The Grand Duke's Son Is A Heretic-Chapter 197

The entire place had become a frozen graveyard. Not a single drop of blood remained, no footprints, no corpses — only the biting cold wind and the silence of death. The frost-covered trees stood still, like sentinels watching over those who had vanished.

Standing afar, the Scar-eyed Captain Eager took a long drag from his cigarette, his breath fogging in the freezing air. His sharp eyes scanned the area with growing frustration.

"What the hell is this situation?" he muttered, the bitterness in his voice cutting through the silence. "How can an entire squad just disappear without a trace?"

"That's what I'm thinking too, Sir," replied Vice Captain Jamie, stepping beside him, his face pale from the cold and tension.

Eagerly exhaled smoke, the tip of his cigarette glowing faintly. "I'm sure the Ice Elves had a hand in this. They're denying it, of course, but it reeks of their doing."

"I think the same," Jamie nodded, his breath trembling in the air. "We just need the evidence. Once we find something, we can confront them."

Eager stopped mid-drag and glared at Jamie. "Are you an idiot?" he snapped. "Confront them? For what? So we can start a war with the Ice Elves and lose thousands of soldiers in a frozen wasteland? Even if we win, what's the point? Who the hell wants this damned icy land?"

"Also, don't forget. Our current aim is the Heinz empire, not the Ice Elves."

He cursed under his breath, his thoughts darkening. Mira… That fiery woman with too much pride and not enough sense. Talented, yes. But arrogant to the bone. She'd been gunning for the top hundred ranks. A few powerful bastards in command liked her wild attitude too much.

"Tsk… I told them not to send her," Eager muttered to himself. "Too damn reckless."

He sighed and looked around the empty field again. No blood, no signs of battle. Only the cold and silence.

Then something clicked.

"Wait a minute..." Eager's eyes narrowed.

"Where the hell are the Serpent Gang operatives?"

Jamie froze at the question. "Sir… now that you say it, we haven't seen them since we arrived. I don't know where they went."

Eager's face tightened. "Their squad was supposed to support us. Where the hell did they vanish?"

Jamie swallowed. "Sir… could they have been… sacrificed?"

A chill ran through Eager's spine. His cigarette trembled slightly in his hand. He looked Jamie in the eyes, serious now.

"Report this to the higher-ups," he said coldly. "Those Serpent bastards… they're up to something. I never trusted them, and if they're hiding something… we're in deep trouble."

He flicked the cigarette to the snow, the ember dying instantly.

"I don't care if those nobles tied themselves up with that gang. If they've done something behind our backs… the shitstorm is going to be real."

The cold wind howled again, this time carrying with it a heavy silence. Something dark had happened here. And the deeper they dug, the worse it felt.

...…

Kael stood quietly at the gates of the Ice City, snow crunching beneath his boots. The wind carried a soft chill, brushing against his cloak as he gazed out over the vast frozen lands. Soldiers lined both sides, silent and disciplined, while Queen Alvera stood tall in her white and silver robes. It had been centuries since Kael last stepped here, and now that he was leaving again, the moment felt oddly heavy.

His eyes lingered for a moment longer. The last time he was here, he was younger, weaker, and quite burdened. Now, fate had wrapped him in its games once again, but not without rewards.

Learning that the girl he once loved had truly returned his feelings had lit a warm fire in his chest. It didn't bring sadness; instead, it gave him clarity, a reason to grow stronger and chase after the truth.

He had to reach the Demi-God realm, and soon. Whoever she was now, she was still watching from the shadows, and he would not be left in the dark forever.

Beside him, Lyria clutched the egg tightly, holding it close like it was her own life. Kael smiled slightly at the sight. He rested a hand on her head and said softly, "It'll be alright."

Queen Alvera stepped forward, breaking the silence. Iris will guide you to Shareon City. From there, your human territory begins. Follow the trade route east until you reach the border. Once you cross, head south to find Heinz. There is the scholar you asked about. You'll find out about him either at the Grand Archives or the Mechanist Guild. He changes places often, but he never leaves the city."

Kael gave a respectful nod. "Thank you for your help, Your Highness. It felt good visiting you... and being treated as a guest, not a threat."

Alvera's eyes softened slightly. "You've changed, Kael. Not just in strength but in spirit. Be careful. Not every realm will welcome you like we did."

Kael chuckled. "That's nothing new. I've never been welcome anywhere, but I do like the time I spent here."

He then looked at the glove with a softened

As they turned to leave, Iris walked beside him, pulling her thick cloak tighter. "I'll take you past the snowy ridge," she said. "There's an old trail that cuts the travel time in half. After that, you'll be on your own. Are you ready for that?"

Kael glanced at her. "I was ready the moment I stepped in this place."

Iris smirked. "Good. Because the world out there won't hold back just because you're carrying someone's burden."

Lyria looked between them, confused but silent.

Just as they reached the edge of the city's magical barrier, Queen Alvera called out, her voice firm and sharp, "Don't forget the deal... or else."

Kael didn't turn back. He lifted his hand in a wave and said with a light chuckle, "Of course not. Don't worry, Your Highness... I don't forget my promises."

And with that, the trio stepped into the cold wilderness, leaving behind the frozen city of ice and secrets.