Story of Season: Winter

Chapter 23

Snow still continues to fall, although not much, but if it lasts a long time it can blanket homes and streets. People still move as usual, but start wearing warm clothes.

Among the people wearing thick clothes, Delphy stood on the edge of the bridge, staring at the river that had not yet frozen without wearing warm clothes. People who passed by looked at him strangely, but was no longer surprised by the color of his hair. However, all corners of Whittaker State know of his existence as a hero.

Some passers-by offered her a coat, but Delphy refused, preferring to enjoy the piercing cold, while eliminating the hangover before heading home. He also tried to organize his thoughts, still thinking about what he should do next.

I don't know what's interesting about a small flowing river, but Delphy still didn't take his eyes off of it, until a voice called out.

"Captain Delphy?"

Delphy turned his head, it was Alice, the female warrior he had fought with, but Delphy could not remember. Indeed, basically Delphy difficult to remember the people around him if only in one interaction.

Realizing that Delphy did not remember Alice, the girl with the hair tied in a ponytail introduced herself. "I'm Alice, I used to fight the Captain, but I lost."

Delphy nodded slowly, beginning to remember Alice. "What are you doing here?"

"Just just passing by and ordering some ration stock." Alice replied, "Captain himself, what is the captain doing here? I see the captain just keeping silent about the river."

"That's you know the answer."

"So that's right? The captain just stared at the river?" Reply Alice with a clear-sounding tone of surprise.

"Why? Is that weird, huh?"

Alice shook her head softly, "No, it's just that I don't think the Captain is the kind of person who likes to waste time enjoying the scenery."

"I just want to get rid of the hangover before coming back. If I were to return drunk like this, Prince Colden would go berserk looking at his sister's bodyguards like this."

Alice nodded in understanding, "To be honest the Captain doesn't look like a drunk."

"Well, just after finishing a glass of beer I felt really drunk, but I realized quickly, it's just that my head felt heavy."

"In that case, I know a great place to get rid of the bad taste after a hangover."

Delphy shook his head, "No need, you go back before your boss looks for you for too long."

Alice suddenly realized that she had been away from the headquarters for too long. "Then I say goodbye. I hope one day we can have another conversation huh, it feels good to have a chat with the Captain."

Delphy smiled and waved as Alice began to step away. Delphy decided to look for another place, it felt like he had been staring at the river for too long.

+++

Delphy returned to the Palace at night. The girl walked in leisurely steps, as if nothing had happened during the day. Arriving at the gates of the Palace, Commander Claude had just returned from duty.

It felt like Delphy had abandoned his intention to return to the Palace back then. It's late enough even after midnight. He had no mission until he had to go home at night. If caught red-handed, Delphy should be ready to receive a lecture from Commander Claude.

Not yet had Delphy turn around, Commander Claude had already called him first, "Come here, I have something to talk about." Commander Claude's tone sounded very serious.

Delphy approached Commander Claude without hesitation, as he believed Commander Claude would want to talk about something important.

"What kind of task?"

"Never leave your guard from Crystal. There's been a lot of rumors going around about the rebels wanting to take him down."

"It is certainly inevitable. They'll only retreat if Crystal proves her strength in the lead."

"Next week his coronation will be carried out. Until then find out about the rebels. Remember, Crystal is really not safe."

Delphy nodded in understanding. "I'll do it."

After that Delphy headed to his room while thinking about the possible location where the rebels had gathered. Commander Claude even had to warn Delphy about Crystal's situation.

On the way back to the room, Delphy recalled the necklace he was wearing. The necklace with a pendulum shape that made Delphy fall in love when he first received it.

Delphy clasped his necklace pendulum shut his eyes, remembering the word necklace giver who said if the necklace would accompany him.

If you think, Delphy remembered his necklace pendulum has a close relationship with winter. It is fitting that he likes her so much. Delphy has always loved winter, including today, the snow is still falling.

Seeing the Palace that began to be covered with snow made Delphy remember the Winter Country in the Epoch Continent. A country that Delphy will always miss for its beauty.

"One day if all my work is done, I will visit the Winter Country." Delphy told himself.

Arriving at the room, Delphy greeted Lilian who had prepared warm tea and nightgowns for her. Delphy felt guilty. Lilian should have been asleep by now, but the woman had never been negligent in her duties.

"thank you. I'll drink the tea, don't worry. You can sleep now." Delphy said while changing clothes.

"I hope Miss really drinks her tea. It was snowing, the air was cold. The tea will help you warm up after being outside all day."

Delphy nodded, reassuring Lilian that he understood Lilian's every word. "Sorry to interrupt your sleep."

Lilian shook her head softly, "no problem, it's already my duty miss." Afterwards Lilian pamit.

Once he was done changing clothes, Delphy drank his tea. Instantly he felt calmer. Lilian's warm tea has always been Delphy's favorite. Somehow Delphy rarely left the rest if you drink Lilian's tea.

Delphy began to lay down on the bed. His eyes felt heavier, apparently he was tired but because of the burden of his own mind he forgot his fatigue. Until finally he was in the dream world.

+++

People ran here and there while busy putting out the fire that is now growing. In the large building there, the Western part of the Palace of fire spread from the top floor, eating the building down. If left one building west of the Palace will run out just like that in eating fire.

In front of the building, Delphy stood, staring at the building where he had lived since twelve years ago now eaten by fire. People shouted at him, from soldiers, Knights, servants to his brother tried to resuscitate him who was now just standing still unmoved.

Until Delphy looks up when a ruin leads to him feels like a slow motion for Delphy. Remain silent as if letting the ruins hit him, even though Delphy always has good reflexes but this time as if all the experiences he had just disappeared.

"Will you just let it go? Wake up, you've rested, haven't you before? I'm sure you can get through it"

Delphy heard it, a voice coming from the necklace he was wearing seemed to resuscitate him. But all too late, the wreckage fell on his face.