Chapter 189 Come if you dare

Chapter 189: If You Dare, Come

"Your Highnesses!" A man in armor came forward and respectfully said, "The Silver Ice Festival has been prepared for you at the Katar Square. The Clan Elder said to have you rest there first, enjoy the food and fun, and he will summon you later."

Aota smiled and said, "Zhiyu, shall we wait then?"

"Of course, we should follow the Clan Elder's arrangements."

Another Silver Ice Festival, another grand welcome with swords and spears.

To be honest, Xue Zhiyu was somewhat surprised. She and Xuecai had been here before, but such a grand reception was usually reserved for more formal visits. The Clan Elder wouldn't normally make everyone wait around, so what was he up to? Was he really planning to marry her off to Aota?

Compared to the Clan Elder, Old Wang was clearly more interested in the food and entertainment. He asked enthusiastically, "What is this Silver Ice Festival?"

"It's like your bonfire party!" Xuecai chirped from the side, "The Silver Ice Festival in Winterchill doesn't happen often, and there are beautiful women too. Today, you'll have both a feast for your eyes and your taste buds."

The girl didn't explain the key points, but there would definitely be food and drinks. Old Wang nodded.

Xue Zhiyu smiled and said, "In Winterchill, everything is made of ice. We've long adapted to the cold. When we gather, we light up various beautiful ice lanterns. Most of the lights they emit are silver, hence the name Silver Ice Festival."

Old Wang understood this time and became even more interested, "I must see it for myself!"

Aota led the group to the square, where the vast open space had already been beautifully decorated.

Ice sculptures of all sizes filled the square, some depicting snow wolves and boars, others beautiful women or warriors, and still others shaped like mountains, trees, and flowers, exuding a natural atmosphere. They weren't all white; many were colorful, with hollowed-out interiors containing activated soul crystals, essentially soul crystal lamps, but encased in colorful, variously shaped ice blocks.

The nights in Ice Spirit are always longer. By Old Wang's reckoning, it was afternoon, but it was already dark. The various ice lanterns now shone brightly, illuminating the square in a dazzling display.

At the center was a large cauldron-shaped ice lantern, likely containing a soul crystal of at least α3 grade, shining particularly brightly. Around it were long tables and benches, clearly the focal point of the entire Silver Ice Festival.

The square was already crowded with people, bustling with excitement. Although the Silver Ice Festival was prepared for distinguished guests, all Winterchill clan members could attend. Many were eagerly awaiting the festivities.

It was clear that Xue Zhiyu was very popular here. When Aota brought the sisters over, the entire crowd erupted in thunderous cheers: "The Princess has arrived!"

"Welcome, Princess!"

"May the Princess live a long life and become more beautiful!"

"The Princess looks perfect standing next to our Aota!"

Aota's face was full of happiness as he led Xue Zhiyu directly to the main seat and waved his hand, "Let the feast begin!"

Cheers and shouts filled the air as the square came alive. Cool lights, music, drums, and dancing feet, along with a steady stream of hot dishes being served.

On top of the central cauldron ice lantern, two graceful dancers swayed their snake-like waists, singing and dancing under the cauldron's light.

To be honest, the Winterchill people got into the spirit of things incredibly quickly, especially the two dancers on the cauldron.

Standing on the slippery ice, their every move was graceful, harmonizing with the ice light from the cauldron, their flowing robes making them look like celestial beings, imbued with a unique folk charm.

Old Wang, who appreciated beauty, couldn't take his eyes off them, muttering in admiration.

"Hey! Hey!" Xuecai waved her hand in front of his face, "Are they that good-looking? You look like you've never seen anything before. I tell you, I dance better than them!"

Old Wang pushed Xuecai's hand away, his eyes still fixed on the dancers, watching with great interest, "Sis, your little frame can't compare. I'm resting now; no one works 24/7. I need a break..."

Xuecai was furious, thankful that Wang Feng was just pretending to be her brother-in-law. If he were the real one, she'd gouge out his eyes for staring at those dancers. She reached out to pinch Old Wang's arm, "Rebellion, huh? Whether you take a break or not is up to me. Keep looking! Keep looking and I'll strangle you..."

"Lighter! Lighter! It hurts! Ow!" Old Wang snapped, "If you pinch me again, I'll pinch you back!"

Xuecai wasn't afraid, puffing out her chest, "If you dare, come on!"

"Hmph..." Old Wang glanced at her, quite surprised, "Looks like you don't need my help; you've already gotten your punishment..."

"What do you mean?"

"You're already swollen, no need for me to pinch..."

"Wh-what?" Xuecai blushed furiously after a moment, "Wang Feng, you finally show your true colors, you pervert!"

Xue Zhiyu smiled, "Wang Feng, Xuecai's Ice Spirit Dance is the best in the Ice Spirit Kingdom, truly magnificent. It's unparalleled throughout the League of Blades."

"What? Her?" Wang Feng was dumbfounded, this little girl was that good?

Xuecai was pleased, "Believe it or not, I love seeing you act so naive."

Aota was even happier.

Jina, Tatashi, and Tassia had already arrived, accompanied by Dongbuluo and Badeluo, who were treating them well. Everyone usually got along, and Dongbuluo was a smooth talker, keeping the three of them entertained and leaving Aota and Xue Zhiyu alone.

Unexpectedly, the most troublesome little sister was completely captivated by the Southern visitor, a first. With all the annoying followers and the little sister present, Aota and Xue Zhiyu had plenty of personal space...

This was a golden opportunity!

"Zhiyu, try this. I had the chef specially prepare it for you!" Aota diligently served Xue Zhiyu, piling her plate high with meat she didn't like, "This meat is incredibly fragrant!"

Xue Zhiyu politely tasted a small piece, her mind elsewhere, then suddenly said meaningfully, "Grandfather has always been in seclusion. What did you say to convince him to invite us and set up such a grand event?"

"Convince him of what?" Aota was a bit embarrassed, "Zhiyu, you don't trust me. This is a huge injustice! It's almost time for the Snow Festival, and Grandfather was due to emerge from seclusion anyway. He said he wanted to see you."

Xue Zhiyu smiled, "And then you mentioned Wang Feng?"

"Uh..." Aota stuttered a bit in front of Xue Zhiyu. Normally quite clever, he believed this was the power of love, "Well... he is an outsider! I was worried you might be deceived... But I only mentioned it casually. It was Grandfather who wanted to meet him. I absolutely didn't stir up anything, I swear!"

Xue Zhiyu smiled, she had just asked casually. Grandfather Oscar wasn't someone Aota's few words could sway, but she was genuinely puzzled about today's situation.

If Wang Feng was just a coincidence, then Grandfather Oscar's grand preparations for the young ones must be about her and Aota's marriage.

To be honest, Xue Zhiyu felt a headache. She was clear that she couldn't be with Aota. She could deal with her father and stepmother, but facing Grandfather Oscar, she lacked confidence. Grandfather had a way of seeing through people, and if he insisted on matchmaking, Xue Zhiyu feared she wouldn't be able to bluff her way through.

Beside her, Aota was still diligently serving dishes and telling jokes, but Xue Zhiyu's mind was no longer on the scene. She would occasionally glance at the highest ice cave on the nearby cliff, which, unlike the other bright caves, was slightly dim and serene. That was where Oscar’s great-grandfather resided.

Before long, someone came to deliver a message: "Princess Zhiyu, the clan elder requests your presence."

Despite the lively music and dancing, several people nearby heard it, and envy flickered in Jina’s eyes and others. The clan elder, Oscar, was all-powerful, always able to light a beacon for those lost in darkness. Meeting him was something everyone in the Ice Spirit Kingdom dreamed of and considered the greatest honor.

Old Wang had originally not been very interested in the clan elder, but seeing the envious looks around him piqued his interest. Without a doubt, this must be a fellow con artist, an old trickster!

They said he was over two hundred years old. Regardless, he was a senior, and it was uncertain whether he would meet with him. If he did, it could be an opportunity to discuss the profound secrets of the art of persuasion with the old man.

What was to come eventually arrived. Putting aside her fear of being exposed before her great-grandfather, Xue Zhiyu actually wanted to see Oscar. She had some questions that she needed to ask in person before leaving.

She composed her anxious heart, took a deep breath, and followed the guard toward the ice cave.

Oscar’s ice cave was a place even the Winter Clan members rarely had the chance to enter; it was the clan elder’s place of seclusion.

Xue Zhiyu was a regular visitor here, but she had only come five times, the last being two years ago. The furnishings inside the ice cave were rather simple: a bed made of dried grass, a set of ice-carved table and chairs, a dim soul lamp, and the strange copper lamp behind Oscar that never lit up, along with the mat he sat on, comprised all the contents of the ice cave.

"Great-grandfather." Xue Zhiyu stood respectfully at the entrance.

Under the dim light, the old man, with his white hair, eyebrows, and beard, but tight skin, did not look particularly aged. Seeing Xue Zhiyu enter, he was delighted: "Two years have passed, little girl, you’ve grown into a fine young woman."

"The entrance is windy, come in." He smiled and beckoned to Xue Zhiyu, his bright eyes seemingly able to see through one’s soul. He said with a smile: "Little girl, you look troubled, with many questions in your heart. Today, you can ask three questions."

Oscar did not immediately bring up the engagement, and his gentle voice helped Xue Zhiyu relax a bit.

Xue Zhiyu steadied herself and asked the question she had pondered for a long time.

"Great-grandfather, will the Nine Gods start another war?"

Oscar smiled slightly and answered without hesitation: "Yes."

It was an expected answer, yet also unexpected, as the clan elder’s straightforward response made Xue Zhiyu feel it was not good news.

She paused, bit her lip, and said: "Then what should we do about the Ice Spirit Kingdom?"

"That decision lies with you." Oscar’s response was still brief and direct.

"But Father..."

"You are the future of the Ice Spirit Kingdom." Oscar smiled and said: "Only you can help the Ice Spirit Kingdom make the right choice. Trust your own judgment."

"Choice..." Xue Zhiyu felt a slight tremor in her heart. She had a feeling that the clan elder already knew she wanted to leave. "Do you support me?"

"Your destiny is in your own hands, my attitude does not matter." Oscar smiled and said: "You have one more question left."

This was the consistent style of Great-grandfather. Each meeting allowed for questions, but he did not speak much. Mundane affairs were a burden to such a high-ranking person, and everyone was used to it.

Xue Zhiyu hesitated for a moment: "Great-grandfather, Aota is my brother, but I have no other feelings for him. I believe the Ice Spirit Kingdom needs to develop and cannot remain isolated; we need to go out and see the world."

Oscar looked at Xue Zhiyu, "The world is not black or white, but gray. Nothing is as simple as one, two, three. Change your perspective, change your method, and everyone can be happy."

Xue Zhiyu was taken aback, "Great-grandfather, I don’t quite understand."

"You will understand when the time comes. Let Xuecai come in." Saying this, Oscar slowly closed his eyes, as if each word was exhausting.

...

Next was her turn, and Xuecai’s small face was full of excitement. She excitedly patted the meat scraps on her hands, gave Aota a smug glance, and turned to say excitedly: "Wang Feng, Wang Feng, I’m going to see Great-grandfather Oscar, you stay here and behave..."

But before she finished speaking, her big, beautiful eyes widened in surprise. Where was he? He was just here a moment ago, while she was eating a skewer...

She quickly focused her gaze and saw Wang Feng jumping around the bonfire, looking extremely mischievous, shouting: "Come on! Everyone, get up and dance, friends!"

"Damn!" Xuecai’s eyes went wide, and her temper flared... How could he be so despicable? Hadn’t he seen a woman in years? The women of Winter were just a bit fuller-figured, what was so special about that!

Indeed, cheap goods are no good. An 8,000 Euro slave, if he didn’t have flaws, that would be strange!

I’ll deal with him when I get back!

The little girl’s temper came and went quickly. When she got on the cable car, she was still pouting, but when she entered the ice cave and saw Oscar, her face instantly lit up like a flower.

After all, Oscar was one of the few elders in the Ice Spirit Kingdom who liked her. As a child, Xuecai loved to visit Oscar the most. Although she was younger than Xue Zhiyu, Xuecai had seen Oscar far more often than her sister.

"Wow, Great-grandfather, are you too stingy to light a lamp at night? It’s so dark, you look like a statue. Don’t try to be cool, okay!" Unlike Xue Zhiyu, who waited for an invitation, Xuecai bounced in directly, staring at Oscar’s face with wide eyes: "Hey, why are your eyebrows so long again? Do you want me to cut them for you?"

"Oh, you little rascal!" Oscar was exasperated. This little girl was the bane of Winter. Not even Aota could handle her, let alone the clan elder: "Stop pulling, stop pulling! I’m an old man, how can you pull so hard..."

"I’ll die before you do!" Xuecai laughed: "That’s what my father says, and my grandfather said it too..."

"Cough, cough! Alright, alright, you don’t seem to have any worries," Oscar said, half laughing and half crying: "Just ask one question then."

"What? No way!" Xuecai protested: "Why can my sister ask three questions, but I can only ask one? That’s unfair! Great-grandfather Oscar, you’re biased!"

Oscar, both amused and annoyed, said: "Of your sister’s three questions, only one was for herself."

"Oh? Okay then." Xuecai tilted her head and thought for a moment: "I want to ask, what does the person I will like look like? Is he a hero? Is he handsome? Is he strong? And, and, will he turn bad after marriage? I heard the palace maids say that men always turn bad after marriage, blabbering, blabbering..."

Once Xuecai started talking, she could go on for days without stopping.

Oscar’s head ached. He was supposed to ask one question, but this girl had already asked several in one breath. But really, wasn’t the answer obvious? There was no need to think about it...