As Bask had said, the closer they got, the sparser the vegetation became.
In the end, only a vast expanse of soil remained, pitch-black as if soaked in ink, forming a stark contrast with the gradually browning land around it.
The air carried a peculiar, slightly fishy earth smell, with the sulfur scent almost completely masked—it could be ignored.
Seraphina reined in her magical horse and dismounted with Lina’s help.
The motion left her slightly breathless; the frailty of her body made her miss the self she once had as a knight.
Ignoring the “See, it’s a dead zone” looks in Bask and the others’ eyes, she walked straight to the edge of the black soil, showing no fear of their so-called “death and ill omen.”
She crouched down, heedless of her luxurious robes getting dirty, and reached out.
After a brief hesitation, her fingertips directly touched the soil.
The texture was fine, slightly moist and cool—completely unlike the hardened, corrupted filth she had imagined.
She pinched a small clump and, under everyone’s astonished gazes, brought it to her nose for a light sniff.
There was no other odor; only the intense earthy smell.
“Bring me a small knife.”
Seraphina ordered without turning her head.
Bask did not dare delay and immediately handed over the dagger at his waist.
Seraphina took it and dug into the ground for some distance, discovering that the black soil was incredibly deep, with no sign of bottoming out.
At this point, her heart began to pound uncontrollably.
She was almost one hundred percent certain!
She stood up, brushed the dirt from her hands, and turned to face Bask and the gathered knights.
A light completely different from before shone in her eyes.
“How do you evaluate human food?”
After a moment, Seraphina asked a question that left everyone bewildered.
Though puzzled, Bask still answered, “Some human food is indeed delicious, but the preparation is complicated. Moreover, the Demon Realm cannot grow the crops from the human side.”
“Now it can!”
Seraphina’s voice rang clear and powerful, shattering the silence of this “dead land.”
“This is not a cursed place of death—it is a treasure! A treasure for any human crop!”
“The plants of the Demon Realm are like a starving man.
This land is a table laden with delicacies placed before him—he could only gorge himself to death here.”
Though the metaphor might be imperfect and she lacked the knowledge for a more precise example, it didn’t matter.
What mattered was making everyone in front of her roughly understand.
“In short, Bask, immediately send men to procure seeds of human crops.
I will bring specialists in plant magic from the Demon Realm.
When the time comes… this place will grow bountiful harvests!”
Seraphina looked at the shock and doubt on their faces.
She didn’t expect them to grasp her meaning instantly or believe her words right away—she only needed them to follow her instructions.
In truth, ever since Seraphina had insisted on coming despite the harsh environment and touched the soil without care for the dust, Bask had already begun to revise his opinion of this princess who seemed untouched by the mortal world.
“Yes, I’ll give the order at once!”
Even though Bask was still half-doubting, deep down he chose to trust her.
And deep in Seraphina’s heart, a thought arose:
The true face of this land would probably no longer be as barren as it appeared now…
Movira had sent her to handle border conflicts, yet she had discovered a treasure that might be worth more than quelling dozens of conflicts!
…
Night quietly descended upon the Demon Realm, like a curtain painted with black dye draped over the earth.
The temperature plummeted.
Compared to the relatively stable climate of the Demon King’s Castle, it was far, far colder here.
Icy wind whistled through the stone walls with a wailing howl, mingling with the distant, occasional roars of demonic beasts to compose the unique nocturne of the frontier.
Seraphina stood by the window of the quarters assigned to her.
The room was several times smaller than those in the Demon King’s Castle, the furnishings simple and crude—yet this was still the best room in the outpost.
At least the air inside was relatively fresh and a little warmer than outside.
Though mentally she wasn’t picky, her body had long since become that of a delicate maiden.
Her soft, tender skin simply couldn’t withstand the constant assault of the environment.
She still wore her black cloak, now wrapped in a thick fur mantle as well.
By all rights she should be warm enough, yet threads of cold still seeped in relentlessly.
This cold was more aggressive, a desolate chill.
Physical exhaustion followed close behind.
The long journey during the day and the carsickness that had nearly killed her made every inch of her skin protest.
Yet the deeper discomfort came from within—still that strange sensation, the uninvited guest that appeared every time she quieted down.
She unconsciously pressed her thighs together; the subtle, irritating feeling of emptiness refused to leave.
Knock knock.
After a soft knock, Lina entered carrying a simple supper.
When she saw Seraphina wrapped up like a ball, she almost couldn’t hold back her laughter, but still placed the meal on the only table.
A few pieces of bread, a bowl of meat stew—far worse than what they ate in the Demon King’s Castle!
Oh, and a cup of plain water… before there had always been various drinks.
“Your supper…”
For the first time she used the formal “Your,” as if she herself hadn’t noticed.
Her voice also carried less distance and wariness.
“Just leave it there.”
Her voice sounded a little weary.
She paused, then looked at Lina. “Is it… always this cold here at night?”
Lina clearly hadn’t expected the question.
She was stunned for a moment before answering softly, “Yes. Bask said the temperature difference between day and night is huge here, and the wind is fierce.”
“Mm… There’s dry firewood prepared in the hearth. Shall I light it for you?”
Seraphina had meant to refuse, but just then a gust of cold wind somehow slipped in, making her shiver. “…Light it.”
At the same time, she noticed that Lina’s clothes were practically thin compared to her own—not that exaggerated, just… comparatively.
The hearth was pitifully small; compared to the ones in the Demon King’s Castle, it could be called miniature.
“You… aren’t you cold?”
“Me?”
Lina turned to look at Seraphina, then turned back to stare at the newly lit flames. “I’m used to it.”
“Mm…”
Seraphina suddenly realized she had nothing more to say.
The other girl’s rather slender frame still wore thin clothing, while she herself…
At that thought, a spark of pride flared in her heart.
Seraphina tried to take off the outer mantle.
“Hiss… never mind…”