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Chapter 5
Even though it was the middle of winter, the child was dressed in what looked like scraps of cloth. His face, arms, and legs were covered in bruises. He was clearly not in good condition. But worse than that—wild beasts with scars all over their bodies were surrounding the child.
Charlotte quickly picked up a branch from the ground and began swinging it wildly.
“Get back! Go away!”
The wild beasts bared their teeth and were about to attack, but Anna arrived just in time. She glared at them, holding a large rock, and the beasts quickly turned tail and ran away.
Meanwhile, Charlotte rushed to check on the child. She had collapsed and wasn’t moving, possibly unconscious. Without hesitation, she pulled her into her arms.
“My lady! Wait—there really is a child! Who in their right mind would abandon a child in a place like this?”
They were in the forest belonging to Stellaria Castle, which was private land. No one could enter without permission. So, how did this child get here?
Charlotte looked around but saw no one. She hugged the child tightly.
“She’s so cold. I’ll wrap her in my cloak.”
“My lady, I’ll take mine off—oh wait, I’m not wearing anything extra. Just a second!”
Charlotte stopped Anna and wrapped the child in her own cloak. Her body was ice-cold, so she held her tightly, trying to share her warmth.
There was no way a child could’ve come this far into the woods on her own. Had she really been abandoned?
Just as Anna helped Charlotte to her feet, the child started to stir. Surprised, Charlotte looked down. The child was trying to push away the tight cloak wrapped around her.
“Uhh…”
Charlotte asked gently, her voice full of concern:
“Sweetheart, are you okay?”
The child slowly opened her eyes. Her white hair looked like fresh snow, and she stared at Charlotte with bright blue eyes—bluer than any eyes she had ever seen. They sparkled like sapphires. And strangely… they didn’t feel unfamiliar.
Then something warm and soft touched Charlotte’s cheek—it was the child’s small hand, which had been so cold just moments ago. Their eyes met.
Then, clearly and softly, the child spoke—her voice cutting through the cold wind like it was meant just for her:
“Mom.”
“!”
“Mom… Mommy…”
The child nestled into her arms and tightly grabbed her sleeve.
Charlotte looked down at the child clinging to her. She looked about five years old and had called her “Mommy”. Her soft, pale skin, especially white because of her hair, was turning red from the cold.
The word “Mommy” left Charlotte stunned and weak in the knees. Why was this child calling her that?
Just then, a sharp wind swept through the forest, shaking the trees. Snow that had gathered on branches flew into the air like powder.
The child’s shoulders trembled. Charlotte held her even tighter and quickly turned back toward the path out of the forest.
“Her body is so cold. We need to take her to the castle right away.”
***
At Stellaria Castle in Nostri
This massive northern castle, rumored to be carved from diamonds, was a gift from Ronan to his wife, Layla. Few people had actually seen the castle, as it was built deep in the hard-to-reach north and its location wasn’t well known. So all kinds of rumors floated around.
“It’s more beautiful and grand than even the imperial palace—so much that the emperor himself envies it…”
Charlotte recalled hearing such rumors as she looked up at the towering castle. Snow was falling, and thick gray clouds covered its peak. But even without the clouds, the castle stood so high it was hard to see the top.
Despite the snow fog, Stellaria Castle glowed white. Four giant marble pillars supported its structure, and the sleek, solid walls had a unique design—more like the Reneba Kingdom than the Argent Empire. Because of the heavy snowfall in the region, the rooftops were steeper and more pointed than usual.
It was stunning. You could tell at a glance how much care went into its construction.
Charlotte had thought all the stories about the castle were exaggerated, but now she wondered if some of them might be true.
Then came the sound of hooves approaching from outside the castle gate.
“Lady Blanche?”
A man on a white horse appeared. He had ash-gray hair, like it had been burned by fire, and sharp, chiseled features. When Charlotte nodded, he immediately dismounted. As his black cloak fluttered, she noticed the brooch of the Valiant Duke of Nostri.
He came closer and looked at her silently—not in a rude way, but calmly. His pale silver eyes held a softness that stood out with his cold appearance. After a pause, he lowered his gaze slightly and spoke in a low, polite voice:
“I am Ash Valiant, Lord of Nostri.”
Charlotte remembered her grandfather mentioning him. Her father had once greatly helped the Valiant family.
“It’s an honor to receive a lady of House Blanche. If there’s anything you need during your stay, the Valiant family will support you. Stellaria Castle has been cleaned, and your belongings have already been moved in. Please make yourself at home. And if you ever wish to visit the town—”
Just then, Ash’s gaze shifted to the child in her arms. His eyes narrowed in surprise.
“Is something wrong?”
“That child… is she your daughter, Lady Blanche?”
“Oh my! Duke Valiant, that’s impossible! Our lady is not married!”
Anna, who had been admiring the castle, shouted in shock. Charlotte gave a slightly awkward smile, and Ash looked even more flustered.
“Forgive me. The child just resembles you quite a bit, and I made a mistake. I apologize if I was rude.”
Charlotte looked down at the child, who still clung to her. Now that she really looked, the child’s white hair and long eyelashes were just like hers. The curly ends and the shape of the eyes, too. Only her bright sapphire eyes were different from her own dark blue ones.
She hadn’t noticed it before, but they really did look alike—like mother and child.
“It’s fine. She’s not my daughter. I found her in the forest surrounded by wild animals…”
“Which forest was it?”
“The Winter Tree Forest, to the south.”
“Children are rare in the northern mountains. We might be able to find out who her parents are. May I take a look at her?”
“Sweetie, can you lift your head just for a moment?”
“Mmm.”
Ash reached out to the child very gently. The child looked at him, then at her hand, and placed her chin in his palm—her chubby cheek pressing down slightly as she giggled softly. Ash couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
Then the child grabbed his hand tightly and laughed out loud. Ash’s shoulders visibly tensed.
He must not be used to children.
Charlotte noticed and tried to stifle a smile.
The child continued to rub her cheek against Ash’s hand playfully. He had been wary, but now seemed completely at ease.
Ash lightly pressed the child’s cheek, making her giggle again.
“Mommy, hug me tight.”
“……?”
“She’s been calling me ‘Mom’ ever since we met, though I’m not sure why.”
Charlotte quickly explained, before more misunderstandings could arise.
“Anna, please take the child inside first.”
“Mooom—”
“I’ll be right behind you.”
The child reluctantly left Charlotte’s arms and went with Anna. Only after seeing them walk into the castle did Charlotte turn back to Ash. He held something out to her—a key.
Charlotte took it.
“Is this the key to Stellaria Castle?”
“Yes. I’ve been keeping it while serving as lord here.”
“Thank you. But…”
“Please, speak freely.”
“I should have informed you ahead of time. I came in a hurry and may have caused trouble. I apologize.”
Charlotte gently touched the key and spoke quietly.
She understood why her grandfather had sent her to Nostri. Yes, it was where Stellaria Castle stood—but more importantly, Nostri had little contact with the capital or other noble territories. It was far removed from the center of gossip and rumor.
That was part of why Charlotte had agreed to come—so she could rest and not worry about others’ eyes. But now, she wasn’t sure. What if rumors about her had already reached this place?
Her eyes slowly turned red. She missed her father. She missed her grandfather. She wished she had brought something of her father’s with her—just something to feel closer.
Her face reflected the deep loneliness of someone who had suffered too many wounds for too long. Whether it was the cold or something else, the wind felt even sharper against her skin.
When Charlotte shivered slightly, Ash’s silver eyes darkened.
“You haven’t troubled me at all.”
“!”
“It’s an honor to welcome the daughter of someone who once helped our family. Please don’t worry.”
Charlotte quickly lowered her head. Lost in thought, she hadn’t realized she’d been staring at Ash all this time. He must’ve seen her red eyes, but he acted like he hadn’t. Instead, he silently took off his coat and gently draped it over her shoulders.
“This weather may be normal for me, but it must be cold for you. Your skin has turned red from the chill.”
Ash gave a faint smile—so light, it seemed like it might vanish into the cold wind.
Charlotte gripped the coat’s sleeve and nodded, thankful for his quiet kindness.
“I hope you leave this place with only good memories, Lady Blanche.”
