Chapter 59
“Things are strangely quiet. He hasn’t shown up at the slave market since then, and even the Torpaz black market has gone still.”
After the fire at the library, a rumor spread that the fire starter, Fire Stone, came from the black market.
It was a lie—one that spread like truth, created by Kaylen to raid the black market and search for any trace of Ferdinand.
The Imperial Guards rushed in and captured the men in charge.
During the interrogation, the names of some nobles were mentioned. Of course, Ferdinand’s name wasn’t on the list. He had cut off the tail again.
“Seriously, he’s terrifying. He’s so thorough it gives me chills.”
Isaiah shivered and clicked his tongue.
“I’m sure the Crown Prince is plotting something again this time…”
The border region was under Count Brodysangster. He was close to Marquis Platters—the Empress’s side.
“Now I’m actually curious. What is he planning this time?”
Isaiah smiled in a charming way and walked up to Kaylen. He leaned close to Kaylen’s ear and whispered:
“Viola’s people are inside Count Brodysangster’s estate. Looks like they brought new information.”
Isaiah’s warm smile disappeared instantly, and his golden eyes turned sharp like Winterford’s icy wind.
“Then let’s do it. Like we always do.”
Isaiah tapped Kaylen’s shoulder and then moved toward the knights, joking around and lightening the mood as usual.
Watching his friend, Kaylen clenched and unclenched his fists.
Just like Isaiah said, Kaylen had always jumped into Ferdinand’s traps and walked out without a scratch.
And now, Viola Crudup had someone inside the Count’s estate. This might become another blade pointed at Ferdinand’s neck.
But something kept ringing inside Kaylen. A warning. Very faint, but impossible to ignore.
His instincts—sharpened through countless brushes with life and death—were sending him a signal.
“Caspian.”
Caspian, checking the horses, stopped and came forward.
“We leave in 10 minutes.”
“Sir?”
They were supposed to rest for 30 minutes. Caspian looked toward the knights warming themselves.
“If it starts snowing, it’ll get harder. We leave early.”
“Yes, understood.”
Caspian bowed and quickly informed the men.
Every knight owed Kaylen something.
He had rescued a sister who was about to be sold off, saved another from mercenaries, and taken in someone whose family fell into ruin.
That was why they trusted him more than anyone. Not a single complaint came as they prepared to depart again.
Ten minutes later, the fire was put out, the area cleaned, and everyone mounted their horses.
“We head to the border as fast as possible!”
“Yes, sir!”
Kaylen led, and the knights shouted loudly behind him.
Thankfully, the rocky mountain wasn’t too rough. The pace slowed, but rushing could cause injuries.
“This part is narrow! Be careful!”
Everyone tensed and followed Kaylen up the mountain.
After thirty minutes of climbing, Kaylen reached the top. In the distance, near the horizon, he finally saw the border.
Kaylen had just left when news arrived that the oak barrels had arrived. I sprang out of my chair immediately.
“Careful! Caaareful when you move them!”
Benjamin shouted as the workers carried large oak barrels toward the north side of Winterford Castle.
One oak barrel cost 1,500 Pelio—about a month’s living cost for a family of four.
Benjamin was nervous, afraid even a hairline crack might appear.
The first shipment had 30 barrels. Another 20 were coming soon—50 in total. And I planned to increase the number even more.
They weren’t the highest grade, but they were perfect for aging Kisty.
Just looking at them made me full inside. I happily watched the barrels being stacked.
A gentle wooden scent filled the empty northern space of the castle.
“Elly, did you think all this up?”
Aiden asked as he watched the barrels.
“Yes, Brother. Remember the taste of Kisty at the last banquet?”
Aiden nodded.
“It’s a taste that will win over the whole Empire—no! The whole continent of Lercha!”
I gave him a confident thumbs-up.
“Fresh air and clean water in Winterford! And delicious liquor made here! We’ll make fancy bottles and packaging—an upscale strategy!”
Aiden alternated between me and the barrels, then smiled.
“I didn’t know you had this kind of talent, Elly.”
Embarrassed, I cleared my throat and changed the subject—saying I’d send him a few bottles when he leaves for Volos so he could advertise.
He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but then closed it again.
For days now, Aiden had looked like he wanted to tell me something every time he saw me, only to stop and shake his head.
I decided to ask him tonight after April went to sleep, but Benjamin approached.
“All 30 barrels have been brought in. Please check them, my lady.”
I checked carefully with Benjamin—no defects, correct numbers.
“How long does Kisty need to age?”
“At least a month to start tasting good. Depending on aging time, you’ll get different flavors.”
A month minimum. I mentally listed everything I needed to prepare.
After reviewing recommendation letters for workers to hire for Kisty production, my work for the day was done.
I selected a few for interviews, organized the papers, and stood.
The clock’s short hand was slowly moving toward 10.
Already this late?
Mia had looked unwell earlier, so I sent her home early. With a lantern in hand, I left the office alone.
Maybe without someone nagging beside me, I lost track of time.
I hurried to the drawing room.
“Brother?”
Aiden was sitting in a single-seater chair by the fireplace, reading something with deep focus.
“I’m too late, right?”
He checked the clock and shook his head.
“No. Around this time I usually study anyway. But Elly… were you working all this time?”
“Yes, a lot to do lately.”
He looked worried. Then he stood, carried another chair closer to the fireplace, and walked to the trolley.
“You should have some warm tea. Sit and wait a moment.”
I placed the lantern on the console table and sat down.
Warmth wrapped around me immediately.
Crack, crack—the firewood burned. The soft orange flames made me sleepy.
“Here. Drink this. It helps with fatigue.”
I knew this tea well—Mia always brought it whenever I overworked.
I held the cup in both hands. The warmth seeped into my palms.
I sipped it. Not too hot, not too cold. Fragrant, slightly bitter, a little dry on the tongue.
“This is nice.”
Aiden smiled warmly and sat across from me.
“What were you doing earlier?”
“Checking if any calculations were wrong.”
His papers were filled with symbols and numbers. I grimaced automatically, making him laugh.
“You never liked math.”
“True. I didn’t then, and I still don’t. Honestly, I never will. Being Grand Duchess forces me to look at numbers all day.”
I shook my head and sipped again.
But then I noticed Aiden’s face had suddenly stiffened.
“…Brother?”
I looked at him, confused. Aiden slowly gathered the papers one by one.
He stacked them neatly, then stared into the fire, as if organizing his thoughts.
Then he finally opened his mouth carefully.
“Elly… I have something I need to tell you.”
