Chapter 173

Episode 173

The adjutant’s name was Heinkel.

He might have looked like a simple country boy, but he was one of the most dangerous individuals in the north.

The title of ‘adjutant’ was just a facade. He was actually Freya’s swordsmanship teacher.

That didn’t mean there was a significant age difference between them.

He also possessed a natural talent for swordsmanship.

If he had been ambitious, he could have secured a high position in the north, but Heinkel chose to stay by Freya’s side. They shared the same political beliefs.

He believed that the north was leaning too heavily towards anti-Imperialism.

While it was true that the Imperial Family and the nobles were acting selfishly, he believed that dialogue was the solution.

He also didn’t support the appeasement policy towards the Nordics. As a result, he naturally distanced himself from power. He often said he preferred not being tied down.

“It’s probably too much to hope that the conversation went well, right?”

“I told him I would leave the north if he made peace with the Nordics.”

“Sigh… So it came to this.”

As Freya walked past, Heinkel hurriedly followed her.

“Wait a minute! Please reconsider leaving the north. You are the wielder of Mistilteinn. How can you leave? The wielder of Mistilteinn has a duty to protect the north.”

When Freya showed no signs of stopping, Heinkel ran ahead and blocked her path with his arms outstretched. Freya finally stopped.

“Then we’ll find a new wielder. I can’t accept those Nordics setting foot on our land, no matter what.”

“My lady…”

Giving up ‘Mistilteinn’ was no different from abandoning her beliefs as a warrior.

That’s why Heinkel couldn’t persuade her any further.

“The guests will arrive soon. It seems we should welcome Sir O’Brien, so at least pretend to be prepared.”

“Understood. Are you planning to greet them personally?”

“House Kalisto is the most trustworthy family in the Empire. As their representative, it’s appropriate for me to greet them personally. I doubt my brothers will bother.”

Heinkel pounded his fist against his chest. It was a northern military salute. But the expression on his face as he looked at Freya was troubled.

* * *

The capital of Whitefield was covered in snow. We stopped for a moment to take in the view.

The snow had stopped, and our vision extended far into the distance.

The towering gray castle looked desolate. Beyond it, the ‘Northern Gate’ was faintly visible.

I heard that gate was the last line of defense against Nordic invasions.

Apparently, there was another fortress beyond the gate, so Nordic warriors never actually attacked it.

“I understand why the Margrave is so confident. If we weren’t properly prepared, we wouldn’t have even made it here.”

Jericho wasn’t exaggerating.

We had witnessed countless natural phenomena on our journey through the north. Blizzards, strong winds, and avalanches.

But as we got closer to the main castle, the cold pierced through our aura. We were fortunate to be wearing BYC; otherwise, we might have caught a cold.

“It’s literally a deadly cold. It only strengthens my resolve to succeed in my plan.”

“I wonder if an ice dragon is breathing on us. I can’t believe this is a natural phenomenon.”

“We should explore it later. You might be right.”

“Ugh, what a horrifying thought. Dragons are on a completely different level than demons. I’d rather hunt demons in the demon realm.”

At that moment, a group of warriors approached us. They were all heavily armed.

Freya was at the front, accompanied by her adjutant.

We dismounted from the reindeer.

“As expected of magicians. Even aura users struggle to reach this place. Are you alright? No frostbite?”

“We’re fine. Jericho here is also a doctor, a top graduate of Kalisto Academy. He can easily treat something like that.”

“And a descendant of the ancient Crusaders. Right?”

Freya casually revealed Jericho’s secret.

It seemed the church’s information had reached here as well. Jericho didn’t bother denying it.

“This is Lady Selendis, the captain of the Walker Knight Order.”

“Selendis Meyer.”

Selendis bowed politely.

Freya’s sharp gaze scanned her eyes and hair. Did she recognize her status? She was indeed extraordinary.

“I saw your performance in Aslan. House Walker has many talented individuals. Let me introduce my subordinate as well. This is Heinkel. You’ve met before, right? He’s my adjutant, but also my swordsmanship teacher.”

“Heinkel Griezmann. It’s a pleasure to meet you again, Sir O’Brien. Welcome to Whitefield.”

“That’s the first welcome I’ve heard since arriving in the north.”

Heinkel chuckled at my joke. He seemed like a down-to-earth person.

“And I don’t think it was rude. It showed how much you care for the people of your territory.”

“Thank you. I was surprised as well. I didn’t expect to sense demonic energy so suddenly.”

To be able to sense demonic energy meant he was quite skilled. I shouldn’t let my guard down.

After exchanging greetings, we entered Whitefield’s main castle. The snow had been cleared beforehand, so there was no difficulty entering.

There was a huge fireplace inside. The warmth from it spread throughout the castle, slightly raising the temperature.

It was also well-protected from the wind, so it was bearable even without using aura.

“We should hold a banquet for our guests from afar, but due to the current situation, we haven’t made any preparations. Please understand.”

Freya led us to the reception room, where we were served warm stew.

The Margrave still showed no signs of appearing.

Since Freya was also present, I took the opportunity to ask some questions.

“I understand the Nordics have been restless lately. How often do they attack?”

“The attacks have stopped. It’s been about a month.”

“Stopped? Is there a special reason?”

This was completely different from the information I had. The reason we sent supplies from Kalisto Dukedom was to prepare for the upcoming war.

“This might be the first time you’re hearing this. We didn’t tell Prince Chertan when he came. House Whitefield is currently preparing for peace with the Nordics.”

“P-Peace?”

Jericho was surprised. But it was within my expectations.

It wasn’t a recent development that the Margrave had threatened to open the Northern Gate.

Of course, it had never been opened before, but that didn’t mean the probability was zero.

Jericho asked, “So you’re saying Whitefield is forming some kind of alliance with the Nordics?”

“That’s right.”

“Oh, my God!”

The milk was already spilled.

Now was the time to assess the damage, not try to put it back in the bottle.

“Preparing for peace suggests it hasn’t been finalized yet. How far along are you?”

“It’s all up to my father’s decision. Once he sends a letter, the Nordics will be able to pass through our territory.”

“I believe the Margrave is aware that this act is treason.”

Freya’s breath formed a faint cloud in the air.

“We’ve been treating the Empire like a foreign country for quite some time now. He won’t consider it a rebellion.”

“That’s a fallacy. As far as I know, the name Whitefield was bestowed by the Emperor of the Empire. Denying the Empire is no different from denying the roots of House Whitefield.”

Freya didn’t seem interested in my point.

She just stared at me.

“We’ve long forgotten our roots. Many warriors are advocating for peace with the Nordics. What good will it do in this situation?”

“You say that because you’re against it, Lady Freya?”

Freya hesitated for a moment but then nodded.

So it was just Freya, Heinkel, and a few other warriors on our side.

“I was born and raised here. I was taught that a warrior of the north must fight the Nordics. It’s like an instinct ingrained in us from birth. And countless comrades and family members have been sacrificed by their swords and spears. I don’t want their sacrifices to be in vain.”

“I understand the situation.”

I couldn’t judge who was right or wrong. It was a matter of values. I apologized to Freya, but I was only interested in succeeding in my plan here.

“Please help us, Lady Freya. My plan can transform the entire north into a livable place. If that happens, even the warriors and vassals who resent the Imperial Family will change their minds.”

“That plan is still a secret, right?”

“You’ll find out soon.”

Freya and Heinkel left, and we sat by the fireplace, resting from our journey. Jericho fell asleep, purring like a cat.

Selendis, who was enjoying the fire with me, quietly spoke.

“I feel like she’s similar to me.”

“Lady Freya?”

“Yes.”

It was only natural for her to feel that way.

According to my hypothesis, both Selendis and Freya were playable characters.

In other words, they were protagonists of this game.

“It must be difficult to keep fighting a lonely battle. I want to help her, regardless of political stances.”

“I agree. Even a good deed can backfire without justification. The Margrave is making an emotional decision. We have to stop him.”

After some time, we heard a commotion, and a group of sturdy warriors entered with a powerful aura.

“Southern nobles are weak. To collapse from exhaustion after just arriving here.”

“There’s a wonderful culture in the Empire called introductions. It seems the fickle weather of the north has prevented that culture from spreading here. What a shame.”

“…”

I knew who this was. If Jericho’s information was correct, it was Baldr, the eldest son. He looked exactly like his portrait.

He gritted his teeth, perhaps annoyed by my sarcasm.

“This is Lord Baldr, the eldest son of House Whitefield and a great warrior! Show some respect!”

A warrior next to him introduced him, and Jericho, wiping his nose, stepped forward.

“This is Sir O’Brien von Walker, the head of House Walker, Inspector of the Lucius Inspection Unit, and Plenipotentiary of House Kalisto! You should be the ones showing respect!”

It seemed the title of Plenipotentiary carried weight.

The warriors flinched at those words. Baldr finally relaxed his expression.

“The Margrave has granted you an audience. Follow me.”

I activated ‘Automatic Combat.’

It wouldn’t be surprising if they led us to a secluded place and assassinated us.

Fortunately, I didn’t have to draw the Sword of Chaos.

*Creak—*

A massive iron door opened, and we entered the office, feeling the rough texture of animal hides.

A sharp aura pierced through the air.

“…”

The Swordmaster of the Empire and the King of the North was glaring at me.