Chapter 310: Despondent Vera

Night falls quickly in the North. While the last sliver of the setting sun's afterglow still lingered on the horizon, the ink-black sky had already quietly spread overhead.

The bonfires in the plaza burned fiercely, illuminating half the night sky. The evening breeze, laden with the aroma of roasted meat and the sound of laughter, pushed the festive atmosphere to its peak.

As the four of them stepped out of the courtyard, whether they were Stayans or members of other tribes, everyone waved and greeted them enthusiastically.

“Lord Ansu! Miss Freya!”

“It's thanks to you that we were able to protect our home! May the gods bless you both with peace and prosperity!”

Vera tugged at Ansu’s sleeve, her eyes bright. “Wow, Brother! You two are so popular!”

“After all, they are the Chosen One and the Holy Maiden who saved the North and will save the world in the future!” Celia turned to Ansu with a smile and asked pointedly, “It seems that in everyone's eyes, you two are a match made in heaven! What do you think, Ansu?”

“Ah...” Ansu laughed awkwardly. “I don't think everyone is thinking that much into it.”

Beside him, Freya pursed her lips, wanting to say that people actually were thinking exactly that.

But seeing Ansu’s expression, as if he didn't know how to respond, she didn't have the heart to speak up.

Vera chattered away, asking about their adventures along the way. Ansu strolled along while recounting the various thrills and dangers they had faced.

Vera listened with rapt attention.

“Brother...”

She held Ansu’s hand and couldn't help but plead again, “Next time, no matter where you go for an adventure, take me with you, okay?”

Ansu raised an eyebrow and looked at her seriously. “What, aren't you going to school? It wouldn't be good to neglect your studies by running around with us.”

Vera knew Ansu was reluctant to let her leave school, and she immediately said huffily, “I’m on break, Brother!”

“Oh, is that so?”

Vera pouted aggrievedly. “You don't care about my studies at all. You didn't even know if I was on break... and you’re always trying to brush me off and ignore me...”

“I’m not ignoring you...” Ansu chuckled helplessly, but seeing how serious her expression was, he explained, “What could you even do with us in such a short break? Next, we’re going to the South. It’s a long journey and it will be extremely dangerous.”

Hearing this, Vera’s eyes grew slightly red, and she whispered, “Brother, you’re just afraid I’ll be a burden to you, aren't you...”

She looked up, her gaze stubborn yet hopeful.

“But I really want to follow you, Brother... I’ve been practicing my martial techniques according to Master Danielle’s teachings. I’ll try my best not to hold you back... I’m very strong now!”

“But...” Ansu looked troubled. From the bottom of his heart, he didn't want Vera to join the adventure.

In the original plot, of the two major events in the Empire's North and South, the “Novalon Explosion” in the North had already been resolved by him. Now, only the event in the South remained.

However, that was also the most dangerous one, a nearly unsolvable scripted death.

Even though Vera had been studying hard under Danielle and had reportedly learned 【Divine Smite】, given the environment and powerful enemies he was currently facing... it was still not enough.

Seeing Ansu’s clear refusal, Vera’s small face slowly slumped.

She hung her head, listless, and even the forced smile on her lips vanished completely.

Seeing Vera like this, Celia suddenly spoke up. “For the next trip, I think taking her along would be quite good.”

During these days, while this child had been out with her, she had been worried sick about Ansu all day. Celia could well understand her feelings.

“As for whether school is starting or not...” Celia looked toward Ansu. “You don't need to worry about that anymore.”

“Why?” Freya couldn't help but ask.

Celia gazed at the distant horizon, her tone deepening. “Do you think that given the current situation, schools in various regions will still be able to operate normally after a while?”

Ansu fell into thought upon hearing this.

Indeed, the plot had almost reached a tipping point where things would take a turn for the worse. Forget about going to school—for ordinary people in many places, simply living in peace would become a luxury.

During the time he was away, the old Emperor had died unexpectedly in the Royal Capital. The heirs to the throne were fighting tooth and nail for the crown, and a civil war was already brewing.

They were currently in the remote northern borderlands where they could still enjoy this moment of peace, but if they returned to the major northern stronghold of Norvigel, the atmosphere would surely be completely different.

With the arrival of that catastrophic event in the South, under the pressure of internal strife and external threats, the vast Novalon Empire would quickly fracture and collapse like a row of dominoes.

War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death—the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse would arrive one after another, as if the end of the world had come.

Everything seemed to have been put on fast-forward. Normal daily life would likely be difficult to restore for a very, long time.

“Alright, alright, let's not think about that for now!”

Since it was still a celebration, Freya smiled to break the heavy atmosphere and urged, “At least for now, we can still have a good meal. Come on! Follow me, I’ll take you to try the most authentic northern delicacies!”

“Sure.” Ansu smiled as well.

Freya led the three of them to the street food stalls, where smoke curled from the stalls on both sides and rich aromas wafted toward them.

Halfway there, they ran into Professor Duncan being supported by Eddie and Leon. His steps were unsteady as he mumbled, “One more glass... I can still drink...!”

Valger followed behind, looking at Ansu with a helpless expression. “We collected quite a bit of combat data from this battle and planned to have a good discussion after the war, but the Professor ended up drinking like this... Without him, many research projects can't move forward.”

Ansu patted Valger on the shoulder. “Everyone has been tense for so long. It wasn't easy to finally get a chance to relax, so let the Professor rest well. We can discuss the data after he wakes up; it won't be too late.”

Valger sighed helplessly and could only nod in agreement.

“Wow! Brother, look! Such a huge cotton candy!”

Vera was firmly attracted by a stall on the street, tugging at Ansu’s hand and swaying it back and forth. “That one, and that one! They all look so delicious!”

Freya held a cup of a milky-white drink and handed it to Ansu. “Try this. It's highland yak yogurt. It has a rich, non-greasy texture and is a very characteristic snack of the Talin region.”

Ansu took a sip, and his eyes lit up. “Hmm, not bad!”

“I’m glad you like it!” Freya said happily.

Celia stood to the side, her gaze coolly sweeping over the yogurt in their hands, but she said nothing.

Seeing this, Freya smiled and handed over another cup. “Celia, you should try some too. It’s delicious!”

Celia shook her head, her tone cold. “I have no interest in food.”

But Freya did not withdraw her hand, still smiling as she held the yogurt out to her, her eyes full of sincere invitation.

Celia subconsciously glanced at Ansu, catching his eye as he blinked at her, and the corners of her mouth moved slightly.

“Alright then... I’ll have a taste.”

Taking the cup, she tasted it quietly. Ansu asked curiously from the side, “How do you like it?”

“I’ve never been particular about delicacies, as you know.” Celia scooped a spoonful and held it to Ansu’s lips, saying softly, “Eat together.”

“Mm.”

This subtle interaction between the three was seen clearly by Vera.

She stood rooted to the spot, her eyes wide and round, her heart full of surprise.

“Vera, what’s wrong?” Freya noticed her odd behavior.

“No... nothing.” Vera quickly shook her head.

The group continued walking along the street, occasionally sampling snacks, surrounded by the lively atmosphere of the celebration.

But as they walked, Vera quietly lowered her head, her gaze becoming dark and uncertain.

The atmosphere between her brother and them... it felt like she couldn't fit in anymore.

After walking a bit further, two burly Ogor warriors were performing a duel on the street. Their hard horns clashed fiercely with a sense of power that drew cheers from the onlookers.

Both Ansu and Celia were interested and moved closer to watch.

When only Freya and Vera were left, Vera looked around and then surreptitiously tugged at Freya’s sleeve.

“Sister Freya...”

“Hmm? What is it, Vera?”

Vera blinked and whispered, “The relationship between you and Celia... seems to have improved a lot, hasn't it?”

“Ah? Is it?” Freya was startled, thinking to herself, was it that obvious?

Vera tilted her small head, her eyes full of curiosity and testing. “It seems Brother didn't tell me the whole story. Sister Freya, did something happen between you that I’m not supposed to know about?”

Seeing Freya’s slightly startled expression, Vera’s eyes flickered keenly. She held Freya’s hand and shook it gently as if acting spoiled, saying softly:

“You can't keep secrets from me! After all, you promised me from the beginning that we would ‘supervise’ Brother together and unite to protect him...”

Vera didn't finish the rest of her sentence, but Freya knew exactly what she meant.

For some reason, she hadn't been as flustered as this even when facing powerful enemies and complex situations.

She remembered the pact she had quietly made with Vera: the two would form a united front against Celia and never let that bad witch take Ansu away.

But now, not only had she not pushed Celia away... she had actually reconciled with her.

In Vera’s eyes, this probably felt no different from betraying her and defecting to the enemy...

A hint of guilt couldn't help but well up in Freya’s heart.

But in the end, she couldn't bring herself to tell the truth, because... she really didn't know how to explain it.

Seeing Freya remain silent, Vera managed to squeeze out a smile, her tone carrying a hint of grievance:

“Sister Freya, you’ve changed... I’m so sad.”

“I...” Freya lowered her head.

“Sad about what?” Just then, Ansu and Celia returned after watching the duel.

Ansu reached out and ruffled the top of Vera’s head, asking curiously, “How has Freya changed?”

The moment she heard her brother’s voice, Vera’s face changed as if by magic. She instantly hid the grievance in her eyes and put on a bright, radiant smile.

“I just feel that Sister Freya’s aura has become steady and powerful, as if she’s been transformed!”

“It seems this trip to the North has really tempered her! I’m happy for her!”

“Yeah.” Ansu felt deeply moved.

War has always been the best way to temper the soul. After the trip to the North, Freya’s growth was evident.

The group continued walking, and Freya frequently looked at Vera.

“Vera...”

“Hmm?” Vera turned her head, her face still wearing a bright smile. “What is it, Sister Freya? Let’s go find some good food. I still want to eat that mysterious northern dark delicacy you mentioned!”

“Ah, oh... okay.”

...