The banquet finally began dissolving beneath the late-night glow of crystal chandeliers.
One by one—
Noble households started departing from House Velcrest's grand estate before midnight fully arrived.
The enormous ballroom gradually emptied as servants opened massive frost-covered doors while carriage after carriage rolled away into the snow-covered northern roads.
Outside—
The winter night had deepened completely.
Cold wind drifted across the stone courtyard while silver moonlight reflected beautifully against layers of fresh snow spread across the estate grounds.
Torch flames flickered softly beside the grand staircase leading down from the main hall.
Meanwhile—
Kel and Aria stepped out from the warm interior into the freezing northern air.
The sudden cold caused faint white mist to leave their lips with every breath.
Behind them—
Several nobles still lingered nearby.
Not leaving immediately.
Watching.
Waiting.
Because everyone wanted to see House Rosenfeld's carriage.
Even among noble society—
The Duke's household possessed overwhelming presence.
And naturally—
The heir returning after years of isolation only intensified curiosity further.
Meanwhile—
Kel calmly stood beside Aria beneath the silver moonlight.
His black cloak fluttered lightly in the winter wind while frost slowly gathered near the edges of his boots.
Beside him—
Aria quietly rubbed one gloved hand against the other for warmth.
The cold tonight felt sharper than earlier.
Snowflakes drifted silently through the air around them.
Several nearby noblewomen discreetly observed the pair while whispering softly among themselves.
Others watched the approaching road expectantly.
Then—
From beyond the outer estate gate—
The sound of horses gradually became audible.
Steady.
Disciplined.
Heavy northern warhorses.
Soon afterward—
The Rosenfeld carriage finally emerged through the snowy road.
The sight alone immediately drew attention.
Four mounted knights rode ahead of the carriage.
Four more followed behind.
Each wore dark silver armor carrying the crest of House Rosenfeld across their cloaks.
Dragon insignias reflected beneath moonlight coldly.
The carriage itself appeared elegant but practical.
Built for northern travel.
Reinforced heavily.
Blackwood layered with silver steel runes for protection against monsters and harsh weather.
At the driver's seat—
One knight controlled the reins while another remained seated beside him observing the surroundings sharply.
The entire escort formation moved with disciplined precision.
And the moment the carriage stopped before the grand staircase—
Several nearby nobles instinctively straightened themselves.
Because even without Duke Aktaris present—
House Rosenfeld's military discipline alone radiated authority.
Meanwhile—
The lead knight dismounted immediately afterward.
Snow crunched softly beneath armored boots as he approached Kel and Aria before kneeling respectfully.
"My lord."
"My lady."
Kel calmly nodded once.
Then immediately asked:
"Did you eat?"
The knight visibly paused for a second.
Likely not expecting such a question first.
Then respectfully answered:
"Yes, my lord."
Kel's crimson eyes calmly observed him afterward.
Then asked again:
"Did you rest?"
The lead knight immediately replied:
"We rested nearby as instructed, my lord."
Another pause followed.
"We are fully prepared."
Several nearby nobles quietly overhearing the exchange became visibly surprised.
Because normally—
Noble heirs rarely asked knights whether they had eaten or rested.
Most only cared about readiness.
Efficiency.
Orders.
Meanwhile—
Kel asked another question calmly.
"Can you ride safely through the night?"
The knight answered without hesitation.
"Yes, my lord."
Then after brief pause—
He respectfully added:
"Thanks to your earlier suggestion, we rested properly before departure."
Kel quietly listened.
The knight then continued carefully:
"However…"
A faint hesitation appeared.
"If you ask my opinion…"
Kel calmly replied:
"Speak."
The knight lowered his head slightly.
"I recommend finding a nearby inn for your comfort and Lady Aria's comfort before continuing through the night."
Several nearby observing nobles looked genuinely stunned afterward.
Because the knight openly offered personal opinion instead of merely obeying blindly.
And even more surprising—
Kel allowed it naturally.
Meanwhile—
Aria quietly watched the interaction.
And honestly—
The atmosphere between Kel and his knights differed strangely from normal noble households.
There was hierarchy.
Absolute hierarchy.
Yet beneath it—
Respect flowed both ways.
Meanwhile—
Kel calmly looked toward the snowy northern road stretching beyond the estate.
Moonlight illuminated the frozen landscape endlessly.
Then finally—
He answered.
"We'll continue riding."
The knight immediately straightened.
But before formality fully settled—
Kel calmly added:
"If we encounter a suitable inn on the way, we'll rest there."
The knight bowed immediately.
"As you command, my lord."
Inside his mind—
Sairen softly laughed.
"You really spoil your knights."
Kel internally replied:
"Exhausted guards make mistakes."
The spirit hummed knowingly.
"You say practical things while secretly caring."
Kel ignored her immediately.
Meanwhile—
Several nearby nobles quietly exchanged glances after overhearing the conversation.
Because once again—
Kel revealed something unexpected.
The heir of House Rosenfeld clearly valued the condition of those serving under him.
And among northern military culture—
That carried enormous meaning.
Meanwhile—
Kel turned toward Aria afterward.
Without saying much—
He simply extended one hand toward her naturally.
Aria quietly accepted it.
The stone steps carried thin frost now, making the surface slightly slippery beneath elegant shoes.
Kel steadily guided her toward the carriage afterward while cold wind continued flowing around them.
The lead knight personally opened the carriage door.
Warm enchanted air drifted softly outward from inside.
Kel first helped Aria step upward carefully due to her gown.
One hand lightly supported her waist again while the other steadied her hand.
Several nearby noblewomen silently watched the interaction.
And once more—
The same thought appeared among them.
Kel's attentiveness felt effortless.
Not performed.
Not exaggerated.
Instinctive.
After Aria settled inside the carriage—
Kel stepped in afterward.
The interior glowed softly beneath small enchanted lanterns fixed near the carriage walls.
Warm fur-lined seating surrounded the interior while subtle heating enchantments prevented the cold from entering fully.
Outside—
The lead knight closed the carriage door carefully.
Then mounted his horse again.
The escort formation reorganized instantly.
Front guards moved ahead.
Rear guards aligned behind.
The driver lightly pulled the reins.
And slowly—
The Rosenfeld carriage began moving through the snowy northern road beneath moonlight.
Inside the carriage—
Soft silence settled briefly.
Only the muffled sound of horse hooves and carriage wheels moving through snow remained audible.
Aria quietly leaned slightly against the cushioned seat afterward.
Her heels genuinely hurt now after hours standing among nobles.
Meanwhile—
Kel sat opposite her calmly.
One hand resting near the carriage window while moonlight occasionally illuminated his crimson eyes through the moving curtains.
Outside—
The northern wilderness stretched endlessly beneath silver skies.
Forests covered in snow.
Frozen rivers.
Distant torchlights from isolated settlements.
The world itself felt ancient beneath the winter moon.
Then softly—
Aria finally spoke.
"You really notice everything, don't you?"
Kel looked toward her calmly.
"What do you mean?"
Aria quietly crossed her arms afterward.
"You asked the knights if they ate."
Another pause.
"You asked if they rested."
She stared toward him carefully.
"Most nobles wouldn't."
Kel remained silent briefly afterward.
Then quietly replied:
"If the people protecting me collapse first…"
A faint pause followed.
"…then my authority means nothing."
Aria watched him silently afterward.
But somehow—
She understood that wasn't the real reason entirely.
Inside his mind—
Sairen softly whispered.
"You care about your people too much for someone who claims humanity is selfish."
Kel internally answered quietly.
"…Maybe."
The spirit smiled softly afterward.
And beneath the endless northern moon—
The Rosenfeld carriage continued cutting through snow-covered roads while the future heir of the North traveled silently through the frozen night