Morning sunlight filtered through the snow-covered city like liquid silver.
The breakfast gathering inside the inn gradually came to an end.
Wooden plates were emptied.
Tea cups cooled.
The lively chatter of travelers mixed with the crackling of the fireplace, creating a warm atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the frozen world outside.
Kel calmly wiped his hands with a cloth before setting it aside.
The warmth of the dining hall lingered around him, yet his eyes had already shifted toward the frosted windows beyond which the city slowly awakened.
Merchants opened their stalls.
Children ran through fresh snow.
Workers shoveled pathways.
Life moved forward.
Across from him, Aria had just finished her tea.
The steam rose gently between them.
Then Kel spoke.
"Do you want to shop in this city's market before we leave?"
The question seemed simple.
Yet Aria's eyes immediately brightened.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
"I would like that."
The answer came much faster than she intended.
Almost instinctively.
Then she composed herself.
"I mean... we have time, don't we?"
Kel nodded.
"As much as you need."
The response was simple.
Direct.
Without hesitation.
Aria quietly smiled.
Then took another sip of tea despite the cup already being empty.
Inside his mind—
Sairen laughed softly.
"You knew exactly what answer she would give."
Kel internally replied.
"Most people like markets."
The Guardian of Scarder Lake laughed harder.
"Most people don't smile like that when hearing about trade stalls."
Kel ignored her.
As usual.
After breakfast—
The pair stepped outside the inn.
The cold immediately greeted them.
Fresh snow crunched beneath boots.
A chilly breeze drifted through the streets carrying the scent of pinewood smoke and freshly baked bread from nearby bakeries.
The city looked beautiful beneath daylight.
Snow rested atop rooftops.
Icicles hung from windows.
The entire settlement resembled a painting carved from ice and silver.
Near the inn entrance—
The escort knights had already completed preparations.
Horses were saddled.
Supplies secured.
Weapons checked.
The lead knight immediately approached.
"My lord."
Kel nodded.
Then calmly said:
"Lady Aria wishes to visit the market."
The lead knight blinked once.
Then nodded.
"Understood."
Kel continued.
"Our departure will be delayed."
The knight lowered his head.
"As you command."
There was no complaint.
No concern.
The man had already learned something about Kel.
If Kel altered plans—
There was always a reason.
Even if that reason was simply making sure someone enjoyed themselves.
Aria had changed into practical northern clothing.
A dark winter coat lined with white fur covered her body.
Thick gloves protected her hands from the cold.
A wool scarf wrapped comfortably around her neck.
The outfit lacked the elegance of noble gowns.
Yet somehow—
It suited her surprisingly well.
Meanwhile—
Kel also wore clothing suitable for northern weather.
A long black coat lined with dark fur rested over his shoulders.
His gloves matched the color of fresh midnight.
Snowflakes occasionally landed on his dark hair before melting quietly.
Together—
They blended surprisingly well into the winter landscape.
Not as nobles.
But as travelers.
At least from a distance.
The market district soon appeared before them.
And immediately—
Aria transformed.
The composed noble lady disappeared.
In her place stood an energetic young girl.
"Kel!"
She pointed toward a bakery.
"Look!"
Then moments later—
Another stall.
"And there!"
Then another.
"And over there!"
Kel quietly followed behind.
Like a patient guardian.
Or perhaps an exhausted brother.
Inside his mind—
Sairen was laughing nonstop.
"She's dragging you everywhere."
Kel replied.
"She's walking."
"You're following."
"Correct."
The Guardian laughed.
"You sound resigned to your fate."
Kel ignored her.
Again.
The market itself was bustling with activity.
Colorful awnings covered merchant stalls.
The smell of roasted nuts drifted through the air.
Blacksmiths displayed weapons.
Tailors sold winter clothing.
Artisans offered handmade ornaments.
Hunters sold monster pelts.
Alchemists advertised potions.
The entire district pulsed with life.
Aria moved from stall to stall with endless curiosity.
Not because she wanted expensive things.
But because she genuinely enjoyed seeing everything.
At one stall she admired carved wooden animals.
At another she examined embroidered gloves.
Elsewhere she watched a craftsman creating ice sculptures.
Each discovery seemed to fascinate her.
Meanwhile—
Kel simply followed.
Carrying purchases whenever necessary.
Occasionally paying before she could even reach for money.
Occasionally negotiating fair prices when merchants became overly ambitious.
And occasionally preventing merchants from realizing exactly who stood before them.
One elderly woman selling handmade scarves smiled while watching them.
Her weathered eyes twinkled knowingly.
"Young couple?"
Aria immediately froze.
Her face turned red.
Meanwhile—
Kel calmly answered.
"No."
The old woman looked unconvinced.
"Not yet then."
Aria's face somehow became even redder.
The elderly merchant laughed happily afterward.
Kel simply purchased a scarf and continued walking.
Inside his mind—
Sairen practically exploded with laughter.
"Not yet?"
Kel internally paused.
Then realized what had happened.
"...That wasn't what I meant."
The Guardian laughed so hard she nearly lost coherence.
"That poor girl is dying beside you."
Aria refused to look at Kel for the next five minutes.
Eventually—
They reached a food street.
The scent alone was enough to attract attention.
Fresh pastries.
Roasted meat skewers.
Sweet breads.
Hot chocolate.
The entire area overflowed with warmth.
Aria stopped before a pastry stall.
Kel immediately bought two.
Without asking.
One was handed directly to her.
She blinked.
Then accepted it.
"Thank you."
Kel nodded.
And continued eating his own pastry while walking.
The sight caused several nearby merchants to stare.
Not because it was unusual.
But because noble children rarely behaved so normally.
Hours passed.
Slowly.
Peacefully.
Without politics.
Without schemes.
Without responsibilities.
Just two young people walking through a winter market.
For Aria—
The morning became one of the happiest she could remember in recent months.
Not because of what she bought.
Not because of the city.
But because she didn't have to think about noble obligations.
For once—
She could simply enjoy herself.
And somehow—
Kel quietly made that possible.
Without mentioning it.
Without drawing attention to it.
Without expecting gratitude.
Eventually—
Aria stopped near a small bridge overlooking a frozen canal.
The market stretched behind them.
Snow drifted gently from the sky.
The city bells rang softly somewhere in the distance.
She looked toward Kel.
He stood nearby holding several bags she had somehow accumulated.
His expression remained calm as always.
Though a faint trace of amusement could be seen in his eyes.
Aria suddenly laughed.
A genuine laugh.
Bright.
Warm.
Then she asked:
"Are you tired?"
Kel glanced at the bags.
Then at her.
"No."
Inside his mind—
Sairen immediately spoke.
"Lie."
Kel ignored her.
Again.
Aria smiled.
Because somehow—
She knew.
He was absolutely carrying far more than he should.
Yet he never complained.
Not once.
Snow continued falling around them.
The market remained lively.
The city remained beautiful.
And for a little while longer—
The future heir of House Rosenfeld continued following wherever Aria decided to go.
Without complaint.
Without urgency.
Simply walking behind her through the snow-covered streets of the North