Memories intertwined with the wind that blew through and swept past.

She inhaled deeply, afraid she might miss a single strand of it.

“The hidden caves and shortcuts, all were taught by grandfather.”

“An education not befitting a princess. There wasn’t enough time even after learning manners and rules.”

Aaron, noticing Delia’s constant stumbling, firmly supported her by wrapping his arm around her waist.

“It was an education absolutely necessary for a princess. He said that above all else, if you’re a royal of Iorente, you should have a heart that loves Iorente.”

Delia, using Aaron’s hand as a support, climbed up onto a large rock.

“Back then, I didn’t understand what that meant. But…”

Aaron and Delia had unknowingly reached the top of the mountain.

Below them, blue trees spread out like a gigantic green carpet.

Curved mountain ridges, deep valleys, steep cliffs, and even the fantastical clouds that covered the place.

Viewing the entirety of Mount Tarence made all her worries seem miniscule.

“But… after grandfather passed away, every single rock looks like him.”

Delia moved towards the edge of the steep cliff as she looked down at Mount Tarence.

“So every rock is precious. It feels as if they’re imbued with grandfather’s will.”

Is she planning to jump off the cliff?

Aaron, recalling the black mask that skillfully descended even the steep path, quickly moved to Delia’s side.

Ignoring Aaron’s watchful gaze, Delia cautiously kneeled and sat down.

She stared at the small tombstone precariously placed on the edge of the cliff.

In it was a scribble that looked like a child’s handwriting.

“This doesn’t seem like an official tombstone.”

Aaron looked at Delia and the tombstone with an uneasy gaze.

He had a feeling that there was some other intention, but he couldn’t grasp what it was.

Could there be a weapon underneath the tombstone?

Unlike Aaron, who was on high alert, Delia replied calmly.

“I wrote it myself.”

Delia, while looking at the writing she had penned herself, placed wildflowers in front of the tombstone.

“When the kingdom of Pheber invaded from the sea, he personally led the army.”

The wildflowers fluttered in the wind.

As her hair blew like the flowers, she tucked it behind her ear and continued.

“Because the ship that grandfather boarded sank, he was buried at sea. We had to hold the national funeral without a body.”

Delia reached out and gently stroked the tombstone standing firm on the cliff edge.

“So, I erected this tombstone here. This was the place that grandfather and I loved the most. I asked that if there is an afterlife, he should visit this place.”

The eyes looking at the tombstone were moist and sparkled clearly.

“To me, Iorente is like that. Every rock looks like grandfather, and even in every gust of wind, it feels like souls are carried.”

“Keep the past as beautiful memories. I’ll fill the future beautifully.”

Delia lifted her head and looked at Aaron.

“Iorente is a country that grandfather risked his life to protect. Can I live even if Iorente collapses?”

Delia slowly stood up.

Her cloak fluttered in the strong wind at the top of the mountain.

Her skyblue eyes looked squarely at Aaron.

“Can I live with the person who caused that collapse?”

Aaron’s gaze turned chilly.

He took a step towards Delia and tightly embraced her.

“Should survive.”

Turning his head away from Delia, who was avoiding his gaze, Aaron whispered in her ear.

“Because the fate of your parents, the King and Queen of Iorente, lies with me.”

Delia closed her eyes, as if turning away from reality.

She entrusted her body to the large hand gently stroking her head.

His hand, attempting to bring down Eorenti, was chillingly solid and warm.

The descent from the mountain was easier than the climb, but Delia often staggered, as if tired.

Aaron, who repeatedly caught and supported her whenever she was about to stumble and fall, eventually stopped walking.

“Let me carry you.”

“I can go down myself.”

“Or you could cling onto me.”

Reading Aaron’s firm will, Delia leaned against his shoulder, exhaling a faint breath.

She entrusted herself to his broad back, hugging his neck with her arms.

The forest wind, mixed with his scent on every inhalation, filled her lungs.

“What’s the difference between rocks and gems? I’ll fill you with sparkling rocks.”

Supporting Delia firmly with his arm, Aaron rose with her on his back.

As he moved, Aaron murmured about the things he could do for her.

“Since the position of the Grand Duchess has been vacant until now, they will be curious and invite you. You just need to attend confidently, wearing the shiny rocks I’ve prepared for you, and the extravagant dress I’ve ordered.”

Hugging Aaron’s neck, Delia listened to the vibrant, crimson future he painted.

“Pour wine on a lady you don’t like there, push a passing lady into the fountain, and there will be no one who can say anything to you. They will bow their heads in gratitude if they can establish a connection with the Grand Duchess even in that way.”

“There’s no way I can do that.”

“Why? These are all pranks I played when I was young. Everyone enjoyed them.”

At his absurd words, Delia let out a weak laugh.

He was as playful as a young child, yet at times as fierce as a savage beast.

His actions were rough, yet his fingertips were delicately painful.

Could that be why?

Despite being the enemy trying to bring down Eorenti, his side was peaceful and safe.

Recalling the paradox he offered, Delia tuned in to his pleasant voice, resonating through his back.