A vast snowy plain spread across the northern region, the snowcapped mountains scattered in a sparse chain.

Snow was sure to fall within three days, and on days when a blizzard raged, it was not easy even to step outside the fortress.

Yet, monsters and barbarians still troubled the area.

Despite this harsh and ferocious environment, as always, the Northern Grand Duke kept his composure and remained in his office.

'Is this enough for today?'

Zair scribbled with his pen, then soon laid it down on his desk.

He spent most of his time in the office, rarely venturing beyond the fortress walls.

As the ruler of the northern region, he could not easily abandon his appointed place.

'... At last, I have relieved myself of one worry.'

Zair slowly stood up, recalling the existence of Alter.

It was the child of his beloved, and connected to the long-held concerns he carried.

Rather than letting Alter die after falling weak and ill, he sent him to the capital, hoping he would survive at least a bit longer.

But he never imagined he would hear the tragic news that a curse had been branded on Alter's heart, and that he had fainted and only just regained consciousness.

'Is it truly because of that Frost Witch that things came to this?'

Zair reflected sorrowfully on the woman he had loved so dearly.

She endured much to bear his child, but when she left, she vanished without a trace.

All the more reason for him to try to protect her legacy—yet, so many years had to pass apart.

'Did you accept death knowing everything? Uriel...'

Even as he missed her, Zair instinctively suppressed his emotions.

As the Northern Grand Duke, he could not allow himself to be easily shaken, nor could he allow himself to dwell on the past.

He simply persevered steadfastly as the supreme commander of the northern army, keeping his eyes solely on the northern territories.

'If you were still alive, perhaps Alter could have known some happiness...'

As the sound of knocking reached him, Zair turned his body at once.

A young man, bearing an uncanny resemblance to her, entered the office.

From his snow-white hair to the elegant line of his face, memories of the past seemed to surface vividly.

"Could you spare a moment of your time?"

"... Sit down."

Zair took a seat with Alter at the large table.

He had thought it might be difficult to meet privately today, with Alter having to look after his fiancé.

But since Alter had sought him out first, Zair figured there must be something he wanted to say.

"I imagine you have worried a great deal. Even now, I must beg your forgiveness."

"No need. Life is seldom smooth. If the curse has vanished, that is enough."

Zair deliberately refrained from telling anyone about the curse.

If word got out about such a thing, it could plunge the family into chaos, and lower the morale of the northern army.

If they even began to discuss the assassination of the primary wife in that atmosphere, it would only frighten the household for no reason.

"I heard the great mage made a mistake, so I decided to observe for a little longer... Now that you have returned safely, I consider the matter settled."

"I cannot say there was no fault, but he stood up for my mother and me. And given such scheming, anyone would have fallen for it."

"Indeed. The Frost Witch risked her own life and tried to kill you..."

Having heard the explanation from Alraune at that time, Zair did not feel the need to reprimand him.

Alraune simply asked to return to the capital and check on Alter's condition.

He had to respect the great mage's honor, his labor, and sincerity—they could not be trampled.

"My mother... protected me. That is why, despite sleeping for eight days, I was able to awaken."

"She thought of you first, even after death. Then she must have known about the Frost Witch as well?"

"Yes. I assume it must have been difficult even for her to handle."

"......"

Zair maintained his silence, yet could not shake off his feelings for her.

In the end, she bore all her secrets to her grave, and faded away alone.

Did she leave without a word, leaving only himself and Alter, who would suffer for many years?

"I met my mother. She called it a lingering consciousness... She must have used magic."

"......"

"I think she made that choice for you and me. It was a pressing situation, so perhaps she couldn't explain."

"......"

"And... she said that now the Frost Witch is dead, many monsters will invade. She said you must prepare."

"I... heard that long ago. What your mother said was never wrong."

Upon hearing of the Frost Witch's death, Zair had already issued orders to the commanders of each stronghold.

From now on, the northern army would gradually assume a state of alert, preparing for war.

At the same time, emergency systems were being established to receive immediate aid from the capital if necessary.

"Your mother was... yes. A kind but stubborn woman. She was difficult for even me... but the things she did always worked out uncannily well. If she made that choice, so be it—I must respect it, too."

Zair at last, albeit unwillingly, had to accept her will.

It must have been the best she could do, considering all possible outcomes.

Perhaps even the fate she would sometimes mention, was not unrelated to this.

"Mm... My mother did leave a message for you."

"She left a message for me?"

"Yes. She said she has always loved you, and that even if she was reborn, she would still come to you..."

For a brief moment, Zair's expression froze at those words.

He didn't know why, but it felt as though he really had heard her voice.

Why did her image show so clearly through Alter?

"... I understand. You may go now."

Noticing the subtle change, Alter quietly left the office.

Zair slowly closed his eyes and, unintentionally, drew out a single, tender drop.

Amidst the storm of the past, only one emotion rose to the surface.

"Is that so? I still love you, even now. Uriel..."

* * *

Brillie was strolling near the inner fortress with Alter.

It was now the second day since they had arrived at Goranmoche Castle.

She still hadn't adapted to the ever-falling snow, and the cold of the north seemed sharper than the day before.

Still, since no particular trouble had occurred, she felt somewhat satisfied.

"It's hard to believe people really live in a place like this."

"Someone has to, or who would protect the northern lands?"

"I don't think you could endure here without a sense of responsibility. I'm starting to respect the Northern Grand Duke."

Brillie exhaled, watching her breath fog up as she gazed up at the fortress.

The Radiant house had resided in Goranmoche Castle for generations, commanding the northern army.

Perhaps some might harbor resentment at the task, but they passed down the title of Northern Grand Duke as if it were nothing.

"Once you leave here, you won't come back, will you?"

"Huh? That's not true. If necessary, I would come back."

"Wouldn't the capital be more comfortable for you, Brillie? You'd only suffer here."

"I wouldn't call this suffering. It's just a little cold, that's all."

"There are frequent battles here. We have to fight monsters and barbarians. If war were to break out, what would you do then?"

Alter naturally mentioned the impending monster invasion as prophesied by his mother, then watched Brillie.

As foretold, monsters would soon appear in force.

If war broke out, he would be compelled to join the fight.

But he couldn't force such a fight on Brillie, and also had to consider the position of the Illenat ducal family.

"If it really comes to that, I'll just have to protect you, Alter."

"Huh... Would Duke Illenat allow that?"

"It's better than abandoning my betrothed, isn't it? Wouldn't it be a disgrace to my house if our engagement breaks off for such a reason?"

Brillie answered resolutely, without the slightest hesitation.

If the man she promised to marry was swept into war, she would of course follow.

Besides, she was strong enough not to shrink from battle.

"But... if you got hurt, Brillie, I—"

"You think about me getting hurt, but why don't you ever care for yourself, Alter?"

"That's just bad luck..."

"Luck? Did you just call it luck? Passing out after using magic in your current state was just bad luck?"

"......"

When Brillie pressed hard, Alter could not help but retreat for a moment.

She must have been chiding him for what happened with the vampire.

Now that he had recently neutralized the curse and spent a long time unconscious, it wasn't surprising she was so sensitive.

"I still have far to go, but I think I've reached an advanced level in swordsmanship at least. You know I participated alone in the monster subjugation, right?"

"Yes, I heard. Your feats are widely known."

"Even the next Sword Saint recognized me and took me on as deputy-commander. In the palace, I cut down a traitor with a single stroke. Do you really think I'll get hurt?"

"Uh... but in any battle, there's always a risk of injury..."

"You got hurt much more often, and you're warning me about danger?"

"Well, by now... that won't happen again..."

"You may be right, Alter. But since I disagree, I'll do things my way. Is that alright?"

"What are you planning to do?"

"I told you before. I am going to protect you. My way."

"......"

Alter had some lingering doubts about her methods.

He could no longer predict Brillie's thoughts and actions.

If she acted the way she always had, wouldn't she boldly do as she wished?

"I don't want to be a widow. Even if we're not yet married, that doesn't change. I'm prepared for it."

"Are you really thinking I'll die first?"

"If someone faints twice in a row, wouldn't everyone think that way?"

"That's just fainting, not dying..."

"That's not the right way to put it. You nearly died. Twice, in fact. And both times, who was at your side?"

"That was just coincidence..."

"Once is coincidence. From the second time, it isn't. The curse may be gone, but it's not a time to let your guard down."

Brillie had already resolved herself, with no reason left to hesitate.

A political marriage, succession to the ducal title, mastery as a swordswoman, her duty to protect someone—

All these aims found their root in Alter, so she was determined to face the cause directly.

"I get what you're saying, but isn't this a little much?"

"If anything, I think I'm showing restraint. Do you want me to show you what 'too much' really means?"

"......"

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】

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