Dungeon of Niflheim

Chapter 660 Princess Avira (2)

The Duke of Icethorne was the most loyal ally Emperor Franz had, he and his War Ursa battalion would obey any of his orders without question. As long as Princess Avira held onto her father's token Duke Runak would treat her the same as he would her father and follow her will without question.

Seeing the confidence in Avira's gaze Frost was curious as to what could guarantee the aid of such a powerful and successful noble. But since it was likely a closely guarded secret he wouldn't pry, something Avira greatly appreciated. Frost would act as her bodyguard for the next leg of her journey, nothing more.

"Very well as agreed upon yesterday I shall escort you to Icethorne in a week, prepare any provisions you may need and feel free to enjoy the sights and activities available within my territory at your leisure."

"Thank you Lord Frost for your hospitality." Both Luna and Avira bowed their heads before smiling at one another. Luna had been chatting her head off on the journey here about the famous bath houses of the Niflheim base camp or rather the Niflheim city state which was a more apt title given the progress of the new wall.

With the official business concluded Frost along with Maya and Daki who remained glued to his arms escorted the disguised Princess Avira as well as Luna throughout their territory. And as expected Frost abused the opportunity to brag about his fair city, expounding on how prominent it had become and how limitless its future was.

Princess Avira took everything in with her analytical gaze doing her best to see the true form of the man known as Frost and the territory he had established.

'Strong soldiers, excited citizens, well established defences, businesses and limitless potential. Frost really chose an apt place to establish his territory and so far hasn't let a single opportunity slip by….a fearsome man.' Though Avira kept a rather composed expression her heart was in turmoil as she gazed upon the many facilities present within the Niflheim city state.

Frost was clearly a capable leader no less talented than the lord of the Furano Viscounty perhaps even more so given his young age and future potential. She could now empathise with Douglas and Leo in their decision.

'Haaaaaa Sedrick, Randolph you've truly went and kicked an iron board.' For a brief moment she even believed that her upcoming revolution may not even be necessary. The moment Randolph or Sedrick dared to stretch their claws towards Frost's territory would likely be their last and knowing the two of them it was only but a matter of time.

A moment later however Avira shook her head and smiled to herself. 'Haaaaa I have to stop thinking like that, this is my duty, my problem to resolve.' She clutched onto the token held near her breast, the key that would grant her the power to compete for the throne and truly oppose her sinner of a brother.

Eventually their brief but detailed tour guided by Frost and his partners came to an end once they reached the Sleeping Fenrir, Avira's quarters for the following week.

"I've already arranged for your lodgings and have assigned our little Nanna to be in charge of your care during your stay. If there's anything you desire or need feel free to inform her and she'll do her best to support you." As they pulled up to the Sleeping Fenrir, Avira caught sight of a young girl perhaps 11 or 12 years old.

She had long azure hair and bright blue feathers protruding from around her ears. She was absolutely adorable, a true beauty in the making.

The gaze however that this young girl was directing her way was frighteningly cold. Avira felt as though she was being stared at by a beast, eyeing her every move.

'Gulp so this is Nanna, one of the two phoenix kin slaves that Sedrick arranged for and who Lord Frost subsequently saved.' Knowing the young girl's past and given her own familial relationship to both Sedrick and Randolph she perfectly understood the reasoning behind such a glare.

Frost obviously noticed the animosity held in Nanna's eyes but chose to say nothing. This Princess had to earn their trust while she was here, to prove to them that she wasn't like her brothers rather than being given the benefit of the doubt.

"I hope you act in accordance with your position while you're here miss Avira because if you don't you'll not just have to face little Nanna's wrath."

Luna sucked in a sharp breath, astonished by Frost's boldness. He straight up went and threatened the Princess of the Northrend empire.

'General Anya's not the only one in a position to dictate fates heheheh.' Frost was filled with satisfaction as he saw Avira's lips twitching from anger and frustration.

"We leave for Icethorne in a week, make sure to prepare your own supplies since my only job will be escorting you….oh and just so you know you won't be my only charge." Frost really was cutting Avira down to size, treating her no differently than a normal person, something that she had never experienced before.

Princess Avira struggled to maintain her decorum, her hands tightly balled into fists as several choice words attempted to escape her lips but eventually she shook her head and took a deep breath, calming her nerves before turning to Frost, the one with all the power.

"You don't need to worry about me Lord Frost, I may be a pampered Princess who lacks worldly experience but I'm fully capable of gathering my own supplies and sharing my escort with another however I do ask that I be appraised of their identity before we set out."

"Hoh you've got fire I'll give you that but if I'm revealing their identity would I then not be honour bound to reveal yours to them as well….is that something you are willing to accept?" Frost wasn't quite done punishing the little Princess quite yet, finding bullying her quite enjoyable. Alas it seems he was starting to push it given the glare Luna was sending his way.

"Umu." Avira's face practically warped threatening to completely devolve into something without the slightest bit of noble grace. Again however she managed to restrain herself at the last minute but this time she decided to mark Frost on her list, this debt would certainly be repaid in the future.

"I'm willing as long as they agree to not spread the information." With great difficulty Avira agreed to Frost's conditions as her request if you ignored her status as a Princess could be considered fairly arrogant.

"Hmm." Frost glanced at Avira's face, an evil smile on his lips as he did his best to resist continuing his bullying. Maya and Daki certainly didn't help the situation however with their poorly stifled laughter and occasional praising caresses. They also found seeing the vaunted Princess of Northrend unable to voice her frustrations rather pleasing.

"Alright, I guess I've bullied you enough." Luna was right at the point of exploding, her finger primed and ready to start pointing and lecturing this group of mean older brother and sisters.

"We'll be travelling with a friend of mine, a former resident of the Furano Viscounty, Borris Darksteel. His destination also just happens to be the city of Icethorne, perhaps you'll be able to become friends."

"Borris Darksteel?" Avira didn't recognise the name, but Luna certainly did.

"Ehh uncle Borris want to go to Icethorne."

"Yes, he feels that he'll be able to further improve his craft by offering his services there."

"That makes sense, but still I can't help but feel worried, he's not exactly young anymore." Luna knew Borris as a friendly blacksmith that was trusted by nearly every adventurer in the Furano area regardless of their rank. He and his family had long provided choice equipment for their clientele, a true and trusted staple in the adventuring world.

"I wouldn't let him hear you say that about it him, he's quite touchy when it comes to his age after all." He himself had had his head bitten off a few times whenever such topics came up.

"However since I'm escorting him I can at least guarantee he'll reach Icethorne safely whatever happens after will depend him….the same goes for you Princess. Once I've safely delivered you to the Duke I have my own tasks to handle, so I won't be able to take care you."

Frost gave one last glance at Avira before walking off with Maya and Daki, leaving the two girls in Nanna's capable hands.

"Luna who's this Borris Darksteel?" It was clear that her information in regards to the Furano territory as well as Frost's was rather lacking.

"A blacksmith of decent renown in Furano. He recently advanced to the 4th star rank during the monster stampede, becoming the first to reach such a level in our territory in decades."

"There was such a person." 4th star craftsmen and up were highly protected assets within the empire.

"Un, however immediately after the stampede he retired from his workshop, handing the reigns over to his descendants and relocated to Frost's territory." Luna quickly informed Avira about the particulars.

"He even has the capabilities to draw over such an accomplished smith away from the empire….truly enlightening." The mysteries around Frost just kept getting more and more puzzling. Explore more stories with ???

Where on Nova did this young man come from? Who was backing him?