CHAPTER 64
I had read the report, but it was far more horrifying than I had imagined.
It was a space that could accommodate at least 20 people, and at most 50.
“…I wish this were just a slave issue.”
Harbih did not answer Roman’s words.
The Hesta Territory had a waterway leading directly to the Kingdom of Rensier, and historically suffered similar problems.
Lord residents who had nothing to eat sold their neighbors as slaves or smuggled ore to secretly buy grain.
“It seems they moved in a hurry after being discovered, so first, check if any groups with altered personnel have entered the territory.”
“Understood.”
“And the inn as well.”
If it had been merely a slave issue, as Roman suggested, it would have been a relief.
What if they had starved to death…
“Let’s head back now.”
Harbih emerged from the abandoned mine.
Snow still fell as if the sky had holes in it. The snow, perfect for erasing all traces of people, fell endlessly and covered everything.
“Your Grace, as instructed, I have arrived with the 2nd Knight Order.”
Just then, the messenger sent in haste to the Grand Duke’s castle arrived at Hesta Territory during leave.
“How should we handle this?”
“Yes.”
“Proceed in secrecy until the full details are confirmed.”
Harbih gently brushed his eyes.
Realizing that this would not end quickly, Harbih felt a longing to see Lincia.
“Bring me stationery.”
* * *
Since meeting Noah, Lincia had grown somewhat melancholy.
The scene of their first encounter was etched in her mind and would not fade.
A woman surrounded by knights. A woman who spoke comfortably with everyone. Noah got along extremely well with the people of the Grand Duke’s castle.
No matter how much Lincia tried, could she ever build such a connection with others?
No. She could not.
Lincia was still of royal blood, and the people of the Grand Duke’s house did not want her presence.
And this would not change significantly even if Harbih and the royal family’s issues were resolved.
Lincia put down her brush, which she had used to paint.
She had been painting all day since last night to drive away distracting thoughts. That was all she could do.
Paint, manage the estate, tend the flowers….
As the sun set and evening came, there was a knock on the door.
“I heard you wished to be alone, but Your Grace sent a letter.”
Lincia blinked at the unbelievable words. On a silver tray lay a letter and a handkerchief.
“This is…”
“His Grace sent dried flowers as well.”
Lincia carefully unfolded the handkerchief.
The pure white, lush flower had a unique fragrance. It had the coldness typical of the Cassius region, yet also a sweet scent. The flower’s aroma melted away the unease and gloom she had felt just moments before.
“Can you tell me the name of this flower?”
“It’s called Vita. It blooms in Hesta Territory, but only in the season of daytime snow. I only saw it when I was a child.”
Lincia looked at the Vita flower. It seemed fragile enough to crumble at any moment, but its form was surprisingly well preserved.
“Yes, it symbolizes ‘love that does not wither even in adversity.’”
“Could you bring me a glass jar to preserve it?”
Erna took a glass jar from her side and handed it over. Lincia carefully placed the dried flower inside for decoration. Placed next to the gemstone flower, it looked perfectly fitting.
Lincia tidied the flowers and gazed at the letter. Had she ever felt such excitement receiving someone’s letter?
As far as she could remember, this was the first time. Letters for her had only ever been news of family deaths, proposals while growing up, or threatening notes from Yulias.
With trembling hands, she opened the letter.
[To you who wait for me.
As I mentioned, I have arrived at the abandoned mine in Hesta Territory. In fact, even after arriving, three days passed, but I refrained from sending a letter immediately, fearing I might trouble you. I now pick up my pen.
Regarding Hesta Territory, like much of this land at this time, everything is covered in snow.
The special thing is that there are flowers blooming amidst the falling snow, which appeared very beautiful to me. I have enclosed a few dried blooms, hoping they will also please your eyes.
In truth, this flower is also a gift to ease your heart slightly before I ask for forgiveness. By now, you may have guessed. Lincia, though I promised to return early, I cannot keep that promise.
To excuse myself, the scale of the situation is larger than expected, and I have many matters to verify personally. It is not serious enough to worry you, so please do not.
I love you, Lincia. Please stay healthy. One more request: even if you are annoyed at my failure to keep promises, just dislike me a little and forgive me soon.
The man awaiting your verdict.]
Reading his letter made her mouth feel sweet, as if she had eaten candy.
The man’s sentences showed a romantic side almost unthinkable for him. Lincia read Harbih’s words over and over.
The fact that he had sent a letter saying he would be late was astonishing to Lincia.
He informed her of his departure, personally delivered the news, and even apologized for not keeping the formal greeting of returning soon.
She could not have imagined such things before. She finally felt the change in her relationship with Harbih.
“Can I send him a reply?”
As soon as Lincia asked Erna, she handed over a prepared piece of stationery.
“I’ll step aside. Pull the line when you finish writing.”
[To Harbih Cassius.
The verdict is prepared and will be delivered.
Surprised by the heading? I played a little joke on you, treating you like a judge. You must be relieved now. I hope you were not too startled. Below is the real letter.
To the one I want to see.
Even if you are a little late, I am fine. You are doing important work where you are needed, right? I may not have many skills like you, but I can wait, so do not worry. I will wait for your return here.
In fact, I have a confession. Embarrassingly, I recently wanted to see you, so I went to look at our marriage portrait. Do you know what I discovered there? I would like to ask for an explanation immediately, but I cannot risk troubling you. Instead, when you return, you must tell me the truth. Promise.
Regarding my daily life, yesterday I had a check-up with Ethan. He said I am healthier than before, so you may rest your mind.
Ethan also said light walks help health. I wandered around out of boredom and thought, can I hang my paintings in the hallway? There are many canvases, and it would be nice to use them as interior decor.
If you agree, please come back and choose the paintings. No, you may come slowly. Just make sure to return safely. Understood?
P.S. The dried flowers were lovely. Thank you for sending them. As a return gift, I enclosed a postcard I painted. Not as beautiful as the flowers, but I want to give you a gift too.
The woman waiting for you.]
While writing the letter, all the anxiety and gloom that had plagued Lincia vanished.
