Character Introductions:
Hiichiro: Hakuren’s first child. Dragon Race. Roughly nine years old. Gral: Giral’s daughter. Dragon Race. Hikaru: Hakuren’s second child (twins). Dragon Race. Roughly two years old. Himiko: Hakuren’s third child (twins). Dragon Race. Kukulkan: Rusty’s second child. Dragon Race. Roughly one year old. Sakura: Ann’s second child. High Ogre Race. Less than a year old. Ramna: Ramrias’s first child. High Ogre Race. Set: Sena’s second child. Beastman Race. Nart: Daughter of Gatto (Sena’s brother). Beastman Race. The leader of the village children.
I was surprised by Urza’s sudden return, but I was even more taken aback when Hakuren snatched her away immediately. I understood that she was happy, but I wished she had given us a moment to talk. Hakuren was too busy chatting away happily, letting Urza hold the toddlers, Hikaru and Himiko.
It seemed I wouldn't be able to get a word in for a while. Hiichiro and Gral followed them as well.
"Alright then..."
Now, what was I supposed to do with the Ice Monster she brought along? It stood before the entrance of the mansion, looking deeply troubled. I could sympathize with its plight; it was certainly in an awkward position.
"For now, why don't you come inside?" I offered.
The monster declined, saying it didn't want to be a bother. I wondered if it was because the interior of the mansion was too warm. It turned out that wasn't the case—it simply didn't want to get the floors wet since it was made of ice.
"I see. In that case, let’s build a kamakura outside."
When asked what a kamakura was, I explained that it was a sort of house made of snow. It wasn't quite as grand as a real house, but it would serve. I told the monster not to worry; if everyone helped, we would have it finished in no time.
"No, really, don't let it bother you. Urza brought you here, so you're a guest. I welcome you."
As for tea... that wouldn't quite work. I decided to prepare some chilled juice instead.
The Ice Monster Urza brought was essentially humanoid. To describe it simply, it looked like a soldier made of ice. However, its face was beastly—an ice lion, perhaps? Compared to the intricate detail of its face, its body was quite plain. The balance felt off. If its body had been more ornately decorated, I might have called it a General rather than a soldier.
This Ice Monster was incredibly humble. I wondered if that meant it wasn't particularly strong. The Fenrir family stayed by my side as an escort, glaring at the creature the entire time. Judging by their reaction and the timing of its arrival, it was likely the very monster that had been causing a stir in the village lately. Or perhaps someone related to it.
When I asked for confirmation, it apologized. It really was the culprit.
"Ah, wait, don't try to dig a hole and bury yourself in the snow."
I asked if it had meant any harm when it was causing trouble. It admitted that yes, it had. However, once it realized there were terrifying presences nearby, it tried to flee, only to be chased by the Fenrir family.
That was a bit of a problem. It was hard to overlook the admission of malice.
"Ah, hey, little Fenrirs, don't bite the Ice Monster’s legs. No growling, either."
I asked if it intended to cause any more trouble. It explained that it had come to make amends. Apparently, it had run into Urza during its flight, been soundly defeated, and was brought here once Urza learned about what happened in the village.
"Do you feel repentant?" I asked.
It did.
"Alright, we're making progress. You won't do anything bad anymore, right? You'll promise not to trouble the village?"
It seemed hesitant to give a definitive answer.
"A target goal is plenty! It’s impossible for anyone to never cause trouble. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is the desire not to be a nuisance."
The monster explained that it couldn't make the final decision itself, as much of its behavior depended on its master.
"And who is your master?"
It was Urza. I didn't doubt it; if the monster said so, then it must be true.
"Then do your best not to cause trouble for Urza. I'll forgive what you did to the village. The only real damage was the waterway freezing over, after all. Just be more careful from now on."
The kamakura was finished, and the ice-cold juice arrived.
"Rest up. I’m going to go have some warm tea."
Once Urza was finally released by Hakuren, I caught her to get the full story. I asked about Alfred, Tiselle, and Torain. It seemed they wouldn't be able to return for quite some time.
"Well, I’m just glad I got to see you, Urza. So, what’s the story with that monster? It’s calling you its master."
I asked if she had defeated it and forced it into submission. She said that wasn't it; the creature had simply decided to follow her and started calling her its master on its own. Since it didn't seem hostile, she had planned to have it help Tiselle, but then it confessed it was being hunted by the forces of a certain village. Once she realized it was being chased by the Fenrirs, she figured it must be our village and hurriedly brought it back.
I see. We had been busy coming up with countermeasures, so I was grateful she brought it in, but I really wished she had explained that before running off to see Hakuren.
"I know, I know. Hakuren was the one who dragged you away. It’s not your fault, Urza. More importantly, Hikaru and Himiko have grown quite a bit. Go see Kukulkan, Sakura, Ramna, and Set as well. And Nart has been waiting for you; I’m sure she has a lot to talk about."
I asked if she was staying the night before heading back. Of course she was welcome. Nart looked like she couldn't wait any longer, so I told Urza we could finish our conversation during dinner.
At dinner, we enjoyed a rather extravagant hot pot while listening to news about Alfred and the others. Ann and the rest of the High Ogre maids seemed happy to have Urza back as well.
The Ice Monster was currently in the kamakura in front of the mansion, playing mahjong with Dos, Giral, and the Demon King. I didn't even want to ask what was going on there. It seemed Dos and the others were using the monster as a substitute for Isree. The monster appeared to be enjoying the sake served with ice, so I supposed it was fine. The dwarves were particularly amazed by the concept of drinking sake that had been chilled into a slushy state.
"Wait, High Ogre maids. Don't use the Ice Monster as an ice maker."
I understood that they wanted cold drinks while eating hot pot in a warm room, but it was getting in the way of the game. Even if the monster itself said it was happy to be of use, it was a bit much.
Apparently, the monster felt it hadn't been very useful where Alfred and the others were. I pointed out that as an Ice Monster, it should be perfect for food storage. Even in winter, there was always a need for refrigeration.
The monster seemed to feel its contributions were plain compared to the Fire and Stone monsters.
"Wait... there are Fire and Stone monsters too?"
"And a Wind monster?"
"And they all consider Urza their master?"
I see.
One of the High Ogre maids sighed wistfully. "An Ice Monster... I’d certainly love to have one in the kitchen."