Days once again flew by in the blink of an eye.
One day, Stage 14 was suddenly upon us.
"Wow…"
Snowflakes began to pour from the sky.
"It's definitely winter now."
I closed the window after watching the snow accumulate in the courtyard of the mansion. Ah, it's so cold.
Crossroad, where we were located, might have been in the southern part of the continent and thus considered somewhat warmer. However, 'somewhat warmer' was a relative term.
Compared to the northern regions, it was 'relatively' warmer, but that didn't mean we had a tropical climate. It felt similar to Korea... with clearly defined seasons.
'If it's this cold at the southernmost point, what kind of winters are the northern countries enduring?'
I remembered tales of the northern kingdom where it even snowed in summer. Did their winters have avalanches pouring down from the sky?
'I'm never going to visit the north, even if I die.'
Wrapped in a blanket and shivering, I sat down in a chair in front of the heater.
There was no underfloor heating system in this fantasy world, so sitting huddled in front of the fireplace and sipping the hot cocoa that Aider had made was the best I could do to stay warm.
"Are you okay, senior?"
That's when Evangeline, who was sitting next to me reading a book, looked at me with concern.
"You seem to be struggling with the cold…?"
"Ah, I've always been a bit weak in the winter… Don't worry, I'll get used to it."
I felt a bit better drinking cocoa, wrapping myself tightly in the blanket, and sticking close to the heater.
I should spend the day going through paperwork like this…
"Your Grace!"
Just then, the office door burst open and Aider rushed in.
Ah, this smelled like work. Undoubtedly, this meant that I'd have to leave this cozy nest.
With a sorrowful face, I pulled the blanket down to my neck and asked.
"So, what's the matter? The roof collapsed due to snow? We're running out of equipment for snow removal? I'd like to handle it with remote paperwork if possible…"
But it wasn't any of those issues.
"We have guests from the Imperial Capital!"
At his next words, I jumped up from my seat.
"They are the wife of Prince Lark, the First Imperial Prince, and their three children!"
"They finally arrived!"
Lark's wife and three sons.
I had previously ordered an operation to secretly evacuate them from the Imperial Capital.
I had heard that they had escaped and were heading south toward us, and now they had finally arrived in Crossroad.
***
Silver Winter Merchant Guild branch, situated in the heart of Crossroad.
The guests were initially brought here. Even I, clad in a thick coat and scarf, hurriedly entered the building.
"Your Grace."
A maid with blue hair greeted me at the entrance, a large sword coffin strapped to her back.
She was Serenade's personal guard and the one responsible for executing the escape operation for Lark's family, an SSR-grade swordsman named Elize.
I slapped Elize's shoulder lightly as a greeting.
"Elize! You've done well. Were there any difficulties during the escape?"
"The escape itself went smoothly. However, the journey was quite long, so our honored guests found it somewhat exhausting. But they are all safe."
"Were there any pursuers?"
"There were, but I took care of them."
Elize made it sound scary in a nonchalant manner.
Anyway, being among the strongest characters of the swordsman class, it seemed Elize had done an excellent job in protecting them on their way here.
I repeatedly praised Elize for her good work. Then I tilted my head in curiosity.
"Hey, speaking of which, where is Alberto? I thought he'd be the first to greet me when I arrived."
"He came halfway but then returned to the Imperial Capital. He said we should still have a contact in the capital…"
"That old man, really..."
I clicked my tongue briefly.
Even the Imperial Capital would soon be engulfed in the flames of war, so it couldn't possibly be safe. It seemed Alberto chose to return there willingly.
It's obviously good if we still have a card to play within the Imperial Capital. But for the old man to willingly risk himself like this.
'He'll manage. He's got plenty of experience serving in the imperial palace.'
Still, I was a bit worried...
"That aside, please come in."
Elize gestured toward the inside of the building.
"My master is currently receiving esteemed guests."
As I stepped inside, a stylishly furnished, cozy reception room revealed itself. It seemed even better decorated than the Lord's mansion...?
Lark's wife and three sons were huddled on the spacious sofa, sipping hot tea.
Serenade was gracefully pouring tea for them and engaged in conversation.
As I stepped in, I shouted.
"Sister-in-law!"
I wasn't sure if this form of address was acceptable, but well, it's Ash. I just went ahead and called her that since I was utterly ignorant about the formalities of the Imperial Family.
"Oh my, Prince Ash!"
Fortunately, Lark's wife seemed to have no suspicions.
Recognizing me, Lark's three sons sprang from their seats, clinging to me and shouting, 'Uncle! Uncle!'
Ha, even if you stick to me cutely like this, you're not getting any allowance.
After some brief small talk, Serenade handed me a warm cup of tea as I took a seat on the adjacent sofa.
I expressed my gratitude with a glance and turned my mouth toward Lark's wife.
"Is everything chaotic up there?"
Currently, the 1st Corps led by Lark and the Imperial Capital Defense Force led by Fernandez had formed a frontline around the Imperial Capital, constantly advancing and retreating.
Surprisingly, the 1st Corps was struggling to break through, while the Imperial Capital Defense Force was holding strong.
The situation had reached a stalemate, and news of the civil war between Everblack and me had already spread worldwide.
'What the hell is the Emperor doing in a situation like this...'
The Emperor had remained reclusive for several years.
Probably still dealing with the divine beings invading from the spiritual realm, but still.
How could he remain so disinterested when his own country was falling into such chaos?
"Yes. We almost encountered several incidents on the way here... The entire nation is in great turmoil."
Lark's wife smiled bravely.
"But I believe things will be sorted out soon. The man who is my husband is quite capable, after all."
The voice conveyed an absolute trust in her husband. I reciprocated with a broad smile.
"Yes, I also trust my brother. All of this will be over soon."
If Lark becomes the Emperor later, this woman would become the Empress, and one of these little ones might even become the next Emperor.
Better make a good impression. Maybe I should actually give them an allowance...
"...Why did Prince Fernandez..."
At that moment, Lark's wife bowed her head and murmured softly.
"Why did he plan all this?"
"..."
"Is it really... for the throne?"
I did not answer.
As I said before, I have no idea why Fernandez is doing this. I don't care, either.
I knew about the situation in advance and simply exploited it to my advantage.
After a round of various discussions, considering they must be tired from the long journey, I stood up.
"Please make yourselves comfortable here until the situation stabilizes. As soon as things improve a bit, I'll get in touch with my brother so he can come for you."
"Thank you for your consideration, Prince Ash."
And Lark's wife stared at me intently. I smiled awkwardly.
"Um, why are you looking at me like that...?"
"...No, I was just thinking how much you've grown. You used to be so small and cute, and now you've become a dignified adult."
Come to think of it, Lark had often played with me when I was a child. I must have interacted with his wife a few times as well.
I grinned and pointed at the little ones.
"These kids will grow up in the blink of an eye, just like me. Or rather, like Lark."
"Heh heh. My husband is indeed a splendid knight, but he lacks the adorable factor."
Jokingly, Lark's wife hugged her sons tightly to her chest.
"I wish my kids could stay this cute forever."
That's not going to happen. Children grow up quickly. And they'll turn into muscly men like Lark.
This cuteness will disappear in a fleeting moment. Enjoy it while you can.
I pinched their cheeks, exchanged a final eye greeting with Lark's wife, and left the reception room.
Serenade followed me out, taking short, quick steps.
"Thank you, Serenade, for allowing me to entertain guests here."
"It's my honor. And as a merchant, there's no reason to decline the opportunity to establish such valuable connections."
Serenade covered her mouth and chuckled, slightly tilting her head.
"But inviting them to your estate instead of here... you have a reason, right?"
"...Yeah. I'm worried about something."
Currently, five members of the Aegis Special Forces are imprisoned in the central jail of Crossroad.
All five who were dispatched with Mason. Those whose identities were confirmed were all captured and confined to the central jail.
They claim their mission was simply to strengthen reconnaissance on Crossroad, but—
'I'm not an idiot to believe that at face value.'
In this escalating civil war situation, it's not just Lark's faction. The elite first team coming all the way to this rural corner of Crossroad, which declared its own independent policy, is definitely up to something.
The most likely targets are Lark's wife and their three sons.
I had secretly moved them outside the Imperial Capital.
If Fernandez sent the first team of the Aegis Special Forces to kidnap them again? Then it all adds up.
So, I decided to have them stay at the Silver Winter Merchant Guild's branch.
This building is located in the heart of Crossroad, meaning military facilities, including barracks, are all nearby.
It's more advantageous for defense than the estate that's somewhat on the outskirts.
'All I can do right now is beef up the defense.'
I ordered heightened security around the Silver Winter Merchant Guild building, increased the number of scouts inside the city, and made the identification checks for incoming refugees stricter than before.
The most troublesome guys are already in jail, and I'm doing my best to guard against additional spies coming in.
I can't be entirely at ease, but I've done just about everything I can.
After briefly explaining the situation, Serenade nodded her head in understanding.
"We will also make sure to provide thorough security on our end. For the time being, Elize will be their exclusive escort."
"Thank you, Serenade. I really appreciate it."
I exhaled deeply.
From now on, many dignitaries will come to Crossroad, and given the number of politically sensitive people involved, these covert conflicts will likely increase.
'I need to establish a solid counter-espionage system...'
And I should also quickly build that hotel.
Guests coming over was always a hassle, and it wasn't an ordinary feat to disperse them here and there. One hotel would've solved everything!
While pondering this, Serenade subtly mumbled, looking towards the reception room.
"By the way, you two look good together as a couple."
"Huh? Uh, yeah...?"
"Even when you're apart, you trust each other strongly, believe in the path the other is taking, and can keep your composure in the face of danger... It's admirable."
"Uh, yeah, I guess."
"Above all, your children are adorable too..."
Having said that much, Serenade gently cast her silver eyes my way.
My heart sank. What the heck! What's the meaning of that?!
"Your Majesty."
Serenade quickly reached out towards me.
Frozen, I couldn't move. Her slender finger touched my cheek, then-
"You have a fever again."
She moved her hand upwards to rest it on my forehead.
Caught off guard, I stuttered before abruptly asking, "What?! Fever?! Really? I have a fever?"
"Yes. You were ill not too long ago, and I heard you collapsed once during this expedition as well. Are you overexerting yourself again?"
"Who did you hear that from? I was keeping it a secret..."
"I heard it from Miss Evangeline. She was quite forthcoming when I brought her some snacks."
Evangeline! How could you betray my trust for some snacks!
"Don't be too hard on Miss Evangeline. As you may recall, I'm a merchant, and I specialize in information handling. If snacks weren't enough, I would've used something else to find out about this."
Serenade spoke indifferently and then smirked.
"Please don't push yourself too hard, Your Majesty. Winter has just begun, and there are still battles to fight."
"..."
"I've noticed you've been overexerting yourself recently, and it worries me."
Truth be told, my condition had been less than ideal since experiencing magic exhaustion in the dungeon.
But I had consumed a Dragon Heart, for crying out loud! And there were still mountains of tasks to complete. I couldn't afford to be weak.
Still, I couldn't say that in front of Serenade, who looked up at me with anxious eyes. I forced a smile and waved my hands.
"Alright, after this defense mission, I'll take a day to rest. Don't worry too much."
***
Two days later, on the morning when monsters stormed the forward base.
I woke up at dawn, touched my burning forehead, checked the runny nose stretching down from my nostrils, and muttered softly.
"...Ah, shit."
Can I stop being sick? At this rate, I'll be more of a wreck than Kuilan!