Seraphina ended up staying at Blackstone Outpost for several days.
She frequently inspected the defenses, discussed future plans with Bask, and never forgot to check on that patch of black soil.
The whole purpose was to try and forget all the shameful things that had happened over the past month or so.
That morning, Seraphina woke early. The silence outside made her uneasy. She lingered in bed for a bit before putting on her thick cotton coat and robe. When she pulled back the tent flap, a vast expanse of white greeted her eyes.
It had snowed.
In truth, the sharp drop in temperature a few days earlier had already warned her this was coming.
Pure white snowflakes drifted down in abundance. She reached out and caught a perfect one on her palm. It melted against her skin, stealing a little warmth and bringing… cold.
Seraphina’s heart suddenly sank. Cold? Cold was the greatest threat to those crops!
“Lina!” Seraphina turned and called into the room. “Hurry, come with me to the fields.”
Lina followed immediately, holding an umbrella to shield her from the snow. The two hurried toward the fields, one in front of the other.
Along the way, Bask spotted them and joined as well.
Seraphina didn’t explain why, but the worry in her eyes spoke volumes. Images of tender seedlings buried under ice and snow flashed through her mind.
Yet when she reached the edge of the field, the sight before her left her stunned.
White snow did indeed blanket the earth, but over the area where the crops grew, a faint, nearly transparent green magical barrier formed a massive greenhouse, enveloping the plants.
Beneath the barrier, the soil maintained a suitable temperature, and the new sprouts remained unharmed.
“This is…” Seraphina slowly extended her hand. Her fingertips brushed the barrier, feeling the gentle yet resilient pulse of magic rich with the breath of life.
“It’s the old gardener’s magic,” Bask said from behind her. “He sensed a heavy snowfall coming several days ago and quickly set up this formation.”
A wave of warmth surged through Seraphina’s chest. “How thoughtful. Make sure no one neglects him.”
Bask shook his head at once. “Neglect him? We practically want to put him on a pedestal. After all, the outpost’s food supply depends entirely on his help.”
On the way back, the snow fell even heavier. Seraphina also noticed that, despite the outpost’s best efforts to distribute what they had, some patrolling and sentry soldiers were still wearing relatively thin clothing.
Their faces were purple from the biting wind, their breath turning to white mist in an instant. Yet when they saw Seraphina, they straightened their backs and saluted with effort.
“Bask, are we still short on cotton-padded clothes here?”
Seraphina glanced back at him as she asked.
“Yes. The outpost has already allocated every piece of clothing we could spare, but there’s still a significant shortage… This cold snap came too suddenly, and logistics couldn’t keep up.”
This situation couldn’t be allowed to continue. For one thing, it could lower morale. For another, there was a high chance of non-combat losses.
Blackstone Outpost guarded the eastern gate of the Demon Realm. Remote and harsh, its soldiers defended the border year-round. If even basic protection from the cold couldn’t be guaranteed… how could anyone expect loyalty?
“Bask, issue an order. Make the cotton clothes a rotating resource. Prioritize them for soldiers on patrol or sentry duty. Those not on outdoor tasks can warm themselves indoors.”
It was a good solution, at least for now, though it couldn’t be sustained long-term. It would have to do temporarily.
Bask acknowledged the order and went to relay it.
Back in her room, an idea quickly took shape in Seraphina’s mind.
The whole reason for this trip was to get away from Movira. Extending her time away, no matter the excuse, was ideal.
“Lina, if I remember correctly, several trade routes are maintained year-round between the outpost and the Giantwing Demons’ territory.”
Lina pulled some tea leaves from the small pouch she always carried, brewing a hot cup for Seraphina as she answered. “Yes, that’s right. Are you thinking of sending someone to ask the Giantwing Demons to deliver some cold-weather supplies here?”
“Mm, you really do understand me.” Seraphina accepted the steaming tea. “But you got one thing wrong. I’m going myself.”
Lina froze, worry creeping across her face. “You’re going personally? Those trade routes run close to the border, and in the middle sections, they even connect with the Human Empire… Your safety…”
“It’ll be fine.” Seraphina cut her off, her decision firm. “I’ll take a squad of cavalry with me and make it quick there and back. The Giantwing chieftain has a straightforward personality, but lately it’s clear her support for me is genuine. This trip will also let me see how their ‘results’ are coming along.”
Lina nodded, accepting the reasoning. “All right. I’ll go with you.”
“No, you can’t!”
The sudden refusal left Lina bewildered. Seraphina’s outings had always included her. Why this time…
“This trip is confidential. You need to stay at the outpost and act as my representative. Otherwise, my sudden departure could cause unnecessary rumors.”
Lina’s worry didn’t fully ease with the explanation, but she knew that once Seraphina made up her mind, changing it was nearly impossible.
Her uneasy premonition grew stronger as night deepened. Seraphina had said they would leave at dawn the next day. Lina wanted to dissuade her but couldn’t find a good reason.
In the end, she said nothing more and silently began preparing Seraphina’s travel gear.
Even though Seraphina claimed it would be a quick trip, no matter how fast they traveled, it would still take some time.
Lina opened a wooden chest, lined it with soft beast hide, and neatly folded several warm garments inside.
She added a small vial of stamina-recovery potion, a packet of oil-paper-wrapped jerky that would keep for a long time, and the motion-sickness relief sachet that helped Seraphina.
Speaking of motion sickness, Lina still didn’t understand why Seraphina, who suffered from it so badly, insisted on going herself. Wasn’t that just asking for trouble?
Doubts lingered in her heart, but her hands never stopped moving. Only when she had to force the lid closed did Lina let out a soft sigh. She knew full well that if something truly went wrong, these preparations might amount to nothing.
The next day, while the sky was still dim, Seraphina set out with twenty elite cavalry, traveling light.
She also turned down Bask’s offer to send more soldiers, emphasizing the need for speed.
After a simple farewell to Lina and Bask, the convoy rolled out of the outpost, traversing the snow-covered road and soon vanishing into the vast white plain.
Seraphina was still congratulating herself on how clever she was—finding a way to delay her return like this—when dozens of dark figures quietly began tailing the convoy…
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.