Amber Sword

...

"Is that you, Barbara?" Brand had already recognized this wrinkled old woman as the old witch, Barbara, whom he had extorted once in Ridenburg.

"A witch? Brand, who is she?" Princess Griffith was the first to react, as witches had a bad reputation in the Human World due to their past allegiance with the Dark Dragon, leading most to live in hiding. Surrounded by an aura of wickedness, mystery, and nefarious intent, they were often used in many of Vorn’s bedtime stories as quintessential villains to warn children.

Growing up in such a cultural atmosphere, Princess Griffith naturally wasn’t an exception. Her mere furrowing of brows already indicated her good manners, and partly because the other had once assisted them. Not just the princess, but Count Otin also raised an eyebrow slightly, but as a mature noble, he obviously had more composure and didn’t let his surprise show.

"It’s me, my lord," the old woman wearing a black robe, hiding her wrinkled face beneath a wizard hat, respectfully bowed to Brand: "You all needn’t worry, my lord has helped this old woman once before, and I once vowed before the Dark Dragon to repay the favor. Today I’ve come to fulfill that pledge, so my lord need not be concerned." Barbara glanced at everyone with her little eyes and said.

This was clearly a lie; when had he ever helped her? Extorting her was more like it. However, Brand could somewhat guess why she might extend help to him, and soon a voice inside confirmed this suspicion:

"My king, no need to doubt. We are your loyal followers, and at this pivotal moment when history is about to change, the witches of the Winter Kingdom must fulfill their promises first."

Indeed, Barbara once prophesied in Ridenburg that he would bring about the return of the Dark Dragon, which he found laughable at the time. But things are unpredictable, and he later became Odin’s legacy inheritor, despite only possessing a fraction of the legacy and not truly being the Dark Dragon. It’s unclear how this old hag tracked him down.

"Hmph!" came a cold snort. "Brand, where have you found such filthy allies again, do you truly aim to become the Dark Dragon?" This was the voice of the Wind Queen.

Brand was startled, not expecting the Wind Queen to speak at that moment, for she and Odin were sworn enemies, making her one of the witches’ foes. He quickly looked up, but saw Barbara’s face showing no peculiar expression, as he felt relieved, realizing Barbara’s voice was merely a magic effect, unable to reveal his inner thoughts.

"She clearly sought me out; how is anything my fault?" Brand couldn’t help but reply, feeling wronged.

"Hmph, take care to beware of arrogance," the Wind Queen coldly stated, then fell silent again. Brand’s heart stirred: "Wind Queen, I thought you truly wouldn’t see me at all today."

"You..."

The Elf Sister internally cursed ten times at the pig-headed Brand, then resolved not to interact with him until the last critical moment.

Brand remained unaware of having greatly offended the Wind Spirit’s ancestor once more. If possible, he would already qualify for the Wind Queen Temple’s pyre. "Barbara, how do you know about all this?" he asked.

The old witch smiled mysteriously. "Master need not conceal anything; as long as the runes on the Black Prophecy remain intact, we witches can read all secrets from them. The Black Prophecy has long anticipated today’s events, with the Dark Dragon destined to return to Earth."

"The Black Prophecy also foretells Madara ruling the Earth, the unification of the Twelve Witch Clans, yet none of this has come to pass," Brand muttered internally. But he didn’t wish to associate with these individuals; witches have a terrible reputation in the Mortal World, associating with them equals admitting to being a follower of the Dark Dragon. The followers of the Dark Dragon in the Four Holy Temples-dominated Vorn are treated like cultists, despised and hunted. "Could you be mistaken?" he asked.

"No," Barbara seemed to realize something, hastily replied humbly: "Is master worried about identity issues? It’s alright; we’ll assist you secretly without exposing your identity—at least not before the second Judgement Day."