Witch, Fireball and Steam Evil God

Chapter 153 In the Blizzard
"Listen carefully, this magic is called 'Cognitive Elimination'. It can be considered as a magic I created myself. When I was still in the Astrology Guild, I was the magician who created the most magic every year!"

In a clothing store in Ximu Town, Rowena talked about her glorious past without paying any attention to other customers in the store. "This magic can not only change people's perception of appearance, but also automatically transform our conversations. For example, in the ears of these people, I might just be discussing what to eat in the evening!"

She puffed out her chest with pride, ready to receive the compliment.

But no one seemed to pay attention to her. Rowena looked back and saw Ethan putting a white knitted hat on Winter and covering Winter's ears with the pompoms on both sides.

Winter looked up at him and let Ethan tidy up her bangs.

This angle allowed Rowena to see Lindong's red cheeks, which made her feel hurt.

Hey! What dirty things are you two doing in broad daylight?

"Don't forget that this is a magic that only I can perform. There are many shops in the capital that are much more impressive than this one. If you still want my help, don't make me angry. Just call me Lady Rowena. I will gladly accept it."

Still no one paid attention to her. Rowena saw the two of them walking to the clothes rack, talking and laughing. Ethan picked out a close-fitting white wool sweater, a red cotton skirt, and a pair of black tights for Winter. Winter smiled and walked into the fitting room and closed the curtain. After changing, she lively turned around in front of Ethan to show him.

Winter smiled happily, and it was a little dazzling.

Even brighter than the afternoon sun.

Rowena spotted several couples in the clothing store, even an elderly couple who had been married for many years. Everyone had the same smile on their face, as if they had planned on specifically coming to piss her off today.

Her eyes turned red.

The God of Trickery is above, she curses all the emotional thugs who show off their affection in front of others!
However, Rowena had to state that she was not jealous of the atmosphere in the store at all. After all, she was a super expert who had had dozens of love experiences and had long been disdainful of the boredom between these young couples. She was considering those who had never been in love. She had such a friend, and this scene made her friend unhappy.

"Nana, why don't you pick out clothes?"

Bi'an walked around the store and found a Christmas hat from somewhere. She put it on Rowena from behind, giving Rowena, whose hands and feet were cold, a festive feeling.

Bi'an is also a beneficiary of "cognitive elimination". She finally doesn't have to appear in the form of a wolf. She misses the feeling of freely choosing goods in the store.

"Me? I don't want extra clothes. After all, I've been given a lot of clothes by my dozen previous lovers."

"But, those are the magician robes of the Astrology Guild, right? The red and white robe you usually wear is hand-dyed by you. I heard from Winter that the smiling mask is also you..."

"You, I...you! You are the one who is always bothering me!"

Rowena, wearing a Santa hat, clenched her fists and stamped her feet in anger. She glared at the other side fiercely - What has it got to do with you!
As far as Bi'an knows, the mage robes can be obtained for free at the Astrology Guild. Given Rowena's calculating personality, she must have obtained several sets for free at once.

This girl is definitely a weirdo. After betraying the guild and being wanted by the Empire, she simply manually modified those free mage robes and continued to wear them.

"You, are you reluctant to spend money?"

Bi'an supported her chin with her hand and looked Rowena up and down. She felt that this possibility was very high. Having lived in Ivy Apartment for so long, Rowena went to buy ingredients herself every day and insisted on sharing the food expenses. When Miss Chloe came to their place for a meal some time ago, Rowena often couldn't help sighing.

"There's no need to spend money. The styles of these clothes are very ordinary. I can make them myself. The ones I make myself are more delicate and can be dyed in the colors I like..."

"Come on, it's a rare visit for you, I'll pick out some clothes for you to wear during the winter."

Rowena's arm was grabbed, so she naturally couldn't win over the other side in terms of strength, and was dragged around the store by the other side.

She followed behind Winter in small steps, adjusting the Santa hat on her head with her other hand. This unlucky knight was always cheerful, perhaps because he had been the Knight Commander for a long time, his voice was very contagious, "What style do you like?"

"Red."

Rowena did not forget to emphasize, "But let me make it clear first, I will not pay."

"This is a gift from me, you don't have to pay for it."

"That can."

Rowena's steps became much lighter, and she began to look carefully at the styles of winter clothes. There were several that really suited her taste.

She pointed to the cheapest set and said, "Try that one."

This winter doesn't seem to be that cold anymore.

In the corner of the clothing store, there was a pair of eyes silently observing everything that was happening in the store.

The golden retriever tapped Ivy's head, as if asking her a soul-searching question, "Have you never bought me clothes?"

"Are there any clothes for you to wear?"

Ivy pinched the golden retriever in annoyance. She stared at Winter and Rowena for a long time, then turned her attention to the red winter clothes.

She wore cotton gloves and exhaled a breath of cool air.

Is red the popular color this winter?

"Cuckoo."

Miss Chloe stood on tiptoe and nudged her, then turned to a dress with gold trim, as if to recommend it to her.

..............................

This is a severe winter, possibly the coldest winter the imperial capital has experienced in the past decade.

The blizzard in the north is getting more and more severe. There have been reports from the Hunter's Guild that several people have gone missing in the snowstorm, but compared to many major events that have happened recently, this is bound to not cause much discussion.

"Have you heard what happened in Darkfurnace City?"

This is the most discussed topic today.

The murders of the chief priest and Count Garlan caused the situation in Darkfurnace City to take a sharp turn for the worse.

"Another riot, right? Just like before, it will be suppressed in a few days."

Some people could not wait to join the discussion. This was one of the few interests they had. In this cold winter, they ordered a few glasses of liquor and a pot of stew, and under the influence of alcohol, they commented on recent events. However, they could not say too much and could not slander the nobles and the consortium. Even if they were drunk, they had to know their limits.

Some people rushed to the guild as soon as they learned about the riot in Darkfurnace City.

Such a big mess has happened. If I don't find a few people to discuss it with, they will feel like ants are crawling all over their bodies.

"I heard that this riot is different. There are many royal soldiers in it. It is said that many wealthy businessmen and new nobles have also joined them and provided them with weapons such as muskets. The Church and the Earl's direct lineage are almost unable to stop them."

"If you ask me, it's their own fault."

Someone lowered his voice and said, "Winter is about to come, and they have introduced such a harsh tax bill. This will cut off people's livelihoods."

The hunters nodded in understanding, but did not continue discussing the topic.

The flames in the fireplace flickered, keeping the harsh winter out of the guild.

They all knew what the problem was, yet all those who raised the question were thrown into the fire and burned to death.

The hunter in black trousers and double-breasted military uniform started the conversation again. "I heard that the garrison officers in Darkforge City admire the Knight Commander very much. It is likely that he was disappointed by the way the Empire treated the Knight Commander."

This doesn't look like an ordinary hunter's outfit.

The hunters looked a little serious. It seemed that the wine tasted a little off. However, curiosity drove them to ask, "Do you have any inside information? Tell me in detail."

"Some people say that the top brass of the empire had received the relevant intelligence a long time ago, but deliberately concealed it. They deliberately sent the Knight Commander to the border to die. Otherwise, how could the new Knight Commander be decided so quickly? Or was he appointed by the Pope himself? The garrison officers of Darkfurnace City have always been dissatisfied with this matter."

The speaker whispered, "I heard that the designated Knight Commander is not well-received by the Holy Church of Netheril, and is instead very close to the people of the Holy See."

Typical conspiracy theory!

But no one objected, and they would not be too surprised by any conspiracy being planned by the top leaders of the empire at the moment.

The appointment of the Knight Commander this time was indeed not in compliance with the regulations.

The Grand Knight of the Empire has always had a seat in the Council of Seven, which shows his high status. Therefore, he is usually appointed by the king himself. But now the chief judge of the Pope's Joint Inquisition said that His Majesty Henry is in poor health and the crown princes are too young, so he exercised this power on behalf of the royal family.

The ambition of the Holy See has become so obvious that even small characters like them can see it.

Someone asked him, "Where did you get all this information? Are you from the guild in Darkfurnace City?"

"I just entered the city yesterday. I can't stay in Darkfurnace City any longer."

The man admitted it openly. Someone kindly advised him, "Then you have to understand the rules of the imperial capital. Don't let the people in the church hear these words, otherwise you will be in big trouble."

"Thank you for reminding."

"Are you planning to settle down here when you come to the capital this time?"

"No."

The man shook his head and looked in the direction of the notice board. "I have a feeling that something big is going to happen here."

As they were talking, someone entered the guild.

One male and one female.

The man looked very young, and from his clothes he looked like a civil servant of the empire. The woman was wearing a white wool sweater, which was very close-fitting and outlined her almost perfect figure, making the guild's hunters unable to help but take a few more glances.

The two of them came to issue a commission.

Something big was indeed about to happen. After hearing the purpose of the two people's visit, the waiter was surprised. He quickly asked the two to wait for a while and turned to call the president. Not long after, the former legendary hunter hurried to the front hall and repeatedly questioned the two, as if to confirm the authenticity of the news.

After receiving a positive answer, the knowledgeable legendary hunter looked solemn. He solemnly took out a list and asked the man to fill it out.

The accompanying woman handed the prepared Imperial Bank savings card to the waiter and began to go through the tedious registration procedures.

The curiosity of the guild hunters was aroused. It was hard for them to imagine what kind of commission would make the president so nervous. You know, he was an old hunter of the fourth level who had even participated in the hunting of sub-dragons when he was young!

Once the two had completed their registration and left the guild, the others gathered around them.

The first thing that catches their attention is the commission fee.

One zero, two zeros, three zeros...

How many?

Five thousand golden lions! ?
The hunters were immediately excited, as such large orders were rare. Whoever could complete the commission would never have to do such a risky job again in their lifetime. When they couldn't wait to read the specific contents of the commission, they were overwhelmed by even stronger shock.

The crowd was silent, everyone stared with wide eyes, confirming again and again that they were not seeing things.

Someone discovered a relic deep in the North. Judging from the magic runes on the relic, it is suspected to be related to the Knight Lord. The client is recruiting an elite team of hunters to explore the relic. Whoever can bring back information related to the holy sword can share the reward of 5000 gold lions.

That is the relic of the Righteous God!
Previously, a holy sword was stored in all the relics related to the Knight Lord. It was the Knight Lord's guidance to the most devout believers. The legendary knight holding the holy sword would lead the empire and the temple to a bright future.

Today's empire really needs a new saint.

If the Knight Commander was still alive, there would be no doubt as to who the holy sword would belong to. However, now, everything has become confusing.

Who will be the next Knight Commander of the Empire is the hottest topic in the imperial capital right now. However, most of the lower-class people are not very satisfied with the candidate promoted by the Holy See, and many dissenting voices have also emerged within the Kingdom Army.

Is it...

Will Abaddon, who is in cahoots with the Holy See, become the next Saint?
When this thought came into the hunters' minds, they suddenly felt that the future of the empire was dark.

But no matter what, the news of the ruins quickly spread in the imperial capital.

That afternoon, Abaddon assembled an elite group of knights, a force consisting of dozens of elite knights and more than a dozen high-ranking priests of the Church. They were equipped with the most sophisticated equipment and were determined to obtain the potential holy sword in the ruins.

Abaddon will personally lead this elite division deep into the North.

For Abaddon, who has been under a lot of doubt recently, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As long as he gets the Holy Sword, it will be a foregone conclusion that he will become the next Knight Commander. More importantly...

Perhaps he could leap into the realm of saints. As a veteran knight who had been in the Kingdom Army for nearly thirty years, this was an irresistible temptation.

When the Holy See approached Abaddon privately, he almost immediately agreed to the plan proposed by the Pope.

In exchange, the Pope exempted him from the punishment of breaking his oath through some means he had never seen before.

For a long time, jealousy of the other side almost overwhelmed him.

A younger, stronger young man who possessed all the qualities of a knight appeared. Abaddon witnessed this young knight winning battle after battle, witnessed her becoming a role model revered by all knights, and also witnessed His Majesty Henry personally appointing her as the Knight Grand Master of the Empire.

As an elderly knight, he stumbled into the fourth-level medal in middle age and made no further progress.

Abaddon knew that people like him were destined to become background figures and be eliminated by time.

However, he was unwilling to give in!
Obviously he had made considerable efforts, but all the good things were snatched away by the other side. The series of records related to "youngest" always made him jealous. He was on the verge of breaking his oath for many years until the Pope found him.

And now, the other side is dead.

He saw the death scene in Creekwood Town that day. It was a very tragic scene, but he had reviewed it over and over again many times. Until now, Abaddon would take out the report from time to time.

As the Pope said, only those who are alive have the possibility of going further.

"You must retrieve the holy sword."

The majestic voice brought Abaddon back to reality. He was kneeling on one knee, bowing his head to the man on the throne. Theoretically, the Knight Commander had the same status as the Pope, but Abaddon knew that all this was earned with his loyalty. The only difference was that the object of his loyalty had changed from the royal family to the Pope who was sitting on the throne before him.

Every word spoken by the high and mighty old man seemed to convey the will of the gods, "This is your destiny, go and take back what belongs to you."

"As you wish."

Abaddon saluted respectfully to the Pope, but the moment he turned around, he could no longer suppress his inner ecstasy.

Did you see that, the "former" Knight Commander?

Fate is on his side!

Meanwhile, deep in the North.

Lin Dong and Ethan walked one after the other in the blizzard. The outline of the imperial capital had long disappeared at the end of the wind and snow.

Here, there was only endless coldness, and white became the only color in the world, as if there were no other living things except them. Ethan could no longer remember how long they had been walking in the wind and snow. Fortunately, they were friends of the ice elves, and the cold would never bother them.

It's time to meet the parents.

Although Winter mentioned that she lived alone, Ethan understood that they were a tribe living deep in the blizzard, and their characteristics were white hair and red eyes.

He had no experience in this area before, so he could only rehearse his opening remarks in his mind again and again:

Hello, I’m dating Miss Winter. My name is Ethan, you can just call me Xiaosen.

I run a small business and opened a store. Business has been pretty good recently.

These are some local specialties I brought from Ximu Town. Please don't mind.

……

"It's almost there."

The red figure walking in front suddenly stopped and stood on the snow slope. However, the scene behind her was a little different from what Ethan had imagined. There was no village here, nor any signs of human life. Looking up the snow slope, there was only a cave buried in the snow.

There is a vertical wooden sign in front of the cave.

The blizzard did not obscure the words on the sign; they were the handwriting of winter.

"Mr. Big Cat." 』

That's what was written on the wooden sign.

Then Ethan saw the scene in the cave clearly.

There was nothing there, no one except them, just some simple wooden furniture.

"I haven't been back for a long time."

Winter stretched, turned around and gave Ethan a bright smile.

"Welcome to my home!"

(End of this chapter)