A Fortune-telling Princess - Chapter 128

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“Fortunately, the number of demonic beasts doesn’t seem to be very large. Unlike in the distant past, only those resilient to the cold would have survived.”
“Their numbers may have dwindled, but the moment even a single one descends toward inhabited lands, those areas will be utterly devastated.”
“Indeed.”
The three continued their conversation on the same subject.
“The Scholtz Mountain Range, you say…”
I had heard of it before. It was a place that invariably appeared whenever the Gracia Empire was mentioned.
While the mountains themselves were treacherous, the range was famous for something else entirely.
At my murmur, all three turned their gazes toward me simultaneously.
“It’s called the paradise of demonic beasts.”
Jainer responded kindly to my curiosity.
“But long ago, when the climate shifted, ice walls formed around the Scholtz Mountain Range.”
I nodded, already familiar with this information.
Thanks to those ice walls, the demonic beasts could no longer venture outward, keeping the surrounding regions safe all this time—wait, ice walls?
“But those ice walls are now melting rapidly.”
“Could it be the weather…?”
“Exactly.”
This was something I hadn’t considered. So the Spirit Kings of Winter’s prolonged wrath had inadvertently contributed to this.
“I’m genuinely curious why it’s become so warm so suddenly.”
Jainer continued without taking his eyes off me.
“Aren’t you curious too?”
“…It is rather peculiar.”
“Is that all?”
“What else should there be?”
“That’s what I’m wondering. Why do I keep feeling there’s something more?”
Does this bastard actually know something? Why does he say such things while looking directly at me?
“So here’s the thing.”
He wore that characteristic gentle smile once more.
“Could I ask for your help?”
“My help?”
“To be more precise, I was hoping to ask for the Divine Beast King’s assistance rather than yours.”
As Jainer’s gaze turned toward the Divine Beast King, I turned my head as well.
[Kyuu?]
King, an apple in his mouth, looked at me as if asking why.
“It’s written in the historical records. Divine beasts have often been called upon to deal with demonic beasts.”
Just as he said, I had read of this in books.
Long ago, before the Gracia Empire was buried in snow, a Divine Beast was sent to the Scholtz Mountain Range for goodwill purposes to assist in exterminating the demonic beasts.
“And conveniently, we have a Divine Beast right before our eyes.”
Jainer’s smile curved into an even more elegant arc.
“Rejected.”
But the answer to Jainer’s proposal came not from me, but from somewhere else entirely.
“What can something as tiny as a bean do?”
Duke Escra shook his head lightly, as if he had no need to hear more.
“Even if small, it is Shinsu. I’ve heard it wields power stronger than anyone against those with wicked intentions and demonic beasts. Wouldn’t it be worth experimenting with?”
Duke Escra’s frown deepened.
“Using Shinsu without Duke Sorpel’s permission could create problems between nations.”
“Wouldn’t it suffice if Camilla obtained permission?”
“Besides, Shinsu doesn’t follow just anyone.”
“I know.”
“To take Shinsu away, that creature must go there as well.”
“I suppose that would be necessary?”
“Then it’s impossible.”
Duke Escra concluded firmly, as if he would tolerate no further objections.
In the end, Jainer refrained from mentioning Shinsu again. He knew well Duke Escra’s nature—once he decided something, he never changed his mind.
“If only the season hadn’t changed, this wouldn’t have happened.”
No, why did he keep saying that while looking at me?
“There shouldn’t be major casualties.”
Stop blaming me. It’s not my fault spring arrived.
“I’m quite worried. Hopefully not many people will die.”
Stop it!
…Damn it.
* * *
“You’re going to follow Jainer?”
“Yes.”
Jainer had been selected to lead the reinforcements to the Scholtz Mountain Range.
It hadn’t been long since returning home, and now I was leaving again, but this wasn’t the time to complain about such things.
The situation at the Scholtz Mountain Range was literally on a knife’s edge.
It was only a matter of time before chaos erupted the moment the demonic beasts trapped within the ice walls for so long emerged outside.
“Why?”
“Your nightmares seem like they’ll be severe.”
“What?”
…I was serious.
Seeing Duke Escra’s brow contort as if he thought I was joking, Camilla quickly pointed to King.
“He wants to go.”
[Grrrr?]
King, who had been playing with a ball the size of his own body on the floor, lifted his head slightly with eyes that seemed to ask, “When did I?”
“He might actually be helpful, just as Jainer said.”
“That’s not your concern.”
Duke Escra dropped the documents he was holding as if tossing them aside and pressed his brow repeatedly with his hand.
Had he stayed up all night yesterday too? He looked utterly exhausted.
Rustle.
Camilla retrieved something from the small pouch she always carried and quietly placed it before him. Candy.
When exhausted, nothing beats a sugar boost.
During my hectic days as an entertainer, I consumed far more candy than actual meals.
The habit persisted, so even now I always make sure to pack a few pieces wherever I go.
“….”
Duke Escra regarded both the candy and Camilla with an expression of utter bewilderment.
He finally let out a soft chuckle.
“Either way, rejected.”
“Either way, I’m going.”
“Camilla.”
“Huh? Um… yes?”
Wasn’t this the first time? The way he called her name like that. For a moment, an odd sensation washed over her.
“It’s a dangerous place.”
“I know.”
“Yet you’ll go anyway?”
“I might be able to help.”
Camilla repeated what she had said moments before.
Truthfully, she harbored no certainty either. In fact, she held almost no expectations.
Though Divine Beast Kings were said to wield considerable power against demonic beasts, King hadn’t fully matured yet, and she doubted he would prove particularly useful.
But… something felt unresolved. A nagging unease gnawed at her.
‘After all, I bear some responsibility for this too.’
Had she not intervened, this place would still be locked in winter, and the ice walls would never have thawed.
The arrival of spring was undoubtedly a blessing, yet if someone suffered as a result, she couldn’t help but feel a measure of accountability.
Moreover, it was undeniable that both she and the Sorpel Family had reaped considerable business gains from this affair.
‘And Jainer.’
No matter how she thought about it, she needed to learn more about him.
Whether his words to her were truly thoughtless remarks or spoken with hidden knowledge.
Direct confrontation was the best way to verify such things.
If she let him depart for the Scholtz Mountain Range without knowing when he’d return, she’d be left perpetually unsettled, her sleep plagued by restless dreams.
Prolonged deliberation was something she absolutely despised.
“I have no intention of joining the battle.”
“No one expects that of you anyway.”
His expression turned incredulous.
This man had no idea. I can wield a sword, you know? Though admittedly, that was when I borrowed the power of the ghost Zeno.
“I’ll only confirm whether King proves helpful or not, then withdraw immediately.”
I know all too well how precious my own life is.
Duke Escra fell silent once more. After studying Camilla intently for a long moment, he finally took a step back.
“Think it over.”
“Yes.”
With their conversation concluded, Camilla lifted King into her arms and rose. She bowed her head respectfully toward him before heading straight for the door.
“Oh? You’re here.”
At that moment, the door opened and Count Alton stepped inside.
“I was just leaving.”
“Already? Stay a bit longer.”
“Next time.”
Leaving the disappointed Count Alton behind, I finished exiting the Study.
“What brings you here?”
Count Alton, who had been watching me depart, immediately approached Duke Escra and asked.
“Did you two have a conversation?”
“Hmm.”
Rather than answer, Duke Escra tapped the armrest of his chair thoughtfully, lost in contemplation.
With Jainer accompanying her, it shouldn’t be particularly dangerous.
“Should I follow her?”
“Follow her? Where? I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I’m against it. You know we have mountains of work to do, don’t you? Where exactly are you planning to go?”
“Scholtz Mountain…”
Duke Escra’s expression froze as he answered absently and turned his head.
“What are you eating right now?”
“Pardon? Oh, candy.”
Count Alton, who had just popped a piece of candy from the table into his mouth, smiled brightly.
“This candy is delicious. Where did you get it…?”
But that smile didn’t last long. The aura emanating from Duke Escra, who was staring at him, was decidedly ominous.
“Spit it out.”
“What?”
“Spit it out! You fool!”
“Why?”
“Do you know what that candy is!”
“It’s candy, isn’t it?”
“Spit it out this instant!”
“It’s just candy, why—”
“Just? Just?!”
Bewildered, Count Alton found himself grabbed by the collar and shaken vigorously by Duke Escra.
* * *
“C-cold!”
“Indeed.”
“Why is it still so cold here!”
You said the ice walls had melted from the warmth!
In the end, Duke Escra couldn’t overcome my stubbornness.
Instead of including me in the expedition heading to Scholtz Mountain Range, he handed me an enormous quantity of portable mana stones.
He filled my bag with those expensive magical items, instructing me to shatter them immediately without hesitation if anything seemed remotely dangerous. And so…
“By the way, Miss.”
“Why?”
“Can’t you give me one of those too?”
Dorman, who had followed after me, had been eyeing the teleportation stone this whole time.
“If it’s dangerous, I need to escape too, don’t I?”
That’s why I told him not to follow me in the first place.
But he insisted on coming along, saying he absolutely couldn’t let the young lady go alone.
“Dorman.”
“Yes?”
“A shield isn’t meant for running away.”
“A shield?”
“A shield exists to block, not to flee. That’s what it’s for.”
“….”
“Just keep defending well until I safely escape with the teleportation stone.”
“Wow… seriously!”
The fool. Did he really think I’d abandon him and run off alone?
Watching him turn his head away in a huff, Camilla couldn’t help but smile softly.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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