Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Asilia.

No.

The Master and Ian returned to where our companions were.

Step, step.

Footsteps echoing in the cave.

Memories of the Masters teachings resurfaced. She had instructed him to not only focus ahead but also be aware of his surroundings.

He was curious.

What could she be thinking?

Unlike the times when she would embrace with maternal warmth at any opportunity, the Masters furrowed brows now betrayed a mind deep in contemplation.

Do you have something on your mind?

Mm.

Indeed, she could be serious when the occasion called for it.

If her demeanor had been akin to that of a friends young mother until now, her current contemplative silence exuded a sense of mastery to the point where he could almost feel her as the Snowflake Swordmaster.

I apologize for doubting.

As he reflected on the doubt towards the Master, she spoke up.

Im deeply contemplating what I should teach my disciple first ugh.

Thunk.

The sound of her forehead hitting the rock echoed.

It seemed like she had collided with the stalactite above her.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she rubbed her forehead.

Trying to show some authority in front of my disciple and end up like this!

Indeed, she had her moments of clumsiness.

At times like this, he really wondered if she was truly the Snowflake Swordmaster

Suddenly, Asilia lifted her face.

Disciple. The Master is a remarkable person, you know? Shouldnt doubt her, right?

Of course not.

His gaze kept returning to her flushed forehead.

Disciple. You just doubted me.

No, I didnt. The look in your eyes said, Is this person really the Snowflake Swordmaster? Be honest.

Shes quite perceptive.

An unexpected crisis of faith.

Thud.

Ian rolled his eyes, finding a plausible excuse.

Maybe the stalactite was the best in the world.

The Masters cheeks puffed up instantly.

Just as the atmosphere, which had been heavy with the weight of the disciple doubting his master, was about to change, they arrived where their companions were.

But Ill be the legal wife.

Danya declared, looking at Lina.

Legal wife?

Danya turned her head in response to Ians question.

Her eyes widened, and she bounced excitedly.

Ian? Oh, when did you get here!

Ians gaze fell on the book Danya was holding.

[The Dukes Young Lady Wears a Leash Every Night]

Ian? Uh, this, um

She hastily hid the book behind her back.

Danyas face turned completely red.

Ian roughly guessed the situation.

She mustve been acting.

Theatrical performances were quite a major hobby in the Empire.

Many people enjoyed recreating scenes from novels as if they were acting in a play.

Come to think of it, The Dukes Young Lady Wears a Leash.

Now that he recalled, there were many children among the nobles who enjoyed leashing. It wasnt a discriminatory statement; it was actually true.

Paying attention to your surroundings really opens your eyes to a lot.

This must be part of his Masters teachings as well.

Ian nodded subtly and patted Danyas shoulder.

I respect whatever preferences you have.

Swoosh.

Ian looked down at his clothes.

When was this carved in?

As Yerina said, there was a flower-shaped snowflake engraved on it. When did his master carve this in? Her movements are often hard to notice.

Miss Yerina, youre still sharp as ever.

Sharp? It seems more like showing off ones possession to anyone who looks.

Oh my. Yerina, did you also sense this childs talent?

I did consider teaching a few things.

Hmm. What did you want to teach?

Why did these two suddenly start fighting?

In the clash of the two masters, Ians skin felt prickly.

To truly improve ones skills, theres no place like the battlefield. With the recent fierce fights on the border, I was thinking of taking him around for a few months.

Ian inwardly sighed.

We almost got into big trouble.

That side seems more formidable than actual university professors.

Its fortunate to have Asilia as his master.

Scratch, scratch.

Yerina, tapping on the back of her head, started talking first.

Even if I didnt solely rely on a mace as my weapon, I wouldnt regret learning from you, the Snowflake Swordmaster.

Oh my. Thank you.

I mean it.

Yerina shrugged and stood in the middle of the group.

Rather, Ive found out a few things by looking around.

You found out?

In response to Ians question, Yerina nodded.

I went out for exercise and climbed the cliff where this cave is located.

What did he just hear?

Climbing a cliff where a snowstorm rage?

Instead of being baffled, Ian decided to just accept Yerinas words.

After climbing up to a certain height and looking around, I could see it. It seemed like a huge array was spread out from this cave.

Array?

Yeah. That barrier-like thing at the entrance of the cave surrounds the snowy area. There were piles of corpses nearby. Im not sure of the purpose, but it felt like there was some intention behind the array.

Yerinas expression turned serious.

Ian glanced briefly at his master.

She was focused on Yerinas words without any change in expression.

Well look into this gradually.

Yerina continued speaking.

The second thing concerns the escape route, Ian.

Yes. This place was Richards prison.

Thats correct.

In that case, somewhere in this snowy area, there must be a point connected to the outside. A prison must have fluctuations of energy.

Ian nodded.

It was a logical deduction.

I felt like this cave might be related to it. This place has many peculiarities. Theres not just bone-chilling cold, but theres also a hot spring that could melt ones body. Although it doesnt seem large at first glance, there are many complex and deep areas. It seems like we need to conduct a proper exploration.

Ian fell silent.

It wasnt because he disagreed with Yerinas words.

No. On the contrary, there was insight in her words.

Yerina may not be as revered as his master, but shes undoubtedly a skilled expert from the North.

However.

The doubts arise from elsewhere.

Did his master really not know these facts?

What is the reason for the masters presence here? Then, if she couldnt find a way out. All the doubts stemmed from her.

Ian quietly looked at his master.

Asilia also looked back at her disciple.

Their gazes sank deep into each other.

Asilias lips parted slowly.

I know the way out. But

She didnt finish her sentence.

But Ian could understand what she swallowed.

Not everyone will be able to get out of here.