Chapter 210 – Snow Festival

Chapter 210

 Snow Festival

Date : Day 10 of Frostfall 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.

For a while, Hyoren, Elise, and Ina seemed to exist inside their own little pocket of warmth.

The festival continued around them. Stall owners continued shouting their wares.

Elise was still flushed.

Her fingertips repeatedly brushed over the golden band around her finger, almost as if she needed to confirm that it was really there. 

“Matching rings… I really have one…”

Ina, meanwhile, kept raising her hand.

She turned it beneath the silver light of Luna, watching the deep-blue sapphire catch the rays. The tiny jewel flashed whenever she moved her finger. 

Hyoren slowly closed his fingers into a fist. The golden ring pressed lightly against his skin. He could feel its presence.

This is what I'm fighting for…

Eventually, Hyoren glanced down at his pocket watch.

He opened the cover.

10:34.

The day is still long…

He smiled. There was still plenty of time to enjoy the Snow Festival. He closed the watch with a soft click and tucked it back beneath his undershirt.

Almost at the same time, Elise and Ina finally lowered their hands.

Hyoren looked at both of them.

“Let's continue enjoying the festival?”

Elise rubbed her thumb over the sapphire one more time. Then she nodded. Her silver hair swayed gently.

“Let's go.”

Ina's cat ears perked.

She clasped both hands over her chest, pressing them lightly against her heart as if she could somehow feel the ring through her clothes. Then her energetic smile returned.

“Let's continue!”

She looked down the crowded street.

“We still have so many things to enjoy!”

The three began walking again.

***

The little bubble of warmth surrounding them gradually dissipated as they returned their attention to the festival. Their new treasures gleamed on their fingers as they walked side by side. They browsed one stall after another.

Eventually, Hyoren's attention was caught by something entirely predictable—books.

A stall stood slightly away from the louder merchants, its wooden shelves crowded with dusty tomes, old scrolls, handwritten collections, and books whose covers had clearly survived many years of use. Behind it sat a grizzled old man with spectacles perched low on his nose.

He looked up as Hyoren approached.

“Enjoy my collection, youngster.”

Hyoren's eyes immediately began scanning the shelves. He pulled out one particular book. He flipped through several pages.

His interest immediately sharpened.

“How much is this?”

The old man's eyes moved toward the book.

“Oh.”

He pushed his spectacles higher.

“The Bard's Folklore Stories of the Western Region, huh? You look like an adventurer, but you enjoy that kind of book? Surprising. 100K Kres.”

Hyoren didn't hesitate. He produced ten bronze coins.

“Deal.”

The old man chuckled as he accepted the payment.

Ina looked at the book.

“Good for you, Hyoren.”

Elise adjusted the silver pareo around her shoulders.

“Fufufu. Hyoren has always loved history and legend books.”

Hyoren gave them a wry smile.

“I just like knowing about the world.”

He placed the book inside his storage bag.

They continued walking.

Not long afterward, another stall caught Elise's attention.

This one belonged to an elderly herb seller. Unlike the colorful trinkets surrounding it, the stall was filled with small wooden trays, glass containers, dried herbs, and tiny pouches containing seeds.

Elise's emerald eyes immediately brightened. She leaned closer. Among the collection were several rare seeds. She carefully examined each one before selecting several small pouches. The old woman smiled as Elise placed her purchases together.

“Thank you for the purchase. Everything is 50K Kres!”

Elise paid without hesitation.

As they left the stall, Hyoren glanced toward her storage bag.

“You bought so many herbs, Elise.”

Elise nodded happily.

“Fufu. When spring comes, I might want to plant some in our yard.”

She lightly tapped the storage bag hanging at her waist.

“Whisperbells are native to my homeland… the Silverwood Enclaves. I've always wanted to grow them myself.”

Her eyes sparkled faintly at the thought.

“And Silverfern and Kingsblood are rare ingredients for poison.”

Her expression became slightly more serious.

“I wanted to step up my poison mastery.”

Hyoren nodded.

“I see.”

Ina leaned closer, already imagining it.

“Couldn't wait to see our manor yard transformed into a herb garden!”

They walked farther into the festival.

And, naturally, it wasn't long before Ina found something. This time, it was a stall filled with carved wooden figurines.

The moment she saw one particular figure, she stopped. It was a small, lopsided snowman. Its body was slightly crooked. Its carrot nose leaned awkwardly to one side. Its two little wooden eyes were uneven. And its goofy grin made it look almost absurdly cheerful.

Ina picked it up. Her eyes widened.

“He looks like Jackey! Nyahaha.”

Hyoren stared at the figurine. Then at Ina. Then back at the snowman.

He reluctantly nodded.

“I do see some resemblance…”

Ina burst into laughter.

Hyoren smiled wryly.

“But I think he would complain if you said that to his face.”

Elise covered her mouth.

“Fufufu. He probably would.”

Ina bought the snowman anyway.

Their shopping spree gradually became a joyful, chaotic whirlwind.

Hyoren found himself buying a new, sturdy leather belt. Elise discovered a set of high-quality alchemical mortar and pestle. Ina, meanwhile, found a brightly colored scarf that she immediately declared perfect for Vina. 

Then, a little later, Ina spotted a bottle of ridiculously expensive shimmering wine. She picked it up and looked at the price. Then smiled.

“This is for a special occasion.”

Hyoren raised an eyebrow.

“That's expensive, Ina.”

Ina hugged the bottle protectively.

“That's why it's for a special occasion.”

Elise giggled.

They spent Kres with a carefree abandon they rarely allowed themselves. 

Because Elise wanted flowers growing in their yard. Because Ina wanted a ridiculous snowman that reminded her of Jackey. Because Vina deserved a colorful scarf. Because Hyoren wanted another book.

Because sometimes a new belt, a hairpin, an anklet, or a bottle of wine simply made someone happy.

***

They eventually found a quieter corner of the park, slightly removed from the busiest festival lanes.

One of the benches was empty. Hyoren gestured toward it.

“Let's sit here for a while.”

Ina immediately agreed.

The three of them settled onto the bench, each holding a wooden bowl filled with steaming red soup. Heat rose from the bowls in twisting wisps, carrying the rich aroma of broth, meat, spices, and something distinctly sharp that made Hyoren's nose twitch.

Ina raised her bowl closer to her face.

“Mmm… Firebomb soup noodles with meat! They say the Firebomb chilli in it can warm you up from the inside out!”

Elise smiled softly beside her.

“You really like hot noodles, huh, Ina?”

Ina giggled.

“Nyahaha. Of course!”

She wrapped both hands around the warm bowl.

“It warms my heart and my body at the same time!”

Hyoren chuckled. He looked down at his own bowl. The broth was an almost startling shade of red. Several pieces of white meat floated between springy noodles, while thin slices of reddish chilli were scattered across the surface. A faint sheen of oil reflected the festival lanterns, and steam continued rising from the soup.

Hyoren eyed the chillies suspiciously.

“I hope it's not that spicy…”

Elise leaned slightly toward him. Her silver hair slipped over her shoulder as she looked into his bowl.

“You couldn't take spicy food, Hyoren? Fufufu.”

Hyoren gave her a wry smile.

“Well, I prefer savory food.”

He carefully lifted some noodles with his chopsticks.

“Though I can enjoy spicy food from time to time.”

He blew gently over the noodles before taking a cautious bite.

The noodles were springy beneath his teeth. The broth came next. Instead of the sharp burning sensation he had expected, the first thing he tasted was savory richness. The meat had been cooked until tender, and the broth carried a deep, satisfying flavor. Only afterward did the Firebomb chilli's heat begin to spread across his tongue and linger pleasantly at the back of his throat.

Hyoren blinked.

“Ooh…”

He lowered the bowl slightly.

“This is more savory than spicy… I quite like it.”

Ina nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, yes! The Firebomb chilli gives both spicy and savory flavor at the same time! That's why I love it!”

Hyoren chuckled and returned his attention to his own bowl. The more he ate, the more familiar the flavor became.

This is basically a spicy chicken noodle…

The thought made him smile internally. It wasn't exactly the same. The seasoning was different. The meat was prepared differently. Even the Firebomb chilli had its own distinctive flavor. But sitting there with the steaming bowl in his hands, surrounded by winter air, it reminded him of something wonderfully ordinary from Earth.

***

Just as the silver sun began its slow descent, the silver light over Akela softened.

Hyoren finished his rest and stood. 

He brushed a few stray snowflakes from his coat before looking toward the two women beside him.

“Let's go? Time to watch Arianna and Jackey's ice sculpting contest.”

Ina immediately stood as well. She smoothed her leggings and adjusted the edge of her crimson capelet before looking toward the direction of the castle.

“The contest will be held at the plaza in front of the castle gate.”

Elise rose more gracefully beside her.

She adjusted the silver pareo wrapped around her shoulders and waist, making sure it was sitting comfortably against the cold wind.

“We should hurry. Or the good seats will be taken. Fufu.”

Hyoren nodded.

“That's right. We need to secure a front seat.”

Ina's cat ears perked.

“Then let's go!”

The three of them started walking.

They left the park behind and gradually made their way away from the bustling Adventurer's District. 

The atmosphere changed as they approached the Administrative's District. There were no food stalls packed along these streets. Yet the Snow Festival was still everywhere.

The trees and lamp posts lining the streets had been decorated with colorful ribbons and small ornaments. Even the more formal administrative buildings had been decorated. 

Hyoren glanced toward one of the nearby noble mansions.

Even those had joined in. Garlands had been hung around their gates. Decorative lights glowed behind their windows, and some of the snow-covered gardens had been carefully shaped into festive displays.

“It seems the entire city is celebrating.”

Elise smiled.

“Of course. The Snow Festival is one of Akela's biggest celebrations.”

Ina nodded enthusiastically.

“Even nobles can't escape the festival!”

Hyoren chuckled.

“Fair enough.”

They continued toward the castle.

The closer they came, the more people they encountered. Families were walking toward the same destination. Groups of young people talked excitedly about which sculptor they were supporting. Children hurried ahead of their parents, their boots crunching through the snow as they tried to get a better view. The anticipation in the crowd grew with every step.

Eventually, the three of them emerged into the enormous plaza directly outside Akela Castle.

The festival's energy seemed to coalesce around this place. The ice-sculpting competition was about to begin. A considerable crowd had already gathered.

The plaza had been carefully prepared for the event. Twenty massive blocks of ice stood in an orderly arrangement across the center of the open space.

Around the competition area were rows of seats for spectators and guests. The seating formed three sides of the competition grounds beneath the open sky. The side directly facing the castle gate was different. That section had been prepared for VIP guests, with large tents erected overhead to shield them from falling snow and the winter wind.

Hyoren looked over the arrangement.

“They really prepared a lot for this.”

Ina's eyes were already scanning the seats.

“Come on! Let's find a good spot!”

Before Hyoren could say anything else, Ina grabbed his arm. She started pulling him toward the front.

Elise followed beside them, laughing softly.

“Fufu. Ina really doesn't want to miss anything.”

Ina glanced back.

“Of course I don't! This is Arianna's and Jackey's contest!”

Hyoren allowed himself to be dragged along.

They eventually found several empty seats near the front, giving them a clear view of the entire competition area.

Ina immediately claimed one.

She brushed the snow from the wooden surface before sitting down. Hyoren settled beside her, with Elise taking the other side.

The wood was cold even through their winter clothing, but none of them complained.

Around them, spectators continued filling the seats. Voices overlapped throughout the plaza. Children pointed excitedly toward the massive blocks of ice. Adults discussed which sculptor they expected to win. Some people were already talking about previous competitions, while others simply waited with quiet anticipation.

Hyoren rested his hands on his knees.

“Alright… Let's see what those two came up with.”

***

Hyoren scanned the competition area, his eyes methodically moving across the twenty massive blocks of ice.

There was quite a variety among the contestants.

Several teams were made up of burly dwarves. 

Nearby, several elves worked with considerably more finesse. Human teams were scattered among them as well. 

Hyoren's gaze continued moving from one team to another. Then he stopped. He pointed toward one of the blocks.

“Hey, look. Jackey and Arianna!”

Sure enough, their Cat-clan Beastkin and purple-robed mage comrade were standing before one of the enormous blocks of ice.

Jackey was already holding a chisel. His usual carefree expression was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he looked utterly focused.

His tabby cat ears stood upright, his eyes narrowed toward the ice as he studied the rough surface. His large hand gripped the chisel firmly, while his other hand held a hammer ready to strike.

Beside him, Arianna stood near a wooden platform that had been prepared so the sculptor could reach the upper portions of the massive block.

She was watching the ice with a completely different kind of concentration. While Jackey's attention seemed focused on the overall shape, Arianna's light blue eyes carefully examined every section of the block.

Ina immediately nodded.

“Yes. That's them!”

Her eyes moved around the competition area again. Then they suddenly widened.

A soft gasp escaped her. Her hand flew toward her mouth.

“And is that… Vina and her boyfriend, Dirk?”

Hyoren followed her finger.

Sure enough, the young Fox-clan Beastkin girl stood beside a strapping Lion-clan Beastkin youth.

Both were standing over their own block of ice, tools already in hand.

Hyoren smiled.

“You're right…”

Elise also began scanning the other competitors. Her emerald eyes moved from one team to another, searching through the crowd.

“Wait. Hyoren, is that Reon?”

Hyoren followed the direction of her finger.

At the far back of the competition area stood a familiar young woman. He recognized her almost immediately—Reon. The daughter of Martha, the innkeeper who had once welcomed Hyoren and Elise before they purchased their current Wyvern Street Manor. She was also the daughter of Ronald Powell, the veteran shield-user adventurer who had taught Hyoren the fundamentals of becoming a tank.

Hyoren watched her for a few moments.

Reon had changed since the last time he had seen her.

Ronald had ordered her to climb up from the bottom. To gather her own allies. To build her own party.

She had done exactly that. Two other young adventurers stood beside her. One was a young woman. The other was a young man.

Hyoren smiled.

“That's right. That is Reon… And it seems she actually managed to assemble her own adventuring party.”

Hyoren's gaze eventually shifted toward the guest area.

He scanned the rows of seats. Then he spotted two familiar figures.

Martha and Ronald were sitting a short distance away.

Martha noticed them almost immediately. Her face brightened. She raised one hand and waved enthusiastically in their direction. Ronald gave them a smaller, more restrained wave, but there was still obvious warmth in his expression.

Hyoren smiled and raised his hand. Elise also waved beside him.

Hyoren lowered his hand.

“Her parents came to watch.”

Elise nodded.

“Of course they did.”

Their attention went back to the competition which finally started.

In the distance, Jackey suddenly raised his hammer. A small chunk of ice broke away from the massive block and fell onto the ground. He immediately adjusted his stance. He examined the exposed surface before striking again.

Arianna watched carefully. Whenever Jackey finished roughing out one section, she stepped closer and began working on the finer details.

They were surprisingly well coordinated. Jackey handled the rough shape. Arianna handled the details.

Hyoren watched them with curious eyes.

“What are they making?”

Ina immediately grinned.

“They kept it secret. Nyahaha.”

Elise crossed her arms.

“But from the shape… It seems to be a person.”

Hyoren leaned forward a little. He tried to see past the other contestants.

“I see. I can't wait to see the result.”

A little farther away, Vina and Dirk were working on their own sculpture. Their creation was much easier to recognize.

It was a sleek, fox-like creature. Its body was elegant and slightly elongated, while three large tails fanned outward behind it. The tails had been carved with sweeping curves, giving the sculpture a sense of movement despite being frozen solid.

Dirk stepped back proudly. He looked toward a nearby spectator and puffed out his chest.

“It's a Three-Tailed Fox! A lucky spirit monster from the Fox Clan's home territory!”

Vina looked pleased beside him.

She continued carefully working on one of the tails while Dirk explained their choice to anyone willing to listen.

Hyoren smiled.

“So that's what they decided to make.”

Ina nodded enthusiastically.

“It's cute!”

Elise smiled.

“It's a fitting choice for Vina.”

Around them, the competition continued to come alive.

Twenty teams. Twenty enormous blocks of ice. Dozens of chisels striking frozen surfaces.

***

Hyoren's gaze eventually wandered toward the VIP area in front of the castle.

The seating there was noticeably different from the ordinary spectator area. The guests sat beneath the large festival tents, protected from the falling snow and cold wind. Their seats were more comfortable, and several attendants stood nearby, ready to serve them warm drinks.

Among them, Hyoren immediately recognized a familiar face. Baron  Guts Akela—the lean, scholarly-looking nobleman—sat calmly while watching the competition.

Beside him sat his wife—Fiona Akela.

Unlike the usual rough and foul-mouthed Guild Master, Fiona was behaving like the noblewoman she was. She sat with proper posture, her expression composed as she restrained her usual personality for the formal gathering.

She wore a bright red dress that contrasted strongly against the white snow outside the tent. The elegant fabric followed the shape of her tall, muscular, toned body without hiding the strength beneath it.

On the other side sat a man wearing fine merchant garments. Hyoren had never met him before, but he recognized him from Ina's stories before. Hughes Yorvic—the head of the Merchants' Guild.

Hyoren's gaze returned to Fiona. He frowned slightly.

“Wait, Ina.”

Ina's attention, which had been focused on Jackey and Arianna's progress, shifted toward him.

“Hmm?”

Hyoren pointed subtly toward the VIP area.

“Since when did Guild Master Fiona come back? She should be leading the raid against the Voided Covenant's base in Kerg Valley, right?”

Ina blinked. Then her cat ears twitched.

“Wait. I haven't told you?”

Hyoren shook his head.

“No…”

Elise also leaned slightly forward. Her emerald eyes followed Hyoren's gaze toward Fiona.

“I'm curious as well.”

Ina nodded.

“Well… Guildmas just got back yesterday.”

Hyoren's eyebrows rose.

“Yesterday?”

Ina nodded.

“The raid was successful. True to her words, she beheaded the Head of Akela's cell herself.”

Ina's voice became more serious.

“The raid itself went surprisingly smoothly. There were no casualties among Akela's knights.”

She glanced toward Fiona.

“Voided Covenant truly couldn't do much without their rituals, sacrifices, or preparation. Their strength comes from all the things they prepare beforehand.”

Ina shook her head.

“So when they were caught completely off guard… They almost couldn't offer any resistance.”

Hyoren nodded slowly.

“I see. That's good news.”

At least the immediate threat was gone.

He thought back to what happened in Riverville Town. The Ritual. The Living Dead. The Flesh Golem. The sacrifices. The five heretics who had willingly sacrificed themselves rather than allow themselves to be captured.

Knowing that the cell responsible for it had been eliminated brought some relief.

Hyoren tapped his chin.

“So… Any more leads about their activities?”

Ina's ears lowered slightly. She shook her head.

“Not really…. They actually managed to arrest two members alive. The authorities are hoping they can get useful information from them.”

Her amber eyes narrowed.

“But those two didn't have any… Voided Covenant is extremely secretive. It seems only a handful of the upper members knew the details of their wider operations.”

Hyoren frowned.

“So nothing about The Crow? Or Prime Head? Or the other Heads?

Ina shook her head.

“Nothing.”

Hyoren's expression fell.

Ina continued.

“They were extremely careful about what they knew. The people at the bottom only knew about their own assignments. Even among the higher-ranking members, information was divided.”

She sighed.

“The lead to The Crow is still completely cold. We don't know who he is, where he is, or even how deeply he's connected to the organization.”

Hyoren slumped slightly in his seat.

“So no more leads…”

He stared toward the ice sculptures. The chisel of one contestant struck the ice. Another followed.

The Voided Covenant had been responsible for so much suffering. Yet even after defeating one of their cells, they still remained an organization hidden behind layers of secrecy.

Hyoren exhaled.

“Voided Covenant truly is elusive…”

Ina nodded.

“Sadly, yes.”

But Hyoren eventually straightened his posture again. Still, he reminded himself, there was something important they had accomplished.

“At least… We don't need to worry about another tragedy like Riverville happening here in Akela. At least for the foreseeable future.”

Elise nodded beside him.

“That is right… Defeating the whole organization that has remained elusive for five hundred years was never going to happen in a single battle.”

She looked toward the castle.

“We eliminated one of their cells, uncovered their activities here, and gave the authorities a lead to pursue. That is already enough.”

Hyoren nodded.

“Yeah.”

He leaned back into his seat. For now, he could accept that.

Hyoren turned his attention back toward the competition.

Jackey's chisel struck the ice again. Arianna immediately leaned closer to inspect the section he had just carved.

Hyoren smiled.

“Now…”

He rested his chin against his hand.

“Let's see what those two are making.”

***

Hours passed.

The winter afternoon gradually faded into evening, and the silver light of Luna slowly disappeared beyond the horizon. Long shadows stretched between the buildings surrounding the plaza before darkness finally settled over Akela City.

But the festival did not grow quieter.

If anything, the plaza became even more beautiful. At the back of the competition area, a large bonfire had also been lit.

The flames crackled and snapped as logs collapsed inward, sending sparks spiraling into the darkening sky. People gathered around it whenever the cold became too much, rubbing their hands together before turning their attention back toward the competition.

Meanwhile, the twenty massive blocks of ice had transformed dramatically. What had started as nothing more than rough rectangular blocks were now becoming works of art.

Hyoren watched with genuine admiration.

One sculpture depicted a breathtaking rabbit. Another depicted a horse lowering its head to drink from a small pool. Further away stood a fearsome wolf frozen in the middle of a roar.

The level of talent was astounding.

Eventually, the final chisels stopped. The last metallic clack echoed across the plaza.

The artists stepped away from their sculptures. The competition was over.

A hush gradually fell over the crowd. Everyone waited. Then three figures stepped onto the central competition area.

Baron Guts Akela walked at the front, his scholarly appearance made more imposing by the formal clothes he wore for the occasion. Beside him was his wife, Fiona Akela.

 On the other side was Hughes Yorvic, the head of the local Merchant Guild.

The three judges slowly walked between the sculptures. They examined each one carefully.

Baron Guts occasionally leaned closer to inspect particularly detailed work. Fiona discussed something quietly with Hughes, occasionally pointing toward a certain part of a sculpture. Hughes stroked his chin while considering each entry.

The artists watched nervously.

Some clasped their hands together. Others stood rigidly beside their creations. Even the crowd became unusually quiet.

After what felt like an eternity, the three judges finally returned to the center.

Baron Guts stepped forward. He raised one hand.

"The third-place prize goes to this!"

The crowd immediately stirred.

Baron Guts pointed toward one of the sculptures.

It was a beautiful sculpture of a naked woman. The ice had been carved into an incredibly detailed figure, with elaborate decorations surrounding her body. The sculptor had somehow made the cold, transparent material look almost like flowing cloth and smooth skin.

The woman appeared almost divine. Like a goddess who had descended from the heavens and been frozen in place.

Three dwarves stood beside the sculpture.

The moment their work was announced, all three raised their hands and slapped their palms together. They high-fived enthusiastically.

One of the dwarves stepped forward, puffing out his chest.

"This was the most famous prostitute from the capital we loved! Aphrodite!"

The booming declaration immediately broke the silence. The entire audience erupted into laughter.

Even Hyoren couldn't help but smile.

The three dwarves grinned proudly, seemingly completely unashamed of their choice of subject.

Baron Guts coughed into his fist. Then he continued.

"The second-place prize goes to..."

He paused dramatically.

"...this Fleurma!"

The crowd turned toward another sculpture.

Hyoren's eyes widened slightly.

The sculpture depicted a majestic horse with enormous wings spread behind its back. Its front legs were raised slightly, its mane flowing backward as though it were preparing to leap into the sky.

Hyoren immediately recognized the creature.

A pegasus.

Apparently, however, Kresneger had another name for it—Fleurma.

The sculpture had been carved by a team of elves. The three elves bowed gracefully toward the audience as applause spread across the plaza.

Hyoren clapped along with everyone else.

It was an impressive sculpture. But there was still one prize left. The winner.

Baron Guts returned to the center.

He raised one hand again. The applause gradually faded.

"Now..."

He looked toward the crowd.

"For the winner, I would need to explain first."

He straightened his posture.

"This was definitely not favoritism."

A brief pause. Then he coughed.

The audience immediately laughed.

Baron Guts waited for them to settle before continuing.

"But the sculpture was truly detailed and immaculate."

His eyes moved toward the final sculpture.

"It is also striking. It induces a sense of courage, which is something we could truly use."

His voice became slightly more solemn.

"And it has a backstory."

The audience grew quiet again. Baron Guts slowly swept his gaze across them.

"I think you all have already heard the story."

A murmur passed through the crowd.

"One particular party successfully saved Riverville Town from the ritual performed by the Voided Covenant."

The reaction was immediate. People whispered to one another. Some widened their eyes. They had heard the rumors. But rumors were different from confirmation by the authority of Akela itself.

Baron Guts continued.

"And this statue..."

He turned toward the sculpture.

"...was dedicated to the Hero who saved the town."

Hyoren's expression immediately stiffened.

Oh no…

Baron Guts gestured toward the winning sculpture.

"The winner of this year's Ice-sculpting Competition is a statue of The Hero!"

His voice boomed across the plaza.

"Sculpted by my beautiful daughter, Arianna, and her comrade in Freedom Party, Jackey!"

The crowd erupted into applause.

Hyoren winced. He already knew what Jackey and Arianna had been making since the middle of the competition. He had watched them working together. Jackey had handled the rough shaping while Arianna carefully carved the finer details.

But knowing what they were making was one thing. Seeing it announced as the winner was another.

Hyoren slowly looked toward their sculpture.

It depicted a man charging forward heroically.

His right hand swung a long sword—Dawn Breaker. His left hand raised a flag bearer high above him—Étendard Sacré du Lys—the flag frozen in the middle of a dramatic flutter.

The figure's posture radiated determination. Courage. Leadership.

The details were astonishing.

Arianna had carefully carved the man's face and clothing, giving the ice figure an almost lifelike expression. The folds of his clothes appeared to move with the momentum of his charge. The flag seemed to ripple in an invisible wind.

And Hyoren knew exactly who the sculpture depicted—himself. His own face. His own posture.

They really made me into a hero statue… Damn it Jackey… Arianna…

Beside him, Ina suddenly burst into laughter.

"Nyahaha!"

She clutched her stomach.

"The Hero! Nyahaha! The Hero is winning!"

Hyoren rubbed his forehead.

"Ina..."

She could barely stop laughing.

"Good job, Jackey! Arianna! Nyahaha!"

Elise covered her mouth with one hand, but the corners of her lips were already raised.

"Fufufu."

She glanced at Hyoren.

"Now everyone in Akela will understand the majesty of our party leader."

Hyoren slowly looked toward her.

"Please give me a break."

Elise's shoulders shook with another quiet laugh.

Hyoren couldn't deny that he was happy for them. Arianna and Jackey had worked hard. They had entered the competition together, created something meaningful, and actually won. He was proud of them.

But the fact that the winning sculpture was a heroic depiction of himself was another matter entirely.

He looked toward the competition area.

Jackey was practically bouncing with excitement. The large cat-clan beastkin raised the trophy above his head with both hands.

"WE WON!"

His tabby cat ears stood straight up. His tail spiralled wildly behind him.

"BIG BRO IS A HERO! I TOLD YOU! WOHOO!"

The crowd laughed and applauded again.

Beside him, Arianna stood with her usual elegant posture. Her crimson hair flowed down her back, her wide-brimmed purple hat sitting neatly atop her head.

She smiled. It was restrained and graceful. But Hyoren could see it. She was genuinely happy. Her light blue eyes were shining with pride.

Hyoren sighed. Then, despite those complaints, a small smile appeared.

At least they had enjoyed themselves… And they had won…

That was what mattered.

He leaned back into his seat while Jackey continued celebrating.

"Big Bro is a hero!"

Hyoren looked up toward the snowy night sky.

"...Please."

Ina laughed harder. Elise giggled beside him. And beneath the warm lanterns, the crackling bonfire, and the falling snow, the Snow Festival continued.

***

After the competition concluded, the winning sculptures and the other finished works were carefully transported from the plaza.

The twenty sculptures would not remain outside.

Instead, they were moved into the grand hall of Akela Castle, where they would be displayed as glittering works of art throughout the winter. There they would remain until the spring thaw finally claimed them, allowing the sculptures to melt naturally when the warmth returned to the territory.

The crowd gradually dispersed from the competition area.

Some people continued discussing their favorite sculptures. Others were already heading toward the final destination of the festival—the final event.

Ina was practically bouncing on her feet.

"Let's go! To the finale of the festival!"

Hyoren blinked.

"There is more to this festival?"

Elise, who had also risen from her seat, smiled.

"Yes. The bonfire, Hyoren. We can drink, dance, and celebrate together."

Hyoren nodded.

"I see."

He glanced toward the enormous bonfire already visible beyond the competition area.

"Then let's go."

The three of them left their seats and joined the flow of people heading toward the center of the plaza.

The atmosphere changed as they approached.

The massive bonfire at the center of the plaza was a roaring inferno. Great logs had been stacked into a towering structure, their surfaces glowing red beneath layers of flame. Every few moments, a section of burning wood collapsed inward with a loud crack, sending a shower of sparks spiraling into the night. The flames painted the surrounding snow orange.

A troupe of bards had taken position near the fire. Fiddles sang over the steady rhythm of drums, while another musician played a wooden flute that carried its lively melody across the plaza.

The music mixed with everything else. Laughter. Cheers. The clinking of mugs. The stomping of boots against the snow. Children shouting as they chased one another around the edges of the gathering. 

The air was thick with the smell of woodsmoke, roasted nuts, grilled meat, and sweet mulled wine.

This was the climax of the Snow Festival.

A night where people could forget their work, their worries, and the cold outside. A night for dancing, drinking, eating, and simply celebrating being alive.

The three lovers found a comfortable place near the fire. Each held a mug of hot spiced cider.

Hyoren wrapped both hands around his mug, allowing the heat to seep into his fingers. The first sip brought warmth down his throat and into his chest.

He looked around.

People were dancing. Some were graceful. Others were anything but. A middle-aged man nearly tripped over his own feet before his wife grabbed him by the sleeve and pulled him back into the rhythm. A group of young people were spinning in a circle, laughing whenever one of them lost the rhythm. Children were trying to imitate the adults.

The bards continued playing.

And slowly, without even realizing it, Hyoren found himself smiling.

It's so peaceful… This is what we are fighting for…

Ina suddenly reached for his hand.

"Come on, Hyoren!"

Before he could answer, she pulled him toward the dancing crowd.

Hyoren nearly spilled his cider.

"Ina… wait!"

She laughed.

"Stop being so stiff! It's a festival!"

He could only sigh before following her.

Soon, he was dancing with Ina. Her movements were energetic and slightly chaotic, just like everything else she did when she became excited. Her cat ears bounced with every step. Her tail swayed behind her, occasionally flicking against Hyoren's leg.

She laughed whenever Hyoren missed a step.

"See? It's easy! Nyahaha!”

Hyoren smiled wryly.

"You say that while dragging me around."

Later, he danced with Elise.

Compared to Ina, Elise's movements were calmer. Elegant. She guided him through the rhythm with gentle steps, her silver hair swaying behind her as she turned.

Her emerald eyes were warm. Sometimes she laughed softly when Hyoren stepped on her foot.

"Fufufu. You are still learning."

Hyoren tried to match her movement.

"I'm trying."

Elise smiled.

"I know."

And sometimes, the three of them danced together. Hyoren in the middle. Ina on one side. Elise on the other. They weren't particularly coordinated. But none of them cared. The music became little more than a pleasant background as they laughed together.

At one point, when he was resting on a free bench, Hyoren noticed something happening nearby.

Arianna was dancing with Jackey. Or, more accurately, Arianna was desperately trying to teach Jackey how to dance properly.

"Sir Jackey, please follow the rhythm."

"I'm following it!"

"Your feet are moving in the opposite direction."

"Huh?"

Jackey looked down. He immediately stumbled.

Arianna caught his arm before he could fall.

"Ohohoho..."

She laughed softly. Despite her struggle, she looked genuinely happy.

Hyoren watched the pair for a moment. He couldn't help smiling.

"Those two... For surprisingly different backgrounds and personalities, they fit each other."

Ina nodded.

"It's weird indeed."

Elise took a sip of her cider before offering another thought.

"But I think that runs in the blood."

Hyoren looked at her.

"What do you mean?"

Elise smiled.

"Remember Arianna's father? Baron Guts also became attracted to a noisy and wild woman like Guild Master Fiona."

Hyoren stared at her for a moment. Then he looked back toward Arianna and Jackey.

"...You're right."

He took another sip of cider. His eyes then drifted toward Jackey.

"But... Jackey and his wild libido."

He scratched his cheek.

"What will happen with his hobby of visiting brothels if those two truly ended together?"

Ina snorted.

“Nyahaha.”

Elise covered her mouth.

"Fufufu."

Hyoren sighed.

"But that's a future problem."

None of them had any answer for that. And tonight wasn't the night to worry about it.

They returned to their celebration. They drank. They ate. They laughed.

Ina eventually began telling a loudly exaggerated story about one of her old friends from her hometown. According to Ina, the story had apparently involved an incredibly stupid bet, three drunk adventurers, and a goat that somehow ended up inside a Guild Master’s office.

Hyoren wasn't entirely sure how much of the story was true.

"Nyahaha! You should have seen her face!"

Ina slapped her knee while laughing.

Elise laughed along, though occasionally her expression became more wistful. She eventually spoke about her own homeland.

"I sometimes miss Silentwood Enclave..."

Her emerald eyes reflected the firelight.

"The forests there are different from Akela. The trees are much older. And during winter, the snow settles between the branches."

She smiled faintly.

"But... I suppose I have something here now that I didn't have there."

She glanced toward Hyoren and Ina.

Hyoren smiled. Ina leaned against his shoulder. The conversation continued.

Not far away, Hyoren spotted Vina and Dirk.

The young Fox-clan Beastkin and the Lion-clan Beastkin were dancing together. Vina looked completely happy. She wasn't bothered in the slightest that she and Dirk hadn't won the ice-sculpting competition. For her, simply spending the festival with Dirk seemed to be enough.

Hyoren smiled.

They enjoyed the festival to the fullest…

Then his eyes wandered farther.

He noticed Reon dancing with her newly formed party members. The three young adventurers were laughing together, clearly enjoying their first Snow Festival as a party.

Hyoren felt another quiet sense of satisfaction.

Then something else caught his attention. Hyoren narrowed his eyes. Lena was dancing. With Jackey.

That Jackey…

Arianna was standing nearby, giggling as she watched them.

Hyoren slowly turned toward Ina.

"Jackey..."

Ina looked at him.

Hyoren pointed.

"Don't tell me he was also laying his hand on Lena..."

Realization hit him.

"Isn't he the one who said he was going to look for lonely women? And Lena said she was lonely sometimes as a widow…”

Ina's cheeks had already become red from the cider. She burst into laughter.

"Nyahaha... Leave them alone, Hyoren."

Elise, whose own cheeks had also taken on a warm flush, nodded.

"Ina is right. You don't have any right to criticize Jackey. You also laid your hands on two women. Fufufu."

Hyoren scratched his cheek.

"That's different."

Ina laughed harder.

"How is it different?"

Hyoren opened his mouth. Then closed it. He couldn't think of a good answer.

"...Never mind."

The three of them laughed again.

The hours continued to pass. The bonfire burned lower. More logs were added.

The bards changed songs repeatedly, moving from lively tunes to slower melodies as the night deepened.

People continued dancing. Some had already drunk enough that their dancing had become considerably less coordinated. Others simply sat near the fire and talked.

Hyoren, Elise, and Ina remained together.

Sometimes they danced. Sometimes they ate. Sometimes they simply sat beside each other, listening to the music while watching the flames. At one point, the three of them even formed a clumsy little circle with several other festival-goers, dancing together.

It was ridiculous. It was joyful. And it was perfect.

Eventually, the darkness above the city slowly softened. A faint pale glow appeared beyond the distant walls. The bonfire had become smaller now. Only glowing logs and occasional tongues of flame remained.

The music had slowed. The crowd had thinned. Many people were already heading home, their footsteps crunching softly over the snow.

Those who remained looked pleasantly exhausted. But contented. The festival was coming to an end.

Hyoren stood quietly for a moment, looking at the dying fire.

Ina leaned heavily against his side. Her head rested against his shoulder, and her steps had become increasingly unsteady.

"Hyoren..."

"Hm?"

"I'm tired."

He smiled.

"I noticed."

Elise walked on his other side, her steps equally slow after spending the entire night celebrating. She looked toward the horizon.

"The festival is almost over."

Hyoren nodded. The first faint rays of dawn were beginning to paint the eastern sky. The crowd around them continued dispersing. The music finally stopped.

Silence slowly reclaimed the plaza.

Hyoren looked at Ina leaning against him. Then at Elise. Then toward the snow-covered city.

He felt something warm settle inside his chest.

It wasn't because of the cider. It wasn't because of the fire. It wasn't even because of the rings they now wore.

It was this. The simple night they had shared. The laughter. The dancing. The food. The teasing. Their friends. Their family. The people of Akela celebrating together beneath the winter sky.

Hyoren gently adjusted Ina's position against him.

"Let's go home."

Ina mumbled sleepily.

"Un..."

Elise smiled.

"Yes."

Together, they began walking home through the quiet streets. Their footsteps left a trail through the fresh snow.

Behind them, the last embers of the great bonfire continued to glow. Ahead of them waited their warm manor, their beds, their family, and another ordinary day.

And as the first light of dawn spread across Akela, the Snow Festival finally came to an end.