By the time they arrived at the show-covered territory, it was midday.
"Wow."
What unfolded before Lowell's eyes was a scene completely opposite of the Capital, Phoebos. The wind scattered flurries of snow, and all around them stretched endless snowy mountains.
So this is a place where it's winter all 365 days.
Even Felix's castle, rising tall among the peaks, looked nothing like what Lowell had seen in the Capital. The high walls were topped with slitted windows, and the entire structure radiated a dark hue. It looks more like a fortress—or a prison—than a castle.
Of course. It's right near the border, so the security has to be tight.
The guards standing near the castle stood at stiff, full attention. They bowed so low to the returning Felix that it made Lowell feel awkward just watching.
Are there more guards stationed because something might have happened while Felix was away?
Neighbouring countries and nomadic groups were all well aware that Hallan nobles participate in the Blessing Month festivities. Because of that, border territories like this one often had to double or triple their security to prepare for potential invasions. Felix's domain had long since been a hot zone, with frequent wars breaking out along it's borders. For the first few years, it had even been exempt from participating in the Blessing Month altogether.
Whether that was an act of goodwill or not, who knows.
After Felix had proven once and for all the vast difference in power and ensured no one dared to violate the border again, the wars had nearly stopped. And recently, he'd even eliminated the battle-nomads—so things should be relatively safe now.
Since the peace is still fresh, it makes sense that the castle still looks like a fortress.
Lowell tried to talk himself into understanding the ominous exterior. But that was where his tolerance ended.
"Let's go in."
After accepting the knights greetings, they entered the castle—and Lowell was stunned.
"What... What is this....?"
Lowell's jaw dropped the moment he stepped inside. Not because it was beautiful. On the contrary, only a handful of attendants had come out to greet Felix. That wasn't something that bothered Lowell personally. The interior design was rather sparse, but it wasn't bad. Magical tools emitting fire-element magic kept the place warm enough to forget it was winter.
The problem was...
"Why is all the curtains drawn? It's the middle of the day, but it's pitch dark in here. Is it because of the cold?"
The entire castle felt less like a dim room and more like a sealed chamber. The curtains weren't ordinary—they were blackout-level, plunging the interior into near-total darkness. Only a few soft lights—candle flames and glow spells—illuminated the space. Most of the furniture was in muted tones, giving the impression that the place had been cursed and robbed of color.
Felix didn't pick up on Lowell's shock and started explaining casually, even with a hint of pride in his tone.
"The windows are enchanted with fire magic, so the temperature isn't an issue. I'm a rare mage who used dark-element magic. Since I train and conduct my research in this castle, it's better without sunlight. The dark is more compatible with my magic."
Lowell's stomach turned. That explanation didn't sit well with him at all.
"What does that even mean? So do fire mages train by sitting inside a bonfire?"
"There was a Grand Mage who did that, actually."
Lowell was momentarily at a loss for words. Honestly, he didn't care if some other Grand Mage wanted to live inside a fire, underwater, or hugging trees for life—that had nothing to do with him. But Felix shutting himself up in the dark to train? That wasn't something Lowell could let slide.
This whole environment is a disaster! And no one ever objected to this? Do they think they're children of darkness or something?
First, he had to change this depressing atmosphere. Even a healthy person could develop depression here. Felix was already more than powerful enough—he didn't need more training. What he needs is emotional peace.
And this is how he ends up turning into the Demon King! Leaving things as they are is basically preparing a ritual for his descent. It'd be better if he had less magic!
Lowell had no intention of just sitting by, now that he was inside the castle. He was going to overhaul everything from top to bottom. Fired up in a way that wasn't like him, he swept his eyes across the dreary hall.
I'm changing all of it.