As soon as we arrived at one of the villages near Hughes Snow Mountain and stepped out of the carriage, we could see Hughes Snow Mountain with our naked eyes behind the village.
"Wow…"
Lucy let out an exclamation of admiration.
It was understandable. Hughes Snow Mountain was enormous. Even I, who had seen many beautiful and striking photos in the modern world, was amazed by its beauty.
True to its name, Hughes Snow Mountain was covered in pure white snow. Its peak was so high it seemed to touch the clouds. There were no trees. The snow on the mountain was all perennial. It felt like a mountain built entirely of snow, not soil.
"Young Master Eugene."
Hent approached me. He was looking at the snow-capped mountain with a serious expression.
"Despite its beautiful scenery, Hughes Snow Mountain is a very dangerous place. The monsters living there are numerous and fierce, to the point that the Huitress Count family gave up managing it. Moreover, the environment itself is hostile to humans. Even veteran adventurers who prepare thoroughly often don't return alive from Hughes Snow Mountain."
"I know, Sir Hent."
Did he think I came here without even researching such basic information?
Hughes Snow Mountain was described as dangerous even in the original story. There's no way I wouldn't know about its dangers.
"Sir Hent, are you worried that I might try to climb Hughes Snow Mountain?"
"…Yes. While it's possible to take a stroll near the mountain, climbing it is out of the question."
"I made a promise to Mother before coming here. I promised not to climb Hughes Snow Mountain. And I just wanted to see it with my own eyes."
"Phew. That's a relief. If you had insisted on climbing, I would've been in a real dilemma."
"What would you have done if I had insisted?"
"I probably would've reported it to the Countess immediately. Hahaha."
Hent subtly showed the magic communication device he was carrying. He would've reported to Elaine through that. I gave a bitter smile.
"Don't worry. I'll rest in this village for three days before leaving. Have you arranged accommodations?"
"I've booked the best inn in the village."
"Isn't rabbit meat a speciality of Hughes Snow Mountain?"
"Yes. The rabbits here are said to be as large as 1 meter. I've heard their meat is incredibly delicious. I'll prepare rabbit dishes for dinner."
"Please do. I'm a bit tired from travelling in the carriage for five days. I'll rest in my room until dinner."
"Don't worry about anything else and get some proper rest."
Leaving the busy servants behind, Yuria and I headed to the inn Hent had booked. As expected of a high-end inn, the building itself was impressive, reminiscent of a noble's mansion.
'It's an inn built to cater to wealthy commoners or nobles.'
Hughes Snow Mountain is a famous destination. There must be quite a few people like me who come here for travel or sightseeing. Even among adventurers, Hughes Snow Mountain is considered a must-see.
I took one of the best rooms in the inn. The interior was a bit disappointing compared to the building's exterior. It seemed they lacked the funds to decorate it properly.
However, there was one thing I really liked—the view from the window. When I opened it, I could see the pure white Hughes Snow Mountain directly.
'I'll take some photos of Hughes Snow Mountain as a memento later… but for now…'
I looked at Yuria. She was organizing our luggage. Sensing my gaze, Yuria looked at me and smiled.
"Yuria."
"Yes. I know what you want, Master."
Yuria began to lift her skirt.
My eyes widened as I saw her panties.
"What's this? You're already soaked, and we haven't even done anything yet. Were you expecting this?"
"It's because of you, Master. My body has already become too… accustomed to you."
"If it's because of me, then I can't help it. Should I take responsibility?"
***
"Huuu."
Kyle exhaled quietly. His breath instantly turned white and froze, falling to the ground.
He was taking a walk near Hughes Snow Mountain with Lucy. As he stepped on the crunchy snow, memories from his past life came flooding back.
'When it snowed on the volcano, I used to clean it with my martial siblings.'
Doing chores on the volcano was the disciples' responsibility. Back then, it was just a hassle, but now it's an unforgettable memory.
"Young Master?"
Lucy called out. Kyle snapped out of his thoughts.
"I was lost in thought for a moment. What is it?"
"It's nothing. I just thought we should start heading back soon. Sir Hent will worry if we go too far."
"You're right. Let's head back. How do you feel about being at Hughes Snow Mountain, Lucy?"
"It's amazing! I think today will be something I'll boast about for the rest of my life! Hughes Snow Mountain is as mysterious and beautiful as I imagined!"
"Mysterious, huh… They say the snow here never melts. It truly is a mysterious mountain. Maybe…"
"Huh?"
"No. It's nothing."
Kyle thought that perhaps the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng might be somewhere in Hughes Snow Mountain. The Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng is an ancient ginseng that grows in extremely cold places. He had heard in his past life that where there is perpetual snow, there might be Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.
'Even if the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng really exists, how would I find it in such a massive mountain?'
He didn't dare venture into Hughes Snow Mountain. Just being near the mountain made him shiver from the cold. If he tried to enter the mountain now, he'd freeze to death.
Kyle looked up at Hughes Snow Mountain. The more he looked, the more it reminded him of the volcano. And the more it reminded him of the volcano, the more frustrated he felt.
'To establish the Hwasan Sect in this world, I'd need at least the strength of a sect master… I don't know when I'll reach that level.'
The Hwasan Sect needs to be strong.
It needs to be strong enough to withstand any external force. To achieve that, I, as the sect master, must at least reach the level of a Sword Master in this world. Only if the core of the Hwasan Sect is strong can the newly established sect in this world thrive.
'There's no need to rush. This world isn't the martial world. There's no Martial Alliance or Demon Cult here.'
Instead, there are nobles and monsters, but as long as there are no other martial artists, the Hwasan Sect won't face any opposition.
"Young Master! It's snowing! Snow!"
At Lucy's excited voice, Kyle looked up at the sky.
Large snowflakes were slowly falling to the ground. Combined with the snowy mountain scenery, it created a dreamlike atmosphere.
A cold, biting wind blew. The large snowflakes swayed in the wind.
"...!"
Kyle's eyes widened. To him, the snowflakes looked like falling plum blossom petals.
And the movement of those petals began to resemble swordsmanship. As the petals swayed, the sword swayed; as the petals spun, the sword spun.
"…Ah."
A small gasp escaped Kyle's lips.
Something. Something felt within reach. To a higher place. To something new…
"Young Master!"
At Lucy's call, Kyle snapped out of it. His mind, which had been ascending somewhere, returned to normal.
'If I had stayed a little longer, I might've gained some enlightenment…'
He couldn't blame Lucy. This enlightenment had come suddenly, and Lucy wasn't a martial artist. She knew nothing about enlightenment.
'It seems that enlightenment isn't meant for me yet.'
Kyle gave a bitter smile.
"Lucy, what is it?"
"Look over there. It's Yuria."
"Yuria?"
Kyle looked where Lucy was pointing.
It was the high-end inn where they were staying. The building, resembling a noble's mansion, had five floors, and Yuria was at the window on the fifth floor. She was holding the window frame and looking out at the snow-covered Hughes Snow Mountain.
Yuria's cheeks were flushed, and she was exhaling white breath. Kyle thought it was because of the cold. The village felt like the middle of winter due to the influence of Hughes Snow Mountain.
Yuria's body swayed. As it did, the breath from her mouth increased.
'Does Yuria have a fear of heights?'
Kyle tilted his head in confusion, then followed Lucy toward the inn.
Lucy waved enthusiastically at Yuria.
"Yuria! Yuria!"
Yuria, who had been blankly staring at Hughes Snow Mountain, looked down. Her flushed face gave off a somewhat seductive aura.
"Lucy… and Young Master Kyle. Were you out for a walk?"
Yuria's voice trembled slightly.
"Yes! We're heading back now. What were you doing, Yuria?"
"I was organizing the luggage earlier. Now I'm resting and looking at Hughes Snow Mountain. Haa…"
Yuria's body jerked slightly.
"Your face is red. Are you feeling unwell?"
"…Yes. Maybe it's the change in climate, huff… I'm not feeling well."
Kyle looked at Yuria with concern.
"Yuria, it seems like you've caught a cold. You should rest well today. What's Eugene doing?"
"Young Master Eugene… is resting in bed. Ugh…"
At that moment.
Eugene appeared behind Yuria. Wearing a thick coat due to the cold weather, Eugene's face was also flushed as he coughed.
"Cough! Cough! Did you call me?"
"Eugene! You don't look so good. Go back to bed and rest."
"I was fine before coming here… It seems both Yuria and I have caught a cold. I'll rest today. Sorry, but you and Lucy will have to have dinner without us."
"Don't apologize. If you're feeling unwell, you should rest."
Thud!
"Haaah!"
"Yuria?!"
Kyle was startled by Yuria's sudden cry. It was a sound somewhere between a scream and a moan. Kyle never imagined she could make such a sound.
"Sorry, Yuria. I twisted my leg while moving. Does it hurt?"
"N-No. I-I'm fine."
"It's cold, so let's close the window. You and Lucy should be careful not to catch a cold too."
The window closed. It seemed Eugene and Yuria were going to rest properly. Kyle and Lucy looked at the window with concern.
"Young Master Eugene and Yuria… They came all the way to Hughes Snow Mountain… Will they be okay?"
"They'll be fine. It seems like a mild cold. It's best to let them rest today."
***
Before dinner.
Kyle knocked on Eugene's door with his fist.
Knock knock knock!
Swish!
The sound of fabric moving came from inside.
"Come in."
Kyle opened the door and entered. Warm air greeted him. The fireplace on one side of the wall was heating the room comfortably.
Kyle saw Eugene sitting up in bed. Perhaps because of the cold, the blanket was unusually thick. Meanwhile, Eugene was only wearing a shirt.
"I came to check on you before dinner. How are you feeling?"
"Not bad. I'll probably feel better by tomorrow. My body just couldn't adjust to the sudden change in temperature after the long journey."
"Really? That's good. Why are you dressed so lightly?"
"The blanket's thick, right? If I wear heavy clothes, I'll overheat. And you should sleep in as little as possible for a good night's rest. The fireplace keeps me warm."
"Right. You're correct. But since you've caught a cold, you should dress warmly. What about dinner?"
"For dinner… I'll just eat here. Can you ask the servants to prepare something for me?"
"Sure. But where's Yuria? Isn't she with you?"
Kyle looked around the room. Aside from Eugene, there was no one else in the spacious room.
"Yuria is my personal maid, but she's not always with me. She has her own tasks. Where she went… I'm not sure either. She's probably resting in the next room since she's not feeling well."
"I see. But… what's with the white stockings?"
Kyle pointed to the white stockings hanging at the foot of the bed. As far as he knew, Eugene didn't even wear tights, let alone stockings.
"…Oh. Earlier, when I opened the window, snow got in, and the stockings got wet. Yuria took them off to wash them, but I guess she forgot to take them with her."
"Yuria made a mistake?"
"She's not feeling well because of the cold. Kyle, are you interested in the stockings? Do you want them?"
Kyle was flustered. His face turned slightly red as he waved his hands.
"What? No, I'll be going now. Get some rest."
Kyle closed the door and left. Eugene, sensing his presence fade, lifted the thick blanket.
Underneath was a naked maid, holding his manhood in her mouth.
"I thought we'd get caught."
Eugene chuckled.
***
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