“Not at all how it seemed.”

“Oh really? I tried hard not to show it, after all. Since we’re on the topic, how about having a drink together this evening?”

At the unexpected invitation, Ubbus Lucan’s shoulder twitched involuntarily—memories of yesterday’s defeat flashing through his mind.

Alongside that, the unfamiliar, gut-wrenching hangover he was experiencing for the first time only heightened his wariness toward Erseria’s suggestion.

Yet, for a drinker to refuse alcohol was no different than a dog giving up meat.

Pressing both hands firmly against his throbbing temples as nausea surged, Ubbus eventually gave in, feigning reluctance.

“…I’ll consider it after checking my condition.”

“Good. I’ve already instructed them to prepare food that helps with hangovers, so you’ll likely feel perfectly fine by dinner. It’d be a shame to end our match after just one round, wouldn’t it?”

“Of course, it would.”

Ubbus replied, clenching his molars tightly. With that, a man’s determined effort to turn yesterday’s loss into today’s victory began alongside the luncheon.

True to Erseria’s words, the table was fully laid out with foods said to help with hangovers—tomato stew, braised offal, and more.

Of course, the meal wasn’t limited to just alcohol-related dishes. The luncheon prepared for the Duke and his wife was also abundant.

Compared to last night’s dinner, lighter soups and salads were served, along with fruit punches made from various local fruits that looked refreshing just to see.

Among these, Dante’s favorite was the pie generously filled with fruit jam. He ate no fewer than three of them, each about the size of a palm.

Seeing Dante enjoy his food so much put Erseria in a good mood. She, too, was able to eat her meal happily.

Even the fruit punch, filled with fruits she had never tasted before, was delicious.

While the Ducal family peacefully enjoyed their meal, one spot was crackling with tension—the place where the princes sat.

Seated beside the prince, Ubbus was noisily devouring only the foods known to help with hangovers.

Dreohn, watching his subordinate’s desperate attempt to win the drinking contest, could only shake his head back and forth.

Young Dante, finding the adult’s behavior utterly absurd, openly clicked his tongue at Ubbus.

“Why’s that guy acting like that? He’s probably not going to win anyway.”

“Dante, shh.”

Fortunately, Ubbus, fully absorbed in curing his hangover, seemed not to have heard Dante’s remark.

Though Erseria had gently scolded Dante, she secretly agreed with the child’s words.

While Ubbus struggled earnestly to overcome his hangover, Erseria daintily ate only a small piece of bread alongside her cream soup.

After leisurely finishing her meal, Erseria wiped her lips with a handkerchief and suddenly recalled something.

“Oh, by the way. I’d like to introduce the person who will guide you to the Firefly Cave. I’ve made arrangements so you can visit today.”

[Yay!!]

Dante, who had been eagerly awaiting a tour of the winter domain since yesterday, burst into cheers.

He hadn’t expected they’d go the very next day, but seeing Dante so thrilled, the sudden plan didn’t feel inconvenient at all.

Still, he was surprised—for a different reason.

‘After drinking enough to rival Lord Ubbus, she can immediately attend to other guests?’

She was remarkable, in her own way.

Thus, the late breakfast came to an end.

True to her word, Erseria introduced a knight to the Duke and Duchess.

“This is Seri Dione. She knows the terrain leading to the Firefly Cave well.”

“I greet the two masters of Growen. I am Seri Dione, a knight of Winter.”

The knight standing beside Erseria was a young female knight.

Her hair was tied up in a single high ponytail. She had pale skin and light lemon-colored hair, fitting for the northern region. Tall and slender, her frame still looked strong and sturdy, befitting a knight.

“Pleased to meet you, Sir Dione.”

“The honor is mine.”

Even in their brief exchange, Seri bowed with crisp precision. With that, the guide was set.

The Firefly Cave was located near the village entrance beneath the Lord’s castle.

Though easily accessible to commoners, it was one of the nature reserves designated under the Lord’s authority, making it a special place accessible only to those with permission.

After lightly packing some food, they were ready to head to the cave. Standing in the castle’s lobby, Dreohn saw off the Ducal family.

“I’ll stay behind and rest a bit. I need to restore my mana. Please enjoy your trip, young master.”

“Rest well.”

[It’d be more fun if you came too. I’ll look carefully and tell you what it’s like!]

When Dante said this with regret, Dreohn smiled. Only then did it dawn on him that the boy hadn’t come here merely for leisure.

Though he acted casually, for Dante, beyond the land of winter lay an opportunity of a lifetime.

Once confirming all their belongings were ready, Seri began the guidance.

“Then, this way please.”

[Let’s go!]

An excited Dante floated into the air and spread his wings. Seeing this, Yerpi Deilang smiled and, taking Raymond Growen’s hand, followed along.

The path to the cave wasn’t difficult.

Starting from the castle, they rode a carriage down the road, crossed the village, and soon reached a forest—about an hour’s journey.

Though the ride could have been dull, Dante kept looking out the window, delighted by the village scenery.

[The roofs here are strange. They’re all pointed?]

“That’s to make it easier for snow to slide off. When snow accumulates, it becomes surprisingly heavy—buildings might even collapse.”

Seri kindly answered Dante’s murmur. Then, as if remembering something, Dante suddenly clapped his hands.

[Oh, right! That’s interesting. Come to think of it, the snowman I made was super heavy too.]

Dante’s serious nodding expression was utterly adorable.

Seri seemed to think so too, as a smile bloomed on her otherwise cool, composed face.

‘Could this be a trait of people from the Winter Domain?’

Most people adapted to their environment and developed dispositions suited to their surroundings.

Perhaps the people of the winter land shared a common trait—outwardly cold, yet inwardly warm. Yerpi pondered this quietly.

After traveling through the village for a while, they reached an entrance branching off from the inhabited road.

There, a forest entirely blanketed in pure white snow stretched out.

How long had they been traveling? The carriage finally stopped along a path that appeared to have been cleared of snow.

“We’ve arrived.”

The coachman announced their arrival. The knight stepped down first, then Raymond descended and helped Yerpi and Dante out of the carriage.

The cave before them was so tall and large that one had to crane their neck to see the top.

Hearing it was a cave where fireflies lived, they had expected something small, but it appeared far larger than anticipated.

“It’s much bigger than I imagined.”

“Indeed. The inside is much warmer than outside—so warm it feels like spring. That’s why a greater variety of plants and animals live here. I’ve heard they’ve evolved to thrive without much sunlight.”

Seri’s explanation deepened their interest in the cave.

Though they had come simply because Dante might enjoy it, Yerpi began to feel that visiting this cave might have been a fortunate decision.

“You know quite a lot about the cave.”

“Yes. My husband is one of the rangers who manage it. There are many rare and unique spirit beasts inside as well. But they’re all small and cute. They’re popular among people, but because they’re curious and fearless, they easily become targets for hunters. That’s why we protect the cave and restrict outsider access in advance.”

It wasn’t just about preserving natural scenery—it was to protect rare spirit beasts. This realization brought a deeper sense of reverence.

Entering the cave interior, their vision was immediately obscured by darkness.

Torches were prohibited, as many creatures here were sensitive to light, so they had to carefully watch their steps and surroundings.

But with Raymond by her side, Yerpi had nothing to fear.

The dragon’s eyes, easily adapting even in darkness, protected her.

“Step aside to the right, two steps ahead.”

“Got it.”

The affectionate couple led the way. Shortly after, tiny specks of light began to appear one by one within the previously pitch-black depths of the cave.

[Yerpi, look! Fireflies!]

At Dante’s voice, Yerpi lifted her head—and gasped in awe.

Small lights in red, pink, yellow, and bright sky-blue shimmered, multiplying until they became too numerous to count.

The rare fireflies native only to the land of winter looked just like little star-shaped candies brightening the darkness.