Dressed in black, like a battle flag erected atop a mountain after a successful conquest, it fluttered and swayed in the first chilly wind of dawn.
The Demon Lord – Fred Danlithal.
As he gazed out from the summit, the far northern town of Snova, bathed in a pure and magnificent expanse of color, came into full view.
However, he is not here today to carry out his grand plan to conquer the continent, nor to search for the sacred stone, nor to visit his good-for-nothing son.
"I'm just here to inspect the people."
"Oh dear, isn't the Demon King here today to increase his followers through slaughter?" A soft female voice came from the spacetime wormhole behind him.
"Enough of your fuss. I'm here today to experience the atmosphere of a human holiday. Besides, Snova is already 'red' enough," he said, pointing to the residents on the street dressed as old men, in Santa Claus costumes with white fake beards. "Looks like I don't need to add any more red to them."
"Pfft—" The girl behind him chuckled, "The monarch who is about to rule this continent is quite interesting."
"Stop dawdling, what are you still doing hiding in the wormhole?"
"Um... it's so cold up here at the top of the mountain!" The girl huddled in the warm time tunnel, refusing to come out.
"Didn't I tell you that Snova is at the northernmost point of the continent? And you're dressed so lightly to come out with me."
"How was I supposed to know that the temperature is so low on this part of the continent of Fanlun!"
"You've cultivated for five thousand years, are you still afraid of the cold?"
"Coldness has absolutely nothing to do with cultivation!"
"Okay, I give up. I'll buy you some clothes when we get to Snova." If we dawdle any longer, it'll be dawn.
After hesitating for a moment, the girl carefully jumped out of the cave. She shivered as soon as she touched the cold wind, wearing only a sleeveless dress.
"Hurry up!" Fred urged the girl behind him one last time, even though he had already walked quite a distance away.
"Hmph." The girl pouted in dissatisfaction, crossed her arms with trembling hands, and quickly followed Fred ahead.
Hazelnut-shaped magic crystals of various colors and delicate candles are all strung together in long, thin ribbons that wrap around small pine trees, each about the height of a person. Today, almost every shop displays such a Christmas tree in front of its door.
The gentle sun had just risen, illuminating the boundless sky above, and the main street of Snova was already brimming with festive spirit. Couples, families, and friends—everyone you could see here wore happy smiles. But those who were having the most fun were the children, still so innocent and playful, wearing Santa hats and clutching five-pointed stars, chasing each other through the streets and alleys.
Adventurers, whether from afar or from the local area, shed their heavy armor, put away their swords and shields, and fully immersed themselves in the annual celebration.
Even the Silver Knights patrolling the streets and on duty greeted passersby with great enthusiasm.
In fact, today is also a special holiday for the prestigious Royal College, which is located here, so there are quite a few students on campus in their prime.
Colorful wreaths, candies, and crowds blend together to create a scene that adorns this dreamlike Christmas.
"By the way, what's your name again, little girl?"
"I'm not a girl! My name is Rhea!" the girl protested from behind, but her voice was quickly drowned out by the Christmas carols floating in the air.
Fred ignored the girl's shouts behind him and pointed to a clothing store ten meters away, where he could see all kinds of boys' and girls' outfits displayed through the glass window.
"Let's go in. This shop should be the best in town."
"Damn it! Watch out or I'll summon a volcano here and blow you up!"
"If you blow up this shop, you won't have any clothes to wear. But I don't mind, it's up to you. It's so cold." Fred raised the corners of his mouth and calmly retorted.
"Waaah..." Rhea gritted her teeth in anger, vowing to find an opportunity to take revenge on this despicable man later.
At this moment, Fred walked over and greeted the saleswoman.
"You and your daughter are only buying gifts on Christmas? You're really not a good father. Look at this little girl, dressed so scantily!" The saleswoman scolded, while looking at the "little girl" with pity.
The father and daughter...
Fred's forehead was covered in black lines, while Rhea, who had been trembling with anger just moments before, was now bursting into laughter.
"Oh dear, Father is always so busy! He doesn't care about me at all! Humph."
"You... I'd rather you freeze to death on the street, you little brat."
"Then you'd better at least give me a match!"
At this moment, the saleswoman interjected, "Oh dear, what kind of father talks to his daughter like that? He's putting on airs. Look at you, young man, you don't have much experience being a father, do you?"
The "father" was rendered speechless by the woman's incredible comprehension, while the "daughter" gave him a sly glance.
"Hahahaha, the Demon Lord of this continent has finally let me play a trick on him today, ahahahaha." Rhea laughed wickedly to herself.
...And so, Rhea successfully swindled Fred out of the most expensive outfit in town.
Rhea looked at herself in the mirror with satisfaction—a beret adorned with red knots, a silk coat with a matching deep purple shawl, a plain white lace-trimmed mini skirt, white stockings, and amber-colored boots—a gorgeous outfit that could make any girl look like a member of the aristocracy.
"Kid, spend more time with your daughter in the future!" the old woman sternly urged Fred as he prepared to leave.
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