Chapter 448: D164. View on Life and Death_3
Despite the Snow Woman Archer being the one in their species who has roamed human society the longest, it seems the Frost Matron is also not entirely ignorant of the human world. It’s unclear whether she too had an unrestricted youth or if she simply sought to understand humanity for the sake of her children. At this moment, she speaks with authority.
“Although the history of humankind establishing kingdoms and building great cities is not very long, just as you saw at the Prayer House, they have had such customs since the nomadic tribe era.
“However, Magic Creatures and Demons are different. Although there is a great variance among species, and some possess a Wisdom enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with—or even surpass—humankind, we have few traditions of commemorating the deceased in graveyards.”
The Frost Matron explained the cultural differences between Alien Races with a gentle expression and soft voice.
“In fact, I have also pondered why there is such a difference between us,” the Frost Matron mused. “After all, humans and Demons can procreate, which proves that there are no unbridgeable gulfs between our Lineage. Perhaps it’s the environmental differences between settlements and living in the wild that result in such customs? Yet this explanation seems far-fetched.
She lifted her gaze to the Hero and gave a faint smile, “However, after meeting you, I feel I’ve begun to vaguely understand what causes this phenomenon. Hero, can you tell me?”
The Hero, too, gradually understood what the Frost Matron meant to convey, and her expression turned somewhat melancholic.
“Because I understand that their Souls have Dissipated and their bodies will return to Nature; even if I were to go to their graves, there would be nothing there.” After a moment of silence, she spoke softly.
The Frost Matron listened quietly, a hint of understanding in her gaze.
“I am a Talent Professional, a Beast Spirit Mage who can devour souls. So, I instinctively understood this long ago.”
Therefore, she didn’t even attend her own funeral.
This is the fundamental difference in perspectives between humans and Demons. Most humans are not powerful Professionals, and even if they are, they are not born with great strength. So, even if they intellectually understand the essence of death, their Spirits still can’t help but seek something to hold on to. But for Demons who can naturally sense Magic Element and refine Magic Power, they are unable to grieve over an empty husk.
They understand that death is death; what passes will Dissipate and never return.
However, the Hero’s melancholy quickly faded, and she smiled again, pointing to her chest.
“But I believe that what they have left behind will not vanish completely; their traces are not in the earth, but here.”
The Frost Matron widened her eyes slightly, then chuckled and nodded.
“Is that so? This is a concept we never had, but it is indeed a good idea. Perhaps this is why you can overlook our differences.”
She took a step forward and gently embraced the Hero.
“Until we meet again, Hero. This Snowfield and all of us will always welcome your return.”
The Hero climbed back into the Chocobo Cart, but this time, in addition to the constant companion Gleaming Scale Serpent, the White Snake and the Snow Woman Archer also came along as guards for half of the journey.
Given her and the Gleaming Scale Serpent’s performance when they arrived, such an escort wasn’t necessary. But rather than an escort, it was more like a farewell stroll after friends had parted ways.
“So, you’re leaving the Border soon.”
During the conversation on the road, upon learning that the Hero was about to leave the Border, the Snow Woman Archer expressed her reluctance.
The Hero had been in the Border for quite some time, and with the completion of the Forging of the Equipment to suppress the Curse, she no longer had other business there.
Although life with the Count’s family was cozy and comfortable, and she had become very familiar with the landscape and local customs of the Border city, and the patients and nurses of the Healer Association were very fond of her…
But ultimately, she could not stay here forever, at least not now.
Since she had promised the Count and the Princess to go to the Capital for further study, and she also had a goal of touring the Kingdom and exterminating Goblins, it was about time to leave.
“Now that I’m an honorary citizen of the Border, though not a Noble, I do have a formal Identity. If I have the chance, I will also go to the Capital.”
Understanding that the Hero had her own aspirations, the Snow Woman Archer didn’t say much, only her expression firmed.
“Whether as a human or a Magic Creature, you are still young and should see more of the world.”
The White Snake gently echoed, “I will always be here. Just Summon me if you need anything. With a little improvement to that Devouring Curse Demon ritual you spoke of, there should be a way.”
The Snow Woman Archer nodded earnestly, “Then we will see you off to here. But Hero, remember, whenever you need me, my sisters and I will always come to be your Strength.”
The Hero opened her mouth, feeling her chest filling with a warm warmth.
She wanted to say something sincere in response, but couldn’t think of any words that would express her feelings properly, and was frustrated that she hadn’t paid more attention during her family etiquette classes.
But she forgot that, although she did take the etiquette classes seriously, such social pleasantries didn’t really come in handy in this sort of genuine conversation.
In the end, she could only respond with a heartfelt smile.
“…Yeah, thank you, both of you.”
[Which home to return to?]
1~5. Grandfather’s house
6~9. Father’s house♛
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
D10=d10(7)=7
[Hero’s Luck]
D10=d10(3)=3