Chapter 902: The Witch’s Chessboard
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In Emanas, snowflakes drifted down like feathers. After the winter festival, the academy welcomed a brief holiday. Though they couldn’t return home, students could at least sleep well in their dorms or enjoy playing around with friends within the campus. Whether it was the smoked meat bar in the western town, the furnace hall nestled among the mountains to the north, the Black Swan Castle in the forest to the east, or the skating rink under the southern bridge, there were plenty of places to have fun.
However, in the secluded mountainous area, a high tower remained tightly shut, its icy stone walls blending seamlessly with the surrounding snow-covered environment.
In one corner of the tower, the fireplace burned brightly. Chris squatted beside it, retrieving several sweet potatoes that had been roasted beneath the ashes, gently patting them clean. She then peeled off a corner, revealing the sweet, orange insides, steam wafting out and dispersing throughout the room.
“Done. Would you like some, Tides and Night Mistress?” The witch in a light pink and white princess dress stood up easily and turned around.
Not far from the fireplace, a small tea table sat on a checkerboard-patterned floor, with a chessboard atop it. Various pieces were scattered across it, while two witches sat on either side. One looked as delicate as a doll, while the other had rare golden hair and silver eyes.
“So, we won this time,” Tides picked up a white three-dimensional piece and lightly moved it, then removed a black lion-head piece from the board.
“I must say, Night Mistress is still quite formidable. Little Lolan almost fell for it, but fortunately, she isn’t the type to grab onto something once found, no matter how precious. Self-restraint and clarity are truly rare qualities,” Tides held a lace fan, lightly covering her face, and looked at the motionless doll-like girl before her.
“Mm-hm, we lost this time,” Night Mistress nodded, her porcelain-like complexion showing no surprise.
“According to our previous agreement, Ibel will withdraw from the competition and not reveal Little Lolan’s identity to any other witches or the empire’s upper echelons. After all, she is still too weak and needs time to develop,” Night Mistress continued.
“There’s nothing much to ask for. It’s just that Ibel shouldn’t reveal Little Lolan’s identity to any other witches or the empire’s higher-ups. She’s still too weak and needs to grow stronger,” Tides stated the terms she had prepared.
“That can be accepted,” Night Mistress nodded.
“Really? I thought Tides would want to ask for an additional spot, making your side’s witch act again,” Chris broke off a small piece of the sweet potato, taking a small bite, then sank into a soft sofa, revealing her pink-and-white striped stockings under her skirt.
“It’s really sweet. Why don’t you come have some? Sitting by the chessboard all day must be tiring.”
“Occasionally, you should take a break, especially you, Night Mistress. You’ve only been retired for ten years, yet you’re already back to doing these mentally taxing calculations. You always seem so restless.”
“Chris,” Night Mistress puffed up her cheeks slightly, trying to stop the incessant chatter of the mirror witch.
“Alright, alright. Since you’re being serious this time, I won’t disturb you.”
—
“Who should we go play with later, or maybe head over to Tehwana? Last time we took Keti from her, I wonder if she’s calmed down yet. If not, I’ll prepare some gifts.” After finishing the sweet potato in her hand, Chris sat up and pondered slightly. A soft chime sounded in the room.
Two beautiful metal bells were tied together, adorned with green leaves and tiny berries, hanging in the corner of the room. They suddenly began to sway.
“This is…” Chris suddenly remembered something and lightly tapped the front. A silver magic mirror rose from the ground.
The mirror surface shimmered slightly before reflecting symmetrical shades of emerald and crimson. A grandly dressed witch emerged gently from within.
“It’s been a long time, Chris.” She had shoulder-length golden hair, wearing an intricately layered shoulder cloak dress, with slender golden chains wrapped around her fair wrists.
After curtsying, the witch revealed her uniquely colored red and green eyes, exuding a stunning charm. Even among witches, her beauty was quite remarkable.
“AIYEHEKACUI, it’s rare to see you.” Tides’ clear voice came from the side. This witch with heterochromia only then turned to look at the two people at the table.
“Hello, Tides.” The witch seemed to have rarely interacted with Tides before.
“Are you here to join in this time? If so, little Lolan will be in great danger,” Tides said as she looked at the twin witch and asked. In the Night Mistress’s faction, this twin witch was extremely mysterious, and Tides knew little about her. However, her strength was quite extraordinary, ranking among the top ten witches. She was like a rose shrouded in mist, intriguing and captivating.
“I will remain neutral for now.” The witch shook her head and continued.
“But everything will depend on the actions of each party. According to past oaths, as long as the red and green roses continue to rule this nation, I will bless and protect them.”
“In that case, it’s not entirely unacceptable,” Tides mused thoughtfully.
Next, the four of them sat around a chessboard, looking at the pieces on it. Then, the Night Mistress made another move, placing a small piece in the eastern part of the board.
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In Baron Moroz’s territory, after the flames had died down, the forest was covered with gray dust. Burnt ground remained, with charred branches and warm ashes underfoot, making the path feel warm or even scorching.
Captain Owen of the castle guard led his men through the mountain area, searching for possible survivors, with the main goal being Baron Moroz himself.
“Still no luck?” Kevin stood at the edge of the scorched forest, asking the person who had come to report.
“Captain, we’ve searched this mountain thoroughly. According to the guests who escaped last night, there were many demonic beasts attacking. Perhaps Lord Moroz…”
“Shut up, keep searching.” Kevin frowned and waved his hand. He couldn’t accept such a result.
“Yes, Captain,” replied the guard with a sigh, continuing up the mountain path covered in white ash.
It was nearing noon when someone finally discovered the passage hidden beneath the ashes of the trees and plants.
“Here, Captain! We found the butler,” the guard shouted loudly.
A group gathered around. The once-robust butler seemed to have aged over ten years overnight. Even after regaining consciousness, he still looked terrified.
“No, don’t come closer. Don’t eat me,” he trembled violently, chattering his teeth, as if still haunted by the roars of the demonic beasts from the previous night.
“Where is Baron Moroz? Where is Baron Moroz?” the others asked anxiously, but received only repetitive responses.
A week later, the gentlemen within the territory confirmed that Baron Moroz had perished in the raging fire. Miraculously, after the fire and the attack by the demonic beasts, the forest stabilized again, with no further attacks. Everything seemed to return to its former tranquility.
With the loss of this noble, the city’s guards seemed equally affected. For a while, everyone felt more relaxed than they did when Baron Moroz was alive. Perhaps this would mark the beginning of a new life?
In the Rhenken Trading Company’s base, members were loading crates onto wagons. As the snowmelt on the roads increased, it was time to set out again.
“Is Miss Mesia here?” Sharin knocked gently on the door. Then a drowsy young girl opened it, wearing a simple pure white nightgown, as if she had just woken up.
“It’s time to go, Mesia,” she helped the girl tidy her hair.
“Ever since the banquet last time, you’ve been so sleepy every day. Did something happen? Many people didn’t make it back when everyone was fleeing.”
“Mm, we encountered a very powerful demonic beast that day, ha~.” Lolan Hill felt extremely tired. The aftereffects of using her power still plagued her, and she estimated it would take several weeks to recover gradually.
“Alright, you can sleep on the road. You’re our caravan’s anchor; if everyone doesn’t see the adorable and brave Miss Mesia, they’ll be disappointed, hehe,” Sharin joked, hugging the lovable girl and patting her back gently.
“Oh, didn’t you say you needed to find your distant cousin, Lotte, who got lost?”
“Do you want to come with us to Crimson Heart Province? It’s the heart of the Southern Region and the most prosperous place. There might be some clues there since it’s a hub for all sorts of information.”
“It’s said that Crimson Heart Province also has a mountain range called Dragon Cliff, where fire-breathing dragons with red scales live. Many tourists buy dragon scales as souvenirs when they visit. Most of the blood-winged red dragons of the Basca family also originate from there.”
“Crimson Heart Province is also known as the heart of the Southern Region. Going there will surely allow your talents to shine.”
Sharin looked at the blonde girl, feeling a pang in her heart. They would eventually part ways.
After all, even the smallest dragon will one day spread its wings and fly high in the sky, never remaining under the shadow forever.
(End of Chapter)
