Just before we set off again, Leopold inquired if there was anyone among the natives who could act as a guide. Initially, they all seemed disinterested, but when he offered a luxurious wool cloak as a gift, their eyes lit up, and many eagerly volunteered. However, none were as enthusiastic as Roscoe.

“Adults all have two or three of those warm cloaks! I’m the only one without one, so please choose me! Please!”

To be precise, he was desperate, and seeing him, fully bundled in fur clothing yet still coveting the cloak, made him appear more childlike than ever, which brought a smile to my face.

“Roscoe, to guide us, you need to know the way well. Don’t you think the adults might know better than you?”

“By my age, I already know the area around the Ice Land like the back of my hand! Just a little further, and I’m sure we’ll reach a path I recognize!”

He answered with such confidence that I felt inclined to support him. However, the decision wasn’t mine to make.

“Leopold, what do you think?”

I cautiously asked for his opinion. Leopold narrowed his eyes as if displeased, then nodded. Roscoe cheered with excitement. Soon, a knight unlocked the iron gate with a lock that seemed barely functional.

“Good for you, Roscoe.”

“Hehe. But I can’t ride a horse, so how am I supposed to guide you?”

His question left everyone speechless. Leopold muttered, a bit irritated.

“Why are there so many who can’t ride?”

A forgotten figure suddenly came to mind: Prince Raphael of the duchy, who had once annoyed Leopold by not being able to ride. I wondered how he was doing.

“There are only two of them, so it’s not that many. I’ll take Roscoe with me on my horse. That solves the problem, doesn’t it?”

I tried to reassure him, feeling as if those memories were from a distant past, but Leopold frowned deeply as if questioning my suggestion.

“Why would you, when there are so many knights?”

Then he issued a cold command.

“Someone go fetch Jayden.”

Though his tone didn’t show it, it was actually a considerate gesture. Jayden was among the younger knights and not much older than Roscoe, making him a more comfortable companion for Roscoe to converse with.

“You are a good leader.”

I smiled sincerely, appreciating his thoughtful decision. Leopold looked at me, slightly flustered, and without a word, took my hand and began to walk. He seemed a bit embarrassed, so I pretended not to notice and quietly followed him.

Jayden, who had been at the rear, readily agreed to ride with Roscoe after hearing the situation. The two of them led the group from the front.

As we ventured deeper into the White Forest, the fact that the sun was up became increasingly irrelevant. Without the thin beams of light filtering through the tall trees, it was so dark that you wouldn’t know it was daytime. The occasional chatter gradually faded until only the sound of hooves remained.

Just as he had confidently claimed, Roscoe knew the terrain well. It was astonishing how he guided us so effortlessly through a forest path that barely qualified as a trail.

“From here, we need to walk. If we just pass through, the horses will get hurt. There are thorn bushes everywhere. But we’re almost there.”

As the sunlight weakened, Roscoe raised his hand high and waved it from side to side, signaling the group to stop. Leopold dismounted naturally, as if he had anticipated this situation. The knights followed suit, dismounting and moving in unison. I also took Leopold’s extended hand and got off my horse.

“What do you plan to do?”

“We’ll split into groups. Some will stay here with the horses, while others will proceed to the Ice Land.”

It seemed everything had been planned out, as the knights swiftly divided into groups without needing explicit instructions from Leopold. The native hostages stood in a line with ropes tied only around their waists, indicating a clear intention not to harm them by leaving their hands free.

Leaving half the knights with the horses, we resumed our journey. Although the number of people had decreased, the path became narrower and more treacherous, slowing our pace. To make matters worse, one of the natives claimed to have twisted their ankle and complained of pain. Upon inspection, it turned out to be an exaggeration, but I refrained from commenting, fearing it would only encourage more malingering. Instead, I infused a bit of magic into the ankle to help them walk better.

“I can’t wait to send them back.”

Leopold, who had been observing, clicked his tongue, seeming to have guessed the exaggeration. Suddenly, a question I’d been curious about came to mind, and I asked him.

“You usually don’t capture the natives like this. Why did you do it this time?”

“I intended to negotiate. The plan was to hand over the hostages and attempt to communicate to prevent further raids on our food supplies. Unfortunately, things escalated in a different direction.”

He finished his explanation with a wry smile, clearly still uneasy about the magic involved. I made sure to remind him firmly.

“You mustn’t forget that your survival is crucial for me.”

However, Leopold didn’t respond and simply turned away, walking a step ahead. Just as I was about to call out to him again, eager to hear his reply, it happened.

Whoosh—

A series of hissing sounds filled the air, and suddenly, something like mist obscured my vision.

“Hazel!”

Leopold called out to me urgently, but before I could respond, I lost consciousness.

***

The attack came in a completely unexpected form. The smoke quickly enveloped the area, leaving no time to react. Leopold gritted his teeth and held his breath, but part of his body was already paralyzed. Moreover, as he reached out desperately, he couldn’t find Hazel, who had been right beside him just moments ago. He shouldn’t have let go for even a second.

“Capture them all!”

“Tie their feet first!”

“Chief! Please save us!”

“Over here, here!”

Amidst the fierce voices, the cries of the hostages could be heard. Somehow, they seemed unaffected by the smoke. Did they know this would happen? While he had expected some kind of defense mechanism, this method was unheard of.

If only Hazel, who must have been lying somewhere, wasn’t there, he could have fully unleashed his power. But he couldn’t muster the courage to use such a dangerous force that indiscriminately took lives.

Leopold lowered himself as much as possible. Should he escape alone and return with the rest of the knights who were waiting? Or should he allow himself to be captured and observe the situation?

There was no time for long deliberation. A dark figure was approaching him.

***

“Hazel, Hazel! Wake up, Hazel!”

Hearing a voice from afar, I struggled to lift my eyelids. My vision gradually cleared, and the owner of the voice looked down at me with a worried expression.

“Roscoe.”

“Phew, thank goodness. You have no idea how worried I was!”

Roscoe, genuinely relieved, placed a hand on his chest and took a deep breath. Clutching my throbbing head, I managed to sit up.

“What happened? Where are the others…?”

“The chief has locked everyone up. I’m sorry, Hazel. I didn’t know it would turn out like this…”

I couldn’t think of anything to say to Roscoe, who spoke apologetically with his head bowed. I needed to gather my thoughts first, so I closed my eyes and focused on the flow of energy. Magic coursed vigorously through my body, awakening my senses. Once my strength returned, I surveyed my surroundings.

“Where are we…?”

“This is my house! I usually live here with my brother, but he’s out hunting right now.”

He called it a house, but it was far from the typical structure. It resembled a large military tent more than anything else, with a brazier in the center. Opposite where I lay was the entrance, and between them were a low table and a chest of drawers, while on the opposite side were kitchen tools and what appeared to be weapons.

“It’s not as nice as Hazel’s house, but it’s warm, right?”

Oblivious to my situation, Roscoe asked cheerfully. The air inside was indeed warm enough to be stifling, so I nodded in agreement.

“Yes, it’s warm.”

“I’m making something to eat right now, so please wait a little longer!”

“No, Roscoe. More importantly, where is Leopold? Do you know where he is? I need to see him immediately.”

I quickly grabbed Roscoe, but the child hesitated.

“Roscoe?”

When I called his name again, Roscoe reluctantly began to speak very slowly.

“The chief won’t allow it.”

“Why? I’m here, aren’t I?”

Aren’t we all in the same situation? The hesitant child finally answered, avoiding my puzzled gaze.

“That’s because I begged them to spare you, Hazel. But the others… they’re going to be sacrificed soon.”

Did I hear that wrong? Or did he not understand the meaning of the word ‘sacrifice’? I was bewildered.

“…Sacrifice?”

“Yes. A sacrifice to the guardian deity of the Ice Land.”

I was at a loss for words and stared intently at the child.