"Whoosh—!"
The freezing wind and snow howled like raging waves, as though intending to dye the entire world white, battering everything without cease.
In the forest of the "Sanctuary," atop a not particularly tall cliff, two people stood facing the wind, paying no heed to the snow and frost piling onto them as they silently watched the village.
"Boom boom boom boom boom—!"
Explosive crashes rang out endlessly from the village.
They were caused by amethyst magical stakes raining down upon the hordes of Demon Beasts.
The two on the cliff continued watching that scene.
Only after some time did one of them raise her head.
"Lord Roswaal."
Ram called out softly.
"Ahh..."
Roswaal nodded, murmuring expressionlessly.
"So it has finally come..."
As he said that, Roswaal and Ram turned around at the same time, looking behind them.
There, amid the howling wind and snow, a figure had appeared at some unknown point, silent and soundless like an Oni.
"What a perfect spot for watching the show. It certainly suits jesters who like sneaking around and doing things behind everyone's backs."
Fang Li's knightly coat snapped in the howling wind and snow. His gaze first flicked toward Ram before settling on Roswaal, his brow lifting.
"This really isn't an expression I'd expect to see from you."
At that moment, Fang Li was somewhat surprised as well.
Before his eyes, Roswaal had neither his usual affected manner nor his former comical air. He was not even wearing makeup, displaying his bare face, something few people ever saw.
It had to be said that beneath that ridiculous jester makeup, Roswaal was actually a genuine handsome man, extraordinarily refined in appearance.
Yet that elegant face was now filled with exhaustion and dejection.
Roswaal showed no reaction whatsoever to Fang Li's surprise.
"I knew