CHAPTER 30……………..
Parting Again
On his way to the office, Miklok swore to himself that if this turned out to be something trivial, not even William would escape unscathed. But—
“So, you’re saying two Dark Dragons, who began their activity earlier than usual, attacked a village in the Koun region… and that this might not be the end?”
“That’s correct. After burning down the village, reports say they seemed to be searching for something.”
It was Duke Zenon, who had arrived earlier and was waiting in the office, who answered.
“Hm…”
“Until now, our defense forces have tightly blocked the entrance to Wind Canyon during the dragons’ rampaging season, so damages have been minimal. But this time their movements are… different.”
Wind Canyon, north of Pritan, was the Dark Dragons’ habitat. These monsters reached their peak only when temperatures dropped below minus 40 degrees.
After swelling their bodies during the bitter cold, they could remain unaffected by temperature for about two months. During that time, they became so ferocious that even Pritan’s brave army shuddered at the thought of them.
On rare occasions, when the canyon’s blockade failed, the maddened Dark Dragons would spill into the Harun Empire or even further south, wreaking havoc.
But right now, the temperature hadn’t even fallen below minus 20. The Dark Dragons shouldn’t have been fully matured—by their standards, this weather was practically summer.
The fact that they still emerged and attacked a village meant there had to be another reason.
“Since Your Majesty’s coronation, thanks to keeping them locked in the canyon, the entire northern continent has enjoyed peace.”
It was true. In return, countless nations and tribes of the north paid tribute to Pritan.
That tribute was precisely what allowed the kingdom to amass such vast wealth in such a short time.
“If we don’t stop them now, not only will civilians suffer, but we may also face diplomatic fallout.”
Miklok spread out the northern continent map and stared grimly at the villages near Wind Canyon.
“How much stock of golden-pine spears and arrows do we have in the royal armory?”
“We are well-prepared.”
“That’s good.”
Closing the map, Miklok rose as if his mind was made up.
“Wil, select 100 knights from the special corps. They’ve just returned from monster suppression, so make sure you pick the swiftest and toughest among them.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. When shall we depart?”
“Tonight. I will lead personally.”
William looked at his king with brief pity, then gave a formal bow and left the office.
****
“Your Majesty the Queen, today I’ll use lily fragrance instead of roses.”
Adele and Sophie had been brushing my hair and dressing me for over thirty minutes now, but I just sat there absentmindedly.
Mik had only returned four days ago, and yet tonight he was setting off again.
When I first heard the rumors—that my betrothed was a war-addicted demon—I thought I was prepared for this sort of life. In fact, I was even grateful for the notion that he would often be away from the castle. But…
Mik wasn’t some bloodthirsty fiend who reveled in killing. He was merely a man with an almost foolish sense of duty, bearing his responsibilities in silence.
Now that I knew my husband was just a man who could bleed, tire, and suffer, I could only feel dread at the thought of him leaving for such perilous campaigns.
Adele kept my makeup light, giving only my lips a glossy pink tint.
“Your Majesty, your skin is already pale, but with this look you seem almost translucent.”
She kept praising me, as if trying to comfort me.
“Thank you.”
I nodded, forcing a smile.
“What if we let your hair down instead of an updo today?”
Millie suggested cautiously as she studied my reflection. Sophie, who had been preparing for an updo, glanced at my dress and agreed.
“Do it that way.”
Once I gave permission, my platinum hair cascaded down my shoulders like waves. A voluminous white fur hat was placed atop it.
Millie draped a white fur cape over my shoulders, its inner pockets filled with warming magic stones.
The three maids stepped back.
“All ready, Your Majesty.”
“Let’s go.”
I rose, clutching a deep-purple scarf tightly in my hands.
The lavish gown I wore rippled grandly with each step.
There was only one reason I had taken such pains to dress as if I were attending a royal ball: I wanted Mik, marching into battle, to see me at my most beautiful.
I wanted him to long to return quickly to me, to the castle, alive and safe.
But the moment I imagined him facing those ferocious Dark Dragons, my heart throbbed painfully.
If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have pushed him away last night when he kept reaching for me, saying I was tired…
Regret and self-reproach rushed in, but I steeled myself again. As Pritan’s queen, I would see him off with dignity. Straightening my back, I walked firmly.
In the plaza before the castle, Pritan’s brave knights sat astride their horses, lances raised.
Their faces were stern, intimidating—monsters to their enemies. But I had already seen another side.
I had seen them disarmed in an instant, smiling like boys as their children rushed into their arms after a feast.
They were simply fathers, husbands, sons—ordinary men donning the mask of “valor” out of duty and loyalty.
Tonight, their hands did not hold heavy iron spears, but lighter, sturdier wooden ones—crafted from golden pine, the only weapon that could pierce dragon scales.
Castle workers bustled at the rear of the formation, loading wagons with golden-pine bows and arrows.
I walked slowly toward Mik, standing at the head of the line. Our eyes met, and he dismounted at once, striding over to me. He cupped my wind-chilled cheeks in his hands.
“So, are you trying to keep me from leaving again?”
“You know I can’t.”
I lowered my gaze, my voice heavy. His long fingers slid through my hair, down to my shoulders.
“Then why dress up so beautifully, driving me mad?”
I smiled faintly, but avoided his eyes. If I met them, I might break down, clinging and begging him not to go.
He chuckled softly, tipping my chin up, and whispered in my ear:
“Though honestly, no matter what you wear, you always drive me mad.”
He teased to lighten my mood, but my eyes still filled with tears.
Biting my lip, I pressed the scarf in my hand into his.
“Please, once again—come back to me safely, without a single scratch on that face.”
I forced a smile. Mik drew me into his arms.
“Of course.”
****
“Ralph, catch!”
As departure neared, Freddy tossed something at Ralph, who instinctively caught it. It was a white scarf.
“Mother gave them to us—yours and mine.”
Ralph looked at the scarf with displeasure.
“I’ll tell Millie to give up on me. So you’d better give up too. Loving a girl who has feelings for me will only hurt you.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
“Do you know how hard it was for me to dodge Millie the entire welcome banquet?”
“Don’t say a word to her.”
Just then, Millie appeared, spotting them and approaching cheerfully.
Ralph glared at Freddy, shoving the scarf roughly into his pocket.
“There you are, both of you. Oh! Don’t say anything, let me guess.”
Smiling brightly, Millie tried to distinguish the twin knights.
“Hmm… Sir Freddy on the right, Sir Ralph on the left. Am I right?”
Ralph nodded, and Millie beamed.
“Incredible! To recognize me so easily… must be the power of love?” Freddy muttered teasingly, but Ralph shot him a sharp glare.
Millie tilted her head, puzzled, and met Freddy’s gaze. Unable to be cruel to her, he simply gave a nod and slipped away.
In truth, Millie had been waiting for this moment. Once she saw Lady Lea walking toward Miklok, she seized her chance and went looking for her own target—William.
But he was constantly busy, and she feared she’d miss him again, just like the last expedition.
Spotting the twins, she stopped to chat, but her eyes kept following William.
If nothing else, maybe I can ask Sir Freddy to pass something to him…
She considered, but Freddy suddenly disappeared mid-sentence.
Biting her lip, she tightened her hold on the scarf in her hand. Ralph noticed and asked eagerly:
“Will I be lucky enough to receive your scarf again today?”
“Eh? Oh… I’m sorry, Sir Ralph. I didn’t prepare a spare today.”
“Spare…?”
His face stiffened, but Millie didn’t notice.
She spotted William dismounting nearby, glancing their way.
“Sir William! Wait!”
Millie raised her hand high, but William turned his back and strode away as if he hadn’t heard.
“Oh, did he not hear me? Sir Ralph, I wish you a safe return. Please come back unharmed.”
She hurriedly said goodbye and dashed after William. Ralph couldn’t bring himself to stop her.
“Sir William, Sir William! Please, wait!”
By the time she caught up, she was breathless.
Afraid he’d turn away, she quickly pressed her blue scarf into his hand.
“I… I wanted to give you this last time too, but you were so busy… You said a perfect knight like you doesn’t need things like this, but still… better to have it than not.”
She gasped for breath, while William stood frozen, staring at the blue scarf in his hand.
But she was just with Ralph a moment ago… and yet she gives this to me?
His chest stirred, a smile threatening to break free, but he forced it down.
“…Thank you.”
“Please, don’t get hurt. Come back safely.”
Though his reply was curt, his eyes downcast, Millie smiled radiantly.
Overcome, William suddenly pulled her into his arms.
Stunned, Millie froze stiff.
“Sir… William…?”
