Ballok Castle sank into silence.

The recently arrived attendants, excluding the newcomers, were responsible for most of the personnel leaving, but the lack of any news from the search team also played a significant role. No one dared to express their worries openly.

It was thanks to the fact that Bianca, who guarded Ballok’s essence, remained composed.

“The estate’s garden area is this extensive. How about clearing it for better use?”

“The estate garden is solely owned by the Duchess. Feel free to use it as you wish.”

Bianca not only organized documents but also constantly contemplated the management of the estate for the coming year.

“The cost of purchasing exotic crops is quite substantial. It might not be a bad idea to try cultivating them within the estate during this opportunity.”

“……. ”

The office fell silent at her words. It was indeed an unusual sight to plow fields in the garden.

However, careful consideration was necessary.

Ballok Territory, situated at the northernmost part of the continent, faced challenges in food cultivation, with most of the territory allocated to the castle. Comparing it to other territories was meaningless.

“Ballok Territory is in a unique situation.”

“We have no issues with the supply.”

The steward cautiously responded to Bianca’s words.

“How long will that supply be available?”

“So, we understand that it doesn’t come from a single source.”

Although the statement was somewhat incomplete, everyone present understood the story. It was to avoid being tethered by the emperor with food.

“All those routes could be blocked at some point.”

To that extent?

The steward questioned with his eyes. It might have sounded a bit absurd, but precautions were necessary. The emperor always eyed Ballok with more scrutiny than anyone knew, deep and intense. Bianca knew that fact better than anyone else. Like an outbreak, the emperor frequently summoned Bianca and poured out his emotions. It was truly a chilling scrutiny. Without a plan, the Emperor had nonchalantly ousted Syllarus Ballok. People might have thought it was the end, but Bianca’s thoughts were different.

Now, the empire’s eyes were on Ballok, and with the wave of unrest among the imperial citizens, things would stay quiet for now. The fact that she, who should have died, was still alive, and the Emperor, who had suffered the calamity of the palace collapsing, would remain quiet until the end was unfathomable.

Soon, spring.

Something was sure to happen.

To effectively pressure Ballok, they would start by sealing the loopholes in Ballok’s livelihood. It wasn’t speculation but a conviction.

“Cultivate it. Since it’s my exclusive space, I won’t listen to any objections.”

Bianca handed documents to the steward.

“If you prepare soon, you’ll be able to start cultivation from spring.”

“What crops would be suitable?”

“Select crops that can be used as food, and those that can be cultivated in the north. Let me know, and I’ll choose from them.”

“Yes, Milady.”

At the end of her words, when the steward took out a pocket watch from his pocket, Haily, as if waiting, asked a question.

“Where should we prepare lunch?”

It was quite intentional.

However, instead of pointing out their actions, Bianca pushed the accumulated documents aside and stood up.

“We’ll eat in the reception room on the third floor.”

“I will prepare it right away.”

“After the meal, we’ll immediately resume the remaining tasks. Please return here after lunch.”

“Yes, Milady.”

It was the umpteenth early morning and continued internal meetings without a break. Bianca’s face looked pale. However, those in the meeting room did not advise Bianca to rest as usual. They understood why Bianca was doing this.

It had been a week since Julian went missing.

What Bianca needed at this moment was not awkward consolation. That was why they helped Bianca immerse herself in work as much as she wanted.

And Bianca was aware of that fact.
“After the meal, we’ll immediately resume the remaining tasks. Please return here after lunch.”

“Yes, Milady.”

It had been several days of continuous internal meetings starting from the early morning without a break.

Bianca’s face looked pale.

However, the people in the conference room didn’t advise Bianca to rest as usual.

They knew the reason why Bianca was pushing herself like this.

It had already been a week since Julian went missing.

For Bianca, who was forcing herself to stay energetic, awkward consolation was not what she needed at this moment.

That’s why they were helping Bianca bury herself in work as much as she wanted.

And Bianca was aware of that fact.

The consecutive forced marches were a bit regrettable, but it couldn’t be helped.

Bianca reaffirmed who she was without rest.

She was another master of Ballok.

She couldn’t collapse.

Until Julian safely returned, she must endure and protect Ballok.

So, she endured without a break, pushing through each day.

However, moments of dark anxiety surged in.

At those times, Bianca had to endure, recalling the promise Julian made that night.

‘I won’t be late this time.’