It happened suddenly, without any warning.
Initially, I believed the winter would extend a few days beyond the usual season. However, when snowflakes replaced March’s blossoms, it became apparent that something was amiss.
June arrived, and instead of the customary scorching heat, snow blanketed the continent.
People roamed the streets bundled in thick winter attire.
Only then did the populace realize the extent of the calamity—an unending winter had befallen our continent.
In August, representatives from all nations convened at the empire’s capital. A collective decision was made to set aside conflicts and unite until the winter’s end.
Promptly, the goddess’s oracle descended, proclaiming:
[The disaster that calls for winter is in the north].
Consequently, an investigative team was dispatched to discern the cause of this wintry catastrophe.
Come December, the team returned with a harrowing revelation. Only one member survived, bearing news of a witch in the northernmost part of the Duchy of Estel, who conjured snow with a mere touch.
The capital buzzed with two concerns – the existence of the ‘witch of winter’ and deliberations on how to deal with the supposed culprits from the Duchy of Estel.
Rumors circulated that these alleged culprits sought refuge on the islands once winter commenced. Mockery filled the air as people ridiculed those who fled, deeming them disgraceful for producing a ‘witch.’
Public opinion swelled against the Duchy, demanding action against those deemed responsible.
[Those cowards are the culprits behind everything. The basta*ds of the dukedom shouldn’t be left alone.]
[Yes. I too support that sentiment. Will justice prevail when these individuals are left unchecked?]
‘If only I weren’t the head of the Duchy of Estel,’ I lamented from the deepest confines of the imperial dungeon.
“Damn it… why is everyone messing with me…”
****
Ten days.
A complete ten days elapsed since my confinement began in the imperial dungeon, deprived of fresh air.
In this time, human contact, except for the surly jailer delivering meals, was nonexistent.
In a strange twist, being in the empire’s dungeons wasn’t entirely undesirable for me.
As the head of the Duchy of Estel, Cain von Estel, I was a prominent figure throughout the empire.
You can easily imagine that I was famous…so famous that, at the mere sight of my face, the citizens of the empire would rush to burn me alive!
Being locked up in a dungeon like this, at least the fact that I didn’t have to worry about someone stabbing me in the back. It was definitely an advantage
‘Damn it, that basta*d!’
I scowled at the memory of the emperor who had consigned me to the dungeon, understanding his motives.
The never-ending winter brought by the witch had already lasted for a year.
Food production on the entire continent had come to a halt during this time, and deaths from starvation were already appearing one after another in various parts of the continent. It wasn’t uncommon to see even the nobles scouring the market in search of a loaf of bread.
While magical means allowed limited food production, the disparity between magic users and the hungry population was vast.
The public’s anger intensified daily, and rumors painted me as the scapegoat for all misfortunes. Despite my resilience and hope for an improvement in the situation, the people demanded an outlet for their frustration, and I became the target of their collective resentment.
In essence, the accusations against me were rooted in ‘guilt by association’ and ‘crimes of guilt.’
“…well, if they’re going to kill me, I’ll give them a fight.”
Honestly, I cared little for the emperor and his cronies’ cunning plan. If I were in their shoes, I might also be plotting exact punishment upon the fool “responsible” for the advent of the ‘witch.’
My only concern was for my sister, Elena. Fragile by nature, she succumbed to the cold when winter began, prompting our retreat to the islands.
While I didn’t know much, I couldn’t bear to watch Elena freeze to death. If I perished, she would inherit the Estel duchy, but I fretted over whether the timid Elena could shoulder such a significant responsibility.
“…but why has no one visited in ten days?”
Were they deliberating over how to make my execution more agonizing? I pondered my grim fate while sketching out my bleak future in solitary confinement.
“Your Excellency, Duke Estel. You are free. Please follow me.”
The boisterous guard, my sole contact for meals, arrived with news of my release.
“Hmm. Later than expected. Did you come to inform me of my imminent execution?”
The guard dismissed my sarcasm, stating, “His Majesty wishes to see the Duke. Prepare for an audience.”
****
Hall of the Sun.
Constructed a millennium ago by dragon magic and then dwarves during the empire’s inception, it symbolized majesty.
In this colossal hall, I found the emperor sitting on his throne.
“I greet the Sun of the Empire.”
Though undue for a duke, I followed suit due to my transgressions. I sought to avoid provoking a cruel execution method, such as beating with a whip or being burned alive.
“Duke Estel, it’s been a while. Five years, isn’t it?”
Unwittingly, I responded, “That’s correct. The last time was when I inherited the title after my father’s passing.”
“Huh, yes. Five years since Franz died…”
Observing the emperor mention his supposed friendship, I discreetly assessed the situation. I couldn’t discern if they had orchestrated this setting for a harsh punishment.
At that moment, I couldn’t fathom the serpent-like emperor’s intentions.
“Duke Estel.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I’ve contemplated your punishment. Your guilt is undeniable. The ‘witch’ from Estel Territory has brought perpetual winter, causing countless deaths. Your mismanagement shares the blame. Do you acknowledge this?”
‘What nonsense is this?’
While a witch was discovered in Estel’s estate, it was baseless to assert she originated from our territory. The investigative report merely mentioned witnessing a woman wielding the power of frost in Estel’s estate.
Even if we assumed she was from our territory, why was I to blame?
Did I need to scrutinize every resident’s future criminal tendencies?
Suppressing my impulse to retort, I reluctantly admitted, “…I acknowledge it, Your Majesty.”
The emperor, with a mysterious smile, continued, “However, the Duchy of Estel is an esteemed family tied to the empire’s history. I offer you a chance to redeem the duchy’s honor by guiding an expedition to subdue the witch.”
“…excuse me?”