37 – Daughter
“….Hoo. Is this the end?”
“Uh…yeah. Venice…thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. If you really mean it, buy me something delicious later.”
“Uh…uhh! Okay…! I’ll definitely buy you something..!”
Another bitterly cold morning in the northern region. I start my day by assisting the maids who struggle to move supplies.
In proportion to the immense size of the Frost Castle, as soon as you turn your head, new tasks arise, and as soon as you catch your breath, another task appears.
“I’ll help you!”
As the youngest in this situation, I do my best to work. Of course, Ariel told me to do it half-heartedly…but I can’t do that.
This time, the task is organizing supplies in the warehouse. Since there was no particular technique, I simply sorted them by type and neatly stacked them.
“Let’s see…what time is it?”
While walking down the corridor, I looked at the grandfather clock. It was precisely pointing to 11:55.
What does that mean? It meant that lunchtime was approaching for all the maids, servants, and butlers of the Frost family.
From 12 to 1:30, Frost Castle provides complete free time.
During that time, you can have a meal and engage in any free activity as long as it doesn’t cause any problems for future tasks.
…Ha. Is this what it feels like to be part of the aristocracy?
The aristocracy. Honestly, when I first heard of the Frost family and the heart of the northern region, I only knew that they were a powerful and exceptional family.
However, through the gossip of the maids responsible for information exchange in this environment and the information I read in the newspaper during my free time, I realized that my thoughts were wrong.
The Empire. The beacon that governs the entire continent. I already knew that the Empire had an influence on the entire continent.
Nevertheless, it’s been well over six months since I came to this world.
And only now did I learn about the information. The Shield of the North, the Heart of the North. The final defense line of humanity.
It is said that Frostga, bearing such titles, holds power nearly equal to the imperial family of the empire.
The current lord of Frostga, Bree’d Frostga, seizing the emperor’s power, is a widely known fact, even among the maids.
Honestly, I was quite shocked when I first heard the news.
Committing such an act against the emperor of an empire that oversees not just a country, but an entire continent.
It’s an action that could lead not only commoners but also self-proclaimed nobles to execution for treason.
However, except for a slight reprimand, Frostga faced no other punishment from that incident.
Of course, externally, it was reported that they faced severe sanctions, but in reality, it seems that wasn’t the case.
Anyway, it means that Frostga is a formidable family with enough influence to affect the entire continent.
Thinking roughly along those lines, I found myself at the entrance of Frost Castle.
The reason I walked all the way to the entrance is simple. It’s to buy and eat delicious food in Frost Territory.
Since the castle is situated at the top of Frost Territory, I could have a meal and return before lunchtime if I moved quickly.
And today, I decided to head towards the stew house I always frequented. In the pricey Frost Territory, it was one of the few affordable and tasty stews.
No matter how delicious it is, it doesn’t compare to Birong’s instant stew, though.
‘… I wonder if he’s doing well.’
He must be doing fine. It’s unlikely we’ll meet again, but… I do have a desire to meet again someday and reminisce.
…Perhaps that’s difficult now that the commander of the Scar Mercenary Corps has already passed away?
Putting aside such fleeting thoughts, as I was about to head towards Frost Territory, a voice came from behind.
“Brother. I mean, that guy…”
“Wait a moment.”
Hair as white as fresh snow. And violet eyes that shine brightly even amidst the snow.
Jake Frost and Kyle Frost. I found myself locking eyes with the two brothers of the Frost family as they left the fortress.
“Greetings to the giants of the North.”
“”………..””
I immediately offered my respects to the brothers. At first, I was confused by this gesture, but after a few attempts, I became accustomed to it and could now assume the correct posture instinctively.
“Did you say your name was Venice?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
The firstborn, Jake, with his long hair and handsome features, asked me, and I could see Kyle, with his slicked-back hair, staring intently at me.
Why is he looking at me as if he’s trying to bore holes through me? It’s not like I have that much time to spare…
Wait, now that I look at it, it’s not just a stare but more like a glare. Why, though?
Did I do something wrong? I can’t think of anything…
“Kyle. Let’s leave it at that. He’s a benefactor of Ariel.”
“Right. Yes… Ahem. Sorry about that. You should go on your way.”
“….Yes.”
Fortunately, following Jake’s words, Kyle relaxed his scowling face and apologized to me.
Hmm… They don’t seem to be bad people, which is a relief.
Now… time to head to the Frost territory…
“….Ariel!”
“…What? Did you say Ariel?”
At that moment, Jake, who had maintained an expressionless face until now, suddenly showed a hint of emotion and looked back, and Kyle also turned around in a hurry, flustered by his words.
“Brothers.”
Emerging slowly from the castle, Ariel walked gracefully as if flowers were blooming.
Ariel still had the same expressionless face, without a single smile, but for some reason, she seemed a little excited.
“hahahaha. Ariel, where are you going? Are you going to Frost Territory?”
“Yes. I have something to do.”
“Um… really?! Should we go with you, then?!”
…What’s going on? The expression that he had shown me just now, which was completely emotionless, suddenly disappeared, and his brothers showed warm smiles towards Ariel.
I shouldn’t say this, but it felt like seeing hunting dogs that show their true colors to others but wag their tails only to their owner.
“Our Ariel came out after a long time, where are you going-“
“No. I’m not going with you, brothers.”
“”…………What?””
In response to Ariel’s firm answer, her brothers could only stare at her dumbfoundedly, as if the sky had fallen.
Just like the expression of a father who heard that his beloved daughter hates him, their faces showed despair and emptiness.
They froze in place, with such a hopeless expression that I couldn’t help but pity them.
“Venice. Are you going to Frost Territory?”
“Yes…? Yes… I am. But why…”
“Let’s go together.”
Ariel pushed me forward with her hand and started heading towards Frost Territory.
Her brothers, who were looking at her pitifully from behind, didn’t seem to care at all and didn’t even spare a glance.
“Yes… Yes?!”
“Stop the nonsense and hurry.”
As I tried to slow down even a bit, Ariel, using her magic, led me to the Frost Territory.
No, why is she doing this to me all of a sudden…
Thump.
A sound of someone collapsing from behind. But I couldn’t even turn around in the face of overwhelming physical force.
“I’m sorry!!”
From Noble mtl dot com
I apologized to them in my heart, knowing it wouldn’t reach them, tears welling up as I could do nothing but be led by Ariel’s hand.
***
“Hmm. You come here every day, don’t you?”
“Yes…”
Sitting at a shabby table, Ariel looked around the interior of the store as if fascinated.
Compelled by Ariel, I reluctantly headed straight for the stew shop. That part was fine.
-“Isn’t she a noble lady?”
– “Who’s that guy?”
– “How dare she…!”
As soon as I entered the store, the shocked residents, looking at me crouched like a squat next to the shining Ariel in the darkness, twisted their faces into a sinister expression.
“…Lady. How did you end up in this humble place?”
“Just because.”
“I hope you find it to your liking.”
Tap.
The owner, who was always as familiar as a foul-mouthed grandmother, set down a stew in front of Ariel, filled with all sorts of etiquette.
The stew was different from what I usually ate, from its color to the large, high-quality-looking meat. It seemed like the ingredients were different.
“….You.”
“Yes…yes?”
Clang-!
“….Ddalguk.”
“Please, don’t harm the lady.”
“Yes…yes…”
As the stew was forcefully placed on the table, it felt like it might break, and I couldn’t help but lower my head under the gaze of the owner, who was glaring at me.
“It’s edible. Why aren’t you eating?”
“Yes….”
Who would be able to eat in this situation, like you! The gazes filled with curiosity poured in from all directions.
Because of the suffocating heat and gazes, I felt dizzy.
“What’s wrong? Give it to me.”
“…Uh, that’s…”
Slurp-
Ignoring my words, Ariel ate my stew with the spoon I hadn’t used.
“This one is a bit less tasty. You can eat it. Eat.”
“…………”
Thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump!
I’m going to die. The moment I put this spoon in my mouth, I’ll be killed without anyone knowing!
As Ariel’s exploits were revealed, even more intense gazes were felt. Some even tightly gripped forks and knives, as if they were going to stab someone!
Sh-sh-sh-sh…
I wasn’t this scared even when facing a dark sorcerer. I was trembling with fear.
This… This essence is different from the essence of a dark sorcerer’s life…!
“I can’t help it…!”
Whoosh-!
I reluctantly put down the spoon Ariel used and started drinking the hot stew.
It was incredibly hot, and I felt my palate burning, but fortunately, it wasn’t enough to cause pain.
…It’s a relief that I’m a doppelgänger.
“…Isn’t it hot?”
“Uh… I’m fine…”
Even though I couldn’t feel any pain, it felt like my entire mouth was scorched… But it’s better than being stabbed without anyone knowing.
I vaguely knew that the residents of Frost Territory cherished Ariel… But I didn’t know it was to this extent.
At this level… Isn’t it similar to fathers looking at their precious daughters?
Hoo-rip-
“Cough… Cough!”
“Eat slowly.”
…It’s really tearfully grateful.
Thump-thump-thump-thump-
Ariel peacefully enjoyed her stew, while waves of hostility crashed upon me.
In the midst of it all, I had no choice but to drink, not even knowing whether the stew was passing through my nose or my mouth.