Chapter 68: Sorting Things Out (2)

Pitter-patter.

Snow fell from the skies, forming a thick layer of it on the ground as they accumulated, covering her vicinity entirely in white.

Pitter-patter.

Winter here was eternal. The snow that fell never melted either. Regardless, she waited.

Would this coldness melt away in the distant future?

If she waited and held on until the snow became water for the land, would it ever sprout?

No, she doubted it.

It was no different from her situation.

She often found herself wondering if spring would ever come to her.

Julies life began with death.

She gained life at the price of her mothers, after all.

That was the first-ever sin she committed when she was born into this world.

Wow

Freydens resistance was always held in gelid winter. The small child stared blankly at the knights swordsmanship in the pure white hall.

The knights brandished their swords as they sweated, but among them, her father and brother were the best. She was proud of them. They were beautiful.

It looked like a play from a distance, and from close up, it looked like a dance.

At that moment, her older brother, finishing his match, looked back at her, sweat dripping from him suddenly freezing like jewels.

Ah, um er

Julie avoided his gaze.

Zeit never spoke to Julie first. Everyone in their family was like that. Even though there was nothing wrong with her, they always drew an invisible line.

Julie.

However, that day was an exception. Her elder brother looked at her with a melancholic smile for reasons she couldnt decipher.

Young Julie faced him with wide-open eyes.

Y-Y-Y-Yes, brother?

Would you like to wield a sword too?

Yes?

Her dream of being a knight was etched deep in her heart from then on.

Knights served their masters. They became the swords that cut every enemy before them. They protected their subjects and the country while staying true to their beliefs.

There was no room for her in it.

Yet, despite taking away her mother from her family, despite her existence itself being a sin, she still dreamed of it, no matter how long and distant it was.

.

Julie opened her eyes. The morning sky was dark, and there was a throbbing pain in her heart.

Knock, knock

Hearing a knock on the door, Julie got up from her bed. The aching pain spread all over her body, but with a little patience, she knew itd go away.

Your bath is ready. The servant outside said.

Okay.

Julie entered the bathroom and looked at the mirror blankly. Staring at herself, she remembered her promise to him.

If you cant become the Guardian Knight within that time, we might have to get married after all. So, dont get stuck in one place.

Now, there wasnt much time left.

* * *

Dephalem Forest near Hadekain on the western part of the empire.

[Side Quest: Support for Demon Purification]

Store Currency +2

These days, the concentration of mana had increased in some areas, causing demon-related monsters such as gargoyles to appear. Today, I was tasked to suppress and purify one of those locations as part of a quest requested by the cathedral and accepted by the tower.

Hmm.

Initially, I smashed all the beasts and foes that got in my way and moved forward, but at some point, I found an area dotted with death variables, covering it with the most vivid red I had ever seen.

My intuition told me that if I went in there, my death would be inevitable. The danger it posed was far from ordinary.

[The Villains Fate] worked according to my skills.

A trap prepared by just a few goblins wouldnt even get caught by its radar.

But this forest was far from the threat such low-class monsters could pose against me.

On the other side, an enemy that I couldnt overcome was lurking.

Hmmmm

Of course, if my opponent were a demon, I would grow stronger.

However, there was a limit to that since the concentration of mana here was too thin. This forest wasnt as rich in mana as the Crebas Canyon or the Devils Barrier.

Whats going on, Professor? A blonde priest asked, following my lead.

Terpe, I stood still and searched for a suitable excuse to run away without looking scared Lets go back.

I turned around without saying a word, causing Terpe to look perplexed.

But we havent even reached the source yet.

Weve done enough scouting and analysis. Lets do the rest next time. You must always prepare ahead of time for anything to avoid being in danger. I calmly spoke as I walked. We can finish it quickly, but I want to teach you the method of getting rid of demons cautiously.

Terpe nodded. After about thirty minutes, we finally reached the forest entrance, where Yeriel and my vassals were waiting. Her puffed cheeks displayed her anger.

Are you done? Yeriel asked.

Terpe shook his head.

We just scouted ahead today and decided to finish the task at hand later.

She quickly turned her head and glared at me upon hearing his reply. Ignoring her, I got into the car.

Terpe bowed.

Thank you for your hard work, Yeriel.

Youre welcome, priest. Thank you as well.

Yeriel also got in quickly. As soon as she took a seat, she yelled, Why! Why couldnt I?!

Be quiet.

You didnt even make it to the end! It wouldnt have been dangerous!

The eldest daughter of the Yukline family and the deputy lord of Hadekain wanted to accompany me for todays purification.

However, I had no intention of putting her on the battlefield.

Youd only be a hindrance.

Im also a Yukline, you know? Im stronger against demonic entities!

That wasnt true.

Yukline blood didnt flow in her veins.

Dont be stupid. The ones in charge dont stay on the frontlines. In the future, if you ever step into any warzone, Ill assume our promise doesnt exist in the first place. Youve been warned.

Yeriels expression hardened.

Are you serious?

She looked at me while grinding her teeth.

Youve been pretending to be a great brother lately, but today, you decided to humiliate me in front of our vassals. How will I be able to look at them now?

Yeriel was really looking forward to this day. To assert her legitimacy to our subjects, she even brought

It was also happening near the territory of Yukline, so she probably felt a sense of responsibility.

Regardless, I ignored her wishes. I didnt allow her to follow, causing her to feel shame in front of our villeins.

Yeriel.

What?

Yeriel.

What?!

My face hardened.

Yeriel.

Gosh, what is it sir?!

Yeriel pouted, her voice trembling.

However, this time, I couldnt back down.

Stop acting like a child. Dont be stubborn.

Everything I was doing was for her.

Dont make a scene. You should know better without me having to point out your behavior.

How long do you plan to act like a child?

Yeriel knew the traditions of the Yukline family.

Perhaps the reason for her current actions was to prove to the vassals that the tradition had been passed on to her.

Act according to your position. Show the dignity our estate deserves.

Yeriel didnt answer, leaning silently against the window instead. Her hair obscured her face, but she looked like she was about to cry.

Her tiny shoulders were shaking, and her breathing was ragged.

Lets go to the Isle of Wizards Wealth. I have work to do today.

I didnt talk to Yeriel.

Dephalem Forest.

Did he leave? Did he leave? Asked Gerek, sharpening his dagger while holding his breath amid the long coniferous woods.

He was a handsome man with his long black hair tied behind his back and was nicknamed multi-personality, which didnt suit him.

Did he really leave?

Yes. He did. Arlos nodded.

Gerek asked again. Did he leave? For real?

Yes.

Really?!

I said he did, son of a bitch.

Oh~ No way~!

Only when she cursed did he seem convinced.

Like this, each of the Ashes had a screw loosened.

Did he notice?

Yeah, you moron. How could he not? You radiated so much murderous aura.

Deculeins a coward, huh? I did it to lure him in!

Arlos just smiled.

She actually seemed to understand why Deculein avoided Gerek.

His voice played in her head.

You dont avoid excrements because youre afraid of it, but because theyre disgusting and dirty.

That was what he most likely thought.

Man~ This is annoying. Aaaah~

Gerek groaned and slammed the back of his head against a tree.

Do you even have any reason to aim for Deculein?

Huh?

You want to kill him just because hes famous, right?

Gerek naively tilted his head. He then giggled.

Well, theres more to it than that. I have a huge grudge against the Yukline family. They submerged our village, after all.

He tapped his forehead with his finger.

As you probably already know, even at this moment, there are a lot of people talking in my head. All of them are members of my family who died then.

The pathology of his multiple personalities was ultimately due to the Yukline family.

If so, then he had a pretty good reason.

What about you, Arlos? Gerek then asked.

I dont. In fact, I have no intention of killing him.

Of course, there was that incident with him, but she held no grudge against him.

Deculein was like a beehive. His destruction would cause bigger problems. Hence, she rejected the notion of turning the entire Yukline family into an enemy.

Why? Didnt you say your parents were also wizards, Arlos? Maybe they had a grudge against them?

Shut up.

Her parents died before she was even three years old.

She didnt know why, and she didnt want to know.

Who knows? Deculein might have killed them.

He was just a child back then. Stop spouting nonsense and shut up.

I mean

Arlos grabbed Gereks collar and stared at him as if she was going to kill him.

If you keep talking like that, I will tear up your insides and kill you.

Oh, Im sorry~ Please understand~ Im just pissed since Deculein suddenly flew off.

If you understand, then begin preparing it.'

She let go of his neck.

Their goal wasnt to ambush Deculein in the first place. They just happened to have a mission to carry out around the same area.

However, accidentally hearing the news that Deculein was coming, the guys who were currently teaming up with Arlos, including Gerek and Glipper, got excited.

Anyway, I will definitely kill Deculein. Gerek laughed softly and leaned against a tree.

My family is hoping for that. Right, brother?

Yes, brother. They are. You know how painful it was when I drowned.

Yeah. I do. Father also said

Ignoring the bizarre conversation he had with himself, Arlos read the newspaper.

[Symposium problem #6, will it finally be solved by Head Professor Deculein? The Place of Proof ]

* * *

Red Garnett Adventure Teams tertiary settlement, the Principality of Yuren.

Now. Read it, everyone.

Inside the house she was staying in with the children, Ganesha opened the adventurer exam pamphlet.

[Get ready for the 133rd Adventurers Test! The Adventurers Guild awaits talented challengers!]

[On page 37, a Q&A with Guild Master Go-Hol!]

[Are you curious about the ranking of adventurers these days? Check out page 47!]

Carlos, Leo, and Lia read its contents while eating ice cream.

While looking at their faces, Ganesha noticed Lias increase in height.

Wow. Lias growing up quickly. Your skeletal structure is definitely perfect for adventurers. Not too thick, but not too fragile either. You have a very strong body.

She touched Lias body all over, causing her to feel ticklish and to push her away.

Ah, haha. Stop hahahaha

I think youll be taller than Reylie in three more months.

Damn. Why drag me into your conversation?

Reylie, an adventurer eating chips on the couch, clicked her tongue. She turned her attention to the two other children.

Carlos, Leo. You guys are growing a bit slower, huh? Lia is already 160cm. What are you guys doing?

Their faces scrunched up, their pride seemingly hurt.

Lia is two years older than us. Thats why shes growing faster

Thats true. In the end, youll get bigger. Its all genes.

How are the Freyden these days, Reylie? Ganesha asked.

Julies cousin, Reylie, was no different from an imperial informant. Almost all rumors reached her ears.

She shrugged.

I dont know. Theres no news about them these days. Then again, Knight Julie seems to have reconciled with her fianc.

She reconciled with Professor Deculein?

Yes. Theyre not fighting, at least.

What?! Ganeshas eyes widened. However, as she was about to ask a pretty stupid question, Lia suddenly screamed at the top of her lungs.

The two of them are reconciling?!

Ganesha and Reylie both looked at her at the same time, finding her looking as if a hammer just hit the back of her head.

Reylie chuckled. Now that she had started reading newspapers these days, she seemed to have grown interested in these rumors.

Yeah. Thats what rumor says. Why?

No way!

What do you mean?

It cant be!

However, her reaction was much more turbulent than expected.

It couldnt be, how, why, no

She mumbled those words incomprehensibly, then ran back to her room.

What? Whats wrong with her?

Did she eat something wrong?

The two grown-ups just smirked.

Nice~ Then well get her ice cream too

The moment Carlos and Leo were about to steal her dessert, Lias door opened.

Put it down, you idiots! Give it to me! Thats mine!

She charged in and headed back into her room after retrieving it.

* * *

The Grand Hall on the 5th floor of Megiseon had been designated as the place of proof of the Symposium question number sixs resolution presented by Deculein.

The event, which would make or break his thesis, was held in such a magnificent place.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow

Epherene was lucky enough to be one of the few that could attend it.

There were a lot of famous wizards around her. The jury alone was composed of two Ethereal-ranked mages: Rogerio and Gindalf. There were also Louina, Becca, and Ihelm

Even Her Majestys younger brother, Kreto, was present!

Whys he seated next to a cat?

In the seat next to him, a peculiar red feline was lying and yawning.

Its cute.

Be quiet, Epherene. Youre embarrassing. Sylvia said.

Epherene stared at her.

Their tickets were their reward for their contribution in solving the Baron of Ashes case.

Huh? Hey! Youre Epherene, right?

At that moment, they heard a voice familiar to Epherene. The two debutantes both tracked down its source.

Oh? Arent you the professors younger sister?

Their eyes landed on Yeriel, whom she met by chance before.

Yeriel smiled. Yup. Long time no see!

Thanks to you, I got a penalty point. Epherenes cheeks puffed.

Yeriel simply shrugged.

Really? Im sorry. I got caught, too, you know. How about we call it even?

That ugh!

Hello.

Sylvia pushed Epherene away. Giving her a soft smile, she greeted Yeriel politely.

Nice to meet you. I am Sylvia.

A gentle yet polite introduction.

Yeriel nodded awkwardly.

Yeah I know. You are Sylvia of Iliade.

Yes.

Sylvias eyes, looking at Yeriel, moved and gazed somewhere else. Epherene did the same.

Huh.

She stood out above all else. Setting aside her white hair, eyes, and beautiful appearance, she was the only knight in a place filled with wizards.

Deculeins fiance, Julie. She received a special invitation.

Wearing a robe over her light armor, she delightfully approached Yeriel upon finding her.

How have you been, Yeriel?

Hello. She twisted her lip upward.

Julie seemed to be preparing to say something, but Yeriel turned her head as if she didnt want to talk to her. Hence, she just smiled bitterly and sat down.

We will now turn off the lights.

The room dimmed not long after.

The Place of Proof of the Symposiums 6th question, which has remained unanswered for 15 years, shall now begin.

Although not as vast as its name suggested, the Grand Hall was the most honorable place to discuss magical science.

The curtain fell on the podium on the other side.

Sigh

Epherene looked at Sylvia, who seemed tense.

What are you doing?

She was acting weird. When she didnt answer, she followed her laser-like gaze, finding a white-haired person.

Julie.