****
Two days passed in comfort that almost felt unreal. Life inside Duke Velmora's residence moved with strict order and discipline, yet for Sasuke, the atmosphere still carried a level of luxury that could not be ignored. He began each morning sipping high quality tea served at the perfect temperature, enjoyed balanced and refined lunches, then spent hours training inside a spacious private hall sealed from any disturbance.
Every facility prepared for him reflected the honorable position he now held. There was no halfhearted treatment. Every servant and every knight regarded him as an important guest and a trusted figure within the Duke's inner circle.
The contract was officially signed.
Elisvaria agreed to all of Sasuke's proposed revisions without prolonged debate. There was no exhausting tug of war, no drawn out negotiation. The decision was swift and decisive. Their relationship now functioned professionally under written terms, although no significant emotional progress had formed between them.
Elisvaria was completely immersed in documents concerning the Velmorath scandal and the investigation into the mastermind behind the snowy forest assassination attempt. Nearly all her time was consumed by reports, analysis, and strategic orders that demanded immediate execution. Their meetings were brief, limited to the dining table. Conversations remained practical and necessary before the Duke returned to her endless state affairs.
This morning marked the official beginning of the active contract period.
According to the agreement, Sasuke would remain at the Duke's side at all times, except during strictly personal matters. That meant his role was not merely that of a shadow guard, but a visible presence accompanying Elisvaria at every step.
Knock. Knock.
The steady sound of knuckles against wood broke the silence of the chamber.
Sasuke, standing before a large mirror, adjusted his attire. He remained loyal to his monochrome palette. A black suit with elegant gold patterns framed his posture perfectly, similar to what he had worn over the past two days. This time, however, a long black cloak draped neatly behind him, giving him a more formal and commanding presence. The cold aura that naturally surrounded him felt sharper with the addition.
"Come in."
The carved wooden door opened. Seris, the maid assigned specifically to attend to Sasuke's needs, stepped inside with proper decorum. Her gaze lifted for a moment, then quickly dropped. Even so, she failed to completely conceal her admiration.
Over the past two days, Seris had quietly observed the man she served. Sasuke treated her with basic courtesy and respect, something rarely shown by the Duke's other guests. There was no condescension, no harsh command.
Today, Sir Sasuke looked as captivating as ever.
"Seris, have you had your fill of staring at me?"
"Ah... Forgive me, Sir! I did not mean to be rude. I was only... impressed by your attire. It suits you exceptionally well."
"You are becoming more articulate by the day."
Seris bowed her head deeply. Her fingers nervously pinched the edge of her uniform. The courage she had gathered over the past two days finally pushed her to deliver her main message.
"Sir, Lady Duke is waiting for you in the entrance hall."
"Thank you, Seris. I will not be returning to this room for the next week. I entrust it to you."
"Yes, Sir. Please leave everything to me!"
Sasuke gave a slight nod and walked out. The soft click of the door closing marked his departure. Seris stared at it for several seconds before turning around and beginning to tidy the room with renewed energy. The trust placed in her felt like a personal recognition that warmed her chest.
. . .
Meanwhile.
"Nyra, come here for a moment."
"Yes, Lady Duke."
Nyra approached carefully and stopped half a step before Elisvaria. The Duke's hands moved with precision, adjusting a slightly uneven part of Nyra's outfit. The gesture was simple, yet enough to make Nyra tense.
"Lady Duke, please allow me to handle it myself."
"You have been neglecting your appearance lately. How old are you now?"
"Nineteen, Lady Duke."
"You are an adult, Nyra. Take better care of yourself. Do not focus solely on guarding me while ignoring your own presentation. I do not want others to resent me simply because you are too busy watching over me and forget to look after yourself."
Elisvaria cast a glance toward Vaelor after saying that.
Vaelor immediately lowered his head, understanding the direction of her remark. His face grew warm. He had not expected his interest in Nyra to be so transparent to the Duke.
"Yes, Lady Duke."
Elisvaria smiled with satisfaction and lightly patted Nyra's shoulder, as if restoring her shaken confidence.
"Good."
Step. Step. Step.
Firm, rhythmic footsteps echoed from behind. Each step was measured and steady, reflecting discipline and long trained balance.
Elisvaria turned.
Her eyelids trembled faintly. The red in her eyes flickered for a brief second. Nyra noticed the change immediately. The Duke's rigid expression softened within moments as the man entered her view.
What kind of magic did that man use to make Lady Duke look so captivated? I must be more vigilant in guarding my Lady from him.
Sasuke stopped exactly two meters in front of Elisvaria. His posture was upright, his gaze calm and unreadable.
A faint smile curved on the Duke's lips.
"You truly leave me speechless, Lord Sasuke. I am beginning to doubt your compliment about my eyes the other day. It is easier to believe that you have deceived many women with sweet words and an appearance like that."
"Heh. Your accusation has no foundation. And I did not expect you to remember something I said two days ago."
"I am not the type to forget easily. I hope Lord Sasuke remembers that. Because your future words might wound me if you do not choose them carefully."
"Hm."
Elisvaria stepped closer until only half a step separated them. Her right hand lifted, adjusting the slightly crooked collar of Sasuke's clothing. The motion was delicate, yet far too close to be considered casual.
Sasuke's brow twitched slightly. The sudden proximity caught him off guard. His gaze lowered, studying Elisvaria's face from a distance that was no longer formal. Strands of her silver white hair contrasted sharply with the intensity of her crimson eyes.
Aware of his direct stare, Elisvaria cleared her throat softly.
"Ehem..."
She immediately turned and began walking away, restoring the distance that had briefly vanished. Sasuke moved beside her with an even stride, while Nyra and Vaelor followed faithfully behind.
Today, they departed under the escort of a dozen Elite Knights toward the territory of Marquis Frostwyn, the second highest ranking noble in the north. The Frostwyn family was known as an unbreakable wall along the frontier, the shield against monster incursions from the valley of eternal snow. On the northern power map, their name was not merely a symbol of defense, but a decisive factor in maintaining balance.
For major forces and opposition factions alike, the Frostwyn family was a critical variable in the event of internal conflict. Their loyalty to Duke Velmora made their position essential in every political movement across the northern region.
The luxurious silver carriage rolled steadily through the gates of Velmoria City. Its surface was polished to a mirror sheen beneath the pale morning light. Distinctive golden ornaments were engraved neatly along its sides, combined with the emblem of a dragon and two crossed swords that represented the Duke's absolute authority. A red banner bearing the same insignia fluttered firmly above, announcing to all observers that the ruler of the north was traveling on official business.
The Elite Knights formed a tight protective formation on all sides. The distance between horses was calculated with precision, sealing every possible gap against unwanted threats. Their gazes were sharp, and their hands never strayed far from their weapon hilts.
Clack. Clack. Clack.
Iron coated wheels struck against the stone road, sending heavy vibrations through the carriage frame. Decorative chains chimed softly in rhythm with the movement, while the axle occasionally creaked as the carriage accelerated beyond the city limits and entered the open northern route.
The interior of the carriage was divided into two sections. One was a spacious main chamber, suitable for receiving guests or handling urgent reports. The other was a tightly enclosed private compartment, reserved as the Duke's resting space during the long journey.
****
Inside the main compartment, Vaelor Frostwyn and Nyra Ashwinter sat facing one another. The cushioned seats layered with thick fabric softened most of the jolts from the road, yet they did little to ease the tension settling over Nyra.
She looked restless. Her fingers repeatedly pressed into the seat beside her, as if searching for something to anchor her composure. Every so often she glanced at Vaelor, only to quickly avert her eyes. Being confined in an enclosed space without the Duke's presence made the atmosphere feel heavier than usual.
Vaelor finally broke the silence.
"Nyra, you've been avoiding me since yesterday. Is something wrong?"
Nyra immediately turned her face toward the window. Rows of trees and endless stretches of snow rushed past outside, offering the perfect excuse to avoid his gaze. Her voice remained controlled, though there was a faint stiffness beneath it.
"I am not avoiding you, Sir Vaelor. I simply feel fatigued and require proper rest."
Vaelor let out a quiet breath.
"You know, Nyra? You are truly terrible at lying. We have spent years serving as the Duke's personal knights. I understand nearly every subtle change in your behavior."
Nyra looked back at him, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"You sound very confident. Do you truly believe we are close enough for you to read me so easily?"
"Yes."
"What!"
"Aren't we partners? That alone is reason enough."
"You are correct about that."
Vaelor rose from his seat and moved to Nyra's side. The sudden shift only intensified the nervous tension building within her. She quickly looked back toward the window, attempting to hide the warmth creeping onto her cheeks.
His voice lowered, gentler than before.
"Rest against me. I will shield you from the carriage's jolts."
"That will not be necessary. My condition has fully recovered."
Without allowing further refusal, Vaelor's hand moved to her shoulder. Firm yet careful, he drew her toward him, guiding her to lean against his side.
"Hey! What improper behavior is this? Do not act so excessively!"
"Nyra, whenever you begin speaking formally to me, it means something is wrong. Just rest. You are clearly still exhausted."
She tried to move to the seat across from him, the one he had occupied earlier. Yet Vaelor shifted swiftly, blocking her attempt. After several futile efforts, Nyra finally gave up and allowed herself to remain leaning against him.
"You are truly stubborn, Vaelor."
"I am simply concerned about you. And continue speaking to me like that. There is a distance that feels far too wide whenever you use formal language with me."
"Are we truly that close for me to follow your preferences?"
"Mmm…"
Vaelor paused briefly, gathering his resolve.
"Yes. We are very close now."
"You have no sense of shame."
A soft chuckle escaped him. Since the incident in the snow forest, since the moment he carried her without hesitation, something within him had shifted. He no longer wished to remain merely a teammate bound by duty. He wanted something more personal, something closer, without constantly hiding behind rigid formality.
Yet there was one complication he could not ignore.
Would the Duke object to him growing closer to Nyra?
Elisvaria's bond with Nyra ran deep. If not for status and the formal constraints of a knight's attire, Nyra would have resembled a younger sister to the Duke. The connection between the Velmora and Ashwinter families stretched back generations. The Duke's own grandmother had been born an Ashwinter. Though Nyra was not as openly relaxed as the Duke's secretary, it did not change the fact that the Duke cared for her in her own reserved way.
For now, Vaelor chose to set those thoughts aside. He would allow time to determine where this would lead.
"I accept that compliment gladly."
"That was not a compliment, you know?"
"To me, it is."
"Forget it. You have always been this stubborn."
"Only with you."
Nyra's body stiffened instantly. Her back straightened, her breath caught for a fraction of a second. Her hands clasped tightly together on her lap.
What is wrong with me? Ever since the snow forest incident, I feel unsettled whenever I am near him. Nervousness and embarrassment surface every time it concerns this man. Is he truly interested in me? Why is my mind wandering so far? That cannot possibly be the case.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Vaelor gently adjusted her position again, allowing her to lean more comfortably.
"Forgive me if my earlier words made you uncomfortable."
"Eh! That is not what I meant."
"That is a relief. Now rest. This journey will be long."
His distinct scent reached her clearly. This proximity felt far too intimate to be dismissed as mere partnership.
"Thank you. You should rest as well."
"As you wish."
A quiet warmth spread through Nyra's chest. She slowly closed her eyes. The carriage's light tremors, which had earlier unsettled her, now felt distant and manageable.
Vaelor turned his gaze toward her dark hair, his eyes softening. A faint smile formed as he lifted his left hand and gently stroked her hair. A small, involuntary sound escaped Nyra's lips, but she did not resist. As if discovering a sincere sense of safety, her consciousness gradually faded until she drifted into sleep.