Chapter 17: The White Horse’s Abode and Liliya’s Outburst

Having sensed the white horse’s whereabouts, Aldoran immediately sought out Alice.

“Alice.”

Pushing the door open, Aldoran found Qing Yu and Thrud seated around the dining table, savoring their meal, while Alice sipped her wine. In the room’s corner, Aldoran also noticed a girl, arms crossed and cheeks puffed out, clearly seething with anger.

“What is it, guest?” Alice turned her head at the sound of her name, finding Aldoran standing in the doorway, poised to speak.

“I believe I’ve located the white horse’s dwelling.”

Aldoran walked directly to Alice, stating her discovery without sparing a glance for the fuming girl in the corner.

“Truly?” Alice shot to her feet, her voice laced with astonishment, completely oblivious to the wine splashing onto the floor.

Both Alice and Qing Yu, standing nearby, registered their surprise; only Thrud remained absorbed in her meal, betraying no astonishment whatsoever.

“Indeed, I have found the horse’s dwelling,” Aldoran reiterated, her tone firm and resolute.

“But, guest, haven’t you remained here the entire time, without venturing anywhere?” Alice questioned, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

It defied belief that Aldoran, a traveler visiting for the first time, unfamiliar with the surroundings and having not ventured outside, could so effortlessly locate the white horse’s abode—a place even Alice’s own people had failed to discover.

Such a feat was truly beyond comprehension.

“Lady Aldoran actually uses Perception Magic (TL Note: A type of auxiliary magic that allows the user to sense things from a distance by synchronizing with them.),” Thrud chimed in, having just savored a piece of roasted meat, readily offering the explanation on Aldoran’s behalf.

“Perception Magic?” Alice echoed, the term entirely new to her ears.

“Yes, it’s an auxiliary magic where the user can, by expending a certain amount of magical energy, synchronize with a distant person or object, thereby gaining their perspective. However, the greater the distance, the larger the object, or the higher the target’s magic resistance, the more magical energy is required. Typically, this spell demands at least a third-tier Intermediate-level magic proficiency to cast, and even then, its range is severely limited, the failure rate is extremely high, and it places a considerable strain on the caster’s body.”

As both Alice and Qing Yu wore expressions of utter bewilderment, Thrud continued her detailed explanation.

While these were basic lessons children from the outside world learned from a young age, for Qing Yu and the forest inhabitants, such concepts were entirely novel.

“So, that implies this guest’s magical proficiency is at least at the level you described, if not even higher?” Alice queried, turning to Thrud. She had sensed a potent magical circuit within Aldoran, yet she hadn’t anticipated its sheer magnitude.

In truth, Aldoran’s magical rank currently stood at merely the first tier of low-level Intermediate Magic. Such a demanding spell could only be briefly employed due to the augmentation of the Odin Crest (TL Note: A magical emblem that grants the user enhanced abilities.). Moreover, the very seal on the crest imposed a significant strain on Aldoran’s physical being.

“Before we proceed, I have a question for you,” Aldoran interjected, sidestepping Alice’s inquiry to pose one of her own.

“Of course, please ask.”

“I wish to know the name of that white horse.”

“Its name?” Alice was momentarily taken aback. She genuinely did not know the white horse’s true name; the tribe’s residents had always referred to it simply as “the white horse,” never having known its actual designation.

Observing Alice’s expression, Aldoran surmised that discovering the white horse’s name from the villagers was likely a futile endeavor.

Yet, a powerful premonition persisted within her: the white horse’s name was Sleipnir.

“I understand,” Aldoran stated, ceasing her line of questioning.

“Therefore, now that I know the white horse’s dwelling, I shall seek it out tomorrow.”

“Hmph, could it be that this liar, having made such grand boasts, now finds herself unable to deliver and plans to flee?” Before Alice could respond, the girl in the corner interjected sharply.

“Liliya, you mustn’t speak to our guests in such a manner,” Alice hastily admonished the girl.

“Hmph, Chief, do not be swayed by this woman! What is this ‘Perception Magic’? It’s something we’ve never heard of! It’s likely just a fabricated lie these people have concocted to deceive and mock you!” Liliya retorted, her small face flushed and swollen, her gaze fixed accusingly on Aldoran.

“But surely you can sense the formidable magical circuit within our guest; it’s a level far beyond our reach.”

“Precisely! That’s exactly why these people might be toying with you! They use their superior magical prowess to weave these lies and make fools of us!” Liliya sprang to her feet, gesticulating wildly at Aldoran and her companions. “You absolutely must not fall for their deception!”

“Um, please trust Aldoran; she wouldn’t lie. She’s a wonderful person,” Qing Yu meekly interjected, observing the agitated Liliya.

“Silence! Who gave you permission to speak!” Liliya snapped, her eyes blazing at Qing Yu. Aldoran immediately stepped forward, shielding Qing Yu with her body.

“You must believe me; I have no reason to deceive you, as it would offer us no advantage,” Aldoran stated calmly, her expression inscrutable, betraying none of her inner thoughts.

“Liliya, please speak respectfully. Do not treat our guests in such a manner,” Alice urged, attempting to mediate.

“Who knows what nefarious schemes they might be concocting! You absolutely must not be deceived by them!”

“Lady Aldoran would never lie. What she promises, she will undoubtedly fulfill,” Thrud asserted.

“Liliya, please calm down. Let’s sit and discuss this properly; perhaps you’ll gain a new perspective,” Alice implored, stepping forward to grasp Liliya’s hand, hoping to soothe her agitation.

“Chief, why are you siding with them too! Not a single word they utter is trustworthy! Don’t you agree!” Liliya exclaimed, violently shaking off Alice’s hand, her voice rising in a furious challenge.

“That’s not it, Liliya, please listen to what I have to say.”

“What more is there to say now! You simply believe you’ve found a savior, someone who can resolve the issue of that horse, don’t you!” Reaching the peak of her agitation, Liliya could no longer contain herself, storming out of the room. “Just you wait! They will most certainly deceive you!”

****

A resounding ‘bang’ echoed through the room as the door slammed shut, leaving an abrupt, unsettling silence in its wake.

“My apologies; that child is always like this, easily excitable around strangers,” Alice offered, breaking the tense silence. After a soft sigh directed at the closed door, she bowed apologetically to Aldoran and her companions.

“I am truly very sorry. Please, I beg you, do not take her words to heart.”

“It’s quite alright,” Aldoran responded, waving a dismissive hand. “She only has your best interests at heart.”

“Thank you immensely for your understanding,” Alice said, resuming her seat. “Please, I urge you to continue our previous discussion.”

“Indeed,” Aldoran murmured, letting go of the incident with the girl and refocusing her attention on Alice.

“Um, Thrud, perhaps you should go check on Liliya?” Qing Yu whispered, gently poking Thrud’s arm.

“Oh, yes, of course,” Thrud replied softly. “Would you like to accompany me, Lord Qing Yu?”

“No, no, I shouldn’t. As Aldoran’s wife, it might seem… inappropriate. Remember, don’t mention that I suggested you go,” Qing Yu cautioned, waving a hand dismissively.

“Then I shall step out for a moment,” Thrud announced, rising to her feet. After Aldoran offered a subtle nod of assent, Thrud turned and exited the room.

“Now, let us continue,” Aldoran stated. “That horse resides in the mountains to the south of this forest, a journey that would take approximately two and a half days by horseback.”

“Are you truly certain of its dwelling?” Alice inquired once more, just to be sure. A flicker of doubt still lingered within her, as the concept of Perception Magic remained almost unfathomable.

“If you remain unconvinced, I can provide a complete description of its appearance, allowing you to ascertain whether I am being truthful.”

Alice offered a slight nod.

“Firstly, its body is entirely white, and it possesses eight legs.”

“You have already mentioned this to me, guest.”

“Secondly, its legs are joined in pairs, extending from either side of its body. Its hooves are white, adorned with soft, white downy hair at their base.”

“Indeed,” Alice affirmed with a nod.

“Its pupils are blue, intricately patterned with markings resembling wings.”

A flicker of uncertainty crossed Alice’s eyes.

“It can manipulate wind elements to manifest wings on either side of its body, allowing it to fly. As it soars, white feathers drift down, and remarkably, each feather is identical in appearance.”

Alice appeared visibly stirred. To this point, every detail Aldoran had provided was utterly accurate, without the slightest discrepancy.

“And on its head, there’s a circular marking, resembling a magic array, is that correct?” Aldoran asked softly, her gaze unwavering as she met Alice’s eyes.

“Everything you’ve described is absolutely accurate…” After a moment of contemplative silence, Alice nodded slowly. While Aldoran’s account was perfectly precise, Alice couldn’t entirely dismiss the possibility that she might have encountered the horse elsewhere.

“If you still harbor any doubts, I can inform you that Miss Liliya is presently seated in a patch of grass overgrown with dandelions. Once she returns, you may confirm this with her.”

At these words, Alice’s eyes widened in stunned disbelief. She stared into Aldoran’s pale blue irises, rendered speechless for a long moment.

Whenever Liliya felt sad, her cherished refuge was a specific patch of dandelion-covered grass nestled in the nearby woods—a secret no outsider could possibly know.

“So now, can you truly believe me?” Aldoran finally broke the prolonged silence with her question, and Alice nodded.

“You really will help us?”

“Rest assured, I will certainly help you. In fact, I must.”

Alice did not register Aldoran’s latter remark, her entire focus resting solely on Aldoran’s agreement to provide assistance.

“Then I shall select a few exceptional warriors right away, and we will depart with you tomorrow.”

“There is no need. I can go alone.”

“Your willingness to help us is already an immense blessing. We cannot allow you to go alone. Please permit us to offer what little assistance we can,” Alice pleaded, clasping Aldoran’s hands earnestly.

Given her profound sincerity, Aldoran found it difficult to refuse. She simply nodded, saying, “A few people will suffice. Additionally, I ask that you please look after Qing Yu and Thrud for me tomorrow.”

“Eh? Thrud and I aren’t going?” Qing Yu asked, somewhat surprised.

“It would be too dangerous for you. It’s safer to stay with Thrud. Tomorrow, you will continue your training. I will inform Thrud of the training methods,” Aldoran explained, turning to Alice. “I implore your care.”

“Rest assured, we will certainly see to it,” Alice promised, patting her chest.

****

Meanwhile, Thrud had caught up with the distraught Liliya.

She found Liliya sitting amidst a patch of dandelion-filled grass, weeping.

“Um, hello…” Seeing Liliya crying, Thrud was at a loss for words. She simply patted her shoulder and offered her a tissue.

Liliya turned her head away, ignoring Thrud.

“What has made you so angry? Can you tell me? Perhaps I can help you. Girls should be strong; it’s not good to cry so easily like a boy.”

Liliya still refused to acknowledge Thrud.

“Please don’t worry, we truly mean no harm,” Thrud said, patting Liliya’s shoulder again. “Please trust us.”

Still, there was only silence.

“We truly are good people; we wouldn’t deceive you. Please believe us.” Seeing Liliya’s continued unresponsiveness, Thrud could only rest her hand on the girl’s shoulder and repeat her previous assurance.

With a sharp ‘smack,’ Liliya violently flung Thrud’s hand away. “Stop it! Don’t you dare talk about being ‘good people’ anymore!”

The current Liliya resembled a furious lioness, roaring wildly at Thrud.

“‘Good people,’ my foot! None of you outsiders are any good! None of you! Whether it’s you, or my father! It’s all because of you! All because of you!”

“Fath–” Thrud tried to ask something more, but in a burst of rage, Liliya shoved Thrud away, unfurled her wings, and soared into the sky, denying Thrud any chance to question her.

“Father…” Gazing up at Liliya in the sky, a flicker of hesitation crossed Thrud’s eyes. She sighed softly, unsure if she should pursue her.

‘Father…’