The deal between Acid Merchant and Viscount Arlen was official. Viscount Arlen put his stamp on the contract with a very satisfied grin.

I looked forward to doing business with you. The Viscount had a wide smile as they shook hands.

If there's a problem regarding the trade, contact me, said Aden.

Don't I contact her directly? Viscount Arlen bowed slightly as he gestured to the lady in black veil. The lady who was observing them from afar didn't react. The Viscount hesitated and then asked, What is your name if you don't mind me asking?

Ilyin momentarily hesitated at his question. Since there was no interjection from Aden, she realized that as long she didn't give her actual name it wouldn't be a problem.

El. Ilyin gave the first name she could think of. She was worried that if she talked for long, the Viscount might recognize her voice.

Her voice, fortunately or unfortunately, came out rather hoarse as she hadn't spoken for a long time. The Viscount didn't seem to have any suspicions.

I see. I'll contact El directly.

And just like that, the contract was completed.

Aden who was the Duke of Winter had never left the winter region so he didn't know what to expect would happen to the winter region when he returned to Biflten. Of course, the previous Duke, his father, always travelled to and from the warm region so there were a lot of accounts on what actually would happen.

They all said the same thing; nothing would happen to the winter region.

Idith said the same but still, he couldn't be gone for too long and so the group quickly prepared their return as soon as the deal was made.

The snow here melts so quickly!

Really!

The maids played amongst themselves. Ilyin observed the chatty maids from afar.

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She felt this before, but the Delrose maids were very different from the warm region maids. She didn't know about the maids of the other three houses, but at least the Delrose ones were. Growing up with maids who were very strict about hierarchy, she felt more friendly towards the Delrose maids.

Of course, the maids and she both maintained appropriate boundaries when necessary so there wasn't any problem. But every now and then, Ilyin couldn't help but find the maids very cute, especially when they were in the warm region.

One of the maids looked around and quickly Ilyin hid behind a building so as not to be seen. After waiting a bit, she stuck her head out, and saw the maids that were poking the snow with their bare feet.

Wow, you try it! The excited voice echoed.

If it was the winter region, this wouldn't be possible. Ilyin couldn't help chuckle.

What amuses you so? A blue cloth was put around Ilyin's neck. The warmth she felt was familiar.

Den, she smiled.

Yes. Aden hugged her from behind and watched the maids.

They're slacking. Aden pretended to be angry. Rather than taking care of Ilyin they were playing amongst themselves, they had no excuse not to be punished.

It's okay. Everyone seems to be amazed by the warm region. Ilyin smiled fondly at them.

She observed the maids and slowly reached out towards a snow pile. Her thin wrist looked like it would freeze quickly if it touched the snow and Aden instinctively stretched his hand to stop her.

Then he stopped. The snow pile collapsed at her small touch. Was the snow pile in the warm region really that weak? The snow in Ilyin's hand quickly began melting. The bright sunlight glistened on the snow. The part of the snow that was melted reflected the light making it twinkle. But it was the tip of Ilyin's hand that caught Aden's gaze.

Aden looked at Ilyin's glistening hand and then slowly raised his gaze. The morning sunshine covered her, and her lively hair twinkled with sunlight.

There was bright light in Biflten mansion as well. When he was young, he had seen a bright light in Elo's territory. He was told that the light was an imitation of the sun from the warm region. He understood now.

Aden brushed down Ilyin's hair subconsciously. He touched it lightly and the hair twinkled with the light. Aden couldn't help close his eyes at the brightness in front of him.

Den?