Baron Ariel looked around at everyone and spoke.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a long time. Even though our family has protected Ariel for generations, I’ve realized that we don’t have to continue doing so forever. I didn’t say anything before, but after having a grandchild, I’ve been thinking about it more.”

He cast a warm glance toward Ellie and Alex.

“Even if we have to leave Ariel, that’s okay. Let’s not push ourselves too hard. What’s most important is that our family is healthy and can live in peace. I don’t want to burden Alex or my grandchild, so don’t feel like you have to fight with everything you’ve got.”

Baron Ariel then turned his gaze toward Sophia and John and continued.

“If outside attacks and pressure come, the people of the land will suffer more than us. If Wiscombe threatens us again, it might be best for everyone, including our family, to surrender. We got through this time, but who knows about next time. I just wanted to let you all know in advance.”

At the baron’s words, John’s expression darkened. He had served Baron Ariel for a long time, but this was the first time he’d ever heard him suggest the possibility of abandoning Ariel.

Alex and Ellie were holding hands. It was clear Wiscombe would eventually retaliate, and when that time came, Alex and his family would most likely have to bear the brunt of it. It made sense that they wouldn’t try to dissuade the baron.

Sophia gazed quietly at her father. He, too, was growing older. He was now choosing his family over the responsibility and pride of guarding the front lines.

“The Ariel that protects the goddess Titania.”

Sophia loved Ariel, the land surrounded by Titania Mountain and its mountain range. She cherished her name, given to her after the family’s ancestor, Sophia, whom her mother had so admired and loved. In fact, she loved Ariel even more because her mother had given her that name.

Sophia didn’t want to give up on Ariel. Like the baron, she also put her family first. But to Sophia, “family” extended far beyond the people in the room. So, she planned to do everything she could before considering any other course.

‘As long as my name is Sophia Ariel, I’ll never leave Ariel.’

John glanced uneasily at the baron’s family, his gaze finally resting on Sophia. While Alex seemed relieved, Sophia appeared to be deep in thought.

John trusted Sophia more than Alex. Now that Alex had a child, he wouldn’t want to take any risks, which John could understand, though he couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

He had faith in Sophia’s commitment to Ariel, as well as her ability to make sound judgments. He silently vowed that if she ever asked for his help, he would give her his full support.

***

Mav clutched his head and groaned.

“Why are you doing this to me, Prince Robert? I’m just a secretary—a low-level one at that. And now you’re asking me to take care of Umbriel? Why? Why?”

Robert, in contrast, replied in a calm, even tone.

“Well, obviously because you’re capable. You’ve accomplished this much as just a low-level secretary, so of course you deserve a promotion.”

“That’s not the issue… You insisted that Umbriel was the best place, and now you’re leaving it to me? What about you?”

“I have to return to the capital. I need to meet some people.”

“What? So you’ve made up your mind?”

“I’m just worried about what Frederick and Cressida might be planning. It’s not really a decision; it’s a necessary move for the empire.”

“No, but seriously. Is the emperor backing you? Or is he just turning a blind eye for now? Because if he’s only ignoring it for now and things go wrong later, what will happen to your future? The empress and Cressida will never let you live.”

“Even if I lie low, I doubt they’d spare me.”

Mav started to speak, then stopped, before sighing weakly.

“We’re severely understaffed. And we can’t hire everyone on the estate’s budget either. There’s just no money, Your Highness. At least leave us some funds or people.”

“Don’t worry about that, Mav. Of course I’m not leaving without a plan. The major tasks will be coordinated with Ariel. Just follow Baron Ariel’s instructions. And if anyone questions you, just say the baron or I ordered it. I won’t leave you, a mere secretary, to shoulder all the responsibility.”

Though Mav’s expression brightened a bit, she still seemed uneasy.

“Does this mean you’ve completely cut ties with Wiscombe?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then…?”

“Since this is a border region, it’s only natural that we share interests. It makes sense to follow the neighboring lord’s lead for now, but that’s all. Nothing more.”

“Does Ariel know that?”

“They probably do. Whether we’re on good terms or not, I can’t protect Ariel forever. They’ll have to figure out their own way. Still, I plan to show some goodwill. After all, it’s partly thanks to them that the emperor is showing favor to me.”

“Well, I don’t really understand, but I suppose Ariel can handle it. But isn’t this dangerous? Couldn’t Cressida use extreme measures against you?”

As Mav spoke, he made a gesture across his throat. Prince Robert chuckled.

“If they did that, it would be the quickest way for Cressida to make an enemy of the emperor. He might not care about Frederick, but he’d certainly want to get rid of Cressida. If they were foolish enough to pull something like that, it’d actually be a good thing for me.”

“But… if you’re dead, what’s the point of any of that later?”

Mav stopped mid-sentence and closed his mouth. Prince Robert spoke.

“The Emperor didn’t assign a knight to me for no reason. It won’t be easy to kill me. I won’t let my guard down either. I’m no longer a weak child.”

“I’m glad to hear that, but still, please be careful. And please, either return from the capital quickly or call me there. I really want to see Sarah. Michael sent a letter saying a strange man has appeared by her side…”

Robert half-heartedly listened to Mav’s tearful plea while drafting a letter to send to Ariel. He needed to subtly lower their expectations of him.

As he was writing, Robert suddenly paused, as if remembering something, and said, “Check the archives for any more old documents or maps, and if you find any, send them all to Ariel.”

Mav rolled his eyes but moved sluggishly to summon someone to the archives, grumbling all the while.

“You spoil Sophia Ariel too much. At this rate, the entire archive will be moved to Ariel. Something’s definitely not right…”

A few days later, Sophia smiled as she looked at the pile of ancient documents and maps sent by Prince Robert.

‘Prince Robert is… quite generous.’

Sophia began to think that Robert’s visit to Umbriel wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

‘It wasn’t all bad during the debutante season. I got to know Prince Robert. That’s at least something. Truly.’

Gradually, Sophia’s heart was softened by Robert’s gift.

***

As soon as Robert’s trip to the capital was decided, the fief bustled with activity. Prince Robert began to prioritize and address the tasks he needed to complete before his departure.

First, Robert inspected the fortifications of Umbriel and the outposts and defenses at the border. Although conditions had improved since his last visit, there was still much that needed attention.

Robert was deeply committed to improving Umbriel’s situation. Ariel’s cooperation proved immensely valuable.

Finally, Ariel received the good news he had been eagerly awaiting. The Emperor’s gift did not disappoint Baron Ariel. He was granted the authority to establish a knightly order in Ariel, along with a budget.

It was a sum the administrative department had never received before. John said to Baron Ariel, “There are times when you have to take drastic measures.”

Baron Ariel’s face brightened. He immediately began preparing instructors and training grounds for the soldiers. In essence, the Emperor had effectively handed military command to Baron Ariel.

At first, Baron Ariel was taken aback by the size of the gift. In a personal letter from the Emperor, he mentioned that the title of Marquis would be reserved for a later time.

Upon hearing that instead of military forces, large numbers of administrative personnel would be sent to Umbriel, Baron Ariel instantly realized that Ariel was merely a cover for Umbriel. Nevertheless, he was pleased.

‘Managing two hundred guards while establishing a knightly order…’

This development was especially significant for Baron Ariel. As a border fiefdom, they had always lacked a knightly order, which had long been a source of frustration. They had never been able to present a fully equipped force, so this was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to miss.

With the castle brimming with life again, Sophia was able to set her worries aside, at least for a while. Until recently, many of the fief’s residents had been anxious, fearing that something was about to happen, and there were plenty of unfounded rumors circulating.

When the Emperor’s envoy arrived and the Emperor’s gift was announced, the rumors quickly dissipated. Sophia’s spirits lifted even more upon seeing Baron Ariel’s face glowing with excitement.

Prince Robert sent a letter carefully explaining the situation, stating that he would remain in the capital for some time and politely requesting Baron Ariel’s cooperation.

Ariel and Umbriel were practically allies, and they had to be content with that. Despite Prince Robert’s polite tone, the implication was clear: there was to be no cooperation beyond what was necessary for managing the fiefdoms.

The establishment of the knightly order would take time. Recruiting knights willing to come to such a remote place was difficult, and Ariel, being a mountainous region, lacked horses, not to mention skilled riders.

The plan was to expand the ranks by increasing the number of soldiers under the guise of forming the knightly order and to gradually strengthen the internal structure by promoting commanders and having them hold dual positions as knights.

Any soldiers Ariel couldn’t accommodate would be sent to Umbriel’s border regions. Officially, Ariel was responsible for Umbriel’s forces, but externally, it would be announced that Umbriel’s soldiers were being redeployed.

Umbriel was expecting reinforcements, but mostly administrative staff. Among those sent would be numerous personnel involved in intelligence gathering and analysis.

Meanwhile, trouble still lingered within Umbriel, and there were likely traps set for Prince Robert. The greatest threat to Umbriel remained internal.

With Ariel’s cooperation, Umbriel planned to focus on dealing with internal enemies. Mav, though still grumbling, was secretly pleased to have so many additional people to assist him.

But until Prince Robert left for the capital, his complaints didn’t stop.

‘If I show too much relief or act like everything’s fine, I might never get out of Umbriel. That’s not happening. No way.’

***

Sophia, standing in a corner of the baron’s office, was examining an ancient map that Robert had sent when she suddenly looked up.

Baron Ariel was humming to himself as he flipped through some papers. Sophia smiled at him and said, “It looks like I’ll have to wander through the Titania Mountains again.”

Baron Ariel lifted his head from the documents and said, “I thought it was about time you mentioned that. You’ve been poring over those maps for quite a while now. Did you find anything interesting?”

“I think I might be able to find traces of the old temple. And while I’m at it, I’ll gather some herbs and plants for the greenhouse.”

“Be sure to take Jack with you. He’s been under John’s thumb for too long, so if you suggest going to Titania, he won’t hesitate.”

Sophia laughed as she replied.

“Yes, Father. I hope the goddess of Titania blesses me with some good herbs,” Sophia said with a smile.

“The temple?”

“Well, that too,” she added.

The baron laughed. “I hope you find treasure.”

“Me too, Father.”

Baron Ariel glanced down at the documents, pondering for a moment before speaking. “I heard from John that you tasked Jack with something when you were in the capital. What was that about…?”

Sophia sighed and responded, “Ah… it was just a little prank. I thought if I hinted to Jack that I liked Prince Robert, Isabelle might feel jealous or want to get closer to him again. You know how sometimes people discard something, but if someone else treasures it, they suddenly find it valuable again? But it turns out Isabelle didn’t care, even if someone like me said they liked him. It was a failed scheme.”

“I see.”

Baron Ariel looked more at ease and resumed signing off on the documents, humming cheerfully as he worked. Now that they had a budget, he could finally approve the pending requests.

The baron’s humming continued, and Sophia returned to studying the ancient map. It was at least five hundred years old, showing the Titania Mountain Range.

‘I hope this proves useful…’ she thought.

Sophia wasn’t one for grand desires.

‘Maybe I’ll find the goddess’s gift and strike it rich…’

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