There was no need to secretly investigate the people.

Everyone up to the central north was in unexpected prosperity.

It was due to the massive amount of goods being transferred to the Barlock territory.

From things like wood and stone to dried fruits, smoked meats, bread to be soaked, and fabrics, Barlock was greedily devouring resources.

People were not overly concerned, mistakenly thinking it was due to the ‘princess’ who had gone over to Barlock territory, rather than a collapse of the fortress.

They were simply happy with the unexpected prosperity.

“Fools, they might even die.”

Jeremy, the crown prince, did not hide his displeasure at the lieutenant’s report.

“Happy with pennies dropping right in front of their noses.”

Tsk.

Clicking his tongue, Jeremy then carefully folded the lieutenant’s report and set it on fire.

The remaining ashes were swept into the stove.

He had no intention of rewriting the report for the Emperor.

Jeremy simply began his ‘work.’

He did not forget to throw a word at the absentminded lieutenant.

“Idling?”

“Ah, no.”

After concentrating on his work for a while, Jeremy suddenly spoke.

“Where is His Majesty?”

The lieutenant hesitated for a moment before quickly answering.

“Today, there’s a meeting scheduled with the Western Nobility Alliance. The location is…”

“Go. I forgot to tell you something.”

Ah, Barlock’s situation.

The lieutenant recalled Jeremy’s ‘matter’ and quickly prepared his jacket and coat.

Just as Jeremy was about to catch up with the Viceroy who had just finished the meeting and began to reveal his forgotten ‘matter,’ he began to doubt his own ears.

“Your Majesty, don’t worry too much. From what I gathered, the reason for Barlock’s fortress collapsing is partly because the old walls could not withstand the passage of time.”

“What?”

The room turned icy.

Amidst this, Jeremy added with a cheerful tone.

“This isn’t a matter of prophecy or Gillian Barlock’s capabilities. Even if Silerus Barlock were alive, he wouldn’t have been able to do anything about the castle worn down by time.”

One among those standing behind the Emperor asked with a drained face.

“The fortress collapsed?”

“Ah, it’s probably nothing.”

“That fortress in Barlock… Isn’t it for guarding the ice wall? That collapsed?”

“When did it collapse?”

The attention of the nobles immediately focused on Jeremy.

Jeremy responded with a wide smile.

It was a smile free of any trace of worry or concern.

“Well, don’t worry. His Majesty knew about it beforehand, and I simply confirmed it. From what people found, parts of the aged walls have slightly collapsed.”

The tense atmosphere relaxed at Jeremy’s words.

Not because they were relieved by his statement.

The gazes that were on Jeremy until a moment ago were now all on the Emperor.

What their eyes held was something close to assured betrayal.

Jeremy courteously bowed, taking in their gazes.

The Emperor’s eyes had already turned colder than an ice field.

Given his hardened expression, one would think speaking out of turn might result in a slap strong enough to knock out a tooth or two.

But guessing the Emperor’s awkward position, Jeremy thought that was nothing.

“You’re disrespectful.”

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I was too happy and failed to observe my surroundings.”

“Look. Were you not scared over such a trivial matter?”

What Jeremy received was not violence.

It was a sharp rebuke that seemed worried, but the Emperor’s warm voice masked everything.

Only Jeremy understood.

One, it was sweet to Jeremy.

Because the one most concerned about the fearful gazes of those cowards was none other than the Emperor.
His reproach was deeply disheartening.

Below the lowered head, Jeremy barely concealed a sneer.

Only his lieutenant, guarding his back, noticed it.

“I will guard you for a lifetime.”

The voice was both neat and warm.

“I’m fine. Just being by the side of someone great is already enough for me.”

The voices were unfamiliar.

Thud.

Tears were involuntarily being squeezed out.

“Bianca!”

Gillian’s startled voice and the voice murmuring “I’m fine” as if by habit became intertwined and distant.

Bianca’s eyes widened, but half of her vision was quickly darkening as if black water was spreading.

And the last face she saw was that of a young man with neatly combed white hair.

The man looking at her whispered with a virtuous and warm gaze.

“Thank you for allowing me to be by your side like this. I will guard you for a lifetime.”

Although she couldn’t feel him cautiously holding her hand, a warm and cozy heat seemed to spread from her fingertips.

Gillian easily caught Bianca as she collapsed.

She had originally been in his arms.

Supporting her limp neck, he lifted her just so, her feet hanging in the air.

Gillian then moved forward.

“Bianca.”

He whispered so softly that no one could hear.

Only the sound of Bianca’s breathing filled the surroundings, perfectly erasing even the faintest of their presences, as his rabbit fur boots crumbled underfoot.