This trip to the North was exciting, especially because there were so many companions. Marianne and her family, several nobles, including Brooks, as well as the people from the Liz farm who grow flowers, the jam factory workers, and many artisans and merchants from the Bruniel clothing shop, all joined us.

With so many servants accompanying us, there were more than thirty carriages.

‘Once we leave like this, we probably won’t be returning to the capital for a while.’

I felt a strange sense of satisfaction as I looked at the bustling carriages being prepared for departure.

There were so many people helping Alec and me.

I became more certain that we could truly develop the North into a place as grand as the capital.

“Sister.”

I turned around at the sound of a cheerful voice.

Eloise and my mother-in-law were approaching, dressed in simple attire for an outing.

Both had sworn they’d never go to the North.

“Did you come to see us off?”

In response to my question, my mother-in-law turned her gaze away indifferently, while Eloise, still looking sleepy, asked, “When are you coming back?”

“Well, I think we’ll be busy there for a few months.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll write you letters from time to time.”

“You’re welcome to visit the North in person instead of sending letters.”

“That’ll never happen.”

Eloise quickly refused with a smile.

I hadn’t really expected her to agree.

After all, it was better for some of our family to remain in the capital.

Andrew had agreed to temporarily manage the textile factory, but we were planning to expand our deliveries to the North soon.

I was confident that the people of the North would love the high-quality clothes made in the capital.

“Oh? Look over there, sister!”

“…?”

Suddenly, Eloise pointed excitedly in a certain direction.

Both my mother-in-law and I turned our heads, confused.

Others were also starting to look in the same direction.

Clop, clop.

A dozen horses galloped towards us, their hooves thudding against the ground in unison.

Blue capes fluttered in the air, and the knights’ silver armor gleamed in the sunlight.

I recognized who they were in an instant.

‘The Blue Blood Knights?’

At the front, the captain’s dark blonde hair flowed brilliantly in the wind.

There wasn’t a more handsome young man in the empire than Harriet.

Though still a teenager, he always looked so fresh and full of life, but he…

“…!”

Eloise gasped and hid behind me, clearly shocked by the sudden appearance of her former fiancé.

We were all taken aback.

“Viscount Wiltsbrook, Viscountess.”

Harriet dismounted his horse and began looking around for Alec and me.

Alec, who had been talking with Brooks, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“What’s the Countl of Warden doing here?”

Without hesitation, Harriet walked straight over to Alec.

Behind me, I could still hear Eloise trying to suppress her breath.

She was so shocked that I could even hear her heart pounding.

Harriet, maintaining his composed demeanor, finally spoke.

“His Majesty has ordered me to accompany Viscount Wiltsbrook and his wife to the North and inspect the region.”

So, that’s what this is about.

The emperor sent Harriet to watch over us?

I was internally shocked.

Especially since Brooks had already received the emperor’s command and agreed to join us on our journey to the North.

Just then, Brooks addressed Harriet.

“Did His Majesty send you as well? I was just about to depart with them under the same orders.”

“I’m only here to follow the emperor’s instructions.”

“I see…”

Brooks trailed off, clearly not pleased.

It was obvious he wasn’t thrilled about Harriet, the emperor’s loyal knight.

I felt the same way.

Brooks and Andrew had already decided to side with us in rebellion against the emperor.

I hadn’t expected the emperor’s close aide, Brooks, to consider toppling the emperor, but Alec had managed to sway him.

With Brooks on our side, we had gained a powerful ally, especially considering his position as one of the emperor’s closest advisors.

‘But why send Harriet again? Did Aksen notice something?’

I felt it would be best to proceed cautiously.

‘Taking this ticking time bomb with us to the north…’

I shook my head internally, concerned about what might happen.

Watching the situation unfold quietly, Alec spoke to Harriet.

“Understood. If you need a carriage, we’ll arrange one.”

“Our knights are fine riding on horseback.”

Riding on horseback all the way there?

Since we were traveling together, I decided to address Harriet kindly.

“Riding for more than two days would leave you little time to rest. Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“Yes, it won’t be a problem.”

“I see.”

I offered Harriet a small smile but didn’t press further. After all, the Blue Blood Knights were formidable; there wasn’t much to worry about.

I turned my attention from Harriet and spoke to the group.

“It looks like our party has grown larger. Let’s get ready to leave soon.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

Voices of agreement echoed around.

I had just taken a deep breath and started to move when—

“Sister.”

Eloise’s tiny voice called as she tugged at my sleeve.

I turned slightly to see her peeking out from behind me.

She must have been shocked by Harriet’s sudden appearance.

Just as I was about to tell her to head back to the mansion, she whispered.

“I want to go to the north with you.”

“…”

* * *

After about three days, we finally arrived at Wiltsbrook Castle.

Unexpectedly, Harriet, the knights, and Eloise had all joined us.

There was no need to ask why Eloise had come—it was clearly because she wanted to see Harriet.

‘She really is something.’

Do you like him that much?

“Master! Madam! You’ve arrived!”

As soon as we stepped out of the carriage, the servants of the castle came to greet us.

Among them, a pale, unfamiliar man who resembled a vampire stood out.

‘Who is that?’

I was puzzled as the man approached me and bowed.

“Greetings, madam. My name is Valiskiden Glenberry, a descendant of Count Cassdain Glenberry, the former lord of Wiltsbrook.”

“What? You’re a descendant of the former lord?”

I looked at Alec beside me with wide eyes, wondering where this man had come from.

However, Alec seemed unsurprised, as if he already knew about Valiskiden, and explained.

“You mentioned before that it would be a good idea to hire someone familiar with the northern region’s affairs. I looked into it before we departed from the capital.”

“Oh, right. We did talk about that.”

While exploring the north with Andrew, we had realized the need for an advisor knowledgeable about the region.

So Valiskiden was to become our advisor?

It was surprising how quickly Alec had found someone.

“It turns out that the descendants of the former lord, Cassdain, have lived in the north for a long time. When he offered to assist us, I thought it was a good fit.”

“That’s great. It’s nice to meet you, Valiskiden.”

I extended my hand, and Valiskiden bowed, pressing his lips to the back of my hand.

His lips were as cold as his pale appearance, but it didn’t bother me.

Since Alec had accepted him, I was ready to trust and work with him as well.

Valiskiden straightened up and spoke.

“Please, call me Vali.”

“Alright, Vali. I look forward to working with you.”

I gave him a small smile, and Vali slightly pulled his lips into a grin as well.

Though he had a cold and pale demeanor, his smile made him appear a bit warmer.

Were his canines slightly longer than normal? Or was I imagining things?

In any case, having someone from the north as our advisor felt reassuring.

It seemed as though everything was progressing smoothly as soon as we arrived at the castle.

Just as I turned to Alec with a satisfied heart—

“Alec.”

He was staring at something in shock, his gaze fixed intently on it.

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Wasn’t he just staring at the back of my hand?

I glanced at my hand, wondering if there was something on it, but quickly brushed it off and linked arms with him.

As we watched people move luggage into the castle, we started heading inside as well.

I lowered my voice so only Alec could hear.

“Alec, did you perhaps go back and forth between the north and the capital while you were there? It feels like you’ve already met Vali.”

“Ah, yes. I briefly visited to find an advisor.”

“I knew it. You must have been busy in the capital and still made the effort to come here. Thank you for your hard work.”

I smiled warmly at him, filled with affection.

He stared at me for a moment, then smiled softly with a tender look in his eyes.

“Thank you.”

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories