The Reception Room of Speda Castle.
Unlike the cold raging outside, the warmth of the heating greeted us. Originally, we were supposed to hold a grand and lengthy welcoming ceremony. But considering the weather, we quickly finished it and the satisfied guests were promptly led to the reception room, settling comfortably on the warm sofas with content smiles.
“The north is indeed chilly.”
If even the high-ranking nobles, whose default expression is poker-faced, show smiles, it’s truly a significant display of emotion. No matter how elevated their status, unless they’re at least an expert, like the Luciana family, they’re just mere amateurs who can’t help but be greatly influenced by the weather.
As the maids approached with various snacks to suit each guest’s taste, a neatly dressed elderly butler, who had been meticulously observing the guests’ expressions, discreetly approached us.
“It’s been a while, miss.”
It was Yegor, whom we hadn’t seen in a long time. His sharp, sparkling eyes, even amidst his white hair, revealed his sharpness.
“And Father?”
“In recent times, the incursions of the demons have intensified. The Duke and even the Young Master have left their seats. Originally, I should also be at the front lines…”
But to welcome the guests, one must have the appropriate status. In essence, as the second-in-command of the Duke’s household, Yegor, if he’s at that level, he should be sufficient to welcome the members of other noble houses.
“I see. You’ve been working hard.”
“Not at all. It’s my role as the second-in-command, after all. By the way… is Hans fulfilling his duties?”
A sharp gaze, seemingly evaluating, swept over me, as if questioning whether I had been doing my job properly all this time.
“He’s handling his duties as expected.”
Luciana replied with a sly smile, deflecting the question to me. In that brief exchange, mischief sparkled in the sapphire-like eyes, subtly teasing me.
‘… How mischievous,’
A clear departure from the original, which didn’t typically reveal her emotions. Thanks to that, my side of the exchange was quite advantageous. A momentary glimpse of humanity seeped through the cracks of her perfect demeanor. The special reaction she showed only to me! How could I accurately describe that beauty in detail?
“… Hans Byron?”
In the moment my gaze shifted, a chillingly low voice pierced my ears.
“Ahem, Chamberlain, I always strive for perfection. I ensure there’s no shortage in serving Lady Luciana.”
“You’re still the same… with your unnecessarily firm confidence and audacity. If not re-educated.”
Yegor, wiping away the corner of his eye, moved to the head of the table.
He soon straightened his posture, bowing his waist. His hand rested on his chest, forming an ideal angle starting from the arms. It was a textbook-perfect posture.
“I apologize for the lack of hospitality, even though Lady Roberk and Lord Trehar have traveled a long way.”
Following this came an apology. At Yegor’s low-toned words, Theodore clapped his hands.
“You haven’t explained our internal affairs to us yet. Lift your head, Chamberlain. I, too, have visited out of great interest in the notorious monsters of the north.”
After seeing Theodore’s grin, I could breathe a sigh of relief.
‘Something seemed off when they were separately called upon as soon as we arrived. Seems like the negotiations behind the scenes are successful.’
Maintaining dignity was paramount to nobility. Fortunately, it seemed that the conversations behind the scenes went well enough to forgive our “lack of hospitality.”
“Let’s get to the point. As I expected, the Wendigo creatures have been stirring.”
“Indeed, Lady Luciana. You are correct.”
A paper emerged onto the desk where we gathered. It depicted the upper body of a stag represented by sturdy antlers and humanoid lower limbs.
“This is the monster you all must deal with, known as the Wendigo.”
“It looks peculiar.”
Camilla furrowed her brows.
“Well, isn’t it quite decent as far as monster designs go?”
“As peculiar as its appearance, its abilities are unique.”
Unlike me, Yegor adeptly supported the noblewoman’s remark.
“Abilities?”
“Yes, they can… mimic others’ voices.”
Everyone leaned in as the elderly man’s voice became more serious.
“The nickname ‘Enchanting Wendigo’ wasn’t given for nothing. They mimic the voices of prey to lure and hunt. Humans are also among their prey.”
The origin of the Wendigo stems from ancient demon folklore, where they seduce and abduct humans with their voices.
Even knowing this, it was difficult to distinguish, as they were remarkably similar.
‘In the original story, they mimicked the voices of their beloved ones. To René, it mimicked the voice of the main target, and to the candidates, it mimicked the voice of someone they were emotionally attached to.’
It’s fortunate if they’re just limited to voices. Their specs alone are formidable, and some even resort to counterfeit tactics.
Thanks to this, it was a course that led directly to a bad ending if you didn’t know the right strategy.
“So, even if you hear someone else’s voice, don’t pay attention. It’s definitely their trickery.”
“Understood. Any other precautions?”
“While not as formidable as facing a Yetti, the stag’s upper body isn’t just for show. Their charge with those hefty antlers can be quite threatening, so be cautious.”
“Come to think of it, I’ve heard before. The most injurious animal across the Pacific was none other than the moose.”
Certainly, once hit by the thick horn rising into the sky, it was unlikely that one would be safe.
“While naturally shy and prone to fleeing from humans, they’re not just some ordinary monsters. They have a habit of attacking the surroundings as soon as they’re provoked, which can be a headache.”
“Is it that time now?”
“Yes. Thanks to your support, we can breathe a little easier. While it may not threaten the residents of the castle, it’s menacing to those outside and the patrolling soldiers.”
Once again, the head lowered in a nod from the elder.
“Although it’s in the form of a dispatched lesson, I request. Since the Duke also advised not to spare support, if you return after dealing with the Wendigo, I’ll offer you a fitting reward.”
[Quest Issued!]
[Defeat the Wendigo and bring peace to the North!]
[Reward: Bonus points, Vault Viewing ticket (Limited to Basement 2), ???]
A Note Viewing Pass. For a dispatched lesson, it was quite a generous reward.
‘Well, in games, you usually encounter Wendigos in the late game. It’s actually odd that you can defeat one in your first year.’
Normally.
At this stage, the protagonist player, who would be scorned for being a commoner maiden, only has a few healing skills.
Still, there wasn’t much to worry about.
“Leave it to me. Now I’ll personally hunt down the prey I’ve only watched from behind.”
After all, there’s Luciana, who’s already an expert on our side!
That’s it.
“Don’t worry. After all, it’s just a monster.”
“…Hmph. I’ll just deal with sandworms.”
The members supporting Luciana were also from other noble families. As proven by their admission scores, each of them excelled in their abilities.
“With this level of power, dealing with a Wendigo is child’s play.”
While the Wendigo is one of the three major monsters in the North, it’s not on par with demons or Yettis. As long as we’re prepared for mental attacks, including hallucinations, it should be manageable.
And that fact.
Yegor, who has lived in the North, knows it well.
“Take this.”
“As you command.”
His earlier words about not sparing support were not lies.
The main source of funding for the organization. Several bottles of expensive holy water were placed on the desk.
“Some special specimens also use magic. It’ll be a big help then.”
“Hallucinations, huh? I remember hearing about that from Brother. He said it shows the most painful memory from the opponent’s mind.”
Luciana, now with a more serious expression, picked up the holy water. Following suit, I also grabbed one. ‘With this, we’re good.’
Essential item for fighting Wendigos. With the strategy known and high-concentration holy water prepared, our preparations were thorough.
“Let’s set off. If it’s a Wendigo, it’s likely to inhabit coniferous forests.”
“…You seem to know well.”
“And who taught me?”
Like me, she gave a warm smile towards the elderly butler dressed in a servant’s attire.
***
The cold in the North is of a kind not commonly experienced elsewhere. Especially compared to the Western and Southern regions, where the climate remains hot throughout the year.
“Sigh… My ears are freezing.”
Camilla, shivering, wrapped her reddened ears with both hands. While they would warm up eventually due to body heat, her appearance was different from usual, and I couldn’t help but smile.
While everyone had donned winter gear, they couldn’t wear anything that would hinder their movement or senses, considering they didn’t know when combat might occur. Hence, it was inevitable that their ears would feel the chill exposed to extreme cold.
‘But still, with the magic potion given, it shouldn’t be that bad.’
“Lady Roberk is overly dramatic.”
“Aren’t you bothered at all?”
“Haha, it’s colder than Eastern winters, but no big deal! Just overcome it with spirit!”
As Camilla openly showed her disdain towards the passionate Theodore, she turned towards me. It seemed like she was inadvertently scheming to get closer to me.
“I’m getting annoyed to death.”
Accompanying the sharp sarcasm whispered in my ear.
‘Seems like she was partly serious about being disgusted.’
While Luciana was temporarily absent, searching for signs of the Wendigo, it was a rare moment for just the two of us.
“Did you receive information from Wolbaek?”
“It isn’t for nothing that she became the leader of the thieves’ guild at that age.”
Thud-
Through her lips, a sound filled with anger came through.
“The duke’s wife was killed, and yet he’s living quite comfortably, even flaunting it.”
“Where?”
“In the Central region. Moreover, near the academy.”
A face I’d seen before. The face that confronted me when I was arrested.
“It seems escaping won’t be easy.”
The reason for staying quiet despite knowing the whereabouts was simple. She probably wouldn’t arrest until she had all the evidence.
Since he, as a commoner, harmed a noble, it could even lead to execution.
“Would you like me to help you with the arrest?”
“I’ll be grateful.”
“For what? I’m grateful just because you’re keeping quiet.”
She shrugged in response, also with a bitter smile.
“Hey, I found the Wendigo!”
Luciana’s voice came from not far away. Just as our eyes met, without needing to say anything, we dashed into the snowfield.
“Let’s take care of it quickly and return.”
“You’re very enthusiastic.”
Perhaps due to the dense forest, despite setting off around sunrise, the tall trees blocked the sunlight, casting a natural darkness. It was only enough to barely see Camilla running ahead.
“Hey, I found the Wendigo!”
Even amidst that, the voice continued to echo. Whether due to limited visibility or the ear-piercing nature of the voice, Camilla grumbled irritably.
“How many times do you have to say it? We’re coming!”
“Just a moment.”
A strong sense of unease gripped me. ‘Come to think of it, why would Luciana’s voice sound so urgent?’
With her skills, she could handle the Wendigo alone if needed.
– Lady Luciana, are you still with the Wendigo?
– Hans? What’s up?
– Is the Wendigo still there?
– No, I’m still searching, so don’t rush me. Can’t seem to find where it’s hiding. Damn it. Got us trapped good.
I firmly grasped Camilla’s shoulders, where green hair flowed down.
“What?”
“Take the whip.”
I immediately held a dagger resembling the color of the forest in my right hand, and holy water in my left, in case of unexpected situations.
“Hey, I found the Wendigo! Hey, I found the Wendigo! Hey, I found the Wendigo!”
First was Luciana’s voice, then mine, and finally Theodore’s.
Only then did Camilla, seeming to sense the unease, stop in her tracks.
“This is…”
“We’ve both been fooled.”
Standing still, we surveyed our surroundings cautiously. Among the shadows of the trees, something suddenly emerged. A bipedal stag. Its identity was all too obvious. As the stag, which had been staring at us intently, tilted its head in confusion.
The reindeer’s forehead split open, and from within, a jet-black tongue emerged, uttering a familiar voice.
“Hey, we found the Wendigo!”
“Copying my voice too, huh? That’s a bit unsettling.”
Camilla’s hand pointed towards the creature’s forearm, indicating a shiver-inducing sight.
As the reindeer approached, it prepared for combat, digging the ground.
“Gruhh…”
Now it seemed to have stopped mimicking human voices. Well, perhaps there was no need now that it had lured its prey.
“Gruh!”
“Kraaad…”
“Churp.”
Amidst the monster’s roars, the sound of the reindeer’s grinding teeth echoed.
…And the sound of its appetite returning.
“Just one. Seems rather underestimated. Two of us should be enough.”
“Tch, just when Speda isn’t around….”
The sharp whistling of the whip pierced the air. Simultaneously.
“Gruuhh!”
The owner of the yellow fur turned into a flash and charged towards us.
Cliche Novel 