Unlike the rest of the continent, the Snow Kingdom basically had only two seasons year-round: winter and summer. Summer brought a brief thaw as ice and snow melted; winter was long and bitterly cold, with pristine white snow blanketing the land.
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February was the coldest time in the Snow Kingdom. Blizzards consumed two-thirds of its days, and even one's breath froze into ice outside. Yet even so, on this morning, a large crowd had gathered outside Ice Hammer City—an escort party consisting of Icehammer Clan chief Tult, elders, and shamans from the Ancestral Rite Society, waiting for the arrival of Tertia, headmistress of the Academy of Truth.
They did not have to wait long. Just after eight in the morning, a shadow appeared on the distant horizon. As it swiftly drew closer, it took the shape of a young woman.
She had shoulder-length brown hair, round-framed glasses, and a delicate, lovely face. Beneath it were an inky-black mage robe and a white underskirt, while her feet were clad in little black leather shoes with hidden lifts. She wore no other adornments.
She was none other than the renowned Tertia, headmistress of the Academy of Truth.
"Sorry for the trouble of coming so far to welcome me." She drifted lightly to the ground. Her voice was not loud, yet it reached every ear with perfect clarity.
"Your arrival in Ice Hammer City, Headmistress, is an honor for our clan. Your residence has long been prepared. Please come with us and allow the Icehammer Clan to fulfill its duties as host," Tult, chief of the Icehammer Clan, said with a broad smile.
Tertia immediately followed, skillfully boarding the carriage drawn by four Snowfields camel-beasts. Warmth and fragrance washed over her. Leaning back in her seat, she gazed through the