Lord Cressida harbored resentment toward Prince Frederick, while the prince was meeting with Duke Wiscombe.

Now utilizing his office more frequently, Frederick was engaging more often with members of the imperial family and orthodox nobles.

Sir Federico had once advised Frederick,

“Do not act hastily. What you need to do now is meet people in your office, not necessarily to discuss specific matters, but simply to build rapport. Think of it as letting them know where they can find you if they need you.”

Prince Frederick, wearing a serious expression, attentively listened to Federico, who offered an encouraging smile.

“Some may come to ask for favors, some to win your favor, and others simply out of boredom. The important thing is to let people know that the office door is open,” Federico added.

Frederick nodded in agreement. The more he learned from Federico, the more he realized his shortcomings. It also became evident just how shallow the social skills taught to him by the empress and the Cressida had been.

He began to understand why Robert had earned the trust of the nobles and why he had failed to do so. Whenever Frederick felt regret over wasted time, Federico reassured him:

“Don’t dwell on the past. The fact that people see you as an affable figure is thanks to the very social skills you’ve cultivated. What we’re doing now is building on that foundation. There’s no need for regret or anger. The present moment is what matters most.”

Frederick became increasingly reliant on Federico, drawn in by his sweet words. It was at Federico’s recommendation that Frederick arranged today’s meeting with Duke Wiscombe in his office.

As Duke Wiscombe looked around the office, he remarked,

“It feels new, seeing you in this office, Your Highness. It suits you well.”

Frederick smiled, dismissing the compliment as mere flattery, and replied,

“The situation in the north seems chaotic, but there don’t appear to be any significant battles. Is it Saturn’s fault? Or Ariel and Umbriel’s?”

“Likely both. Fighting across Titania is no simple matter. That’s probably why Saturn attempted to secure Oberon. Failing to do so, they’ve had to cross Titania, facing that towering mountain range. You’ve seen its peaks, haven’t you?”

“Yes, seeing it in person, it felt like an enormous wall blocking the way. I understand now why it became the border.”

“Indeed. Fighting across such a natural fortress isn’t easy. Neither side can push their forces forward effectively. That’s why things have come to this stalemate. The real question is how this war will be concluded.”

Frederick, listening intently with a grave expression, earned a respectful nod from Duke Wiscombe, who continued,

“Saturn can’t easily sheathe its drawn sword, and while Uranus may have successfully defended itself, recovering the expenses incurred is another matter entirely. I’m skeptical about mobilizing large forces in Oberon, but an end must come.”

“It’s a complex issue. With only a few small skirmishes between hundreds of troops, and now not even those occurring, wouldn’t that mean the costs aren’t that high?”

“You could see it that way, but don’t forget that the troops standing by in the rear still incur costs for provisions and wages. Weapons and horses are still being purchased by both Ariel and Umbriel. Without knowing how long the war will last, securing supplies is non-negotiable.”

“I see,” Frederick replied.

After their conversation, Frederick saw Duke Wiscombe off. Before leaving, the duke said,

“Isabelle asked me to deliver a message.”

“What is it?”

“She said you’re doing very well.”

Frederick beamed at the remark.

***

On his way back, Duke Wiscombe found himself deep in thought. Prince Frederick was showing more promise than ever. The tutor sent by the emperor was guiding him well, and Frederick was earnestly engaging in his lessons. He also heeded the advice of Isabelle and Wiscombe himself.

However, external circumstances remained unfavorable.

Since becoming the lord of Umbriel, Robert had demonstrated exceptional competence, drawing many nobles to his side. He had successfully repelled Saturn’s surprise attacks, handled diplomatic missions, and led defensive battles with excellence.

If Frederick was just taking his first steps, Robert was ready to become crown prince at any moment without fault being found.

“It’s the exact opposite of Isabelle’s debutante ball. Now, with Frederick’s chances of becoming crown prince nearly gone…”

The duke, lost in thought, refrained from bringing up the subject of betrothal. Frederick, too, had not mentioned an engagement with Isabelle.

Perhaps he believed it would naturally come to fruition when the time was right. Duke Wiscombe let out a heavy sigh.

“Where did it go wrong? I have the most beautiful daughter, after all.”

Philip was still staying locked inside his mansion, avoiding contact with the outside world. Although there had been no further communication from Saturn, Philip remained cautious.

Wiscombe had yet to make a decision, and the issue was Cressida. The risks associated with Cressida were far too great.

While Duke Wiscombe worried about Prince Frederick not becoming the crown prince, Philip was grappling with even graver concerns.

“There’s no doubt Cressida has crossed the line. And Prince Robert knows it—he probably even has evidence. The fact that he’s not making any moves yet likely means he’s waiting to deal a bigger blow rather than simply exiling Cressida to her domain.”

Although Prince Robert wouldn’t address the issues involving Cressida or Wiscombe at the moment due to the war with Saturn, even Philip could see that Saturn had no chance of winning.

In that case, it would be better to delay Prince Frederick’s engagement. It would be safer to proceed with the engagement after Cressida’s matters were completely resolved. And by then, the engagement might not happen at all.

If Cressida’s maternal family, the House of Cressida, were shattered by treason, there was no chance of Prince Frederick becoming the crown prince.

“He’ll be lucky just to protect his own life. That’s only if Cressida doesn’t drag Prince Frederick into this mess. If they do… even Wiscombe will be in danger.”

There were already enough threats surrounding Wiscombe as it was.

***

As soon as Sir Gareth regained consciousness and completed his tasks, an event was held to listen to his harrowing experiences and offer him comfort.

Sophia had arranged this gathering for Sir Gareth.

“He risked his life, so we should applaud him and cheer for him. If there’s such a simple and inexpensive way to express our gratitude, why not use it?”

No one disagreed with Sophia’s blunt statement; instead, they all nodded in agreement. By now, everyone in Ariel knew what Sir Gareth loved most.

Clearing his throat, Sir Gareth began to speak.

“I pride myself on my stamina and resilience, but the Titania Mountain Range is no easy challenge. Nevertheless, I overcame it all and returned here once more….”

Despite her initial intent to respond enthusiastically, Sophia grew increasingly uninterested as he continued.

“I knew it would be like this, but it’s still hard to endure. Men who talk too much and boast excessively just don’t suit me….”

***

Sir Gareth initially planned to traverse around Titania rather than climb its summit. However, that plan changed in less than half a day.

Jason, a veteran of Ariel’s guard, explained,

“For some reason, the Saturn forces have thoroughly fortified their defenses and set up posts. It seems we’ll have to go over the summit rather than around. We would’ve had to ascend at some point anyway.”

Sir Gareth followed Jason’s advice; no one knew Titania better than the people of Ariel. Hearing this, Jason chuckled and added:

“Of course. Not long ago, everyone survived by scavenging or mining the mountains. Fortunately, after the young lady discovered the salt mine, things have improved. Now, we have a stable source of income.”

“Does everyone know Sophia?”

“Of course. She started climbing Titania when she could barely walk—though back then, Baron Ariel, no, the Marquis, carried her up.”

The others playfully teased Jason for his slip of the tongue. Sir Gareth understood—it was rare for a title to change so significantly, from baron to margrave.

Jason continued,

“She worked tirelessly, climbing the mountain trails. At first, she stuck to paths she knew, but eventually, she started carrying maps, tracing our tracks, and even uncovering our moments of laziness. That’s when we realized how exceptional the family of our lord truly is.”

To them, the family of the lord seemed almost superhuman.

When Sir Gareth asked about Alex, they nodded in agreement.

“He resembles the late baroness a great deal. She was truly beautiful. When the baron first brought her here, we thought he might have kidnapped her.”

The group shared fond memories of that time.

Jason added,

“Master Alex was always calm and considerate. He took great care of Lady Sophia and did everything he could to support the baron, no, the marquis, during difficult times. Even while attending the academy, he returned to Ariel every vacation. He’s diligent and kindhearted.”

Jason sighed deeply before continuing:

“After the baroness passed, her absence left a huge void. Yet, even at a young age, Master Alex looked after everyone. He truly took after the baroness.”

Jason and the guards unanimously agreed that while Sophia resembled the margrave in appearance and personality, Alex had inherited both the looks and demeanor of the baroness.

Sir Gareth asked:

“How do you all know the baroness so well?”

“How could we not? She didn’t stay confined to the castle; she often traveled throughout the domain and even visited the lower slopes of Titania. The tradition of the lord’s family mingling closely with the people began with her. She always kept the gates of the castle and mansion open, and that custom continues to this day.”

Sir Gareth realized for the first time that Ariel’s long-standing traditions weren’t simply inherited—they were built by the late baroness. However, even the previous lord of Ariel didn’t seem overly strict.

There were no tales of harsh punishments or unjust practices commonly heard from other domains. Most of their grievances stemmed from poverty. And in Ariel, the cold often turned poverty into a matter of life and death.

Sir Gareth followed them to the summit. Even while engaging in conversation, the guards remained vigilant, carefully erasing their tracks during brief breaks.

They were veterans—experts to the point where a young man like Gareth, spouting strategies and training methods, couldn’t interfere with their work. Gareth was relieved that Sophia Ariel hadn’t suggested training these seasoned individuals.

For them, Titania was both their home and their defensive stronghold. As such, they managed it meticulously and had an in-depth understanding of its terrain.

“There were always rumors that the Saturn party would invade, but their reconnaissance didn’t increase beforehand. It was strange. And then, they launched a surprise attack.”

Gareth knew the reason for this and debated whether to explain it to them. Ultimately, he decided to share what he knew.

It was already common knowledge in the capital: the collusion between Oberon and Saturn. Upon hearing the details, the three men cursed Oberon repeatedly.

“Those rich, well-fed bastards—what more could they possibly want that they’d pull something like this?”

“Exactly. They’re the ones we envied the most, and now they’ve gone and thrown themselves headfirst into a cesspit.”

Their criticism of Oberon was sharp, but it wasn’t solely about the betrayal. Most of their disdain stemmed from Oberon’s sheer foolishness.

The men insisted that if Ariel had been as wealthy as Oberon, they would never have committed such stupidity. But Gareth thought otherwise.

“You never know what might happen to Ariel in the future,” he reflected. “Once we get through this crisis, Ariel will gain Oberon and its assets, and the salt mine will bring a steady flow of wealth. That will undoubtedly tempt them to expand into the capital. Even if it’s not Prince Robert, the family will seek an advantageous alliance through marriage. Wealth will attract other families first.”

Gareth was convinced that Ariel would grow far stronger and wealthier than it was now. But he was also certain it would change—whether for better or worse remained uncertain.