Chapter 278

After seeing off Yurii and Shura, Clael and the others headed to the snow festival.

Even though it was still early in the morning, the venue was already crowded with people.

Not just locals, but clearly many tourists as well. This must be the town's biggest event.

"Wow, it's so lively."

"Lord Clael, there are snow sculptures over there."

Near the entrance of the venue was an exhibition area for snow sculptures.

Many snow sculptures stood atop snow-made pedestals, looking down at the visitors.

Let's head there first. Clael, Reina, and their three friends immediately walked in that direction.

The exhibition area was filled with snow sculptures—knights, princesses, castles, monsters, and more. All were so well made, they looked like they might start moving at any moment.

"Is this... a dragon? It's really well done."

"That female snow sculpture over there is also exquisite. It looks like it might come to life."

"Yes, it's incredibly detailed... huh?"

They went around viewing the snow sculptures in order... and then, suddenly, they noticed something.

Among the lined-up sculptures, there was one that looked very familiar.

"Could this be...?"

"Isn't this... Lady Reina?"

Reina's friend... Meili noticed it too.

That snow sculpture was clearly modeled after Reina. It had a beautifully crafted form, wore a mystical robe-like outfit, and was posed holding up a staff.

"You're right, it's Lady Reina."

"It's really well made... though I don't think it fully captures Lady Reina's beauty."

Likewise, Reina's friends Sharon and Vanessa also looked up at the snow sculpture on the pedestal.

To her three friends, Reina gave a troubled smile.

"Oh no... I'm not that beautiful."

"No, no, Lady Reina, you're even more beautiful."

"No doubt about it."

Her friends stated firmly.

Clael felt the same way.

Even though the snow sculpture was very well made, he didn't think it could replicate Reina's divine beauty.

(Well, white snow does suit Reina, and I do think it's impressive they got this close...)

"Now that I look closely... there are Reina statues all over the place."

Then, they realized it.

Among the countless snow sculptures, there were several modeled after Reina.

The Saint who appeared for the first time in decades, Reina with her goddess-like beauty, was a constant topic of conversation.

They'd even heard rumors of her portraits being circulated, so it wasn't surprising she became a motif like this.

"As expected of Reina... she's really popular."

"Oh no... this is so embarrassing."

"Ah, over there, it's not just Reina—there's also a statue of Prince Eric."

A bit further away stood a statue of Saint Reina, with Crown Prince Eric standing closely beside her.

A beautiful couple. To those who didn't know about Reina and Eric's distant relationship, they must have looked like a perfect pair.

The two were standing very close, their faces almost touching like lovers...

"Ah, my hand slipped!"

"Ah..."

A mysterious bolt of lightning shot from Reina's hand.

The white lightning pierced the snow sculpture and shattered it completely.

The destroyed statue melted from the heat and returned to water, soaking into the ground.

"Sorry, I couldn't see it clearly... what kind of statue was it?"

"...Hmm, I couldn't really see it either."

If her hand slips, lightning comes out... was that ever a feature in the game?

"Well... the ground is snow, so please be careful not to slip."

They couldn't allow another similar incident.

When Clael reached out his hand, Reina happily placed hers on top of his.

"Yes! Lord Clael, shall we go?"

"......Yes."

Clael walked through the snow festival grounds beside Reina, whose voice bounced with excitement.