Chapter 66 The Abyss of Despair - Two

Chapter 66 The Abyss of Despair - Two

Even as the cold wave subsides, few are inclined to venture into the streets. Accumulated snow, biting cold, desolation, and depression... these will persist for a considerable duration, a more severe aftermath brought about by the cold wave itself.

Yet, no matter how dire the consequences, they pale in comparison to the finality of death.

In these desolate, pallid streets, a lone figure trudges through the snow.

Her eyes are devoid of light, her complexion ashen, her expression nebulous, resembling a... a mere puppet that knows only to walk.

Seraphina witnesses more death.

All stemming from her own.

The scattered ice sculptures silently narrate their experiences of pure despair.

Why did they abandon the warmth of their coal-lit homes? Why did they walk towards the cold, merciless embrace of death?

Because they had no choice.

What about the coal? Who knows its true state? As Marlina had said, it was substandard, inferior, and in some cases, incapable of igniting...

If the coal was truly sufficient to help them endure the cold wave, who would willingly walk towards death?

And why did they venture out?

The answer is obvious, isn't it? They sought help.

They sought aid from the great Hydral, who had once passionately promised to help them survive the cold wave.

Each person, each desperate soul, stepped onto the icy, silent path filled with hope.

"Is it because of me..."

The girl murmured pitifully, "Is it really... because of me?"

She already knew the answer. Marlina's judgement of her was clear and straightforward.

Her sister's cold, harsh words plunged Seraphina into a despair she could not accept.

Hell.

She had created hell.

So many people who should have survived, so many who could have seen hope, could only end their lives in the snowstorm.

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Seraphina's stomach began to convulse when she realized that during the first day, the second day, the third day... while these people were shivering in the cold, unable to ignite the inferior coal, their bodies and souls eroded by despair, she was in a warm room, wearing only a short dress, running around without a care.

When their fire was dying out and darkness was descending, she accidentally broke a lamp that could have saved a family of three, and then completely forgot about it under Ansel's comfort.

When they were forced to leave their already freezing rooms and walk on the even colder, lifeless path of death, just to seek the last glimmer of hope from the benevolent and great person in that mansion...

She was enjoying the most sumptuous food, bathing in warm water, and in that intoxicating warmth and happiness, she wrote that ridiculous diary.

At that time, she and they were separated by just a door.

The person who had already reached the door, who could have knocked on it with a wave of his hand, what was he thinking at that time?

"Ugh—"

Seraphina collapsed uncontrollably, retching continuously.

Her convulsing stomach seemed to be questioning her mistakes, condemning her crimes.

Everything was ruined.

Her hopes, Ansel's reputation, and most importantly... the lives of those who should have survived.

All were destroyed.

"How did you cough up so much blood!" The girl was shocked.

"You're seriously injured and still dared to come to the outer district... you're really not afraid of death!"

She looked around warily, glaring at those with ill intentions, and helped Seraphina into her own house.

It was only when Seraphina entered the room that she realized how cold a normal house could be.

She had almost forgotten what it felt like to live in such a cold, dilapidated house.

The fire burning in the fireplace indicated that the girl was one of the fortunate ones who had received proper aid, at least surviving the disaster unscathed.

"I don't know what's wrong with you. The great cold wave just passed, and you're so badly injured, yet you still dare to run around outside."

"..." Seraphina looked at the girl squatting by the fireplace, warming herself, and asked hoarsely, "Aren't you afraid that I... might be a bad person?"

"Hmm..." The girl tilted her head. "A bad person wouldn't use such a pitiful expression and say things like 'Is there anyone still alive?' right?"

"You didn't..." The girl looked at Seraphina's numb, pale face and hesitated to ask, "Didn't you get any proper coal?"

Seraphina opened her mouth, unsure what to say.

Should she kneel before this girl, kowtow, and tell her that she was the one who caused them not to receive proper coal?

"In my opinion, all those nobles should have been killed long ago."

The girl sighed and continued indignantly, "Lord Hydral wanted to do so much for us, but they cut corners! Most people should have been able to survive, but now, now..."

Her gaze turned to another bed in the room, her expression darkening.

"... But I believe that Lord Hydral will seek justice for us." The girl comforted Seraphina, "Don't worry, he will definitely kill all those nobles and avenge the dead!"

Seraphina forced a smile.

This might be the only good news she had heard... on this desperate morning.

The common people of Red Frost still trusted Ansel, trusted the Lord Hydral who had given them a future and hope. This reduced one of her many unforgivable sins.

"I think the Count of Stoneheart should also be killed! That hypocrite! There are still many people in the outer district who rely on him, but don't think we can't see through his false face. He doesn't even treat us as human beings..."

As if to divert Seraphina's attention, the girl ranted about her grievances. Those familiar words also brought some comfort to wolf's heart.

And then—

"...All those merchants who made the coal quality so poor must be killed! All of them hanged—"

["You're finally back, what have you been doing, taking so long?" ]

The color that had just risen in Seraphina's face vanished in an instant.

"Huh, strange. Where did that voice come from?"

The girl pressed her face against the window, puzzled. "Why does it sound so much..."

"...like you?"

The girl gazed at the central square of the residential area, murmuring in a daze.

For there, she saw a large screen of light. On the screen, a beautiful girl with snow-white hair was talking impatiently with a noble.

["...I said, I don't have time to waste with you."]

[".... You mentioned earlier that you want me to bear the cost of coal for the poor to survive this cold wave..."]

["...but that doesn't mean that the entire noble class of the Red Frost territory can't do it..." ]

[..."Hydral doesn't have to spend any money..."]

In that crystal-clear image, all those who had received Lord Hydral's grace and praised him countless times during the cold wave saw the girl say,

["... In this way, Hydral doesn't have to spend any money and can earn a big reputation!" ]