Chapter 48
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Holy Kingdom - 1
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Selnia had a simple breakfast at our house before heading back to her own.
"I sent the firewood ahead yesterday with some help."
"I see."
Elsia was thorough as always. Reliable!
"That said, I'm worried."
"Worried?"
"Yes. It's already March, but not only is the weather not warming up—it's getting colder."
"You're right."
"At this rate, we might not be able to farm this year."
"..."
Elsia's words sparked a flurry of thoughts. We couldn't just sit idle because of winter forever.
'It'd be nice if it resolved itself naturally.'
Something felt off in the north, and ignoring it didn't sit right.
"Leon, where's Vivian?"
"Vivian's with Mom, doing laundry."
"In this weather?"
"Yeah, she said the bedsheets got really dirty because of someone."
"Ah!"
Considering my wild nights, I really should make a washing machine for the family's sake.
...
"So, about Sian."
"I see."
Vivian had been sticking close to Sylvia lately.
It couldn't be helped. Sylvia was the only one she could really talk to.
But the biggest reason was that they were both from the North.
'Those blue eyes mark her as Ice Flower Tribe for sure, yet she built a life with raiders despite her constitution.'
Vivian found Sylvia fascinating. She spoke two languages fluently, had a beauty unmatched even among northern stunners, and maintained such open sexual relationships.
'Raiders are just so promiscuous, as expected.'
At first, Vivian thought Sylvia was Sian's principal wife. But Sian's actual wife was Chloe, Sylvia's daughter. Meaning Sylvia was intimate with her own son-in-law. Even in the North, where the strong claimed all, such a relationship was rare.
'Becky and Bessy better not see and learn from this.'
Worried her twin little sisters might pick up raider ways, Vivian went laundering with Sylvia.
"Ugh... It's freezing. Right?"
"Circulate your mana, and it'll be easier."
"How do you do that?"
"Like this."
The river water chilled to the bone, but as northern-born, Vivian wielded frost-affinity mana innately, enduring cold better than most. Sylvia, also northern-born, managed similarly.
"Sylvia!"
"Sian? What brings you out in this cold?"
As Sylvia taught Vivian basic mana circulation,
her son-in-law—and Vivian's master—Sian arrived.
Sian chatted briefly with Sylvia, who relayed it to Vivian.
"Vivian, Sian wants directions to the North."
"Suddenly?"
"Yeah, he wants to investigate the endless winter."
Vivian rubbed her temples, headache brewing at Sylvia's words.
"Sylvia, can you tell my master it's too hard for now?"
"Because of the conflicts you mentioned before?"
The North was harsh, divided among tribes. Each had distinct traits and strengths, so they avoided encroachment, trading instead.
But the Frost Claw Tribe, seeking unification, invaded the Ice Flower Tribe first, then oppressed others.
Not stopping there, trolls from the Snow Mountains swarmed like they'd been drugged, invading the North. Recently, even Vivian's Fang Tribe suffered heavy losses, scattering survivors.
Heading to such a dire North? It was like walking into a warzone.
But an even bigger issue loomed.
"That's part of it, but crossing the Snow Mountains to the North—the cold there is brutal."
Tough as northerners were to cold, Vivian had struggled passing the Snow Mountains.
With weather worsening, it must be colder now.
For someone not born with frost mana to brave it? Perfect recipe for freezing.
Sylvia summarized Vivian's points for Sian.
Sian muttered with a troubled frown.
"This... might mean considering a move."
...
I didn't want to leave Lugeron Village if possible.
The Dark Forest was called a demon realm, but to me, it was a treasure trove of opportunity.
Still, family safety trumped that.
So, I decided to move.
"So, we're moving."
"Suddenly?"
"The endless winter bothers me. And it's colder than last year."
"It is chilly. Everyone's carrying torches even midday."
"But where to, Sian?"
"Thinking of Father's land in the south for now."
"That far? Leaving most luggage behind?"
"Just load essentials on carts."
"Sian, we don't have donkeys. Planning to use monsters like before?"
"Sylvia, don't worry. I'll pull the cart."
"Won't that tire you?"
"Hmm... Yeah, but we'll see."
Not much hassle. Ditch unneeded goods, pack necessities, and I'd haul it.
My handmade house, waterwheel, unused ice storage—they'd be missed, but no need to cling.
"But Chloe's due soon, right?"
The real worry: Chloe's birth was just two months away.
"Sylvia's right. Why not move after the birth, Sian?"
"Hmm... Probably."
"Sorry, dear. Because of me."
"No. As long as Chloe and the baby are healthy, I'm fine."
So, rashly moving now wasn't feasible.
As the family meeting fizzled,
"Sian, pardon the intrusion."
the Village Chief arrived unannounced.
What? He wasn't one for silent visits.
"Chief, what's up?"
"Guests seeking you—I came myself."
"???"
Guests? I grabbed Robera first.
Villagers needing help wouldn't go through him.
So, outsiders.
"Many?"
"If you're thinking fight, don't. They're from the Holy Kingdom."
"What?!"
Elsia startled most at "Holy Kingdom."
Her wide knowledge suggested they weren't welcome.
"Did they say why they want me?"
"Mumbled about an oracle, then clammed up."
Oracle? Religious group, as suspected.
"If they're seeking you directly, no hostility."
"But doesn't feel friendly either."
Elsia pondered, then spoke cautiously.
"Can't know the oracle's content, but if you're the subject, they can't harm you."
"So, I'm in control."
"Yes."
"Good. Clara, Vivian—let's go."
"Got it!"
Clara grabbed her black bow and arrows. Vivian, via Sylvia's translation, armed her well-maintained axe.
I led the two women to the Chief's house.
There stood knights in pristine white armor—holy knights, unmistakably.
'These guys are strong.'
Their auras were exceptional.
Sharp as Wolf's, who'd scarred me.
But they lacked famed blades like Robera, and I'd grown since. Plus Robera.
So, I declared confidently.
"I'm the hunter Sian you're looking for."
"...The Apostle awaits inside."
A blue-haired woman—likely knight captain—responded.
'This woman?'
Beautiful face marred by a horizontal scar—pity, but fleeting.
Her aura outclassed the others vastly.
'Tough matchup.'
Worlds apart; I'd need full seriousness.
"This way."
Unlike my wariness, she guided then left promptly.
Entering the room,
"Huh?"
"Wow..."
a petite woman awaited.
Orange hair cascading to her waist evoked campfire flames; yellow eyes glowed like sunset. A golden halo hovered above, radiant.
Her beauty transcended—another realm entirely. Awe overrode attraction.
She introduced herself with delicate lips.
"I am Helen, Second Apostle of the Holy Kingdom, servant of Hestia, Goddess of Love and Family."
For me, whose world was forest and village, another realm had arrived.
No—the world was prying me open.