Ravenstern City, the heavy snow was dancing wildly in the air with the cold wind, falling like torn goose feathers.
The carriage moved slowly on the snow-covered road, and the snow groaned under the grinding of the wheels.
Dick sat quietly in a corner of the carriage. Even though the windows were closed, the witcher's keen hearing captured the noisy crowds on both sides of the street.
The residents who were seeing off the Queen for the war had not yet dispersed. They gathered in small groups and discussed the upcoming war with great interest.
"The Queen is so brave! With her personally leading the army, this battle will definitely be a complete victory!"
"Duke Amara is also resourceful and victorious in every battle. Our army is all equipped with elite soldiers and strong generals. How can those barbarians be our opponents!"
"Maybe, the army will return victoriously in the evening, and we will have a good celebration then!"
On the seat opposite, Vesemir was laughing and chatting one-sidedly with Geralt, telling all kinds of boring jokes, which occasionally made Geralt's cold face look helpless.
Dick rubbed the pine wood grain on the seat, and the sound of horse hooves overlapped with the memory in a trance:
An hour ago, the morning sunlight was shining through the colored windows, making it difficult for him to sleep peacefully.
Dick opened his eyes drowsily and raised his arms to block the light.
After getting dressed, he asked the servant standing in the corridor, "What time is it now?"
"My lord, it's almost noon." The servant replied respectfully.
"It's not even three quarters past noon. Shouldn't we still be in time for the swearing-in ceremony?"
A male voice floated into his ears. "Dick, I'm here to pick you up!"
Kebi was already wearing shining armor and approaching from the side.
Dick raised his eyebrows. "The queen didn't wait for me?"
"Dick, then Brownie is also a relative of the Queen. No matter how broad-minded the Queen is, she will still be a little concerned." Kebi lowered his voice.
"Then how do we get there?"
Kebi made a fist with his left hand and tapped his breastplate to perform a knightly salute, while his right hand was spinning the riding crop in a funny way.
"Of course I, the new knight commander of Order of the Falcon, am here to be the groom for the distinguished grand captain Witcher Order, Lord Dick!"
After Dick laughed a few times, he patted Kebi on the shoulder:
"Okay, you can have some fun for yourself. But if you let the knight captain be the groom, you have to give him some compensation."
With that said, Dick handed over two small crystal bottles.
"This is?"
"Dragon Tear Potion, I believe you have heard of its efficacy. In short, this thing is very useful to you. If you really treat me as a friend, don't refuse."
Kebi opened his lips slightly, but finally took it solemnly.
The two of them chatted and laughed again and headed to the restaurant.
As soon as he arrived at the door, Dick saw that Geralt and Vesemir had finished their meal and were sitting at the dining table waiting for him.
Vesemir leisurely put his hands behind his head, humming a tune, looking out the window, leisurely and contented.
And Geralt..., was wiping his sword, occasionally raising his eyes to respond to the shy glance of the maid when pouring water.
Dick deliberately coughed twice. The maid seemed to have been caught in the act, her cheeks were slightly red. She lowered her head, stammered a greeting to Dick, and began to prepare the tableware.
Vesemir laughed loudly:
"Hey, the captain is awake now. If it were any later, the meal would be completely cold!"
Geralt was sitting upright and nodded gently to Dick as a greeting.
Dick didn't say much nonsense, picked up the tableware and started to eat the breakfast brought by the maid.
After a while, he raised his head and listened to Vesemir on the other side explain:
"Our mission is very simple. We will follow Kebi to the battlefield to join the Queen's army.
When the scouts report that the bears are running wild behind the enemy lines, it is the signal for us to attack.
Under the protection of the soldiers, we will give full play to the strength of Master Swordsmanship and kill a few more berserkers.
As for the Misty Mountains's shamans, Barbara will compete with them on spells first, and then we can adapt accordingly."
After several people finished eating, they walked out of the palace.
Snow was falling heavily outside, and a girl wrapped in a white cloak stood tall and graceful in the snow, with the snow piled up on her shoulders to form an ice crystal cloak.
Dick hurriedly ran over, held her little hand tightly with both hands, and said distressedly, "Xiya, are you waiting for me? Why didn't you go with your master?"
"I'm worried about you, so I want to leave with you."
As his thoughts wandered, Dick felt his right arm being gently shaken. He turned his head and saw Xiya sitting next to him looking at him with a worried look on his face.
"Are you okay, Dick?"
"I'm fine, Xiya. The past is in the past, we have to look forward.
I remember Barbara said that when you were promoted to a formal warlock, your body seemed to be a little unwell. Was it due to the influence of some element or something, right?"
Xiya looked at the confused look on Dick's face and couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Fool, it's the awakening of the fire element that causes the thunder element to stagnate, which affects the normal operation of the magic system. Now I can't cast any other spells except Flames magic.
Moreover, my current Flames element is extremely powerful, but it is difficult to control it.
For example, if I throw a small fireball now, it will probably drain all the mana in my body and turn it into an extremely huge blazing sun. Do you understand?"
Dick is like garlic:
"I understand, I understand when you say this. But do you really feel okay now? If you are still not feeling well, you must tell me."
Xiya smiled and shook his head and said confidently, "Of course it's okay!"
Recently, I have been working hard to control these naughty Flames elves under the guidance of Barbara, and I am still trying to communicate with the Thunder elves in the air again.
In a few days, I will become a dual-element mage. Even if your vertical pupils start to turn red, you will not be my opponent!"
Then her smile was mixed with bitterness, "Dick, if one day I really lose control and turn into the sun..."
Dick was silent and solemnly promised, "I will hold you tight."
Xiya seemed to have a sparkle in her eyes, and she gently leaned her head on Dick's shoulder.
The two started chatting in a lively manner again, Dick thinking about all kinds of silly jokes from his previous life, making Xiya giggle.
The strong sour smell of love made Geralt across from him frown in disgust.
Suddenly, the carriage shook violently and stopped suddenly.
With quick eyes and quick hands, Dick hugged Xiya in his arms, preventing her from falling to the side of the seat due to this sudden situation.
He opened the car door and was about to ask Kebi what happened.
But seeing the carriage proceed steadily to the official road outside Ravenstern City, a girl in front of it blocked the way carelessly.
His appearance was a bit sloppy, his blond hair was entangled with a light blue ribbon, and he was wrapped in a large black cotton-padded jacket, with his arms spread wide.
Kebi's body tensed up and went into a defensive state.
Dick patted Xiya's hand, gave her a reassuring look, and then lightly jumped out of the carriage.
He looked at the girl, raised the corners of his mouth and said jokingly:
"Have you returned to your old profession as a robber?"