Spring Snow (Part 1)

This was a quiet stretch beside the fields. A heavy snowfall had only just ceased the night before, its pristine whiteness blanketing the entire farmland. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but a vast expanse of white, a magnificent sight.

As the saying went, auspicious snow foretold a bountiful year. Perhaps next year would be a year of rich harvests.

It was already morning. The road was silent on both sides, and the air held that unique chill of a winter dawn. The sky was a cold, clear blue, setting off the white ground beneath it. Even the Fireball in the heavens seemed to have lost much of its heat.

Several winter birds, their feathers bright with color, swept in graceful arcs over the fields. Their nimble forms were accompanied by crisp, pleasant calls, and even the cold blue sky seemed to ripple in wave after wave because of them.

Just then, a golden carriage drawn by four fine steeds approached from the distance under the protection of several attendants. The horses' hooves struck out loud sounds upon the silent earth, and the tranquil fields were soon stirred by the clopping, as though waking from a dream.

Though it was still the bitter cold of winter, signs of early spring seemed to arrive bit by bit with those sounds. Brown boots embroidered with Golden Line stepped from the carriage onto the snow. With the support of an attendant, the trembling figure cautiously found his footing on the road beside the fields.

"Baron, be careful."

Baron Rokas nodded. His faintly trembling hands slowly dropped to his sides. He shifted two steps forward, only for his stiff body to suddenly go numb. He had no choice but to stop where he was and slowly move his limbs.

As