Chapter 206 – The Limit Line
Beyond the limit line.
For the people of the empire, it was an unknown land and an object of fear.
Even in the north, which is the territory of the empire that is in good shape right now, the reputation that it is too cold and barren to be a place for young people to live is the main yard.
Even in the northern part of the country, the snow-capped mountain range that is sharp and piled up in layers is like a warning from nature, which means the limit for human survival.
So it is a limit line.
Even in the distant past, there were many people who thought the limit line was the end of the world.
However, not many people wondered what lies beyond the numerous mountains covered with ice caps.
In this way, northerners have been fighting for survival by cutting down trees, raising livestock, and earnestly praying for the blessings of the Earth Mother during the short period of time during which farming is possible during the year.
The empire also respected their diligence and will, and respected the northerners by granting them more autonomy than other regions and providing various benefits.
Everyone knew that the thousand-year history of the empire would flow smoothly.
Until strangers show up from beyond the limit line.
* * *
Stark Margrave Command located near the limit line.
Wolfgang and the special force he led had just arrived here.
As planned, the group left quietly a few days ago without anyone noticing.
Their vacancy is currently being performed by enforcers dispatched from the Imperial Counterintelligence Department.
Of course, they are disguised as completely different identities.
Scarlett, disguised as a blond-haired girl who seemed to embody the stereotype of an arrogant noblewoman, trembled and grumbled.
“Oh, it’s cold.”
“It’s not the first time I’ve been here, but it’s a new thing.”
Wolfgang looked at her indifferently and gave her face.
He took out a hip flask and took a sip of vodka.
This is the habit of a man named Damian, who is his disguise.
It was necessary to assimilate as completely as possible to him in order to avoid any suspicion.
“I just hate this place. How many times do I have to tell you to understand?”
“Isn’t it always possible to keep your body temperature warm with magic?”
“It’s annoying to have to do that. Anyway, you’re really insensitive.”
On the other hand, unlike the others in the party who were struggling to act even a little bit, Scarlett just acted as usual.
Nevertheless, it is surprising that there is no sense of incongruity at all.
It’s like it’s been that way ever since.
Wolfgang thought with a smile.
You’re not even from a noble family, but you act more like a nobleman than a true nobleman.
Of course, no matter how friendly it was, it was quite rude, so I didn’t bother to say it.
Instead, I asked how the other party members were not present.
“What about Kaz and Uriel?”
Lazarus and Ophelia are doing a light rehearsal to adapt to their camouflage identities.
The aged dragon warrior disguised as a curious boy, and the saint of the Celestial Church disguised herself as a devout female evangelist nun.
“The little boy went to wander around, and the nun went to evangelize.”
Of course, their real purpose is reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
Wolfgang nodded his head slightly.
“Everyone is doing well.”
He’s the one with a little bad memories of his undercover identity, but he manages to like him this time around.
At least you don’t have to play the ridiculous savage.
While he was the leader of the Black Lion Knights, his mission in Count Fersen still remains traumatic for Wolfgang.
A savage warrior with two axes and tattoos on his face… Thinking back, it wasn’t zero.
Even if it’s a bit saggy, it’s better this way.
At least it has quality.
Scarlett, who stared blankly at Wolfgang’s face, urged him, blushing slightly.
“You prepare too. You don’t intend to stay here for long, do you?
“Is there anything else to prepare? Just look at the lord’s face and go. In the first place, he too is supposed to cooperate in advance.”
“Ugh, why are you so unnerved?”
“You’re too sensitive. Well, I’m not saying it’s wrong.”
Wolfgang rose from his seat.
Before leaving, he was to come and meet the Stark change bag.
He was one of the main collaborators in this operation.
No matter how much the war ends, the northern migrants union and the empire are never friendly.
That’s why exchange remains at an extremely limited level.
In fact, it was tantamount to holding each other’s envoys or peddlers hostage.
Therefore, unless you are a spy, it is only natural that you need permission from the Marquess to cross the limit.
“Then book your flight in advance while you’re on the way.”
“Okay. I’ll save some very strong ones.”
Of course, it would be very convenient to use teleportation magic, but in the territory of the northern immigrants, the coordinate disturbance phenomenon is very serious, so special means are needed to break through the limit line.
That is to board the griffon and use the sky path.
At the time of the war, the Imperial Army, who had been terrified by the tactics of the northern alien tribes that tamed the monster and used it as a weapon, hurriedly attempted to domesticate the monster as if they could not lose.
Of course, most of them failed miserably, but there were some successful results.
One of them is Griffin.
This was possible because the highly intelligent griffons did not blindly oppose humans.
Also, with a very strong body and cold resistance, the griffon was especially useful in cold regions.
No, should I say that it is useless because it is rather rebellious unless it is in a cold area?
—Wheein!
“It’s cold.”
As Wolfgang opened the door, the cold northern wind brushed his face.
I was used to the cold, but I couldn’t get used to it.
Although he had said something about Scarlett whining about being cold a moment ago, that actually applied to Wolfgang to some extent.
He was also a very powerful knight, so even the slightest bit of cold couldn’t invade his body.
Being here just made me feel bad.
There are many areas in the west and east that are as cold as the north.
But what is the reason why the cold air here feels especially cool and unpleasant?
It’s probably closer to a cold mind rather than a cold body.
For those who experienced the war at the forefront near the limit line, few people have good memories left here.
“Sylvia…”
Step-by-step, Wolfgang’s steps are getting faster and faster without me noticing.
As I walked while covering my old memories with snow, I found myself in front of the Winter Fortress before I knew it.
“This is Damian of the Count of Caulfield. Send a message to the Marquis.”
“Yes. Please wait a moment.”
The Winter Citadel, which served as the last line of defense for the Empire, was still strong.
How much blood would be shed here? I thought you would never come again.
Captivated by an extraordinary feeling, Wolfgang peered through the solid barbed wire fence and minefield.
“Confirmed. Welcome to Winterhold, Sir Damian.”
“Hard work.”
—Kugung!
Before long, the gates were wide open.
The spacious hall, decorated with the skulls of numerous monsters and unquenchable torches, was still as it was in Wolfgang’s memory.
It feels as if time has stopped only here.
“Welcome, comrade!”
“It’s been a while, Leon.”
— Kwak!
The Marshal Stark greeted Wolfgang enthusiastically.
Northerners, who value tradition, often express their pleasure for each other with a warm hug, regardless of gender. It was a long tradition that began to share warmth.
He clicked his tongue in regret and looked Wolfgang up and down.
It seemed that she did not like the appearance of the transformation that all the women praised in unison.
Wolfgang felt satisfied in his heart.
Again, his own view of manly cool was by no means wrong.
“It’s a pity to meet you like that. I wanted to see your majestic appearance.”
“I’m sorry too, but since it’s a mission, I can’t help it.”
“Yes, yes. You’re always upright! Sit down. Here’s a glass of warm goat’s milk.”
“Then, without hesitation.”
Marquess Stark chuckling as he brushes down his thick beard.
He and Wolfgang were acquainted.
No, it wasn’t just that they knew each other, Wolfgang was like a benefactor to him.
This is because it was Wolfgang who took the lead more than anyone else in defending the northern territory during the war.
His fame is on the shabby side compared to what he actually built, but it was an exception in the North.
At least everyone who knew how he fought had genuine respect for him.
“I’ve heard the story. You’re carrying out an operation that’s so important that you have to hide your wonderful appearance.”
“Yes that’s right.”
“Then what can I do? I will do my best to help.”
Northerners were straightforward in their conversations.
After a short welcome, the two went straight to the main topic.
“First of all…”
Wolfgang asked Margrave Stark for supplies and permission to cross the border.
He readily agreed to all requests.
“That’s as simple as that! But, um…”
Just before the conversation ended, he swallowed his silence as if something was uncomfortable.
Seeing him hesitantly like the Leon Stark he knew, Wolfgang asked without hiding his doubts.
“Is there something wrong?”
