Chapter 10.1
North Ice Palace
And a few days later.
Finally, Yerin and Doyul boarded a carriage returning to the North Ice Palace.
It was a lonely homecoming, as there was no one to welcome the union of the North Ice Palace Lord and the daughter of the Tang family.
“…I’m really sorry.”
Yerin bowed her head in apology at the entrance of the Sacheon Hall, but
“It’s okay.”
Doyul just smiled calmly in response.
The words echoed cheerfully.
As a result, the scenery outside the window gradually changed.
The once green land now revealed patches of snow and ice among the dark brown soil.
The temperature dropped, and the days became difficult to sleep without relying on fur.
And so, after a month of traveling.
“Oh, there it is.”
Yerin’s eyes widened slightly as she glanced at the scenery outside the window.
Beyond the endless white snowfield, there stood a massive capital city surrounded by long walls.
“It’s the North Ice Palace.”
They had finally arrived at the North Ice Palace.
“Somehow, it feels like returning to my hometown after being away for a long time.”
After dying as Seolryeon and waking up as Yerin.
Although it didn’t feel like a long time had passed, strangely, the sight of the North Ice Palace felt incredibly nostalgic.
Yerin surveyed her surroundings with hawk-like eyes.
“Surely, the North Ice Palace was on the verge of destruction…?”
But the North Ice Palace itself didn’t seem to be in a bad state.
People’s attire was decent, and they didn’t seem to be starving.
There was no sign of the shadows that usually accompanied those living a difficult life.
“Even though the Tang family is hoarding food, they must be providing consistent support to the civilians.”
Her gaze turned towards the massive building situated on the highest point of the North Ice Palace.
The North Ice Palace.
The heart and loser of the north, the great family that ruled over the North Ice Palace and the villages surrounding it.
The carriage passed through the massive gate that crossed the North Ice Palace.
Countless corridors came into view.
At that moment, Yerin felt her heart sink.
“…Ah, I see.”
Doyul had made his choice.
The North Ice Palace and the lives of the people in the North Ice City, I’m talking about the latter.
And this was the price.
The North Ice Palace exuded the loneliness unique to a fallen family.
The old and worn-out buildings were maintained, but that was about it.
Perhaps there was no money to polish the stone tiles on the floor, as they were faded and cracked in many places.
“….”
Yerin pursed her lips and asked quietly.
“I thought I was already mentally prepared for this….”
But seeing this struggling lineage, her heart felt like it was being cut by a knife.
