Chapter 100: Things You Want to Say but Can’t (5)
An unidentified tower.
Astrid muttered under her breath as she changed into her clothes.
The Miterien Grand Duchy uniform, which she hadn’t worn in a long time, felt strangely unfamiliar.
Though it wasn’t the first time she had worn it since waking up in this body, she had only done so a few times, so it still felt awkward.
【It’s been a while since I last wore this, but it’s not bad. I used to wear it almost every day.】
A soft chuckle from the real Astrid echoed in her mind.
To be fair, with a figure like hers, anything she wore would look good.
Astrid stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, turning this way and that as though she were putting on a fashion show, admiring her reflection.
‘Wow… Really, anything looks good on me.’
【Doesn’t it?】
‘I mean, I am amazing…’
【Excuse me, that’s my body you’re talking about.】
‘I’m the one who’s been taking care of it, so shouldn’t you be thanking me?’
The real Astrid couldn’t argue with that.
Though it was her body, she hadn’t had control over it for quite some time. Astrid had been the one maintaining it all along.
Knock, knock.
A sudden knock at the door.
She could already guess who it was.
From the clamor coming from the training grounds outside her window, where the soldiers seemed to be gathering, it was clear that it was almost time to depart.
It was likely Ashray, coming to let her know.
“Who is it?”
It’s me, Sister. It’s time to head out.
As expected, it was Ashray.
This expedition to the tower had brought together an impressive group.
Wolfgang, the Grand Duke and head of the family; his son, Ashray; Baizik, the Archmage of Spells; and Astrid herself, the White Snow Leopard of the Snowfield, who had recently returned from the Academy.
This group alone represented a significant portion of the Empire’s might, even though Ashray’s prowess was still developing.
“Is everyone ready?”
“Yes!”
Standing before the assembled soldiers, Wolfgang surveyed the scene.
The lines of soldiers, the loaded pack animals—it all seemed in order. Still, Wolfgang preferred a formal report before moving forward.
However, the soldiers’ gazes weren’t focused on Wolfgang.
Instead, they gravitated toward Baizik standing beside him, and especially toward Astrid, who stood at ease with the Snow Flower strapped to her back.
The soldiers’ interest in Astrid’s return was palpable. Even the officers, the centurions and captains, glanced at her with curiosity.
‘Why are they all staring at me?’
【It’s obvious, isn’t it? They’re wondering if you’ve grown stronger than Father, or if this mission will finally succeed with you here.】
‘Does my participation really make that much of a difference?’
【You keep acting as though you’re me, calling yourself Astrid von Miterien, but let me remind you—I’m the real Astrid von Miterien.】
‘I know that. But right now, we have no choice but to handle things this way.’
【Ha… Honestly, it’s absurd. Anyone listening would think I’m some kind of intruder.】
‘That’s not the point right now.’
“This time, your sacrifices will be minimal,” Wolfgang announced. “The main figures of this operation are the Archmage Baizik and my daughter, Astrid. However, remain vigilant. Do you understand?”
“Yes!”
“Then, let us depart.”
Wolfgang’s speech ended quickly.
There was little point in delivering a lengthy address while the soldiers stood in the freezing cold.
Unlike previous expeditions, where Wolfgang and Ashray led the procession, Wolfgang and Baizik took the lead this time.
Astrid found it odd to see a mage at the forefront of the formation, and Ashray seemed to think so too.
However, he quickly accepted the explanation that Wolfgang and Baizik had always operated this way during wartime.
“Sister, are you all right?”
“I’m in better shape than you are. Why?”
“It’s just that setting out immediately after a long journey seems harsh, even for Father.”
This was nothing.
【He doesn’t know what it was like back when I traveled with Father. When I was younger, we’d return one evening and head out on another expedition the very next day.】
‘Don’t start with the “back in my day” talk. You sound like an old man.’
【I’m just stating facts.】
“I’m fine. Not tired, not sore—perfectly fine.”
“That’s a relief.”
With a light chuckle, Ashray fell back to the rear of the procession, leaving Wolfgang and Baizik at the front, Astrid in the middle, and himself at the rear.
And so, the group left the Grand Duke’s mansion, marching toward the snowy mountains.
“Ugh, it’s cold… So cold.”
The Academy had been so warm.
As the saying goes, you get used to the cold, but it doesn’t stop you from feeling it.
Even though Astrid’s body was accustomed to the harsh winters of the north, her mind wasn’t—especially since it belonged to someone from a much milder climate.
【The cold is unavoidable.】
‘Still, it’s freezing…’
At the campsite, soldiers huddled around fires, their tents clustered tightly together for warmth.
This area was still within the Grand Duke’s territory, far from any threats, so the soldiers weren’t particularly tense. Astrid joined them at the fire, warming herself.
Her nose had turned bright red from the biting wind.
The freezing gusts reminded her of bitter winters from memories she’d rather forget—memories of icy winds cutting through the mountains of Gangwon-do back in her own world.
The snowfield winds were beyond harsh; they were outright painful.
“Lady Astrid, please have this.”
A soldier approached cautiously, offering her a mug.
The cup, made of porcelain, was part of the Grand Duke’s supplies. Unlike tin cups, which lost heat quickly, these porcelain mugs were better for retaining warmth.
“What is it?”
“It’s broth. There was some left over from the stew prepared for dinner, so I brought it.”
“Oh…”
Taking the mug, she felt the warmth spread through her palms.
The steam rising from the broth suggested it had been boiled thoroughly.
“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”
She took a sip, savoring the slightly sweet and savory flavor of the meat-based broth. The seasoning wasn’t too salty, and it had a pleasant richness.
‘Ah, this makes me crave cold noodles.’
【Cold noodles?】
‘A dish from where I used to live. It’s chilled noodles served in a tangy broth.’
She explained the joy of mul-naengmyeon(Cold Noodle Soup) and bibim-naengmyeon(Spicy Mixed Cold Noodles) —the cold, refreshing broth of the former and the sweet, spicy sauce of the latter.
【Do you really want to go back that badly?】
‘Of course. It’s my home.’
【Even if it means leaving His Highness behind?】
‘W-why would you bring that up?’
【You adore him so much you’d even drink the sweat off his neck.】
‘I-I was under some kind of… spell! It wasn’t my choice!’
Even as she protested, the image of Leopold’s sweat glistening on his neck sprang vividly to her mind.
‘I’m a man! Men don’t like other men! I’m not—’
【Your body’s a woman’s, so what’s the difference? Try saying “I’m actually a man” out loud. No one would believe you. They’d just say you’re being absurd.】
‘But my mind is still that of a man…’
Astrid buried her face in her hands.
‘There’s no proof left that I’m a man… I need to resolve this and return home as soon as possible.’
【Even though the fortune said you might end up with two wives? That might complicate things.】
‘I’ll go back. I swear. I will!’
【Even to a world without His Highness?】
‘...I’ll still go back!’
Her hesitation was evident.
The real Astrid noticed but chose not to comment.
After all, watching her struggle was far more entertaining.