The forest slowly turns white as snow started falling. The trees started withering and entering the state of lifelessness and will bloom again when spring comes. The chill that permeates the forest is now far colder even at noon.

The realization hits everyone when the first drop of snow started to fall that marks the start of winter.

The drinking party that lasted two days finally came to an end and it is about for the mountain bandits, Salis, Lisb, and Ury to go back to their place while Aspara will travel back to the Kerias Kingdom to fulfill her duty again as the king’s councilor.

With a warm set of winter clothes composed of mittens, wool scarf, and even robe with a rune to keep the wearer toasty, Aspara waves her hand towards the bandits, especially Mika who just gave her a new perfume that she really loves.

“I’ll drop by again next week if I can find a suitable schedule to come. I’ll be taking my leave now.” With a charming and tantalizing genuine smile, Aspara turns around and started floating away with her magic to economize her physical energy.

Her figure with her blue waving hair disappears within the curtains of the shadow of the trees.

Meanwhile, the three mountain bandits started packing their things with preserved foods and leftover liquor from the party even though they drank so much that it must have worth a village.

“Then, it’s time for us to leave too! We wished we could have stayed longer, however, we things to tend back to our mountain.” Salis said as she smiles and shoulders the heavy sack.

“Un…really warm house.” Ury followed with a longing gaze.

“Our cave is warmer though. And we have to return to our villages too to greet our families.” Lisb lectured Ury with a stern face.

No…I mean…nevermind.” Ury was about to say something but held herself back. Her eyes are almost like a puppy that was about to leave by his owner’s side.

Reysha, Mika, Teth, and Amadeo were the only people seeing them off as most of the bandits have crippling hangovers from excessive drinking. With warm beds beneath them, they sleep like a haysack, especially with the coldness that abounds outside.

Reysha notices Ury’s reluctance to go, however, she doesn't want to pry or force her to say something. They might find it rude.

The three mountain bandits, the group of oni, as they are now, they are still considered younglings within their race. However, they are not naïve of the indecent topic, however, they are prone to get too much attached to people so they dodge the topic as much as possible.

However, it became one of their weaknesses as they hid too much from such topic that such word from it executes a bashful reaction from them.

Their underwear aside, they don’t even wear a decent bra so Reysha herself forced them to wear some. As soon as the subject of clothes became involved, Mika and Hansen prepared clothes, underwear included for the trio.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

About Ury’s reluctance, Reysha has some idea about it.

“How long far it is from the base of the mountain? I also like to have a little walk myself.” Reysha asked while taking a glace from Ury.

“Un, it’s not that far. About an hour I presume, however, it takes another hour to actually climb the mountain.” Lisb briefly answered Reysha’s question.

“I see, then, let’s go.” Reysha uttered while turning her heels out of the gate of the mansion.

“Wait, Miss Reysha, I believe that you still haven’t memorized the entirety of the forest so I’ll go with you.” Raised by Amadeo as he catches up to Reysha.

Reysha simply nods and the mountain bandits stare at her amazingly. Salis made a simple yet knowing smirk and Lisb grins with her eyes sparkling. Ury still doesn’t get why Reysha wanted to go with them.

And so the five of them started walking deeper into the forest…

The loincloths that the oni’s wearing are replaced with skirt of below knee length with each differing design. Their upper bodies are covered with simple yet high-quality shirts with buttons. Good enough to look civil and good enough to use as a bandit.

Reysha, as she straddles in the snowy path towards the mountain base, keeps dragging the hem of her winter clothes that consist of a full body coat while Amadeo is somewhat dressed up lightly. It seems that the cold doesn’t bother him that much.

The sneer of cold becomes a little ferocious and the crunch of the snow covered path is heard as foot sunk and rises from it. Animals like hares and squirrels run around and some foxes with white fur started showing up to hunt for its prey.

It was not a rare sight or anything, Reysha knows that, but, it gives her a little joy as the tranquil but cold forest gives such beautiful ambiance. The sky invaded by ashen clouds with only a warning of the whole day of light snow traverses with the atmosphere and gives Reysha a scene to smile for.

“Winter in the forest sure is different from the city.” Reysha muttered audibly.

“Un, the forest is good. However, the mountain is also good but a lot colder.” Ury said as she heard Reysha saying something.

“I see. I really can’t imagine how you three were able to live in the mountains, what’s more, as a bandit.” Reysha said as her eyes fixate on the sky as they continued walking.

“It’s easy. We have our camp at the base of the mountain, at the same time, we also have a base near the summit. From the other side of the mountain from here, there’s a road that travelers in the demon land frequently uses. That’s how we raid people for money and such.” Lisb sharply answers as she waves her finger.

“Hmm? The mountain…it is on the border of human and demon territory?” Reysha inquiries as the question sprang up to her.

“No, no! It doesn’t go like that! The forest and mountain itself are neutral. None of the human kingdoms or the demon kingdom owns it. It is, after all, the very place that separates the demons and humans. Conquering it would be a declaration of war.” Salis answered Reysha’s question.

“But, as for how vast it is, won’t it have any issues such as procurement of woods and plants from here? Both the human kingdom and demon kingdom would be profiting off from it even now, however, why does it not violate anything?” Reysha followed another question.

“Un, because as we said, it is neutral. Using it for their own purposes such as pathways, and procurement of food, that is inevitable. Both kingdoms know that.” Ury answered as she looks back at Reysha.

“An unspoken rule, huh… It’s not like one would stop from utilizing what’s near them. However, even with that, it’s bound that have some complications if the conditions of ownership of the forest and mountains aren’t fulfilled.” Reysha inwardly analyzes as she puts a finger on her chin.

“Both the mountains and forest are being used as a path…for now. However, interest should have already flown right to this place. Given how old this forest looks like, I can say for sure that there must be an absolute reason why it is untouched yet.” She followed up with another critical thinking.

“Wha--?! Damn Aspara! If her plans to carry out a war against the Breille Kingdom really happened, they are bound to get the forest dragged like what Falikh said. The reason Falikh wanted to prevent the war as much as possible is that he doesn't want the attention of the demon kingdom to reel here or must be a coincidence. Damn woman…” Reyhsa curses in her mind as she bit her lips.