The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Recently, they heard from other beggars that their family members might have already reached the northern part of Silver Pine Forest, under the protection of that great lord...

More and more people began to entertain the idea of trying their luck there.

Inspired by this notion, a second migration route gradually formed on the vast snow-covered land.

The first was from Twilight Province to Thunder County.

This time, it stretched from Thunder City to Silver Pine Forest...

...

The outskirts of Thunder City.

Five lavishly decorated carriages advanced toward the northern gates of Thunder City, escorted by a squad of cavalry.

Judging by the ornate carriages and the guards' armor, it was evident that this entourage was of noble standing or wealthy status.

And that was indeed the truth.

The golden crest emblazoned on the five carriages was none other than the millennia-old emblem of the Campbell family!

Seated within one of these carriages was none other than the illustrious Princess Erin Campbell of the Campbell Duchy, the Chosen One of the Light of Praise!

In fact, as early as a month ago, when the Chaos Crisis had just erupted, she should have arrived here with the Light of Praise.

That was the most dangerous time for Thunder County and the moment when the people of Thunder City needed her the most.

Unfortunately, unforeseen events delayed her arrival when a shift in power occurred at Campbell Castle, and turmoil erupted in the royal court.

Some nobles were unhappy that her elder brother had grown too close to the rising powers in Thunder City, and they challenged his claim to succession. At the same time, incited by these discontented nobles, her second brother began to stir, scheming for a title that was not his to claim.

Originally, such matters had nothing to do with Erin. From a young age, her father had shielded her from such strife, allowing her to focus solely on her training in swordsmanship and courtly etiquette, never involving her in the politics of the Campbell Duchy.

However, faced with her elder brother's jealousy and her second brother's overtures of alliance, Erin was unwillingly drawn into this power struggle. Forced to mediate between the two factions, she tried to persuade her brothers to remain calm and not fall prey to the manipulations of others... and so, her journey to Thunder County was delayed.

At the recent New Year's banquet, the tensions between her two brothers had finally eased somewhat, allowing Erin to leave for Thunder County to fulfill her duties as the Chosen One.

But midway through her journey, she heard from a nearby lord that the Gate of Chaos within the Maze had supposedly been sealed by a newly arrived Demon King.

The once clear and urgent purpose of her travel suddenly faded.

Still, considering the appearance of a new Demon King in Thunder County, she chose to continue her journey rather than turn back.

What if the new Demon King caused trouble? She had to be ready to step forward and protect the subjects of the Campbell family.

Of course, she admitted to herself that part of her decision stemmed from the oppressive atmosphere in the castle, which had left her stifled.

While she wished to mediate her brothers' conflict, she couldn't deny the faint desire to escape the whirlpool of courtly intrigue.

The two sentiments were not contradictory.

Peering through the carriage's glass window at the endless white snow and frost-laden pine forest, Erin stifled a drowsy yawn.

The heated inscriptions on the carpet made the interior as warm as spring, and the dry heat in the air made her, wrapped in her formal attire, feel languid and sleepy.

She regretted wearing the fur-lined inner layer.

When the maid had advised her during her dressing, perhaps she should have been more decisive.

"How much longer until we arrive?"

Hearing Princess Erin's voice, the female guard seated primly across from her responded respectfully.

"We're almost there, just ahead lies the main gate of Thunder City. The Governor and the Mayor will be waiting to receive us there."

Her name was Theresa Peg, the second daughter of the "Knight Family" Peg lineage, and two years older than Erin.

Theresa's father had shared a life-and-death camaraderie with the former Duke of Campbell, so the two had been childhood playmates and remained close ever since.

When Erin reached the age where she could wield a sword, Theresa became her swordsmanship instructor. After breaking through to the Silver Level, Theresa pledged her loyalty as Erin's knight.

A princess traditionally distant from politics, Erin had no personal faction in court.

But if she had to place her unwavering trust in one person among all she knew, she would choose the woman seated across from her without hesitation—certainly not her two brothers.

Looking at the ever-serious Theresa, Erin couldn't help but tease her.

"I feel like you've said something similar just now."

Theresa blinked, momentarily taken aback.

"...Did I?"

"I think so, though you might not remember."

"Apologies, I... "

Seeing Theresa lower her head reflexively in apology, Erin's face revealed a playful smirk.

"No need to apologize. Actually, I should be the one saying sorry… I admit I misremembered. You didn't say that line earlier. I just found you so serious that I couldn't resist teasing you."

Theresa's face wore an expression of exasperated amusement.

"Princess..."

Erin blinked playfully.

"Can you forgive me?"

"I dare not refuse. What I mean is… of course, I can," Theresa corrected herself, looking at Erin's pitiful expression. She then added, "No matter what you do, I will forgive you. But I still hope you remain vigilant. After all, this is not Campbell Castle—"