Brody clenched the water pouch given by Aiden, her body stiffening as she sensed the approaching crowd.

Why? Why are they coming closer?

‘There was some commotion, but it wasn’t anything serious. So why…’

A sense of unease crawled up her shoulders.

‘Why am I so sensitive?’

‘You think you’re special because you did some work?’

‘You really can’t control your emotions, can you? You have to hold it in, even if things are tough.’

Words she’d heard countless times flashed through her mind.

Whenever she showed a hint of emotion, her family from her previous life would criticize her.

Brody knew why they did it. They were embarrassed. Maybe they were afraid she would leave them and make it on her own.

She knew their approach was wrong, but she had become adept at hiding her emotions. Showing emotion had never helped her in work.

And so she was afraid.

Afraid because she realized she’d made a mistake. She didn’t know how to handle the criticisms that would come.

As Brody hesitated, the knights closed in.

And then they silently placed something beside her.

“….”

Tense, Brody cautiously looked around.

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

The knights were placing water pouches next to her.

‘Uh…’

One, two… About twenty water pouches surrounded her, like a protective circle.

The knights had filled their pouches with warm water and set them down beside her.

‘What is this…?’

Chills ran down her spine, and Brody clenched her other arm tightly.

Teddy approached the bewildered Brody and spoke.

“I’m sorry, milady.”

“What…?”

Sorry? For what? Brody looked at Teddy with trembling eyes.

“I didn’t know you were so susceptible to the cold. I just thought everyone here was as robust as the northern warriors.”

Teddy scratched his head in embarrassment.

Following Teddy, the other knights began to speak.

“Milady, you could have said something.”

“Look, can’t you tell? She didn’t want to be a burden.”

“What’s the big deal about fetching some water pouches? Milady, feel free to use them. Teddy here is quick, he can even replace the water for you.”

“Hey, why are you involving me? You were the one so concerned about milady being cold.”

“…You scoundrel! I merely deduced it through my keen senses…”

Though they grumbled or acted tough, they all cared for Brody.

“Haha.”

Watching their fuss, Brody’s tension eased, and a laugh slipped out.

The warmth of the surrounding water pouches relaxed her rigid shoulders.

Pulling her cloak up to her nose, Brody looked towards the knights’ knees and spoke.

“Thank you…, all of you.”

“….”

Her voice was soft as an ant’s whisper, but it cut through the men’s deep voices, making them focus on her words.

Suddenly conscious of the silence, Brody looked up. Facing the forty or so eyes staring at her, Brody concluded.

“I feel much warmer now.”

Although her face was covered, the sniffling sound seemed like she was holding back tears.

The knights coughed awkwardly or scratched their throats, each shifting their focus to hide their embarrassment.

Finally, one courageous soldier spoke.

“Compared to what you’ve done for us, milady, this is really nothing.”
The soldiers’ eyes deepened at those words. They straightened their posture, which had been lax as it had been in the marketplace.

Another soldier spoke.

“Please rely on us a bit more.”

“Don’t feel bad for riding in just one carriage. You’ve only just risen from your seat, after all. How lowly must you think of us?”

“Why are you blaming the lady? She’s just trying to do her best. Anyway, we’ll do as instructed, so don’t feel burdened.”

Overwhelmed by their concerns, Brody held onto her shawl, not knowing what to do.

She had braced herself for reprimands. Why were they all taking such good care of her and trying to understand her?

Due to this unexpectedly warm hospitality, something hot began to swirl at the edge of her heart. Fighting back tears multiple times, Brody didn’t know what to do.

“Thank you…everyone…”

She had no choice but to repeat the same words, like a broken music box.

Standing next to the tree he had planted, Ian slowly rose. The knights’ attention immediately focused on him.

Ian spoke.

“Alright, let’s head back. Brody needs her rest too.”

“Yes, sir!”

At Ian’s command, the knights saluted and swiftly returned to their places.

Though they looked disciplined, giggles could be heard here and there. It seemed that ‘His Highness of the Ice Wall’ enjoyed looking after his partner with tender care. Bringing a live tree for her to lean on—it was strange but exceedingly thoughtful.

Brody sneaked a glance at Ian, who was sternly surveying the knights.

Though he had spoken only the essentials, Brody could see it—the faint smile on the corners of his lips.

—Awooo, awoooooo.

As the knights were about to settle down in their tents, an abrupt howl from a beast was heard.

Without a moment’s delay, their butts didn’t get to greet the ground, as they had to embark on another journey.

Ian was the first to move.

He quickly found a tall tree nearby and climbed it effortlessly.