episode_0052

[And so.]

In the past, in the present.

Even in a place known to be frozen, even in the future, there lies Seolsan, a place where the adjective ‘eternal’ is attached.

In that place where only pure white exists, a being emitting a grayish hue like a stain on jade began to speak nonchalantly.

[I sent them to take a look after a while, but they were all wiped out.]

[…I have no excuse, my lord.]

[I don’t want to hear such words, I want to know the cause.]

The figure, looking subordinate with a chilling voice, swallowed hard as if choking on saliva.

Although he could not actually do anything but leave only bones behind, strangely, he felt such a sensation.

However, if he continued to tremble in fear and remain still, he would eventually lose even the remaining soul and become a lowly being.

The desperate white skull immediately nodded, responding to what the grayish being desired.

[That’s… suddenly a witch barged in and used catastrophic magic…]

[A witch? Hmm, those annoying eccentrics could certainly do that.]

The skull, relieved by the owner’s understanding attitude, unfortunately, knew that his master was not someone who would easily pass off ‘defeat.’

[However, responsibility must be taken for the defeat.]

[…What?]

[Haven’t I always instructed you to think and act up to the worst-case scenario? You should have included witches within your expected range.]

[But…!]

Resentment surged at the unreasonable words, but soon the white skull remembered.

The fact that his master lost everything due to a single moment of carelessness and defeat.

And because of that painful memory, he overreacted to ‘defeat.’

‘I’m going to die.’

Already a dead body, he would lose his soul as well and truly become a despicable being.

The white skull despaired, but at that moment, the voice of the possessor continued.

“Originally, it would be right to grind your soul finely and distribute it as a snack for the specters… but you seem not to want to create a bigger variable here.”

“…Yes?”

“Go back and prepare. When it’s time to set out, you should be able to take the vanguard.”

“T-Thank you! My lord…! I-I will burn this body to ensure winter…!”

“Step back.”

After the gray being issued the order, the white skull left its place, and as the snowstorm engulfed it, the gray being watched the disappearing figure of the skull from the jade throne, slowly rising from its seat.

“Hoo.”

Exhaling deeply as if frustrated, the being moved to a place where the Grand Spirit was clearly visible.

Although each step away from the sealed throne caused excruciating pain, the gray being, seemingly accustomed to suffering, did not let out a single scream.

Thus, enduring the pain, it arrived at the sacred ground.

Looking down at the seemingly peaceful Grand Spirit, she cautiously touched the symbol engraved on her chest.

“It’s time.”

Although her body was nothing but bones like her subordinates, she couldn’t smile, but she tried to put on the most relieved expression she could muster.

How humiliating was it?

To be defeated by a goddess with a single moment of carelessness, endlessly mocked by her.

Even recently, didn’t she send a lunatic who didn’t even understand the concept of ‘shame’ to insult me?

She still remembered.

The lunatic who approached me muttering, “There’s a sturdy texture when it comes to skeletons, so I oddly like it.”

The uncouth fanatic who claimed my bones had the features of a beauty and shamelessly licked his lips from our first meeting.

“I will surely… surely seek revenge.”

With gritted teeth, she vowed to push Agathon and those following her into the depths of hell.

Of course, an unexpected obstacle had emerged, but its presence was not easily dismissible.

For whatever reason, if revenge was thwarted, the plan was to kill without hesitation.

Though the strength of the adversary remained unknown due to not having met face-to-face, the individual was once the ruler of winter, commanding vast territories.

Furthermore, currently infused with the power of the evil spirit, Poneria.

Dealing with a witch should be a walk in the park; there was nothing to fear.

[“Hehe… Enjoy the last autumn. Soon, the final winter will arrive.”]

The ashen skull chuckled ominously and returned to its throne.

Then, a thought crossed the mind.

The remaining days until recovery seemed much longer than the past 300 years that had passed.

—

Since the sudden visit of the Grand Duke a few days ago, the atmosphere within the Grand Duchy had rapidly chilled.

Although the estate was normally kept warm with heating charms placed throughout, an unusual coldness crept in.

If a witch who had arrived in the north just a few days ago felt it, there was no way the native Grand Duke wouldn’t notice.

Realizing the unfavorable circumstances, the northern Grand Duke promptly summoned me, initiating our discussion.

“…It doesn’t seem like we’re here for formalities, so let’s get straight to the point.”

A few days ago, there was a minor altercation at the inn that raised some concerns, but the Grand Duke was someone who clearly distinguished between business and personal matters, hence he decisively produced a blank contract.

“Write down everything you desire here.”

“If I write them down, can you fulfill them?”

“Some things may be impossible, but I’ll attempt what is reasonably feasible.”

“Hmm.”

Attempting what is reasonably feasible…

It seems he’s really counting on my assistance.

I gazed at the Grand Duke of the North with a slightly weary expression.

Certainly, the conditions were quite favorable for me.

If he says “Become my slave,” it means that this Grand Duke of the North, who is considered one of the most powerful figures within the realm, would become my servant.

However, a slight unease crept in.

What urgent matter prompted him to offer a blank contract to a witch?

Arms folded, I questioned the silver-haired beauty before me.

“Can you handle it?”

“Haha, are you questioning my abilities now? Fear not, witch. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to drive out the winter!”

“You seem quite desperate. Alright, even if you later claim you can’t handle it, I won’t bat an eye, okay?”

Though I said that, truthfully, I had no intention of listing extravagant demands.

That’s because to me, this Northern territory, or rather this Grand Duchy, could potentially be the final stronghold.

The South and West have fallen into chaos.

The East goes without saying.

The situation in the Central region is simply ‘ambiguous.’

One might argue that ambiguity presents opportunities.

But if the South and West collapsed despite moving with certainty, what would happen in an ambiguous scenario?

It would likely be worse, wouldn’t it?

The North does seem precarious at the moment, to be honest.

Nevertheless, it’s definitely a better situation than the West.

‘Paradise’ crumbled before arrival, while here, there’s a chance of holding ground, so to speak.

Anyway, cutting to the chase.

Since there wasn’t much to gain from tormenting the Grand Duke of the North through the blank contract, I only included what I deemed absolutely necessary.

I added a few more items as I felt the initial list was lacking, but summarizing the content, it would roughly look something like this.

[Will provide a comfortable place to rest.]

[Will pay a substantial amount monthly for peaceful living.]

[Will not engage in hostilities under any circumstances.]

Wouldn’t you say these are fairly reasonable terms?

Risking my life in battle, and asking a mere Northern Duke for a blank contract might seem like a modest request.

Honestly, anything more than this felt a bit overwhelming.

My life goal, as I’ve mentioned countless times, was not about living in luxury and wealth.

It was simply about enjoying a peaceful, content life in a quiet place.

Of course, meeting that sword-wielding fellow made the word ‘peace’ feel a bit distant.

But never once had I forgotten that goal.

“Take a look once, are these conditions acceptable?”

“…I hope they’re not too excessive.”

The Northern Duke began to read through the conditions I had written with a wry smile.

After a moment, he widened his eyes and tilted his head.

“Is this really enough? Your desired conditions feel more like those of a retired mercenary than a witch.”

“What do you mean by ‘witch-like conditions’? Did you expect me to ask for ingredients from a mythical tale or something?”

“To tell the truth… yes, I did.”

Phew.

The Northern Duke breathed a sigh of relief, nodded approvingly, and stamped the blank contract without hesitation.

“By the way, there’s no condition about not approaching that man? I thought after what happened last time, you would add that to the terms.”

“Who said anything happened last time? That guy, he has no interest in someone like you. Stop those futile thoughts and focus on sharpening your skills.”

“…Reluctantly, I have to admit you’re right. If you can’t endure the winter, nothing will be left.”

Hmm.

Whether it was the Northern Duke’s carefree laughter or not, the sound of trumpets began to echo from the northern walls.

Blareeeeeee!

“…Looks like it’s begun.”

“That it has.”

Without delay, the Northern Duke and I prepared ourselves and headed towards the northern walls.

When we arrived at the wall with our companions,

Crackle, crackle—

Winter was approaching.

More severe and menacing than ever before.

The harsh, white winter.