“As some of you are already aware, the time of war is now upon us.” President Quentil stood atop of the podium, his powerful voice echoing across the training grounds. In the distance, the coliseum that was the place of triumphs and defeats had been remodeled into a small castle.

“As cadets of the Royal Knight Academy, and as your principal, I am obliged to tell the truth all of you that have assembled here today. The situation is grim.” Quentil’s words echoed in the deathly silence. “Large Shadowless armies, easily twice to thrice the number compared to the last war are forming in the north, and it will only be a matter of months before they start moving south en masse. According to reports from last night, Angel Fortress held off an attack of flying Shadowless, and it is expected these skirmishes will continue from now on.. ”

“There are also reports of small, hundred strong groups of Shadowless moving in from our southern border with the Whitefrost Mountains. In all of written history since the Holy Land of Ecclisa was created, this has never happened before. There have already been casualties from this attack, and various knight factions have already been assigned to patrol the southern border once night falls.”

“Furthermore, the accursed hell-spawn seemed to have evolved!. There are those that mock the Goddess and take on the form of humans!” Quentil slammed his fist on the podium, as if echoing his anger and stressing the point further. “It is said these abominations can use darkness magic and wield weapons, and great care should be taken! The High Priestess has informed us to to avoid striking them with our favored light magic of the Goddess. Instead, fire magic should be utilized instead! In a few days, House Holyflame will be dispatching knights and mages here. They will be teaching their techniques to create Holyfire to those of you that can use light magic!”

A murmur broke out in the crowd. The special techniques and abilities of a house can be considered a valuable inheritance to a family. It was what distinguished them from the masses, and yet they still agreed to release their inheritance to the public.

This in itself was enough to demonstrate how dire the situation was for the Holy Land of Ecclisa.

“For those of you here, this is your first Shadowless War, and I understand you are uneasy.” Quentil addressed the crowd of students. “Your typical day-to-day lives will no longer be the same, and great care should be taken when wandering out at night. Only together will we weather this storm. In unity, we shall find strength!”

“Before long, many of the various branches of knights will try to recruit you for their cause! Although I cannot stop you, as your mentor, I implore you to finish your education and graduate before venturing forth!”

“Trying times are upon us now, but it is in times of strife like this where the young will build their legends, their own myths!.” Quentil’s impassioned voice seemed stir something in the cadets, and the grim atmosphere seemed to enlight with fervor.

“May the Goddess watch over us in these coming years, and may we not dissapoint her name!” Quentil raised a hand and the momentum of the crowd seemed to tip over, erupting in cheers. Only when it settled down did he finally continue speaking.

“Onto the next announcements, Sister Lorrin will speak about several safe havens set up...”

At the back of the crowd, Silfy stared absentmindedly at the sky, hardly paying attention to the speakers on the podium.

“Silfy. Let’s go.” June tugged at her sleeve and when she didn’t respond, simply pulled her by the arm. A few concerned classmates glanced over at them but made no move to stop them after seeing the blank look in Silfy’s eyes.

Outside the Royal Knight Academy, a carriage was waiting for them. Ever since the start of the war, the roads were no longer considered safe to travel alone, and the Devout Guild had set up a system of transportation involving metal carriages. Despite how they looked, they also served another function- as war chariots!

June escorted Silfy into the metallic interior before jumping in herself. She was about to give her address to the driver, but the carriage started moving before she could do so.

“...They didn’t mention anything?” Galvin’s voice asked from beneath the helmet. His disguise was surprisingly simple, and nobody questioned the ‘knight’ that manned the powerful war horses.

“Yeah…” June replied quietly. As she feared, there was no mention of her family, the Shepherds, in the announcements. “At this time of the year, they should be far, far north by the Frozen Sea.”

“That’s a far ways off.” Galvin murmured in reply. “They should be safe from the amassing Shadowless as long as they don’t venture south.”

“...When winter moves in, one must leave the Frozen Sea. The water’s rise and fall is no longer predictable, and to get wet is a death sentence.”

“Why do your people live in such a land?” Galvin said mindlessly. He wasn’t actually paying attention to the conversation, only creating sound to fill in the void.

“I suppose it’s similar to the reason the people of this land also live here due to their beliefs.”

“And do you share those beliefs?” Galvin steered the carriage through a fork in the road. “You are the first Shepherd that’s left the Desolate Tundra and decided to pursue an education here.”

“I did not at first.” June replied. “But then after what happened last night…” She trailed off.

“...” Galvin did not say anything. After he had caught sight of the strange girl atop the monstrous white wolf, he had lost consciousness. When he had awaken, he had found himself outside June’s house, with the kids wrapped up in a bundle of clothing. Yuelei had given him a brief explanation of what happened before disappearing herself, saying she needed to fetch a few things.

As they took the next fork in the road, a pair of patrolling knights joined them.

“Greetings!” The older of the two waved enthusiastically at Galvin. Hidden between the knight helmet, Galvin sighed and rolled his eyes before replying.

“Greetings from the Goddess. How may I help you fine gentlemen?” Galvin’s voice had turned into that of a raspy old man.

“Sire, are you aware that last night this area was attacked? The High Priestess has expressed that any who lived from this point onward is recommended to evacuate...”

“Is that so?” Galvin replied uninterested.

“For your safety, we suggest you move to-”

“I have lived here before you were even conceived. Don’t tell me what to do, son.” Galvin said quietly while shaking his head from side to side. “Cadets these days…”

“We’re official Knights!” the younger of the two protested.

“Standards are really dropping. By the Goddess, no wonder we have a war on our hands...” Galvin muttered, just loud enough for the closer of the two to hear. “And then we have two idiotic Harbinger Crows that don’t even realize their cover’s been breached.”

“...Knight-Captain Stormcrow.” The older of the two addressed Galvin directly as he smiled ruefully. “Care to tell us when you realized?”

“That’s former Knight-Captain to you. The mission was over when they picked you of all people to be one of the points of contact.” Galvin snorted. “I don’t forget faces, much less one of the trainees at the time. Tedore, was it?”

“Besides that?” The man called Tedore asked.

“Your ‘partner’ or should I say cadet trainee, is obviously unaccustomed to her armor, and her sword is too long for someone of her frame.” Galvin rolled his eyes even though nobody could see them behind the helmet. “If you’ve know to come seek me out, then get to the point already. I am a busy man.”

“Utain wants you to-”

“No.” Galvin refused before he could finish, his voice cold and tinged with anger. “Last night, I lost someone I called a son and my goddaughter lost her father because the Church refused to assist. And now you dare to ask me for favors?”

“There is nobody else. No one is as capable as you when it comes to infiltration and slipping past enemy lines.” Tedore confessed. “That’s why the title Stormcrow belongs to you after all this time.”

“Flattery may get you places with others, but I made the manual you follow.” Galvin smirked. “You know your answer.”

“A traitor like you-” the younger cadet trainee started to reach for her weapon, but Tedore stopped her with a glare.

“Then at the very least, Knight-Captain Galvin, we can exchange information for mutual benefit?”

“At last we get to the heart of the matter.” Galvin sighed. “The rate is three-to-one. ”

Tedore frowned, three pieces of information for one of the same value was absurd. Just as he was about to open his mouth to protest, Galvin continued.

“Take it or leave it.”

“Fine. What do you want to know?” Tedore relented. He had very few cards to begin with, and in his heart he still harbored a bit of fear for his former Knight-Captain.

“News on the current whereabouts of the Shepherds, actions taken with the League of Adventurers, and the details of the forecast of this war.” Galvin did not let the opportunity go to waste, and listed out the items he wanted to know in a single breath.

“Very well.” Tedore pretended to think on it for a moment before replying. Truthfully he thought that the pieces of aforementioned information were not of any particular importance.

“One of our crows in Greygrave, I believe you've met Farrel already, was the last to encounter the Shepherds. They stayed outside the walls for a day before continuing to move north. When questioned on why they did not take refuge in Greygrave or The Holy Land of Ecclisa, they said a travelling wanderer cautioned them against it.”

“Knight-Captain Galvin, do you have any idea who this wanderer is? It seemed that this person somehow knew that Shadowless was coming.” Tedore tried to read Galvin’s expression to no avail.

“I don't know anyone that can see into the future.” Galvin snorted as he urged the horses to take another turn.

“The League of Adventurers have been very accommodating to our requests. They've agreed to post up fliers through their various branches recruiting for light and fire attuned adventurers.”

“The terms?”

“Same as thirty years ago. Food, lodging, payment and citizenship after the war if they wished for it. “

“Whoever negotiated those terms is an idiot and needs to be reassigned. From what I know, the numbers of Shadowless is nearly three times as much as it was in the last war. “

“The returning Glade Scouts said three and a half times, and slowly increasing. We are withholding that last part from the masses to avoid panic…”

“There will be a lot of dead adventurers this time around. I see the actions of the Church are still as immoral as ever. And the forecast?”

“Based on past data alone, Angel Fortress will fall within a year, and the majority of the fighting will be at Gareth’s Bulwark. With our current strength and preparations, the strategists estimated at least ten years, with a max of twelve.”

“...Son, those are not good numbers.” Galvin shook his head.

“I’m well aware, and so do many of the upper echelon. There are rumors that the Sisterhood and High Priestess Geisla will be personally holding the line at Gareth’s Bulwark.”

“And our southern borders? Surely you realize that these lands have already been invaded and the inhabitants attacked?”

“About that, I was hoping you would have the answer to that.” Tedore frowned. “Regarding the intentions of the letter addressed to the High Priestess-”

Galvin held up a hand before Tedore could continue. “I did not send a letter and I am unaware of any letter. ”

“...Is that so?” Tedore did not even try to hide his downfallen expression. “Then we would like to know what you know of the Snow Princess and her underlings.”

“If you are speaking about who I believe you are talking about… then stay away from her for your own good.” Even the thoughts of that pale being illuminated under the moonlight caused Galvin to shiver and remember the unnatural chill he had felt from her. It was a chill that pervated deep into one’s inner being, invoking the primal instinct to survive.

“And by that you mean?” Tedore pressed the matter.

“From the stories Arfled and Silfy told me, I had thought of her as a mischievous Snow Butterfly that had achieved the rank of Divine Beast and took the form of a human. But you have seen the effects of her power.”

“Powerful magic can-”

“That’s precisely it, Tedore. You keep assuming it is some sort of new spell or type of magic, but were there traces of soul power lingering? None, am I right?”

“There’s obviously an answer somewhere, we simply have yet to find it.” Tedore said quietly.

“Then how is it that, after all these years, the reason the Shadowless attack have yet to be found?” Galvin smirked.

“...What are you implying,Galvin?”

“I am implying you should be careful, lest curiosity kill the cat. As for this Snow Princess, I can only tell you that even the Stormcrow cannot defeat her. ”

After Tedore sent them off and they disappeared over the next hill, he took off his helmet and sighed.

“What is it, Tedore?” His bright eyed companion asked.

“Veona, Veona. What am I going to do with you?” Tedore grumbled as he smacked her helmet with his own, causing a reverberating clang.

“W-w-what was that for!?” Veona shouted after the ringing in her ears settled down. She quickly took off her helmet less her eardrums suffer the same fate again, revealing short brown hair.

“Did you seriously think you could intimidate the Stormcrow?” Tedore reprimanded. “What exactly did they teach you?”

“...They said he was a master at escaping and infiltration, but since he didn't have any light affinity, he was useless against the Shadowless.”

“‘They’ is it? When we return I want a word with this ‘they’ of yours. Not even the High Priestess would speak dismissively of him, much less the gossip of your foolish companions.”

“But he’s so ancient! Knight-Captain Utain is also much cooler and handsomer!! “ At her words, Tedore scowled and forcefully refrained himself from hitting her again.

“Do you think your chances of surviving a bite from a venomous snake matters or not if it is old? Do you know the reason why the Templar Order did not send Enforcers after him?”

“.....No” Veona admitted.

“The problem was not due to a lack of strength or the amount of people but the fact that those people would not return from the fight.” Tedore frowned. “Many know Galvin to be the master infiltrator, but in the Harbinger Crows, he is also master assassin. If the first attempt to kill him failed, do you think those that ordered it would knowingly sleep soundly at night?”

“...Then why did such a man leave and abandon his position?”

“Find out for yourself. Aren't you a crow trainee?” Tedore decided to not satisfy the girls curiosity when she was just disrespecting his old Knight-Captain.

“Fine. I will!” Veona harrumphed defiantly.

Tedore rolled his eyes and sighed again. Although he was supposed to be guiding this girl to be a next generation Harbinger Crow, he felt like a babysitter instead. The fact this noble girl had a sheltered upbringing didn't help either, and he could only wonder why she decided to be a crow.

“At the very least, I got a good piece of information.” Tedore mused silently to himself. A warning from the Stormcrow was valuable, and Tedore was sure it would affect the decision-making of the upper echelons in the future in regards to this Snow Princess he was tasked to find information on.

It would only be later after he submitted his report that Tedore would find out otherwise.

The normally devoid-looking Frost Palace was alive with activity. When she first saw it, she had thought it was fine mist that covered the tall walls, but up close she realized that it was a swarm of blue butterflies. Upon the walls and battlements were various unmoving Frost Knights, and if Yuelei did not know better, would have mistaken them to be decorative statues. However her greatest surprise was that it had somehow magically transported itself to atop a mountain near Lin’s home.

“Goooood morning, Yuli~” Lumnieve’s voice called out as soon as Yuelei stepped out of Lin’s cabin where she had decided to stay the night.

“....And the same to you.” Yuelei managed to reply a few seconds later after overcoming her shock. A large table of ice had been set up right in front of the cabin amidst Lin’s forever-blooming flowers, and various individuals were seated at the sides. Although they did not speak, they all had their own ways of acknowledging her presence. Tasha the panther and Telif the dire wolf locked eyes with her and blinked. Korrbin the bear lazily waved a paw. Drak bobbed his head in her direction and Mouno was… being Mouno. Yuelei could never tell what the ball of fur was doing.

“Join us.” Lumnieve gestured eagerly. “Isn’t this how you humans have family meals together?’

Some family this is. Tasha rolled her eyes.

“Most of you are capable of taking human form, except Liur, yet nobody decided to play along!” Lumnieve pouted.

Lumnieve, are you seriously telling us to shed our fur and freeze to death in front of you? Korrbin yawned.

“Nonsense! What’s a little frost among friends?”

Calling it little is a gross misrepresentation. When we march north, I wonder how many will perish due to a ‘little frost’. Telif pointed out.

Still, it’ll be nice to finally be rid of those Shadowless nuisances once and for all. Drak interjected.

“...I’m not quite sure I follow.” Yuelei responded as she took a seat offered to her by a Frost Knight. As soon as she did, cloche-covered dishes seemed to float from the air and settled on the tabletop.

“Don’t worry about it, Yuli. It is something I've considered doing for some time now.” Lumnieve shrugged. “As soon as the palace is finished remodeling, we’ll start moving. At the very least, the nights will be safer after we are done.”

“That’s good. I’m sure Silfy and the others would be appreciative too.” Yuelei commented as she started to dig into the meal. The slab of gourmet meat was unrecognizable to her, partially due to the ice that was forming along the marbled fat.

As she struggled to remove a bite sized piece, a sad look passed over Lumnieves face. She opened her mouth to speak, but Telif and Tasha shook their heads slightly at her, cautioning her. Just as Yuelei managed to triumphantly slice off a piece of meat, Lumnieve decided not to divulge the details of the upcoming war.

“Here, let me help you with that.” Lumnieve tapped the table and razor sharp blades of ice appeared and sliced the chunk of meat into tiny parts. She then speared one of the pieces and held it to Yuelei’s mouth.

“Say ah~”

“I-I can do it myself.” Yuelei grabbed the fork to the amusement of the others at the table, and before Lumnieve could pout, forced herself to chew and swallow the ice-cube textured giblet of meat.

“When are you leaving, Yuelei?” Lumnieve asked as Drak decided to save Yuelei from her predicament, opening his mouth and breathing a wave of flames onto her plate, temporarily defrosting and cooking the food.

“After this.” Yuelei replied flatly and she crammed the seared steak into her mouth. She had no intentions of staying too long now that she had scavenged a few things out of Lin’s now depleted herb stocks. She did feel a bit of guilty when she was first checking the shelves, but that quickly turned to regret when she realized the Frost Palace’s presence had all but ruined the dried herbs and distilled essences.

“Is that so?” Yuelei was surprised when Lumnieve did not try to get her to stay. “I had Nakrin stay at the residence where you said to drop off the others, so if anything happens, you can leave it to him.”

“...Nahkrin?” Yuelei searched her memories, and recalled the creature that was made up of several pieces of ice, a Frost Golem.

“He’s the most efficient of us when it comes to blending in, so you don’t have to worry about him being discovered. He’s a powerful combatant too, but not too intelligent so don’t tease him too much.” Lumnieve added.

A chorus of sighs and rolling of eyes ripped through the magical creatures at her words. Clearly the one who did the most teasing out of them all was Lumnieve herself.

“It has been a long time since both the Frost Palace and the Night Palace have decided to act. A friend of mine may come to visit you in the near future.” Lumnieve continued. “She’s a wee bit eccentric, but she means well. Drak, why don’t you give Yuelei a lift?”

...Lady Lumnieve, I am NOT a personal steed. Drak grumbled but nevertheless hopped over and knelt his forearms so Yuelei can climb on. Yuelei hesitantly climbed on, feeling the sensation of scales against her bare legs.

“I mean, I can’t exactly have Forseer send her back. The damn humans will start shooting arrows and spells at him at the first sight of a giant dragon. Why’d you think I sent you to spy on the tournament?”

Drak sighed and did not reply. Yuelei felt his body muscles tense up before she was buffeted with waves of air currents, and a thin sheet of frost forming on her face as Drak quickly ascended into the air. Beneath her, Lumnieve waved a hand in farewell, and Liur also prepared to follow after her.After a brief moment of flying in silence, Drak spoke.

The others and I have been wondering what your future title will be.

“Title? I have no need for such things.” Yuelei scoffed, but her curiosity was piqued.

Titles are not meant for you, but for those that refer to you.

“Is that why people call Lumnieve the Snow Princess?”

Is that what you humans call her? An ill-fitting name. Drak snorted, steam rising from his nostrils in front of Yuelei’s eyes. The lady is more akin to a blizzard than snow, and a queen than a princess. Do make sure you never have to suffer her displeasure.

“But Lumnieve has always been kind to me.” Yuelei defended. “Albeit not as much as Gallienoir, picking me up like she did.”

Do not let her hear that, or she will get jealous. You do NOT want to see her jealous. Imagine having a block of ice attached to your arm for months on end.

“She can be… rather clingy.” Yuelei admitted. At times she herself felt as if she was being hounded by a particularly enthusiastic puppy.

Give it a few centuries or two and she’ll settle down. Hopefully.

“...Why hopefully? And I doubt I’ll live so long.”

The answer to your first question is because you are human, and as for your second comment… I wouldn't be too sure. The pact of the butterfly is different from the pact of the phoenix.

Before Yuelei could ask him what he meant, Drak continued.

We are here. You’d best float down from here, there seem to be various patrols nearby and it would be a nuisance if I'm discovered.

I for one, do not like the taste of human flesh.

“My lady, welcome-”

“Stop calling me that.” Yuelei shut Hamon down as soon as she landed on the ground. As usual, Liur bid her goodbye before taking off. “And why are you even here?”

“As per your instructions, I went to the Academy as usual, but when I was leaving, a few individuals asked about your whereabouts. I was keeping them entertained when I heard the sound-”

“And you led them here of all places?” Yuelei was afraid Nakrin might take them to be invaders, but seeing the undisturbed circle of white stones told her this was not the case, at least not yet.

“They were rather hard to refuse.” Hamon hesitated before replying.”I believe you’ve associated with them as well...”

“Cecilla?” Yuelei guessed. “Have the others returned yet?”

“They came and quickly left afterwards. The butler mentioned something about salvaging what's left of the Justinia manor. I just hope it is enough to help Lady Silfy overcome the loss of her father…” Hamon halted and shook his head sadly. “I only knew Sir Arfled for a brief moment, yet he did not hesitate to shield me, someone he had met for a few hours.”

“...” Yuelei did not see Silfy since the incident, and was at a loss at words for what to say. Yuelei herself never understood the meaning of having a father, but she related the situation akin to the loss of Jourmind.

“It seems that I have another debt to pay…” Hamon murmured.

“Then you can consider your oath of fealty to me served by protecting Silfy.” Yuelei shrugged, not keen on the fact of having Hamon follow her every move. “Liur here is enough for my own safety.”

“That’s….”

“Hamon is it?” Yuelei rolled the unfamiliar name along her tongue. “By no means am I familiar with the customs of this land, and even less so wish to be bound by them. But if you insist, then I will simply abide by them and command you to obey.”

“As you wish, I will stand guard over Lady Silfy.” Hamon agreed bitterly. “After last night’s ordeal, I can clearly understand what you mean by me not even being able to approach the Snow Princess as I am now.”

Yuelei nodded in affirmation. Being exposed to Lumnieve’s unrestrained aura was equivalent to being afflicted by unending hypothermia. In a mere few seconds, fatigue would cause one to slowly lose consciousness as the body’s soul power trickles away as it tries to fight off the deadly cold.

“I’ll go greet my guests and see what they want then.” Yuelei retracted the conversation to the main subject. Without waiting for Hamon, she moved asides and entered June’s home.

“Miss Alia.” A single voice greeted Yuelei as she entered the cozy living room. Albeit much smaller than the one at the former Justinian manor, it had a much more cozier and lived in feel to it, like that of Lin’s cabin. At the very center was a firepit, and seated on cushions around the pit was a face Yuelei did not quite recognize, as well as one she did.

“This place is quite… unique compared to the manors of others, but it is much more comforting, or so Hilda says, ‘carries the warmth of the hearth’.” Priscilla spoke for her friend.

“I'm afraid I never had the pleasure to acquaint myself with such a lovely lady. My name is Priscilla, from the Florella house. Pleased to make your acquaintance. You can simply call me Pris.” Priscilla introduced herself with a smile.

“Yuelei Alia. Unaffiliated.” Even Yuelei, who had no interests in others at the Royal Knight Academy and refused anyone that tried to befriend her, had heard of the so-called strongest female cadet, the Princess of Flowers.

“I brought a rare exotic tea from the Kingdom of Four Winds as a gift. Please excuse my rudeness as I've taken the liberty of preparing a pot for us.” Priscilla gestured to the center of firepit where steam was rising above a kettle. “Miss Yuelei, are you a fan of tea?

“I don’t dislike it.” Yuelei admitted. Lin had always prepared tea for meals, so Yuelei had eventually acquired a taste for it. “One of my mentors was an avid tea drinker.”

“Oh? Your mentor must have been a very refined individual. Drinking tea isn't quite prevalent here, so I was afraid the gift would be inappropriate. Ecclisa knows how much time I spent convincing Hilda before she finally drinks tea with me.” Priscilla laughed as she selected three cups at the edge of the pit.

Yuelei accepted her cup gingerly with her hairpin hidden behind her sleeves. After verifying that none of the gemstones glowed, and that the two in front of her had taken a sip, she brought the cup to her lips.

“...I’m not a fan of needless pleasantries or courtesies, and I believe I've humored you, so I'll move straight to the point. What do you want with me?” Yuelei said after putting down her steaming cup. It was a bit too hot for her liking at the moment.

“Hilda here wanted to thank you for the gesture at the tournament. As promised, she came for proper rematch.”

“There’s no need for that. I only said what I said to make it appear more natural since I've already achieved my goal.” Yuelei promptly refused.

“I mean no insult, nor am I looking down on you.” Yuelei added after seeing the look on Byrhilda’s face.

“Are you sure?” Priscilla cautioned after reading her friend’s hand signals. “Miss Alia, Hilda still wishes to spar a friendly round with you. She’s a bit stubborn so may I ask you to entertain her?”

Yuelei decided to weigh her options. To reject them after they had come all this way for something so trivial would leave behind hard feelings. On the other hand, tangling with these two may draw too much attention to herself.

“I suppose I can do that much.” Yuelei agreed to the request, thinking that the two in front of her at the very least, came with good intentions. There were much more dangerous ‘guests’ that would be looking for Yuelei.

At her words, Byrhilda nodded and smiled before moving to the door.

“Really, I don't know what she’s trying to do sometimes.” Priscilla shrugged as she picked herself up. “I’d much prefer sitting around here and enjoying a few cups of tea. Don't you?”

“Now isn’t the time to be lax.” Yuelei shook her head; she was never one to stand still in one place when there are things to be done.

“First to disarm the other will be the victor.” Priscilla translated as she exchanged a nod with Hilda. “Let’s try to avoid injuries and let the victor be decided by the one with the Goddess’s grace.”

“I’m ready.” Yuelei conjured up her Frost Edge as her Winter’s Breath curled around her body in a light mist. Across from her Byrhilda saluted by drawing her sword and pointing it at the sky, then at her. Yuelei assumed it was some sort of silent prayer to the Goddess from a girl that could not speak.

Then the duel began.

Before she could create any Winter Moons, Byrhilda had already closed the distance and was within striking range. Her light strikes and jabs were relentless, forcing Yuelei to focus on her own weapon to block the attacks. For each step back she retreated, Byrhilda would take two steps forward, not giving her anytime to consider her next move. Whenever Yuelei thought she saw an opening, it was a cleverly disguised feint. Yuelei quickly realized that her swordplay was not only subpar, it paled in comparison.

It was the first time Yuelei had truly appreciated Lin’s sword and sorcery combat style that she had yet to master and make her own. She was stuck on the defensive, but she was not without options. After all, her very weapon was originally a spell.

As she blocked the endless strikes, bits of ice would chip off as her Frost Edge constantly fixed itself. Some of these chips managed to affix itself to her opponent's blade, while others broke off and intermingled with her Winter’s Breath.

However, Byrhilda had wielded the family heirloom in her hands since she was five, from a long line of females that were all Valkyries. A minute difference in weight, even if a few grams, did not elude her. To Yuelei’s shock, sparks of white lightning began dancing on her opponent's blade.

That small window of astonishment was enough for Byrhilda to take advantage. Her blade, humming with Sacred Lightning, spun towards Yuelei’s unprotected left arm. Byrhilda had thought about stopping her blade, but it was her turn to be surprised as Yuelei’s left hand rose to meet her weapon, a crystalline blue orb crashing into the blade.

Even though the half formed Winter Moon was considerably weaker, it still packed more a punch then a simple Primal Frostbolt. The resulting explosion knocked both combatants away. When the dust settled, Yuelei noted that neither of them had escaped the blast unscathed

“Okay, let’s stop here!” Priscilla quickly stepped between them to signal the end of the fight. “Since Miss Alia is better than Hilda in magical arts, and Hilda is better than Miss Alia in swordplay, let us call it a tie!”

Yuelei quickly agreed, thinking that even if she managed to put some distance between them, her opponent could easily close the gap.

It seems that my close quarters combat skills are lacking. Yuelei admitted as she took stock of her bruised left hand. Primal magic is… lacking for close ranged fights. Winters Breath can mitigate the damage but if that was a fully formed Winter Moon, I wouldn't suffer just a few bruises and scratches.

“Hilda says that she regrets not being able to fight you in the tournament.” Priscilla translated as she tended to her friend’s shoulder. Yuelei could not help but admire how despite being caught off guard, Hilda had managed to twist her body and minimize the damage.

“I don't. There's no winning for me in a public fight.” Yuelei’s favored primal magic was too dangerous to herself in close quarters combat, and her potions and poisons wouldn't be considered ‘fair’ to the crowd.

“In the arena, the only things the combatants should care for is victory.” Priscilla translated. “Nobody else has the right to judge either of us.”

“Noble sentiments have no place on a battlefield.” Yuelei countered. “This ‘tournament’ is nothing but a show at play fighting.”

Before Priscilla could respond, Liur announced her presence by swooping down and settling on Yuelei’s shoulders.

“-And I doubt the tournament would look kindly if Liur was to join in.” Yuelei added.

“I've heard the rumors but to actually witness it in person…”

The others will be back soon. I saw them preparing to leave when I flew over the manor. Liur informed.

“It seems we will have company in a bit.” Yuelei nodded, happy to use it as a reason to excuse herself.

“I believe Hilda and I should go then.” Priscilla seemed to have caught on and pulled on Hilda’s arm. “...Give my condolences to Miss Silfy.”

It was only after they had departed that Yuelei wondered how the news of Arfled’s passing had traveled so quickly.

“Here Sil. Drink this and get some rest.” Yuelei held out a glass cup filled to the brim with a blue liquid.

“Two years ago, Lin gave me this to drink as well.” Silfy stared at the concoction that Yuelei only recently discovered the name to in the alchemy book she was given.

“Lin called it ‘An Invitation to a Dreamless Sleep’. It is fitting, even if the name is too long.”

“...I wonder if Lin would have been able to save Dad.” Silfy whispered to herself, but Yuelei heard her.

“Drink it and get some rest.” Yuelei repeated. “You need it.”

“Maybe later. I don't feel like sleeping.” Silfy put down the cup.

“Sil, don't be unreasonable. You need to sleep.” June interjected. “You spent all of last night swinging a mace outside!”

“Yuli does it all the time.” Silfy said defiantly.

“I don't go without sleep. I just sleep less.” Yuelei said quietly. “Listen to June and drink the potion.”

Silfy’s reddened eyes turned to Yuelei, then at June before she finally gave a tiny nod. As soon as the cup was drained, Yuelei rushed forward to catch her before she collapsed to the ground.

“She must have really worn out.” Yuelei murmured as June helped put Silfy into a bedroll.

“Silfy had always pushed herself since she never had a mother. I was always afraid she would burn herself out. Now that her father is gone as well... ” June trailed off.

“...This too, will pass.” Yuelei did not know how to respond to June, so she instead quoted Gallienoir. “Silfy just has to endure.”

“No Yuelei, you don't understand.” June shook her head. “She has been enduring it from the very beginning, and now she has lost the very reason she was enduring for. Family.”

“...” For a brief moment, the slightest of pain reverberated in Yuelei’s heart as June’s words struck a bit too close to home.

Am I also simply enduring until I find Airen and Jourmind? Yuelei mused. A sense of existential crisis hovered over her as she wondered what she was doing all this time, so far from her objective. Were these peaceful school days really pushing her towards her goals?

Before Yuelei could finish struggling with her thoughts, a cooling sensation like that of a fresh autumn breeze surged from the center of her heart. Her fears were blown away at the moment of clarity, replaced by cold hard logic.

“Then she is now free.” Yuelei replied.

June opened and closed her mouth several times before responding to Yuelei’s blunt words.

“This...that...isn’t freedom. Yuelei. How can you say such a thing!?”

“Because it makes sense. This way, Silfy and Galvin can evacuate before it begins. June, you should probably leave with them or go back to your people as well.”

“Evacuate? Because of the war?” June tilted her head in confusion. “How does that have anything to do-”

“Just take my word for it. Where’s Galvin?”

“He said he’s setting up a perimeter, as well as preparing escape plans.”

“...Is that so?” Yuelei murmured. She had planned on breaking the news to Galvin and let him do with the information of Lumnieve’s invasion as he planned, but that would have to wait.

“I’m going to go watch over Silfy.” June decided to excuse herself as Yuelei’s words bothered her.

“...What was that, Liur? That was…” Yuelei finally asked after June vanished behind the door. “-almost refreshing.”

So it’s starting to finally take effect, is it? With Lady Lumnieve finally mobilizing and gathering her strength, the usually dormant Snow Butterfly Sigil is becoming active.

“And what does that even mean?” Yuelei pressed a hand above her heart, where the cool sensation had originated.

It means power, Yuelei. In my case, it is what allows me to see the memories of my ancestors.

“But I thought that was-”

Each gift is different, and knowing Lady Lumnieve, she probably gave you something special. What happened?

“It’s… how do I describe it. My thoughts were wandering down a dark path, and then it was all blown away by a cold wind.”

….It seems I was wrong then. That’s a side-effect, not the gift.

“Wait… then what did Lumnieve-”

I would tell you to ask her yourself, but that would mean I ‘accidently’ let slip about the secret of the sigil. So please don’t ask her.

“Sometimes, it feels like I’m being left in the dark, and that bothers me.” Yuelei accused.

It’s typical for the new members to be toyed with a bit. I’m not inclined to ruin their fun either.

“...And here I thought you were on my side.”

Think of it this way, Yuelei. After aeons of existence, you are someone that can take away the dullness of the world for them.

“Now you make me sound special, which I don’t feel like I am at all.”

Your appearance is a series of fortunate coincidences. You should consider yourself lucky, but not special.

“Wow, thanks Liur.” Yuelei rolled her eyes sarcastically as she sat down and dug through her satchel.

My dear, Yuelei, I will always tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. False hope is the most foolish, and I won’t have you suffer through it.

“False hope…” Yuelei trailed off.

I would not be too hopeful of your brother’s livelihood, my dear Yuelei. You can find kindness in all beings, but humans are by far, the cruelest of creatures.

“I can agree with that.” Yuelei murmured as she pulled out a black and mangled dried root.

To you, it may seem that things are constantly changing, and change is never comfortable. But to someone like me, it is only a brief reprieve.

“Now you're just not making sense.” Yuelei grumbled. At her words, Liur simply shrugged and stretched her wings.

I suggest you get some sleep as well. Lady Lumnieve’s friend will be visiting tonight.

“Her...friend?” Yuelei’s question went unanswered, and when Yuelei looked up from her mortar and pestle, Liur was gone.

“Where are we going?” Yuelei asked Liur as they moved in the darkness. Ever since the attack, Yuelei was apprehensive of travelling at nighttime.

There is no need to worry about an attack. The night is her domain.

“You haven’t answered my question.”

The Justinia Estate.

“But why-”

Look ahead, Yuelei.

“...Why is it so bright?” Despite the fact that it was nighttime, moonlight was pouring out from the clouds ahead of them. “There’s no way the patrols did not notice it.”

It matters not. Like I said earlier, the night is Lady Nenhym’s domain.

As they approached the main road entering the Justinia Estate, Yuelei was met with the sight of several hundreds of Knights that had set up a perimeter around the brightest spot illuminated by the moonlight.

“Who goes there!?” A voice called out to Yuelei as soon as she stepped out from shadows of the trees. Before Yuelei could respond, three men in armor moved in front of her, their hands on the hilts of their weapons. A faint breeze above her also signalled the arrival of a Pegasus Knight.

“A cadet? Whose apprentice is it?” The one at the forefront holding an Opalis-fueled lantern called out after getting a good look at Yuelei. “Wait, is that a raptor on her shoulder?”

A ‘raptor’? Is this man blind?

“Humans don’t see well in the dark.” Yuelei reminded Liur quietly before she would kick up a fuss.

“Did you say something girl?”

“I’m here on business.” Yuelei replied matter-of-factly.

The knights glanced at each other before moving their hands away from their weapons.

“I’m afraid cadets can’t be allowed to pass this point. Go home, little girl. The High Priestess has ordered the area to be on lockdown until we figure out what all this moonlight means. If you have a message for one of the Knights here, let me have it and I’ll make sure it is delivered.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” Yuelei replied quietly after getting advice from Liur. “Please let me pass.”

“You cannot.” At her words, the knights glanced at each other before placing their hands at their weapon hilts again. “Are you disobeying the High Priestess’s commands?”

“...Do I look like a believer in your Goddess?” Yuelei stepped forward to reveal her appearance. The whiteness of the Sheive Cloak covering her body seemed to reflect bits of the moonlight. Compared to the knights dressed in armor, she looked like someone that had travelled from distant lands.

“...An outsider!?” The last of the knights shouted, and in response his comrades drew their weapons.

Clearly they don’t recognize you as a friend. Liur commented as her WInter’s Breath aura started to spill out from her perch on Yuelei’s shoulder.

“You’re the one that said we needed to get here!” Yuelei cursed as she drew her Frost Edge out of the air.

“Put your weapon down and come quietly!” The knight at the front roared. “Let me pass!”

Yuelei shouted at response. “Liur, say something!”

This is why I said we should have just flown over instead. Liur grumbled. Her aura split in half and condensed into two clouds, and a moment afterward, two clones of Liur appeared from the clouds, flying towards two of the other knights.

Yuelei, run towards the moonlight. As long as you step into it, nothing would dare to harm you. Liur instructed as she took flight, a cerulean flash that barreled towards the last Knight.

“Don’t kill them!” Yuelei shouted as Liur kept the three Knights at bay.

Why must you make things so difficult? Liur grumbled in response as Yuelei dashed off.

“Stop that girl!” One of the knights shouted loudly, alerting the rest of the encampment.

Yuelei could where the giant beam of moonlight lit a large circle in the ground ahead of her. Behind her however, she could hear the pattering of heavy footsteps and the wing beats of pegasi.

Without looking back, Yuelei tossed out Primal Ice Bolts behind her just as she started sensing the familiar hum of magic in the air as well as the twang of bowstrings. Voices were shouting around her, but the Yuelei pushed away the words from her consciousness since they would simply distract her. Instead she focused on conjuring Frost Walls after every few steps.

After some time, the projectiles flying around her diminished, and she could not longer hear the sound of wingbeats. When she finally stopped to turn around, she did not realize that she had already entered the circle of moonlight.

But it appeared so much further away… Yuelei thought, until she realized that the beam of moonlight as actually moving towards her, only halting when she stood at the very center. Above her, Liur was flying in circles while a group of Pegasus Knights hovered close by, afraid to enter the moonlight beam. One of the more bold ones shot a Fireball at Liur, but as soon as it entered the silvery glow, the red flames turned a hue of white before it was sent back towards the offender, forcing him to take evasive maneuvers.

Now what? Yuelei thought as she stared into the distance where a line of knights had assembled in formation. A woman in a nun’s clothing were directing them with her back to Yuelei, but Yuelei could not make out her words. It would be hard for Yuelei to leave the protection of the moonlight circle.

The haunting sound of a bell seemed to answer Yuelei’s thoughts. The clouds above her began to swirl and spiral, until a blinding white sphere peeked out from the center of the cloud cover.

It was quickly followed by several rings of black stone. If not for the light emanating from the sphere and the background of silver-gray clouds, it might have been impossible to spot them. All of the onlookers, Yuelei included, watch in awe and shock as what was unmistakably a castle slowly descended from the clouds,

At the very center, seated above the brilliant white sphere, was a citadel made from a stone that reflected the starry night. Six small tower-bastions jutted from from the main floating island, each sporting their own tiny ring systems. When more than half of the castle was out of the clouds, the rumbling stopped.

“Transgressors that sully the rite of passage for the scion of the Snow Princess. You are not welcome here.” A deep feminine voice reverberated through the air, directed at the assembled knights. “Leave this place now, and you will retain your lives.”

Yuelei stared into the distance, where the assembled men refused to move. Several of the Pegasus Knights decided to take action, flying towards the Night Citadel. However, they never came close, as several beams of light sprang forth from the tip of the nearest tower, killing their mounts and sent them plummeting to their doom.

“Pitiful, pitiful creatures that refuse to stand down. I condemn you to the earth for daring to fly within my domain.” Yuelei watched in horror as a wave of moonlight washed through the assembled knights, expecting them to be obliterated on the spot.

However, it seems that Lumnieve’s friend had no intentions of executing them. The moonlight passed through them harmlessly, but ripped their shadows into the air. The next second, each knight found himself facing a dark, murky clone of themselves.

“Consider yourself lucky for my leniency. I would not like to have my first impression to the Frost Princess’s scion ruined. Come now, little girl, let us depart to a more hospitable place.”

The white sphere flashed again followed by the sound of a bell, and a ray of moonlight enveloped Yuelei. As the knights struggled with their pseudo-clones, Yuelei found herself being lifted into the air.

“I believe your name was Yuli?” The back of a woman greeted Yuelei as she arrived through a hole in the castle. The beam of moonlight vanished and her feet settled on the sparkling black floor that resembled obsidian.

“It’s Yuelei, actually.” She responded as she peered around the interior of the castle. The black stone that made up the walls was strange and new to her, and their brilliant glitter was mesmerizing. Yuelei also noticed that the same starry glitter was apparent on the turned woman’s elegant black dress.

“You may call me Nenhym. Your kind once referred to me as either the Moonlit Princess or Night Queen” The woman turned, revealing a pair of white eyes that contrasted sharply with Nenhym’s raven locks. Like Lumnieve she spotted a tattoo on a cheek, hers a scale with a full moon on one side, and a new moon on the other. However, whereas Lumnieve had the appearance of a young girl, Nenhym had the figure of a mature woman. “I've heard quite some things about you.”

“From Lumnieve, I’m guessing.” Yuelei peered down one of the holes in the ground, expecting to see the ground but only met with darkness.

“I took the liberty to transport us to a less hostile location.” Nenhym explained. “And no, you are only half correct. Your teacher told me the most about you.”

“Lin did? He came here?”

“He came to visit with the others and asked me to deliver something, as well as a favor in the upcoming war. As always, I don't understand why he decides to side with humans.” Nenhym sighed before starting to move towards Yuelei.

“Please excuse me.” Nenhym warned beforehand, and before Yuelei could wonder what she was apologizing for, Nenhym had pulled Yuelei into her bosom, patting her down like some sort of pet.

“I see. I see. So you do share her aura.” Nenhym murmured as she continued to pet and caress Yuelei, this time her hair. “No wonder Lumnieve was so overjoyed.”

“...why do you people always insist on touching me?” Yuelei grumble but relented. Compared to Lumnieve’s overzealous rubs and ministrations, Nenhym’s could be considered warm and comforting, like that of a mother’s touch.

“It is the easiest method to ascertain your connection to one of the others. However, in Lumnieve case… you understand her character.” Nenhym smiled as she stepped back. “And I do not blame her, for I would likely do the same with my scion, if he was still alive.”

“I….I’m sorry?” Yuelei was not sure why she was apologizing, but she felt like she should anyway.

“No, no. Don't be. It has been eons since his death, and I have long gotten over it. Even if he did not so recklessly charged into that blasted infernal realm, he would still have died of old age by now.” Nenhym laughed darkly. “But let's move onto the main topic, shall we? You.”

Nenhym clapped her hands, the bracelets of black stone clinking in harmony, and a large black door appeared in front of them.

“As is custom, allow me to show you the hospitality of the Night Citadel.” Nenhym smiled as she gently pushed the door open, revealing the starry banquet hall within. As Yuelei entered, other than the food packed table, the surroundings moved like that of a planetarium.

“Wow. Is this… all for me?” The dishes on the table shared one common trait, the color black and white, but they were things that Yuelei had never seen before. Roasted shellfish with black stripes down the shell, and a white stripe down the meat. Round pale fruits that resembled the moon, but the flesh beneath was black. A eight-legged boar slowly being roasted over black flames.

“The dishes here are mostly unavailable in your world, and comes from Ava Na Isla.” Nenhym guided Yuelei to a seat at the center and poured her a dark liquid from a pitcher. For a while, Yuelei was enveloped by the new taste and sensations, with Nenhym explaining to her the properties of each.

“If you don't mind me asking, can you tell me a bit about Lumi?” Yuelei asked as she was sampling a black drink called Acholis, which she could taste a sweet fragrance of molasses from.

“I'm afraid not. That girl would sulk if I were to tell you things she would want to tell you herself.“ Nenhym laughed. “But I can tell you that she is the youngest of the Great Spirits.”

“...What are these Great Spirits?” Yuelei asked. She had heard Lin throw around the terms before, but he would always deflect her questions.

“I'm afraid that is one of those answers Lumnieve will answer. But as her scion, you can think of us as… extended family. There are two others that are left, and Lumnieve might ask you to visit them once for this ceremony.”

“A meal?” Yuelei asked sheepishly.

“And a gift.” Nenhym chuckled before bringing out a black lacquered box. Yuelei could see that the black stone from which the box was made was the same as the material that made the floating castle.

“In the past, only minor gifts would be given since there were thousands of Great Spirits, but since there are four of us left, I decided tonight I might as well give you something special.” Nenhyn explained as she gently pushed the box into Yuelei’s hands. “You will not be able to open it now as the mark you bear has not matured, but you will be able to in time.”

“This….thank you.” Yuelei quickly bowed her head in gratitude. She had no doubt that whatever was inside was a very important item.

“No need for gratitude. The Night Citadel is also open to you. When you grow stronger, you should be able to detect the Night Citadel if we are nearby. Until then, your phoenix friend should be a decent substitute.”

“Speaking of which, where is she anyway?”

“She didn't seem to enter, and left after verifying your arrival. Most magical creatures are not a fan of this flying citadel.”

Yuelei wanted to ask why, but decided it would be simpler to ask Liur when she gets back.

“I have heard that you created a spell called Winter Moon? May I have a look at it?” Nenhym’s voice broke Yuelei from her thoughts of how she would get Liur to talk.

As the night progressed, Yuelei found Nenhym to be generous with many things, including tips for magic.

When Yuelei finally nodded off, Nenhym carefully tucked her in. Before she sent her off, she held out her hand, a silver and red pendant fell from the air onto her palm. If one were to look closer, they might have noticed the thin barrier of moonlight between the pendant and her skin. Nenhym carefully affixed the chain on Yuelei’s neck before slipping the pendant beneath her clothes.

“Consider your gift delivered, Spirit Walker.” Nenhym mused as she stepped out into the night, with Yuelei on her back.

The sound of clinking metal and hoofbeats brought Yuelei out of her peaceful slumber.

We have company, Yuelei. Now is not the time to slumber. Liur’s voice jolted her awake, and she sat up. The butler is dealing with them at the moment, but you’d best prepare.

“Prepare for what?” Yuelei said quietly as she flung the Palian Satchel over her shoulders, and then draping the Sheive Cloak over it

Well, based on what I caught of their conversation, they are here because of your antics last night.

“My antics? Last time I checked, you were the one that made a scene with the knights!”

And if I wasn't humoring you, then you wouldn't have been spotted if I silenced those three. Liur replied indignantly.

“If you killed those three, then instead of them talking outside, they would already be fighting.” Yuelei replied as she carefully peeked out the window. Two individuals were talking to Galvin at the main door, and there were at least a dozen in front of the house.

Not if I had dealt with the bodies. All that would have been left would have been bits of red ice. Nobody would have known otherwise.

“...Fine, fine, you can do whatever you want next time.” Yuelei relented as she slipped closer to the main entrance, a trail of frost hovering by her hands, ready to form a Frost Edge at a moment’s notice. She carefully slipped by the door and eavesdropped into the conversation.

“You can’t protect her this time, Galvin. She was found to be trespassing.” Tedore pressured.

“Since when was moving around our home considered trespassing? Silfy and I were there earlier that same day. Were we ‘trespassing’ as well?” Galvin shrugged, casually fingering a set of what appeared to be throwing knives.

“Are you not aware that an entire castle appeared from the clouds above the estate last night?”

“Perhaps I am, perhaps I am not. Either way there are plenty of mysteries that go unexplained.”

“We lost four Pegasi. Galvin. The higher ups aren’t just going to let this pass. Even Knight-Captain Utain can’t stop the Templar Order from sending enforcers.”

“Then for your sake.” Galvin tilted his head to glance past Tedore’s shoulder at the knights with the crest of a fist upon their armor. “You can convince them to leave. I have plans other than digging graves today.”

“Galvin. They’re just going to keep coming. Do you really want to have this enmity with the Templar Order? If you just let the Harbinger Crows take her, at the very least we can guarantee her safety-”

“I don’t need anyone to guarantee my safety.” Yuelei pushed aside the door and stepped out. “If you wish to take me, then I dare you to step forward.”

A brief silence covered the area, before Galvin quickly stepped in front of Yuelei as the Enforcers drew their weapons.

“Go back inside, Yuelei, even under new management, the Templar Order are muscle-headed fools. Give them a target and they will charge towards it like enraged bulls.” Galvin warned.

“In six months, this place will be bathed with frost.” Yuelei murmured quietly to Galvin. “All life that remains shall freeze to death, and none shall survive. Please take June and Silfy far away from here by then.”

“This… is there no other choice?” Galvin shook his head as he eyed to advancing Enforcers. It seemed he himself had formed some scenarios in his mind and this was something he had anticipated “So much life will be lost…”

However as soon as the Enforcer Knights stepped within ten meters of the house, a chill enveloped the area, causing the ground to frost over. The seemingly randomly dispersed white stones on the ground trembled, and then flew towards Yuelei’s side, growing in size until a golem as tall as the house stood in front of them. A moment afterward, thick ice enveloped all of the stoney form, exuding a deadly chill. Fully awakened, Nakrin glanced at the shocked assembly of knights, before turning to Yuelei and pointing at them.

“Not yet.” Yuelei addressed the one called the Permafrost Ancient. “If they draw their weapons… eradicate them.”

The faceless slab of levitating white stone seemed to acknowledge her words, and stopped moving entirely.

“It’s just a stupid golem that’s a bit larger the then normal! Don’t be intimated!” One of the braver Enforcers stepped forward, creating a fireball in one hand and waving it towards his sword, bathing it in flames. “Just use magic and-”

Before he could finish, Nakrin’s arm swung forward. The sound of crushed metal armor rang out in a grim reminder of the fragility of the human body, and a split second forward, a mass of metal and frozen blood flew in the air and bounced a few times before stopping. Tedore looked on in shock as blood dripped off one of Nakrin’s club-like arms, the trail of gore on the ground leading to an unrecognizable heap of flesh and metal.

“Galvin, what is the meaning of this!” Tedore shouted as he scurried away from the hulking abomination of ice.

“I’m afraid I no longer have control of the situation.” Galvin sighed as he drew his rapier and gripped a few throwing daggers in his other hand. “Leave now, while you still can!” Before Galvin can finish, Nakrin was already charging forward, each step causing the ground to shake and leaving a trail of bodies in its wake. Even in the midst of enemies, Nakrin made no move to defend itself as the Enforcers swung their weapons at it.

“My weapon, it’s stuck! I can’t feel my hands!” One of the enforcers screamed as she tried to unlodge her weapon from the perma-ice. A fireball flew above her at Nakrin, but it barely even left a mark on the polished rock. Her shouts for help were quickly extinguished as a hammer-like fist crashed into her, leaving no sign of a human in the gory mess left behind.

“By the Goddess.” Galvin turned his eyes away from the sight of brutal slaughter. A man could die in many ways, but to be pulverized into unidentifiable mush was not something he had seen before.

“Enough, Nakrin. Stop and come back.” Yuelei was less bothered by the gore than she thought she would be, and it was only after Nakrin was stained crimson did she think that enough of a message had been sent.

Her command caused Nakrin to halt mid-swing, the bludgeoning club inches away from a fallen Enforcer’s face. Nakrin hesitated for a moment, before finishing the job and returning to Yuelei’s side. From the dozen Enforcers that were there at the beginning, only two remained, with Tedore dragging one that had its legs crushed in.

“Tell Knight-Captain Warlin that if he continues, he will make the same mistake as his predecessor did.” Galvin crouched down by the last survivor that had fallen down in fear and hopelessness.

“Tedore!” Galvin’s shout caused the Crow to look up from where he was patching up the legless Enforcer’s legs, trying to stop the bleeding.”Tell Utain he’s making a big mistake!”

Tedore did not respond, instead hefting the injured Enforcer up by the shoulders. He shot Yuelei a fearful glance before quickly making his escape.

“We may be fugitives now, Phoenix girl.” Galvin murmured as he glanced at the carcasses in front of them. “...Or at the very least, you are. I cannot put Silfy and June in that sort of position. Please understand.”

“...Either way, you must take them and leave this place within the next six months, preferably earlier.” Yuelei nodded as she crouched and checked the crushed bodies for any loot. Other than a couple of coins, the rest was indiscernible. “You can also do what you wish the information.”

“Where will you go?”

Yuelei was about about to respond when she stood and felt an unfamiliar weight against her clothes. She fumbled underneath her clothes for a bit, before pulling a cross-pendant encrusted with a giant ruby, the Rose Knight’s Crest.

“...I think I’ll go to the nearest League of Adventurers and get registered as an official Knight.” Yuelei murmured as she realized the crest did not burn her skin at all.

“Girl... you are full of mysteries.” Galvin sighed as he realized what Yuelei was holding. “Before you leave, can you answer an old curious man’s question? I’ve searched all over and called in various favors but… who really are you?”

“Give my regards to Silfy and June.” Yuelei replied as Liur finally decided to descend from the sky and seat herself on her shoulder. Before she decided to leave, she turned back and gave Galvin an answer to his question.

“Would you believe me if I said I was a princess?”