Chapter 22: The Bloodline of the Snow Siren
Among the refugees hid a hunted princess.
David had never imagined he would encounter such a situation.
If this princess hadn't risked exposure multiple times to help defend the camp, he would have thrown this "hot potato" far away without a second thought.
But her actions showed sincerity, proving she didn't see him merely as a shield.
Thus, David was willing to give Princess Rena a chance—to weigh the risks and potential gains of sheltering her.
Princess Rena watched the Frostwolf Duke in contemplative silence, her own heart tight with apprehension.
She was relieved he hadn't outright rejected her presence, but convincing him to protect her would require a delicate balance.
What could she offer to make her worth the danger?
The air grew heavy with unspoken thoughts until David broke the silence.
"Who controls Crystal Song Kingdom now?"
"My father still holds power in name, but Duke Icecrown commands the military and most of the nobility," she replied grimly.
"And your place in the line of succession?"
Rena hesitated, then sighed. "I'm the only member of the royal family who has awakened the Snow Siren bloodline."
David raised an eyebrow. Among noble houses of bloodline knights, lineage wasn't determined by birth order or legitimacy—awakening the bloodline was the sole qualifier for leadership.
This revelation made her situation clearer.
David leaned back, processing the implications.
"If you've awakened the Snow Siren bloodline, then…"
He recalled descriptions from family archives: those with the Snow Siren bloodline had mastery over ice that rivaled frost mages.
Moreover, the royal family's Snow Siren Breathing Technique not only enhanced physical strength but also cultivated mental fortitude akin to meditation techniques.
"Yes, I've awakened it," Rena confirmed, her voice steady.
"I'm already a formal knight. My talents are strong enough that I'm confident I can one day break through to become a Tier 4 Earth Knight."
Her tone brimmed with pride. Beyond her title, this bloodline was her most valuable asset.
If the Frostwolf family invested resources in her, she was certain she could reclaim Crystal Song Kingdom.
"I'm intrigued by your bloodline," David said, his eyes narrowing.
The Snow Siren bloodline and its breathing techniques might provide him the key to mastering frost magic sooner than expected.
Additionally, Rena's status as first in line for the throne represented both risk and opportunity. If handled correctly, this could be a stepping stone to greater power.
"You…"
Rena's breath hitched.
His words, though calm, carried heavy implications.
To her, they translated to a desire for an heir carrying both the Frostwolf and Snow Siren bloodlines.
A child born of these two legacies might surpass them both, creating a new lineage of unparalleled strength.
But was she willing to offer her body as the price for protection?
Her mind raced back to the battlefield, where David had effortlessly displayed strength far beyond her own.
At only twenty years old, he was nearly a Tier 4 Earth Knight.
Benevolent toward his people, commanding in presence—he was everything a ruler should be.
And… he wasn't married.
Her cheeks flushed at the thought, a soft ripple of warmth cutting through the cold dread in her chest.
If David proposed marriage under normal circumstances, she might eagerly accept.
But now, it felt like a negotiation.
"Are you proposing an alliance through marriage?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly, tinged with hope and hesitation.
David looked up, meeting her gaze directly. "I can't promise you that now, but I swear on the name of the Frostwolf family that I will ensure your safety."
Her heart sank.
It wasn't a proposal—it was a transaction.
"I'll think about it," she murmured, her voice subdued.
David rose, sensing her need for space. "Take your time. This isn't a decision to be rushed."
As he left, the scene outside the camp came into focus.
The battle was over.
Though the mercenaries had prepared extensively, their loss of all formal knights left them disorganized and powerless.
David had specifically chosen this valley for the refugee camp, knowing its geography made it defensible. The surrounding mountains created a natural barrier, allowing his forces to seal the entrances and trap any intruders.
"David, the situation is under control," the Grey Wolf Knight reported.
David nodded in approval.
While he had displayed overwhelming strength during the fight, he didn't want news of his true abilities spreading just yet.
Although he possessed the combat power of a Tier 4 Earth Knight, the Frostwolf family's precarious position meant he couldn't risk open conflict with Duke Icebear.
With time and the right strategy, he could grow stronger. For now, he needed to delay a full-scale confrontation as long as possible.
"Interrogate them, then execute the lot," David ordered coldly.
The mercenaries paled, some immediately pleading for their lives and offering loyalty to Frostwolf.
David didn't even glance their way.
Invading his lands came with consequences—regret would not absolve them.
The Grey Wolf Knight nodded, signaling his retainers to drag the captives away.
Moments later, the distant sound of execution echoed through the camp, ensuring the dead mercenaries would join the others impaled in the forest of stakes—a grim warning to future intruders.
Returning to the camp's center, David's expression softened as he addressed the militiamen.
"You did well tonight," he said, his voice carrying warmth and pride.
Their loyalty had been tested, and they had passed.
As a reward, he granted them extra rations, bolstering morale.
David's gaze turned inward as the night deepened. The refugee crisis was just the beginning.
When the winter ended, the Icebear family would undoubtedly make their move.
To secure Frostwolf's survival, he needed more than strength.
He needed allies, resources, and power beyond what the current Frostwolf estate could provide.
He needed the legacy of the Snow Siren.