A few days before the first meeting of the Northern Reconstruction Directorate began, a group of heavy-hoofed riders arrived in Frost Halberd City.

The banners of the Red Tide Territory fluttered fiercely in the snowy winds.

The hoofbeats of over fifty knights broke the silence, like a torrent forged from fire.

Their leader was the current Viscount Red Tide, Louis Calvin.

At this time, the winter snow had just receded, yet decay was still present.

The fields and defenses outside Frost Halberd City still bore marks of the insect infestation.

The remnants of Nest carcasses, devoured bones, overturned wooden sheds, and charred gullies... all filled the air with a nauseating stench.

"It should have been cleaned once, but still…" A knight traveling with them covered his mouth and nose, his face pale.

"The snow melted, and the smell is coming up." Louis spurred his horse forward, his expression calm.

He had stayed in Frost Halberd City during the insect disaster before winter, so the foul stench, bones, and decay before him did not affect him at all.

But Emily beside him was different, her eyes held undisguised shock and sadness.

This was where she grew up, the home with beautiful scenery in her memory.

And now, those familiar roads were covered with countless insect corpses, and even the city walls still bore frozen bloodstains, all changed beyond recognition in just one year.

"...Why did it become like this?" she murmured softly, her voice trembling.

Louis glanced at her without saying much, simply rode closer and helped pull her cloak tighter.

Emily lowered her head, held back her emotions, nodded lightly, and followed Louis into the city.

The city's residents had been evacuated and resettled, the streets mostly patrolled by soldiers and temporary repair teams.

Though it was desolate, compared to a city that had just experienced war and winter, it was already a miracle.

After settling their group upon entering the city, they directly headed to the Governor's Mansion following the officials.

That grand and solemn building was now covered with dust, the cracks on its outer walls unrepaired, yet it remained the power center of Frost Halberd City and the Northern Territory.

Knowing his daughter and son-in-law were coming, Duke Edmund personally came out to greet them.

The moment he saw his daughter, his originally dignified and steady face softened significantly, even the deep scar no longer seemed so harsh.

"Emily." Edmund's voice was low, but with a restrained tone of reunion after a long time.

"Father." Emily quickly moved forward, throwing herself into his embrace.

Edmund sighed lightly, gently brushing over her hair, a rare hint of tenderness and fatigue in his eyes.

"Go, see your mother and brother. They've been waiting for you."

Emily nodded in agreement, bid farewell to Louis, and quickly walked through the familiar corridors to the side hall's inner room.

As soon as she opened the door, a gentle baby's cry greeted her.

She saw Alina sitting by the fireplace, holding a newborn baby in her arms, a peaceful smile on her face.

"Emily." Alina beckoned with a smile.

"Mother!" Emily rushed over, cautiously sat down, looking at the wrinkled little face, her eyes instantly brightened.

"Is this my brother?"

"Yes, your little brother." Alina gently handed the baby over to her.

Emily took him carefully, her gaze as tender as if it could drip with water.

"Hello, little one, it's our first meeting, I'm your sister." She whispered to the baby, holding her brother's soft little fingers, her smile full of joy.

This scene was as warm as a painting.

Alina watched her, suddenly smiling tenderly, her tone gentle, "From now on, you'll have to take more care of him."

Emily was startled, looked at Alina.

The latter's gaze was gentle, but her words carried significant meaning.

It was a subtle entrustment, and also a mother's hope.

Emily said nothing, only nodded gently, holding her brother a little tighter.

......

While Emily was playing with the child, another conversation was taking place.

The fire crackled, casting the shadows of an old and a young man.

Duke Edmund half-leaned in a high-backed chair, his cloak still on, looking slightly weary.

His beard was disheveled, and his eyes carried more heaviness.

The once fearsome scar now lacked its former sharpness, leaving only an old wound.

Louis looked at him, feeling a slight heaviness in his heart, it seemed the Duke's injuries were severe.

This disaster had aged this Northern Guardian by at least ten years.

"...The current situation in the Northern Territory is more vulnerable than ever." Edmund said softly, his gaze falling outside the window, "This winter... I don't dare to send people to investigate the death toll in detail, for fear of scaring myself."

Louis was silent for a moment, then said softly, "You've done very well."

The old Duke shook his head, sighed, "I'm alive just to hold up some semblance of order."

His tone carried a rare fragility and helplessness.

Louis took the opportunity to steer the topic to himself, "I heard... the report on the merits after the disaster has already been submitted to the Imperial Capital?"

Edmund glanced at him, nodded, "I wrote it myself, intending to recommend you for a Count title, the merit certainly suffices."

He paused, sneered, "But unfortunately the Emperor personally denied it. Didn't give much reason."

"Because I'm from the Eight Great Clans." Louis said calmly, as if he had expected it.

"So you understand." Edmund sighed, "You come from the Calvin family, plus you're my son-in-law, your status is too sensitive. Wanting to rise another step is not easy..."

He then shifted the topic, "But rest assured, we won't ignore your merit. Whatever I can give, I will. If the title can't be elevated, I can compensate with territory. This matter, I can make decisions on."

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