Meanwhile, in another section of the carriage interior, inside the Duke's private compartment, Elisvaria and Sasuke sat facing each other in an atmosphere entirely different from the main cabin. The space was quieter, more enclosed, and somehow felt tighter despite the short distance between them.
To Sasuke, however, that calm felt unusual.
Over the past two days, although their interactions had been limited to urgent matters, shared meals, or brief exchanges between her duties, he had noticed a change in her behavior. Subtle, yet consistent. The way she stood a little closer. The way her gaze lingered a second longer than necessary. The way her hands moved without hesitation.
This woman is far bolder than before.
I am still thinking about what she did at the mansion earlier when she adjusted my clothes. That was not an unconscious reflex. It was too deliberate to be called accidental.
Sasuke glanced at her and clearly saw the exhaustion etched across her face. Her eyelids looked heavy, faint shadows beneath her eyes difficult to conceal. She appeared to be fighting off drowsiness through sheer willpower.
He understood.
Serving as the supreme ruler of the northern territory was no simple task. Reports, political decisions, investigations, military matters, pressure from multiple factions. Everything demanded constant attention without pause.
In my previous life, I worked eight hours a day. Twelve if there was overtime. Even that felt exhausting.
Compared to her, I am insignificant.
I might endure longer working hours. But the weight of responsibility she carries exists on a completely different level. The gap is like heaven and earth.
Sasuke gave a slight shrug and exhaled quietly. The small motion did not escape Elisvaria's notice. Her eyes narrowed subtly.
"Lord Sasuke, do you feel uncomfortable sitting near me?"
"I was simply thinking about something. It has nothing to do with you."
"I see. That is reassuring. I would feel awkward if you were already uneasy on your first day serving as my personal guardian."
Sasuke did not respond. He shifted his gaze toward the smaller window of the private cabin. Snow swept past outside, following the carriage's pace. The endless white scenery stirred something buried deep within him, something long suppressed.
Brother Eric! Catch this!
Eric swiftly raised his hand, deflecting the snowball flying straight toward his face.
Rina, that was excessive. Who taught you to throw like that?
Rina immediately pouted, lowering her head.
Did I do something wrong? I only wanted to play with you.
That is not what I meant. I am just tired. I need a short rest.
I am sorry, Brother!
Eric looked up at the wide white sky stretching above them. He realized his tone had been harsher than intended. He stepped closer and gently patted the top of Rina's head, which was covered by thick winter fabric. Rina looked up at him with bright eyes, clearly unwilling to give up on playing.
A faint smile formed on Eric's lips.
Alright. We will play again. But not for long. Understood?
Yay! Rina loves Brother!
Elisvaria's soft voice pulled Sasuke back to the present.
"You were smiling."
He looked at her, then allowed the slight curve on his lips to fade.
"I simply remembered something. My apologies if that made you uncomfortable."
"I do not mind at all. In fact, I am pleased to see you smile."
He turned his face back toward the window. Her words sounded casual, yet they lingered in his thoughts.
"Heh. It seems your skill at charming men is improving, Elisvaria."
"You may think so. But you should know, I only behave that way with you."
Sasuke did not reply. He felt the statement required no answer.
Elisvaria studied his side profile. For a brief moment, she caught sight of his left eye partially hidden behind dark strands of hair. The purple iris with its rippling pattern and six tomoe arranged perfectly within it always left her silent for a few seconds. She had seen it several times over the past two days, yet it remained impossible not to be drawn in.
She shifted her gaze, following the direction of his eyes.
"It seems you like snow."
"Yes."
"Is there a particular reason?"
"No. It is simply personal preference."
Before she could continue, Sasuke spoke first.
"And you?"
"Me?"
He gave a small nod.
Elisvaria inhaled softly, still watching the passing snow.
"It is difficult to say that I like it. Snow is the identity of the north. It is not merely scenery. It is part of who this land is. To say I like it feels too simple."
"Do you feel weary of it?"
"No. I have never grown tired of seeing snow in my own territory. I respect it. Whenever I see snow elsewhere, it reminds me of my homeland."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So it is something important to you."
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Yes."
Silence settled between them once more. The steady rumble of wheels and the faint scrape of snow outside formed a constant background.
Within that quiet, Elisvaria recalled Lyanna. Earlier that morning, her head maid had reported that her friend had met Sasuke yesterday afternoon.
An unwelcome discomfort surfaced. She clasped her hands together on her lap before speaking.
"I heard Secretary Lyanna met you yesterday afternoon."
"Yes."
"Was it something very important?"
Sasuke looked at her directly.
"No. Just a casual conversation. Nothing more."
Elisvaria's fingers, which had tightened unconsciously, slowly relaxed. She realized her question had sounded excessive, almost like a veiled interrogation. Without adding anything further, she turned her face toward the cabin door, maintaining a neutral expression.
Silence settled over them once again.
The faint tremor of the carriage wheels and the friction of iron against the axle became the only sounds filling the confined space. The air felt heavier than before. Sasuke returned his gaze to the snow beyond the window. The streaks of white rushing past pulled his thoughts back to yesterday afternoon.
The rim of a ceramic cup touched Lyanna's pink lips. She sipped her tea with calm precision, every movement deliberate. From time to time, her eyes drifted toward Sasuke, who sat upright across from her, shoulders straight, expression as rigid as ever.
Lyanna inhaled slowly, as if arranging her words with care. A few seconds later, the corner of her lips curved into a faint smile that was difficult to interpret.
"Sasuke, have you been uncomfortable staying in the mansion?"
Sasuke shifted his gaze slightly, displeased by the intensity of her stare.
"I have been comfortable here."
"I see. That is good to hear."
She set her cup down gently.
"Do you have any free time tomorrow?"
"No."
The answer came swiftly and firmly, leaving no room for interpretation.
Lyanna's expression changed slightly. A flicker of irritation crossed her face, yet beneath it her interest became even more apparent. A direct refusal like that did not discourage her. On the contrary, Sasuke's cold response only deepened her curiosity.
How interesting. This man is not easily swayed.
She lifted her cup again, concealing the small smile that formed on her lips.
"Do you always answer that briefly?"
"If the question does not require a long answer, there is no need to extend it."
Lyanna let out a soft laugh, her tone light but layered with intention.
"Very well. Then allow me to be clearer. Do you truly intend to remain by Elisvaria's side for a long time?"
Sasuke did not respond immediately. His gaze remained steady, unreadable, as though the question failed to disturb anything within him.
A sudden jolt.
The memory shattered when the carriage lurched violently, accompanied by a low vibration. Sasuke's body shifted slightly before he regained balance. His attention moved from the window to Elisvaria. His eyes focused on her as he noticed her eyelids gradually lowering, clearly struggling against growing drowsiness.
The fatigue on her face could no longer be concealed. The faint lines beneath her eyes and her slower breathing were undeniable proof.
Sasuke moved quietly. He adjusted his position, closing the distance until there was almost none left between them. Without speaking, he lifted his hand and drew Elisvaria gently yet firmly by the shoulder, allowing her to lean against him.
Her eyes widened instantly. The drowsiness that had weighed her down vanished under the sudden, irregular pounding of her heart. Her fingers instinctively clenched the fabric of her own clothing. Nervousness surged without warning.
She steadied her breathing, keeping her voice controlled.
"You are surprisingly considerate."
"I am only making sure you are well. It is my duty."
"Is that truly the only reason?"
"You may think so."
Elisvaria let out a soft laugh. The sound filled the narrow cabin, light yet distinct. The curiosity she had restrained finally surfaced.
"Am I the first woman to lean on you like this?"
"Yes."
The answer came without hesitation, without pause.
A faint smile formed on Elisvaria's lips. Her gaze deepened, and the next words slipped out instinctively.
"Only do this for me."
Sasuke turned his head slightly.
"Is that an order?"
"Would it be difficult for you to comply?"
Sasuke exhaled quietly, staring ahead before responding in a low, steady voice.
"I will."
That answer was enough.
Elisvaria felt an unfamiliar comfort in that support. She had been forcing herself to remain awake, compelling her mind to stay alert. Now, her resistance slowly crumbled. Her eyes remained open for a few moments longer, staring at the interior wall of the carriage as she tried to understand the feeling rising within her.
Strange. It is not as tedious as usual inside this carriage.
For the first time, the confined space that often felt restrictive brought a different sensation. There was no boredom as before. Her thoughts became more active. She wanted to speak more, to prolong this moment, even though such conversation had nothing to do with her responsibilities as Duke of the North.
His scent is calming.
Perhaps it was because of what happened in the forest. Since he saved her, an unusual sense of security emerged whenever he was near. She did not like the idea of Sasuke standing beside another woman. The thought surfaced on its own, uninvited.
Lyanna's name crossed her mind briefly.
Her friend was likely overwhelmed with work in her absence. Simply imagining Lyanna's displeased expression almost made Elisvaria smile.
I will bring her something after returning from the Marquis' event. Otherwise, she will complain all day and disrupt my working rhythm.
Elisvaria's arm moved slightly. She adjusted her posture, gripping the edge of the seat to settle more comfortably against him. Sasuke sensed the subtle movement but did not react. He kept his gaze on the window, ensuring his position remained stable so as not to disturb the woman gradually succumbing to sleep.
His thoughts shifted to the true purpose of this journey. The coming of age celebration of the second daughter of Marquis Frostwyn.
Vaelyra Frostwyn.
A talented aura practitioner recognized by the empire. Her skill with the sword allowed her to graduate early from the Imperial Academy. Over time, her reputation continued to rise until her name became widely known along the northern border. Her contributions in eliminating monsters earned her the respected title, the Northern Ice Blade.
Over the past two days, Sasuke had spent his time reading historical records of the northern territory. He deemed it necessary to understand the structure of power and the lineage of noble families in this region. Duke Velmora and Marquis Frostwyn shared a close relationship, often described as distant relatives. For generations, the position of Commander of the Duke's Knights had almost always been held by a member of the Frostwyn family.
Currently, that role was held by Roderic Frostwyn, and it was highly likely that Vaelor Frostwyn would become the next successor. To Sasuke, this was not merely a matter of familial closeness. The relationship was built upon proven capability and mutual benefit.
Time continued to pass.
The atmosphere remained quiet, accompanied only by the steady turning of wheels and the cold wind outside.
Elisvaria eventually fell into a deep sleep against Sasuke's shoulder. The fatigue she had been suppressing finally claimed her completely.
Beside her, Sasuke maintained a steady posture. He limited every movement, ensuring that not even the smallest jolt would wake the woman now resting against him.