A prolonged diplomatic battle between the Yakum Kingdom and the Ingot Empire continued, with multiple letters being exchanged, aiming to incite war and prevent it.

In the Yakum Kingdom, they refuted any connection to the disappearance of the Second Prince, claiming they treated him generously when he visited, having no shortages. However, to show goodwill, they sent gifts and demanded friendship.

However, the Emperor insisted on starting a war with unreasonable logic.

“If he were truly someone to start a war, he should have already mobilized the military.”

While letters regarding the war exchanged indecisively, winter arrived.

“Your Highness, is the room not too cold?”

“It’s fine.”

Belia adjusted the shawl on her shoulders and gazed absentmindedly out the window.

She didn’t expect to see this scenery again.

The entire garden of the palace had turned completely white, covered in an unimaginable amount of snow. The snow reached the waist of an adult man, and it was still falling.

“It’s snowing so much that it’s almost surreal.”

“Yeah. I hope it stops soon, though…”

“Still, thanks to Your Highness’s preparations, we can endure the sudden snowfall without any shortcomings.”

The maid said with a smile.

“How is the atmosphere in the Central Palace and the First Prince’s residence?”

“They seem to be relaxed as well. It seems like everyone has thoroughly prepared for winter this year, as if they were all weaving.”

“That’s a relief.”

Belia nodded lightly.

“We can endure it, but I worry about the imperial citizens.”

“Those who have gathered at the infirmary seem to be in a relatively good situation, but there are people elsewhere who are not so fortunate.”

There were only about 30 infirmaries built throughout the empire. Even with additional construction completed, it would still be impossible to help all the imperial citizens.

Some areas still didn’t have infirmaries, and in places heavily covered in snow, reaching the infirmary was already a problem.

“Still, I hope that with the instructions given to the regional lords by His Majesty to prepare for winter, it will be of help.”

“Will the lords provide food?”

“His Majesty commanded them to take care of the people directly, and with the increasing deaths of imperial citizens due to the severe cold and heavy snow, it’s similar to resisting a clear decree. Nobles would want to avoid that, and even if it’s insincere, they will probably make an effort.”

The maid sighed, looking at the completely white scenery outside.

“I hope so.”

Even in the palace, preparations were undoubtedly made for this heavy snowfall.

As the expected cold wind began to blow, right on time, letters arrived in the name of the emperor to each region.

The letters contained instructions to ensure that the imperial citizens could spend the winter comfortably without shortages, and it was rumored that the person delivering the letters conveyed the emperor’s command verbally.

“More than saving the imperial citizens in the infirmary, it seems like they want to show the nobles’ compassion to the imperial citizens.”

Belia let out a bitter laugh.

It was clear to anyone that it was a clear message, restraining her and Khalid.

“Anyway, it’s a good thing if we can save even one person.”

Belia slightly twisted her stiff body, then sat back at the desk. She began reviewing documents again.

The knights and soldiers joined forces to clear the snow and ensure smooth movement. Many people from the guard also helped with their duties in turn.

“For the next fortnight, more snow is expected to fall. And when the snow stops, severe cold will follow. So, before that, spread dirt on the roads…”

The problem was not just the accumulating snow but what would come after.
As the weather rapidly turned colder, the melted snow transformed into ice, creating slippery frozen surfaces. In such conditions, the ground became more hazardous than when there was a heavy snowfall.

However, spreading prepared dirt on the roads could prevent slipping, so the task needed to be carried out immediately after the snow stopped.

“Sigh…”

It felt like an endless stream of tasks.

Belia rubbed her throbbing forehead.

Knock, knock.

At the sound of someone knocking on the door, Belia looked up, and there stood Khalid, leaning against the door with a charming smile.

“Khalid.”

“Busy?”

“No. What’s the matter?”

Lately, there were various matters to attend to, and the time they could spend together had noticeably decreased. During the day, Khalid was also extremely busy, and once discussions were over, they had to go about their separate duties.

He wouldn’t have come to Belia’s office just because he missed her, that much was clear.

Belia dismissed the maid and stood in front of Khalid. He reached out, embraced her, and buried his face in her shoulder, speaking in a somber tone.

“I haven’t seen your face for a long time, and it’s killing my motivation.”

It was mentally exhausting days.

However, being in Khalid’s embrace brought a sense of calm.

“Hang in there a little longer.”

“Are you okay?”