IACGD 36

Chapter 36

Clemens took Zephyrus’ hand.

“I don’t know much about other things,” she said.

Of course, if it was just what she could see—whether supplies were low, the roads were rough, or the environment was vulnerable to disease—those were things Clemens couldn’t solve on her own. They were problems that required the combined effort of many people.

“But if the cold is the problem, I think I can do something about it.”

She meant that from now on, he shouldn’t hide things from her. If Zephyrus made a request or gave her an instruction, Clemens would follow without hesitation. Even if it was something beyond her abilities, she would at least try.

“If something were to happen to you, I don’t think I could forgive myself.”

“I think I wouldn’t forgive myself either, even if I were fine but more people had died.”

“……”

Zephyrus pressed his lips together tightly. Deep down, he agreed with Clemens’ words.

“I don’t want to die either. I came here because I wanted to live. I value myself even more than you think.”

“I don’t think that’s the case.”

“Huh? Please say that again. I didn’t hear it properly.”

Seeing only his lips move, Clemens stepped closer. Zephyrus glanced at her and then stood, moving forward.

As Clemens followed him, curious about his actions, Zephyrus handed her a pane of transparent glass.

“I’m curious how you appeared as a ghost.”

“Oh.”

Clemens giggled and imitated the scene.

When the white blizzard blew, she draped a snow-white cloth over herself to blend in and covered her face and upper body with the transparent glass. She bent her knees slightly and walked—done.

“You look rather ridiculous.”

“Huh? Not a ghost?”

“Well, it might look like that at night. Haven’t you seen yourself in that form?”

“Yes.”

Zephyrus gestured. Clemens, with an intrigued expression, draped the cloth over Zephyrus’ head and handed him the transparent glass.

“Oh. Master, your shoulders are visible.”

“And your face?”

“It’s covered, so of course you can’t see it.”

Even if it was a little tiring, wandering at night had been worth it. Looking back, it had been a fun experience. Even with enough firewood, many still died; next year, she hoped to help again. As Clemens thought this—

“Ahem, hmm.”

Zephyrus suddenly cleared his throat.

“I know the hardships you and Rosia endured.”

His voice sounded like he was praising a subordinate for a job well done. The firm, solemn tone made it feel even more sincere.

“However, next time, I would like you to consult me before acting.”

“I will.”

“Because—hm?”

Zephyrus hesitated, not expecting her immediate acceptance, and Clemens spoke first.

“Then you also tell me if there’s anything you want. I’m your personal maid, so it’s fine to just give me orders.”

“I suppose I would be in trouble if I lost you.”

“I also can’t bear to see you struggle, Master.”

Clemens stepped slightly to the side. Zephyrus’ ear was visible—a soft pink.

“…I feel like you’d even jump off a cliff if I told you to.”

“That’s not true.”

Another step, and this time the back of his neck was visible.

“In any case, I don’t want you taking dangerous risks.”

“I don’t like it either. But I think my danger and Master’s danger are different.”

This time, she took a bigger step, resting her shoulder against Zephyrus’. He flinched.

“So tell me. A lot.”

“You’re trying to persuade me?”

“We’re trying to understand each other.”

“I… don’t want you to leave my side.”

Zephyrus forced a stern expression, his eyelashes trembling. He had repeated this sentiment several times already; even talking with Clemens hadn’t eased his anxiety.

Clemens also felt comfortable beside him, but she couldn’t stay with him all the time.

Then Zephyrus slowly raised the transparent glass between them and spoke.

“If I had to choose between the territory and you, I think I’d choose you. I am the lord, but I shouldn’t feel this way.”

It was a confession.

“Actually, I’m grateful. You’ve done what I couldn’t.”

The more he spoke, the more Zephyrus’ voice trembled. She could feel the unadorned sincerity.

“But precisely because of that… I can’t help feeling a sense of self-reproach. I feel fortunate yet realize that I shouldn’t be in this position.”

“Hey! Don’t say that!”

“You suggested we understand each other. I have to be honest.”

After a brief breath, Zephyrus’ voice returned to normal.

“In any case, it seems I got even more angry. I apologize for letting my emotions dictate my anger.”

Clemens responded in kind to his honesty.

“I’m not complicated. I just wanted Master to be happy, like someone receiving a gift. I didn’t even know I could feel that way. Next time, I’ll explain first. I’m sorry.”

She bowed. Zephyrus suddenly set the transparent glass down and touched the back of Clemens’ head.

Startled by the sudden coolness, Clemens lifted her head. Zephyrus’ gaze was directed at her, but it didn’t seem like he was really looking.

He gently stroked her head, whispering to himself.

“It’s alright. If I can take responsibility.”

“Huh?”

“I just remembered what my father said when I apologized for mistakes.”

When he misbehaved, Zephyrus’ father would scold him until tears came, then gently pat his head. Though he hardly remembered his father now, that warm touch still lingered.

Aha, Clemens nodded, stepping back slightly and placing her hands on her hips.

“Don’t be intimidated! Be bold! Just live!”

She shouted, then smiled at the surprised Zephyrus.

“My grandmother said that.”

“Ahem. It seems this time, you didn’t fully follow her advice.”

“No, she also said this,” Clemens replied.

“If someone values you, don’t hold back—express your feelings honestly.”

Clemens was a child who listened well to her grandmother.

“So that explains the reason for your… embarrassing expressions.”

Blinking, she scratched her face and clapped her hands.

“Oh! You mean compliments about my face or appearance? That’s just stating the truth.”

As she chattered on about how useful it would be to get used to hearing such things outside, Zephyrus frowned. Clemens still had so many idioms to memorize.

Yet if she spoke perfect Imperial, it might also feel awkward.

“Similar, but with a different meaning. So…”

Zephyrus’ lips curved subtly as he explained words to Clemens, unnoticed by anyone.

The capital of the Terranova Empire.

Solsia, the heart of the empire where the emperor resided.

Noble annexes were densely packed around the imperial palace.

The most prominent was right next to the palace—an annex of the Prunina Grand Ducal family, occupying the spot since Solsia’s founding.

A cadet branch of the Grand Ducal family lived there, monitoring the state and sending advanced culture to Prunina. But that was just a pretext. It meant they were supposed to remain in the capital, not return to their lands.

In fact, they couldn’t even attend the previous Grand Duke’s funeral.

Even though the young heir, Zephyrus, had officially become the Grand Duke, they remained unseen for no apparent reason.

Having no chance to see the direct heir’s face, the cadet branches’ resentment grew.

It had already been ten years. Occasionally letters arrived, but that was all.

The Grand Duke of the north, the face of the region, didn’t attend imperial banquets, birthday celebrations, or even get married.

Unable to see his face, even an engagement was at risk of breaking.

What use was a direct descendant who couldn’t fulfill their role?

Nerhi was the child of the previous Grand Duke. Bloodline.

If the elder brother Grand Duke died leaving a young heir, then as the younger brother, it was natural for Nerhi to inherit.

More than anything, Nerhi wanted to reign like a king over his lands, not live under the watchful eyes of other nobles in the capital—just like his father had.

So he lived cautiously, waiting for an opportunity.

He observed quietly, stalking the enemy’s back. Finally, a chance appeared, and he stretched.

“Failed?”

“Yes. He was even captured.”

“Why on earth?”

Nerhi couldn’t understand. The last news had said the plan had gone as intended. During the Nightmare of the Snow Mountains, nothing could have gone wrong—so why now?

A subordinate handed him a report.

It said the fire spirit had helped Zephyrus.

Nerhi laughed in disbelief and threw the report aside.

“And the merchant?”

“Yes, he just left now that the Nightmare of the Snow Mountains is over.”

“That should succeed, right?”

The locals’ expectations were high for the goods the merchant brought. If he left without delivering, who would they blame for their disappointment?

If the next day, the merchant returned mentioning Nerhi’s name, where would their support go?

The answer was obvious.

Suppressing a burst of laughter, Nerhi stared at his subordinate. At the cold prompt, the subordinate knelt and answered.

“After years of preparation, it will never fail.”

The Noven merchant lord had finally succeeded in taking his grandson hostage.

Nerhi nodded in understanding and handed his subordinate a luxurious letter.

“Send this to the House of Marquis Demeter.”

The House of Marquis Demeter controlled the empire’s most fertile granary lands and was the family of Zephyrus’ fiancée.