Tiny snowflakes drifted gently from the sky, softly falling upon Shirou's path as he walked toward Esdeath's location.
All the imperial soldiers had long since changed into thick coats to adapt to the freezing weather. While heavy clothing would have only hindered them during battle, now that the fighting was over, warmth became their priority.
Shirou even noticed two soldiers sitting on the steps, each holding a steaming bowl of soup, sipping slowly with smiles unconsciously forming on their faces.
They had won the war—naturally, it was cause for happiness.
Led by Liver, Shirou gradually passed through the numerous tents scattered around the encampment.
Whenever soldiers saw Liver, they immediately straightened up and greeted him energetically. Clearly, Liver was highly respected among the troops.
Yet this area didn't seem to be just a military camp for Esdeath's army. Looking around casually, Shirou noticed that, aside from some damaged walls, everything here suggested an atmosphere befitting royalty.
He could even see finely carved statues.
Perhaps this was the capital of the Northern Tribes.
Of course, Shirou didn't actually know this—he merely felt this wasn't a place ordinary soldiers should freely enter.
However, hearing the excited chatter among the soldiers, Shirou suppressed his doubts deep within.
"Are you a Teigu user?"
Liver, walking ahead, suddenly asked.
"Teigu? What's that?"
Shirou shook his head in confusion. He knew nothing about this world, let alone something called a Teigu.
After witnessing various Blood Demon Arts in the Demon Slayer world, Shirou didn't find it particularly strange that Esdeath possessed ice-manipulation powers.
Every world had its peculiarities; strange powers were hardly surprising.
After all, even Shirou's own Projection Magecraft would likely be mistaken for some form of Blood Demon Art in the Demon Slayer Corps' world, as no human there could perform such supernatural feats.
Thus, he didn't dwell on the question.
"You really don't know?"
Liver glanced back at the red-haired youth in surprise.
To match Esdeath in battle without a Teigu… Liver's estimation of Shirou's strength immediately rose another notch.
"Then what exactly is a Teigu? Some sort of powerful weapon?"
"Yes," Liver nodded, "an incredibly powerful weapon granting unique abilities to its user."
But Liver didn't demonstrate his own Teigu in front of Shirou.
Although he firmly believed Shirou would soon join Esdeath's forces, caution dictated that he reveal as little as possible. If Shirou somehow became an enemy instead, exposing his capabilities prematurely would be foolish.
Liver wasn't as supremely confident as Esdeath, who believed herself capable of dominating any foe.
"Then why are you two sides fighting in the first place?"
Shirou decided he needed to gather as much information as possible before meeting the blue-haired general again.
He couldn't go see her blindly, without understanding the situation.
Given her generosity in sparing his life, Shirou felt he should at least thank her. Considering his actions, Esdeath had thousands of legitimate reasons to execute him on the spot.
His opinion of her had improved slightly—but he still couldn't forget the cold, predatory smile she'd worn while slaughtering those fleeing soldiers.
Like a beast, bloodthirsty yet perfectly calm—it sent chills down his spine.
But that had only been Shirou's first impression. He cautioned himself not to judge solely by appearance. Perhaps Esdeath really was a compassionate general, as Liver had implied.
After all, Liver didn't seem like the type to lie, nor did his expression suggest deception.
Without further understanding, Shirou couldn't truly judge her. He decided he'd have to see her again in person before concluding what sort of person she really was.
Smack—!
Thud—!
Muffled groans echoed from within the luxurious tent ahead, followed by silence.
Yet the two guards stationed at the entrance remained utterly impassive, standing perfectly straight and gazing blankly forward, as if nothing unusual had occurred.
"I'm here to see General Esdeath."
Liver calmly stated their purpose to the guards.
The two soldiers exchanged quick glances, nodded slightly, and respectfully bowed, stepping aside to allow them entry.
Shirou was unfamiliar with such gestures; in his view, all humans were inherently equal. When he passed the two soldiers, Shirou awkwardly returned their bows out of politeness before continuing after Liver.
"Oh, has that red-haired boy awakened?"
Before he even saw the woman with icy blue hair, her chilling voice reached Shirou clearly through Liver.
No matter the situation, Esdeath always exuded a tremendous presence, making Shirou feel immense pressure merely by standing inside her tent.
"Hah—!"
"Hah—!"
A sound like a dog panting came from ahead, prompting Shirou, blocked by Liver's body, to tilt his head curiously.
Did such a fierce general keep dogs as pets? If so, they were probably massive beasts resembling lions.
But the scene that met Shirou's eyes immediately caused his pupils to contract sharply.
Numa Seika—the proud northern prince who'd bravely fought against Esdeath—was now on all fours before her like a dog, desperately licking her boots.
His face held no trace of dignity, only a slavish, excited desperation, exactly like a real dog.
Esdeath kicked him away repeatedly, as casually as one would kick a ball, yet Numa Seika seemed honored by the cruel treatment, crawling forward again and again, eagerly licking her boots.
"My Lady, I've brought him as requested."
Liver knelt respectfully, one hand placed gracefully upon his chest, showing the full measure of his courtesy.
But Shirou's breath grew ragged, his chest heaving in barely restrained fury.
He glanced around in disbelief.
Liver, and even the soldiers standing around Esdeath, showed not the slightest reaction or disgust at seeing Numa Seika reduced to this wretched state.
They behaved as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
When did human dignity become so worthless?
Shirou clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles whitened, veins pulsing visibly with suppressed rage.
A warrior can accept death, but never humiliation.
Just how far does she intend to degrade people?!
Despite having already been defeated and left unconscious by Esdeath once, Shirou now felt an intense battle spirit surging once more.
Even if she was an enemy he had no hope of defeating.