VOLUME 14: CHAPTER 1

"Senator, the Coalition Army is leaving soon," said one of the assistants.

Senator Sima stood in front of the window facing the direction of the eastern gate. The blizzard showed no signs of stopping any time soon. By this time, almost all of the roads in Quraso had become inaccessible.

Even if he wanted to, the old man couldn't see the Coalition Army off.

Senator Sima stared at the raging snowstorm outside in silence, his hand holding a cup of warm tea.

"The documents?" said Senator Sima.

To formalize everything, they decided to record in black and white the details of the alliance.

"I believe Sir Reginald has handed it to the High Magistrate. Once all necessary signatures have been gathered, it will be forwarded to the Five Courts and the Senate."

It was a lengthy process.

Unlike the Great Empire where the words of Emperor Sylvius were the law, the Republic had to secure the consensus of the majority before they could proceed with such big decisions.

Although it was already guaranteed at this point that they would join the Coalition Army, there was still a mountain of paperwork to be done before they could announce this to the public.

"Should we ask them to expedite the process, Senator?"

"No, leave them be. Yvonne aside, Lord Caliqua knows the law more than I do. She'll do better in finding loopholes and disadvantageous clauses in the documents."

"…Understood."

Senator Sima wryly smiled.

How amusing.

He couldn't believe there would come a time when he would be working this closely with those bastards from the Five Courts.

Although the Senate and the Five Courts couldn't be considered to be in an alliance, after the incident, the relationship between the two groups had become somewhat amicable.

"Am I in debt her now?" muttered Senator Sima as he thought of Lord Caliqua.

The Lord of Five Courts was the reason why Lark and his people didn't touch the artifacts sleeping in the underground city. She made King Lark promise not to covet anything in Ist' Tamat. As a man of his word, King Lark didn't take anything from the ancient city when they visited it with General Marduk.

There was still the issue of passing through the arachnia nest on the second floor of the dungeon, but at the very least, they didn't need to worry about external forces coveting their treasures.

"Uhm, Senator?"

"What is it?"

The assistant cautiously said, "…The explorers. Is it really fine to let them leave like this?"

The explorers from Zenith had decided to leave the Republic of Everfrost and come with Lark's group.

Based on what Senator Sima had heard, the explorers planned on living in the Empire.

They must have chosen that nation due to its military power, proximity, and its antagonistic relationship to the Republic of Everfrost.

"The explorers, huh?" said Senator Sima. "Even if they go to the Empire, they wouldn't be able to garner any help from the imperial army. Even if they wish to take revenge against me, what can they do? It's not like that madman of an Emperor will mobilize his military just for the sake of a ragtag bunch. There's also the matter of attacking a fellow member from the Coalition Army."

"But Senator… those people will come back here someday to take revenge. Wouldn't it be better if you request King Lark to—"

"—Enough," spat Senator Sima. "And when did I ever give you the authority to question my decisions? Know your place."

"I-I apologize!"

"Leave," said Senator Sima. "I wish to be alone for a while."

"Y-Yes!"

After the assistant left the room, Senator Sima stared at the snowstorm outside for a long time.

The idea of forcefully taking the explorers from King Lark never once crossed his mind.

That stupid assistant – was there even anything inside that skull of his?

Now was a crucial time. If all it would take to solidify the alliance was to let a couple of explorers escape the Republic, then Senator Sima was willing to turn a blind eye.

"Coalition Army and the threat of demons," muttered Senator Sima. "Now that we've discovered Ist' Tamat, I'm almost near my goal."

Senator Sima had employed all sorts of tricks and schemes to reach this point.

All for the sake of the Republic's stability, he'd climbed ladders of corpses, and killed numerous people.

The Head of the Senate didn't fear retribution.

He'd already long accepted that he wouldn't be able to enter paradise after his death due to the numerous sins he'd committed.

Still, he hoped that he would live a long life. He hoped he would live longer to see the Republic risr to greater heights.

***

After leaving the Republic, the Coalition Army flew straight toward the direction of the Empire. After dropping off the explorers in the City of Paradise, they planned on going straight to the Dwarven Kingdom.

Blackie had undone his polymorph, reverting to his seven-headed Scylla form.

Sitting on top of Blackie, Lady Alice said, "…King Lark."

"Lady Alice?"

"I know you wish to get to the Dwarven Kingdom as soon as possible but… can we stop by my territory first?"

Lark could clearly hear the anxiety within her voice. She must have been meaning to request this the moment they left the Republic of Everfrost.

"The City of Atarus," said Lark. "I wanted to see it, too."

Lady Alice's face brightened. "…Then!"

"It wouldn't hurt to stop by the city, Lady Alice."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The Coalition Army continued flying for a couple of hours. As they went farther from the Republic of Everfrost, the temperature also started getting relatively warmer.

Although this region was also in winter, it wasn't experiencing extreme cold like the City of Quraso.

"I can see Atarus," said Lady Alice.

A small, walled city was seen from the distance. The witches looked at the city with fondness, not bothering to hide the affection in their eyes.

"It's been a while," said Fleur.

"We're going down," said Lark. "Blackie—"

"—God Evander!" roared the Scylla.

"See that large tree? Land at the outskirts. We wouldn't want to terrify the citizens of Atarus with our arrival."

"Yes, God Evander!"

With Blackie at the lead, they landed at the outskirts of the city, a kilometer away from the nearest gate.

Naturally, the city guards noticed the Coalition Army's arrival. The soldiers, clad in winter uniforms, immediately filled the walls. Although they did not have mana cannons like the Republic, the City of Atarus had numerous skilled marksmen.

"While we're preparing the camp, please allow me to talk to the city guards first, King Lark," said Lady Alice.

"Of course. That would be convenient," said Lark.

Lady Alice nodded. After casting haste magic, together with Fleur and two other witches, she ran toward the city gate.

Half an hour later, the city gate opened, and several carriages escorted by numerous soldiers exited the city. Judging by the crest on the carriages, they were from the Witches of Aravark.

Lark was already done creating a barrier to protect the Coalition Army from the wind and cold by the time the convoy arrived at their camp.

Lady Alice disembarked from the front carriage. "King Lark, please allow me to escort you and your people inside the city."

Fleur added, "Rest assured, we've already informed every one of the Coalition Army's arrival."

Like a child excited to show off her toys, the witches looked really eager to show Lark around the City of Atarus.

It was one of the things they took great pride in.

That city had been their home since the day they'd been born. A city they and their ancestors had been protecting for generations.

"It's a beautiful city even from afar," said Lark. "I'm excited to see what it's like inside."

He meant it.

He'd been hearing about the witches and the city they ruled for years now. Even back in the war with the Empire, the retired General Carlos had told him about the existence of this group and the City of Atarus.

Lark could finally see the city in person.

"Then let's go!" said Lady Alice.

The other witches excitedly added, "We'll show you around the city, Your Majesty!"

The witches planned on showing Lark not only their temples, ritual site, and headquarters, but also the passageways leading all the way to Ist' Tamat.

***

Today, Elder Eve was turning a hundred years old.

She'd lived her entire life in the City of Atarus, and the only time she'd been out of the city was during her young adult years, at the time when she accompanied the witches to the imperial capital to negotiate with the previous Emperor.

"Time sure flies fast," she muttered.

Wearing numerous layers of clothes, she was among the numerous people in the city awaiting the arrival of the witches and the leaders of the Coalition Army.

With every breath, smoke came out of her mouth.

If she had children, maybe they would have reprimanded her by now, telling her not to go outside in such cold weather.

"Children, huh… maybe life would be different if I had one."

She'd lived a relatively ordinary life.

No kids, no notable positions held, and not much wealth accrued in her twilight years. Well, she did manage to save up a bit of money, but it could hardly be called a fortune.

Although she accompanied the witches during their travel to the imperial capital sixty years ago, even the memories of that day had started fading away with age.

The old woman was the very definition of ordinary.

"The gates are opening!"

"The witches and the representatives of the Coalition Army are entering the city!"

Elder Eve watched in anticipation as the gate opened and the carriages with the crest of Aravark entered the city.

Although it was snowing, numerous people had gathered in the streets to welcome the group.

Cheers, whistles, and shrieks from ecstatic citizens were heard, unmuffled even by the winter.

The window of the front carriage slid open, and a woman waved her hands at the people.

"Kyaaaaaa!"

"Lady Alice!"

"Oh gods, she looked at me!"

"Waaaahh!"

"She waved in my direction! I can die peacefully now!"

To the people of Atarus, the witches were the closest beings to gods. They were worshipped in this city not only as the rulers, but also as their guardians and idols.

Well, no one could blame the citizens.

The witches had been protecting this city since the time of their ancestors, after all.

Moreover, the witches had been governing the city fairly and competently. They meted out punishment not based on identity and status, but on the gravity of the crime committed.

They were so popular that the entire city wouldn't hesitate to stage a rebellion against the Empire if the witches ordered them to do so.

Of course, the chances of that happening were almost nil. The witches would not make the foolish decision of going against the Empire directly.

Although the witches were powerful, Atarus was a very small city. Although the territory was prosperous and peaceful, they had only half a thousand soldiers at most.

Elder Eve smiled softly as she looked at Lady Alice, who's still waving at the people.

'You've grown a lot,' she thought.

She used to play hide and seek with the leader of the witches back in their younger years.

Although Elder Eve had forgotten a lot of things, she could still vividly remember that time when Lady Alice asked her to teach her how to crochet.

Maybe Lady Alice didn't even remember her. Maybe Lady Alice didn't even know someone like her existed as Elder Eve frequently cooped herself in her home.

But that didn't matter.

Elder Eve was content even if she was the only one who remembered.

'I'm happy for you, Alice. I sincerely hope you live your remaining years happy and fulfilled.'

It was no secret to everyone in the city that Lady Alice was near the end of her lifespan.

Although she looked young, Lady Alice was almost the same age as Elder Eve. No one knew exactly how much life force she had left to maintain that youthful body, but it should have bottomed by now.

'Gods above,' prayed Elder Eve. 'Would you allow this old woman to make a wish on her hundredth birthday? Please grant Alice the happiness she deserves. Although she doesn't show it, I know she wishes for freedom more than anyone else.'

Uttering prayers in her mind, Elder Eve watched as the carriages turned a corner, disappearing from sight.

***

The next day, Elder Eve and the citizens got wind of a strange rumor.

Lady Alice was seeing a man! Moreover, it was the king of another nation!

This rumor spread throughout the entire city like wildfire. And the rumors were solidified the moment the two were spotted sightseeing in the city.

Elder Eve was buying fruits in the market when she heard the people around her gossiping.

"Hey, I saw this morning! Just the two of them, arm in arm! Lady Alice and the King of Lukas was strolling the Business District!"

"Arm in arm? Hah, I don't believe you. Lady Alice hates being touched by any man."

"But it's true that it's only the two of them though!"

"Is Lady Alice finally going to choose a partner and give birth to an offspring?"

"That would be a dream come true."

"Everyone. Just leave Lady Alice alone, will you? Romantic interest or not, let her enjoy the city. She'd done so much for us. This is the least we can do for her."

"You think we don't know that? It's not like I approached her back then and asked to shake her hand."

As she listened to the rumors, Elder Eve started getting a strange feeling in her chest. She soon realized she was getting excited by the idea that Lady Alice finally found someone to spend the rest of her life with.

And the issue regarding the age gap between Lady Alice and the King?

Well, why would that matter when her body was no different from a woman in her early thirties?

'Kyaaaaa! Is it true?'

Like a fangirl, she screamed inwardly from excitement. No matter the age, gossips were capable of fueling a person's interest.

'She finally found someone?!'

Elder Eve asked one of the people gossiping nearby.

"Excuse me," she said.

"Yes, elder?"

"Young man, you said you saw Lady Alice this morning, no? May I know where exactly in the Business District did you see her?"

"Ah, that. Uhm… I'm not sure, but I think it's near the textile shop."

"The one with the large, yellow sign?"

"That's right!"

"Thank you, young man."

After saying words of gratitude to the man, she returned to her house to store the fruits she'd bought in the market. She took out another walking stick – this one lighter than before – and went toward the Business District.

"The textile shop…," muttered Elder Eve.

They must have left this area by now, but Elder Eve wanted to take her chances regardless.

"Haha, is this what they call stalking? To think I'll do this at my age. Life truly is full of unexpected things."

Elder Eve continued walking through the Business District, checking the shops through the windows every now and then.

"Not here."

And as expected, she couldn't find the two anywhere in the area.

Just right when she was about to give up and head back home, Elder Eve surprisingly found the two of them sitting on top of the merchant guild's roof.

There were only the two of them – Lady Alice and the lukasian king. They were enjoying the snow, and Lady Alice's legs were even flailing.

"She looks so happy," said Elder Eve, smiling.

Lady Alice was animatedly conversing and laughing with the king. Although Elder Eve's eyesight had gotten worse with age, she imagined that Lady Alice's eyes were probably glimmering right now.

"I'm satisfied. This is enough."

After seeing Lady Alice's happy expression, Elder Eve deemed she'd seen enough.

After one last look at the two, she trudged through the snow-covered ground and returned to her home.

***

Another day passed by.

The entire city was in an uproar when the Witches of Aravark made an announcement.

Lady Alice, the leader of the witches, had finally decided to abdicate her position.

According to the announcement, Lady Alice will spend her remaining years accompanying King Lark and the Coalition Army.

According to the announcement, Vice Leader Tricia would become the next leader. Of course, she needed to undergo the necessary ritual first – the same ritual that stopped the aging of a witch's body.

The Witches of Aravark assured the public that Lady Alice would pass on the techniques before leaving. And they assured everyone that Lady Alice's allegiance would always remain in Atarus.

The witches expected the citizens to become enraged at this announcement. The leader of the witches had chosen a man over the city, after all.

But to their surprise, almost all of the citizens took this announcement positively. Some even said it was about time for Lady Alice to enjoy her life – it was time for her to become free.

On that day, the citizens of Atarus started organizing a grand festival to celebrate the announcement.

Elder Eve, who'd save a decent amount of money for her retirement, donated more than half of her funds for the festival. She also personally got involved with the organization of the festival.

Despite the short preparation time, the festival that week turned out a success.

Elder Eve smiled contentedly as she looked at the faces of the people smiling, laughing, drinking, eating, and dancing. She even saw Lady Alice during a ceremony. She personally passed her staff to Vice Leader Tricia, symbolizing the birth of the witches' new leader.

***

The day of departure had come.

Today, Lady Alice, together with the Coalition Army, would leave for the Dwarven Kingdom.

Elder Eve was inside her home, busy stitching a torn wool coat when she heard several loud knocks on the door.

Elder Eve placed down the needle and the coat, stood up, and made her way to the door.

"Who is it?"

"Eve, it's me."

Hearing the familiar voice, Elder Eve couldn't help but shudder. With trembling hands, she twisted the door knob open. The door opened with a creaking sound, revealing the face of a woman.

"I-It's… really you."

The woman outside her house was none other than Lady Alice.

"W-What are you doing here, L-Lady Alice? T-To think you'll personally visit this old woman's humble abode. W-What can I do for you, my liege?"

Lady Alice frowned when she heard that last part.

"Don't call me that. You think I've forgotten you, Eve?" Lady Alice took a step forward and hugged the old woman gently. "My dear friend… I've always watched over you from afar."

Elder Eve's eyes widened when she heard this.

She finally realized why her life in the city had been so easy. She realized why the landlord charged her with minimal rent, and why she never had problems finding jobs whenever she needed one before her retirement years.

Now that she'd thought of it, she also never had a hard time procuring medicine whenever she got sick.

She couldn't believe that Lady Alice hadn't forgotten about her, and that all this time, she'd been secretly taking care of her.

"L-Lady Alice," said Elder Eve, her voice croaking.

"Alice. Just call me Alice."

"…Alice."

Lady Alice hugged her tighter.

"I've come here to say goodbye, my dear friend. Out of all my childhood friends, you're the only one remaining. Honestly, I regret not talking to Maricel and Sophia before they passed away."

Hearing the names of her two childhood friends, Elder Eve finally broke down. Her voice became even hoarser as she sobbed.

"I… I-I wanted to speak to you again! I t-thought you've already forgotten about me, that's why—!"

Lady Alice's face contorted. She willed back her tears. She patted the old woman's back and said softly, "I'm sorry, Eve. I'm sorry."

"N-No, don't be! I'm… Maricel and Sophia – all of us! We're proud to be friends with you, Alice! It was such an honor to be the childhood playmates of the leader of the witches! And of course, even if you weren't a witch, we would have still gladly become your friends!"

After crying for several minutes, Elder Eve finally regained herself. She wiped her tears using the sleeves of her dress.

Elder Eve decided to ask the question that had been on everyone's mind recently.

"Alice, did you finally find your partner?" said Elder Eve.

"A partner?" said Lady Alice after a short pause. "It's nothing romantic like the rumors, Eve. But—"

Lady Alice smiled broadly.

In her entire life, Elder Eve had never seen someone smile so beautifully.

"—It's something even better than that."

That day, Lady Alice left the City of Atarus to become part of King Lark's retinue. She directly said to the people that she had no plans of returning, and that she would spend the remaining years of her life accompanying the king.