human
Emilia:  These were the people of the Sanctuary and Earlham Village—the hundred people who had patiently awaited Emilia’s return. The situation was simply far beyond what she’d expected. —They were surrounded by walls of ice on four sides, protecting them from the blowing snow.
gpt
Villagers:  “This is…”
human
Villagers:  “Lady Emilia has returned! Lady Emilia! Does this mean the Trials are over? !”
gpt
Emilia:  When Emilia came to a spontaneous halt, a youthful voice called to her from within the icy walls. Noticing this, the people awaiting Emilia’s return looked at one another’s faces, then let out an exultant shout.
human
Villagers:  “Th-thank you! I was able to come back safe and sound thanks to all of you! I’m…really grateful, but this is terrible! What happened? What’s with this snow?”
gpt
Villager:  “It began falling but a short while ago. This much accumulated in no time at all.”
human
Emilia:  Initially overwhelmed by their intense greetings, Emilia finally managed a response and asked a question of her own.
gpt
Milde:  That was when the face of Milde poked out from the press of bodies. She bowed quite deeply. “We have endured the wind and snow thanks to these walls of ice. Therefore, I judged it was best we should remain in place. Please forgive me.”
human
Emilia:  “That’s… Mm-hmm, yes, I think you were right. In this kind of weather, there’s no telling what might happen if you move around carelessly. But…”
gpt
Milde:  “Even with the barrier lifted, this makes movement rather…difficult, I imagine.” Emilia gritted her teeth as Milde offered her assessment and let out a white breath.
human
Emilia:  It would’ve been best if they started ferrying these hundred people out of the Sanctuary after lifting the barrier. But this was impossible, since the wheels of the dragon carriages wouldn’t allow them to travel in such heavy snow. That said, remaining in place was not an option. If they could at least reach a place that sheltered them from the wind—
gpt
Milde:  “If it’s too hard to return to the Cathedral, how about the tomb? The mana inside keeps it fairly warm, and there’s no concern about it collapsing even if the snow piles really high.”
human
Emilia:  “Go…inside it?”
gpt
Milde:  “Yes, it’s all right! All the dangerous mechanisms have stopped, so going in is no problem. Everyone, please head inside. Beyond that—You! I have a favor to ask!”
human
Emilia:  As the surprised Milde gave a nod, Emilia pointed to one of the men. This was the last individual she’d exchanged words with before challenging the final Trial.
gpt
Tokaku:  His eyes went wide, but he immediately stood straighter. “—! U-understood! I’m Tokaku! Say whatever you wish!”
human
Emilia:  “Thank you, Mr. Tokaku. There have to be people who aren’t here yet, right? I want you to gather them together. Have all the merchants and land dragons meet up at the tomb!” Besides the hundred in front of the tomb, there was a small number of stragglers remaining in the Sanctuary. She could not abandon them. She judged that if anything happened, it would be easier to protect everyone if they were in one place.