Sophia, concealing her concern for Prince Robert, spoke.  

“There’s no evidence linking Cressida to Oberon. Compared to Philip Wiscombe, who came to Oberon and raised suspicions, Cressida has been far too quiet.”  

Helen replied,  

“It seems like Oberon, Cressida, Wiscombe, and even Prince Frederick could all be connected in one big scheme. Is that too convenient a thought? Ah…! If we lump them together like that, it might backfire on Prince Robert instead. He’s already being criticized over Philip Wiscombe’s scandal involving his proclivities. Accusing Cressida or Wiscombe without proof could be risky…”  

Parma added,  

“No, I think they are connected. But as Helen said, punishing them is a different issue. Still, isn’t it obvious to everyone that the easiest way to make Prince Frederick the crown prince is for Prince Robert to die?”  

Sophia agreed.  

“The invasion by Saturn provides a good opportunity. Umbriel has long been within Oberon’s grasp. Even the reports about the bankruptcy of Umbriel’s lords point to Oberon. There are surely connections between Oberon and Umbriel. If we utilize Oberon’s old ties in Umbriel, Cressida could clear herself of suspicion. We could simply report that remnants of Oberon attacked Prince Robert.”  

Helen suggested anxiously,  

“Shouldn’t we inform Prince Robert? Should I call Gunther?”  

Sophia smiled at Helen’s concern and said,  

“Of course, Prince Robert already knows. That’s precisely why he didn’t stop Lady Gareth from coming to Ariel. He trusts Sir Gareth, but it’s also because there are countless matters to handle in Umbriel. Lady Gareth’s presence here might only complicate things further.”  

Helen, still uneasy, asked,  

“Is that really it?”  

Sophia replied with hope,  

“This crisis is also an opportunity for Prince Robert. He needs to use this chance to restore order in Umbriel and achieve merit. It would be nice if Ariel could seize this as an opportunity as well…”  

Sol interjected,  

“I believe Ariel has prepared extensively for this.”  

“I think so too,” Sophia agreed.  

She trusted Ariel’s family. The abilities of Ariel’s Marquis and Administrator John were far more reliable than her own minor tricks.  

And then there was Sir Gareth.  

There were plenty of rumors about Sir Gareth, as Philip Wiscombe had mentioned, but one thing was consistently noted.  

His martial prowess.  

‘It’s best if I never have to witness Sir Gareth’s combat skills firsthand.’  

***

Departing Oberon at dawn, they arrived in Ariel around midday. As Sophia gazed at the familiar landscape, she thought to herself,  

‘For a half-day journey, traveling to and from Ariel isn’t too bad.’  

Contrary to Sophia’s unease, Ariel appeared peaceful. The sudden arrival of a convoy of horses and carriages caused the castle residents to look startled.  

Even more so, they were shocked by the people accompanying Sophia. The Marquis of Ariel, while introducing Sir Gareth and Lady Gareth, seemed utterly confused about why the siblings of House Gareth had come to Ariel.  

The Marquis discreetly asked Sophia,  

“What in the world is going on?”  

“I should have sent word ahead, but I thought it would be quicker to come in person. Oberon’s plans were exposed, and they fled in the night. Baron Oberon, who was the real mastermind, was found murdered, and the whereabouts of the baron’s deputy are still unknown. Fearing a sudden attack from Saturn, we rushed to Ariel.”  

Administrator John began organizing the numerous guests. Even finding accommodations and sending attendants to serve so many people required significant effort.  

When Gunther appeared, John called out to him.  

“Sir Gunther! Over here!”  

Gunther and John had a private discussion in a corner. Jack quickly stepped in to continue the work John had been handling.  

Sophia could guess the gist of their conversation. They were likely trying to estimate the timing and scale of Saturn’s potential invasion by consulting Gunther.  

Meanwhile, Parma surveyed her surroundings. From the moment she heard the name Sophia of Ariel, she knew of Ariel’s poverty. In high society, a single word sufficed to describe Sophia Ariel—“poor.”  

Though news of a newly discovered salt mine in Ariel had reached her, the fief still bore visible signs of poverty, likely because the mine had only recently opened.  

Sophia noticed Parma’s gaze but felt curiosity rather than embarrassment.  

‘When we went to Oberon, I never imagined I’d end up bringing the Gareth siblings to Ariel.’  

The Marquis of Ariel gathered all the guests inside. With the looming threat of a surprise attack from Saturn, rest was secondary to sharing information.  

The drawing room was packed with people: the family of Ariel, the Gareth siblings, the Finega family, Gunther, John, and Jack.  

As they sat around a table laden with tea, cookies, and light snacks, they began discussing the situation.  

The Marquis of Ariel addressed Sir Gareth and Lady Gareth,  

“Please forgive us for not being able to properly welcome you in such urgent circumstances.”  

Sir Gareth replied,  

“There is no need. We completely understand.”  

Gunther provided a concise report of the events in Oberon, including the fact that Prince Robert was currently in Umbriel. 

Parma was eating the pile of cookies in front of her without much hesitation, and Sophia smiled at the sight.

When she first met Prince Robert at the debutante ball, she could never have imagined things would turn out this way. Back then, she had also heard about Parma Gareth’s name and personality.

‘Now that I think about it, both Gareth siblings are plagued by nasty rumors. Who could be spreading these fabricated stories on purpose?’

Instead of sitting down, Sophia slowly wandered around the drawing room. Whenever Gunther and Sir Gareth spoke, the Ariel border marquis, Administrator John, and Alex asked questions about anything they were curious about.

The others listened to their questions and answers, trying to grasp the situation.

Sophia stopped for a moment in front of the window, gazing out at the Titania Mountains. Saturn had been targeting Uranus from the start. Even if their ambush in Umbriel failed, they would attempt it again.

When the questioning paused, Sophia spoke.

“If Oberon and Saturn have struck a deal, and Saturn launches an ambush on Ariel, wouldn’t that ambush fail? No, it will fail.”

Alex replied, “Because we’re already preparing for it?”

“No… rather, because it’s likely a feint meant to conceal their real invasion plans. There’s evidence and testimony proving that Oberon has already colluded with Saturn. So, while Saturn will likely carry out some sort of ambush, it probably won’t be their genuine attack. It’s just a theory, of course.”

Sophia was aware her theory might be wrong. However, preparing for it wouldn’t hurt.

The Ariel border marquis remarked, “So, after we fend off Saturn’s invasion and bask in our triumph, we might let our guard down, thinking we’ve done enough, only for them to strike back harder and stronger.”

Sophia nodded, and Sir Gareth seemed to agree as well.

‘If there’s truly going to be an ambush, that’s exactly how it would unfold.’

While everyone was lost in thought, Alex spoke up.

“Then we should prepare for the ambush, use it to boost morale with a victory, and train thoroughly to face the next real attack.”

Administrator John rose from his seat.

“I’ll draw up a concrete plan. Starting today, we’ll increase the number of night guards. Excuse me.”

As John left the room, Alex followed after him. Lady Fina took Sol and Helen to rest.

Jack spoke up.

“Lady Gareth’s room is ready. Sir Gareth’s room has also been prepared. I’ll show you to them.”

As everyone was guided to their rooms, only Sophia and the Ariel border marquis remained in the drawing room. Even Mr. Finaga had left to talk with Mrs. Finaga, Sol, and Helen.

Sophia turned to the border marquis and said, “Who would know that it’s easier to break through a person’s heart with women and greed than it is to break through high mountains with troops?”

The marquis replied, “There are always clever people who know how to take the easiest path.”

“And what kind of person would execute their plans with patience? If Oberon’s baron has a six-year-old child, the planning must have started long ago. To have prepared for six years only to abandon it so abruptly… it makes me fear how monumental their next plan must be.”

“It’s not because the next plan is monumental, but because they know when to cut their losses. Even with significant investments, one must abandon a plan when it’s hopeless. If they kept pushing forward out of regret, they wouldn’t have been able to use other Uranian traitors. That’s the hallmark of a powerful house—one much bigger than Oberon’s. It’s unfortunate, really. It’s as though they’re mocking Ariel’s constant refrain: ‘Our enemies are outside.’”

“Exactly. It’s as if they’re exploiting Ariel’s words… mocking them. Is it ridicule?”

“I don’t want to lose to someone mocking us.”

Sophia laid out her suspicions, theories, and anxieties to the border marquis, who responded thoughtfully, either agreeing with her or pondering alongside her.

The marquis admired how Sophia organized her worries, theories, and plans through their discussions.

‘Perhaps our Sophia is an even better strategist than Sir Gareth. She has the upper hand when it comes to understanding Ariel and Titania.’

***

By the afternoon, snowflakes had begun to fall. Saturn might not fear Titania’s winter, but Ariel certainly did.

Ariel’s winters were harsh, requiring meticulous preparation for food and heating just to survive. Every year, some froze to death climbing the mountains, and others starved during the late winter or early spring.

Even though conditions had improved, Ariel could not help but fear the difficult winters.

But what scared them more now was Saturn’s schemes and ambitions. Sophia despised Oberon and Saturn even more for planning an attack during winter.

‘If they insist on attacking during this winter, let them come! We’ll ensure they fail spectacularly.’

Sophia was determined to make their ambush fail completely. That way, Saturn would claim the next attack was the real one, only to meet the same fate.

The marquis shared her sentiment.

“Exactly. That way, Saturn will believe we’ll let our guard down later. We’ll ensure not a single one of them crosses Titania.”

Sir Gareth, even before unpacking, inspected Ariel’s newly established military camp. It wasn’t bad for an army that had just been assembled.

But Sir Gareth couldn’t be sure how they would fare in actual combat. Nonetheless, he recognized the effort of Ariel’s soldiers.

They were preparing as if Saturn’s invasion was inevitable. They didn’t seek false comfort in the possibility that it might not happen.

Maintaining such readiness, especially during a prolonged period of peace, was no easy feat.

***

The night Sophia and her group returned to Ariel, the Titania Mountains lit up brightly. At the same time, sounds loud enough to wake everyone in Ariel’s domain echoed through the air.

The pounding of drums, the crashing of something breaking—sounds that could wake even the dead reverberated one after another.

Sir Gareth rushed out of his room to inspect the Titania Mountains and the castle. Sophia was already outside, wearing a coat. She led Sir Gareth up to the castle walls.

Many people had poured out of their homes, staring at the mountains in shock and confusion.

Sophia also gazed intently at the mountain range. Sir Gareth turned to her and asked,

“Is it a wildfire?”

“No, the garrison is sending signals. Saturn has launched an ambush. How lucky we are—it’s happening tonight.”

“Indeed. A single battle is far less exhausting than waiting through many uncertain nights. Though, that’s assuming it’s just one battle.”

Sir Gareth glanced at Sophia, who was calmly watching the Titania Mountains.

She’s not panicking, he thought to himself.