Witch, Fireball and Steam Evil God

Chapter 415 Before Winter

Zoffy had never met someone like Ethan before. He was just a guest in someone else's house, but his words made it sound like he was the real master of the palace.

What do you mean by "the Third Princess's house is quite big"? You can sleep inside if you're tired, no problem?

Is this something a guest should say?

But then again, the palace is indeed quite large, and it could easily accommodate a few guests for a short stay.

Zoffy was going through an internal struggle. He found it difficult to maintain his usual aloof image in front of Ethan. This man's thought process was too peculiar, and he often said surprising things.

Zoffy looked around. Just as they were talking, the assistant who was handling the cleanup arrived at the scene. It was a black cat with heterochromatic eyes. The black cat ran around in front of the intruder's corpse. Before long, the mess was sucked into an ominous dark space.

Zoffy guessed that this might be some kind of lost ancient magic. On the surface, it looked like a dark vortex, somewhat similar to the teleportation magic that Ilya had used. He didn't know where the vortex would lead, nor did he want to know. What concerned him most was that after the vortex devoured all the debris, it also took away an exquisite lion head sculpture from a library.

There is a thief!
Hey, is your cat stealing things?
The black cat sensed Zoffy's gaze and, in a remarkably human-like manner, gestured a shushing finger to him.

Zoffy strongly suspected that the black cat was actually a person in disguise, just like the white-haired girl. Turning into a cat seemed to be a trick commonly used by witches.

However, Zoffy quickly composed himself, realizing that in this library, theft was actually the least important crime.

He decided to get down to business. "But at least we need an explanation, right? There are already quite a few people in the capital who have doubts about your identities. These people are just a few of them. If you move into the palace at this critical juncture for no reason, at least half of the noble families in the capital will investigate you."

Anyone familiar with the Simpler family could see their abnormality. Their arrogance and cruelty were ingrained in their very being, qualities passed down through generations. How could they suddenly become so restrained after having two guests at home? Moreover, anyone who could become a friend of Grand Duke Esch must be birds of a feather, as their conversation at the dinner table revolved around topics related to torture.

Grand Duke Esh's methods of executing rebels were not merely for establishing his authority; he genuinely enjoyed the process of torturing others.

"As far as I know, some people have already started asking about you through black market intelligence dealers, and a small number of people suspect that you have cast a curse on Grand Duke Esch."

"Of course there's an explanation. Don't you know? The Autumn Harvest Festival is just around the corner."

"...Autumn Harvest Festival?"

"This is a traditional festival of the Silvershine Empire, celebrating the autumn harvest before winter, and also to bless people to get through the cold winter. In addition, it also has the meaning of praying for a good harvest in the coming year. In short, it is a very meaningful traditional festival."

Upon hearing this, Zoffy's eyelids twitched violently a few times, and he suddenly had an urge to grab a book and smash it on Ethan's head.

Why is an outsider earnestly explaining the traditional solar terms of the Silver Glow Empire to this local? Are you an Imperial citizen or am I?
He had never heard of anyone celebrating a harvest festival since he was a child, and the name sounded like something Ethan had just come up with on a whim, a haphazard combination of harvest and the onset of winter.

"Are you a liar?"

"Don't underestimate the Autumn Harvest Festival!"

Ethan suddenly raised his voice, his words ringing out so loudly that Zoffy froze in place. Ethan continued, "Don't you know how serious the consequences are of not celebrating the Harvest Festival properly? I don't see you having the slightest respect for our General Winter!"

"General Winter!?"

Didn't you hear that legend when you were a child?

Ethan said, "For those who do not sincerely celebrate the harvest festival, General Winter will break into their homes when winter comes and hack them to death."

Zoffy looked around. "...Just like you guys?"

"Master Assassin, please watch your words! You have been placed on General Winter's assassination list. If you do not participate in more than five Autumn Harvest Festival activities, General Winter will not forgive you."

"Do you think I'll believe it?"

What Autumn Harvest Festival, what Winter General? It's all nonsense that even a child wouldn't believe!

Ha, how could he possibly be fooled by such a hastily conceived lie?

Even if Zoffy dies today, even if he dies outside or jumps off this building, he will never be able to participate in the harvest festival celebrations!
..............................

"Hello, this is my application form."

The following day, Zoffy, with a dark expression, handed his forged identity form to the festival's registrar.

This is the registration office for the Imperial Celebrations. To celebrate one of the grandest festivals of the year, Henry VI sent messengers early this morning to issue a proclamation mobilizing all residents of the capital to participate in this grand celebration. To further encourage participation, the celebrations have set up several competition zones for different social classes.

As the celebrations progress, those who stand out from the common people, merchants, imperial soldiers, nobles, and extraordinary individuals will be received by the royal family, participate in the finals in the palace, and spend this grand festival together before winter.

The announcement caused an uproar throughout the capital.

Especially for the common people, they had never been so close to the palace in their lives. Zoffy waited in line for almost three hours before finally submitting his registration form.

This country is probably sick.

His hatred for the royal family even wavered because of this, and curiosity gradually took over. All he knew was that Ethan and the witch left Grand Duke Ash's manor early this morning and entered the palace at the invitation of the Third Princess. However, Ren Zoffy racked his brains but couldn't figure out what Ethan, the Third Princess, and the King had said to pass such an outrageous celebration.

At the same time, Zoffy must emphasize that he only submitted the application out of curiosity, and not because he was worried about being put on General Winter's assassination list.

Ha, how could a master assassin like him, the most skilled assassin in the Silver Empire, possibly worry about being targeted by other assassins?

He was only deceived by Ilya and poisoned back then; otherwise, the Imperial Army would never have been able to capture him!
Just like now, he only used some basic disguises and swaggered into the most prosperous place in the capital.

"Mr. Fitzgerald, how many projects do you plan to participate in?"

"Five."

Zoffy blurted it out.

As he said, he was not worried that General Winter would hold a grudge against him; he just felt that "5" was a very auspicious number that could help him fully understand what Ethan had done in the palace.

At the same time, Melia was spreading her arms wide, blocking the door to the hotel room.

"Are you stupid?! Didn't I tell you this was a trap?!"

She hid in the shadows all day and overheard the entire conversation between Ethan and Zoffy. Considering Ethan's previous actions, the Harvest Festival was clearly a trap to lure people in and kill them. Such a large-scale celebration immediately reminded her of some large-scale sacrificial rituals.

Melia felt she was getting closer and closer to the truth—she had a vague idea of ​​Ethan's identity.

That guy is probably an evil god in human skin!
Highly suspicious!

She had heard some stories about evil gods from the other side and felt that the young man perfectly matched all the characteristics of an evil god!
To Melia's utter surprise, after she shared her conclusions with the other side, this simple-minded woman actually filled out the registration form with a smile, eager to participate in the celebration.

That damn thick-skinned guy.

She was terrified last night and didn't sleep well all night after sneaking back to the hotel. "Melia."

The other side said earnestly, "Since that's the case, you should understand the seriousness of the matter, right?"

"Ah."

Melia nodded solemnly, and she and the other side spoke in unison:
"The worst-case scenario is that the royal family has been controlled by evil gods and witches."

"The worst-case scenario is that you might be put on General Winter's assassination list, which would put you in danger this winter."

……

"the other side."

Melia took a deep breath.

She was never one to have a particularly firm stance, and having not slept all night, she was feeling rather listless. She lowered her voice and asked furtively, "Is the General Dong you're talking about really such a petty person?"

"Yes."

"So... is it too late for me to sign up for five programs now?"

"There's enough time."

The answer from the other side made Melia breathe a sigh of relief. She instantly put her decision to stop the other side out of her mind. Given that it was not appropriate for her to appear in public in her current state, she quickly filled out the registration form and stuffed it into the other side's hand. "Can you submit my form for me too?"

After saying that, she turned her attention to the little maid Lacey, "Little girl, I'm counting on you for the competition at the festival."

"Eh?"

"I will possess you then, and I will attack as a spirit behind you."

Bi'an took the registration form and walked downstairs to the hotel. Perhaps it was because the atmosphere in the capital had improved recently, but she felt that the sunshine had become much brighter. This warm feeling was rare in the season when winter was approaching.

She hadn't walked more than a few steps when she saw a familiar figure in the alley.

She had the same fiery red hair as her, wore the Imperial Army's standard silver armor, and had a knight's sword at her waist.

The man stood with his arms crossed and his back against the wall, looking like he had been waiting there for quite some time.

"Hey, old man."

The person on the other side took the initiative to greet the other.

Cedric Thorne, the commander of the Imperial Army, was a celebrity in the capital. A little inquiry was all it took to learn of his name and the legendary tales surrounding him.

Since Cedric enlisted, he had never suffered a defeat in leading the Imperial Army. To the Silver Empire, he was an invincible general and a sharp blade in the hands of Henry VI. During his reign, he quelled countless rebellions for the royal family, conquered several countries, and planted the imperial flag on the western continent across the ocean.

For the enemy, Cedric was the most terrifying foe; just hearing his name was enough to send many enemy soldiers fleeing in disarray, abandoning their armor and weapons.

Cedric Thorne, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them a crack and tossed the tomato and cheese bread he had brought from the bakery to the other side with a gentle flick of his right hand.

The two have been meeting frequently these past few days, exchanging bread and snacks instead of words, which has become their unspoken way of communicating.

This time, however, Cedric spoke up.

"I will wait for you in the palace. When that time comes, it will be the time for us to face each other with swords drawn."

She took the bread bag from the other side, brushed past Cedric, and walked towards the crowd outside the registration area without looking back. She raised her right hand, which was holding the bread bag, and everything was understood without words.

Meanwhile, inside the royal palace, the Holy Mage Ilya had just completed her registration ceremony and approached the Third Princess with mixed feelings.

She heard that the Autumn Harvest Festival was initiated by the Third Princess.

Recently, her friend has also changed a lot. Like Grand Duke Escher and Fabius, his words and actions seem to have become those of a different person, a kind and benevolent person, just as the people of the Empire expect.

They hoped that the empire's third princess would be a kind-hearted and compassionate person.

In reality, the third princess was a frequent visitor to the Simpler family when she was three years old. She had a very good personal relationship with Fabius, and from then on, Fabius would always invite the third princess to visit the dungeon of the manor to observe interrogation and execution ceremonies. He would even invite her to try out the various instruments of torture himself when introducing them to the third princess.

Now, she has persuaded her father to organize this celebration for the "people of the Empire".

Pray for the "people of the Empire".

Ilya also heard some news, such as that Ethan and the white-haired witch left Grand Duke Ash's mansion this morning and moved into the palace at the invitation of the Third Princess. They will both serve as advisors for the harvest festival until it comes to an end.

"I've heard about the winner's prize."

Ilya never expected that even His Majesty Henry would be persuaded. "His Majesty Henry will personally bestow the 'Fire' upon the winner."

When the news spread among the nobles, everyone was in an uproar.

The participants were no longer limited to young people; even some older people put aside their pride and joined the celebration.

They all understood what being granted the fire meant, and this imperial tradition had been interrupted for over a century, which indirectly demonstrated Henry VI's support for the celebration.

Ilya couldn't figure out what Ethan had said to the Third Princess that had caused such a change in her.

"Yes, that's it."

The third princess wore a dignified smile, just as people imagined her to be a gentle person.

However, to Ilya, it was a smile that was completely unfamiliar.

"But...why?"

"what why?"

"Why are you suddenly holding a celebration?"

"For the sake of praying for blessings."

The third princess said in a matter-of-fact tone, "As members of the royal family, isn't it our duty to seek the well-being of the people of the empire?"

(End of this chapter)