Saint Aria, Ella and teammate stood on the road, and before them stood a tall white stone gate, blending perfectly with the fallen snow. Each brick was meticulously arranged in a proud and artistic manner with a cross-star shape adorning the wall. A white golden flag flickered in the wind, welcoming every soul to White Rey Fort.

Unlike the city of Hope Chest, soldiers and knights stood still with fire lamps in their wrists, without checking or qualifying at the gate. People could enter and leave freely.

Aria walked to the front, bowed slightly at the knights.

Clang! Clang! The knights swiftly touched their chests and said, “Welcome, The Light of the holy tower. May the holy bless us.” Their response was clear and respectful.

Ella touched her sacred book and said, “May the Light of the Holy Tower always be with you.” Light particles emitted from her touch and transformed into strings, connecting with the sky. She then walked past the knights.

Rain approached the knights and said, “Blessings, blessings,” while placing something in their hands. Then He moved through the gate, followed closely by Faye.

The knights looked at what was in their hands. They are mushrooms and stones. And then glanced at each other.

The first knight asked, “What is this? Do you know her?”

The second knight replied, “No, but I saw her follower’s badge.”

“Yes, I saw it too. It’s an old design, but definitely a follower badge. And her appearance is…”

“Weird.”

“Weird, indeed. Why would she dress like that in winter? With a cute bow and a black tattered dress? Is it a fashion statement? But sometimes, saints and their followers are… unique.”

“Yeah, unique… What should I do with these items?”

“Just keep them.”

“Um, I will…”

Snow continued to fall, but the two knights stood firm against it. Strangely, their hands held mushrooms, beautiful, healthy brown mushrooms.

“Wow, it’s so warm inside the fort,” Rain said, waving his hand to receive the warmth.

Ella explained, “They use magic formations to contain the heat inside. However, it’s not perfect, as the snow still falls through. They need mages to stabilize it, but it consumes a lot of resources and mama, making it inefficient.”

“Just at this, it’s already amazing,” Rain said as he sat on his feet and touched the floor. “You’re truly genuine, Ella. Use the stone to lock the heat and send warmth through the metal pipe.”

Ella nodded, but suddenly looked swiftly at Rain. “How did you know—”

Hum! Hum! Hum! Hum! The civil service rode on a big big bird with a snow rake installed in its body, running and cleaning the road, sweeping the snow to the side. The stones on the road were clearly visible.

Rain’s eyes turned into light particles as he followed the big bird runner. “Wow, this is awesome,” he exclaimed, and hasten his pace after it.

Despite winter, the roads were bustling with people. They cover themselves with fur or a big tunic. Gloves were a common sight in people’s hands.

“Sorry, ma’am,” he apologized as he passed people.

Shops and merchandise were still open, with lamps and torches providing light in front of their racks.

Clink! Crick! One man opened the door of a house, and hot white air rushed out. Rain swiftly dodged him.

“Beware, kid,” the man warned.

“Sorry, mister,” Rain swiftly turned and jogged after the big bird, a smile on his face.

Thud! He stopped for a moment, his head turning to look at a small shop hiding between two big buildings’ shadows. It was an inks and papers shop. After a short pause, he continued running.

He ran until he reached the center of the town zone. He waved his hands at the the big bird.

Big bird looked at him for a moment and then continued running to the next zone.

Thod, thod, thod, Aria walked closer to him. “Do you like it?”

“Yes, Aria. They use them. They are friends,” Rain said, smiling. “They still have hope left.”

“Um.” Aria moved closer to him and adjusted his dress. “Rain, I have to go to the centric control in the main Inner Area. You have to wait there in the east area, in the refugee camp, alright? Or you can walk around the city. Just don’t be reckless or cause havoc.”

Faye spoke up, “Do not worry, I will take—”

“You’re coming with me too. They need your wise knowledge,” Aria interrupted, grabbing Faye’s hand and dragging her out.

“Rain, don’t cry. Mother will come back soon,” Faye teased.

Rain looked at her with half-closed eyelids. “I’m not a kid.”

Ella showed two fingers, pointing at her eyes and then at Rain’s eyes. She did it twice, then followed Aria.

Rain imitated Ella’s actions and tilted his head slightly. “What does that mean, a shrimp dancing? Does she want to eat a seafood dish?”

Rain made his way to the refugee camp, which resembled a large hall that might have been used for religious preaching or training holy knights. The walls still had wooden racks and training swords and weapons. The wooden floor was marked with human footprints, showing the hall’s history and how long it had been in use.

As Rain looked around, he saw many people living there, children, men, women, and older individuals, all smiling and laughing. Rain’s head hung low as he stood there for a moment. Eventually, he moved and sat in a corner of the hall, leaning back against the wooden wall and pulling his knees up.

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I’m sitting too far from the heater. It’s a little cold here. Maybe not feeling anything would be better. Suddenly, warmth came from his right side.

A soft voice came from his mouth, “Thank you, Ria.” The warmth moved closer to him. Rain lifted his right hand and rubbed the air, saying, “Um, I miss them too.”

Rain lowered his arm and started patting the air, saying, “Um, brother will be here with you… When the time comes, we will see them together, ok?”

He continued, “You know, Ria, I feel truly blessed to have you here. I don’t feel as lonely as before.”

“Huh, Ah… I will do it. Please wake me up if something happens… okay…” Rain’s voice faded as he tilted his head to the right, closed his eyes, and lowered his hand to the floor. His hair gently waved, as if someone was caressing his head.

—§—

The central hall had a tall ceiling painting with a globe and many stars. The high windows provided the main source of light, making the white hall appear clear and glamorous. The white marble floor matched the decor on the white pillars. In the center of the hall, there was a long table with numerous white hexagonal rocks that changed into a landscape of the continent.

To the far left, towards the west, there was the longest white snow mountain, acting as a border. Forests and rivers served as buffers between the main land. Next to it, there was a black rock shaped like a fort called Endland. In far at the center, there was a towering mountain called Sun-rock mountain, pure white and radiant. Just north of the mountain, there was a white fort representing the White Rey fortress.

All the people in the hall were dressed in white church robes, layered more tunic to protect against the cold temperature. They all had a diamond shaped crystal on their right chest.

Among them there were also three saints. Two of them sat in the leader’s seats at the center of the hall.

Ella was still dressed in her usual saint robe, while another saint, who appeared older, had a neatly trimmed white beard that covered his mouth. His short white hair suited his stern warrior face, and he wore an armored suit with wide shoulders in the style of a holy Templar .

Behind him stood three followers, two men and one woman. One of the men had a tall, perfect body with brown eyes and hair, while the other two, who were younger, had light golden blonds hair and eyes. All of them were good-looking from every angle, and they wore holy order robes adorned with crosses and follower badges around their necks.

As for the last saint, Aria stood alone at the far end of the hall gate, with no one daring to stand near her except for the Red Witch.

Everyone was discussing and planning the procedure for the upcoming winter.

“Aria… this is… boring,” Faye said.

“I know,” Aria replied.

“They didn’t ask me any questions, and what’s even weirder is that they haven’t even talked to you, who has the most experience in Winter,” Faye said.

“They only sent the lowest rank Saint there. I don’t have any authority. I’m here this time because Ella wants me to accompany her on her quest,” Aria said.

“So, can I go out? Talking with him is more—”

“Red Witch, let him rest. You’ve been talking to him all the time when we were in the cave tunnel. His body is still fatigued.”

“At least give me something to do.”

“Do whatever you please. I haven’t chained you, Faye.”

“Oh, then go play—”

“I didn’t mean that. Huh, talk with someone else. Choose someone in this hall and talk.”

“Jeez, haven’t you noticed? Just standing here, their backs are now wet like a waterfall. How can they talk to me?” Faye complained, tugging at her long dress and lifting it slightly before softly swinging it. “Talking with him is more enjoyable…”

“Um… I agree,” Aria tapped her thigh.

The sound of conversation continued in the hall. Sometimes Ella looked at Aria, who waved back at her. Ella was already in a state of mental fatigue, her eyes glazed over. She was tired of listening, being fed unimportant information. She only wore a fake smile and nodded her head from time to time.

Hours passed, one after another.

“Hello, hello, Aria, are you in line?” the young voice echoed loudly in Aria’s mind.

Aria was slightly amazed and quickly responded, “Yes… Is there something you need, Rain?”

“Y-yes, Aria… Please help me… Argh! kids do not pull me like that, It will split me into half.” he said.

“What happened!?” Aria asked hurriedly.

“Aria! There’s a yellow code situation! The kids in this city are too strong. Girls and boys are fighting over me, Ria! Don’t just stand there, help brother… Wait, don’t tell me… you—” Rain said.

“What?” Aria said.

“No, no, no, don’t tie that bow on me… Waaah, It’s your fault, Aria. Your ribbon scarf and bow tie make them think I’m a girl. They want me to play a husband-wife parenting game… Please let me go, no more lace dresses… Aria, please! I don’t want to use my last resort,” Rain said.

Aria was shocked by what she heard. “Rain… Stay strong… I will be there,” Aria said. She slowly turned her head to look at Faye.

Faye smiled back and said, “See, the story is better with his side.”

Aria nodded slowly, still lost in thought imagining what happened to Rain at the refuge camp. She could also hear the sound of many kids talking through their link.

Faye looked at her mischievously and said, “Don’t you want to see him in a lace dress, Lady Aria?”

After a moment, Aria nodded slowly. She placed both hands on her face, feeling the heat. “Ah, I need to cool my head down.” She instinctively gathered mana and formed water, but instead, it caused the entire hall to fill with floating water balls.

Everyone quickly turned their attention to Aria. She also noticed that something was wrong when all eyes were on her.

Ella stood up from her chair and asked, “Aria, what happened?”

The old White Saint, Marquise Rexton, also chimed in, “Saint Blue River, your overflowing mana might give us the misunderstood of actions.”

Everyone was taken aback by Marquise Rexton’s words. The three followers behind him also stepped up and placed their hands on their swords. But what happened next left them all in awe.

In a matter of seconds, Aria swiftly gathered all the floating water and transformed it into an elegant long dress and a pair of gloves. She gently touched the lower part of the dress and lifted it slightly, then bowed her head like a royal lady. The water inside the dress remained moving, creating a mesmerizing shimmer.

“Apologies to all sirs and ladies. I, Little River, would like to address everyone. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to do so, hence this attention seeking method.”

Aria slowly lifted her head and smiled at everyone with elegance. The water balls hanging in the air transformed into blossoming flowers. “I would like to express my words. Blue River has taken on the responsibility of protecting the citizens in the Refuge zone. I will do my best, and as for my other words, I have received an urgent request from my Follower. I apologize to everyone, but I must leave this conference momentarily. I hope you all understand my actions and forgive any indiscretions.”

Faye also bowed and walked towards the door, opening it. Aria swiftly passed through the door, with Faye following closely behind. Before the door closed, Faye bowed to everyone once again.

Click! The tall door closed. The water flowers scattered into particles and floated on the wind. When they touched people, a warm sensation spread. Even the scent of the sea could be sensed in the air. There was silence, but it didn’t last long as people became overwhelmed.

“What is that?” “I never knew Saint Aria could be so beautiful.” “Her voice is as pleasant as a fairy’s.” “Is she still accepting followers?”

Marquise Rexton touched one of the water particles and rubbed it between his fingers. “Sea water?”

Ella furrowed her eyebrows and tapped her leg on the floor. “Raccoon, if you speak ill of me to the child again, I will punish you by making you live in the same cell as the gorillas.”

While everyone was discussing the incident in the room, two ladies walked along the corridor.

“That was so embarrassing! That’s not like me at all. Why didn’t I just use my patient mind and walk out?” Aria said.

Faye felt pleased and supported Aria. “It’s Rain’s fault. His actions have influenced you.”

“Exactly! It’s his fault. If you weren’t as cute as I imagined, I would punish him,” Aria said.

Faye smiled widely and said, “Don’t worry. I have spare fashionable dresses and accessories in my space magic. They are all of the best quality, made by Gleda Glacially, the Gold Needle Dressmaker.”

Thud, Aria stopped. Thud, Faye also stopped.

Both locked eyes with each other.

Aria struggled to say, “H-have you… Do you have her best fluffy hairball?”

Faye smiled and nodded, enhancing the anticipation. “I also have a fluffy belt tail.”

The air flowed for a moment as Aria instinctively grabbed her own hair and covered her face. The temperature rose, creating a stark contrast with her blue hair color. “T-Thank y-you, Faye,” she stammered gratefully.

Faye responded with a wide smile, licking her own lips. “You’re welcome,” she said.

Suddenly, two ladies with malicious intentions walked, no, ran down the corridor.