“Is the food preparation finished?”

The cook nodded solemnly to Amy, who had stopped by the kitchen to check on the progress. In one corner of the kitchen, mountains of various meats and prepared vegetables were piled up. The women who had come from the village to work for the banquet also showed great determination.

After confirming that everything was being carried out according to instructions, Amy walked out satisfied. Melvin, who had been waiting by the door, followed behind her.

“Are all the guest rooms ready?”

“Yes. We’ve changed the sheets, and washed the curtains and tapestries. We’ve also stocked up on firewood, so we can provide hot water anytime.”

“What about the blacksmith? We’ll need to fix the horseshoes of the guests’ horses.”

“I checked personally. There’s no problem.”

“And the stables have been thoroughly cleaned, I assume?”

“Of course.”

A satisfied look spread across Amy’s face. The employees of the Grand Duke’s castle were all efficient, despite the long absence of their master. Among them, Melvin was especially skilled at managing the staff effectively.

‘At this rate, we could even rival the imperial palace staff?’

A sense of anticipation bloomed in Amy’s heart that this banquet would be very successful. If things continued like this, Noah could perfectly establish himself as the great lord of the north.

However, at that moment, something happened that shattered Amy’s smile. The urgent news delivered by a guard was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

“A, a message has arrived that His Highness the Crown Prince is coming to the north!”

The Grand Duke’s castle was thrown into a state of emergency.

Amy quickly sent the guard to find out exactly where the Crown Prince was. Then, she and Melvin re-checked the guest room he would use and the menu to be served to him. The Crown Prince was extremely particular about his lodgings and food.

“Amy.”

Noah, who had been in the middle of his lessons, came running, having heard the news. Amy inwardly cursed the Crown Prince for interrupting his studies, but outwardly showed a smile.

“Your Highness, you don’t need to worry about anything. Melvin and I are taking care of it.”

“Still…”

Noah hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“If there’s even one thing I don’t know, he’ll nag me about it throughout his stay.”

“…That’s true.”

Would he really want to do that to a younger brother more than five years his junior? He really doesn’t act his age, that Crown Prince. Amy shook her head internally.

As they were passing by the training ground after roughly sorting out the situation, there was suddenly a commotion near the castle gate. Amy felt her heart sink.

‘Is he here already?’

Everyone seemed to have the same thought, as Noah and Melvin’s faces turned pale. The three of them looked at each other and, without anyone saying a word, sprinted towards the gate.

“Vernon?”

But there, instead of the Crown Prince, was Vernon, his face flushed red and at a loss for what to do. And in front of him was a face they hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Lady Weaver?”

The mercenaries standing next to the woman called ‘Lady Weaver’ gave their greetings and went to find their captain. They were going to report that they had safely brought her. Lady Weaver pushed back the hood of her cloak and slowly approached Noah.

“Hello, Your Grace.”

“Hello.”

Noah received the greeting with dignity. His eyes moved from Lady Weaver and Vernon to the man standing behind the lady.

“A face I haven’t seen before?”

At Noah’s words, the young man slowly stepped forward and bowed.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I am James Weaver.”

When the man raised his head, his face was truly handsome. His delicate and sensitive impression, inherited from his mother, combined with his black hair and green eyes to create a languid charm. A gasp escaped from the maids watching from behind.

“Welcome. The weather here has become mild, so it should be pleasant for your stay.”

Remembering that Lady Weaver’s son was in poor health, Noah offered a gentle welcome. The young man’s face immediately brightened, and Lady Weaver standing behind him placed a hand on her chest in relief. Only Vernon remained restless by her side.

Amy looked at him sympathetically and said casually,

“Lady Weaver must be very tired, so Captain Vernon should guide her to her room.”

“Sh-Should I?”

Vernon’s face lit up. Amy then addressed Lady Weaver.

“We’re in the midst of preparations for the banquet right now, so it’s quite hectic. Let’s talk in detail later.”

“Yes.”

Lady Weaver tilted her head, looking somewhat unsure. Melvin, quick to read the situation, assigned a servant to them. Vernon then eagerly led the lady and James away.

It was then that it happened. The sound of hooves thundered, and several mounted guards galloped through the castle gate. One of them, spotting the group, raised his voice.

“Your Grace! Madam Housekeeper!”

It was Bradley. He quickly dismounted and approached them with hurried steps.

“I met a messenger while returning from patrol. I sent a carrier pigeon first upon hearing that His Highness the Crown Prince was coming, but I wonder if you received it?”

“Yes. How far has he come?”

“By now, he should be near the village. There wasn’t much difference between us.”

“Oh no…”

Amy put her hand to her forehead. The Crown Prince should have notified them at least a few days in advance; he must have been in a mischievous mood. She quickly gave instructions.

“Tell the stable hands to prepare fodder, and get hot water ready. Rita, check the guest rooms for His Highness’s attendants, and have the steward inform the cook to start preparing the menu I gave in advance from today.”

People quickly dispersed. Only after everyone had disappeared did Amy let out a sigh. The banquet period was three days, and they had to avoid giving any cause for criticism during that time. Knowing her thoughts, Noah comforted her.

“Don’t worry too much. If my brother gets angry, he’ll direct it at me.”

However, those words only ignited Amy’s fighting spirit.

“I won’t let my master be scolded.”

In her previous life, the Crown Prince had abandoned her, and Noah had saved her. It was all too clear whom she should side with. Her complicated thoughts cleared in an instant. Amy regained her spirits and began to move again.

“We greet His Highness the Crown Prince.”

The people lined up outside the castle gate bowed simultaneously. The Crown Prince, sitting atop an elaborately decorated white horse, looked at Noah and Amy standing at the front with a sullen face.

“Rise.”

“Yes.”

The moment she straightened up and raised her head, Amy’s eyes met the Crown Prince’s.

“…”

She was inwardly flustered. He was looking at her with eyes mixed with resentment and longing, appearing slightly more gaunt than before.

While she was at a loss for words, the Crown Prince called her in a low voice.

“Amy.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

She couldn’t help but answer when called. Hearing her response, the Crown Prince let out a small sigh and smiled wistfully.

“Have you been well? I’ve missed you greatly.”

“…”

Surprised gazes from the people around focused on Amy. She closed her eyes tightly, then opened them, muttering internally. Damn it.

However, she hid her inner thoughts and answered politely.

“I am at a loss for words that you remember me, who once served you, Your Highness.”

The Crown Prince twisted his lips at her words that drew a line.

“To call ten years of time ‘once’…”

Just as the atmosphere was about to turn strange again, Noah quickly intervened between them.

“Welcome, Your Highness. We welcome you to the North.”

“…”

The Crown Prince’s gaze moved from Amy to Noah. The moment his eyes fixed on his younger brother, a sneer appeared on his face.

“Right. You’re here too.”

“…”

If someone heard this, they might think Amy was the master and Noah the servant. It was severely lacking in courtesy for words directed at the ruler of a principality and the head of an allied country. The faces of the people of the Grand Duke’s castle hardened. As Amy was about to open her mouth, suppressing her boiling feelings, Noah spoke again.

“So you remember me. I’m surprised. I thought you had forgotten about me since you never visited the palace.”

“!”

The smile disappeared from the Crown Prince’s face. People’s expressions became subtle. This was because a faint sense of hurt was felt in the Grand Duke’s tone. Fearing he might be branded as a brother who neglected his young half-sibling, he quickly tried to smooth things over.

“I was very busy then, wasn’t I?”

He forced a smile. But that smile was shattered by Noah’s next words.

“You’ve been that way for 17 years, so I can’t help but misunderstand. Aren’t you someone who cherishes even ten years of time, brother?”

“!”

The Grand Duke’s words were aimed at the Crown Prince’s earlier flirtatious remarks to Amy.

Rita and Mary looked at each other with surprised faces.

‘Our Grand Duke knows how to say such things…?’

“…You.”

The Crown Prince, failing to manage his expression, raised his finger towards Noah, gritting his teeth. But at that moment, a cough was heard from behind him.

“Your Highness, perhaps it would be best to enter the castle now?”

It was Martin, the captain of the Imperial Guard. Thanks to Martin’s timely intervention, the Crown Prince was able to save face. Recognizing the intention, Bradley and Vernon frowned.

“You must be tired from the long journey. Please, let’s go in and rest.”

“Hmm… Very well.”

The Crown Prince, pretending to give in, rode his horse towards the castle. Amy and Noah stepped aside and bowed their heads to the passing Crown Prince.

Behind the Crown Prince’s horse, his entourage walked in a line. And at that moment, someone caught Amy’s eye.

“!”

Amy flinched and quickly lowered her head. Noah noticed the strange sign and looked at her, but in that brief moment, Amy had already returned to her usual demeanor. Noah silently furrowed his brow.