On the snow-covered land, a group of demi-humans with cat and dog ears are gathered in a circle.
They bent over, huddled together, and stared intently at the heavy, red-covered treasure chest before them.
The snow on the ground sank into a pit, and the crimson treasure chest sank into it, even submerging the gap between the closed doors.
"That's right, this is it."
Wearing long snow boots decorated with various animal patterns, Lia stepped across the soft snow and came to the side of the demi-people.
Behind her, a pointed-eared elf sat cross-legged on a floating cloud.
At the same time, Lia looked up and looked around.
Before me lay a vast expanse of land covered in extremely thick snow, and the forests not far away were blanketed in silver, shimmering under the sunlight.
At the edge of the forest, several trees were snapped in half and lay scattered haphazardly on the snow.
The branches of the surrounding trees had all broken off, and the sharp, jagged edges instantly made it clear that something terrible had happened here.
The broken trees were riddled with deep furrows, as if torn apart by the claws of a wild beast.
But what's strange is that among these marks, there are also some blackened branches still bearing embers.
The branches had burned to charcoal, with only residual warmth and rising embers emitting a faint smoke.
It looked as if it had been vandalized by a huge dog.
These marks would be almost unrecognizable unless viewed from above.
Especially in such heavy snow, it is very difficult for humans to find their way once they enter this maze-like forest.
After all, the accumulating snow will gradually cover up all traces.
Once you lose your way, the chill of the night will seep into your bones.
If it gets covered by heavy snow again, it probably won't even last one night.
Without Koko's help, they might have spent days trying to find this place.
With the assistance of a fifth-tier mage, finding things was indeed much easier.
However, Kokot found his way here by following the scent of Cerberus.
Did the three-headed dog deliberately lure them here?
Liya was surprised to think of this, and she rested her chin on her hand, lost in thought.
Seeing Lia's confused look, Kokot slowly floated over on the clouds.
She frowned slightly, curiously examining the crimson treasure chest, which was surrounded by demi-humans and had only a corner showing.
"This thing... isn't it the one we dug up from your family grave?"
"What happened? Was it stolen again???"
Liya: "..."
For a moment, Lia was speechless.
She was deep in thought, wondering how to explain all this to Coco.
After all, this treasure chest was originally her father's heirloom, but now it has inexplicably appeared in the wild.
Even she herself had no clue about it.
But considering that Victor came out of this treasure chest back then.
Lia realized that this treasure chest might be as mysterious as that magical armor.
"First, take the treasure chest back, then go to the capital and invite Duke Reeves."
"We'll say it's to assist Duke Reeves with the renovation of the capital, and that the Clavner family will be lending out a few of our men."
She turned to look at the gathered demi-humans and gave the order in a low voice.
Everything must be done flawlessly.
The capital city is not at peace these days.
Although Princess Aurelion has ascended to the throne as Empress, she is still young, has just taken office, and has not yet established her authority.
In addition, recent events, such as Victor's disappearance and the old emperor's serious illness, have left the young empress in poor condition.
It is said that the Queen has recently been responding to proposals from nobles and ministers with silence.
This led to discontent among more nobles.
If Victor were in the capital, things might be better.
Unfortunately, only Duke Riviera remains to some extent to help the young queen and curb the old nobles who rely on their seniority.
Therefore, the Clavner family's dissemination of information about their interactions with Duke Reeves at this time might calm some of the nobles down.
Although this is only temporary, it is enough.
Thinking this, Lia couldn't help but gently rub her temples.
However, the most important thing is...
She could not tell anyone the true purpose of summoning the Duke of Riviera.
As Duke Reeves said, once the Queen learns of Victor's possible whereabouts...
She had no idea what the other party might do.
"Miss Lia, the armor you requested has been brought."
A soft voice reporting from Lia's ear.
Vanilla, a white catgirl with a pair of white cat ears, is pulling a sled that is extremely disproportionate to her size.
The crimson armor lay quietly on the sled.
Upon hearing this voice, Lia slowly turned her head.
Looking at the neatly arranged red armor on the sled, he returned Vanilla's smile.
"Thank you for your trouble. Just leave it there for now."
It was thanks to this armor that Kokot was able to find this place by following the aura emanating from it.
She recalled Duke Reeves' words: they needed to find the Gates of Hell before they could send the armor inside.
Lia's original intention was to find the three-headed dog, which might give her a chance to find the Gates of Hell.
However, instead of finding the watchdog, they found the treasure chest that had been missing for several days.
"However, we don't know where that watchdog went."
Lia looked around, but she couldn't see Cerberus's figure engulfed in flames.
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