/
Upon arriving in the North, I found myself truly at ease. I must admit, I grew fonder of Leo, who resembled Johannes, than I had anticipated. His childlike behavior was simply adorable.. Acting like an adult was so cute.
Initially, my plan was to save Leo, establish a closer relationship with him, and then coax him into revealing information about the ‘Treasure Room’. However, after exchanging a few words with Leo, I began to reconsider my plan.
The Leo I encountered was too young for me to exploit. It reminded me of myself at the age of seven, when I knew nothing. I couldn’t bring myself to continue with my original plan of “getting close to him and manipulating him into divulging information about the treasure room”.
“Leo is even more endearing than I thought, and we are family!”
However, another family member, Johannes Noavik, proved to be more troublesome than I had anticipated.
My handsome husband, not long after my arrival in the North, defied all my predictions and announced his return.
This swift reunion caught me off guard. It was likely that Johannes could deduce the presence of the ‘Blue Ruby’ in the Duchy by examining the traces of my demon encounters.
Prior to my return, I had witnessed Johannes personally vanquishing high-level demons. Therefore, he should be more than capable of defeating any higher-level demons that threatens Leo. So, for the time being, I decided to maintain a low profile. But then, an even more embarrassing development unfolded.
As I enjoyed my afternoon tea, Katie approached cautiously.
“Madam, here you go.”
“Yes?”
“The Duke is returning to the Duchy after a long absence
 We are currently assembling a team to meet him at the borders of the Duchy. The plan is to depart immediately after dinner tonight, camp overnight, and welcome the Duke at the border tomorrow evening.”
“Is that so?”
Assuming it was a routine report, I nodded nonchalantly.
“Understood. You needn’t provide me with the details. I wouldn’t remember them anyway.”
“But I wonder if the madam has no intention of going
”
“
Me?”
I nearly choked on my tea. What on earth was she suggesting, going out to meet him like a nice person?
I was about to dismiss the idea, waving my hand in refusal.
“Prince Leo will also be accompanying the Duke.”
At those words, I instinctively touched my forehead. Leo’s presence posed a rather serious predicament. Lost in thought for a moment, I asked, visibly troubled.
“
Did you mention camping?”
“Yes
”
Before my regression, Leo had been repeatedly attacked by demons. It was an unusual occurrence, as demons rarely appeared in the same place consecutively. However, due to the inexplicable nature of the situation, no information could be gathered.
‘If it wasn’t a mere coincidence, and there’s some unknown reason behind the demons targeting Leo
’
Traditionally, demons were thought to lack free will. But hadn’t the demon exhibited peculiar behavior towards Leo? There was no guarantee that Leo wouldn’t be attacked during this camping trip.
Eventually, I had to speak up.
“I will go as well.”
Of course, I couldn’t bring my long gun, as it was concealed within a teddy bear. However, I needed to be fully prepared to protect Leo.
“But I fear demons. Could you assign a significant number of escort knights? And I would like to carry a dagger as well.”
“If the madam is accompanying us, we must increase the number of knights.”
Katie nodded reassuringly. At worst, I would be able to wield a dagger as skillfully as I once threw a cleaver at the age of seven. Weapons infused with holy power proved lethal to demons regardless. While a dagger lacked the precision of a gun and the ability to deliver a fatal blow with a single shot, the training I received at the ‘Ace’ facility was sufficient to inflict grave wounds.
“Very well, I will instruct them to prepare for departure. Madam, please make the necessary arrangements.”
At Katie’s words, I nodded my head, wanting to cry. That’s how I had no choice but to get closer to Johannes with my feet this time too.
(athanasiafrost)
A telegraph was dispatched to Johannes’ knights, who were on route to the Duchy. Pagan furrowed his brow as he read the note attached to the telegram.
“Uh
 Hmmm
”
“What is it?”
In response to Johannes’ curt inquiry, Pagan scratched his chin, pondering.
“It seems the Duchy is preparing to meet you at the border of the Duchy.”
“They need not go through the trouble every time, but they always make a fuss.”
Johannes replied in a nonchalant tone. It had become customary for the Duchy to greet him upon his return, so there was nothing particularly noteworthy about it. However, Pagan’s somber expression suggested there was more to the matter.
“By the way, the madam will also be joining.”
“
Really?”
Johannes’ brow furrowed ever so slightly upon hearing those words. Pagan playfully shrugged his shoulders.
“Is she on her way back to the South?”
The thought crossed my mind that Johannes had mentioned a higher demon’s appearance would drive her back to the South. Johannes clicked his tongue and responded.
“It would be quite comfortable if someone dispatched a spy to the North. She has been pestering Lieutenant simply because she didn’t flee after encountering a demon.”
Upon arriving in the North, I found myself truly at ease. I must admit, I grew fonder of Leo, who resembled Johannes, than I had anticipated. His childlike behavior was simply adorable.
Initially, my plan was to save Leo, establish a closer relationship with him, and then coax him into revealing information about the ‘Treasure Room’. However, after exchanging a few words with Leo, I began to reconsider my plan.
The Leo I encountered was too young for me to exploit. It reminded me of myself at the age of seven, when I knew nothing. I couldn’t bring myself to continue with my original plan of “getting close to him and manipulating him into divulging information about the treasure room”.
“Leo is even more endearing than I thought, and we are family!”
However, another family member, Johannes Noavik, proved to be more troublesome than I had anticipated.
My handsome husband, not long after my arrival in the North, defied all my predictions and announced his return.
This swift reunion caught me off guard. It was likely that Johannes could deduce the presence of the ‘Blue Ruby’ in the Duchy by examining the traces of my demon encounters.
“This is becoming complicated
”
I furrowed my brow and nervously bit my nails. I hadn’t yet established close enough connections to inquire about the ‘Treasure Room’.
“No, it’s evident that he didn’t return even when Leo was seriously injured in the past. So why is he coming back now, unscathed? What is he thinking?”
Of course, nobody in the Duchy knew his true intentions. Even the maids who served him couldn’t discern his motives. The fact that this action was characteristic of Johannes himself only deepened my sigh of frustration.
“First and foremost, since Johannes has returned, does that mean I no longer have to deal with the demons? Will he take care of Leo?”
Prior to his return, I had witnessed Johannes personally vanquishing high-level demons. Therefore, he should be more than capable of defeating any higher-level demons that threaten Leo. So, for the time being, I decided to maintain a low profile. But then, an even more embarrassing development unfolded.
As I enjoyed my afternoon tea, Katie approached cautiously.
“Madam, here you go.”
“Yes?”
“The Duke is returning to the Duchy after a long absence
 We are currently assembling a team to meet him at the borders of the Duchy. The plan is to depart immediately after dinner tonight, camp overnight, and welcome the Duke at the border tomorrow evening.”
“Is that so?”
Assuming it was a routine report, I nodded nonchalantly.
“Understood. You needn’t provide me with the details. I wouldn’t remember them anyway.”
“But I wonder if the madam has no intention of going
”
“
Me?”
I nearly choked on my tea. What on earth was she suggesting, going out to meet him like a well-behaved individual?
I was about to dismiss the idea, waving my hand in refusal.
“Prince Leo will also be accompanying the Duke.”
At those words, I instinctively touched my forehead. Leo’s presence posed a rather serious predicament. Lost in thought for a moment, I asked, visibly troubled.
“
Did you mention camping?”
“Yes
”
Before my regression, Leo had been repeatedly attacked by demons. It was an unusual occurrence, as demons rarely appeared in the same place consecutively. However, due to the inexplicable nature of the situation, no information could be gathered.
“If it wasn’t a mere coincidence, and there’s some unknown reason behind the demons targeting Leo
”
Traditionally, demons were thought to lack free will. But hadn’t the demon exhibited peculiar behavior towards Leo? There was no guarantee that Leo wouldn’t be attacked during this camping trip.
Eventually, I had to speak up.
“I will go as well.”
Of course, I couldn’t bring my long gun, as it was concealed within a teddy bear. However, I needed to be fully prepared to protect Leo.
“But I fear demons. Could you assign a significant number of escort knights? And I would like to carry a dagger as well.”
“If the madam is accompanying us, we must increase the number of knights.”
Katie nodded reassuringly. At worst, I would be able to wield a dagger as skillfully as I once threw a cleaver at the age of seven. Weapons infused with holy power proved lethal to demons regardless. While a dagger lacked the precision of a gun and the ability to deliver a fatal blow with a single shot, the training I received at the ‘Ace’ facility was sufficient to inflict grave wounds.
“Very well, I will instruct them to prepare for departure. Madam, please make the necessary arrangements.”
With Katie’s words, I nodded, a tinge of sorrow washing over me. Once again, I found myself forced to draw closer to Johannes, this time physically.
A telegraph was dispatched to Johannes’ knights, who were on route to the Duchy. Pagan furrowed his brow as he read the note attached to the telegram.
“Uh
 Hmmm
”
“What is it?”
In response to Johannes’ curt inquiry, Pagan scratched his chin, pondering.
“It seems the Duchy is preparing to meet you at the border of the Duchy.”
“They need not go through the trouble every time, but they always make a fuss.”
Johannes replied in a nonchalant tone. It had become customary for the Duchy to greet him upon his return, so there was nothing particularly noteworthy about it. However, Pagan’s somber expression suggested there was more to the matter.
“By the way, the madam will also be joining.”
“
Really?”
Johannes’ brow furrowed ever so slightly upon hearing those words. Pagan playfully shrugged his shoulders.
“Is she on her way back to the South?”
The thought crossed my mind that Johannes had mentioned a higher demon’s appearance would drive her back to the South. Johannes clicked his tongue and responded.
“It would be quite comfortable if someone dispatched a spy to the North. She has been pestering Lieutenant Neumann simply because she didn’t flee after encountering a demon.”
“Hmm, if we have a spy without any combat capabilities who doesn’t run away at the sight of a demon, I suppose we can allow her to proceed. Rare talents like her are few and far between, even if you search throughout the empire.”
“I have an additional concern.”
Johannes muttered, his expression calm.
“I didn’t anticipate Northerners to be so vulnerable to someone like her. Even though she is admirable, it’s clear that others wouldn’t give her a second glance.”
“Don’t be sarcastic. Northern people have a lot of self-esteem about themselves, but a little less about where they live. The fact that it’s a place that everyone avoids, right?”
“Besides, she didn’t even stay at the castle, and she’s even willing to go camping to meet you
 Her adaptability is truly remarkable. I can’t help but admire her.”
Pagan fed some food to the carrier pigeon and grinned mischievously.
Unlike Pagan, who possessed an easygoing demeanor, Johannes gripped the reins with an oddly discomforted expression.
He would have been much more at ease had he received news of her fleeing. Johannes was not one to welcome unexpected variables. And yet, his life had become exceedingly complicated, and he had no intention of being swayed by an unforeseen woman.
“
After all, if she does run away, everyone will witness it.”
Johannes cynically voiced his thoughts on the matter. The more they expected of outsiders, the greater the disappointment. Besides, Eloise was a woman who aroused suspicion in anyone’s mind.
Even if everyone else had let their guard down, thinking, ‘Well, it’s the North,’ Johannes, as their leader, had to remain perpetually vigilant.
“You haven’t forgotten that the Duke is Eloise’s husband, have you?”
Pagan smiled mischievously, jesting.
“Aren’t you the most disappointed one?”
Johannes scoffed once, wearing a pitiful expression as though dismissing it as nonsense, but he offered no response. Images of her slender figure, youthful countenance, and gentle eyes floated vaguely in his mind. No matter how much he thought about it, if she were to encounter a demon, she was the type of woman who would faint.
A spy or whatever she may be, she would likely flee soon enough. He wished that moment would come sooner rather than later, he thought. So that the inconvenient variable named Eloise, with her air of suspicion, would no longer trouble a corner of his heart.
“Everyone takes pride in the fact that she hasn’t fled
”
Pagan rolled his eyes and continued.
“Like you said at the wedding, if you really enjoy living in the dukedom, everyone in the duchy will like you.”
“Don’t spout nonsense.”
Johannes replied bluntly.
“Because it can’t be.”
But he couldn’t help but feel a strange feeling of uneasiness inside.
The Duchy of Noavik is always overcast, people are blunt, the days are dreary, and social gatherings are few and far between. It seemed utterly incongruous with the presence of that glamorous woman
 Come to think of it, didn’t she always defy his expectations?
The notion of her immediately joining the entourage to meet him was beyond imagination. Puzzled, Johannes furrowed his brow and posed a sudden question.
“By the way
 Does she know how to ride a horse?”
Pagan shrugged, feigning ignorance. Johannes sighed inwardly and issued a command.
“Let us increase our pace. We shall continue our journey even through the night.”
(athanasiafrost)
I couldn’t find the words to speak. To my surprise, even children in the North were skilled equestrians. Consequently, I had no choice but to ride alongside Braeden, one of the knights of the Duchy. Utilizing a carriage would prove far too slow.
Moreover, Braeden also served as Leo’s sword instructor, which meant I found myself riding side by side with Leo. It still felt surreal that I would be reunited with Johannes so swiftly. Lost in my thoughts of Johannes, I suddenly addressed Leo.
“Hey, Leo.”
Leo straightened his back with pride, guiding the horse, and turned his head towards me. His gaze implored me to continue.
“Do you know the meaning of the term ‘original sin’?”
(athanasiafrost)