Chapter 67

“My Lady…”

“But please, don’t say you’re just a small-time shop owner with no reputation. You’ve developed a skill that not just anyone can master, haven’t you?”

“Oh, that’s just…”

Bruniel was much more modest than I expected, but I meant it when I said she was talented. I wanted to give her the confidence she seemed to lack.

“If you came to the north, I would be so glad. I’d be proud to introduce the northern people to the incredible garments made by someone as skilled as you.”

“No, no… I’m sure I’d only disappoint you if I went. Besides, as you can see, my shop has failed…”

“…”

It seemed that opening her first shop had taken a toll on her confidence.

“But Bruniel, do you know something?”

“Yes?”

“You’ve never been to Grand Cali, have you?”

When she shook her head twice, I continued speaking.

“That place is very different from Luden in many ways. The tastes and trends of the ladies there are not like those in Luden.”

“…”

“Luden is a place where everyone follows a single trend. It’s almost a reflection of their identity, which can’t be helped in such a political region. People here don’t welcome those who stand out.”

“I see…”

“But in Grand Cali, things are much more diverse and free. In the north, your clothes would be cherished even more.”

“…”

Bruniel’s eyes shimmered slightly, as though my words had stirred something in her. She must have been deeply hurt by her shop’s poor performance in Luden.

I stood up slowly.

“There’s still plenty of time, so think it over and let me know what you decide.”

I handed Bruniel a note with my name and the address of my townhouse written on it. As she took the note, she stood up as well.

“Alright, My Lady. Thank you so much for the wonderful offer.”

“And when you do come, I’d love for you to make a few outfits for me and my husband—something fit for the lord and lady of Wiltsbrook Castle.”

“Of course, My Lady.”

Bruniel smiled brightly, and even Louise, who was watching nearby, looked pleased.

“And here’s the deposit.”

I handed her the silk pouch I had prepared.

As I stepped out of the shop, my steps felt lighter.

Now, where should I go next?

Luckily, I had already set my sights on several professionals who caught my attention.

Over the next few days, I met with pâtissiers, chefs, architects, and various other artisans.

Then, finally, Alec, who had gone to the north, returned to pick me up.

—

Alec stood on the mountainside of Grand Cali, gazing down at Wiltsbrook Castle and the surrounding area.

Since he had defeated the final boss, the castle had been miraculously restored to pristine condition. The cracked and broken windows now gleamed, reflecting the light of the snow-covered mountains with the strength and clarity of icicles. The exterior, once covered in cobwebs and signs of age, now looked as new as if it had just been built.

The interior and exterior of Wiltsbrook Castle were immaculate, leaving no need for further cleaning.

However, the path to the castle was still an issue.

Woods, rugged rocks, wild animals, and snowfields.

Wiltsbrook Castle was surrounded by obstacles and barriers, leaving it isolated. No one would be able to approach the castle like this.

To the south of the castle lay Kanak, which was practically the capital of Grand Cali. Further south still was the home where Alec and I had lived.

If only the path connecting the castle to the outside world could be cleared, access would no longer be a problem.

But to clear that path…

“I’ll have to destroy everything with my skills.”

Since I would need to alternate between mana consumption and recovery, it seemed like it would take a few days.

In any case, I needed time to stay in the castle alone and check its interior first.

“Then, I can develop the market district that Louise mentioned along the way.”

It felt like I was building a new city.

“Cassdain.”

Finally, he summoned the newly enslaved specter for the first time.

Since he had returned home immediately after killing Cassdain and enslaving him, this was his first time calling him.

A cold chill soon began to fill the air.

[I’d prefer if you called me Sir Cassdain, Master.]

“…Alright, Sir Cassdain.”

The vampire count stood next to him in a form similar to his appearance before death.

His tattered cloak, the high collar wrapping around his neck, and his attire, embroidered with some classical-looking patterns, all remained.

Cassdain’s short silver hair whipped wildly in the snowstorm.

Before his death, he had charged at Alec with fierce vengeance, but now that he was a specter, he could only obey his new master.

This was because becoming a specter meant that, though one remained the same in some ways, they also became a fundamentally different being.

Alec then asked,

“What kind of place was Wiltsbrook Castle and Grand Cali originally?”

At his question, Cassdain’s gaze deepened as if returning to hundreds of years ago.

Breathing in the cold air as if it were life itself, Cassdain scanned the landscape below.

It had been sealed for hundreds of years, so this was surely a long-forgotten sight.

[I don’t smell the scent of human blood anymore. Back in the day, it was thick in the air.]

It seemed that many people used to live near the castle.

Perhaps Cassdain had fed on most of them, leading to their deaths.

[…When did my castle end up like this? It used to thrive amidst the snow, but now only sharp cliffs remain.]

“Do you remember where the roads were back then, during the prosperous days?”

[Of course, I remember them clearly.]

“Then draw out those roads. If possible, we’ll restore the original paths.”

Roads that had been used by people for centuries were bound to be safe and well-established.

By reviving the layout of the area from hundreds of years ago, he could more quickly redevelop Grand Cali.

Cassdain’s torn, bat-like cloak fluttered as he soared into the air.

He vividly traced out the roads of that era, drawing upon his memories of Wiltsbrook Castle in its prime.

Soon, the blueprint of the snow-covered field began to take shape.

Alec then used his ‘Beginner Husband’s Tickle’ skill until all his mana was drained to restore the buried roads. The specters also helped as much as his mana allowed.

Fortunately, the distance to Kanak, where people lived, was quite far, so no one approached.

However, some people in the distance were frightened by the flashes of lightning-like light coming from Wiltsbrook Castle.

After a week had passed, the wide, well-paved stone road from centuries ago had fully reappeared, like a long-lost ruin being unearthed.

For a road built so long ago, its craftsmanship was surprisingly fine.

From the top of the castle’s spire, the view was even more magnificent.

As Alec marveled, Cassdain remarked,

[To build this road, we summoned artisans from all over the country to Grand Cali. Every stone was meticulously carved.]

“Impressive, indeed.”

[Thank you, Master.]

“…”

Now, it seemed like it was time to return to the capital and bring Louise here.

Alec sent the specters back into the system.

He lifted his shirt slightly to check the wound on his side. The injury had completely healed without a trace.

Thanks to his natural healing skill, though this was now a bit of a problem.

‘If Louise sees this, she’ll get suspicious right away.’

Pressing his fingers to his temples, Alec descended from the spire.

Why did his heart ache and feel uneasy at the thought of seeing Louise again?

* * *

“My Lady you truly look like the Snow Queen.”

I stood in front of the mirror, draped in a dress and cloak that Bruniel had crafted by hand.

When I requested an outfit for the “lord and lady” look, Bruniel had clearly put a lot of effort into creating something completely different from my usual style.

I couldn’t help but marvel as I looked in the mirror.

“Wow, Bruniel. This is my first time wearing a leather dress.”

The soft, black leather dress was complemented by a white fur cloak with fine texture.

The cloak was dyed with black spots.

I had never imagined wearing a leather dress, but now that I had it on, it felt both elegant and dignified, while also perfect for enduring the harsh northern winds.

Even Eloise, who was observing my new outfit, didn’t have a bad reaction.

“It suits you well.”

“The lining is made of a fabric that provides warmth, so you’ll be nice and toasty. It really looks amazing on you.”

“Thank you, Bruniel. This is beyond anything I imagined.”

At my words, Bruniel’s eyes shimmered as if she were deeply moved.

“No, My Lady. You’re so beautiful that anything you wear would look stunning.”

“Thanks to you, I won’t freeze to death. I’ll definitely wear this when I head to the castle.”

“Thank you, My Lady. So, when should I plan to depart for the north?”

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