It was surprising enough to call that vast Ansgar a small territory, but what was even more astonishing was that Valentine’s plan had become quite lax.

She thought he would be busy touring the battlefield to be released from the ‘deal.’

“I don’t… like it?”
“Concerning the execution of the contract… As you mentioned, shouldn’t you elevate the name of the Duke of Ansgar?”

“Even if I become an old man, it’s okay. Elevating a name can be done anytime.”

He glanced down at her face.

“I hope you’ve fully enjoyed your life in…”

Due to a sudden gust of wind, his voice faded faintly.

Adele was curious about the unheard words, but the path was too busy to ask. She silently followed him.

Although the forest path appeared dark and menacing on the surface, it was surprisingly comfortable to walk on.

Faint fireflies illuminated the path, and the rocks and tree roots seemed to leap aside on their own, making it easy to traverse.

“Can such things be done with magic?”

Adele suspiciously watched Valentine, who walked gracefully as if the place were a ballroom.

“Rocks and trees blocking the path of the carriage?”

It was hard to believe that the patrol route of the three nearby families in the Tulea Lane was so lax.

What were the chances that the only road penetrating through Bicellaven was left neglected?

“We’re here. Be careful.”

As Adele’s contemplation deepened, Valentine spoke, pushing aside twisted vines.

As if telling her to go first, he made way for her.

Adele cautiously bent down under the vines. At the moment her waist bent, she momentarily forgot her words at the sight that appeared.

“…Is this…”

It was an enormous lake, so unbelievable to be here.

On the lakeside, where clear and clean water rippled, there was a large tree, and underneath it, there was a worn-out and humble-looking cabin.

The moonlight was almost as bright as the sun.

Turning back, the vine, which had clung to the tree, was emitting a fresh vitality, as if it had just become lively.

“It won’t take long, right?”

He seemed oddly excited but unstable at the same time.

She also felt a strange sense of discomfort.

“Where is this?”

“It’s exquisite. Don’t you think so?”

He made an evasive remark as if avoiding an answer. However, Adele had no spirit to point that out.

She cautiously moved toward the cabin.

A white fence surrounded it like a strict barrier, and beyond it, a well-cultivated vegetable garden could be seen.

Pumpkins, tomatoes, grapes, and old squash… Fresh vegetables, not matching the season or timing, were lush in the garden.

Nearby sacks contained worn-out agricultural tools, and furniture covered in thick dust made the place look as if it had been abandoned for a long time, yet the plants were as vibrant as ever.

‘It’s as if time has stopped only here.’

She carefully glanced around the perimeter of the fence, circling the cabin.
Next to the vegetable garden, a small grave was visible in a level spot of the ground. Judging by the small mound, it seemed to be the grave of a newborn or a child of about two or three years old.

“It must have happened a very long time ago, but still, it feels heavy in the heart.”

Adele tried to read the inscription on the gravestone, but it was difficult to do so without crossing the fence.

At this point, it would be enough to turn back, but for some reason, an intense desire to check that grave rose so strongly that it felt bewildering.

“Take your time.”

As if Valentine sensed that feeling, he gently pushed her back.

Adele resisted the impulse, biting her lip.

“…No, it’s better to go back. What if the owner comes while we’re intruding?”

“…….”

“Valentine?”

When she glanced back, Adele met Valentine’s unfamiliar gaze.

Unlike usual, he stared at her with a chilling expression, but when Adele turned back, a forced smile finally returned to his lips.

“Well, there seems to be no one around. Could there be something inappropriate? It feels like it’s been abandoned for hundreds of years.”

With a smirk, he created a sophisticated smile, raising the corners of his mouth.

Adele felt that he, for some reason, wanted to confuse her mind with his own face.

Knowing that she liked his smile and was weak to his appearance…

“Let’s go in. If I appear, I’ll handle the explaining, so…”

Strangely, a decision was made with those words. Adele cautiously reached out toward the gate hanging on the fence.

Surprisingly, the gate, as if untied by itself, fell to the ground as soon as her hand touched it.

“It’s open.”

“You did well. Go in and see as much as you want.”

Adele carefully opened the gate and stepped inside.

Valentine, who she thought would follow right behind her, was looking at her over the fence with a strange expression.

“Valentine, aren’t you coming in?”

“Can’t you invite me?”

He asked lightly as if making a joke.

“I don’t have the right. I’m not the owner of this place.”

“Still… try. As if Adele is the owner of this place.”

“Invite Valentine?”

“Why not?”

There was nothing she couldn’t do.

Since it wasn’t her house to begin with, and she didn’t want to be alone in such a suspicious place.

Only now did she remember the superstition that one cannot cross the border before being invited in the north.

It was somewhat amusing.

While the sacred curtain of Morgue was easily broken and crossed.

“Okay, I understand. If Valentine wants, you can come in.”

With that smile, his demeanor completely changed, but Adele was unaware of it.