Chapter 277

"Speaking of which... the hotel staff mentioned there's a snow festival today."

At the breakfast table.

At the hotel restaurant, Reina brought it up.

"Apparently, they display snow sculptures and play games like snowball fights. It sounds fun, so why don't we check it out?"

Reina suggested while eating a buffet-style breakfast.

In front of Reina were multiple stacked plates, and even as she spoke, she was cutting up pancakes and popping them into her mouth.

"A snow festival, huh? That does sound interesting."

Clael responded with interest as he sipped his post-meal tea.

There hadn't been any event like a snow festival in the game, but it did sound fun.

Skiing was enjoyable too, but maybe indulging in childlike snow play for once wouldn't be so bad.

"Ah, yes. They do it every year around here to entertain tourists."

Reina's friend... Meily Ruby added an explanation.

Since Meily had relatives living in the area, she seemed to know a lot about such matters.

"The snow festival includes several events... snow sculpture building, snowball fights, sled races, skating, all-you-can-eat hot pot, local sake tasting, and even cold water swimming. Snowren is usually a quiet and deserted town, but during this time, many people come."

"I feel like I just heard a terrifying word at the end... did you say cold water swimming?"

"Yes, cold water swimming. You swim across a lake with floating ice and compete for ranking. Generally, only men participate."

"I-I see..."

"There are events with prize money too, so please enjoy yourselves."

If participating, anything but the cold water swimming would be preferable.

Reina gave her usual saintly smile to the trembling Clael.

"Lord Clael, let's go around together. That sounds good, right?"

"Yes, of course. I'd be happy to join you."

"Ah, I want to go too."

"Lady Reina, may we join you as well?"

Reina's friends... Meily, Sharon, and Vanessa also cheerfully expressed their desire to join the snow festival.

Reina nodded with a gentle smile, saying "Of course."

Clael, Reina, and the three friends had their plans set for the day. The only question was the last person.

"What about you, Mr. Yurii?"

"I... will be staying with Heizen."

In response to Clael's question, Yurii said that while stirring her soup with a spoon.

During the meal, Yurii had been deep in thought with a troubled expression.

Since earlier, she had hardly eaten, idly stirring the untouched soup with her spoon.

(Originally, it should be Reina's role to worry over Shura Heizen... but I'm relieved. Reina doesn't seem to care at all.)

As discussed at the hot springs, Reina truly didn't seem interested in Shura.

You can't save someone who isn't seeking salvation... it seemed she had excluded Shura from those she intended to help.

(Well, from my perspective, that's better. Reina should just enjoy her winter vacation without worrying about that guy.)

Whether she's a Saint, a game heroine, or a student, that doesn't change.

Everyone has an equal right to enjoy summer and winter breaks. That's just how it is.

"Well then, shall we head to the snow festival after breakfast... though, before that, we have to hand him over to Prince Eric."

Deciding to fully entrust Shura to Yurii, Clael took a sip of his tea.

Then, after being informed, Eric arrived and Shura was handed over to him.

Upon hearing that Shura was the black lion, Eric looked surprised but also seemed to understand.

Accompanied by Yurii, Shura was taken away in custody by Eric's guards.