Chapter 178

Episode 178

“Of course not. How could I pity a great warrior of the north?”

As you might have noticed, I’m not only good at sarcasm, but also at playing dumb.

“It was a fair fight. I have no regrets about this bow.”

“I just wanted this bow to return to its rightful owner. It doesn’t suit me. Neither does the title of North’s Divine Archer.”

Shallow sympathy is poison.

She was a proud warrior of the north. In times like this, it was necessary to revisit Kant’s concept of “purposiveness without purpose.”

If we assume strength is a form of aesthetics, I wanted to appreciate it for what it is, not for its purpose.

That was the only way to move the heart of a warrior as steadfast as permafrost.

“It’s true that the north is a dangerous place. But it’s a prejudice to say that other regions are less dangerous. They might be different in form and color, but the east, west, and south all have their own hardships.”

“I don’t need your… advice. I never belittled other regions. And I never looked down on you for being from the south.”

“You were watching me, weren’t you?”

“I wasn’t just watching. I didn’t want you and your subordinates to face any trouble. Are you satisfied with my answer?”

I’m usually not one to lose a verbal spar, but today was tough.

Was this the power of a protagonist-level character?

“Have you ever been to other regions, Lady Freya? To the east, west, or south?”

“No. To be precise, I’ve never left the north.”

“They’re full of monsters and bandits. These days, demons are appearing too. My family is there. I have a lot to do, but I’m here in a foreign land, carrying out a mission. It weighs on my mind.”

“What are you trying to say?”

If Freya wasn’t interested in my work, she wouldn’t have asked so many questions. She would have just left, saying it was a waste of time.

It was time to get to the point.

“Wherever you go, you’ll face many dangers. In the end, the only thing that can protect you is your own strength. Mistilteinn will be helpful. That’s why I’m returning it to you.”

I held out the bow again. Freya still didn’t take it.

“Am I being presumptuous?”

“No, not at all, but…”

“The title of North’s Divine Archer doesn’t suit me. Yesterday’s victory was just luck. I hope it remains a modifier that follows you, Lady Freya.”

“If that’s your reason, then I understand. I believe I’m strong enough to protect myself even without Mistilteinn.”

But I didn’t withdraw the bow.

“My goal is one: to change this place by completing the construction as quickly and successfully as possible. I have nothing more to wish for than for the people of the north to dream of a future, not just survival.”

“That’s very kind of you, but wouldn’t it ultimately benefit you, even if peace comes to the north? It requires a great sacrifice.”

“I don’t fight losing battles. I only fight battles I can win.”

I had already proven that through my achievements. As the Margrave’s daughter, she would know.

“My goal isn’t limited to the north. I’m also interested in this continent and beyond the Veil Sea. To achieve that, I need many talented individuals. I can’t do it alone. I’m certain that if you lend me your strength, we can get closer to our ultimate goal.”

“What is… your ultimate goal?”

“Honestly, I don’t know yet. I’m still figuring it out.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

Freya let out a hollow laugh. Her heart wavered again at my unexpected answer.

No, it wasn’t actually unexpected. She was also searching for her own purpose.

“I don’t expect a master-servant relationship. Would you help me as my comrade?”

The silence as she stared at me felt long.

“I never thought I’d hear those words. Should I call you eccentric? No, that would be rude… You’re a very unique person. You’re the first to shake my beliefs twice.”

“You flatter me. I’m just an ordinary Inspector.”

“I don’t want rumors spreading about an ordinary Inspector defeating two great warriors of the north.”

“I promise you. I will make this a better place. Please lend me your strength.”

I spoke with sincerity.

Freya walked to the window and wiped the frost off the glass.

The snow was still falling relentlessly. It seemed like it would never stop.

Even in the blizzard, the warriors were bravely wielding their weapons. For the peace of the north.

Was leaving the north really the wise choice?

As that thought crossed her mind, a spark ignited in Freya’s calm eyes.

She turned around and approached me.

“I’ve become curious. To see how this land will change… You’re stronger than me, so I should serve you as my master. Sir O’Brien, I will serve you as my new master.”

She pounded her fist against her chest.

That wasn’t all. She drew a dagger, cut her finger, and stained the blade with blood.

Freya respectfully offered me the dagger with both hands.

It was a northern oath of loyalty.

“I should also prove my sincerity.”

I took the dagger Freya offered and cut my hand, letting my blood drip onto Mistilteinn.

Something amazing happened.

The snow-white Mistilteinn absorbed my blood. There was no trace of blood left.

“Take it. I entrust my life to you as well. I look forward to working with you, Freya.”

Freya finally took the bow with both hands.

I added, “The title of North’s Divine Archer will remain your honor.”

I had successfully won over the heart of the great warrior, who I suspected to be one of the protagonists of ‘Queen Maker.’

I had mentioned before that names were important in this world.

Freya was the person the north needed the most right now. She was often depicted as a goddess of abundance in various media.

I called my subordinates who were waiting outside. Heinkel also entered.

“I have good news. Lady Freya has become a member of our family.”

“Oh! Really? Congratulations! You’ve gained a wonderful asset!”

“Welcome, Lady Freya.”

The captain of the Walker Knight Order offered her a handshake. The two firmly clasped hands.

As the possessor of this body, I was pleased with the sight.

Freya said, “I have a request. Heinkel has been my comrade and swordsmanship teacher for a long time. Could you take him in?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing. What do you say, Sir Heinkel? Would you join House Walker?”

“I’m no longer a swordsmanship teacher, but an adjutant. I must follow the person I serve. If you take me in, I’ll work hard.”

“I acknowledge you as a member of House Walker.”

Heinkel also drew his dagger and pledged his loyalty. I carefully received the dagger he offered.

Freya said, “Now tell us what we need to do. I’m familiar with the north, so I can do anything.”

“Before that, I think it’s best to report to His Excellency. I’ll be back soon, so talk amongst yourselves.”

Two prominent figures had joined my ranks. I needed to give Selendis and Jericho enough time to accept them.

I went to see the Margrave.

“I request an audience to report something, Your Excellency. We’ve recruited Freya, who was disowned by House Whitefield, into our family. We’ve also taken Heinkel in as a vassal.”

“Hmm, so it came to this.”

Surprisingly, Finwinter wasn’t angry or upset. He seemed to view this situation as a natural course of events.

“The warriors of the north follow those who are stronger than them. You’ve proven your strength, so it’s only natural for them to follow you. You don’t need to report every little thing to me.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

“Don’t go easy on her just because she’s my blood. She’s a child who has severed ties with our family. Treat her according to the principles of House Walker.”

“Yes, sir.”

“But…”

The Margrave hesitated for a moment. I waited patiently for his command, my hands clasped respectfully.

“If Freya ever finds a partner in the future, please let me know.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, Your Excellency.”

“Take good care of her.”

Was it just my imagination that his words “take good care of her” sounded meaningful?

At this point, I was starting to think that I was the player of ‘Queen Maker,’ not just a character in it. There were plenty of games where you collected and nurtured protagonists.

I left the office and returned to my quarters.

The atmosphere was still awkward, but with Jericho’s social skills, they would soon become one.

“The messengers have departed, so all we have to do is wait. It’s a bit boring to just wait, so let’s have a drink to celebrate.”

“Oh! Sounds good! The northern liquor is strong and delicious!”

“You should enjoy yourself today, Lady Selendis. It’s a happy occasion.”

“Understood.”

Heinkel cautiously spoke up.

“It’s a bit awkward to drink in the castle, so how about we go to my house? It’s not far from here. I have plenty of good liquor.”

“That’s a good idea. What do you think?”

“We’d love to!”

“I’m in.”

The new recruits seemed unfamiliar with this democratic atmosphere. They were used to organizations where they had to follow orders without question.

But they would adapt.

* * *

Karma hurriedly made his way to the reception room upon hearing that a messenger had arrived from House Whitefield. Olaf escorted him.

“What happened? The last report was bleak…”

The information from the Imperial spies was that they had been driven out at the border and were camping in Aslan.

And they had only received reports that the situation in the north was becoming more chaotic due to the appearance of demons.

“We have no choice but to trust O’Brien for now.”

“The church is pressuring us to dispatch Paladins. We have no justification to refuse.”

“I know.”

The prince entered the reception room. The northern warrior, clad in cold, heavy armor, saluted, his gaze still filled with disapproval.

Karma wanted to scold him for the humiliation his brother had suffered.

But he would do that after confirming the news the messenger had brought.

“Greetings to the Little Sun of the Empire. The head of House Whitefield has sent a personal letter to Your Highness. Please accept it.”

Olaf, the captain of the Imperial Guard, received the letter and presented it to Karma. Karma immediately opened the envelope and took out the letter.

The letter contained a plan he couldn’t have imagined.

‘Is this really possible?’

Karma couldn’t take his eyes off the letter for a while. The Margrave had written in detail about O’Brien’s plan and what he had done in the north.

It was all unbelievable.

“…Thank you for your hard work. I’ll write a reply soon, so you may leave for now.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

After dismissing the messenger, Karma immediately headed to the Emperor’s chambers.