Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 815 - 148: Before Winter Sets In

Zophie really was meeting someone like Ethan for the first time. Clearly, he was visiting someone else's house, but from the way he spoke, it sounded like he was the true master of the Royal Palace.

What did he mean by saying the Third Princess's home is quite spacious, and it's fine to sleep in there when tired?

Is this something a guest should say?

But then again, the Royal Palace is indeed quite large; at least hosting a few guests for a temporary stay is no issue.

Zophie's mind was going through an internal struggle. He found it quite difficult to maintain his usual cool and aloof image in front of Ethan. This person's way of thinking was just too unique, often saying things that were simply astonishing.

As Zophie glanced around, during their conversation, a small assistant dealing with cleanup had already arrived on the scene. It was a black cat with heterochromatic eyes. This black cat was running around the intruder's corpse, and not long after, the mess on the ground was absorbed into an ominous dark space.

Zophie guessed this might be some kind of lost ancient magic. On the surface, it appeared to be a dark vortex, somewhat similar to the teleportation magic used by Ilya. He didn't know where this vortex led, nor did he want to know. What concerned him the most was that after the vortex swallowed all the remnants, it also took a delicate lion-head sculpture from the library.

There's a thief!

Hey, your cat is stealing things!

The black cat felt Zophie's gaze and even humanly gestured a shushing finger at him.

Zophie seriously suspected this black cat was actually a person in disguise, just like that white-haired girl. Turning into a cat seemed to be a common trick of witches.

However, Zophie quickly adjusted his chaotic feelings because he realized that theft was probably the least significant crime in this library.

He decided to discuss serious matters, "But there needs to be at least an explanation, right? Many people in the Imperial Capital are already suspicious of your identity. These individuals are just a part, and if you move into the Royal Palace for no reason at this critical moment, at least half of the major nobles in the Imperial Capital will investigate you."

Those familiar with the Simpler Clan could easily see their odd behavior. Their arrogance and cruelty were deeply ingrained, qualities passed down through generations. How could they suddenly tone it down just because two guests arrived at their home? Moreover, anyone who could be friends with Duke Ash must be of the same ilk, likely conversing about topics related to torture at the dining table.

Duke Ash's methods of executing rebels weren't merely for instilling fear; he truly enjoyed the process of tormenting others.

"As far as I know, someone is already inquiring about you with informants in the black market. A small number of people even suspect that you placed a curse on Duke Ash."

"Of course, there is an explanation. Don't you know? The Harvest Festival is approaching."

"...Harvest Festival?"

"It's a traditional festival in the Silver Radiance Empire, celebrated before winter to mark the bountiful autumn harvest and to pray for safely getting through the harsh winter. It's also a time to bless next year's harvest. Overall, it's a very meaningful traditional festival."

Upon hearing this, Zophie's eyelids twitched violently. He suddenly felt an impulse to grab a book and smash it over Ethan's head.

Why was an outsider so earnestly explaining the Silver Radiance Empire's traditional seasons to a local? Who's the Imperial citizen, him or me?

Since childhood, he had never heard anyone celebrating the Harvest Festival, and the name obviously seemed like something Ethan just made up on a whim, simply and lazily mixing harvest and winter together.

"Are you lying to ghosts?"

"Don't underestimate the Harvest Festival!"

Ethan suddenly raised his voice, filled with vigor, leaving Zophie dumbfounded on the spot. Ethan continued, "Don't you know how serious the consequences of not seriously celebrating the Harvest Festival are? I see no trace of respect for our Winter General in you!"

"Winter General!?"

"Didn't you hear the legend when you were a kid?"

Ethan said, "For those who don't sincerely celebrate the Harvest Festival, the Winter General will break into their home during the harsh winter and hack them to death with random slashes."

Zophie glanced around, "...Like you guys?"

"Assassin Master, please watch your words! You have already been placed on the assassination list by the Winter General, and he will not forgive you unless you participate in more than five Harvest Festival events."

"Do you think I'll believe that?"

What Harvest Festival, what Winter General, all sounded like nonsense even a child wouldn't believe!

Ha, how could he be fooled by such an off-the-cuff lie?

Even if he dies today, even if he dies outside or jumps from here, Zophie would never participate in a Harvest Festival celebration!

....................

"Hello, here's my application form."

The next day, with a blackened face, Zophie submitted his forged identity form to the registrar of the celebration.

This was the registration office for the Imperial Capital celebration. To celebrate one of the most grandiose festivals of the year, early this morning, Henry VI had already sent heralds to announce the mobilization of all citizens of the Imperial Capital to partake in this grand celebration. To boost people's enthusiasm, several competition zones for different classes were set up for the celebration.

As the celebration proceeds, the outstanding performers from the ranks of civilians, merchants, the Imperial Army, nobility, and Transcendents will receive an audience with the Royal Family, participating in the finals within the Royal Palace and celebrating this grand festival together before winter descends.