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The Biflten house flipped at its master’s sudden decision. Because it was in the middle of April when the snowstorms were heavy, the three houses, other than the Red Delrose house, couldn’t contact their respective elders. Due to that, instead of the elders, it was one of the brave Elo knights who had come to see Aden at the Delrose Knight House on the large estate. “I have something to say to the leader of the Delrose’s.”

Idith was guarding the office and hid his awkward expression as he relayed the message to those inside the office. “Master, Elo is requesting a meeting.”

“Who of Elo?” Aden asked. Elo’s elder was no doubt in the northwest of Elo, trying to find a way to avoid the cold.

“It’s Rosie, Elo’s knight,” Idith responded.

“I see.”

Rosie was one of the few knights of Elo that Aden knew. He wasn’t someone he interacted with as a duke, but rather as the Grand Master of Delrose. They had disagreements multiple times on the same topics. Elo’s knight, Rosie, was someone who cared for his subordinates as if his life depended on it. In other words, he didn’t care much about the lives of knights from other houses.

“Let him in,” Aden said gruffly.

Den, The Grand Master of Delrose, was considered to be very difficult to deal with in general. He often adopted aggressive tactics on the battlefield, but most believed that that was because of his accurate calculations. And he was the agent of the Duke, of course. It was only seen in the Delrose Knight Order as people were not allowed to face the general in person.

“Rosie of Elo.” Rosie had a simple greeting for an upper-class person, and he greeted the Grand Master in the same way.

“What brings you here?” Aden had no intention of listening to a long talk because the topic at hand was quite clear.

“I heard the general of Delrose is traveling to the warm region.”

“Of course.” Den leaned against the back of his chair. “So?”

Rosie stared into the face of the Grand Master of Delrose, whom he’d seen a few times on battlefields.

The Grand Master didn’t bother hiding his displeasure. “It’s April.” April in Biflten was the coldest season.

“The Ester Tribe’s movement is not to be overlooked. They combined with the Molly Tribe recently too. As you know, the Ester Tribe in April is dangerous. I think it’ll be best if we advise the general.”

It was a textbook-like suggestion, and Den tilted his head while he rubbed his chin, “Are you saying that it’s dangerous for the general to go to the warm region?”

“I’m not doubting the skill of the general, of course, but,” Rosie knew better than to continue. The safe place to be for April in Biflten was not the Biflten mansion but besides the Duke of Biflten. If there was someone around who could control the temperature, then there was no reason to fear the Ester Tribe. As Esters were sensitive to the temperature, they were very active in the cold weather and became lethargic if the temperature went up, even by a few degrees.

“Just say it out loud.” Aden laughed. He put his hands on the desk and leaned forward. “That Elo’s property is too close to the Esters.”

There was a brief moment of silence in the office. “I can’t represent Elo’s position completely.” Rosie was a cautious knight and sneaky as well. “Your Highness isn’t the leader of the Delrose but also the guardian of Biflten. The elder is not too happy with the actions of the Delrose’s recently.”

There was only one thing that had changed in Delrose’s action recently. The long-distance warfare had decreased as Aden stayed in the house more often. That was not the job for the Delrose. It was an unusual situation as Aden didn’t like the mansion and the pressure from the three houses on the succession. An elder from one of the three houses had said before the succession ceremony. “We cannot accept someone who can’t even protect the winter region’s people, as the master of Biflten!”

Aden lifted his head and laughed. As the succession was over, which was why Aden had stayed in the mansion, he had no reason not to go around with the Delrose knights.

“Then I shall also relay a message from the general.” Honestly, it was Aden’s thought, but the person who would laugh at the truth was Ilyin. “The general expected Elo or the Blue North to come to him the moment he decided on the campaign.” The Blue North was always aware of what the Red Delrose’s did. It was clear that Elo reacted with sensitivity as they were close to the Ester Tribe’s army ground. “He said he doesn’t know when the Delrose’s became the sword of other houses. If you don’t like raising your sword that much, why don’t you throw it away?”

***

“Will it be okay?” Ilyin spread the map of Biflten on the desk. She forgot about the scrumptious-tasting cake and tea she was having. Etra quickly brought in two new cups of hot tea. And the tea that cooled down went to the maids.

“Is this the warm region alcohol?” Aden asked.

“No, it’s tea. Careful, it’s hot.” Ilyin replied.

“Is it okay if I try some?”

The voices of maids whispering went away. Tea was one of the many things brought from the warm region for Ilyin. She told the maids to drink tea whenever they wanted, but no maid dared to touch her stuff under Etra’s watchful gaze. But Etra didn’t say anything about the leftovers, and so the maids started sipping on the cold tea outside in the hallway.

“Of course!” One of the freshly made cups of tea was for Aden. He’d never traveled to the warm region, so it was the first time he’d had a cup of tea.

He swirled it around in his mouth a few times, like how he did with alcohol and frowned a little. The warm tea tasted bitter, which wasn’t what he’d been expecting.

“Seems like you don’t like it.” Ilyin laughed as she watched his face scrunch up. Etra was about to bring alcohol in a crystal glass instead, but Aden raised his hand and motioned her to leave.