Ansel and Marlina stood outside the orphanage, gazing at the frolicking children within.
"Marlina,"
Ansel suddenly queried, "What is your opinion of the Count of Stoneheart?"
After a period of contemplation, Marlina, who had just begun to extricate herself from that gloom of her sorrow, responded, "He seems to be... a slightly better nobleman."
Having been granted access to a wider range of documents by Ansel, her understanding of the Red Frost territory had become more comprehensive.
Coupled with Ansel's explanations, Marlina now knew more about the Red Frost territory than most of its nobles.
Compared to other nobles, the actions of the Count of Stoneheart seemed more in line with the true meaning of nobility—bearing honor and providing protection.
For instance, the orphanage was established due to the Count of Stoneheart's efforts, aiding numerous orphans and abandoned infants in the outskirts of the Red Frost city.
His personal demeanor and style also reflected this.
Compared to the utterly reprehensible nobles in Seraphina's eyes, the image of the Count of Stoneheart was more traditional.
"So, what do you think makes him one of the better nobles?"
Ansel asked, smiling at a little girl in the yard who had noticed him.
The little girl's face flushed instantly, and she covered her face and ran off, looking exceptionally adorable.
Marlina fell into deep thought. She was eager to immerse herself in contemplation, using it as an escape from the nightmares that filled her with despair.
"I believe... it's not because he is particularly kind-hearted."
She said, pondering the words Ansel had taught her earlier — If the implementation of policies was ultimately for the people, then who exactly were these "people"?
"He doesn't genuinely want to improve the Red Frost territory," she continued.
As the person responsible for buying and selling goods at the market in her home, Marlina had a keen understanding of human nature.
She frowned slightly, speaking in a somewhat uncertain tone, "It's more out of a sense of... duty, or perhaps... dignity? The dignity of a noble?"
"That's a good choice of words," Ansel applauded softly, "Dignity, a fitting motivation for the Count of Stoneheart. His family has a long history, and his ancestors were once glorious. Although they have been declining, the pure 'noble heritage' has remained unchanged."
"Do you remember Bernarl? His ancestors were originally vassals of the Stoneheart family, but chose to leave for some reasons. The Stoneheart family not only did not pursue them, but continued to support them. Even now, the Count of Stoneheart treats him well."
"Remember, vassals can't just leave. Sometimes, even if they have ample reasons, it's considered betrayal to the nobles they serve," Ansel continued.
"After all, in the eyes of most nobles, everything that the people and vassals possess is granted by them."
"So—"
He turned to Marlina, encouraging her with a warm and hearty smile, "It's great that you pointed out his 'kindness' stems from dignity. I told you that you have a talent, didn't I?"
"No, I mean... thank you for your praise," Marlina, who instinctively wanted to deny herself, blushed and lowered her head, responding in a shy whisper.
In this world, the person who discovered her, who was willing to trust her unconditionally, was Lord Hydral.
Even though she was an ordinary person in this world, not even comparable to a mayfly, he was willing to give her such pure and sincere recognition and respect.
Standing by Lord Hydral's side felt so reassuring.
Thinking this, Marlina's heart raced, and she chastised herself for her shamelessness.
"B-besides," she averted her gaze, trying to calm herself down by shifting her attention, "I also think that this is... a strategy to compete with the Count of Red Frost."
"Hmm..."
Ansel didn't comment, as he was focusing on the yard beyond the fence.
The little girl who had run off blushing earlier was now returning, holding a flower in her hand.
Her face was still flushed as she carefully approached the fence, looked up at Ansel, and asked timidly, "Are you... Lord Hydral?"
Ansel squatted down, reached through the fence, and gently patted her head with a smile, "Yes, I am, sweet little girl. What's your name?"
"Li-Lilika…"
She replied.
The girl reveled in Hydral's gentle touch, but quickly realized her own impropriety.
Closing her eyes, her voice trembled with extreme shyness and nervousness as she handed the small flower to Ansel.
"My headmistress told me that you provided us with a lot of coal, without which we would have frozen in a few days. This is a gift for you!"
"Thank you, I accept it," Ansel replied warmly, touching her forehead gently, "Close your eyes first, let me think..."
"Marlina," he stood up and whispered in the snow-haired girl's ear.
The warm, moist breath made Marlina shiver slightly, her ears burning.
"Do you have a small gift suitable for this lovely girl?" Ansel asked softly, his voice raspy, "I'll return the favor."
"I... I..."
Ansel's voice, breath, scent, and warmth all gradually made Marlina's head spin. She frantically searched her belongings, eventually removing the hair ornament from her head. She wanted to distance herself from Ansel, yet she was reluctant to leave his warmth.
With trembling fingers, she placed the hair ornament in Ansel's palm, "Please give this to her."
"Thank you for your generosity, Miss Marlina," Ansel's fingertips grazed Marlina's palm as he spoke with a light laugh, "I owe you one, remember to find me."
He placed the hair ornament in the little girl's tiny hand, ruffling her hair amid her delighted cheers before leaving with Marlina.
The young nobleman didn't say much, simply strolling down the street with the girl who kept her head down, her hands clasped together in front of her.
It wasn't until Marlina's surging emotions gradually subsided, and she increasingly wished that the road would never end, that she wanted to get closer, even closer, so that her shoulder could occasionally brush against Lord Hydral's and then separate again.
Before the girl could act on her thoughts, Hydral, who was walking with her, suddenly said, "Marlina, so what do you think... what kind of dignity does the Count of Stoneheart have?"
"..."
This question left Marlina stunned for a few seconds, not because of its difficulty, but because of the significance of asking the question.
That's right... what was I thinking? Lord Hydral brought me out to broaden my horizons, so how could I have the leisure to think about such things?
...How could I be qualified to think about such things?
In the brief silence, the gentle and kind girl composed herself, not allowing a trace of her sadness and loss to show.
She answered softly but firmly, "I think there's nothing wrong with it."
"Even if he doesn't truly care about the common people, even if he only cares about his own noble honor, even if he, like other nobles... doesn't really consider us and treats us like insects."
"But at least he has done something. His 'dignity,' even if it helps just one person survive the winter, is valuable."
Marlina lowered her head, "Because we... don't have the qualifications or confidence to ask for more."
At this point, it seemed she understood why Ansel had asked this question.
"Lord Hydral," she mustered the courage to approach Ansel, "I promise you that Seraphina will never do such shallow and shortsighted foolish things again. I will educate her properly, just as you have educated me."
Marlina spoke seriously and solemnly, almost as if swearing an oath. However, what responded to her solemnity was Ansel's... nonchalance.
"Ah? What?"
Under the girl's stunned gaze, her beloved Lord Hydral first looked puzzled, then realized what she meant, and the corners of his mouth turned up.
—As if he had taken her words as a joke.
"No, it's okay, don't worry too much, Marlina."
He said casually, "I don't mind what Seraphina does. She won't truly anger me, and I will always forgive her. You can rest assured."
"After all, she has that kind of value and ability."
This recognition and magnanimity, which would bring tears to anyone's eyes, completely destroyed the already shattered self-esteem of the intelligent, ordinary girl.
That's right... we don't have the qualifications or confidence to ask for more.
But she does, doesn't she?
Even if Seraphina is shortsighted and ridiculous, she possesses the value that will make Lord Hydral forgive her forever.
And I don't.
"Marlina?"
Lord Hydral's concerned voice rang in Marlina's ears, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"...It's just that the wind is too strong, and it's making my eyes hurt. Please don't worry about me."
The girl rubbing her eyes smiled at Ansel.
Crushing her tears and swallowing her numbness.