A Fortune-telling Princess - Chapter 129

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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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“It’s really cold, isn’t it?”
“This region has always been frigid.”
Having joined the Suppression Force, I arrived swiftly through the transfer magic circle to an area where the Scholtz Mountain Range came into view.
The problem, however, was that the weather proved far colder than anticipated. Spring had arrived in the Capital, yet here winter still reigned supreme.
Of course, it wasn’t the sort of savage winter with blizzards, but warmth was nowhere to be found, no matter how hard one searched.
“Compared to before, the weather is quite favorable.”
What had once been a cold region had become a veritable ice kingdom after the Spirit Kings’ wrath, and an Ice Wall had even formed around the mountain range itself.
“You have arrived.”
As I stepped into the Territory nearest to the Scholtz Mountain Range, someone who had been waiting approached swiftly.
Appearing to be in his mid-twenties, he bowed respectfully toward Jainer.
He was one of the Eskra Knights who had already established a camp here ahead of us.
Upon witnessing the weather’s transformation, Duke Escra had predicted the Ice Wall would melt and had preemptively gathered some troops to dispatch here. Contingencies had to be prepared for any eventuality.
“What is the situation?”
“We have sent out reconnaissance teams twice, but we have yet to receive any reports.”
Composed of only the most capable and swift scouts, they had been dispatched to the Scholtz Mountain Range, yet none had returned.
“No beasts have descended the mountain yet, but the sounds are ominous. The creatures’ cries grow steadily closer to the lower slopes.”
“They should be noticing the Ice Wall’s disappearance soon enough.”
In fact, the silence thus far was rather unusual.
“The Imperial Court is said to be sending reinforcements, but….”
“It does not seem we can afford to wait idly.”
“That appears to be the case.”
After exchanging a brief word with the knight, Jainer approached me.
“It seems we won’t have time to rest. We should depart for the mountain tomorrow.”
“Understood.”
I nodded and gripped the bag containing the transfer mana stones more tightly.
Seeing the Scholtz Mountain Range spread before my eyes, I must admit the tension was real.
Though I had observed this world for a long time, this would be my first encounter with beasts.
The trembling I felt was of an entirely different magnitude from standing on a live broadcast stage.
‘I’ve seen pictures in books, at least.’
Yet books and reality were surely vastly different, and despite my resolve, my heart pounded as though it might burst from my chest.
[Woof!]
As if reading my anxiety, King, nestled in the bag, poked his head out and barked vigorously.
“Yes, I trust only you.”
[Woof woof!]
Only then did a faint smile grace my lips.
* * *
The following morning, I entered the lower slopes of the Scholtz Mountain Range swiftly alongside the troops led by Jainer.
“It’s quiet.”
“Indeed.”
The forest, devoid of even the sound of insects, emanated an eerie atmosphere.
The reports clearly stated that the cries of magical beasts could be heard even at the forest’s entrance. Yet everything was eerily silent, as if a predator were holding its breath before its prey.
For reasons I couldn’t quite explain, a chill ran down my spine. Despite being surrounded by dozens of soldiers and knights, I felt no sense of security whatsoever.
I could keenly sense how overwhelmed I was by the forest’s oppressive atmosphere.
[Don’t worry.]
Zeno stepped closer to me, his voice meant to reassure.
Only with him at my side did I finally feel a measure of calm.
My gaze drifted forward, where I could see Jainer calmly surveying the surroundings, unlike the others who stood tense and vigilant.
Though I continuously observed him as I’d come here to do, I couldn’t detect anything particularly suspicious about him.
He was always kind to everyone and had earned the deep trust of the knights.
When I casually asked others about him, their praise was unanimous and effusive.
“He’s saved my life twice over.”
“He’s the only one I can truly trust at my back.”
“I’d follow him anywhere!”
It felt like conversing with cult devotees. Their unwavering, unsuspecting eyes made me too embarrassed to ask further questions.
“We should venture deeper inside.”
The moment our eyes met, he approached me.
“Don’t worry too much. Everything will be fine.”
“Please don’t concern yourself with me. If danger strikes, I’ll flee without a second glance.”
I shook the bag containing the teleportation stones. He chuckled lightly, patted my shoulder, and returned to his position.
‘Was that really just a joke?’
I couldn’t easily tear my gaze from him. Were those words he spoke to me truly meaningless?
“This is frustrating.”
Why not just ask him directly? What exactly does he know?
This constant second-guessing and internal anguish went against my very nature.
“Miss, we’re moving out again.”
“…Understood.”
As the group began to move, I pushed aside my thoughts and followed in their wake.
Screech!
Boom! Crash!
“…!”
But moments later, everyone was forced to halt once more. A tremendous roar and violent tremor shook through us simultaneously.
Boom!
The earth trembled faintly as if an earthquake had struck. The sound drew steadily closer to our position.
“Everyone, take positions.”
Jainer’s voice cut through the panicked crowd, and the soldiers quickly drew their blades, eyes alert to their surroundings.
Crash! Boom!
Moments later, the source of those heavy footfalls became clear. My jaw fell open involuntarily.
What in the world is that enormous thing!
“It’s an Ice Bear.”
Its appearance was that of a white bear—but its size was absolutely staggering. It could easily devour three ordinary bears combined without breaking a sweat.
‘I have absolutely no desire to hand over a cola bottle.’
“It seems they only grew larger while trapped in the Ice Wall.”
What could have happened to the magical beasts that had been confined within the Ice Wall for so long? Their size was certainly not that of ordinary magical beasts.
“A mutant species?”
“It’s difficult to confirm at present.”
That meant it might not be a mutant. What if all the magical beasts inhabiting the entire Scholtz Mountain Range were like this?
“This is going to be quite troublesome.”
Even in such a situation, Jainer kept bursting into laughter as if he found it amusing.
Damn it! You lunatic! How can you laugh at a time like this!
Boom! Crash! Crash!
“Jainer!”
But that single beast was not the end of it.
Shortly after, ice bears of similar size began to emerge from other locations. There were easily more than a dozen of them.
Bewilderment flickered across the eyes of all those wielding swords. They had barely passed the entrance, yet formidable opponents had already appeared.
Everyone felt their vision spin.
“Zeno, is it possible?”
Camilla, who had been momentarily dazed, hurriedly asked Zeno.
[Up to three at once.]
…Should I flee?
‘I must be insane.’
Why did I follow this far? My conscience doesn’t even feed me!
I desperately wanted to pull out a mana stone right now. But… could I really escape alone?
They could handle up to three, so could I really just pretend not to know and flee?
“Sigh.”
After a brief exhale, Camilla decided to accept Zeno’s help. There was no time to hesitate—eliminating even one more beast was the path to survival.
But if the fight truly seemed hopeless, she would absolutely, definitely flee on her own!
Thud.
Suddenly something fell to the ground. What burst from her bag was none other than King.
“King!”
[Chirp?]
Camilla shook her head vigorously at King, who turned to look at her as if asking why she was calling.
No matter how I looked at it, this was not acceptable. How could that small creature possibly face such enormous beasts!
If King, still not yet fully grown, rushed forward, he would surely be crushed flat beneath those massive paws.
“No! King!”
But King paid no heed to her call and dashed forward rapidly.
Someone suddenly grabbed Camilla, who had instinctively moved to catch King.
“Going any further is dangerous.”
It was Jainer.
“King…!”
When Camilla quickly turned her gaze back to where King had run—
A deafening roar tore through the air—CRAAAAAASH!
The sound pierced directly into everyone’s ears.
“Ugh!”
“Hnngh….”
Everyone standing nearby staggered. Several dropped to their knees. Even Jainer, who had been holding me steady, trembled faintly.
Only I remained unshaken. My ears rang slightly, but otherwise I felt little effect.
Well, my heart was pounding—because that roar had come from King.
The White Tiger’s cry had deafened the enemies….
Now I finally understood the passage I’d read in the historical texts.
I watched as the Ice Bears, which had been charging toward us so ferociously, suddenly halted.
Every single one of those massive creatures was now lowering its body and bowing its head to King.
“Wow.”
It was almost unbelievable to witness—these enormous beasts prostrating themselves before a creature barely the size of a palm.
CRAAAAAASH!
As King roared once more, the Ice Bears spun around and vanished from the area at incredible speed.
But it wasn’t over.
CRAAAAAAASH—CRAAAAAASH!
King continued to unleash thunderous roars that seemed to shake the very mountain itself, as if issuing a warning to every magical beast dwelling within it.
“Wow….”
My King looked so much larger today. Why was he appearing so much bigger?
Duke Sorpel had mentioned last time that King seemed to have grown slightly, and now it appeared to be true.
Witnessing this new side of King, I couldn’t help but gasp in amazement repeatedly.
“S-Sir Jainer, the magical beasts are fleeing… should we pursue them?”
One of the knights, the first to regain his composure after seeing the Ice Bears disappear, asked urgently. After all, their purpose here was to eliminate the magical beasts.
Grrrrrowl—
“Gasp!”
But in that instant, King’s fierce roar—which had been directed at the beasts—turned toward the knight.
The violent shaking of his head made it clear to everyone present: do not pursue them.
Grrrrr—
Once everyone lowered their swords and stepped back, King finally ceased his roaring and withdrew the frigid aura he’d been radiating.
[Kyuu kyuu!]
Moments later, King trotted over to my feet, tilted his head up adorably as always, and bounced his tiny paws while begging to be picked up.
I laughed and quickly scooped him into my arms.
“You did well.”
[Kyuuu!]
Pleased by my praise, King purred contentedly.
“Ha!”
A small laugh echoed through the moment.
“Ha, hahaha! This is unbelievable.”
It was Jainer. He didn’t stop laughing for quite some time.
“What should I do?”
He approached Camilla’s side and burst into chuckles again. She regarded him as though he were utterly mad.
What on earth was amusing about this situation? Did he find it entertaining to have been snatched from death’s jaws?
“This life somehow doesn’t feel like it will be tedious.”

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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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