QTMWSFC Chapter 45.1

Two years passed by quickly.

The sixteen-year-old Freya was now free of illness, growing ever more graceful and elegant with each passing day. Having learned magic under Lant’s guidance, her temperament had become noticeably sharper and more spirited.

Everyone in the side palace was an active member of the Compliment Club. With so much praise, Freya almost found it impossible not to be confident.

At sixteen, Lant had shot up in height even faster. His once somewhat lean figure became increasingly solid and reliable. His swordsmanship and magical abilities also grew elusive and more unfathomable.

The small vegetable patch that had once been temporarily opened in the front yard was now moved to the back garden, taking up a large open space. They had achieved complete freedom when it came to fruits and vegetables and even had a wide variety! Lita would tend to the garden whenever she had nothing else to do.

The former small vegetable patch in the front yard was converted into a small pond where they could raise a couple of plump, delicious fish.

With Lant around, everyone in the side palace could occasionally leave the palace to explore and have fun. They could also practice simplified versions of swordsmanship or magic to improve their health. At times like these, the lack of visitors was actually a blessing. Even their daily lives had become lively and interesting.

Over the past two years, King Serorida had been living in constant anxiety. He was both mentally and physically exhausted.

Those unfilial sons of his! He was still in his prime, yet they were already ambitious enough to scheme for the throne!

The neighboring country Alterg had grown increasingly arrogant over the past two years, repeatedly provoking them and even seizing one of their territories.

And then there was the prophecy divined two years ago. The Hero and Saintess were still unknown. No one knew when or where the Otherworld Demons would break free and reappear. It was like a time bomb that constantly threatened King Serorida.

About half a year ago, unable to wait any longer, King Serorida had dispatched one of his knight captains to lead a group of people into the Dark Night Forest to search for the Divine Tower and the Holy Sword. Unfortunately, the mission ended in complete annihilation. No one returned.

The king’s poor decision had cost him a lot. He was now frantically recruiting knights, his head spinning with problems, and even his approval rating among the people had dropped considerably.

Two months ago, a sudden riot of wild beasts and monsters broke out in the Dark Night Forest. Since the forest was located within Serorida’s borders and was connected to the Divine Tower and the Holy Sword, plus the failed expedition before, the king reluctantly ordered Kane to suppress the riot.

Kane had been very unlucky. The riot was far too ferocious, and his abilities were not enough to suppress it. Worse, he had lost an arm in the battle.

Over the past two years, he had been completely drained from being dragged into the factional disputes over the throne and among the nobles. His swordsmanship had not improved in the slightest. Him ending up this way surprised no one.

Although the king did not particularly like Kane, he was a rare talent after all. Now he was severely wounded, and the king lost another formidable warrior among those who protected him!

The king grew increasingly anxious. He once again turned his attention to Lant, who bore the title of “genius.” But Lant was Freya’s personal knight. According to the rules, even the king could only move Lant with Freya’s approval.

How could Freya possibly agree to let Lant protect her good-for-nothing, scumbag father? She flatly rejected the king’s request.

The king had never expected his once-neglected youngest daughter to become so defiant. He was so furious that he lost a lot of hair. In the end, he scoured the code books and unearthed a rule that neither Lant nor Freya could resist.

A knight has the duty to step forward in times of national crisis, regardless of whom they serve.

The riot in the Dark Night Forest was precisely such a national crisis! Lant was obliged to deal with it.

Unable to defy the code and the royal command, Lant accepted the order and set off, serving as a temporary commander leading a group of soldiers.

Freya was filled with worry. She stayed up all night sewing a pile of protective charms for him, stuffing every one of his pockets full.

Lant was both amused and touched, but he did not refuse her kindness. He assured her a thousand times that he would return safely.

Heavy snow fell on the day of his departure. Freya stood atop the city wall, watching Lant leave, her heart growing heavier and heavier. The Dark Night Forest was far too dangerous! No one had ever returned from there unscathed. She was so worried that she did not sleep well for several nights in a row.

Although Freya’s health had long since recovered, Lita still draped the fox fur coat over her shoulders. “Princess, the wind is strong today. Take care of yourself.”

Freya touched the snow-white coat on her body, the one given to her by Lant. Her eyes became even more sore. “Lita, what should I do? I’m so afraid something will happen to him.”

Lita sighed and felt unsure, but she still tried to comfort her. “We have to believe in him. He’s such a skilled knight and such a powerful mage. He’s the man who could defeat Kane with a single sword stroke!”

Freya wiped her eyes and tried to reassure herself. “Hmm. We should believe in him.”

Seven days passed. The weather grew colder day by day. But thanks to the magic circle Lant had set up, the side palace remained warm in winter and cool in summer, like spring all year round.

Lant used the transmission ring every day to report to Freya, and by now she felt much more at ease than she had been a few days ago.

Recently, King Serorida’s mind had begun to churn with new schemes. Freya’s coming-of-age ceremony was approaching. Once she came of age, that meant she could be married off!