After completing the schedule in the chaotic tower, when she returned to the palace, Rachel, who had stayed behind to handle documents, hurriedly ran to find Belia.

With cheeks flushed, she shouted towards Belia, “There’s a message from Risetten!”

It was the news that Belia had anxiously awaited.

The Risetten region in the northeast, which she had been most concerned about.

In her previous life, that area had suffered the most damage in this severe cold. So when communication was cut off, she couldn’t help but worry.

But now, there was news from that place…!

Hurrying towards the office, Belia asked Rachel, “What’s the message? Are they all safe?”

Her heart kept pounding.

While climbing the stairs, the back of the dress she hadn’t properly adjusted was dragging on the floor, getting dirty, but she ignored it and rushed forward.

Despite preparing so diligently for this winter, Belia was secretly worried that tragic stories might come from Risetten. Following Belia, Rachel, who was behind her, answered in a cheerful voice.

“Most of the residents evacuated as soon as it started snowing. Even people from distant villages seem to have come to Risetten beforehand. Right now, everyone is staying in the basement of the clinic.”

“Ah…”

Belia’s steps gradually slowed down.

They were alive.

They had gathered in the clinic that Belia had prepared for this day, doing their best to endure.

Suddenly, a sensation like fluffy feathers enveloping her overwhelmed her entire body. This sensation couldn’t be defined as either excitement, satisfaction, or pride. It wasn’t even a sense of being touched by the fact that she had saved people.

It was just the fact that life was enduring and standing strong in the face of this vast nature.

That Belia had become a tiny support for that endurance.

It was indescribably overwhelming.

“Visionary… Everyone is safe.”

Rachel, too, seemed to be touched by Belia’s emotions as she choked up.

“Is the supplies sufficient? If people from nearby villages have gathered too, there might be a shortage of supplies.”

“We can manage until we finish clearing the roads. It seems like a good move that the Visionary insisted on increasing the stock even if it meant overdoing it.”

Belia nodded.

But there was still much work to be done. Not only discussing that they were safe but also what to do next.

“Summon a meeting. Gather the responsible officials, Rachel.”

Belia’s gaze hardened.

The responsible officials gathered in the meeting room one by one.

With a large map of the empire placed on the table, Belia continued speaking.

“The areas where road maintenance is completed are from here to here. Is that correct?”

“Yes. We are continuing additional work even at night, so probably by the end of this week, we should be able to reach Lake Saryon.”

Lake Saryon.

The largest and widest lake in the northeast.

Beyond that were the areas in the northeast, including Risetten.

“With the help of various upper-class individuals, we’ve secured plenty of supplies. There are enough supplies to distribute to the workers and soldiers working on the project.”

“That’s good. Please make sure not to neglect those who are working. They are also people who are working with good intentions for the citizens of the empire.”

Although they were working using magical tools to protect themselves from the cold, there would inevitably come a moment when they would tire from the strenuous work.

Encouraging them and moving forward until the end was necessary.

“Of course. And here…”

Pointing to Lake Saryon, the responsible official spoke.

“From here onward is a real issue. The northeastern region has rugged mountains, and going around the lake like this will take too much time. We used to travel by boat under normal circumstances, but now, even that is difficult.”

At that moment, Khaled thought deeply and then opened his mouth.
“If that’s the case, let’s cross the lake. Considering the severity of the cold, the lake should already be solidly frozen.”

However, a frozen lake has its edges thickest, and as you move towards the center, the thickness of the ice becomes thinner.

During the crossing of the lake, if by any chance we pass through an area where the ice is not solid, there could be an accident…

No. It’s a pointless thought.

Belia shook her head slightly to dispel negative thoughts.

Just as she was quickly trying to clear her mind and reorganize the situation while looking at the map, Khalid spoke.

“And this time, I think it would be good if I go with you to inspect the situation.”

Belia turned her head towards him with surprised eyes.

It hadn’t been long since Khalid returned. However, the thought that he might leave her side again made an urge rise within her to stop him, even though she wasn’t aware of it.

But she knew she couldn’t act according to her emotions. It was a national emergency right now. Belia closed her eyes tightly, quickly regained her composure, and asked with a worried tone.