"You've obtained the inheritance of an Ice Witch?"
After calming herself, Annie was uncertain about her thoughts. She immediately thought of the Ice Witch who had rescued Hill. However, she didn't connect the Frostwolf Duke with the Ice Witch; she simply assumed he had acquired the Ice Witch's inheritance.
David didn't answer and instead changed the subject: "What brings you here today?"
The little white mouse glanced again at the stone encased in ice, nodded, and said, "I've agreed to your proposal for cooperation."
Originally, she wanted to further understand the Frostwolf Duke's intentions. But after witnessing the Ice Arrow, she realized there was no need to probe further—the Frostwolf Duke indeed had the power to protect them.
"Oh?"
"You mean you, not the witch organization behind you?"
"That's right, I can't represent the entire witch organization, but I can lead some witches to Frostwolf Ridge."
David nodded slightly, then shifted his tone: "So, mysterious witch, shouldn't you show yourself?"
"If we're to cooperate, you should show some sincerity, right?"
As the witch fell silent, David smiled slightly, maintaining a calm demeanor. Annie hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. The little white mouse led the way towards the manor.
"This place..."
David was taken aback. So, the mysterious witch had been nearby all along.
Before long, he arrived at the manor. Annie, with her short flaxen hair and simple linen clothes, stood at just over five feet tall, slender yet graceful.
"Your Grace," Annie greeted David with a bow.
David's gaze fell on the little white mouse perched on Annie's shoulder, narrowing his eyes, "I didn't expect you to be a witch."
"Apologies, Your Grace," Annie performed a noble's curtsy, "I didn't intend to deceive you."
David nodded, understanding the caution a witch must exercise regarding her identity.
"And what about your companions?" he asked.
"I'll notify them shortly, asking them to come to Frostwolf Ridge."
Having made her decision, Annie had no regrets.
"Then come with me," David said.
"Alright."
Annie nodded. She didn't have much to pack, just a few books before leaving the manor with David. She soon realized that the Frostwolf Duke wasn't taking her to the castle but rather into Frostwolf Forest.
Howls echoed soon after they entered the forest. A few gray wolves approached, wagging their tails upon recognizing David. Summoning two wolves, David had them carry him and Annie toward Gray Wolf Valley.
From the moment they entered Frostwolf Forest, Annie wondered where the Frostwolf Duke was taking her. Upon seeing the castle rising within a valley, she was momentarily stunned.
"Is this..."
David replied, "This is the witches' castle."
Though she had anticipated it, hearing those words still stirred Annie's emotions. The Frostwolf Duke had indeed promised to establish a place for witches in Frostwolf Forest.
"Lord, why are you here?" a small girl suddenly ran over, diving into David's arms.
Since the castle had just been completed and Hill might need help with construction, Cynthia had been staying in Gray Wolf Valley.
"I missed you, of course."
David affectionately tousled Cynthia's tawny hair.
"I don't believe you," Cynthia teased, sticking out her tongue before glancing at Annie. "Is this the new sister?"
Curiously, she added, "Why didn't you leave her at the castle but brought her to the witches' castle?"
"This is Annie, another witch," David introduced, placing Cynthia down and pointing to Annie.
"You're a witch too?" Cynthia's eyes lit up, feeling an innate kinship with witches.
Just then, Hill emerged from the castle. Upon seeing Annie, Hill was taken aback, then her eyes widened in disbelief, "Are you Miss Annie?"
"Hill!"
Annie was equally stunned. She never expected to see Hill here! The two witches from the Witches' Mutual Aid Society had reunited under such circumstances, confirming Annie's earlier suspicions.
"Let's head inside," David suggested with a smile.
The castle was newly constructed and hadn't been finely decorated yet. However, basic furnishings were in place, and the rooms were equipped with beds, making it suitable for resting.
"You must have much to discuss, having just met. I'll leave you to it, and we can talk more in the morning."
David bid farewell with a smile and left with Cynthia, heading to the master bedroom on the rooftop. Cynthia had been in Gray Wolf Valley for the past two days, so they hadn't had much time together recently.
David sent a snow pigeon to deliver a message back, then stayed with Cynthia for dual cultivation.
"Let's go outside," Cynthia suggested, her face flushed.
David nodded, understanding the little fox girl's fear of the dark. During their time in the castle, they always communicated during the day, and at night, Cynthia preferred the outdoors, where she felt free.
He lifted her and jumped out the window. On the grass, they embraced.
Cynthia's stamina was indeed better than Amy's, but she was still no match for the lord at night. She soon surrendered, pleading for mercy.
"Why don't you transform into the fox girl?" David teased.
"No way," Cynthia stubbornly replied, "I can still go on."
David didn't hold back.
[You completed a session of practice, Beast Transformation Affinity +33]
[Beast Transformation Affinity: Intermediate (2025/10000)]
Despite David's efforts, the experience gained for Beast Transformation Affinity was still slow, primarily because Cynthia's strength was too weak. Leah and Amy had reached the third stage, and Rena was at the second-stage peak. Although Cynthia could contend with second-stage knights, both her knightly and beast transformation abilities were still at the first stage. He realized he needed to help Cynthia enhance her strength.
"Lord," Cynthia looked at David with pitiful eyes, genuinely exhausted.
"Don't worry, I just want to hold you," David affectionately stroked Cynthia's hair, not pushing her further.