‘Where are we going?’

Kaius, who had been running through the plain for a while, gradually began to climb a slope.

The trees, which would have originally boasted lushness with dense leaves, were now withered and twisted into a grayish color.

If it weren’t for the fact that snow didn’t accumulate, it would have been a landscape that could make one feel desolate.

Brody, who had roamed the vast north on a giant black horse in the refreshing atmosphere, also felt her heart gradually becoming heavy due to the atmosphere.

‘What on earth does he want to talk about…’

While looking at the desolate landscape due to the drought, just as she was embarrassed about being immersed in the short-lived dream of a walk, Aidan stopped talking at the edge of a cliff on the mountain.

“Whoa, whoa.”

After silently helping Brody dismount, he loosely tied the reins to a nearby tree and returned.

During that time, Brody had been gazing at the scenery beyond the cliff.

‘…….’

Hoping for a breathtaking view, Brody, for a moment, felt awkward about being immersed in the short-lived dream of a walk again. However, once again, the barren and arid landscape spread endlessly.

Brody felt the chill and adjusted her cloak.

“Is it cold?”

“…I’m fine.”

Aidan’s heart chilled at her response. The line Brody drew with the words ‘I’m fine’ became apparent again. Regardless of her answer, Aidan brought a thick blanket, not paying attention to her refusal.

Fortunately, Brody didn’t refuse when he draped the blanket over her.

As she was already wearing Aidan’s cloak, the thick blanket piled up awkwardly as if it might roll off. Even her curly hair was pushed up by the blanket and swelled up to look fluffy.

Feeling the cold disappearing, Brody’s face showed a satisfactory expression. Aidan secretly chuckled while looking at her.

“Aren’t you cold, Your Excellency?”

Brody asked as she watched Aidan, who was gathering dry branches and bringing water.

His appearance, wearing only a thin shirt with a simple fur, looked cold to anyone.

“Not at all.”

But it seemed that Aidan didn’t feel a bit of cold. Brody wondered if the cloak he wore wasn’t for blocking the cold but rather to display the dignity of a Grand Duke.

Soon, Aidan came back with heated milk.

“Do you always carry something like this?”

Brody received a cup, looking at the cup emitting steam while nestled against the backdrop of the landscape.

“Well. You never know what might happen outside the castle.”

“I see…”

Holding the cup with both hands, Brody, who had been blowing on it and making a whistling sound, started sipping it.

But the milk cooled down quickly, making her blowing on it seem pointless.

‘Why did we come here anyway? If you wanted to talk, why didn’t you pick a warmer place?’

While keeping her gaze fixed on the cup, Brody spent time letting it pass.

Usually, when coming to a place like this, it was customary to enjoy the scenery. However, for some reason, Brody didn’t feel like turning her body to face that desolate view.
Fortunately, Aidan broke the ice first.

“Sorry.”

Hmm, I appreciate that he initiated the conversation, but an apology out of the blue? What is he apologizing for?

Brody, not understanding English, glanced at Aidan discreetly across the cup.

His profile appeared as he gazed at the scenery beyond the cliff.

Without looking in Brody’s direction, he continued speaking.

“To be honest, when I made a contract with you, I didn’t intend to follow the terms exactly.”

“…?”

Startled by his sudden confession (?), Brody raised her head quickly.

Even though Aidan didn’t look in Brody’s direction, he could sense the atmosphere urging him to continue speaking.

“I promised to protect you, and you agreed to work for the North in return. However, I never intended to make you work.”

“Just to avoid embarrassment for me.”

“…That’s right. Even without a contract, I would have protected you.”

Brody lowered her head, looking somewhat sulky.

Although his consideration was appreciated, Brody didn’t like Aidan always trying to be at a disadvantage.

Brody was a living person, not a glass doll. She had the ability to work for the North, and if her abilities were lacking, there were things she could do.

Brody wanted to be someone who stood alongside him, not a woman dependent on him.

Aidan seemed to understand why Brody suddenly looked sulky.

Having spent time observing her until now, he understood Brody’s pride and dignity. That’s why he hadn’t revealed his thoughts until now.

So he decided to provide a bit more explanation.

“It’s not that you’re not helpful. I just… you don’t have to do anything. Just by being by my side, that’s enough.”

Aidan, who had been gazing into the distance, turned his body. Brody raised her gaze at his movement.

The orange glow of the sunset cast over the vivid blue eyes of Aidan.

Step by step, he approached.

His cautiously extended hand touched Brody’s auburn hair, reflecting a reddish hue.

Aidan’s words spilled out over the long shadow.

“Brody, I’m happy just with you being by my side.”

“…”