In a mansion in the South, two people sat by a fireplace as it snowed outside. In the South, it snowed earlier than the rest of the country. While everywhere else experienced snow towards the end of the year, the South saw snow a month earlier. It was the last month of the year, and it was almost time for the first snow in other parts of the empire, but the South had already experienced two weeks of snow.
"Today is your last day here, right?" asked an old man with a large build that contrasted with his face.
"Yes," Teon replied.
"Nothing better happen to my granddaughter, or I'm coming after your head," the old man threatened. He was Freud Hackington, an old general of the army and one of the most influential people in the empire.
"Come on, Grandpa, don't act like I'm some weakling," Alia said, walking into the sitting room.
"You will always be a kid to me," he replied.
"Sir, I trust that Alia can hold her own. She is one of my trusted comrades who trained with me," Teon replied.
"My threat still stands," Freud said. "Alia, where are the others?"
"Training outside," she replied, standing behind her grandfather's chair.
"I want to have a word with this kid. Can you excuse us?" he asked nicely. She looked at Teon but didn't say a word and walked out.
The room fell dead silent the moment Alia left.
"I have told you that you have my full support. Myra is one of the few I respect, and the fact that you have the support of the North is also a great deal," Freud said. "How did you do that? The North has never paid attention to any other part of the empire and acted independently," he said in admiration.
"I could receive the glory for something I did not do, but honestly, I have no idea. I received a letter from the new duchess of the North and Master went to see her. Since then, things with the North have been smooth; they've become one of my business partners," Teon explained.
"Do you think the capital did something to annoy them? This is unusual," Freud mused.
"I believe Master knows the reason, but she refused to tell me, so I am also in shock. That doesn't mean I'd waste the opportunity. Support from the North has come a long way for me," he continued.
"Well, that shows that everyone is against the Averson family," the old man said, filling his glass with wine again.
"It's only expected," Teon replied.
"Now for the main reason I wanted to speak to you," Freud said, and the room fell dead silent.
"You have been with my granddaughter for a long time," Freud finally spoke after long minutes that felt like hours. "You know that these kinds of alliances don't happen without benefits. I know this is out of nowhere, but do you see a future between the both of you?"
"Of course," Teon replied with an expressionless face. "Alia is one of my trusted allies. I will definitely want her around for a long time," he continued.
"Stop avoiding my question. You know what I mean," Freud said loudly with a stern voice.
"I don't, sir. I've always seen Alia as a reliable person and never considered that," he replied, and the old man nodded.
"Is there someone else?" Freud asked, and Teon's eyes flickered, but he managed to keep his expression even. "I would understand if there is, but if there is not, why not? You do know that allying yourself with a powerful family would go a long way for you, right?"
"I do, but… Things are just not that way between us," Teon tried to placate the old man.
"If my granddaughter doesn't want it, I'm fine with that," Freud said in resignation. "Just remember that in times like this, marriage is a powerful weapon."
"A lethal weapon that caused all these fights," Teon replied.
"Your father was foolish for going against the Waisons. What was he expecting when he made their daughter a consort?" Freud asked, and Teon sighed. "Speaking of which, would you be going there?"
"No, I still haven't resolved my issues with them, but I'm working on it," he replied.
"Well, you have the support of the military forces. One order and everyone, both in and out of the palace, will stand down, but that is the most we'd do for you," Freud said.
"That is plenty. We can take care of the royal knights and mercenaries ourselves, but it's not time yet," Teon said.
"I'll try to speak to the Waisons on your behalf," Freud offered.
"There won't be any need for that," Teon replied.
"What do you intend to do? How will you gain their favor?" Freud asked.
"I don't need to. I have no intention of leaving Master for a family that I don't need. As much as I know they won't involve themselves any further," Teon replied, and Freud sighed.
"Your way of thinking is wonderful, kid. In a case of life and death, you shouldn't let emotions overshadow you," Freud warned.
"I'll try," Teon replied.
Alia stood outside the room, eavesdropping on the conversation going on inside. She didn't know who to be angry at: her grandfather for bringing up the unreasonable topic or Teon for making it seem like the thought was unbearable. The thought was unbearable for her, but hearing his response was just annoying.
"Alia, eavesdropping is bad," Elwin said, approaching her.
"Not when I'm mentioned," she shot back, turning to leave.
"There's no justification for eavesdropping, Alia," Elwin said but was waved off. He shook his head and walked into the sitting room. "Good day, sir," he said to Freud, who gave him a nod.
"I'll let you go," Freud said, and Teon nodded, standing up to leave. "Remember what I said, don't let emotions cloud your judgment," he said. Teon nodded and walked out with Elwin.
"They're awfully quiet. It's unusual for the empress to be quiet for this long," Elwin stated.
"She won't come in search of us. That's fine since we're going to her," Teon replied. "I wonder what that woman is planning," he finished.