"Commander, this is Miss Freya, an inhabitant of this city," said Rubén.
After his words, Simón and his team were left in shock.
"Miss Freya, there are ghosts in your city. Do not worry; as a show of good will we have already captured it," León spoke before Simón could say anything.
Immediately afterward, he dragged the ghost in front of Freya, pulling on the chain.
"Damn it, I told you to let him go!" Freya exclaimed with fury. "Crack, crack, crack."
She raised her hand and, in an instant, León was turned into a sculpture of ice.
Then she hurried to untie the chain from the ghost.
Upon raising her gaze, Freya found herself surrounded by men aiming pistols at her, including Rubén.
"What are those objects and what do you intend by aiming them at me?
If you try to harm me, I warn you that I am stronger than all of you together," she said calmly, although a slight unease stirred her heart.
"We did not know that that ghost was your friend.
We tied him without knowing, but you were cruel in attacking our companion.
You will have to come with us before our lord viscount, where you will be judged," Simón spoke with coldness.
Inside he was furious and wanted to shoot, but he restrained himself.
Taking her prisoner was more useful.
"I did not kill him. I only gave him a lesson.
In a while he will return to normal, although he will be quite cold," Freya clarified.
Simón felt relieved. He adjusted his posture and spoke with greater calm:
"Then I apologize for our discourtesy.
Allow me to present myself formally. I am Simón Bruce, general of the Navy of the Viscounty of Solomon and commander of this expedition.
We thought this was an abandoned city."
"Very well, it was a misunderstanding.
My name is Freya Magic, senior officer of the Scarlet Legion.
This is Olleg, the wise elf of destiny and one of the leaders of Frozen City," she introduced herself, pointing to the ghost.
That embarrassed Simón and his group a little.
"As commander, I apologize for entering without permission and accidentally wounding your elder," Simón said with a tense face.
"It is already forgotten.
Please wait for our leader. He will arrive soon and has important matters to discuss with you," Freya requested with her habitual cold tone.
"Agreed, we will wait here," Simón accepted.
Meanwhile, his curiosity about the so-called Scarlet Legion grew; the name seemed familiar to him, but he could not manage to remember why.
"Little friend," Olleg said, "could you tell me what your lord's name is and what kind of ruler he is?
I have no bad intentions, only curiosity."
"My lord is the Viscount of Solomon, André Solomon," Simón answered with pride.
"He is talented, intelligent, charismatic, and he cares for his people.
It was he who saw the potential of exploring other continents and sent us here."
"He must be a great lord," Olleg commented, noticing Simón's devotion.
"There is no one better in the world," he affirmed without doubting.
"How many men are participating in this expedition?"
"Five thousand," he answered with pride.
"That is impressive."
"And we are only ten percent of my lord's forces."
"Are you certain that he is only a viscount?"
"That is why I tell you there is no one like him."
"Did everyone arrive here?"
"Yes, in perfect condition."
"That is impossible. Years on the high seas without diseases…"
"Who said it was years?
Only nine months. And with the correct path, we could go and return in six."
Olleg's astonishment was evident.
"What method do you use to navigate?
This seems like magic."
"Everything thanks to my lord André," Simón answered.
"We use steam machines to propel the ships."
Olleg and Freya were left truly impacted.
"Is what you say true?" Freya asked, interrupting excitedly.
"That is right. My lord always creates incredible inventions."
Olleg felt a shudder.
Years earlier he had prophesied the arrival of someone with a destiny similar to that of the world emperor:
a person surrounded by miracles.
Perhaps… that André Solomon was the one he had waited for so long.
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