When the iron wheels of the prison carriage rolled grinding against the snow, the central road of the Northern Territory capital, Helon, was already full of people.
Some climbed onto windowsills, some stood at the edge of the road holding a child's hand.
Winter flower petals, the symbol of the North, scattered into the sky.
As the cold and transparent petals settled following the lead of the procession, cheers and laughter surged like waves.
The protagonist of the day was only one: the Blue Wolf Corps.
The Northern Barbarians had long been a headache for the North. Even now that their power had weakened, they plundered border villages, and in their prime, they tore even the Northern army to shreds in the snowy mountains.
The race born and raised in the snowy mountains cunningly hid paths, buried traps, and swallowed pursuers by borrowing the power of the mountain.
Even now facing a temporary decline, in the snowy mountains at least, they were the emperors of the army and mountain gods, and it was no exaggeration to say the deep canyon where their garrison was located was an impregnable fortress.
Armies were mobilized, but large-scale marches were like moths jumping into a fire, and the success of a march only resulted in leading to deeper traps.
The Chieftain of such a race is now tied in chains and loaded in a carriage, heightening the festive atmosphere.
Behind the lead were Iden and the members on horseback.
Traces of the duel with the Chieftain remained intact on his body.
His arm and side still throbbed under thickly wound bandages, and his shoulder vomited pain every time he moved.
It was faster to find unscathed places.
Nevertheless, he raised his head.
The welcome was embarrassing and awkward, but he didn't avoid the gazes of the people.
The first opportunity succeeded.
Just that alone was proving that recklessly rushing to this cold land wasn't a crazy act.
Winter flowers settled on Iden's shoulder and the horse's mane.
Someone shouted his name, and someone called him the 'Summoner of the Dark Night'.
Iden always thought.
What a truly embarrassing alias.
He didn't know who, but their naming sense was the worst.
But at this moment, regardless of the name calling him, he waved his hand in response.
It was a splendid feat achieved in just 2 years.
Of course, he still couldn't erase the feeling that a reckless bet risking his life succeeded 'luckily', but just for today, he decided to think of luck as skill too.
The pain of crushed bones screaming, the sting of torn flesh—at this moment, they couldn't be any hindrance.
No, rather, it felt like a refreshing tickle like glory engraved on the body.
The procession passed the central road and was heading towards the main castle where the Grand Duke of the North would be waiting.
Suddenly, Iden had such a thought.
The Grand Duke of the North whom he would have an audience with in a moment; what kind of person is he?
Like in typical creative works, would he feel like an iron-blooded general wielding a massive halberd and commanding the battlefield?
Or would he feel like a benevolent ruler melting the cold land with mercy and philanthropy?
Or if not that, would he be an indifferent tyrant who would make the first opportunity the last?
Iden continued the procession hoping it wouldn't be the latter, and stepping on the scattering white winter flower petals and the brilliant red carpet embroidered on them, he arrived at the central square of the main castle, but...
The moment he faced the ruler of the North, Grand Duke Eldmonde, sitting nobly on the throne atop the high platform erected to the north of the central square looking down, Iden had to feel something strange.
Even from a distance.
Grand Duke Eldmonde.
He was looking solely at him as if piercing through.
A physique that felt magnificent even while sitting.
An aura that seemed enough to command a battlefield and then some.
A ferocious spirit extending from a calm posture.
'...'
At the gaze of the strong that made him tense automatically, Iden hurriedly lowered his head.
It was an ordinary gaze, but Grand Duke Eldmonde's dignity felt from a distance had something that overwhelmed the opponent.
Something he didn't feel even when facing the giant Northern Barbarian Chief.
"All troops—halt."
Captain Felbicion, who was leading the procession, raised his clenched right hand, and soon the Blue Wolf Corps stopped in front of the platform.
Starting with the Captain, they dismounted in perfect order and lined up in a row with a reverent posture.
The noise of the central square subsided a beat late.
On the high platform, the Grand Duke of the North was sitting on the throne.
Leaning his back against the chair with cold silver decorations, he was looking down at the Blue Wolf Corps without a word.
There was neither excitement nor admiration in his eyes.
It was just the gaze of the strong confirming the result.
The prison carriage stopped in front of him.
The Northern Barbarian Chief tied in chains didn't raise his head.
However, his existence alone sufficiently proved why this place became a venue for a festival.
The one who stepped forward was the Capital Defense Commander.
Refined uniform, restrained movements.
He raised his voice below the platform.
"Everyone listen. I declare in the name of the Northern Territory."
The square became quiet.
Everyone's attention focused on the words to follow.
Indeed, what reward would be bestowed upon those who solved the North's headache; that was the primary interest.
"I officially praise the merit of the Blue Wolf Corps, who succeeded in capturing the Northern Barbarian Chief alive, who has threatened the North for decades, at this place."
Violent cheers burst out as if the square would fly away.
Winter flowers scattered again, and shouts and applause poured out.
The Commander's steps moved to the Captain of the Blue Wolf Corps.
At the same time, the cheers of the square subsided again.
"Captain, Felbicion."
Mercenaries are free-spirited people.
People who move by autonomy and skill rather than system and discipline, and people who dismiss discipline as a word used only when stealing something.
The leader of such people.
Felbicion exaggeratedly brought his heels together, stiffened his waist and neck, and saluted with discipline.
"Yes!"
Most maintained a reverent posture as if they didn't even have time to pay attention to the Captain's appearance, but among them, some snickered saying they would make it a side dish for the grand party tonight.
Next was Celina's turn, and Celina, who glanced at the Captain with a somewhat resentful face, saluted creakily as if wearing ill-fitting clothes.
Next was Brock, and Dantel.
And finally, the Commander stood in front of Iden.
Iden also offered a disciplined greeting, showing respect to the Grand Duke of the North.
The Commander nodded briefly.
However, a faint smile hovered on his lips.
It was a smile like a presenter looking at a scholar who passed the state exam with top honors.
"The one who performed a decisive role in this Barbarian Chief capture mission. Iden. Summoner of the Dark Night."
Iden turned his head and looked at the Captain.
It was different from the introduction of the previous people.
The Captain was wearing a pleased smile identical to the Commander's.
He had reported before the award ceremony.
Lowering the position called Captain who led the mission, and putting him forward.
Iden didn't refuse.
With just a moved face, he nodded once looking at the Captain to convey his gratitude.
"Acknowledging that merit, the Northern Territory awards you the..."
SYSTEM REWARD [ Official Wintel Recommendation Letter ] A document proving the highest honor of the North.
"...in addition to the reward to be distributed equally to the Blue Wolf Corps."
Iden's blue-black eyes shook greatly.
The 'Official Wintel Recommendation Letter' with the Grand Duke's family name attached.
Because it was a document proving that the first button of the plan fit exactly, and a document proving that this place is a land of opportunity where skill and effort immediately become success.
The moment the Commander handed over the document, the square began to buzz once again.
"Cr, crazy. That guy totally succeeded!!"
"Indeed, just like His Excellency the Grand Duke! Such a generous gift...!"
"They say he's the number one contributor to capturing the Barbarian Chief. Should be at least that much, indeed!"
"Kyaa—! Iden-nim!! Can't this big sister marry you—?!!"
"Damn, if I knew this would happen, I should have tried mercenary life too!"
The people pouring out words of congratulations and admiration respectively.
That reaction was the same for the lined-up members.
Now, since they considered Iden as a comrade like family, there were no jealous and grumpy reactions like before, but reactions were unexpected that he would receive the Official Wintel Family Recommendation Letter.
Of course, no one doubted or refuted it.
Summoner of the Dark Night.
Because they know that a clumsy guy who had never held a pole properly becoming the most elite member of the Blue Wolf Corps in just 2 years is neither a coincidence nor a laughable trick.
He was a guy who silently did his best for his comrades in his position, trained to the point where there was no time for blisters to dry, and lived with blood scabs attached.
And honestly, it was also an undeniable fact that the status of the Blue Wolf Corps rose rapidly after Iden's admission.
Because they are people who watched it from the side and respect it, all members sent congratulations whistling or clapping towards Iden with one heart and one mind.
"Yo—Iden! Are you treating us big today!!"
"Congratulations! Our Summoner of the Dark Night~!"
"Brat, no forgetting us!!"
"Kuhuk...! To think the little thing grew this big...!"
It was then.
From the high platform, the Grand Duke of the North, who hadn't said a word until now, slowly leaned his body forward.
With just that one small movement, the venue was overwhelmed and organized in an instant.
His gaze fixed on Iden again.
A short silence.
With just that, Iden could feel.
No, with just one recommendation letter held in his hand, he was convinced.
That the effort of 2 years to the point where it was hard to distinguish between blood and tears was not in vain.
That it was right to abandon the life of the Count's youngest son and leave to try to succeed once with future information.
With this recommendation letter, the peak of the stairs a commoner can climb, such as semi-lower noble, Grand Duke family official, trade merchant, guard captain, etc., is a sure thing.
He grasped a safe, peaceful, and abundant life not enviable by others.
Of course.
Although for Iden, even this recommendation letter was merely a card to use for the second 'bet'.
Iden, who was looking at the Wintel family crest stamped on the recommendation letter, soon rises high into the air.
The sky where the blizzard stopped was blue, and the clouds were white as white.
The gently blowing wind blows his blue-grey hair, and the floating body is light as if flying.
Blue Wolf Corps.
It was a toss of celebration they were sending.
"Iden! Iden!"
Iden who won the opportunity with bloody effort.
It was an achievement accomplished at 18.