Northern winter days were as short as a rabbit’s tail.

Soon enough, night stealthily arrived like an unwelcome guest.

At the moment the sun crossed the mountain, the world was plunged into rapid darkness.

The northern party found a clearing among the forest, broke through the snow, and began setting up camp.

The scene looked familiar.

Initially hovering to see if she could help, Brody backed off when she saw the knights feeling awkward.

She knew nothing about camping in a snow-covered night, so she didn’t think she could be of any help.

Temporary shelters were erected here and there, and bonfires were lit.

The shelters were open on one side, and considering the bonfires were lit in front of these openings, it seemed designed to feel the heat from the fires.

If you went into the shelter, you couldn’t tend the fire, and you couldn’t light a fire within the shelter either.

There was also the need to keep watch against attacks from wolves, bears, or snow boars.

At Teddy’s detailed explanation, Brody nodded her head.

Around one bonfire, several shelters were arranged in a circle.

However, the knights gave Brody and Ian an entire bonfire to themselves, slightly distanced from the rest of the group.

Whether out of consideration for the couple or due to their difference in status, Brody found it uncomfortable.

‘Sigh, it didn’t have to be this way. No, it would have been better if it wasn’t.’

After last night, things had become awkward between them.

Ian had become more hesitant around her, possibly because of yesterday’s mistake, and Brody, who was also emotionally confused, didn’t want to make the first move.

‘If he made a mistake, he should make amends first. There’s no chance for me to even be angry.’

Even if they were not lovers, even between workplace colleagues, if a mistake is made, shouldn’t one admit it and try to reset the relationship? Even if he pushed her away, he definitely was the one who seduced her first.

‘Does he think keeping silent will solve this? We’re social creatures!’

Ah, but then again, the person on the other end wasn’t just a normal boss. He was at the CEO level.

‘Should I scold him?’

Ian was always composed, but even Brody, who tried her best to avoid contact, felt that the distance between them was freezing rapidly.

Brody sat in front of the bonfire as the party finished setting up the camp, pulling her fur hood tightly over her head.

Although the bonfire served as a source of heat, it wasn’t enough to drive away the chill wrapping around her body.

What would winter in Korea be like compared to this? Korea was also bitterly cold at times, but she had never imagined camping outdoors in such weather.

In a mind sharpened by the cold, she involuntarily recalled the past. Rather, it seemed to surface naturally.

The coldest moment in her past life was that day.

The day she met death, when the fierce cold reached below minus 15 degrees, the moment she was trapped in a warehouse shivering all night.

The scenes and emotions of that day rushed back like a trauma and began to dominate her.

Brody shivered abruptly at the sudden onset of memories of death. It was long and terrifying, something she never wanted to experience again.

‘Don’t think about it. Don’t.’

Brody furrowed her brows, struggling to focus on the bonfire before her.

Crackle, crackle. Flames shot up and floated into the air before turning into ash and disappearing. Another flame filled the vacant space.

‘Compared to then, at least there’s a bonfire. I should be thankful.’

Watching the dance of the flames did clear her mind somewhat, but a body that started shivering once didn’t easily settle down.

“Ma’am, are you alright?”

Teddy’s voice suddenly sounded, and it was welcoming. She was grateful for any other stimulus to forget the cold.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Ah, your lips look pale. Shall I bring you another blanket?”

“That would be nice, thank you.”
“Then, please eat this for now.”

Gratefully, Teddy extended a bowl emitting hot steam in front of Brody.

“Wow, it smells good.”

Brody cautiously extended her stiff, frozen hands.

Teddy, wearing an anxious expression in case Brody dropped it, smiled in relief when she took the bowl steadily.

“Thanks to Madam, it’s potato soup. Please eat it slowly. I’ll bring a blanket right away.”

“Thank you, Teddy.”

Brody’s mood brightened, appreciating Teddy’s thoughtful care.

Starting from her fingertips, the warmth of the soup spread slowly to her throat, stomach, and back. She felt as if the cold was retreating somewhat as her stomach filled.

As she continued to slurp, she sensed someone else’s presence.

Brody turned her head, offering a friendly smile. A blanket appeared in front of her eyes.

“Thank you, Te… huh?”

Intending to thank Teddy again, Brody stopped when she noticed the person holding the blanket was much bigger than Teddy.

It was Ian who had approached her.

Brody awkwardly thanked Ian, but unknowingly, her voice had lowered a bit.