One day had passed since the bloody incident in the snowy forest that afternoon.
In the end, Sasuke gave in and accepted Elisvaria's request to take on the role of her guard and personal protector. In truth, he had tried several times to withdraw and reject the offer. The woman, however, showed no concern whatsoever. Elisvaria stubbornly insisted on remaining in the freezing heart of the snow forest if Sasuke refused, a display of obstinacy that wasted precious time until evening approached.
Realizing there was no point in arguing with a woman who openly chose to sulk, Sasuke finally relented and accepted the will of the northern ruler.
For Sasuke, this was not the first time he had dealt with a woman like this. In his previous life, his sister often displayed the same tendencies. Sulking, insisting, and refusing to back down were scenes far too familiar and painfully predictable.
Today, their official agreement would be drafted and signed at the main residence of Duke Velmora.
****
The city of Velmoria stood in grandeur as the capital of the northern duchy of the Empire. It was not merely a place where people lived, but the heart of political authority, the artery of economic flow, and the largest trade hub across the entire northern region.
The fortress walls surrounding the city were built from solid white stone derived from mysterious minerals. Their durability far surpassed any type of rock that had ever existed on Earth, as if they were forged to serve as an eternal shield. The city gates shimmered with a silvery luster, forged from the finest steel on the continent, towering high with massive construction. Without high-tier magic or destructive Aura, it was impossible for conventional weapons of this era to breach them.
The combination of white stone walls and steel gates had preserved the stability of the capital against countless threats. From human military invasions to the assaults of savage beasts and monsters that roamed the surrounding snow forests.
Beyond the walls, the bustle of Velmoria filled the air. Countless human voices blended together. Weary murmurs, carefree laughter, and casual conversations were carried by the biting cold wind. The cries and laughter of children echoed along stone-paved streets and between residential corners.
The activity of the people formed a dynamic rhythm of life. The footsteps of thousands, the rumble of horse-drawn carriages passing by, the ringing of metal from blacksmith forges, and the sound of knives chopping meat in the markets all merged into a living harmony. Gray smoke rose from the chimneys of homes, drifting slowly toward the horizon, proof that life continued to pulse even as temperatures fell far below comfort. Snow and ice crystals adorned rooftops and corners of the city, adding a cold yet exotic beauty.
****
Deep within the heart of the city stood a complex of buildings guarded more tightly than any other place in the duchy. The official residence of Duke Velmora. The home of the ruler and the highest center of governance in the northern territory. The massive, symmetrical structure featured large glass windows reflecting pale light, dominated by white and silver hues that emphasized its status and luxury.
The complex was meticulously organized according to function. On one side, soldiers led by elite knights conducted routine patrols and physical training. On the other, servants moved swiftly, carrying out their duties with precise attention to detail. The routine appeared monotonous, yet it was flawlessly structured to keep the machinery of power running smoothly.
In the deepest section of the complex, where the Duke resided, there was a luxurious chamber dominated by shades of white and sky blue. A clear reflection of its owner's cold, clean, and orderly taste.
Inside.
Sasuke sat alone on the balcony of his room. He sat on an elegant, symmetrical iron chair. His gaze was fixed on the city below, observing the endless flow of life.
"Life like this is not so bad after all."
The murmur left his lips quietly. His hand moved calmly as he lifted a ceramic cup and sipped warm tea releasing a gentle aroma.
Elisvaria.
That name crossed his mind again. In just a single day, the woman's face had begun appearing in his thoughts without invitation. Elisvaria's persistence felt strange. Not intrusive, not irritating. Instead, it sparked a natural sense of interest.
Hopefully, the contract she offers today will be reasonable.
Soft footsteps sounded from behind. A woman dressed as a maid approached with impeccable manners.
"Sir, Lady Duke is awaiting your presence in the private chamber. I will escort you there."
Sasuke rose and turned briefly. The maid's bluish-green hair was neatly arranged, matching her dark green eyes that appeared gentle and sharp.
"Lead the way, Seris."
"Yes, Sir."
Upon arriving at the Duke's private chamber, Sasuke sat calmly on a plush sofa. His gaze shifted briefly toward Elisvaria, who had been waiting, accompanied by the Head Butler and Nyra standing nearby.
Nyra shot a sharp glare toward Sasuke, her displeasure radiating openly without any attempt to hide it. Sasuke did not respond in the slightest, ignoring her presence as if she did not exist.
Across from him, Elisvaria sat gracefully with the composure of a true ruler, sipping tea from her red lips. A faint smile formed as her eyes met Sasuke's.
"Would you like some tea?"
"No need. I already had some in my chamber."
"Oh, is that so."
"Harlan, give the contract to Lord Sasuke."
"At once, Duke."
The Head Butler named Harlan stepped forward and handed a sheet of high-quality parchment to Sasuke.
"Thank you."
"Kekeke. It feels strange hearing thanks come from your mouth."
"I still remember basic manners. Does that still sound strange to you?"
"Forget it. Please review the contents of the agreement first."
Sasuke began reading each clause carefully.
For the next three years, he was required to serve as Elisvaria's guard and personal protector. Nothing seemed unusual up to that point. However, the following two clauses made his brow crease deeply.
During that three-year period, he was forbidden from forming any kind of relationship with any woman other than her.
This is very strange.
Is this just my imagination, or is there something seriously wrong with this woman's intentions?
After examining the contents for a moment, Sasuke placed the contract on the table and looked directly at Duke Velmora.
"Duke Velmora, regarding the clauses and the compensation you offer, I have no objections whatsoever. However, there are two conditions that trouble me deeply. First, I truly do not understand the reason behind prohibiting me from having any relationship with other women."
"What exactly is wrong with that clause, Lord Sasuke? I merely wish to ensure that your duties going forward are not disrupted by trivial matters. You can see for yourself that the penalty for violation is quite severe. Every rule in this contract was drafted based on my understanding of your character. Am I not simply reminding you not to waste the next three years and to remain focused by my side?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed at her explanation. His gaze hardened, and he spoke again without the slightest hesitation.
"Then the second point. The clause stating that I must obey every one of your orders must be revised into something optional. I will never follow anyone's will blindly. Whoever drafted this rule made their intention obvious. This is nothing more than a disguised slave contract wrapped in generous compensation."
"Pfffft!"
The Duke and the Head Butler instinctively turned toward the sound. Nyra was clearly choking back laughter, her shoulders trembling as she struggled not to burst out. Realizing she had become the center of attention, she immediately straightened herself and resumed her rigid, disciplined expression.
Elisvaria looked at Sasuke without the slightest hint of irritation. Instead, a spark of interest flashed in her eyes, as if she were measuring how far this man was willing to push back against her.
"Harlan, revise the specified section immediately and bring it back once the corrections are complete."
"Understood, Duke."
Harlan moved swiftly after receiving the order. He exited the room and closed the door with care, leaving the three of them in a brief silence that lingered in the air.
The corner of Elisvaria's lips slowly lifted into a faint smile, deliberately breaking the quiet.
"You look quite fitting in those clothes. My judgment is rarely wrong."
"There's nothing special about these clothes."
"Is that so? A woman's taste can turn something ordinary into something exceptional, Lord Sasuke. Are you truly unaware of that?"
"Why would I waste time concerning myself with something so unimportant?"
Elisvaria showed no surprise at his cold reply. She had anticipated it from the start. The man before her was difficult to read, his expression rigid, his posture firm as though he were always prepared for anything.
Even so, she had to admit honestly to herself.
The black attire with subtle golden patterns suited Sasuke perfectly. The contrast accentuated his dark hair and his pitch-black right eye, amplifying the quiet, unsettling allure that surrounded him.
And there was something else.
His left arm.
Elisvaria had noticed its absence from the very beginning. Curiosity continued to gnaw at her, demanding an explanation for what had happened to a man of such strength.
"As for your left arm, I would like to know the reason behind it, if you do not mind sharing."
Sasuke glanced briefly at the empty space where his left arm should have been, then shifted his flat gaze back toward the woman facing him.
"I lost it in a fight against my own friend. There's no remarkable or heroic story behind it."
His tone was even, as if he were speaking of something utterly insignificant.
"It must have been difficult for you to adapt. I apologize if my question crossed a line."
Sasuke did not respond. He simply remained silent.
Do I feel any difficulty?
If he were being honest, in some aspects, yes. He had already found various technical solutions for clothing and daily activities. But bathing and relieving himself still felt awkward whenever shadow clones were involved.
Touching his own body with the hands of a shadow clone remained a mental hurdle he had not fully overcome.
"Ah, it seems lunchtime has arrived," Elisvaria said lightly.
"What do you think, Lord Sasuke? Would you be willing to join me for lunch?"
"That's fine."
"I'm glad you didn't refuse."
Sasuke fell silent once more.
Elisvaria rose from her seat and turned toward Nyra, who was still standing faithfully at her side.
"Nyra, go and find Avelyne. Tell her to prepare lunch in the inner flower garden."
"Understood."
Nyra bowed politely. Before she could turn away, Elisvaria's voice stopped her again.
"After that, go and rest."
The change in Nyra's expression was obvious. A mixture of reluctance and sadness surfaced, something she struggled to conceal.
"But, Lady Duke, I wish to remain by your side and stand guard."
"There will be other opportunities, Nyra. For now, rest. This is an order."
"Yes, Lady Duke."
With slightly unsteady steps, Nyra turned and left the room. Her shoulders drooped, as though her emotional burden had yet to lift.
Not long after her figure disappeared, a quiet, mocking tone reached Elisvaria's ears.
"Heh. So you're capable of being considerate and mature after all. Quite the contrast to the childish behavior you showed in the forest yesterday."
"Ah! Don't bring that up again. Come on, follow me."
Elisvaria turned sharply and strode down the corridor toward the inner flower garden. Her face burned as memories of her stubborn conduct in the snowy forest resurfaced.
Damn it. That humiliation is going to stay with me forever. And he will probably bring it up again someday. How could I have acted so foolishly back then? Completely embarrassing.
But what was done was done. There was no point dwelling on it.
Sasuke tugged faintly at the corner of his lips, forming a barely visible smile as he watched her flustered reaction. He began walking, matching his pace to Elisvaria's until he was now positioned right beside her.