episode_0001

“Our Duke is still in his chamber…”

These days, the Loengreen Castle is unusually peaceful compared to usual.

Considering that this place is where all the power and authority of the North gather, it was certainly a strange situation.

“I wonder what’s going on. Lately, he hasn’t even called for regular meetings. It’s convenient for us, but…”

“Sigh! Whenever you say something like that, things get even more difficult!”

The maids working in the castle were overwhelmed by the silence that could last indefinitely.

It would never be tolerated under normal circumstances.

But now, no one dares to scold them.

The Duke, who used to treat the maids harshly, has been absent for two weeks, and even the sassy noblewomen have been blocked from entering the castle due to the ban on visitors.

“By the way, what could be the reason why our Duke suddenly secluded himself like this?”

“Well, it’s an unprecedented event, so I can’t figure it out.”

“You’re right. He even went on an outing the day after parting with his wife as if nothing happened.”

“Who knows? Maybe he’s suffering from some serious illness…”

The maids, forgetting their manners, kept mentioning their master’s name.

Since Duke Loengreen has always been a prominent figure, there was never a shortage of gossip.

And then, how much time had passed?

“…Wait, don’t you hear that sound?”

“What sound?”

Clank, clank…

A strange metallic friction sound could be heard from afar.

Soon, the maids of the castle rushed out to check the situation.

“I’ve come to see my father. Where is he?”

On top of her elegant black dress, Laura, the eldest daughter known for her strictness, spoke with a splendid fur coat.

At the same time, she was also the newly appointed Imperial Guardian Knight.

The maids were easily overwhelmed by her presence.

“Yes, Lady Laura. Our Duke is currently…”

What should be done about this situation?

From the perspective of those below, they couldn’t possibly utter words telling her to go back. They simply bowed their heads appropriately.

Moreover, the lady was not alone.

Judging by the fact that he led soldiers and stormed Yeongjuseong, it seems like today he is determined to make a decision, whether it means life or death, just like my father…

“He is in his study. However, His Grace has explicitly instructed not to admit any visitors…”

“It doesn’t matter.”

The maid’s voice tightened as if warning, but Laura paid no attention.

If there is a justified reason, it is actually on this side—she seemed to think so.

Clank, clank.

The sound of iron shoes resounded heavily on the staircase of Yeongjuseong, which had been quiet for a while.

“Oh my, goodness…”

The good times are all gone now!

The maidservants who were watching the situation from afar were restless, fearing that some incident might occur between the Duke and the eldest daughter.

“…Wait.”

Laura pushed the soldiers aside and stood in front of the door leading to the study.

Knock, knock.

As a matter of courtesy, she knocked twice, but there was no response.

Without knocking again, she immediately turned the doorknob. Her impatient temperament was also a characteristic of the Duke’s eldest son.

“Father, Laura is here.”

As Laura entered the study alone, a man with a majestic presence greeted her with silence.

-.

As he slowly raised his head, it seemed as if a radiance was pouring down upon the whole area.

In the artistic landscape adorned with gold and jewels, the Duke’s figure already functioned as a work of art.

“Is it the eldest daughter?”

Beautifully disheveled ash-colored hair. Beyond that, pupils that sparkled red as if they were embedded with rubies. The jade-like body appeared even more solid than being merely plump.

And yet, standing on the boundary of youth, there was an elegance and grace that went beyond that. His noble appearance was truly dignified and noble, giving off the impression that he was a true aristocrat.

The tyrant who ruled over this frozen land.

…Laios Endika von Roen Green.

“He must have issued an audience decree.”

The Duke uttered his first words.

Low and solemn, but his dignity was akin to that of a lion.

However, Laura did not step back in the slightest and replied.

“Please forgive the rudeness of a young girl, Father. I could no longer stand idly by.”

Saying so, she slowly approached the Duke.

“I couldn’t stand idly by?”

“Yes.”

Thud, thud.

The indomitable vitality emanated from the steps of the eldest daughter. Every time the cold footsteps resounded, it felt as if icy blades were emerging from that very spot.

“Since my father suddenly secluded himself and hasn’t taken care of the North for fifteen days… we can say that the heart of the North has stopped.”

The frosty aura that blossomed from Laura’s body spread throughout the area like a chilling breeze.

If by any chance a war were to break out like this…

…this lordship would turn into an icy hell in an instant.

“I don’t know whether you are suffering from some unspeakable ailment or simply succumbing to apathy, but the girl does not know.”

The eldest daughter stood proudly on the front lines.

And then, with an infinitely sharp voice, she concluded her words.

“…When the heart stops, everything in the North freezes to death. That fact is self-evident.”

Her eyes harbored a resolute determination.

Roengreen Territory.

Located farthest north from the capital, it was the land of eternal winter.

In this polar region where one froze to death if they huddled against the cold, one had to constantly move and find their path with a bow in hand.

Being called a ruthless tyrant, Laios was also regarded as an indispensable figure in the North precisely because of his exceptional ability to find that path.

However.

Undoubtedly, the current lord was useless.

Ever since he inexplicably confined himself to his sickbed, the lordship had completely lost its functionality.

What became more apparent were only the accumulated misdeeds due to his unparalleled cruel nature.

Now, not only the authorities of the capital but even the imperial family seriously doubted the qualifications of the lordship…

“Of course, I am well aware of the great efforts made by my father to develop the North.”

That’s why she refrained from making any rash moves.

She hadn’t questioned it until now, considering it as an indefinite expedition and taking it as a momentary respite.

But now she could no longer endure.

“…A few days ago, when Princess Lerial officially visited the territory, she did not make any grand gestures under the pretext of being a guest.”

That act was literally shoving the glory of the lordship, which had been preserved until now, into the toilet.

For whatever reason you argue, is it an act that can be forgiven?

By humiliating important figures of the royal family and turning them into a spectacle for the commoners to watch, are the young lords making a mockery of the world?

As a result of this irreparable mischief, the relationship between the ducal family and the royal court is currently in turmoil. No matter how much effort is made to clean up the mess, it remains a pile of filth─

“I understand your intentions, Laura.”

The Duke slowly rose from his seat.

Although the first princess was no ordinary beauty, in front of her father, she was nothing more than a fox before a tiger.

Eventually, Laura naturally became the picture of someone looking down on Rhaeos.

“So, you want to become the new heart of Loengreen.”

“……”

Laura didn’t respond.

However, her silence expressed pure affirmation.

…Driving out the dissolute and incompetent Duke and becoming the Duchess of the North. She never considered it a foolish decision.

I am different from those who would be indifferent even if ground up.

If it were me, I could undoubtedly bring more prosperity and tranquility to this frozen land.

Not as the tyrant Rhaeos.

Not like the other sisters and concubines who cower in fear and submit to him, only me.

Only Laura is worthy of the position of the owner of Loengreen─.

“What author put such thoughts into your head?”

“Ha…!”

With a cold sneer, Laura drew her sword.

“Without any hidden motives, everything is solely the girl’s own decision. Do you still consider me, Laura, a spineless fool?”

Now it has become irreversible.

To wield a weapon without permission in the Duke’s chamber is an act of treason in itself.

“Yes… You will surely think so! Surely you will! I know very well how I am treated by my father! In your eyes, I am nothing more than a foolish and pitiful woman, am I not?”

“──.”

Soon, the Duke’s face began to contort seriously, but the eldest daughter did not stop speaking.

Father, have you ever once considered me… your daughter?

Like spewing blood, it was an extremely desperate situation.

Laura clenched her teeth. Her gaze towards Rios was cold, devoid of any warmth. …20 years. Time had passed as she was confined and raised like a captive to succeed the Loengrind Duchy. The deep-seated resentment she had harbored in her heart during those long years was immeasurable. And now, the eldest daughter was confronting her father with all of that. “Reconsider your current judgment.” “Yes?” “It means to restrain your impulses and discern with reason. Once you’ve turned your homeland into ashes, it will be too late for regrets.” The Duke responded calmly, without even attempting to change his expression, trampling over Laura’s emotions. “…Huh.” A laugh escaped from Laura’s lips. It truly vexed her. Had she worked so hard for the recognition of such a pathetic human? “Ahahaha!” The sorrow I held, it meant nothing to that person. This mental anguish, it would forever be a puppet dancing in the palm of their hand. Sadness welled up. Anger surged. That despicable and cruel mindset that no longer considered me their own blood. It continues to provoke my suppressed resentment… “Your tongue has become quite sharp, Father. Let’s put an end to this.” In that moment, Laura tightened her grip, ready to tear apart that venomous mouth. But then… “You, too, have become quite insolent in your speech.” “…?!” The Duke suddenly reached out towards Laura. …Her threat became meaningless. Even with the edge of a blade pressed against her throat, he showed no signs of wavering. A mental strength that transcended the realm of humans and an unwavering determination. They were undeniably proving why Rios was called the demon of the north. “What did you say? A foolish half-wit, a pitiful and inferior woman. And furthermore…” The Duke coldly laughed as he gently stroked Laura’s cheek. It was a gesture as if handling harmless livestock. “Do I even consider you my daughter?” “Ugh!”

The translation of the provided text is as follows:

Her lips trembled, and a new sigh escaped her. Shame spread over her flushed cheek, and even a single tear streamed down. Despite her determination and holding the knife, Laura hesitated.

A deep-rooted fear engraved in her body from a distant past. It tightly held her limbs, silently pleading for it to stop.

“….”

She felt angry.

Angrier than ever before.

Am I still afraid of this person?

I thought I had completely overcome this damn panic, but was it just a trivial illusion?

No, I can’t hesitate any longer.

The dice have already been cast. If I don’t kill, I’ll be killed—

“It’s truly terrible and strange.”

“—?”

“Why does this father treat you so cruelly?”

For a moment, Laura’s eyes widened.

It was an unexpected denial that she couldn’t believe came from the cold-hearted Duke.

“Even if you resent me for not understanding your feelings, don’t tear yourself apart.”

“W-What…?”

“From the moment you first came to Roengreen, you were my eternal blessing. And now, growing up so splendidly, even reaching adulthood…”

At the same time.

…An emotion she had never received as a child.

“You are my precious eldest daughter, incomparable to anything in this world.”

It was paternal affection.

“D-Don’t mock me! Don’t try to deceive me with such obvious lies!”

“For 20 years, my unwavering determination has never changed.”

“….”

Upon hearing those words, Laura’s eyes shook violently.

Unlike her wavering gaze, the Duke’s expression was calm and confident.

…It’s strange.

It’s just a word to avoid this situation.

Eternal blessing? Surely, it’s just a lie without any truth in his heart.

But now, I don’t find his face, which I wanted to turn into minced meat someday, repulsive.

Why is it that I don’t feel disgusted at this moment?