~Chapter 113~
The warehouse of magic stones was already overflowing, yet the imperial family did not stop extracting more from Gwinted.
The authority over these stones was granted to the First Prince, Cailus, who had personally attended the festival. It was a bold decision by the Emperor, whose health had recently declined.
Some of these stones would later become gifts for the nobles supporting Cailus at the New Year’s banquet.
Recently, everything Cailus planned had been a jackpot, and he was in a very good mood.
One of his spies—planted not only in the Gwinted estate but all across its lands—had accomplished something big. Along with reporting information, the spy had also been ordered to interfere with the Duke whenever the chance arose. This time, he had kidnapped the Duchess and abandoned her in the forest.
The reward had been generous. This was exactly why Cailus had placed so many different agents. And now the results were clear.
Thinking of Richard, who tried so hard not to show hostility yet still treasured his wife, Cailus could easily imagine how mad he must be after her disappearance.
“And yet… to think he still hasn’t found her. Isn’t that too incompetent?”
Even after two weeks, no word of the Duchess had reached anyone. Whether she had perished in the forest or not, Cailus didn’t care. He was perfectly relaxed.
And just earlier, news delivered through the communication orb had made him burst into laughter.
“Hah! He must be insane. To lead his knights all the way to the East?”
Richard had gone to the Leslie estate, not far from the capital. Was he planning rebellion? At the very least, abandoning the North was more than enough to hold him accountable. This was a golden chance for Cailus to squeeze even more from the situation.
“Your Highness, the Second Princess Charlotte Dmitri requests a private audience.”
“Granted.”
Cailus was in such a good mood that he allowed it—something he had always refused before, even when Charlotte came pale-faced to beg.
Today, Charlotte entered with a slightly flushed face, bowing with perfect manners.
“Welcome, sister.”
“Thank you for granting me this audience, Your Highness.”
Even when he spoke with false closeness, Charlotte remained polite and respectful.
“I’ve been so busy that I haven’t seen you until now. I should be the one thanking you for visiting me so often.”
Though Charlotte had no real power or claim to succession, Cailus spoke to her warmly.
“It’s rare for you to seek me out. If you have something to say, speak freely.”
As if all the times he had rejected her before were never intentional, his voice was gentle.
“Did Your Highness have a hand in the disappearance of Viscount Leslie?”
“Viscount Leslie? Who is that?”
His casual reply made Charlotte’s clasped hands tighten.
“If it wasn’t you, may I move some of my own people?”
“You don’t need my permission to use the few aides you have. Ah, do you need money? I can give you some.”
At his light gesture, a servant moved immediately, but Charlotte shook her head slightly.
“Thank you for your time.”
“Leaving already? I’ll be lonely; it’s been so long.”
Smiling the whole time, he watched her go, then clicked his tongue. Persistent Charlotte, prying for answers, annoyed him.
At best, she could send some people through the Gate. But he was already doing far more on his side.
“Like a rabbit… so small, who knows where she’s vanished.”
At last, the snow stopped.
The heavy clouds that had endlessly covered the village were gone, and the sun returned.
“Wow, how long has it been since we’ve seen the sun?”
“I almost forgot sunlight could feel this warm.”
Nathan and Bianca, who had been struggling each day to clear snow while drying their few clothes by the fire, picked up their shovels and brooms again.
As soon as the snow stopped, they had to help clear the village paths, not just their own house. Otherwise, they risked resentment and higher prices whenever they tried to buy anything.
When Ancia, still in bed, tried to rise as if to help, Nathan quickly pointed to the stew pot bubbling on the hearth.
“An, could you add some ingredients around lunchtime?”
They had only just finished breakfast. It was a flimsy excuse, but Nathan wanted her to stay inside.
Ancia understood. Her weak body couldn’t bear the cold wind.
“Alright, I’ll do that.”
Bianca added gently, “Madam, we have enough herbs for now, but if you fall ill again, it’ll be dangerous. Please, you mustn’t get sick.”
“I know… I’m sorry.”
Living so long with a fragile body, Ancia knew better than anyone how easily she could collapse again. She nodded obediently.
“Then, we’ll be going, sister.”
Bianca even changed how she addressed Ancia when stepping outside, careful in case others overheard.
Ancia’s heart grew heavier. Unlike at the Duke’s house, here there was always work to do. Nathan and Bianca never stopped moving, while she remained only a burden.
“Don’t get sick… That’s the greatest help I can give.”
Throughout the day, Nathan and Bianca carried supplies, stacked firewood, and bought provisions. Ancia, with nothing to do, wandered into the storeroom.
It was cold, and she had to pull her shawl tight.
“Wow, so cold…”
But the large water jar wasn’t frozen. Water kept filling it as though by magic, keeping the storeroom dry like a dehumidifier. Each day it overflowed, so they had to scoop it out regularly.
Bianca explained before that jars made from local clay sometimes had this strange property—but only here. Outside this area, they produced no water.
“Should I buy a few to take back to the Duke’s house later?”
The thought made her smile. The world was full of new and curious things.
But even scooping a few bowls chilled her hands until she shivered.
“Ugh… this weak body of mine can’t even endure this much.”
If she fell ill, Nathan wouldn’t sleep, and Bianca would waste time mixing new medicines.
She pulled herself back to bed, buried under blankets until her trembling eased. The thin quilts were shabby compared to those at the Duke’s house, but still far better than sleeping outdoors.
The fire warmed the room, and sleep overcame her again. When she woke, it was already lunchtime.
She rushed to the kitchen—only to freeze when a sudden knock came at the door.
Knock, knock.
Neither Nathan nor Bianca would knock; they had keys.
“Are you inside? I’m the landlord. I just have a quick question.”
“Ah, yes!”
The landlord. A figure no one could refuse.
Forcing a bright smile, Ancia opened the door.
But standing there were not one, but several women, blocking the entrance completely. Their presence was overwhelming.
For a moment, no one spoke. Cold wind rushed in, making Ancia sneeze.
“Achoo!”
Her small body curled up, her eyes shut tight. Even that tiny gesture was endearing—her widened eyes afterward only more so.
The women’s fierce momentum faltered.
“So she really is that frail…”
“And even prettier up close.”
