Chapter 95


    Asilia.


    No.


    The Master and Ian returned to where ourpanions were.


    <em>Step, step.</em>


    Footsteps echoing in the cave.


    Memories of the Masters teachings resurfaced. She had instructed him to not only focus ahead but also be aware of his surroundings.


    He was curious.


    What could she be thinking?


    Unlike the times when she would embrace with maternal warmth at any opportunity, the Masters furrowed brows now betrayed a mind deep in contemtion.


    Do you have something on your mind?


    Mm.


    Indeed, she could be serious when the asion called for it.


    If her demeanor had been akin to that of a friends young mother until now, her current contemtive silence exuded a sense of mastery to the point where he could almost feel her as the Snowke Swordmaster.


    I apologize for doubting.


    As he reflected on the doubt towards the Master, she spoke up.


    Im deeply contemting what I should teach my disciple first ugh.


    <em>Thunk.</em>


    The sound of her forehead hitting the rock echoed.


    It seemed like she had collided with the stctite above her.


    Tears welled up in her eyes as she rubbed her forehead.


    Trying to show some authority in front of my disciple and end up like this!


    Indeed, she had her moments of clumsiness.


    At times like this, he really wondered if she was truly the Snowke Swordmaster


    Suddenly, Asilia lifted her face.


    Disciple. The Master is a remarkable person, you know? Shouldnt doubt her, right?


    Of course not.


    His gaze kept returning to her flushed forehead.


    Disciple. You just doubted me.


    No, I didnt. The look in your eyes said, Is this person really the Snowke Swordmaster? Be honest.


    Shes quite perceptive.


    An unexpected crisis of faith.


    <em>Thud. </em>


    Ian rolled his eyes, finding a usible excuse.


    Maybe the stctite was the best in the world.


    The Masters cheeks puffed up instantly.


    Just as the atmosphere, which had been heavy with the weight of the disciple doubting his master, was about to change, they arrived where theirpanions were.


    But Ill be the legal wife.


    Danya dered, looking at Lina.


    Legal wife?


    Danya turned her head in response to Ians question.


    Her eyes widened, and she bounced excitedly.


    Ian? Oh, when did you get here!


    Ians gaze fell on the book Danya was holding.


    [The Dukes Young Lady Wears a Leash Every Night]


    Ian? Uh, this, um


    She hastily hid the book behind her back.


    Danyas face turnedpletely red.


    Ian roughly guessed the situation.


    She mustve been acting.


    Theatrical performances were quite a major hobby in the Empire.


    Many people enjoyed recreating scenes from novels as if they were acting in a y.


    Come to think of it, The Dukes Young Lady Wears a Leash.


    Now that he recalled, there were many children among the nobles who enjoyed leashing. It wasnt a discriminatory statement; it was actually true.


    Paying attention to your surroundings really opens your eyes to a lot.


    This must be part of his Masters teachings as well.


    Ian nodded subtly and patted Danyas shoulder.


    I respect whatever preferences you have.


    <em>Swoosh.</em>


    Danya sank.


    A strategic ally entered the war on behalf of Danya, who waspletely defeated.


    <em>Smile.</em>


    Smiling brightly, Lina spoke up.


    You two seem to get along really well.


    Uh.


    Well, you see


    Ian and Asilia looked noticeably embarrassed.


    Watching them, Danya, who had been observing, suddenly perked up.


    Thats right! Exin what kind of rtionship you two have!


    Ears perked up.


    Tails curled upwards.


    With narrowed eyes, Danya seemed to have been suspicious about something with a hint of certainty.


    But oddly, Ian seemed more uneasy about his masters reaction.


    Umm


    As she covered her lips with her hand, she pondered.


    Why was she hesitating so much? What was she trying to say?


    And this unease it wasnt just a trick of the mind.


    Would you say its a rtionship in which we promised each others future?


    Fu, future?


    I, for one, have walked this path first with foresight, so I can fill in this childs weaknesses. Ian is


    Asilia smiled brightly at Ian.


    I just hope he treats me well.


    There was silence.


    Eh, ugh


    Danya groaned.


    She spoke up.


    S-So, youve made a marriage pact?


    In Danyas mind, essentially, marriage was the only deep rtionship between a man and a woman. As Asilia blushed at Danyas question.


    I-I mean its not quite appropriate for your age


    Ian felt the need to rify the situation.


    Just a moment, Danya. I think theres a misunderstanding here. Were not in that kind of rtionship


    Wow. Y-Your? Are we already at the stage where we call each other you?


    This was getting ridiculous.


    With each word, Ian gave up on rifying the misunderstandings that piled up.


    But there is a big age difference


    Ian tends to be quite assertive in his seduction.


    When did I!


    I-I cant ept this rtionship!


    Dont be like that, Miss Danya. As someone older, I can teach you a lot.


    Eh?


    Young people often miss out on genuine experiences that I can teach.


    Ian felt utterly lost.


    Wasnt the Master enjoying this from the start?


    Just as that thought crossed his mind.


    Asilia. Enough with the teasing.


    Yerinas voice came from behind.


    When Ian turned his head, Yerina was walking in.


    As she tucked away the weapon she was holding in her hand to her thigh, Yerina spoke.


    I recall Asilia used to tease me like this when I was young.


    Oh, really? You remember?


    As I walked, some memories came back to life.


    But her tone remained unchanged.


    She sounded like a dignified Duchess of the North.


    Yerina nced over this way and then opened her mouth.


    By the way, it seems the two of you have formed a different bond.


    How did she know?


    Yerina pointed to Ians cor with a puzzled look.


    A snowke is drawn on your cor.


    Ian looked down at his clothes.


    When was this carved in?


    As Yerina said, there was a flower-shaped snowke engraved on it. When did his master carve this in? Her movements are often hard to notice.


    Miss Yerina, youre still sharp as ever.


    Sharp? It seems more like showing off ones possession to anyone who looks.


    Oh my. Yerina, did you also sense this childs talent?


    I did consider teaching a few things.


    Hmm. What did you want to teach?


    Why did these two suddenly start fighting?


    In the sh of the two masters, Ians skin felt prickly.


    To truly improve ones skills, theres no ce like the battlefield. With the recent fierce fights on the border, I was thinking of taking him around for a few months.


    Ian inwardly sighed.


    We almost got into big trouble.


    That side seems more formidable than actual university professors.


    Its fortunate to have Asilia as his master.


    <em>Scratch, scratch. </em>


    Yerina, tapping on the back of her head, started talking first.


    Even if I didnt solely rely on a mace as my weapon, I wouldnt regret learning from you, the Snowke Swordmaster.


    Oh my. Thank you.


    I mean it.


    Yerina shrugged and stood in the middle of the group.


    Rather, Ive found out a few things by looking around.


    You found out?


    In response to Ians question, Yerina nodded.


    I went out for exercise and climbed the cliff where this cave is located.


    What did he just hear?


    Climbing a cliff where a snowstorm rage?


    Instead of being baffled, Ian decided to just ept Yerinas words.


    After climbing up to a certain height and looking around, I could see it. It seemed like a huge array was spread out from this cave.


    Array?


    Yeah. That barrier-like thing at the entrance of the cave surrounds the snowy area. There were piles of corpses nearby. Im not sure of the purpose, but it felt like there was some intention behind the array.


    Yerinas expression turned serious.


    Ian nced briefly at his master.


    She was focused on Yerinas words without any change in expression.


    Well look into this gradually.


    Yerina continued speaking.


    The second thing concerns the escape route, Ian.


    Yes. This ce was Richards prison.


    Thats correct.


    In that case, somewhere in this snowy area, there must be a point connected to the outside. A prison must have fluctuations of energy.


    Ian nodded.


    It was a logical deduction.


    I felt like this cave might be rted to it. This ce has many peculiarities. Theres not just bone-chilling cold, but theres also a hot spring that could melt ones body. Although it doesnt seemrge at first nce, there are manyplex and deep areas. It seems like we need to conduct a proper exploration.


    Ian fell silent.


    It wasnt because he disagreed with Yerinas words.


    No. On the contrary, there was insight in her words.


    Yerina may not be as revered as his master, but shes undoubtedly a skilled expert from the North.


    However.


    The doubts arise from elsewhere.


    Did his master really not know these facts?


    What is the reason for the masters presence here? Then, if she couldnt find a way out. All the doubts stemmed from her.


    Ian quietly looked at his master.


    Asilia also looked back at her disciple.


    Their gazes sank deep into each other.


    Asilias lips parted slowly.


    I know the way out. But


    She didnt finish her sentence.


    But Ian could understand what she swallowed.


    Not everyone will be able to get out of here.