Chapter 75


    The train arrived at the station in the city of Schulz, which marks the northern border.


    From here, its a three-hour journey by train to Engelholm, the final gateway. From Engelholm, its a six-hour ride on the North Trans-Mountain Train to the northern capital, Lahti.


    In terms of time, roughly half of the journey remained.


    One had to change trains here.


    Hmm.


    Ian felt an inexplicable sense of apprehension as he got off the train.


    Its so cold!


    Danya, who jumped off the train, shivered.


    The weather was emitting a faint chill.


    Should I lend you my scarf?


    Its fine! I can easily regte my body temperature


    Is that so.


    Ian nodded.


    Indeed, among the beastfolk, there were those who were adept at regting body temperature. They seemed to have excellent control over their bodies.


    However, he didnt know why Danyas tone suddenly became unclear.


    Danyas gaze lingered on the scarf with a hint of regret.


    Beyond her, Lina and Karen got off the train.


    Karen, you should hurry too!


    Im fine, really.


    You should eat something!


    Lina seemed to have already be friendly with Karen, who was silent andposed.


    Her charisma is something else.


    Indeed, should one call a heroine a heroine? Ian clicked his tongue at Linas overwhelming charm.


    Lina often approached him as they walked.


    Oh, Ian! Here!


    She called out, holding something in her hand.


    It looked like a stacked bento.


    I-I packed lunch. Um remember back then


    Lina hesitated before closing her eyes and blurting out.


    Back then, I just took it too seriously! I brought enough for everyone to eat!


    Oh really? Since there arent many good restaurants around, that works out. Lets eat together.


    Yeah! Ill set it up in the lounge!


    With a smile on her face, Lina ran towards the VIP lounge of the station.


    Regardless, wouldnt such warmth and generosity be another advantage for the party thats being assembled now?


    Thinking so, as Ian moved his feet, Karen approached him.


    Theres something Id like to talk to you about.


    Karen had a cold expression.


    Since the princess ordered her to follow Ian, she had been speaking quite formally. However, it seemed managing her expression was difficult, and she wasnt in a good mood.


    What is it?


    Were not going on a pic.


    Im aware.


    But the people who brought us seem too rxed about it


    Miss Karen.


    Ian cut Karens words firmly.


    Were not going to fight Duke Pierce.


    Thats true. But their attitude seems too casual


    For example, if Lina bes friendly with one of the Pierce familys servants and easily secures evidence


    Karen closed her mouth like a mute.


    I hadnt thought of that.


    I am determined to fulfill the mission the princess has entrusted to me. Thats what it means.


    Ian stopped walking and addressed Karen.


    It means I wont hesitate to use any means necessary.


    Of course, fighting would be the worst-case scenario.


    Fighting Richard Pierce would undoubtedly be dire. Being the head of the Pierce family meant upying the highest position in the best knight family. Even so, Ians thoughts remained unchanged.


    Ill count on you when the timees.


    Its not expensive meat, hehe.


    As befitting a space used by nobles, the VIP lounge at the station had private rooms.


    Lina found arge room and skillfullyid out the lunchbox and tes on the table.


    One could say it was an expression of her vivacity, nurtured from an early age by taking care of her younger siblings.


    I thinly sliced it and marinated it in sweet soy sauce. Then I stir-fried it with green onions and coated it with our familys special seasoning.


    Saying so, Lina started cing pieces of meat, which she had separately prepared in a warming container, onto each te.


    Thank you.


    Karen was the first to lightly bow her head.


    Enjoy your meal.


    Then, it was Ians turn.


    Thank you.


    Mmm.


    After receiving the meat, Ian nodded.


    It feels a bit thick?


    Ian examined the meat.


    There was anotheryer hidden underneath.


    <em> Grin</em>


    As Ian passed by, Lina quickly winked with one eye at him.


    Without any reaction, Ians gaze fell on Danya.


    Danya was looking back and forth between Ian and Lina with a puzzled expression.


    Without hesitation, Lina sat between them.


    Then, she leaned towards Danya.


    Danya, heres some meat and this for you.


    ?


    Since you said you liked this ingredientst time, I made a little for you.


    Eh Th-thank you.


    Lina stuck close to Danya and offered her some side dishes she might like.


    A faint scent of catnip wafted through the air.


    Lina knew very well that she had to build a good rtionship with Danya beforepeting with Ian.


    Ian silently watched Linas actions.


    I cant tell whos the cat and whos the fox.


    Why did Lina seem to have a red fox-like tail attached to her?


    It must be an illusion, right?


    Ian blinked and took a bite of the meat dish that Lina offered.


    Mmm.


    It was definitely delicious.


    When he raised his head, he met Karens eyes, who also took a bite with widened eyes.


    Though she quickly returned to her expressionless state, she couldnt hide the blush on her cheeks, as if embarrassed.


    After finishing their meal, the train to switch onto arrived at the tform.


    Thest stop, Engelholm.


    The train headed there was a short two-car train.


    As Ian sat down next to Danya, who had already fallen asleep like a log, a person sitting across the aisle approached them.


    If youre taking this train at this hour, are you also heading to Lahti, young man?


    Lahti was the capital of the Pierce Duchy and the final destination of Ians group. Ian scrutinized the person who had approached him.


    He seemed to be in his mid-thirties, with a good impression but traces of the hardships of social life. His impressive attire included a camera-shaped magical device hanging around his neck.


    Oh, excuse me. Its just my professional habit to pretend to know someone first and see how it goes. Haha. Im Schwab, a senior editor at the Imperial Gazette.


    The Imperial Gazette was one of the three major newspapers representing the Empire.


    A journalist?


    The inexplicable sense of unease Ian had been feeling intensified.


    After a brief hesitation, Ian shook the hand Schwab had reached out.


    Ian ckangers. Im a student of the Lichten Academy.


    Ah!


    Schwabs hand, which Ian had shaken, tightened.


    I heard you made quite a ssh at the grade assessment.


    How did you hear about that?


    Ah, you must be surprised. Important events at prestigious academies are usually shared among journalists. Its only a few lines of news, but you should remember it well. Figures like Promising Mage of the Year chosen by the Imperial Gazette arent just randomly selected, you know? Haha!


    He chuckled lightly, scratching his head as if embarrassed.


    Oops. This might be interpreted as Ian here being a candidate. Well, some people are interested enough to keep an eye on it. Since Ive already mentioned it, what can you do? Please keep it a secret. Hahaha!


    Despite his gentlemanly appearance, he seemed to enjoy gossiping. His profession as a journalist seemed to suit him quite well.


    However, the information he provided was interesting enough to be worth paying attention to.


    By the way, it seems Ian is attending the social gathering?


    Yes, thats correct.


    Well, as a journalist, Ill naturally be attending, but whats Ians qualification for attending?


    Ian briefly pondered.


    However, since he was officially attending, there was no need to hide it.


    Im attending on behalf of Her Imperial Highness, the Third Princess.


    Schwabs eyes widened.


    Huh! How interesting! The Third Princess sends such a diligent young man, hahaha!


    What do you mean?


    Dont you know? The Third Princess has sent different men as representatives to every social event. At first


    He whispered, lowering his voice.


    There were some rumors about why a noblewoman would change herpanions so frequently, but now it seems they werent so bad after all So, there are high expectations for who wille to each event. Be careful of the paparazzi from the dating magazines. Haha. But I think you can trust our major publication more than them.


    He handed over his business card along with his advice.


    Though he seemed to enjoy gossiping, the information he provided would likely spread everywhere.


    Thank you.


    There was no reason not to take it.


    It was easy to obtain information, and if he had something to say, he could spread it quickly. It was actually an advantage.


    When the timees to ask for an interviewter, you wont refuse?


    Of course not.


    Ian shook his hand.


    Wow!


    The train arrived at thest intermediate station, Engelholm.


    We will stop for 30 minutes to recharge mana stones!


    The train conductor personally guided the VIP cabin passengers.


    Danya, wake up.


    Mmm.


    Lets go eat udon.


    Udon? Whats that, nyah?


    At an altitude of over 1000 meters, it was definitely cold outside, covered in snow.


    Danya, still half-asleep, seemed about to fall into a deep slumber. It was for temperature regtion, so it wasnt apletely inurate story.


    Leaving Karen, who decided to stay on the train, the rest headed to the makeshift restaurant on the tform.


    Its, its delicious, nyah.


    Udon? Its really, really delicious. How did you know, Ian?


    The journalist sitting next to us insisted we should try it.


    Regardless of what kind of noodle dish it was, eating it in such a cold and high ce would definitely taste good. But the udon here was definitely so delicious that it could be called a specialty.


    Actually, there was something more surprising than the udon.


    As they stepped out of a simple shop, a majestic sight immediately caught their eyes.


    W-whats that?


    A railway track cutting through the rugged mountains.


    If you followed the track with your eyes, a massive iron gate blocked the view.


    A majestic iron gaterger than a 30-story apartment building.


    It was one of the 99 gates scattered throughout the Northern Mountains, and thergest and most majestic gate: the Gate of Engelholm.


    Wow


    Though it was located in the farthest reaches of the north, it was the tallest and most formidable.


    The reason behind it was undoubtedly that the north existed solely to prevent harm to the empire.


    The gate is opening for the passage of the train!


    <em> ng!</em>


    It was quite a spectacle to see the single apartment-sized gate opening.


    Looking out of the train window, through the gap of the gate, a white canyon and mountain peaks stretched out.


    The train slowly began to move.


    Wow.


    Danya, gazing out with wonder.


    Ian was also amazed by the expansive scenery.


    The railway track perched precariously on the cliffs.


    The view from the train slowly climbing towards the summit was indeed breathtaking.


    However.


    <em> Tock</em>


    As if mocking their amazement, Danya, who had just admired the view, leaned her head against Ian again as if to fall asleep once more. Perhaps she would adapt to the temperature after sleeping for a day. Truly convenient body, indeed.


    However.


    The steep cliffs.


    The tilting angle of the ground felt noticeable.


    The inexplicable sense of dj vu became clearer and clearer.


    What am I missing?


    An ufortable feeling that seemed to grasp at him but couldnt be grasped.


    Schwab, who mistakenly thought Ian was afraid of being lost in his thoughts, approached him.


    Theres no need to worry too much. This train, which runs on both rails and mana, has more than enough safety measures in ce.


    Mana.


    Right. It must have been something rted to mana.


    Mana. Mana. Mana.


    Certainly, something rted to mana was happening.


    But the train continued to move on smoothly, as if to deny that feeling of unease.


    <em> Clunk</em>


    No.


    It wasnt smooth.


    He hadnt noticed it, but thefort had disappeared.


    The faint vibration felt in his lower body leaning against the seat.


    Huahm.


    Danya, who had been sleeping like a log, woke up to the point where she was now looking out the window with a dazed expression, her head swaying back and forth.


    Isnt the train slowing down too much?


    !


    It came to him.


    <em> Screeeeech!</em>


    <em></em>


    Far away, the mountain peaks moving outside the window gradually stopped.


    No. It would be more urate to say that the train they were on came to a halt.


    Only then did Ian be certain.


    Why he had felt such unease.


    The moment when ana took off.


    That was undoubtedly it


    The raw w in mana stones.


    The train crossing the Northern Mountains using mana stones as raw materials


    Huh?


    It was because it had crashed in the mountains.


    <em> ck! Clunk!</em>


    With a chilling sound, the scenery outside the window began to flow backward.