I Have Become The Snow Maiden I Created

Translator: Marctempest

Editor/Proofreader: TempWane

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Chapter 74: To the Landfill

The Arundel Empire, the most powerful nation on the continent.

The imperial capital, the heart of the empire, was unusually chaotic today.

Step, step—

People were gathering here and there.

Luxurious carriages clattered in, and attendants dressed in formal wear escorted their respective masters.

“Ah, isn’t that Lord Daywell?”

“Sir? It’s been a while.”

“Ha ha. It seems your visage has become even more radiant since I last saw you.”

As always, nobles and officials mingled only among those who matched their status and elegance.

In such a significant venue, they were even more formal than usual.

Even with the continent in crisis, their masks remained unshaken.

“I can’t even remember how long it’s been since the last court meeting. His Majesty must be greatly troubled.”

“Indeed. At times like this, we must strive to support him.”

“Wise words.”

While figures like Daywell, a group leader, and an elderly official maintained their composure, most others could not hide their subtle unease.

Even if they wielded influence in their own territories, it was a different story here.

…And then, after a while.

All those summoned took their seats in the imperial court, deep within the palace.

The emperor announced the beginning of a court meeting to address the nation’s pressing affairs.

“Thank you all for gathering here.”

Eoloman Fricas III.

Seated on the throne for a long time, his gaze was deep and vivid.

Near him sat the dignified Crown Prince, Artan Fricas.

“No one here is unaware of the current crisis. The turmoil is not just external but internal as well.”

The high-ranking officials remained silent, not daring to interrupt him.

Among them, a few observed carefully, deliberating their stances.

“To speak frankly, my mind has not been at ease lately.”

“Your Majesty, the issue will soon be resolved, so please do not worry excessively.”

Suddenly, a vassal stepped forward with words of reassurance.

Sensing an opportunity, others joined in.

“Indeed, Your Majesty!”

“How could there be any calamity in this empire?”

The emperor listened quietly and nodded slightly.

“Your words bring me some comfort.”

“We are merely grateful—”

“Now, let us earnestly devise a solution. First, I wish to hear your thoughts.”

A firm declaration set the stage.

The officials glanced at one another before presenting their opinions one by one.

“The people are suffering grievously. It would be best to exterminate the vicious monsters.”

“Your Majesty, the creatures responsible for this flood are no ordinary beasts. If we aim to annihilate them all, the damage will be enormous. Instead, we should focus on driving them beyond our borders.”

“The flood has spread across the continent, but not every region is in peril. We could request reinforcements from other nations…”

Despite the range of suggestions, the emperor’s expression was far from satisfied.

Known for his progressive policies, he was discontented with passive responses.

“You all seem more fearful than I expected.”

“Your Majesty—”

“I’ve heard your words. However, before proceeding, let us hear the Crown Prince’s perspective.”

All eyes turned to Artan, who had remained silent until now.

He exhaled and lifted his head decisively.

“Your Highness, what are your thoughts…?”

“…”

The Crown Prince.

Moreover, Artan was someone who had been rapidly expanding his influence recently.

The murmurs gradually subsided, and everyone focused on his words.

Surveying the room briefly, Artan seemed to make up his mind and parted his lips.

“We should conquer the Burial Grounds.”

“…!”

A declaration that once again descended upon the court like thunder.

Shock swept through the assembly.

The emperor, who had handed over the baton as promised, quietly observed.

“Hmm…”

It was time to gauge the resolve of his son and successor.

The officials glanced at Artan and cautiously voiced their objections.

“Your Highness, the monsters’ strength is not to be underestimated. Conquering the Burial Grounds on top of that seems—”

“Forgive me for saying so, but might this not be overambitious? Shouldn’t we focus on securing our territory first—”

“Overambitious? Are you underestimating the strength of this empire?”

As expected, opposition arose.

Artan responded calmly but firmly.

“That could not be the case! However, for now, it might be premature—”

“That complacency is what allowed this calamity to escalate to this point.”

“…!”

The mention of the dreadful word.

Though startled, the officials said nothing.

Artan remained steadfast.

“The enemy is spreading its agents to devour the continent, and you still speak such words?”

“Ah… Ahem. Even so, Your Highness…”

Now everyone knew of the Crown Prince’s unwavering determination.

Yet, some officials still raised objections.

They had two primary reasons.

First, they were high-ranking officials.

They had much to lose and were reluctant to gamble.

“His Highness’s words are indeed true. Lord Bellon, listen carefully to the Crown Prince’s counsel.”

“Lord Daywell, why are you—”

“Enough.”

The second was that they were not part of the Crown Prince’s faction.

Those who had already decided to follow Artan had shifted their allegiance.

If it was purely for political reasons, they could change their stance at any time.

However, some who had grown complacent still did not grasp the enormity of the situation.

At that moment, Artan made a cold declaration.

“Proceed with a standing vote.”

His tone had completely transformed.

His voice was firmer than ever.

Those who opposed him stared at him, speechless, as if they were dumbstruck.

“If anyone objects, stand up immediately.”

*

The small city of Glenver.

A place overwhelmed with despair and screams still yearned for salvation and revelation.

Cries erupted from all corners.

However, the ruthless false gods charged forward like flashes of light without hesitation.

Krurrrrrr──!

The city guards had long since fallen like autumn leaves, and the citizens had no means of resistance.

The lord’s castle was no exception.

Kiaaah──!

“That monstrous thing…!”

The demonic mantis-like false god launched its assault.

The lord of Glenver, Kalein Glenver, escaped the castle with his retainers.

“Lord! This way!”

“Ah, I understand.”

A typical ruler might flee alone, but he was an unusually devout man.

He couldn’t abandon his citizens to this hell.

But there was no escape route.

“…Is there truly no way to deal with these monstrosities?”

“Unfortunately, there isn’t, my lord. You’ve seen it yourself. They are on a completely different level.”

“Argh…! Hurry!”

“Yes, my lord!”

Dying here a meaningless death was not an option.

He needed to survive to request reinforcements.

Kalein hurried toward the city’s exit.

─However.

The creatures, perhaps retaining faint traces of intellect, targeted those trying to escape the city first.

“…!”

Treating them like ordinary monsters had been a grave mistake.

Seeing the onrushing false god, Kalein and his retainers widened their eyes in alarm.

“S-stop it! Block that monster now!”

“…Yes! Protect the lord!”

The knights assigned as his guards shook off their fear and drew their swords.

A clash ensued immediately.

Of course, they were no match.

─────!

If they could have stopped it, they wouldn’t have been fleeing in the first place.

Even so, this was far too one-sided.

“My lord! Please retreat! Quickly…!”

“…Argh!”

Kalein’s eyelids trembled.

Was this truly reality? Could this be a dream?

Despair wrapped around his entire body, and he muttered unconsciously.

“Has God truly abandoned us…?”

It might have been a blasphemous statement, but he had no room to care.

The sinking city was everything to him.

Blood and flesh splattered, and just as he bowed his head, doubt filled his eyes.

“…What is this?”

The ground turned pitch black.

To be precise, a massive shadow had been cast.

Right after Kalein looked closely, a roar came from above.

Goooooo──!

The monsters halted abruptly, and the people’s screams also ceased.

Their eyes gradually turned upward, and they froze in astonishment.

Anyone would react the same upon seeing the figure in the sky.

“A dragon!”

“What… What did you say…?!”

Startled by someone’s words, Kalein looked back up at the sky.

A being with pure white scales and solid armor.

A creature with a tail like steel.

A dragon.

The White Silver Dragon Lord descended to the ground.

Kwaaaaah──!

Its breath swept away the false gods that had been tormenting the citizens.

The overwhelming power sent the creatures flying helplessly.

Kreeeek─!

Another eerie cry echoed across the streets.

It was a harrowing, pain-filled wail, not of humans but of monsters.

The Black Knight’s slash quickly followed as he leaped down.

Slash—!

“…Filthy blood splatters.”

The dark sword’s aura effortlessly sliced through the enemy’s exterior.

The situation on the other side was similar.

Nell and Dewade each confronted advantageous minor deities, and in the meantime, the breath attacks did not cease.

─────!

Mishra roamed the battlefield, providing support precisely where needed.

In an instant, the tides of battle turned.

Kalein, who had been frozen in place, suddenly fixed his gaze on the dragon’s back.

“…Huh!”

For a moment, his breath stopped.

There sat a stunningly beautiful woman.

Her hair, cascading like blue ice, framed her as she gazed coldly down at the ground below.

Sadly, he could not keep watching.

The frenzied minor deities had begun to rampage.

“Lord!”

“No! Stop them quickly!”

A beast that had flung aside knights charged straight at the lord.

Its sharp forelegs targeted Kalein’s neck.

He had no strength to resist.

“This is it…!”

Born as a bureaucrat, he had only honed administrative abilities.

Sensing death, he closed his eyes.

Yet, even after several seconds, death did not come.

Boom—!

Instead, there was a strange bursting sound and the monster’s scream.

Kalein cautiously opened his eyes.

“…! Impossible.”

His mouth hung slightly open.

An ice-forged spear had pierced the monster’s temple.

In a daze, he lifted his head.

And then, he was astounded.

“…!”

The woman atop the dragon.

Two spears floated around her, and a radiant halo illuminated her figure.

The brilliant rays were too noble to seem human, and at that moment, a flash of realization struck his mind.

“The rumors from the Theocracy… They said something like this.”

Could they be the goddess and her elite guards?

Kalein realized this with awe and gratitude.

Salvation had arrived.

*

—Then, leave this place immediately.

Facing disaster in combat alone was overwhelming.

While I needed assistance, if they followed without proper resolve, it would be worse than having no help at all.

That was the meaning behind my words.

I had spoken with sincerity after some consideration.

Yet, without hesitation, they all declared their intent to follow me.

“…”

It was a good sign, but I felt slightly conflicted.

Had I truly earned such trust?

Regardless, considering the gravity of the situation, we immediately boarded the best transport and headed to Glenbur.

[Five passengers at once… I’m letting this slide only because Quellière is here.]

Mishra grumbled, but it was fine.

The devastation that awaited us in the small town was utterly bleak.

“…To think so many false gods have gathered here.”

They were notable monsters, yet the ordeal the common citizens faced was beyond merciless.

We needed to act at once.

“Mishra.”

She nodded at my call.

[Understood.]

The Dragon Lord opened her massive jaws, unleashing a breath attack.

The uproar around us quieted, and all eyes turned to our location.

After the appetizer, it was time for the main course.

“Chandrafail.”

“Ah, monster hunting after so long? I’m on it.”

The Black Knight leaped to the ground as if he were launching an assault.

He did so from this height without any safety equipment.

Yet, because it was him, I didn’t worry in the slightest.

His prowess confirmed my confidence.

“Wow, he’s ridiculously strong. If only he didn’t have that language-processing issue.”

“I agree. No one can underestimate the Sword Demon’s strength.”

Nell and Dewade exchanged a few words.

But my cold recitation was far from over.

“Nell.”

“Yeah, no problem! Leave it to me.”

“Dewade.”

“I shall purge these unholy beings. Watch from this lofty height.”

Two people, who had to make their remarks, were now deployed.

Even this much was an incredible force.

I called the last person.

“Paile.”

“…Y-yes?!”

A small girl flinched in surprise.

She flailed her hands, stammering nervously.

“Me, me, me?! Jump down? B-but I don’t have any prejudice, just no strength─ Ahhh!”

“Careful.”

She must have been quite flustered.

I caught her as she nearly fell.

“Wow, wow… Phew.”

Paile let out a sigh of relief.

Then, as if still uneasy, her lips trembled again.

“Big sis… at least lower the altitude… please…”

“No, you’re not going anywhere.”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yeah. Just stay here.”

A normal girl wouldn’t be of any help on that battlefield.

In truth, it might have been better for her to stay at the Snow Castle, but she had begged to join us.

Well, her cuteness is somewhat helpful.

With people like Chandrafail or Dewade around, who are so grim, it could suffocate anyone.

“Wait for a bit.”

I looked down below.

The battle unfolding urgently.

I prepared to cover any risks the others might not be able to avoid.

But.

“…There’s nothing, really.”

They were fighting surprisingly well.

Their stances and attacks were far more serious than usual, without any openings, and even carried an inexplicable elegance.

Why were they like this? There wasn’t even anyone watching.

Indeed, it seemed only those with real skill could manage this.

“Those guys are fine for now.”

I turned my gaze toward the citizens.

At that moment, I caught sight of a mantis-like false god clashing with armored knights.

They didn’t seem like they could hold out much longer, so I immediately cast Memorize.

Thwack-thwack-thwack─!

Without preparation or incantation, an ice spear launched straight away, piercing the creature.

As expected of a sacred artifact, its abilities were exceptionally practical.

The false god, struck at its weak point, writhed on the ground.

─────!

It was loud, but I successfully incapacitated it.

That was enough.

The others could easily handle the rest, and I needed to conserve my remaining power.

“…Ah.”

At that moment, a thought about the halo crossed my mind.

The sinister plan of the calamity covering the continent. This situation needed to be resolved quickly.

“Who knows what other madness it might cause.”

But running directly to the Burial Grounds wouldn’t guarantee success.

I needed to understand how the continent was moving and how people planned to counter the calamity.

The halo would be useful here.

Faith, when used strategically, could be a tremendous asset.

“And I’m already being mistaken for some saint…”

One skill could make people more cooperative. There was no reason to refuse.

I activated the halo without hesitation.

Fwaaah─!

A radiant light enveloped me.

I wasn’t really a saint, and the final boss was my target, so I could tolerate a little attention for now.

Gradually, the citizens’ eyes gathered on me.

─…!

Even without hearing their voices, it was easy to guess their emotions from their expressions.

Their gazes were uniformly filled with astonishment.

As I shifted my gaze, feeling both awkward and amused, I noticed something.

“Huh?”

In front of the lord’s castle.

A middle-aged man with a beard was looking up at me with reverence.

He was clearly someone of high rank.

“Could that be the Lord of Glenver?”

If so, that was perfect.

A lord would have much more information than the citizens.

It would be worth having a conversation with him.

“…Of course, after exterminating all the vermin.”

From their appearance to the screams they let out, those things were utterly detestable.

The term “vulgar” suited them perfectly.

My gaze grew cold and ominous.