"It was the Witch of Vainglory—the true culprit behind the scenes. A witch outside the Seven Witches. Her ability is extremely special. She possesses the power to alter reality."
The moment Shendu finished speaking, Crusch and Reinhard both grew solemn. Neither of them had ever heard that name before, yet they instinctively felt that something far more troubling lay beneath the surface.
"The Witch of Vainglory?"
Upon hearing the title, Wilhelm's expression darkened further, as if a dreadful premonition had taken root in his heart.
"During the subjugation battle more than a decade ago, the Witch of Vainglory used her authority to strip your wife of her Divine Protection of the Sword Saint, rendering her unable to wield the Dragon Sword. That ultimately led to her death."
After Shendu spoke those words, Wilhelm could no longer restrain himself. He drew the sword at his waist and slashed down upon the highway.
In an instant, a blade of sword energy carved a deep trench into the ground, fully revealing Wilhelm's fury—and the overwhelming killing intent surging within him.
"So that's it... So this was the answer all along!"
Having learned the truth, Wilhelm sheathed his sword. He then dropped to one knee before Shendu, making a sincere plea.
"Lady Shendu, I have rarely begged anyone in my life. But now that I know the truth, I ask you—please help me kill the Witch of Vainglory. In return, I am willing to do anything."
Wilhelm spoke with unwavering resolve. Having grasped the crux of the matter, he knelt before the silver-haired, red-eyed woman and voiced his request.
"Very well. The moment I obtain any clues about her, I will inform you. The Witch Cult is my enemy as well."
Shendu's gaze turned icy as she looked into the distance. She had no fondness whatsoever for the Witch Cult.
The previous ambush by the Shadowkhan had only eliminated a portion of the cultists. However, the Sin Archbishops of the Witch Cult were not so easily dealt with.
Especially the one known as the Archbishop of Greed—his strength was terrifying. The authority he possessed was extraordinarily unique. Ordinary power would never be enough to kill him.
"In that case, we shouldn't delay. Let's return at once and inform everyone in the royal capital of this matter."
Seeing that time was running short, Crusch mounted her horse. She cast a deep look at Shendu before speaking solemnly.
"Miss Shendu, you are a hero of the kingdom. You deserve the respect of all its people."
With those words, Crusch and Reinhard departed.
Soon, only Shendu and Rem remained at the scene. Gazing at the massive corpse of the White Whale before them, Rem had just opened her mouth to speak when Shendu casually traced a line through the air.
With that simple motion, the remaining half of the White Whale vanished, stored away through spatial magic into another dimension.
"Lady Shendu, where shall we go now? Continue toward the territory, or return to inform Lady Emilia?"
Rem looked at her with admiration. She had always respected the silver-haired girl before her and wished to hear her decision.
"Let's head to Arlam Village. We'll take a look there. Though, to be honest, I no longer hold much hope. The appearance of Witchbeasts was far too coincidental."
Shendu spoke in a low voice, her expression slightly grave.
"I agree."
Rem nodded as well, recalling that every time the White Whale had appeared, traces of the Witch Cult had not been far behind.
It seemed the Witch Cult had been orchestrating everything from the shadows, carrying out plans unknown to the world. The thought only deepened Shendu's distaste for them.
"But Arlam Village is still halfway down the road. How should we proceed from here?"
Rem asked somewhat helplessly.
If they continued on foot, it would take at least a full day. Traveling by dragon carriage would certainly be more comfortable.
"Don't worry. Have you forgotten that I possess magic?"
Shendu traced the air once more. A spatial gate opened instantly. The ground dragon that had previously been tossed inside was pulled back out.
As for the shattered luxurious carriage on the ground, Shendu cast restoration magic. In mere seconds, the carriage returned to its pristine condition.
Even the battlefield's cratered terrain was repaired through restoration magic, clearing the way for smooth travel.
Rem could only stare in stunned silence. She had never imagined Shendu possessed such astonishing methods. It was nothing short of miraculous.
"All set. Let's depart."
Shendu smiled faintly and took Rem's hand as they boarded the carriage together.
Once inside, the dragon carriage moved forward at an unhurried pace, heading toward the distance.
After returning, Crusch publicly announced the White Whale's defeat.
She recounted the entire battle to the residents of the royal capital without embellishment. Under her narration, Shendu's heroic image spread rapidly.
In just two hours, thanks to Crusch and the Royal Guard's dissemination, everyone learned that Emilia's knight had single-handedly slain the legendary White Whale with one sword.
At that very moment, Ram had just purchased a basket of apples from a street stall and was preparing to head back when she happened to hear Crusch's speech.
By the time Ram approached, the speech had just concluded. Seeing her arrival, Crusch was both surprised and pleased.
"You are Emilia's maid, Ram, correct?"
Crusch asked curiously, observing the refined features that so closely resembled Rem's.
"Yes. I am Ram, Lady Crusch."
Ram replied respectfully.
"I have good news for you. The White Whale, which has ravaged the continent for four hundred years, has been eliminated."
"And the hero who slew it is Miss Shendu. Please deliver this news to Emilia."
Crusch spoke earnestly. A trace of joy gradually surfaced on Ram's usually composed face.
"Understood. Thank you, Lady Crusch. I will inform Lady Emilia at once."
Receiving such astonishing news, Ram wasted no time and hurried toward the inn at full speed.
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild, Akane was handling affairs as usual when Old Man Rom slowly entered.
Looking at Akane seated at the head position, he recounted in full the story of Shendu's subjugation of the White Whale.
"Lady Shendu is truly incredible. She's already become a hero of the royal capital."
Old Man Rom reported the information excitedly.
After hearing him out, Akane set down her quill. Her face showed neither surprise nor elation. She appeared entirely calm.
"It's only natural. Master has already arranged everything. With her strength, let alone one White Whale—even ten would pose no real problem."
Akane possessed absolute confidence in this regard. As long as her master was present, nothing seemed impossible. That was true power.
"You're right. Lady Shendu truly is overwhelmingly powerful."
Having spent enough time around Akane, Old Man Rom had long understood how formidable Shendu was. There was no longer any cause for worry.
"Very well. Continue your work. We still have our own tasks to complete."
Akane picked up her quill once more and resumed working, as though killing the White Whale had been no more significant than slaughtering a chicken.
[Ding~ Mission Completion Rate +40. Current Completion: 65.]
As Shendu and Rem traveled toward Arlam Village in the dragon carriage, a mechanical voice echoed in her mind, informing her of the updated mission progress.
A faint smile curved her lips. It seemed the events unfolding were proving quite interesting. Just as she had anticipated, once the White Whale was eliminated, her fame spread at astonishing speed.
Crusch had indeed kept her word. She did not claim the fruits of victory for herself, but followed their agreed arrangement faithfully. It was proof enough that Crusch was a soldier who honored her promises.
"Lady Shendu, we're almost there. But the surroundings feel unusually quiet."
Inside the dragon carriage, Rem lifted the curtain and looked out at the darkening sky. The unnatural stillness in the area stirred her vigilance.
Traveling along the Lifaus Highway, Shendu and Rem rode their dragon carriage for quite some time before realizing that there was not a single person in sight along the road.
If this situation had been caused by the appearance of the White Whale, it would not have seemed strange at all. Shendu casually glanced outside a few times before losing interest in further observation.
"Lady Shendu, it's far too quiet around here. I have a bad feeling..."
Rem said gravely as she looked into the distance.
"Perhaps it's the aftermath of the White Whale. That's not impossible."
Shendu replied offhandedly. They had already traveled halfway down the highway. As they moved forward, the outline of a village gradually came into view.
"That makes sense."
Rem nodded. Yet when she checked the time and saw no smoke rising from cooking fires in the village, her expression grew even more serious. A certain possibility surfaced in her mind.
Generally speaking, wherever the Witch Cult appeared, nothing living was left behind.
Clearly, Rem's sense of unease stemmed from this very thought. Even after the village came into sight, they did not disembark, instead continuing forward along the road.
Strangely, not a single light was lit in the village, despite the coming night. Even the poorest households would at least burn lamp oil after dark.
Witnessing this scene, Shendu roughly understood what might have happened. She raised a hand.
"Stop the carriage. We'll get down and take a look."
"Understood, Lady Shendu."
Having made their decision, the two of them dismounted together to investigate what had occurred here.
...
Meanwhile, at the inn where Emilia was staying, Ram returned after learning of Shendu's defeat of the White Whale. After purchasing some simple ingredients, she hurried back.
"Lady Emilia, news has arrived from Lady Shendu. Please come out."
The moment Ram stepped inside, she called out.
"What news?"
Hearing her voice, Emilia immediately rushed out of her room, anticipation written across her face.
Ever since learning that Shendu had gone to confront the White Whale, it had been impossible for Emilia not to worry. From beginning to end, Shendu had always been the most important person to her.
Since Shendu departed for the Lifaus Highway, Emilia had clasped her hands together and prayed constantly for her safety.
She hoped she would return unharmed and victorious.
Now that news had finally arrived, Emilia emerged from her prayers at once and hurried out.
"Lady Shendu has won! She defeated the White Whale and has become a hero praised by everyone. The hostility toward you, Lady Emilia, has also diminished significantly."
Ram said excitedly.
Shendu's slaying of the White Whale was not merely a simple victory. It had greatly reduced the discrimination Emilia had faced.
Thanks to Shendu, the sight of silver hair and red eyes—which had once drawn disdain from much of the royal capital unless one was affiliated with the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild—now inspired admiration.
With the rise of the "silver-haired hero," public perception had begun to shift. That was the power of a hero's influence.
"Really? That's wonderful! Sister Shendu truly did it!"
Emilia's face lit up with joy. Everything Shendu had done for her felt impossible to repay. Perhaps she could only return the kindness in some other way.
"By the way... where is Sister Shendu? Why hasn't she returned yet?"
Suddenly remembering that Shendu had not come back, Emilia asked with concern.
"They've gone to Arlam Village. Most likely to investigate the Witch Cult. The hidden danger in Roswaal's territory has yet to be resolved."
Ram's judgment was accurate. Though Rem had sent no message, Ram had her own deductions.
As twins, Rem and Ram shared a faint spiritual connection. Even from afar, they could often sense one another's thoughts.
"I see..."
A trace of disappointment appeared on Emilia's face. She had hoped to thank Shendu in person for her help.
At this moment, more than anything, Emilia wished to see her—to give her a hug and express her gratitude.
"What is it, Lady Emilia? Do you wish to find Lady Shendu?"
Ram asked with a meaningful smile.
In truth, Ram herself wanted to see Shendu as well. Perhaps they could chat leisurely, maybe even hold a small tea gathering—a refined meeting between ladies.
It was clear that Lady Emilia cared deeply for Shendu. Ram could sense it, and she intended to give her a little push.
"Yes... I want to see Sister Shendu and make sure she isn't hurt."
"All this time, she has done so much for me. I can't do much in return, but at the very least, I want to thank her properly."
Placing a hand over her heart and feeling its steady beat, Emilia spoke with quiet determination.
"Then let's depart. The blockade on the Lifaus Highway has been lifted. If we follow that road back toward Roswaal's territory, we should encounter Lady Shendu."
Ram declared decisively, a hint of delight appearing on her face as she assessed the current advantage.
Upon hearing the proposal, Emilia fell silent for a few seconds before her brows relaxed.
Such good news left her surprised and overjoyed. The obstacle that had prevented their return was gone. They could now travel freely.
"All right. Ram, prepare the carriage. We're heading back to Roswaal's territory."
Having had her feelings exposed, Emilia followed her heart and made the decision without hesitation.
Remaining in the royal capital while being unable to see the one she cherished made it impossible for her to stay at ease. Returning was inevitable.
"Hehe, I thought so."
Ram giggled softly and fetched a dragon carriage from the inn. Once preparations were complete, Emilia and Ram boarded and set off toward the Lifaus Highway.
...
Meanwhile, not far from the Lifaus Highway, a man with a twisted, sinister expression led a group of Witch Cult members swiftly forward.
Clad in black robes, the green-haired Archbishop of Sloth flipped open his Gospel and read its contents, excitement spreading across his face.
"Wonderful... The great Witch's vessel is about to appear. We shall join forces and capture that woman. Let the great Witch of Envy descend upon this world once more!"
The Archbishop of Sloth spoke theatrically, his emotions warped beyond reason. His very spirit seemed fractured.
Had he still been his former self, Emilia might have felt a trace of familial affection toward him. But now he had been completely brainwashed.
All former sentiments were gone. He had become utterly mad, blindly obeying the Witch Cult and carrying out any deranged command.
As for Emilia, she remained completely unaware of the impending danger.
Seeing that night was falling, her heart brimmed with hope.
Since it was already late, Puck had naturally fallen asleep and would not emerge. Emilia rested one hand on the gem at her chest, eagerly anticipating her reunion with Shendu.
"Lady Emilia, it won't be long before you see her."
Seated inside the dragon carriage, Ram smiled at her.
"Yes... Tell me, Ram, how should I thank Sister Shendu?"
Emilia asked softly, her cheeks flushing red at the rather pointed question.
"How does Lady Emilia wish to thank her?"
Instead of answering directly, Ram fixed her gaze on Emilia and asked in return.
"I... I can't say it out loud."
Thinking of a certain possibility, Emilia's face turned even redder—like a fully ripened apple. It was clear her thoughts had wandered somewhere decidedly improper.