Volume 5, Chapter 39 – An Untimely Fall

“Mom, how does this dress look?”

“It doesn’t feel like you at all, Tilulu. It’s beautiful. Uh, the old you was also very cute, but it’s a different style from now.”

Facing Tilulu, who had just spun in a circle in front of her, Fia’s ruby-like eyes showed a hint of a smile.

After half an hour, Tilulu, who had changed her clothes in the old residence, finally returned to Fia’s side with Claire. It should be noted that one of Woz’s nobles had suggested that Tilulu move out of the old residence and stay temporarily at the chieftain’s home, but she had tactfully declined this kindness.

One reason was that she was used to the old residence and felt more comfortable there. The other was that she still felt guilty towards the chieftain’s family, and it would be awkward to meet them under the same roof.

As for her current attire, if the simple-dressed Tilulu from before was a shy and cute little girl, then the current her was a graceful and noble princess of a nation. The fluffy and luxurious white princess dress, paired with her bright and pure purple eyes, completely erased the shadow of the fallen royalty from a few days ago. The exquisite silver crown on her head and the demure posture of her hands clasped in front of her complemented each other. Even if one were to say she was the treasured daughter of some empire, Fia would completely believe it. Her entire body was surrounded by the elegance and nobility of royalty.

Indeed, even with a good foundation, one still needed beautiful clothes to bring it out. The current Tilulu would become the focus of everyone’s attention the moment she stepped on stage.

Praised by Fia, the now-steady Tilulu showed a brilliant smile.

“Princess Liti lent me all these.”

“Liti has this kind of dress?”

In Silvar, she had never seen Liti wear such complicated and inconvenient clothes. Although Liti had a very princess-like feel, that was only when she was forced to show her princessly demeanor by her mother. In reality, Liti would be lazy whenever she could and would never waste her energy.

Liti immediately pouted, her face filled with unhappiness.

“What? Even I have to wear these troublesome clothes. You too, sister. You always change into formal wear during the Saint Alexia Festival every year. More importantly, the people on stage are already calling for you, telling you and Tilulu to hurry up, you know?”

As Liti had said, Woz on the stage was asking for The Witch of Calamity Flame and Queen Tilulu to come up.

The area below the wooden stage was crowded with people. Besides the Snake-folk, there were also Cat-folk, Dog-folk, Lizard-folk, and a small number of other beastfolk races. When people heard the word “witch,” most of them were first stunned, then showed fear. However, Woz had already arranged for his own people to be in the crowd. These people, in undisguised voices, explained to those around them that The Witch of Calamity Flame was a good person, just like the Witch of Hope, and that she was the one who had saved them and would bring them prosperity and stability.

Hearing this, the beastfolk gradually calmed down.

As for Tilulu’s status as the Queen of the Cold Night, the discussion among the beastfolk was no less than that of The Witch of Calamity Flame.

Due to the chieftain’s death, most people knew of Tilulu and held malice towards her. Now that Woz had announced that she would be queen, it was naturally incredible to them. If it had been someone else, they would have surely thought the organizer was talking nonsense.

Not only that, but Fia also vaguely heard negative discussions like “it’s that jinx” and “a waste with only a royal bloodline.” Most beastfolk had more sensitive hearing than elves. Tilulu had probably heard these voices as well.

Fia subconsciously looked at her. Although she still had a smile on her face, the white beast ears surrounded by the crown had already drooped. From what Fia knew of her, she was forcing herself to be calm.

“Don’t be afraid. These voices will disappear sooner or later. Just follow what we agreed on.”

Fia gently patted her soft gray hair to comfort her. She looked up at her companions. As planned, only she and Tilulu would go on stage. Claire, Liti, and the others would stand below.

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“We’re going up.”

“Mm.”

“Wait.”

Following Claire’s nod, Milu suddenly stepped forward with a serious expression.

Fia blinked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Here.”

Milu forcefully patted Fia’s black formal dress at the waist. There was a small tuft of white beastman fur there. After it was patted off, Milu even blew on it forcefully, and finally, sniffed it to confirm that there were no other scents, then nodded with a satisfied smile.

“Alright.”

“Hehe~ Little Fia is so popular.”

Although it was just a small action, Claire at the side covered her mouth and chuckled lightly.

Just helping to pat off some dust. It doesn’t mean I’m popular, right?

Just as Fia was feeling puzzled, she suddenly caught Anastasia’s low murmur behind her.

“The scent has changed.”

Scent?

Does she mean my scent? But I often use [Cleanse]. There shouldn’t be any scent.

Realizing this, Fia noticed Milu’s wing-like ears, the symbol of a Stellacryst Beast. Their sense of smell was even more sensitive than a beastman’s. The white fur from just now had clearly come from Tilulu. Considering that Tilulu had hooked her tail around her this morning, a gesture of scent marking, could it be that Stellacryst Beasts also used scent to mark their companions, and she just couldn’t smell it?

If that were the case, were Milu and Tilulu now fighting over “territory” in a way she couldn’t perceive?

Fia couldn’t help but look at Tilulu’s tail and ears—they reflected her emotions more than her expression. On the surface, Tilulu was smiling, but her tail was constantly swaying from side to side. From what Fia knew of cats, this was either a sign of a bad mood or that she was adjusting her balance in preparation for an attack. In any case, it was not a good sign.

Correspondingly, Milu’s ears were also flapping at a slower frequency, which was also a precursor to an attack. The two were staring at each other, and a non-existent smell of gunpowder filled the air.

Fia couldn’t help but think of two kittens howling at each other, preparing to fight. It was so helpless.

After all, Milu had previously suggested calling her ‘mom’, and she had refused. But now, Tilulu could call her that. It was only natural for Milu to be unhappy. She would have to find a way to improve their relationship later.

Fia smiled awkwardly and patted both of their heads.

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“Thanks, Milu. Tilulu, let’s hurry up.”

“Okay~”

“Hmph.”

Stepping on the creaking wooden steps, Fia and Tilulu finally arrived on the stage. Although the so-called stage was less than two meters high, because the standing Snake-folk were relatively short, they could already see everyone in the square. The bonfires and torches reflected on the faces of the people below, creating a sense of superiority.

“Next, let’s welcome the Lady Witch of Calamity Flame, Fia, who saved our city, and the future Queen of the Cold Night, Tilulu Lujue!”

With Woz’s denunciation of Chazo’s crimes as a prelude, the atmosphere on the stage was already very heated. Everyone’s eyes were focused on Fia and Tilulu.

“Tilulu, it’s your turn.”

Fia gently pushed her to the front. She did not intend to speak; today was her stage. After today, her name as the new queen would be remembered by all. This speech was more important than anything else.

“Mm.”

A look of determination appeared on her youthful face. The formally dressed Tilulu took a step forward. And with this step, the people below almost simultaneously fell silent. Everyone could feel a faint sense of majesty and pressure coming from her. Even though this girl looked to be only twelve or thirteen, they did not dare to be the slightest bit disrespectful.

As expected of a natural-born royal. This sense of pressure is already etched into the bones of the beastfolk.

Fia marveled inwardly.

Tilulu puffed out her chest slightly. Wherever her gaze fell, people lowered their eyes, not daring to look directly at her.

“Four hundred years ago, our Tiger-kin ancestors were awakened under the guidance of the goddess. They defeated the surrounding countries, united us beastfolk, and created the kingdom called the Cold Night. You all remember this history, right?”

No one refuted. What she said was true. The Cold Night was indeed unified under the rule of the Holy Son. If not for the category of “beastfolk” created by the Holy Son, the Cold Night would still be a mess, a place where anyone could step on.

“But now, the race that controls the Cold Night is not our Tiger-kin, but the Lionfolk, who have usurped the throne and committed a great crime of treason. The status of the Tiger-kin as the royal family of the Cold Night is the will of the goddess. It was the Lionfolk’s usurpation a hundred years ago that turned the Cold Night into what it is today, not only oppressed by the surrounding countries, but even having trouble getting enough to eat. Chazo betrayed our ally, the elves, colluded with the humans, and even attacked his own kind. You, as the victims today, know better than anyone his cruelty and ruthlessness.”

Because of her speech, the crowd below grew noisy. They had just been treated as enemies by Chazo today. If not for the appearance of The Witch of Calamity Flame, most of them would have already become corpses. Tilulu’s speech had stirred up their hatred for Chazo, and hatred and anger were the emotions that could most easily arouse people’s interaction.

It was worth noting that this speech had been decided by Tilulu herself. Fia had only helped to review it. The facts showed that Tilulu had not been idle in the past. At least she had read many books and knew how to best incite a crowd.

Tilulu continued as if she hadn’t seen it.

“The Lionfolk are not a race that can lead the Cold Night to prosperity and stability. The leader who can truly let everyone live a life without worrying about food and clothing should be blessed by the goddess, that is, we, the descendants of the Holy Son who have been baptized by the goddess. The Witch of Calamity Flame who appears by my side now is the best proof. You have all witnessed her strength. With her assistance, Chazo will surely be a turtle in a jar. The goddess’s glory will forever envelop our Tiger-kin, making the Cold Night prosperous forever!”

The discussion in the crowd became even more obvious. As Tilulu had said, during the rule of the Tiger-kin, not only could the Cold Night hold its own against the Alfrieg Kingdom, but the living conditions of the various tribes in the country were also relatively prosperous.

However, ever since the Lionfolk had ruled, because they could not win over the people, many factions had emerged in the country. The various factions did not submit to each other and fought among themselves, which led to a sharp decline in the people’s standard of living.

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Although the beastfolk commoners did not understand the reasoning behind this, they could feel from the most basic aspects of food, clothing, and shelter whose rule was better.

As if to incubate people’s anger, Tilulu deliberately waited for a while before speaking again. And with her speech, the people almost simultaneously fell silent.

“The king of the Cold Night should be done by a capable person. The Lionfolk’s great defeat at my hands is enough to prove that they have neither the qualification nor the ability to rule. And I, Tilulu Lujue, am the one who can be the queen! I swear here with my blood to the Ancestral Spirit that Chazo will surely become a soul under my blade. I hope you will help me vanquish the traitor Chazo, rush into the capital, and execute the sinner who has defied the goddess’s will. Those who help me today, I will repay tenfold in the future!”

A short blade appeared in her hand. Tilulu raised her left hand and cut her palm. Blood immediately dripped down her arm. However, this terrifying scene not only did not make the people show fear, but instead filled their faces with reverence. This was a beastfolk tradition. Although they did not have a blood contract like the vampires, swearing to the Ancestral Spirit with blood was still an oath that the beastfolk did not dare to break.

To swear to the Ancestral Spirit to vanquish Chazo in front of so many people, this courage alone had already earned the respect and admiration of countless people.

As if in coordination with her, the people below began to cheer. At first, it was just a few people’s soft voices, but later, like falling dominoes, the high spirits quickly infected everyone on the stage. Including the Snake-folk nobles, everyone shouted to vanquish the traitor Chazo. The scene was in an uproar.

Finally got things back on track.

Fia’s tense expression showed a look of relief. Even if the Snake-folk were just an insignificant one of the thousands of tribes in the Cold Night, once there was a beginning, many things in the future would be much easier. More importantly, their city was close to Silvar. Even if they were ambushed, Silvar could send support at a moment’s notice. From now on, whether it was a slow and steady approach or a direct march to the capital, Tilulu had a solid backing.

However, as if in opposition to her, the earth suddenly trembled slightly, and a disturbing rumbling sound came from under their feet. The lanterns on the stage even swayed from side to side. The people’s enthusiasm cooled rapidly, and a hint of unease and panic spread through the crowd. The terrifying pressure made people look at each other, not even daring to breathe.

“Earthquake!”

“It’s an earthquake!”

Someone in the crowd shouted, and the panic finally became a consensus. Tilulu on the stage quickly turned to look at Fia, her face full of a plea for help.

“Don’t worry, it’s not a big one.”

Fia held her shoulders.

She was not unfamiliar with this slight tremor. A few months ago, on her way to Blossom, she had also encountered one. That time, it had been the Abyss caused by Clark. And this time, the slight tremor gave Fia a feeling that it was very far away. It was clearly not happening in the Snake-folk city. Whether it was an earthquake or a man-made Abyss, it was not directed at Tilulu.

Although she still had to figure out what had happened, for now, she had to calm the people first.

Use [Light] to attract their attention, and then declare that this is the goddess’s anger towards Chazo—

“What is that? A meteor?”

“Why is there an earthquake and a meteor…”

Before Fia could act, the crowd began to shout again. White lines were suddenly seen streaking diagonally across the distant night sky.

A meteor shower?

At a time like this?

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“This is an illusion. Hurry up and calm everyone down. You should know what to do.”

Without prior notice, Claire, with a serious expression, appeared by Fia’s side.

She means to explain this as the will of the goddess. A celestial phenomenon like a meteor shower is enough to embody the goddess’s authority. Fia quickly understood what she meant—it was a great help.

Fortunately, the earthquake was very slight. The people in the square had not yet dispersed. And because of the appearance of the meteor shower, their faces were filled with confusion, not knowing if this change was good or bad.

I have to calm the people down.

Fia let out a soft breath and took a step to Tilulu’s side.

“Chazo’s rebellious act has angered both men and gods! This is proof that even the goddess is furious! Everyone, a new chapter for the Cold Night has arrived! Queen Tilulu will be the new ruler! Long live Queen Tilulu!”

The scene was quiet for a moment. Then, Woz and the other Snake-folk nobles reacted. They had no way back and could only support Tilulu. They followed suit and shouted, even kneeling on one knee as if swearing allegiance.

“Long live Queen Tilulu!”

The nobles’ stance gave the people a direction. The herd mentality made them, who didn’t know what had happened, gradually look back at Tilulu. And when they saw the calmness and confidence she showed, the look of hope gradually returned to their eyes.

“Long live Queen Tilulu!”

“Long live Queen Tilulu!!!”

In just a few breaths, a thunderous cheer echoed through the city. Then, Woz timely appeared and took control, turning the speech into a real banquet. Under his command, large basins of meat were brought out one after another, and the aroma of ale and meat stew quickly spread through the winter night.

But this lively atmosphere only existed among the ordinary people. For Fia, who had already gone backstage, she still had things to do.

“It’s falling.” Claire had an expression more serious than ever before, as if she had seen something similar. “Besides the Dragonfall, the World Tree Continent has also… Fia, you stay here and protect everyone. I’ll go and check the surroundings of the city.”

“Let me go.”

The “fall” Claire was talking about should refer to the appearance of the Abyss. If it were just an ordinary earthquake, it would be fine. But if it was the Abyss, then she had to find the person holding the Seed of Hope at the first moment—and this also meant that Helian was nearby.

“No, you stay here,” Claire glanced at the worried Tilulu, Liti, and the others, then, as if she had realized something, her tense expression gradually softened, and finally, she gave a wry smile. “Compared to you, Fia, I have more experience. It’s best for me to go. When I was in the Dragonfall before, similar things often happened. I’ll be back soon. If we both go out, and something happens here, the situation will be disastrous.”

What Claire said was not without reason. Fia frowned and nodded with great reluctance.

“Alright. If you find danger, use red magic to alert me to your position.”

“Besides you and the gods, I can’t think of anyone who can stop me.”

Faced with Fia’s worry, Claire just gave an elegant smile. With the activation of [High-Speed Flight], she soon turned into a silver streak and disappeared from everyone’s sight.