On a certain day, a solitary island floated within a particular sea in Leomel.
Silence blanketed the ocean, broken only by the gentle rhythm of waves lapping against the sandy shore.
"They aren't just anywhere... naturally."
The voice belonged to a girl.
Clad in jet-black robes, the girl stood on the offshore island and let out a weary sigh. Behind her, the interior of a shrine lay in ruins. It had been protected by a seal so formidable it would have held even by modern standards, but she had shattered it without a second thought.
"Sigh... I can't believe I found nothing but these boring things. What a letdown."
Inside the shrine, the girl held a treasure she had unearthed from a magical cavity. Recognizing it as a magic stone, she muttered to herself.
"I wonder if those priests are searching for these as well. Well, it’s none of my business."
She leaped from the hollow of the shrine and walked across the island alone. A small wooden boat was pulled up on the beach—the same one she had used to reach this place. It was a flimsy vessel for a sea crossing, but the girl boarded it with no sign of concern.
As she stepped lightly into the boat, ripples fanned out from the hull. The small craft drifted slowly offshore, carried by the gentle current. She guided the boat with magic for a several minutes until a massive shadow loomed beneath the water.
The girl smiled. There was no trace of fear in her expression. She reached her fingers down to the surface, stroking the seawater as if petting the shadow beneath as she spoke.
"I have to get back soon. It'll be a hassle if the Sword King or the Witch notices me."
The shadow beneath the waves shifted slightly in response to her voice. They seemed to communicate, understanding one another perfectly.
Finally, the girl pulled back the hood of her robe. Her silver hair, streaked with black mesh, fluttered in the sea breeze. Her features were as exquisitely refined as a statue's, bordering on the uncanny. Her jewel-like heterochromatic eyes caught the sunlight, gleaming with a mysterious, haunting light.
"I'll give you this. Go wild later—however you like."
She tossed the magic stone she had taken from the shrine toward the massive shadow. As the stone sank slowly into the depths, it pulsed with a fierce, verdant light before being swallowed whole by the gargantuan creature swimming below.
The girl watched with a satisfied smile.
"Sleep for a while... down at the bottom of the sea you love so much."
The shadow vanished into the deep. Soon after, the girl and her boat were gone from that sea as well.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
"What to do, what to do..."
Inside the magic ship floating in the sky, Estel stood with her arms crossed, deep in thought.
The time they were meant to arrive at their intended hunting grounds had long since passed. Currently, the ship was moored to a mountain they had been passing, held in place by heavy stakes driven into the rock.
The weather was abysmal, but a blizzard of this scale wasn't enough to trouble a magic ship of House Drake. Like its master, Estel, the vessel held a dignified presence even amidst the storm.
The problem lay elsewhere.
"Fighting in foul weather has its charms, but monsters won't show their faces in this."
"Which means even if we go out, it'll just be training for a forced march through the snow," Ren noted.
"Indeed, and there's no artistry in that. I won't say there's zero point in a forced march, but I have absolutely no stomach for it."
They had traveled a great distance, and Estel wanted their time to be fruitful.
"Honestly, if it's just forced march training, I could just drop Ren off naked on a mountain near Erendir and call it a day."
"I could probably manage somehow, but please, spare me."
Whether or not she was joking about the "naked" part, a simple march wasn't enough of a challenge for the current Ren. He would be better off swinging his sword back at the Lion Holy Chancel.
"However, I’m not inclined to just head back after coming all this way."
"Hmm... then how about this, Boss?"
Werlich, sitting in the pilot's chair, let out a massive yawn before offering a suggestion.
"Why don't we just head to Eupeheim? We can be there in a few hours if we keep flying."
"Oh? And what would we do there?"
"I've got business with that brat—I mean, Ulysses Ignat. I need to consult with him about some materials for the Lemuria. I’d rather talk to him in person than through a letter."
"Ho, I see."
Estel seemingly found no reason to refuse, so she looked at Ren for his input.
"I'm fine with that. Rather than staying here, let's prioritize your business, Werlich-san."
"True. There's only so much we can do here. Let’s spend the night in Eupeheim. A winter in the White Crown isn't a bad way to spend an evening."
Estel added that they wouldn't be able to do any real training anyway.
"Wait here, both of you."
Once the plan was set, Estel left the pilot house and stepped out onto the deck in the middle of the blizzard. She returned minutes later, laughing as she brushed snow from her shoulders.
"I've pulled the stakes. We’re clear to fly!"
She had apparently leaped down to the mountainside and then jumped back up to the deck by kicking off the rock face.
"Alright then, we're off!" Werlich called out.
The ship's furnace roared to life, and the vessel ascended. The magic ship shuddered frequently as it battled the winds howling around the peaks and the turbulence that came with gaining altitude. Once they reached a stable height where they could let go of the wheel, the three of them relaxed in the pilot house, sharing a light dinner.
"This is how it goes during the Glacier Crossing season," Werlich said between mouthfuls of food.
Ren looked at him, interested in the term he hadn't heard in about a month.
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. During this time, the Sky Continent floats over the northern skies of the Elfen Continent. They say it causes cold waves and winds that aren't usually there. I don't know the science behind it, but that's just the way it is."
"Heh... so that's why the weather is like this."
"It’s hard to predict. I’d say we just had a run of bad luck."
Monsters grew more active, and the weather worsened. The Glacier Crossing was a phenomenon that occurred roughly once every ten-odd years. It had likely been a known occurrence even back in the Legend of the Seven Heroes, though perhaps it was simply treated as a natural weather pattern back then.
"Still, it was the right call not to linger back there. I wouldn't have been able to relax in that mess."
"I agree. Werlich-san's suggestion was a lifesaver."
"Gah-hah-hah! Well, just kick back until we hit Eupeheim! There isn't much else to do on a magic ship anyway."
It took a while longer before they finally escaped the storm-wracked airspace. It was slightly past eight o'clock in the evening when Ren finally stepped onto the magic ship landing in Eupeheim.
Unlike the Hanging Garden in Erendir, the landing in Eupeheim was centered around a fan-shaped building several stories high, with walkways extending outward like the ribs of a folding fan. The three of them walked along one of these passages. The walls were made almost entirely of glass, and the floor was tiled with large, polished stones, giving the space a sleek, futuristic atmosphere.
As the sound of Ren's footsteps echoed, a familiar voice called out from ahead.
"Ren-kun! You really did come!"
Fiona, who was home for the holidays, came running toward him. Ulysses was following close behind her.
"Boss, let's talk about tomorrow's business for a bit," Werlich said.
"Understood. That being the case, Ren, you go ahead and talk to Fiona and the others."
"Right. I'll wait at Fiona-sama's place."
Ren didn't stop, continuing toward Fiona and her father.
"Good evening. It feels a bit strange to give a normal greeting under these circumstances."
"Fufu, it really does. But I'm so happy to see you in Eupeheim again."
Fiona smiled joyfully. She explained that they had received word a short while ago that a House Drake magic ship was inbound. She and Ulysses had hurried into a carriage to meet them at the landing.
"Ren-kun, you told me your plans before winter break, so I thought there was a chance... but I was worried since it was so sudden. I thought something might have happened."
"N-No, nothing like that! No accidents or incidents! It's just that the training became impossible!"
"Ah... was the blizzard too strong?"
"Exactly. It wasn't an environment where monsters would even show up."
Ulysses listened to the explanation and nodded.
"No wonder it was so unexpected. It seems I should have a word with those two as well."
"Understood. Then I'll go look for—"
"A place to stay tonight? Is that what you were going to say?" Ulysses interrupted.
"—That was the plan," Ren replied, his voice falling flat as his intentions were instantly seen through.
"In that case, you can stay at the Ignat Manor. Our carriage is waiting outside; you should take it."
He said it as casually as a friend's father inviting him over because it was late. Considering Ren's relationship with Fiona, it wasn't a stretch, but the man was still a Marquis. The weight of the invitation was entirely different, yet Ren accepted without much hesitation.
"Thank you for your hospitality."
"Please, don't be formal with me. Besides, the timing is perfect. Our own work has just finally settled down."
"Work... because of the Gardiknight, there are more ships calling at the port, right?"
"Precisely. Look, you can see it from here, can't you?"
Following Ulysses's lead, Ren looked out the large window of the landing toward the harbor.
Winter in Eupeheim welcomed Ren with a night view unlike anything he had seen before. Despite the late hour, the harbor was flooded with light, and the city's bustle reached even here. The orange glow reflected off the falling snow, casting a soft light over the town. A radiance like that of polished jewels filled Eupeheim to its very edges.
"Now then, I'll go speak with those two... ah, here they come."
Estel and Werlich approached. Werlich let out a tired yawn.
"I'm going to crash and sleep like a log at the inn tonight. I’ve got more piloting to do tomorrow."
"An inn? You two are more than welcome at the manor," Ulysses offered.
"Me, staying in a noble's mansion? I wouldn't get a wink of sleep in a place like that," Werlich grunted.
"I appreciate the offer, Marquis Ignat, but we've decided on an inn," Estel explained. "I remembered a place that prides itself on its liquor. I can't let that opportunity pass."
Given their shared love for alcohol, Ulysses couldn't really press the issue.
"Then please, call on me if there is anything you need. Now then... Ren Ashton, how many days will you be staying?"
"Would one night be alright?"
"How cold. As I said, aren't we close? You're welcome to stay as long as you like."
"No, I have some work back in Erendir in a few days."
He was referring to the minor tasks he had promised to handle in Lezard's stead. Upon hearing this, Ulysses spoke with a triumphant tone.
"Which means you only need to be back by that day. Thank you for telling me."
(...I walked right into that one.)
Estel leaned in close to Ren and lowered her voice.
"Kuku... you're even more of a favorite here than the rumors suggested."
Ren nodded appreciatively at her teasing and headed toward the waiting carriage.
Arriving at the Ignat Manor for the first time since autumn, Ren left his luggage in a guest room and went to help Fiona. His "help" consisted mostly of carrying heavy stacks of reference materials and documents for the work she still had to finish.
"I'm sorry! I forgot I had to get one more thing!" Fiona exclaimed.
As they left the library, she realized she had left something behind and hurried back inside. Ren waited in the hallway, where he was approached by a passing serving woman—the same woman he had spoken to during his visit in the autumn.
She greeted him with the same elegant poise as before.
"Welcome back. Please, make yourself at home and enjoy your winter break here."
"Thank you. I'll be in your care for a—wait, what?"
The exchange was so natural Ren almost missed the anomaly, but he caught it at the last second.
"Is something wrong?"
"Yes. I thought I misheard you, but it seems I didn't."
"Misheard? Whatever could you mean?"
Ren struggled to maintain his composure at her outrageous suggestion. The serving woman, who had just calmly outdone Ulysses's own hospitality, remained perfectly poised.
With a wry smile, Ren corrected her.
"I'll only be staying for one night."
"...Oh, how very disappointing."
She let out a soft sigh of genuine regret, bowed gracefully, and went on her way. Ren watched her leave with a complicated expression.
A few seconds later, the library doors opened and Fiona returned. Noticing Ren's wry smile, she tilted her head.
"Did something happen?"
"No, I was just wondering if serving women naturally take after their masters."
"...The serving women?"
"Don't mind me. Just a idle thought."
He gave Fiona a vague answer as she looked at him with adorable confusion, and he took the new documents she had brought. The stack of papers and books was quite heavy.
"I can carry some of that!"
"It's not that heavy, really. Besides, you're hosting me, so let me do at least this much."
"Honestly... you didn't have to worry about that..."
Ren wouldn't back down. He smiled gently and asked, "Where should I take these?"
Perhaps because she was happy to be spending time with him under such unexpected circumstances, Fiona's voice was bright.
"To my private office, please."
When Fiona was in Eupeheim, she worked in her own office rather than her bedroom. She mentioned that she also used the room for her studies. The office was quite close to the library.
There was a desk positioned in front of a window and a fireplace flickering in the corner. Ren set the materials down on her desk. His gaze was immediately drawn to the wintry scene outside, where snow was falling steadily.
Unlike his previous visit, the garden was now blanketed in pure white, illuminated here and there by outdoor lights. It was a new, stunning side to a garden that had already been beautiful in autumn.
"If you'd like, why don't you sit for a while?" Fiona suggested, gesturing to the chairs in front of the fireplace.
There was a large terrace window near the hearth that offered a perfect view of the grounds. Ren had no reason to refuse; in fact, he wanted nothing more. He followed Fiona and sat in a wooden chair by the fire.
Outside the window was a world of silver; inside, the orange glow of the dancing flames. Occasionally, the crack and pop of firewood echoed in the quiet room. A deep, cozy warmth began to seep into his bones.
As Ren settled into his chair, he met Fiona's eyes. Bathed in the flickering light, they both had the exact same thought at the exact same time.
"Being by a fireplace together like this—"
They both blurted out the words simultaneously, stared at each other for a heartbeat, and then burst into laughter.
"It's just like that time, isn't it?" they said in unison.
The Star Agate charm at Fiona's chest—something she hadn't owned back then—reflected the firelight.
"Back then, I was still calling you 'Mr. Adventurer,' wasn't I?"
"Ahaha... that’s a very embarrassing memory for me."
It had happened inside the fortress in the Baldur Mountains. They had run into each other at night and ended up sitting by the fire with freshly brewed tea.
"But... it's already been years since we were at that fortress."
The scene before them now overlapped with their time in the mountains. However, Ren felt that they were much closer now—both physically and emotionally. Their faces and physiques had matured over the years; they were the same, yet different.
As they watched the snow from the corner of their eyes, the conversation turned to the weather.
"The snow back then was incredible, but how was it where you went today, Ren-kun?"
"The blizzard was worse than I imagined, and the wind was fierce. ...Though, admittedly, it wasn't quite as bad as the Baldur Mountains."
"Fufu, if it snowed that much here, Eupeheim would have a terrible time dealing with it."
"I don't know what tomorrow will bring. Werlich-san told me not to expect much."
"...When it starts snowing like this, it really can last forever."
"Exactly. And here I thought I’d finally be able to train to become a Sword Saint."
However, if training was impossible, there was no sense in forcing it.
"I believe once you become a Sword Saint, you can use new Arts, right?" Fiona asked, leaning forward with interest.
Ren nodded. "They're very rare techniques."
Beyond simple destructive power, these arts produced waves of energy that differed in color and effect depending on the user. Fiona was particularly fascinated by the idea of what color Ren's waves would be once he reached that rank.
"I wonder, when you become a Sword Saint..." Fiona’s voice was soft, almost like a breath. "I’m very curious to see what color your waves will be."
"I've thought about it myself, but I can't even imagine it." Ren gave a wry smile. "I just have to keep working hard for now."
Fiona looked at him, her heart going out to him.
"I... know just how hard you've always worked, Ren-kun," she said softly.
Ren met her eyes, and her kindness made him speak more freely.
"If I ever become a Sword Saint... can I tell you what color they are?"
Fiona gave him the brightest, most beautiful smile of the evening. "Yes!"
Her heart was racing.
"I want to be there to see what color they become!"
Sitting by the fire, just as they had years ago, their time together flowed peacefully.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
When Ren woke up, the world outside was already beginning to brighten.
He sat up in bed, reminding himself that he wasn't on a magic ship, but in the Ignat Manor. Despite going to bed later than usual, he felt refreshed and in high spirits. After tidying himself up at the washstand, he checked the weather through the window and spotted Fiona walking in the garden.
Wanting to give her a morning greeting, Ren left his room. On the way, he greeted the various servants he passed and took a shortcut to the garden recommended by one of the maids. As he stepped outside, a sharp, cold wind nipped at his cheeks.
"Ren-kun?" Fiona called out when she saw him.
In the snow-covered garden, her swaying black hair created a stunning contrast, making her look even more ethereal and beautiful. She walked over to him, her breath puffing white in the air.
"Good morning. Are you sure you should be up? You must be exhausted; you should have slept more..."
"No, I'm fine. The bed was so comfortable I'm already back to my usual self."
There was no snow falling this morning—not even a flurry—only a cold, steady breeze.
"You aren't up for work at this hour, are you, Fiona-sama?"
"Ahaha, work at this hour is quite rare, even for me."
"Then... were you just taking a walk?"
"Yes. When I'm home, I always walk in the morning. It’s a bit cold in winter, but it's perfect for waking myself up."
For Fiona, this was the perfect morning. If Ren hadn't been standing there—if she were alone in her room—she would have been so happy she’d have dived onto her bed and squealed.
The morning in the garden was peaceful and slow. As time passed, the sun began to offer a hint of warmth. The snow-draped garden sparkled in the morning light, turning the world into a mystical silver landscape. The reflection of the sun was almost dazzling.
"Being out here really makes it feel like winter break."
"It’s already been several days since the break started, though—ah, is it because you're always swinging your sword, Ren-kun?"
"Exactly. It's been a very productive break because of that."
But he couldn't say that this time spent relaxing was a waste. When he thought about what he needed to become a Sword Saint, moments like these might be just as important.
"...And I still have to finish my winter break assignments."
"...Ah, me too."
"By the way, have you made much progress on yours, Fiona-sama?"
"No. I've been so busy this year that I haven't even started."
The two of them had spent their break so far either training or working. Both were important, of course, but as students, they couldn't escape their holiday homework. Realizing they were in the same boat, they looked at each other and laughed.
"I'm relieved to know there are still some 'winter break' things left to do."
"Yes, truly."
Several servants watched them from the mansion. Some, who had known Fiona since she was a child, were filled with an indescribable joy at seeing her so healthy and happy, walking alongside the boy she cared for.
Unaware of their audience, Ren and Fiona lingered a while longer until the serving woman from the previous night arrived to announce that breakfast was ready.
Ulysses was already at the table, having finished his own morning rounds. As they finished their meal and tea was served, Ulysses let out a heavy sigh.
"...I simply cannot fathom the cause."
He was looking at a report that had arrived that morning.
"Did something happen?" Ren asked.
"Yes. The water channels have been acting up since around the time you first visited. This is a report on the situation."
"Back in the autumn, when the Noble District was closed off?"
"Correct. The volume of water in the channels suddenly surges or drops... and the same is happening with the rivers outside of town. It stabilized for a while, but the issue keeps recurring."
"Father, wasn't that the same thing where the external investigation couldn't find a clear answer?" Fiona asked.
Ulysses nodded, a rare look of frustration on his face.
"It affects the ships moving through the channels. We're using magic tools to force the water levels to stay consistent, but it's a stopgap, not a solution."
"Could the Glacier Crossing be the cause?" Ren inquired.
Ulysses shook his head. "There are no records of similar phenomena in the past. Even if it did happen before, it usually resolved itself in a few days. This is different."
"Then we really don't know."
"We don't. I wish I could find the root of it."
Ren couldn't think of any potential causes either, so he was unable to offer much help.
"In that case, all we can do is pray," Fiona said with a wry smile.
Ulysses tilted his head. "Pray?"
"I mean the shrine on that offshore island. I've heard it's dedicated to a water god. I thought perhaps if we offered a prayer... but no, I suppose we should do our best on our own before relying on gods."
Hearing "isolated island," Ren spoke up. "Is that the place you mentioned before, Fiona-sama?"
"Yes," she nodded.
He remembered her mentioning it when they had visited the Old Quarter with Lithia. He recalled her pointing it out near the collapsed harbor.
"That island has deep ties to the Lion King," Fiona explained to Ren. "It's considered a sanctuary and people rarely visit it. I've never been there myself, but..."
Since it was a place where a water god was enshrined, it was natural to want to turn to it when dealing with water-related anomalies.
"It’s said the Lion King was shipwrecked and washed ashore there. He believed it was the protection of the water god that saved him, so he built a shrine on the island."
Hearing the legend, Ren understood immediately that it wasn't a place one visited on a whim.
After breakfast, Edgar entered the dining room. "Master Drake and Master Werlich have arrived."
A short while later, everyone gathered in the hall. After exchanging greetings, they sat down on the sofas.
"The weather is turning out exactly as I thought," Werlich said. "Eupeheim is fine, but there’s no sign of the weather clearing at our destination. In fact, it looks like it’ll be a worse blizzard than yesterday."
"...I figured as much."
"Going there and coming back would be a waste of time. It’s better to just relax here today," Werlich concluded.
Ulysses smiled warmly. "Please, make yourselves at home."
"I have to leave to investigate the water channels, but please, enjoy your winter break to the fullest."
Estel raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh? Marquis Ignat, is the trouble with the channels back again?"
"Yes, occasionally."
"It's rare for a man of your talent to take this long to solve a problem. Ah, no! I didn't mean that as an insult! I was just genuinely curious!"
"I understand. But honestly, even I am at a total loss."
Ulysses planned to head out with Edgar to inspect the channels both inside and outside the town.
"Fiona, stay here and look after our guests."
Ordered to play the host, Fiona nodded. Ulysses soon hurried out of the room.
"What's the plan for us, then?" Ren asked.
"There's somewhere I want to go," Estel said. "Would you two like to join me?"
"Where would that be?"
"The Winter Market."
"...Of course."
The Winter Market was held almost every day during the winter at Eupeheim’s harbor. It was famous for its food stalls, especially the grilled seafood. With the influx of visitors from the Gardiknight, it was more crowded than ever. And since one could drink alcohol outside at the market starting from early morning...
"Please, keep it in moderation," Ren said. Estel's ulterior motive was painfully obvious.
Estel's voice jumped an octave in a flustered defense. "I-I know that!"
"Really?"
"Really! Fiona Ignat is with us, after all! Eight glasses... n-no! I'll stop at seven! That should be acceptable, shouldn't it!?"
(Even when she "compromises," it's still a lot.)
Ren doubted she was actually holding back, but he decided not to push it. Estel, perhaps feeling a bit awkward as the elder in the group, stood up and walked to the terrace window to look out at the garden.
Fiona leaned in close to Ren. "Does she always drink that much?"
"...'Much' doesn't even begin to cover it."
"She... she certainly enjoys her hobbies, then."
Fiona stood up, followed by Ren.
"I haven't been to see the market yet this year. I'm looking forward to it!"
Ren hoped it would become another fond winter memory for her as he listened to her excited voice.