It was truly time to go, so Philome climbed onto the carriage while Kaien mounted his horse to lead the group.
As they reached the portal, space and time began to warp.
The first thing that greeted them was a powerful snowstorm.
All around them was a white expanse of snow, with nothing else in sight.
They were in the north.
As the chilly air seeped through his clothes, Kaien gripped his sword tightly.
He couldn’t leave the capital completely empty, so he had brought only half of the Duke of Wintbell’s knights, most of whom were assigned to guard the carriage, but he wasn’t completely at ease.
‘Monsters might appear.’
What worried him most was the potential accidents that could occur if he couldn’t handle the monsters properly.
Looking back at the carriage, Kaien tightened his grip on the sword. His hand turned pale from the pressure, yet his expression remained calm.
At Kaien’s signal, the captain of the knights shouted loudly.
“We’re heading to the castle! No matter what happens, keep formation and don’t fall behind!”
Thus, the group began their journey to the castle.
The castle was not far from the portal, so if they moved quickly, they could reach it within 30 minutes.
Kaien focused intently on the presence around him as he urged his horse forward.
Then it happened.
Kaien slightly turned his body to the right and mercilessly slashed at the creature that lunged at him. It was easily cut down without the need to draw out his aura.
“Duke!”
Feeling blood splatter on his face, Kaien swung his sword in the air to shake off the blood.
“It’s just an old wolf.”
Seeing that it was alone, it seemed to be a wolf abandoned even by its pack. Kaien looked down indifferently at the emaciated wolf, its bones nearly visible.
“Don’t let your guard down.”
Kaien resumed leading the group.
The cold in the north was on a different level than that of the capital. The wind was sharp and fierce, making even the clothes with heat stones insufficient.
After a while, Kaien turned his horse towards the carriage.
He knocked on the carriage window, and soon it opened, revealing Philome peeking out.
“Philome, are you okay? Isn’t it too cold?”
“I’m fine. What about you, Duke?”
“I’m used to the cold. Besides, you’re more sensitive to it.”
“The inside of the carriage is warm, so I’m okay.”
“We’ll be arriving soon, so just wait a little longer. The others are okay too?”
“Yes. Don’t worry about us and keep an eye on your surroundings.”
At Philome’s worried gaze and words, Kaien smiled and nodded.
“Right. It’s cold, so close the window quickly. We won’t be stopping until we reach the castle.”
“Please be careful.”
Philome urged him one last time before closing the window.
Kaien took his position at the front again and moved forward. Fortunately, they didn’t encounter any other animals or monsters until the castle was in sight. However, Kaien remained tense.
As they got closer to the castle, the gates began to open, as if they had been spotted. With a loud noise, the massive doors swung open, and the group hurried inside.
Thanks to the enormous castle walls, the biting wind disappeared as they entered.
While Kaien dismounted, those inside the carriage also got down.
Philome looked around the castle while gathering her things. The castle appeared clean and sturdy at a glance. The solid and dense walls shielded them from the wind, significantly alleviating the cold.
“Kaien!”
At that moment, a loud sound echoed.
Philome reflexively turned her head and widened her eyes. A middle-aged man clad in fur was approaching.
He had slightly disheveled silver hair and mysterious violet eyes. The sharpness of his gaze, combined with a long scar on his face, gave him a fierce impression.
However, he had such delicate features that he didn’t seem barbaric at all; it was a strangely captivating face.
“Kaien.”
Next to him was a quite tall, middle-aged woman.
The woman had fiery red hair that seemed to blaze and very deep blue eyes. Though her eyes had a gentle droop, her sturdy and elongated body, evident even through her thick clothing, made her appear anything but weak.
“Mother, Father.”
Kaien faced them.
However, the two simply passed by Kaien.
Philome became flustered as she watched them approach her.
‘Are they coming to me?’
As they quickly drew nearer, Philome blinked in confusion. Before she could think about how to greet them, they stood right in front of her, staring intently before breaking into wide smiles.
“Nice to meet you, Lady Philome. I’m Natasha.”
“I’m Theodore.”
Philome immediately grabbed the hem of her dress and bowed toward them.
“It’s an honor to meet the former Duke and Duchess. I am Philome Bonita.”
“Oh my, Lady Philome. There’s no need to be so formal. Just call me by my name.”
Natasha beamed with a smile.
Her resemblance to Kaien was more striking than Philome expected, causing her to unknowingly stare at Natasha’s face.
“You must have had a tough journey to get here.”
“Ah, indeed. As you said, it was really difficult. Was it too cold?”
Natasha took Philome’s hand. As her warm temperature enveloped Philome’s hand, Natasha was startled.
“Oh my, why is your hand so cold? Let’s hurry inside! I’ve prepared warm water for you.”
“Mother, Father. Can’t you see me?”
“Yes, you’ve come?”
After giving a casual smile to Kaien, Natasha turned back to Philome.
“Lady Philome, please come in.”
“Ah, but…”
Philome lowered her head. She felt she should mention that Liazell had come with her before entering.
Liazell stood quietly behind Philome, holding onto the hem of her dress.
Following Philome’s gaze, Theodore and Natasha froze. Although half of her face was hidden, they could clearly tell.
They knew who that little girl was.
“…Liazell?”
Theodore murmured Liazell’s name in a trembling voice.
Philome gently wrapped her arm around Liazell’s shoulder.
“Liazell, you need to greet Grandma and Grandpa.”
Liazell timidly stepped out from behind Philome. She was wearing a green cloak with fluffy fur today.
Dressed in a custom fur hat and fur shoes, only her white face peeked out, making her look quite adorable.
Liazell blinked her large, droopy eyes like a rabbit and awkwardly bent at the waist.
“I—I’m Liazell!”
Theodore and Natasha stared at Liazell in a daze.
“Theo. Is something wrong with my eyes?”
“Do you see it too, my dear?”
Kaien interjected.
“Have both of you already lost your senses? Can’t you see her right in front of you? And since it’s cold, it would be better to go inside and talk.”
“Oh, right. Let’s do that.”
Even while moving to a different spot, Theodore and Natasha couldn’t take their eyes off Liazell. Their glances went beyond sneaking looks to outright staring.
Feeling the weight of their gaze, Liazell kept burrowing into the folds of Philome’s dress.
Thus, Philome and Liazell headed toward the castle, both bearing the burden of their intense stares.
Fortunately, the inside of the castle was warm, with heated stones placed throughout. As soon as they entered and took off their outer garments, Kaien spoke to Liazell.
“Liazell, first go take a bath and relax.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
Liazell answered obediently and took Sophia’s hand, following the castle maids.
So, only the four of them headed to the reception room.
As soon as the door closed, Theodore shouted angrily.
“Why did you send Liazell away? She’s my granddaughter, and it’s been five years since I last saw her!”
Philome was startled by Theodore’s sudden outburst. Kaien wrapped his arm around Philome’s shoulder and replied.
“If the adults are surprised, just imagine how shocked Liazell must be. I’m trying to calm things down and explain.”
“Kaien, why is Liazell in the North? You’re not planning to leave her here, are you…?”
“Mother, I’m not that foolish. Liazell has been staying with us at the Duke’s residence for a month now.”
“But Liazell is…”
“Philome is my match.”
thanks for the chapter