Translator: Nox

Chapter 70

Chapter 14: The Ice Grandma Has Arrived

 

 

Right after the White Knight Order returned from the Dissolution Subspace.

They wanted to pay respects to their liege, former Grand Duchess Yelsnada Ortejo.

It coincided with her awakening from a death-like deep sleep.

Onlookers thought Yelsnada would warmly welcome them.

After all, everyone knew how tight-knit the White Knight Order was with her.

However, their guesses were only half right.

"Use my personal funds to reward each family and grant them rest."

"The knights wish to pay respects to Your Highness."

"Is it necessary?"

Wasn't it too cold for comrades who'd shared joys and sorrows for ages?

Yelsnada's attitude toward the knights returned from the brink of death remained icy.

But no one objected.

That was Yelsnada.

Upon waking from deep sleep, she only organized plans to deploy to the northeast again.

"The previous Grand Duke is currently in the northeast."

"Yes, guarding it in Your place."

"Understood. We'll deploy again in about two weeks."

"Pardon? A bit more rest......"

"Out."

The family servant thought while leaving the former Grand Duchess's room.

*'Sigh....... Every time I have a private audience with her, my lifespan shortens.'*

Everyone's opinion of Yelsnada was the same.

The empire's strongest archer.

Often called the Iron-Blooded Great Emperor.

The person with the world's coldest heart.

Thus, a smile had never graced her lips.

* * *

Meanwhile, Declan confirmed the circumstances through conversation with the White Knight Order.

He was carefully reviewing documents on the artificial magi secured beforehand.

A Messenger Orb flew in quickly, leaving an urgent note.

[Count Iaros has died. Presumed suicide.]

As expected, Count Iaros was merely the tail.

While finishing the spy's report, a familiar name appeared.

[Investigation of Count Iaros's residence reveals suspicious activity from Eastern Duke Zakbel. Moving there.]

Eastern Duke Zakbel.

*'Lately, he hasn't even shown his face in central politics.'*

He didn't know Duke Zakbel's schemes.

But he'd heard the duke was frantically searching for something.

*'Those with desires easily fall to darkness, so must keep watch.'*

Declan filed the spy's report in a drawer.

The same illness as Olivia's time.

But this time, no one was lost.

So he should be glad, yet regret made his mouth feel bitter.

*'If someone intervened in your death, how should I live, having failed to protect you.'*

However, there was no time to agonize.

Too many people rested on his shoulders.

* * *

"B-big trouble! Grandma's outside!"

Seraphin shrieked as he burst into the dining room.

Today was a ceremony honoring the White Knight Order guarding the northeast.

Iri looked puzzled at Seraphin trembling and biting his lips.

"What's wrong?"

"G-Grandma's staying at the castle! For a full two weeks! Longest record ever!"

Why say 'Grandma appeared' like 'evil demon appeared'?

"Whoa! Hammuni! Super duper exciting!"

"Y-you, this isn't something to get excited about."

Seraphin ranted nonstop about the fame of the White Knight Order's leader, 'Yelsnada Ortejo.'

To summarize:

"Grandma's a demon. The iron-blooded demon!"

Hearing that, Cookie in her pocket sent telepathy to Iri.

[Awesome! Demon! Must have massive magi!]

It even chuckled like it'd found great prey.

Bolstered by Cookie, Iri chattered eagerly.

"Whoa! Super cool-mida!"

"Wh-what?"

"But usually 'demon grandmas' love me suuuper lots-mida!"

Then, a servant interjected cautiously.

"Well....... Yelsnada-nim is a bit, just a tiny bit....... different from those grandmas who dote on chubby little Iri-nim all plump and cute."