummet.

“Is there a place to stay nearby?”

“There’s a small village about an hour away. But will they welcome us?”

“We’ll find out when we get there.”

Jericho set our course again, and we arrived at the village after an hour of riding.

It was a small village nestled between mountains.

I was surprised that people could live in such a place. It was only possible in a game world.

There were about 50 buildings, and even in the blizzard, people were coming and going. They were bundled up in thick clothes like snowmen.

We tied the reindeer to the side and approached the villagers.

“…”

“…”

No one answered us. They either continued on their way or went inside their houses and locked the doors.

Seeing the adults pulling their children away, we gave up on trying to talk.

“It can’t be helped. We’ll have to camp.”

“The only place to sleep comfortably is a cave. Ugh, I hate climbing mountains. I want to go home…”

“We don’t need to find a cave. Gather some wood nearby. You can process it into large brick molds, right? You’re a top graduate of the academy.”

“Brick molds? What are you planning to do?”

I just smiled. Three hours later, what I had in mind was complete.

It was a bit rough, but it was passable.

“…What is this?”

“It’s called an igloo. It might look cold, but it’s cozy and warm inside.”

“I’ve never heard of it. Does it mean a tomb made of ice?”

The two followed me inside and looked around in awe. I activated an Enclave spell near the entrance, and the wind noise disappeared.

“I take back the tomb comment. It’s really cozy and nice!”

“Now that it’s quiet, let’s brainstorm. How can we cross the border?”