As time passed and the full snow season began, the festival officially started.
The small roads connecting the capital to the villages were often blocked during bad weather, so those who had traveled from afar to enjoy the festivities sometimes stayed in the capital.
Because of this, even the herald’s movement was restricted. As he had insisted—though she still didn’t believe it—if they opened a portal, the journey would be much easier. However, it would undoubtedly be a shocking experience for her parents.
With the festival to welcome the Great Snow underway, the streets buzzed with excitement. Psyche found herself unconsciously thrilled, spotting interesting things with every step.
‘I can’t believe there are this many people.’
Daylight here was short but intense. Perhaps that was why it felt as though everyone had gathered to enjoy it to the fullest.
Psyche felt momentarily dizzy. She couldn’t imagine pushing through the crowds to enjoy the festival.
“Are you all right?”
She had come to the streets accompanied by the attendants assigned to her by the Grand Duke.
Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—the herald was among them.
He leaned close to her ear and asked in a quiet whisper, bending to her level so only she could hear.
“The people are excited about His Grace’s engagement. The late Grand Duke never took a consort, so there are high hopes for the new Grand Duchess.”
It seemed to be true, as voices discussing the engagement could be heard all over the streets.
“A man who never even left the castle has finally taken a bride?”
“Exactly! Maybe this means blessings are coming to the duchy. Though I hope she doesn’t get sick in this cold weather!”
“Come on, His Grace is the only Grand Magician on the continent! He wouldn’t let his bride fall ill. I heard it was love at first sight, and they promised marriage immediately!”
“Is that true?”
“Yes! They say His Grace fell so hard for her that he gave her the ‘Tear of the Siren’ and opened the national treasury to shower her with rare treasures!”
Two passersby were shouting enthusiastically.
‘That’s not how it happened.’
Psyche quietly refuted in her heart. Far from love at first sight, she had never even seen the Grand Duke.
At that moment, a pale thought crossed her mind.
‘…Could His Grace be nearby even now?’
She didn’t know what the Grand Duke looked like. But the Grand Duke already knew her.
He had said he had seen a portrait of her.
Psyche wouldn’t recognize him even if she saw him, but he might be staying close by, hiding his identity.
The realization made her feel as though eyes were watching her from every direction. A shiver ran down her spine.
Psyche pulled the fur-lined hood of her cloak over her head.
The herald stared directly at her face.
“It will be difficult to walk around like this from now on.”
When their eyes met, the man curved his lips into a faint smile.
“Are you worried?”
As he asked, Psyche lowered her gaze. A long, slender cutlass was strapped to his waist.
She wondered if Aster’s calm demeanor came from that blade.
“The Grand Duke doesn’t appear at official events, but do you plan to?”
“Precisely because of that, I think I should,” she replied.
Until now, the Grand Duke had always sent a representative when public appearances were required.
“If there’s backlash, all of it may be directed at you.”
But as long as Psyche was present, she believed there was no need for anyone else.
“It may be sad, but I believe that’s a leader’s destiny. You can only do your best for the many.”
And that, she believed, was her role as the future Grand Duchess.
The one role only she could fulfill.
“But the Grand Duchy really is…”
Psyche trailed off and glanced around again.
There was so much to see that she found herself swept up once more in unfamiliar excitement.
—
*[Specialty of the Grand Duchy! Red Crabs! 100% refund if not delicious.]
[Great Snow Celebration – Free Soup Giveaway!]
—
The streets were filled with the smell of food and the sound of folk music. Along the way, various snowmen stood, seemingly built by passersby. Psyche chuckled when she noticed one had a raw carrot for a nose.
“There are so many people. Is it because it’s the first day of the festival?”
As she came to a stop, so did the man silently walking behind her.
One step. That was the distance between them when their eyes met.
The herald stared into her eyes before speaking slowly.
“That’s part of the reason, but the crowds will stay like this throughout the festival. Everyone looks forward to this time all year.”
The Empire of Sigurd had a similar festival—St. Peter’s Day.
After her family’s fall, Psyche hadn’t enjoyed such events, but as a child, she had often attended, holding her parents’ hands.
She had thought simple, ordinary days were enough. But now that she was in a crowd again, her heart thudded with excitement.
Beautiful scenery. Ancient nature.
People living in abundance.
Psyche found herself genuinely enjoying the moment.
“Would you like something to eat? If we walk a bit farther, there’s a place with meat steak as the main dish…”
“Sir Aster, they’re giving out soup over there.”
“That’s commoners’ food. It may not be suitable for you.”
“Even food has class distinctions?”
“…”
“Embarrassing as it is, I’m actually more used to street food. The meals at the Grand Duke’s castle were all new to me.”
Though the meals at the castle were luxurious, she often didn’t know how to eat them.
At her words, the man walked over and brought her some soup.
Psyche widened her eyes at the gesture and smiled softly.
“Thank you. I was curious.”
She accepted the soup and took a spoonful. Steam rose from the thin broth, and as she lifted the wooden spoon, a rich aroma of spices filled the air.
“Mmm, it’s delicious.”
“It’s made from deep-sea fish intestines.”
“Deep-sea fish intestines… excuse me?”
Psyche hastily handed the soup back and covered her mouth. Intestines? She’d never heard of something so strange.
She felt nauseous but tried to act calm, thinking about the effort someone had put into making it.
Seeing this, the man’s face softened, and he laughed lightly.
“Kidding. It’s made from white fish. It’s a staple here. Would you like a cookie too?”
“I’ll pass. My stomach isn’t feeling well after that.”
Though he had teased her, the soup really was tasty. The soft texture and bits of vegetables gave it a healthy, satisfying flavor.
“You should try some soup too… Oh my.”
Looking around, Psyche gasped and glanced up at Aster.
“Everyone’s gone. We must’ve gotten separated. Let’s go find them.”
“With crowds this big, it happens. Don’t worry—we’ll meet up again soon, Lady Psyche.”
Aster held out his hand.
Another escort.
Psyche looked down at his hand and took it with a happy smile.
After that, the man continued to listen to her excited chatter.
Quietly walking beside her, he kindly explained anything she was curious about.
“What’s over there… Oh!”
She was so distracted by her surroundings that she didn’t notice a child running toward her.
She tried to catch the child, but before she could, a hand grabbed her shoulder.
“Careful.”
A refreshing scent hit her nose. She immediately realized it was the herald holding her.
“Excuse me.”
Instead of replying, the herald helped her regain balance. His gentle grip on her shoulder steadied her.
He stared into her blushing cheeks, and Psyche felt her face grow even hotter.
Kneeling, she met the eyes of the ch
ild standing still in front of her.
A red-haired boy, about five or six, small for his age.
“Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“…He says,”
“Huh?”
“Get lost!”
