Chapter 838: The First Queen

Third Person’s POVFortunately, the sudden appearance of the incomparably mysterious Ethan had unexpectedly filled that gap.

Perhaps it was fate itself that that mysterious young man was now working under him.

"Also, remember to..."

Shixea continued explaining the numerous dangers, hidden opportunities, and precautions surrounding the Glaciem Ice Abyss, while beyond the palace windows, the brilliant sun slowly descended beneath the distant horizon.

Golden light gradually faded from Ice Emperor City, giving way to the cold embrace of night and marking the end of an eventful day.

Little did Shixea know that, at this very moment, a remarkably similar secret was being entrusted to another young woman elsewhere within Ice Emperor City.

Not far from the FrostStar Palace, inside another magnificent royal residence built from pale-blue crystal stone and shimmering ice marble, an equally solemn discussion was taking place.

Within an elegantly furnished chamber, a breathtakingly beautiful woman with lustrous golden hair and captivating ocean-blue eyes sat opposite a young girl with cloudy blue hair.

That young girl was none other than Princess Arlene.

The woman sitting before her possessed an exceptionally voluptuous figure that radiated the mature charm of a woman in the prime of her beauty.

Her generous curves were accentuated by an exquisitely tailored royal dress that left her smooth shoulders and graceful collarbone exposed.

The bodice embraced her ample bosom tightly, causing her well endowed assets to strain enticingly against the luxurious fabric, while every subtle movement of her body produced gentle ripples beneath the dress that were difficult to ignore.

Her skin was unusually pale, almost like freshly fallen snow.

That complexion was partly a result of spending most of her life within the perpetually cold Ice Emperor City and partly because, unlike many nobles, she rarely ventured beyond the comfort and security of the imperial palace.

Her long golden hair had been meticulously arranged into an elegant royal bun above her head, with several delicate strands framing her beautiful face and softening the dignified aura naturally surrounding her.

Although she had long since become a mother, she appeared to be no older than a woman in her late twenties.



The sapphire blue tiara resting gracefully upon her head only added to her regal bearing, while the revealing royal gown she wore perfectly balanced noble elegance with irresistible feminine allure.

Unfortunately, such a mesmerizing sight had only a single witness, and it was her daughter.

She was none other than Helena Icedust, the First Queen of the Ice Emperor and one of the proud daughters of the mighty Icedust Clan, the only ducal household within Ice Emperor City and the second most influential family throughout the entire Northern Glacial Region.

Unlike Shixea’s calculating smile, Helene’s expression remained solemn from beginning to end.

Looking directly into Arlene’s eyes, she spoke in a composed yet authoritative voice.

"To ensure that you have the greatest possible chance of obtaining that inheritance, I have already requested one of the finest talents of the Icedust Clan to accompany you throughout this expedition."

She paused briefly.

"He is none other than Llyold Icedust, your distant cousin."

The name alone caused Arlene’s beautiful eyes to widen in surprise.

"Llyold... Icedust?"

She almost repeated the name unconsciously.

How could she possibly not recognize it?

Llyold wasn’t merely another talented student.

He was publicly acknowledged as the second strongest member of the elite forty Crystal Formation students within the New Moon Magic Academy and had occupied that position for nearly three consecutive years.

Throughout the academy, his reputation bordered on legendary.

As one of the direct descendants of the Icedust Duchy, he possessed both extraordinary talent and an equally extraordinary background.

The Icedust Clan governed Ice Dust City, the great eastern stronghold of the Northern Glacial Region, just as the Froststar Clan presided over Froststar City upon its western frontier.

Together, the two cities formed the empire’s greatest defensive bastions.

Although Arlene and Llyold shared distant familial ties through her mother’s side of the family, the two had barely interacted over the years.

Llyold had always been an exceptionally reserved individual.

Apart from magic and academy matters, he rarely involved himself with anyone else, including members of his own extended family.



Even Arlene had admired him only from afar throughout her years within the academy.

Therefore, learning that he would personally accompany and assist her during the Glaciem Ice Abyss expedition immediately filled her heart with excitement.

While she was still processing the unexpected news, Helene slowly rose from her seat.

The movement caused the fabric wrapped around her mature figure to tighten momentarily, subtly emphasizing her voluptuous curves before settling once again.

She gracefully walked toward the enormous crystal window overlooking the vast imperial city blanketed beneath snow and slowly folded her hands behind her back.

Without turning around, she calmly spoke,

"As for that young man... Eryndor."

Her voice became noticeably colder.

"I advise you to stay as far away from him as possible throughout this expedition."

Only then did she slowly turn around.

Her ocean-blue eyes met Arlene’s directly.

"If what you told me regarding Ivan Froststar’s appearance within the Ghostpine Woods is true, then I have little doubt that he and Shixea have already found a method of keeping that young man under their control."

She paused before continuing in an even firmer voice.

"So no matter how mysterious, polite, or trustworthy he may appear, do not lower your guard, and if circumstances force you to encounter him, never trust him."

Her expression became frighteningly serious.

"Remember...never."

The unusual severity in her mother’s voice caused Arlene to instinctively nod.

"Yes, Mother."

However, despite her obedient response, uncertainty quietly lingered within her heart.

After all, her own master, Headmaster Dominic IceHeart, had personally ’spoken’ with Ethan.

More importantly, he had already convinced the mysterious young man to cooperate with him against Shixea.

Those facts directly contradicted her mother’s assumptions.

Unable to reconcile the two completely different conclusions, Arlene silently chose to suppress her doubts for the time being.

Seeing her daughter’s response, Helene gave a small nod before continuing to explain the numerous dangers hidden within the Glaciem Ice Abyss, along with the various opportunities and precautions she absolutely needed to remember once she entered the ancient realm.