episode_0057

Adorned in a sophisticated style, a large black carriage. Leading and trailing it, knights of the Bearen family clad in white robes.

It was a splendid procession that seemed to resemble a noble’s entourage. And the procession finally came to an end late in the evening, after the black carriage passed through the front gate of the Bearen family’s townhouse.

Supported by Eilie, who had followed from the village with Ogenie, Eleanor stepped down from the carriage. Perhaps due to her slender frame, contrary to the doctor’s words, her movements below the waist were still uncomfortable.

“Brother. I will go up first then.”

In response to Eleanor’s words, Dimitri nodded.

“Oh, yes. In that case. Let’s rest well today and talk with Ollaby tomorrow.”

As fatigue showed on Eleanor, Sophie and the maids rushed out from the entrance and surrounded her.

Despite her reassurances, the mansion’s maids did not let go of Eleanor. Amidst the women in black, shining alone, Dimitri murmured softly as he watched the platinum-haired beauty being led into the mansion.

“Sigh… It’s finally over.”

Although he had not shown it outwardly until now, fatigue had accumulated considerably. The exhaustion of his body was nothing compared to the harsh winters of the north he faced every year, but mentally, he was extremely drained.

When he held Eleanor in his arms in the middle of the night, he worried she might be harmed. After she woke up, his mind was restless, and he couldn’t rest peacefully.

Suppressing a bitter smile, Dimitri dismounted from the saddle and ran his hand through the mane of the black horse, which had suffered as much as he had.

As if responding to the touch of its master, the horse nudged its head against Dimitri’s forehead.

And such actions of the horse brought back the image of Eleanor, whose head he had cradled in his arms last night, once again into his mind.

‘Pull yourself together. If you get involved with her any further, it will turn back-‘

As Dimitri shook his head, lost in thought for a moment.

“Your Grace. Since it’s quite late, how about resting at our mansion for the day?”

“Eh!”

Interrupted by the cheerful voice, Dimitri let out an unusual exclamation.

“Well. Can’t you walk more quietly, man?”

“Hehe. Seems even Your Grace can be surprised.”

Smiling broadly, Albrice looked at Dimitri. However, no emotion could be discerned from his smiling face.

Dimitri glanced at him subtly. His dry smile was confusing, almost reminiscent of the man who had been causing havoc at Doryo’s house earlier.

Ignoring such scrutiny, Albrice took a step towards Dimitri’s black horse and patted its neck.

“Your Grace seems quite tired, so how about resting for the day?”

Dimitri hesitated for a moment.

He shouldn’t get further entangled with the nymph beyond this point. At this moment, both he and probably the nymph could tidy up their minds neatly.

Unconsciously, Dimitri found himself nodding.

“Thank you for your concern. Just one day, please.”

“Your Grace, please don’t say things that may offend. What is one day? Having saved the precious Ellie, even if you decide to stay for a lifetime, the Bearen family will welcome you.”

Well… there were urgent matters to discuss regarding the Majeongseok Mine and the monsters inside.

Dimitri smiled warmly at Albrice and handed the reins of the black horse to the stableman who had approached him.

#.

Twirling the wine glass elegantly in his hand, Dimitri gazed out the window.

Arriving at the entrance of the grand mansion, although the sky on the darkened horizon still held a lingering red hue, now darkness had fully descended.

The hospitality at the Beauren estate left nothing to be desired. No, it was almost overwhelming, to say the least.

The dining table at Beauren’s, as always, exuded opulence today as well, while sharing light conversation with Albriss after the meal. The guest room where Dimitri would spend the night, guided by Beauren’s butler, was adorned with dark-toned wooden furniture, creating an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.

Every bed and sofa was plush, every piece of furniture unblemished. Whether it was the freshly laundered bedding or the fragrant soap scent wafting from the curtains hanging by the windows, everything exuded comfort.

Even the clothes provided for Dimitri to wear comfortably for the day were exceptionally luxurious in material and finish.

However, amidst all this luxury, Dimitri’s mind was incredibly uneasy. It felt as if he had stepped into a place he shouldn’t have, causing great discomfort within him.

Fortunately for him, Eleanor, who had arrived before him, remained secluded in the room, providing some relief.

Ultimately, the cause of his current inner turmoil was none other than the charming Eleanor.

Clink.

Dimitri murmured softly as he gazed at the bubbles rising in the wine glass.

“There’s no time to dawdle any longer.”

In the north, there was no autumn. Once summer passed, the land that had melted in the heat began to freeze again. To avoid the impending cold, monsters and demons slowly advanced towards the barrier.

Before summer began, one had to return to their territory to prepare for winter. And that time was gradually approaching.

Dimitri brought the wine glass to his lips, finishing the remaining white wine in one gulp. Enjoying its distinctive fresh and crisp taste, he placed the glass next to the cheese platter.

“Where is Master Albriss?”

In response to Dimitri’s inquiry, a servant of Beauren who had been politely waiting behind the sofa replied.

“If it’s the current hour, Master should be in the study. If you have any words to share, I will inform him of your presence.”

“No need. I’ll find him myself.”

Rising from the sofa, Dimitri said, “I’ll show you the way.”

“Thank you.”

Although he wanted to walk alone to gather his thoughts, knowing he was a guest despite being a duke, Dimitri followed the servant without a word.

It seemed his intention to search had been conveyed somehow. Upon entering the study, Dimitri found appetizers arranged on the table in front of the sofa.

“I’ve prepared a few things for you to enjoy lightly.”

In a subdued voice, Albriss guided Dimitri to the seat of honor. However, contrary to his words, the bottle of liquor in his hand appeared to be a rather strong square whiskey bottle.

“Are you okay with such strong liquor?”

“Are you discussing strong liquor in front of a northerner right now?”

“Haha. I merely asked out of concern since your journey must have been arduous.”

Grinning, Albriss tilted the square whiskey bottle over the transparent glass.

“My father, my family, and relatives—all Westerners love wine, but I’ve always had a fondness for this whiskey.”

“To be honest, you seem more like a city dweller than a Westerner.”

Indeed.

Unlike the straightforward and somewhat emotional Westerners, Albriss’s demeanor, calm and adept at concealing emotions, suited the sophisticated atmosphere of the capital more than the emotional West.

Albris poured whiskey into his glass, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. Dimitri watched him as he brought the glass to his lips.

“Still, it seems like traces of your hometown’s character lingered from what I saw earlier.”

Dimitri said, swallowing the bitter whiskey down his throat.

“With Eleonore involved, it’s not easy for me to control my emotions either.”

“I hold my younger brother dear as well, so I think I understand that sentiment a little.”

“Not quite to your extent.” Albris replied, smiling wryly and then Dimitri quickly got to the point.

“You must have heard by now. What was found in that mine your family handed over?”

Albris placed his glass on the table before responding.

“You need not worry.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“No matter what is found inside, even if the mine is filled with gold, we will uphold that agreement.”

Dimitri looked visibly surprised. Even if the West was wealthy, a mine like Majungseok would surely attract attention.

Facing Dimitri’s expression, Albris’s blue eyes darkened.

“Your Highness. Did you truly not know that what was found inside was Majungseok?”

“Are you saying you knew?”

“Perhaps others didn’t, but that is poison to our family. Especially since the eyes watching us from the capital are not friendly.”

Dimitri nodded subtly at Albris’s words.

The West managed over half of the Empire’s food supply. Criticizing the West when times got tough was a natural response.

In the sticky political arena of the capital, the snake-like politicians wouldn’t overlook this fact. Even if the Empire progressed in various aspects, there was no sign of improvement in the lives of the common folk.

“The reason I was genuinely surprised today wasn’t because of Majungseok.”

“Shilov….”

Dimitri quietly repeated the name in his mind.

“Before leaving the village earlier, I sent some knights to the mine. Upon their return, they reported that the mine was completely empty, just the smell of sulfur lingering.”

“Has someone already taken care of it?”

Albris nodded silently.

“We plan to send Elly down to the capital for a while.”

“Do you suspect someone has their eye on her?”

“Not to that extent. The immediate concern might be a struggle for succession, and among those contenders, our family stands out.”

The crimson liquid trickled back into the empty glass.

“But why are you telling me this?”

Albris gave a vague smile in response to Dimitri’s question.

“Well, one could say it’s my responsibility as your elder brother.”

Albris brought the glass to his lips, swiftly downing the whiskey inside.

“Dimitri Verbritz. As a man, and as Eleonore’s brother, I acknowledge you.”