Conquering His Cold Heart

Frost stood forcibly opposed to Duke Runak, there was barely a metre between the two of them as they squared off with their auras in full swing.

Frost was like a stubborn rock refusing to crumble in the face of a raging sea.

Despite his weakness he boldly declared that the Duke wouldn't dare to kill him.

'This kid…' Duke Runak struggled to stop a genuine smile forming on his lips. Frost's character and bearing were qualities he greatly admired. He was weaker than himself, but he remained steadfast in his resolve, never backing down. He could tell that this wasn't due to simple arrogance or foolish stubbornness but from a well thought out and logical standpoint.

Frost knew his exact worth, he was strong, talented and never did anything that could truly pit him against the Duke but most of all he knew the weight of the unknown.

Duke Runak being a person so close to the S-rank and one who constantly protected the Empire against the dangerous enemies within the Glacial mountains knew full well that someone with an S-rank protector couldn't be made into an enemy. A faction or even an individual at that level could crush his Duchy without even breaking so much as a sweat. Frost could therefore not be touched.

"….Hiding behind your protector, a bit cowardly don't you think?"

"I could say the same about the man trying to intimidate me with the power of his Empire and the status of an elder."

Duke Runak kept stressing Avira's position as the Princess and future Empress of the Northrend Empire, highlighting the difference between her and Frost. He was pressuring him with the dignity and power of the Northrend Empire, subtly deeming him unworthy of her, declaring him a dog chasing after a swan. A strange comparison given that Frost held the beauty card, but the meaning was clear.

Frost's comment about the Duke taking advantage of his status as an elder was him implying that the Duke was only stronger than himself due to his age. Frost thoroughly believed that he'd easily surpass him given enough time.

"..."

"..."

The two continued to glare at one another in silence before. "Hehehe aggressive, bold and fair… well said Frost hahahaha!" Duke Runak suddenly erupted with booming laughter and in response Frost subtlety smiled and released a restrained breath.

'Guess I made the right call.' After internally sighing Frost laughed alongside the Duke, erasing the tense atmosphere that had developed between them.

Duke Runak had a high opinion of Frost and no longer saw him as a threat to the Princess, he'd let nature take its course and see where it leads. Of course if Frost ever hurt Avira he'd chase him to the ends of the world even if he was protected by someone at the S-rank.

With the drama out of the way the two could finally chat amicably.

"What's your true view on this matter Frost? Do you think we actually have a chance?" The two men moved over to the rest area that was established within the training hall, nothing fancy just a couple of comfy chairs and a stone table. The only beverage was water as the Duke didn't want to mix luxury and decadence with his training.

"….From what I've seen of Avira during our travels she's more than capable in handling the nations and kingdoms of the external regions.

As long as the Northrend Empire is chaotic but not fractured it'll still pose pressure on them, she can take advantage of that." Frost felt that the issues with the south were no longer a problem, Avira would be able to secure their non-interference for at least 6 months perhaps even a year….the problem was the liberation alliance.

"The true issue will always be the Glacial mountains liberation alliance, as long as they remain united the Duchy will fall, it's only a matter of time. Only if you can secure the complete military support of Karak Kanz will there be a chance and even then you'd know more than I." Frost took a sip of cold water and glanced knowingly at the Duke.

His actions over the past few decades meant that the Duchy had little to no friends, in fact the vast majority of the Glacial mountains would love to see them removed from their perch.

Duke Runak frowned in response and played with his cup. "Kastreas Iceforge, the king of Karak Kanz is a strong individual at the very peak of A-rank. His Empire is vast, consolidated and unafraid of both war and economic competition.

His army would certainly be able to bolster our forces to the point that we'd be on par perhaps even surpass the combined might of the Jabrak kingdom, the Northern nation of Glacial sprites and ice elementals, the ravenous horde and the large horned ice drake tribe but….the Frozen Demonic Empire is too well hidden.

I have no clue when it comes to the depths of their power just that they surpass all other nations within the inner regions." Honestly Duke Runak didn't have a lot of hope for their current situation.

"Do you think that Karak Kanz has a better idea of their strength?"

"I do and that's why I'm not confident in gaining their help." Even if the reward was extreme they'd be going against the most powerful empire within the Glacial mountains inner and external regions.

"…..What if they do?" A strange thought was building within his mind, as though a fog was clearing.

"….." Duke Runak stopped fiddling with his cup and thought seriously for a moment before replying. "If they do then I'll know not only the depths of the Frozen Demonic Empire's strength but also perhaps their motive." The same thought started to appear in the Duke's mind.

If Karak Kanz agrees to support them in this war it means that the alliance or at least the Frozen Demonic Empire would threaten their nation's interests.

Duke Runak now had a theory of what the alliance or rather the Frozen Demonic Empire desired.

"Guess I'll have to wait to hear back from King Iceforge." Everything hinged on the stance of Karak Kanz.

Since further talk about this topic was useless the two men moved onto to lighter issues. Duke Runak asked about Frost's time in Furano, about the development of the Niflheim city-state and also about the Dungeons that had appeared throughout the world. There was no permanent branch of the Federation of Knowledge nearby, so they were kind of lacking in information.

Frost was happy to explain a few things and regale his past to the mighty War God of the Glacial mountains, it was always better to have an extra friend rather than another enemy.

He was rewarded for being so forthright, the Duke in turn explained the development and running of the fortress, a place that completely dwarfed the current Niflheim city-state.

"You need to make sure that you foster talent among your subordinates, trustworthy and hardworking individuals that you can delegate your authority to.

It's impossible for one person to manage an entire territory by themselves no matter how talented or strong they are." Duke Runak stressed that attempts to retain as much direct control as possible would either lead him to becoming a tyrant or someone who restricted and eventually destroyed what he strove so hard to create.

Frost took his words to heart and agreed completely with his view. He'd already started fostering talented subordinates like, Maya, Daki, Findley, Khuno, Yuna and of course the kids Nanna and Loki. He even started to test a few others who held council positions.

After warmly chatting for nearly an hour Duke Runak suddenly donned a serious expression, his lips mumbled as though he was struggling to say something.

'Haaaaa I'll regret if I don't.' Eventually he seemed to muster up the courage.

"Frost do you truly have someone at the S-rank by your side?"

Frost thought for a few seconds before replying with a simple nod. Though Maya was currently restricted she was still technically an S-rank at heart and since there was already a rumour going around why should he hide it. Your next chapter is on empire

The moment Frost nodded his head Duke Runak's whole body trembled and a strange fascination filled his eyes. He then grabbed hold of Frost's hands and stared at him with an almost pleading expression.

Frost fearing that the Duke wanted to request aid from his supposed S-rank quickly denied the possibility. "Don't even think about asking for her help, she has no intention in aiding the Empire in any of its plights." Though he wasn't against offering his own services once he was done with his current task Maya was off limits.

"No no no you misunderstand Frost!" Duke Runak quickly waved his hands and shook his head in denial. He knew that such a request wasn't feasible. What he wanted was something more personal.

"I just want to ask for your opinion on something."

"….My opinion? On what?" He was intrigued.

"You've felt and even endured my aura yet unlike my Generals you aren't at the A-rank and back in the war room you even had a look in your eyes that seemed unmoved by it…..you've felt the aura or rather the domain of an S-rank haven't you?"