Chapter 285

Two soap-like bubbles, unfitting for the sheer cliff face, floated lightly upward.

Though the cliff was swept by a rough updraft, the two bubbles ascended peacefully, eventually settling on the ground.

Pop!

The bubbles burst as they landed, and Lodbrok chuckled lightly.

“Chaos on the way in, and chaos on the way out, huh.”

“So it seems,” Theo replied, recalling the recent events with a weary expression.

He was still slightly startled, having been thrust back to the edge of the cliff the moment he opened his eyes.

‘Just who was that place meant for?’

From that grand sanctuary, all Theo had obtained was the tattoo engraved on the back of his hand and the ring that bore the same glowing symbol.

‘There’s still so much I don’t know.’

Theo reached into his pocket and gripped the ring. For now, there were no answers.

“Lodbrok, have you ever seen a pattern like this?”

Unsure, Theo showed the tattoo on his hand to Lodbrok.

However,

“I don’t know everything either. But…”

Narrowing her eyes, Lodbrok examined the pattern more closely.

As if responding to her gaze, the tattoo on Theo’s hand emitted a faint blue glow.

HUMMMM—

The resonance of magic filled the air, and Theo could feel Lodbrok’s mana delicately probing the intricacies of the tattoo, moving through it like tendrils.

“It’s clear this is something used a very long time ago. But even in my era, I’ve neither seen nor heard of a symbol structured like this.”

Lodbrok, who now seemed to take a scholarly interest in the symbol, could offer no immediate explanation.

Recognizing this, Theo decided not to dwell on it further and resumed walking.

“Now that our business here is done, let’s hurry to Harald. He’s waiting for us.”

Closing his eyes, Theo focused on the stone Harald had given him. The faint scent of the sea wafted to his nose, crisp and invigorating.

‘This is strange, too.’

Even in the Maelstrom, far from any ocean, the scent of the sea reached him so vividly.

Guided by the stone, Theo and Lodbrok began moving toward the source of the scent.

The closer they came, the stronger the scent became, evoking the illusion that a vast ocean might lie just ahead.

“Lodbrok, care to take a whiff of this?”

“Hmm, sure.”

When Theo handed her the stone, the strong scent of the sea instantly vanished for him.

Holding the stone, Lodbrok’s expression softened into a faint smile.

“Indeed, given the location, it’s almost comforting to feel this.”

Soon after, Lodbrok lost interest and returned the stone to Theo.

“Let’s finish up quickly. I need to look into that pattern as soon as possible.”

Theo shared her eagerness and quickened his pace toward their destination.

‘Is there a hideout nearby?’

They were now far beyond the Maelstrom, on the opposite side of Harald’s territory within Ragnar’s domain.

‘Could he have hidden his daughter within Ragnar’s lands?’

It would make sense, considering the Maelstrom’s accessibility and his daughter’s safety.

If stationed in the Maelstrom, Harald could reach the location at any time. And the Ragnar domain, being one of the safest places in Winterer, was a natural choice.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

‘He must’ve slipped in while we were on our expedition.’

The timing fit. With most of the army out on campaign, the defenses would have been thin, and someone like Harald—an absolute master—could have easily infiltrated the territory.

As they entered the rugged canyon, the scent of the sea grew stronger.

Their path led further into the mountains, deeper than Theo had expected.

‘A village in a place like this?’

During past operations, Theo had heard rumors of families camping near the Maelstrom, awaiting news of those who had gone missing.

Even within Ragnar’s borders, settlements close to the Maelstrom often faced dangers from monsters wandering into the area.

Despite Ragnar’s decree forbidding settlement near the border, some bereaved families had secretly stayed behind, refusing to give up hope.

Smoke rose faintly over a nearby ridge, indicating signs of life.

“That seems to be it.”

The scent of the sea grew overwhelmingly strong as they approached a small settlement hidden within the harsh mountains.

“Stop right there!”

A young man appeared, thrusting a worn spear toward them in warning.

Rustle.

From the bushes, three more young men emerged, pointing their spears at Theo and Lodbrok.

‘Their spirit is admirable, but…’

They were mere fledglings—nothing more, nothing less. The tension in their faces showed how on edge they were, some even bloodshot from sheer stress.

Theo casually pushed aside the tip of the nearest spear and stepped forward.

“I am Theo Ragnar. Is your village chief here?”

Hearing the name “Ragnar,” the guards paled instantly, panic washing over their faces.

“R-Ragnar?”

“Gah!”

“W-what would Ragnar be doing out here in the middle of nowhere?”

Some quivered in fear, while others bared their teeth in hostility.

Observing their reactions, Theo quickly deduced who these villagers were.

‘The bereaved.’

For these families, Ragnar was likely the cold ruler who forbade them from waiting near the border for their loved ones.

Their hatred made sense. As far as they were concerned, Theo represented everything they resented.

Theo, however, thought differently. He regretted that Ragnar hadn’t enacted policies more considerate of their plight, forcing these people to live in such dire conditions.

“Speak!” Theo commanded. “A giant man, carrying a stone, must have visited here. I am his guest.”

The young guards glanced at one another, their hostility slightly abating.

“Could it be that he’s not here to drive us out?”

“I’ve heard of Theo Ragnar before.”

“Isn’t he Kyle’s successor…?”

“Wait—Kyle’s heir? But Kyle’s dead, isn’t he?”

Their hushed murmurs carried clearly, though they likely thought they were being discreet.

“Let them in!”

A commanding voice rang out from the largest building in the village, silencing the guards. The elderly chief stood at the entrance, beckoning Theo and Lodbrok forward.

"…Please, go ahead."

However, the young man who had initially brandished his spear showed no sign of lowering his guard.

"Don’t worry. We’re really here as guests."

Theo lightly patted the young man’s shoulder and stepped inside.

The settlement was small, containing only a handful of homes.

Here and there were children, elderly men, and widows who seemed to make up most of the community.

They whispered among themselves, casting cautious glances at Theo and Lodbrok.

Their fear was evident.

Theo scanned their expressions briefly before surveying the surroundings.

‘Not many adult men around.’

While there were some men present, they were few and far between. Those who were there avoided Theo’s gaze, hastily turning away or retreating into their homes.

Even those who had ventured out to observe the newcomers soon closed their doors and locked them.

Theo hadn’t come here expecting to forge bonds with the villagers, but their cold reception left him feeling somewhat bitter.

‘They’re not criminals, after all.’

The thought lingered briefly, but Theo pressed on toward the home of the elder who had invited him.

At the entrance, the elder stood leaning on his staff, bowing respectfully.

"Welcome, new Patriarch. I am Derek, the elder of this settlement. You must be cold—please, come inside."

"Thank you. We will."

Entering the old wooden house, Theo immediately noticed the numerous gaps and cracks that allowed the biting wind to seep through.

It was colder inside than it had been outside.

‘If this is the elder’s home, the rest of the village must be even worse off.’

Theo couldn’t help but wonder how the children here managed to survive in such harsh conditions.

"This will be your room. Please rest here for a while. Lord Harald has gone hunting and will return shortly."

The room, though modest and barely warm, was likely the best this settlement had to offer.

"Thank you, we’ll rest here."

Theo expressed his gratitude sincerely. After he and Lodbrok seated themselves on the worn chairs, the elder smiled and excused himself.

Moments later, he returned with two cups of steaming tea and a simple plate of refreshments.

"Please, have this to refresh yourselves. If you need anything, just call, and I will come immediately."

"Thank you very much."

The sight of steam rising from the chipped teacups brought an unexpected warmth to Theo’s heart.

The northern people were known for their generosity, and despite their cautious demeanor, they did not hesitate to extend their hospitality.

Theo picked up one of the unassuming snacks and popped it into his mouth.

‘No flavor at all.’

Even these meager refreshments were likely a rarity in this village.

Thinking about the children, who probably lacked even this kind of food, Theo felt a pang of sadness.

‘I should assess the situation here and consider providing support if it doesn’t conflict with Ragnar’s policies.’

These people were, after all, part of Ragnar’s domain.

Allowing them to live in such harsh conditions without aid would be difficult to justify.

As Theo pondered how he might handle such issues differently from Kyle’s reign, he found himself eager to return to his duties.

"Wow!"

"Uncle Harald!"

A lively commotion erupted outside.

Peering through the window, Theo saw Harald entering the settlement with a large deer slung over his shoulder.

"Things went well, so I managed to catch this. What do you think? Not bad, right?"

Harald smiled warmly as he laid the massive deer on the ground, ruffling the hair of the children who had gathered around him.

Then, sensing Theo’s presence, Harald turned his gaze toward the wooden house.

"Ah! You’ve finally arrived!"

The moment their eyes met, Harald grinned broadly and hurried toward the house.

Thud, thud, thud!

The sound of his heavy footsteps made the old wooden structure tremble, as if it might collapse.

Bursting into the elder’s room, Harald beamed with gratitude.

"You came early. I truly appreciate it."

"I didn’t expect to find you staying in a place like this."

"Well, it just happened. I apologize for sneaking into someone else’s domain without proper permission. That must have caused you trouble—my apologies."

Harald bowed his head in contrition, glancing nervously at Lodbrok.

Noticing his intent, Lodbrok clasped her hands behind her back and smirked slightly.

"Hmph, where is your daughter?"

At Lodbrok’s question, Harald’s face lit up, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.