Proofreader: somnium

[By the time this letter arrives, the weather would begin to get warmer over there.

Its still cool here. You would say its still winter. Still, I saw a flower bloom a while ago.

There is a flower bush inside the Thold Fortress. I found out for the first time.

It had sprouted by chance even though it was not cultivated by anyone, so I left it alone. Its about knee-high now.

A messenger arrived ahead of His Majestys envoy and informed me of the capitals news. There have also been several reports from Freil.

I can guess that you are busy. I heard that you were in charge of the Western Rebirth project.

If it were you, you would do well. However, dont think too much about it.

Its not a story of risk, its a story of health. If you have the right person, leave it all to them, and think about pulling out.

Are you feeling well? Are you eating properly and keeping a good sleep time?

It is a warm place, so it would be better than the north. Ansgar would be better than me. Still, Im worried since youre someone who doesnt know how to take care of yourself.

Ive written separate letters to Lysia and Hayley, saying that Ansgars words come first when it comes to your body, though I dont know about anything else. To Sophie as well.

If the three of them disobey you, dont be angry, think of it as me saying and listen carefully.

There are no major changes in the war situation.

Reinforcements were replenished for the Karams side, resulting in one local skirmish. However, both sides were in a stalemate again without much damage.

Rather, there are those who insist on pushing it all the way up at this opportunity.

The majority opinion is that you wont have to worry about war for a few years or even decades if youre lucky.

After all, humans cant live beyond the Thold Gate, and youd know that its pointless considering the rate at which Karam grows. Its also difficult for Evron alone.

Warfare is not what I hope for. And, fortunately, I met someone who shared the same mind.

I would like to see it together with you. But coming back to the North wont be easy. Within a few years, I made a promise to lead the expedition.

I decided to think slowly over a number of issues. Life isnt as long as eternity, but that doesnt mean you have to rush as if today is everything.

As a far-sighted person, I know you think you have a lot to prepare for the future. But we still have 20 years, 30 years, and more years to come.

And its only just the beginning. Its been less than a year since we met, but arent we already in a situation where we couldnt have imagined back then?

I dont think Im the only one who feels that way.

There are many more stories that I cannot write because the letter will travel a long distance. But you are a wise person, and I hope you can guess what I didnt write.

By the time summer comes, Ill be able to see you in the capital.

There is something I have to tell you.

Please stay healthy until then. When we meet again, I hope those arms are a little heavier than I remember.

From the deepest part of my heart,

Cedric.]

The paper was white and clean with no smeared letters.

In the neatly written manner, all sentences lined up. There were several sentimental expressions. Maybe it was because he was worried about the secret or Evrons situation leaking out.

As he said in the letter, it is a letter that travels a long distance. There is a risk of loss, and it was not strange even if someone tried to tear it open.

There were no worthy friendly sweet nothings. Cedric isnt a person to put those words into sentences.

Still, somehow, Artizea couldnt see the letter directly.

Cedric was right. She could tell what Cedric didnt write in the letter.

Its not just what he does with Karam that he wants her to see, but the unexpected situation.

.

Artizea folded the letter in half and bowed her head. It hurt as if something was rubbing against the edge of her heart.

A book arrived together. It was an ordinary yearbook that Artizea also had.

At first she wondered why he had sent the book to Artizea. Did he hide a code or something?

But once she opened the book, she knew immediately why. A flower branch that was pressed inside the book fell.

It was immediately obvious that it was the flower of the flower bush that grew inside the Thold Fortress, which Cedric was talking about. This is the first flower he saw this year.

Simply putting it in a book doesnt make it a proper pressed flower.

As the thick flower stalks were pressed down, moisture soaked into the paper and the ink was smeared. Thanks to that, even the petals of the flowers, which were originally white, were stained.

She should have smiled bitterly, but now she couldnt. Heat rose on her cheek. Even if she tried to ignore the fact that it was her heart pounding, it was hardly easy.

But admitting it didnt make it any better.

Artizea didnt quite know how to react.

She took a white cotton handkerchief, laid the flower branch, picked up a single fallen petal and put it back in place. She covered it properly, but there was nowhere else to put it, so she put it back in the book that was sent with it

She wondered what to do with the letter.

It was a letter she did not need to burn. So what if she keeps it?

Artizea seldom exchanged personal letters with others.

If there was a way to cherish it, it seemed she could come up with this and that, independent of whether she could do it. But she doesnt know how to keep it normal.

As she pulls out the juice glass, thinking about the other peoples studies, she hears a knock on her door.

Artizea put the letter back straight in the envelope and placed it on the book.

It was Freil who came in. In his hand was a plate of bite-sized fried croquettes.

Have you fallen into a light snack messenger now?

Its not a fall. Its a valuable opportunity to serve Your Grace.

Even if I become the Emperor myself, I will treat Sir more precious than a toilet attendant, so there is no need to worry about that.

Freil shrugged his shoulders.

Sir Ansgars orders have more authority than Lord Cedrics words, but are limited to only this mansion.

It was.

Artizea put the book and envelope aside and lifted the fork to keep the oil away from herself.

She bit the crispy fried food, being careful not to burn her mouth. She didnt know it before, but she felt that her stomach was a bit empty.

Freil was staring at her, he asked.

By the way, have you ever seen a doctor these days?

No.

Because they cant say that Her Grace is on the healthy side.

Even if you see a doctor on a regular basis, that doesnt mean theres no other way. They will tell you to get some sun, get some exercise, eat well, and rest well.

Artizea said so calmly. And then she chewed the second piece of croquettes.

Freil let out a sigh of relief. Ansgar, and Marcus too, said that putting her mind at ease is a priority.

Hes not sure, but its not good if he puts a lot of pressure on it for nothing.

Still, Freil, who had heard the story from those two, couldnt help but feel frustrated.

One way or another, the mistress did not seem to be as at ease with him as the old butlers wished.

Seeing him sigh, Artizea asked.

Youre not really here to bring snacks, are you?

No.

Freil reverently corrected his posture. And he said,

I will be blunt. Give me Miss Hayley.

Do the proposal yourself.

Freil, who was taken aback, opened his mouth wide open.

Who said that? Give her as a colleague, colleague.

Artizea didnt say anything. Freil raised his voice as his face turned red.

Because Your Grace is trying to bury me alive in a pile of work! Why would you suddenly want me to scoop up information from the South?

You created an organization.

I am the only one managing it! Im not just doing what Your Grace asks, but my main job is to manage information coming from the North and Evrons contact network!

Freil spoke in succession and exhaled a harsh breath. But Artizea said calmly.

Not Hayley. Find someone you can trust.

Isnt it my job to find someone like that? Theyll even have to get certified by Her Grace! Do you have any plans to lighten the burden on me?

Sir will be able to live smoothly for the next 30 years, so its okay.

Artizea looked at the complaining Freil with a smile on her face.

Hayley, not yet.

The reason she was able to entrust him with a secret in a short time was because she already knew Freil before she returned to the past. But not Hayley.

Freil understood the meaning and sighed again.

Your Grace is a strange person. You seem to be willing to believe some people easily, but you also have a habit of testing people.

Because the quickest way to know if someones worth a job, is to try it.

Even so, dont bother testing your employees anymore. You put a very tight net on the Grand Dukes residence.

It shows that the person who takes my bribe can also accept other peoples bribes, so Im just confirming.

It is painful for me to know the result.

Pretend you dont know. Its not your business, is it?

Your Grace can easily say something like that.

Artizea tilted her head.

So?

So?

Is there any news from the South? Sir is a person who thinks that it is only acceptable to ask for a vacation after achieving good results.

And Your Grace is the kind of person who doesnt give any vacation to those who perform well, and gives eternal leave to those who dont.

Freil grunted, but said obediently.

The one recruited by Dame Harper made contact with Madame Lexen.

Dame Harper recruited Viscount Hoden, didnt she?

Yes. Viscount Hoden has been taking care of her since she was a child.

Right.

Shall we keep an eye on it?

You dont have to. Dame Harper must have done a good job. I was just curious.

Do you want me to do that just out of curiosity?, Freil then murmured.

Is everything alright with Thold?

Doesnt Sir know better than me? Because the information of Evron Grand Duchy is gathered in the hands of Sir

It was a sarcastic sound, but instead of counterattacking, Freil said sarcastically.

Because I did not open the letter from the Grand Duke. Or is it just a bunch of non-informative content?

Artizeas face turned red. Freil satisfactorily gave chase.

Or maybe there is a password that only the two of you can communicate with?

Sir.

It was when Artizea was about to say something. Someone knocked on the door twice and opened it.

Your Grace, I have something to tell you. Oh, Sir Freil is here.

It was Hayley.