I Have Become The Snow Maiden I Created

Translator: Marctempest

Editor/Proofreader: TempWane

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Chapter 47: Snow and the Savior (3)

A winter where powdery snow gently settled on the ground.

Though the empire was warm compared to the northern regions, its citizens were unaccustomed to the chill.

People wrapped themselves tightly in their clothes, exhaled white breaths, and sought the warmth of fires.

Yet, there was one who swung his sword in nothing but a single shirt.

The noble and dignified Crown Prince, Artan Fricas.

He was devoting himself to training in the practice yard of the Crown Prince’s palace.

Slash! Swoosh!

The sound of a sword slicing through the air.

The precision of each strike, unwavering, seemed to defy the weather itself.

And in truth, it wasn’t entirely incorrect to think so.

“This is nothing…”

To someone who had experienced the Snowfield, the central continent’s climate was inconsequential.

It was, if anything, insufficient.

That was why he had deliberately chosen the outdoor training grounds.

Though cold snowflakes fell steadily, he swung his sword, sweating.

And as he moved, he thought of a woman.

“…Strengthen your foundation.”

Her words were embedded in his heart like thorns.

Every word she had spoken was precious and unforgettable.

The advice she had given him after saving his dying self in the Snowfield.

It must have meant that he needed to grow even stronger.

She was right.

“To face her again…”

At his current level, he was far from enough.

That much, he had painfully realized during the trials of that day.

She was a being who lived in the Snowfield.

How could he hope to remain by her side if he couldn’t endure even this paltry cold?

It would be arrogance, selfishness, and stubbornness.

Because of emotions he had harbored for so long, he had lost control and committed shameful acts.

Grinding his teeth, he recalled her cold, indifferent expression and her chastising attitude.

How pathetic must she have thought him to be?

He despised the person he had been that day.

“…You pathetic fool!”

He cursed himself, gritting his teeth, and delivered the final strike.

The wooden training dummy split cleanly in two and toppled over.

It was a flawless cut.

“I must become stronger.”

Lowering his sword, he reaffirmed his resolve.

And then, he recalled her beauty and the name as beautiful as her appearance.

“Quellière…”

In the past, he had thought of her only as a mysterious person.

When he was young, her appearance, demeanor, voice, and magic all seemed otherworldly to him.

So, at some point, he had come to hold her in his heart.

But she was not human.

No, she was far beyond that—a being of a much higher dimension.

Yet, it was already too late.

He had come too far to give up now.

Thus, he had to chisel away at himself even more mercilessly.

For even she had once said she held expectations for him.

“As expected of Your Highness!”

Hearing applause and cheers, he turned his head.

Amidst the exclamations of the royal guards, Captain Hiloze approached him, speaking with admiration.

“Truly extraordinary talent, Your Highness. Though I’ve known this for a long time, I’m astonished yet again today.”

“Spare me the flattery.”

If he had been younger, such compliments might have moved him, but now they barely left an impression.

Hiloze, gazing at him with a look of approval, suddenly expressed concern.

“However, isn’t this too much, Your Highness? You’ve been training without a single day’s rest lately.”

“Don’t concern yourself with it.”

Indeed, since his return from the Demonic Realm, he had been undergoing relentless training, but it was necessary.

It was something he wanted to do himself.

Yet, as Hiloze continued his scolding, Artan interrupted him.

“That’s enough. Instead, pick up a sword.”

“Pardon?”

At the sudden command, Hiloze blinked in confusion.

“Do you mean swordsmanship instruction?”

“Not instruction. A spar.”

Artan shrugged and flexed his hands.

His thirst for improvement had not yet been quenched.

A mere wooden dummy was no match—he needed a skilled opponent.

But Hiloze hesitated, looking troubled.

“A spar, Your Highness? As one tasked with protecting you, I cannot risk harming you.”

“Do you think I’m asking because you can’t harm me? Stop hesitating and do as I say.”

“If you insist, I have no choice, but…”

Reluctantly, Hiloze grabbed his sword and took his place in the training yard.

Artan clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction at his awkward stance.

“…Forget it. It’s canceled.”

In hindsight, it was foolish to expect the royal guard to take a spar seriously.

They were dedicated to serving him, and their habits had been ingrained over time.

As sparring partners, they were unsuitable.

Artan frowned and thought of Quellière’s loyal subordinate.

“The Frost Giant.”

Even now, the thought of that being sent shivers down his spine.

With such a formidable protector by her side, how could someone like him ever meet her expectations?

An average opponent wouldn’t suffice.

He needed someone far stronger than his current self, someone who wouldn’t hold back.

Such a person was essential for his training.

Normally, one wouldn’t find such an individual nearby.

But after thinking deeply, surprisingly, one person came to mind.

“The Sword Master.”

A true hero of the empire.

He decided to ask for that man’s help.

*

After savoring the lukewarm, hard-to-describe taste of ale for several minutes, two adventurers left, and I headed upstairs.

Having resolved to keep a low profile for the time being, it had been a relatively quiet day.

Knock knock

When I knocked on the door of the guest room, a response came immediately.

“Come in.”

It was Nell’s voice.

Receiving permission, I opened the door without hesitation.

The sight that greeted me inside the room made my eyes widen slightly.

“…!”

Nell stood in the middle of the room.

But her appearance was different from usual.

She wore a dark red outfit that resembled something out of a classic vampire film.

The elegant yet regal attire matched perfectly with her crimson hair, like pieces of a puzzle.

Examining the ‘vampire suit,’ Nell asked me hesitantly,

“So, how is it…?”

Her question held a hint of fear.

She had likely faced nothing but criticism no matter how she had dressed in the past.

Without hesitation, I gave her an honest answer.

“It suits you well.”

“!”

Both Nell and I flinched at my words.

A compliment, of all things.

It was unlike me, but it wasn’t a bad thing.

“R-Really?… Thank you.”

Nell’s expression brightened with joy.

That was enough for me.

Crossing my arms, I asked,

“How does it feel?”

“Hmm…”

Since discomfort would be an issue, I inquired about her thoughts.

She examined the outfit, looked it over thoroughly, and even waved the sleeves before smiling.

“It’s nice. Surprisingly breezy, and not uncomfortable at all.”

“I see.”

Perhaps it was a costume designed with user comfort in mind.

Nodding slightly, I gestured toward the door.

“Then let’s head out.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s check. Has the curse been lifted?”

“···Ah!”

Nell tilted her head and then nodded in understanding.

“Right. That makes sense… huh? Wait a moment.”

But then, she tilted her head again, as if puzzled.

She glanced at Sigina, who was sprawled on the floor.

“You’re immune to curses from the start, so it won’t work on you, but can’t we just test it on her?”

“She’s asleep.”

“Then wake her up.”

“···Hmm.”

If the purpose was only to confirm the results, it wouldn’t be an issue. However, I hoped for her to take a step into the world.

With the responses around her having changed, perhaps the walls she had built up could start to crumble.

So, let’s send her out.

I grabbed my bag and took out my coin pouch, shaking it.

“While you’re at it, meet lots of people and buy whatever you want.”

“The sound… the sound of money…!”

Unexpectedly, Sigina reacted before Nell.

The woman, who had been lying there like a corpse, suddenly sprang up and stared at the coin pouch with half-lidded eyes.

“Did… Did you just say I could buy whatever I want? Did I hear that right? I didn’t mishear, did I?”

“······.”

She had been completely drained just moments ago, but now her entire body seemed brimming with energy.

Is this the power of capitalism?

I nodded coolly and gestured toward the door with my chin.

“Follow me.”

*

Thus, we confidently ventured outside, gathering in a corner of the main street shortly after.

I looked up at the sky and pulled at the hood of my robe. It was a robe Nell had bought for me at my request.

Right now, I stood out too much.

Delicate snowflakes settled on my eyelashes. I brushed them off with my fingers and asked Nell.

“So, how was it?”

How did she feel about her first shopping trip after the curse had been lifted?

She remained silent for a moment, as if choosing her words, before replying.

“It wasn’t a big deal. Not as much as I thought.”

Her tone carried a mix of emptiness and relief, or perhaps both.

“I see.”

“Yeah… In the past, no matter where I went or who I met, they’d always frown at me first. But now, that doesn’t happen at all. In fact, people were kind. It surprised me a little.”

Of course, they were kind. A paying customer, especially one carrying a pouch full of gold coins, would naturally be treated well.

Her eyes, tinged with regret, shimmered faintly.

“Just because the curse is gone, the way I’m treated changes this much…”

“This will become normal for you from now on.”

At my words, Nell’s pupils focused on me.

Her gaze softened into a faint curve.

“Will it?”

“It will.”

The atmosphere had relaxed considerably.

Then, a cheerful voice pierced through.

“This is the blessing of the Saintess…! I’ve wanted to buy this and that for so long… I’m rich now!”

It was Sigina’s joyous exclamation.

With multiple outfits clutched in both hands, she wore a bright smile.

It seemed she’d grabbed whatever she wanted, thrilled by the idea of it being free.

I subtly opened the coin pouch to check.

Though I had been worried, surprisingly, it hadn’t decreased much.

Is this the power of gold coins?

“Next, let’s go to the general store!”

Sigina shouted.

Her gaze sparkled with excitement, as if there were still many things she wanted to buy.

I didn’t mind, as long as Nell gained more diverse experiences.

“Shall we?”

Surprisingly, Nell agreed readily.

We started walking again, blending into the bustling crowd.

The streets were peaceful.

Perhaps that sense of ease was the problem.

A sudden strong wind swept through, pulling at the hem of my hood.

“Ugh…!”

My signature blue-and-white hair fluttered free, revealing my face.

I reacted immediately.

I quickly adjusted my hood and nervously held my breath.

Hopefully, no one saw me.

They probably didn’t.

I had fixed it almost instantly…

“···You!”

But apparently, someone did.

A man carrying a large load on his back stared at me in shock.

“The Saintess who defeated the calamity back then…!”

“Oh no.”

Of all people, he had to be someone who was at the scene back then.

My heart pounded heavily.

What should I do? If I just let him go, what if he reports me…

“···Huh?”

I blinked blankly.

He was gone.

The man who had been there just a moment ago had disappeared.

In the brief moment I looked away, he had vanished without a trace.

“What…?”

Did I imagine it?

Maybe I had.

A normal person couldn’t move that fast, after all.

“Quellière.”

“Quillie!”

Ahead, Nell and Sigina were calling for me.

They waved their hands as if nothing had happened.

I walked toward them, my emotions a jumble.

“Welcome!”

We soon arrived at the general store, and I subtly hung back.

When Nell confidently took out her gold coins, the shopkeeper’s words flowed as smoothly as if he’d been oiled.

“Three beautiful ladies! My, my, the store feels like a blooming garden now…”

“······.”

I glared at him flatly.

He couldn’t even see my face properly, so what nonsense was he spouting?

The two—mainly Sigina—enthusiastically browsed every corner of the store.

I, having nothing in particular to buy, stood toward the back, watching.

It was then that I felt a sharp gaze.

Could it be…

“···You!”

As expected, misfortune was rarely wrong. An exclamation of surprise erupted nearby.

Startled, I turned, my eyes widening.

It was someone I recognized.

“Saintess! Is that truly you?”

It was Blefer, the captain of the Holy Knights.

His eyes were wide open, and his jaw dropped in disbelief.

“Where have you been all this time? We’ve been searching high and low for—”

“Shh.”

I pressed a finger to my lips.

Why not just announce to the whole world that I was here?

At my chilly glare, his mouth clamped shut.

“Forget about me. Stop looking for me.”

“But the Saintess is essential to our nation—”

“Shh. If you’re not buying anything, leave.”

My cold tone left him flustered as he reluctantly backed away.

This misunderstanding was oddly convenient.

It would’ve been nice if it came with no strings attached.

“Quillie! Sorry to keep you waiting. We’re done shopping.”

“But I don’t see any items.”

“Oh, they’re all in here!”

Sigina patted the bag slung over her shoulder.

She had clearly intended to hoard everything.

I reclaimed the coin pouch from her, and now, I truly began to feel tense.

And so.

“…There are so many.”

As expected, gold coins are truly remarkable.

Soon after, Nell approached, and we left the shop.

As soon as we exited, I looked around, but there was no sign of Blefer.

Would he truly keep the secret?

Honestly, I was half doubtful, but there wasn’t much I could do.

I casually remarked,

“Let’s make the next location our last stop.”

Money wasn’t the issue, but wandering around until dusk wouldn’t do us any good.

The two of them nodded without hesitation.

“Let’s go to a restaurant for the last stop!”

Suddenly, Sigina spoke up.

“A restaurant?”

“Yes, yes. I know a great place. It’s wonderful in many ways despite its fame! The cost-effectiveness is amazing, too.”

There was an odd emphasis on her last words.

A restaurant, huh.

It might take a while, but it wasn’t a bad way to wrap things up.

Even as a Snow Maiden who didn’t need sustenance, I wasn’t incapable of eating.

It might even be a pleasant change of pace.

“Lead the way.”

“Yes!”

She enthusiastically took the lead.

Perhaps due to her experience as a veteran adventurer, she seemed quite familiar with the city’s layout.

I walked, observing my surroundings, intending to get a rough idea of where everything was.

“Quellière.”

“Yes?”

At some point, Nell called out to me, and I turned around.

She had her head tilted and was looking the other way.

“Thank you… If you ever need a favor, just let me know.”

Though I couldn’t see her face, her voice was serious.

I gave a small chuckle just as Sigina pointed ahead.

“We’re here! It’s over there.”

I looked at the signboard she was pointing to.

‘Wandering Peach Blossom.’

It was a restaurant with a unique name.

Hurrying to catch up with her eager steps, I quickened my pace.

Then, as we passed an alley, I suddenly felt killing intent and immediately activated my magic.

I turned, raising my hand, cold energy flickering at my fingertips, and then stopped.

“…Huh.”

The alley was dark.

There was only darkness.

I couldn’t sense any sign of life anywhere.

Was it just my imagination?

“Am I starting to feel weak…”

I exhaled a sigh of relief.

Perhaps even a Snow Maiden needed to eat properly from time to time.

If that were the case, then this might be for the best.

Following Sigina’s lead, I entered the Wandering Peach Blossom.

The clean interior was filled with a fragrant aroma and gleamed with polished surfaces.

I thought to myself that the place deserved its positive reputation when a staff member greeted us.

“Welcome!”

With the practiced gaze of a professional, she quickly scanned the three of us and smiled.

“Three people, correct? Please follow me.”

It didn’t seem like the kind of place where you could choose your own seat.

Following her lead, we were guided to a secluded corner.

The moment I thought we were lucky to get an inconspicuous spot, I heard a voice.

“Uncle, a friend of mine told me this place is really good.”

“Is that so.”

The voice was strangely familiar.

A creeping sense of foreboding climbed up my spine.

“Take off your helmet, will you? Who keeps their face covered in a restaurant?”

“The food hasn’t arrived yet.”

The unease grew into a concrete shape.

Sitting down, I took a deep breath and turned my head with a squeak.

Across from us were a man and a young girl.

A youthful girl… and a man in black armor.

Sensing my gaze, the man abruptly turned his head, and the girl followed suit.

“…”

One second was all it took for us to recognize each other.

Silence fell over the five of us.

*

A dark cavern.

A wretched porter begged and groveled before the figure standing in front of him.

“Y-Yes, yes! That’s right! I didn’t see anything. I swear, I won’t tell anyone. I’d be crazy to speak of it—absolutely insane!”

The porter was doing his utmost to emphasize how tightly sealed his lips were, as if they were made of steel.

Perhaps feeling a shred of pity for his pitiful state, the figure nodded.

“Is that so.”

The next victim was none other than the commander of the Holy Knights, Blefer.

He was astonished to find himself suddenly dragged to this place, and even more so when he saw who was responsible.

“A Paladin has been deployed to protect the Saintess?!”

“Yes.”

In truth, it was a completely unauthorized decision.

Even the High Priests, his superiors, were unaware of it.

Yet Dewade answered calmly.

“The Great Temple’s decision… Of course, considering the Saintess’s deeds, it’s only natural. Very well, I will comply. Our Holy Knights will not intervene.”

“You’ve made a wise choice.”

Blefer saluted and withdrew unharmed.

As a man of faith, he could count himself fortunate.

But then, the next victims arrived.

Thud! Crunch!

…There was some commotion, but the cavern soon fell silent again.

In the darkness, a thick liquid pooled on the ground.

“You… Why are you…!”

The man in a black robe gasped for breath, clutching his chest as if his lungs might burst.

Around him, his comrades, dressed in identical robes, lay lifeless.

“How dare you target her in my presence.”

The Paladin’s voice was chilling.

Blood dripped from the mace that had shattered five or six skulls.

The man’s face turned pale as a sheet.

“She… That woman who drove away calamity… even commands someone like you?!”

“That woman? Watch your tongue.”

Unfortunately, the man’s luck had run out.

When he first spotted Quellière, he thought himself fortunate, but in truth, it had been the opposite.

As a member of the Dark Holy Society, the moment he laid eyes on her, there was no escape.

“How long do you plan to keep those revolting eyes open?”

“P-Please… Spare me—”

Crunch!

The man’s neck twisted, and his body slumped lifelessly.

Dewade, wiping his mace, was illuminated by the eerie glow of the lingering light.

He gazed at the snowflakes drifting even into this pitch-dark place with awe.

“…Are you watching over me?”

He muttered softly, then abruptly knelt as if realizing something.

The broad back, clad in white armor, was gently tapped by falling snowflakes.

“Oh goddess… Today, I have sent six souls to you…”

A maddened gleam shimmered in his eyes.