In the north of the Loren Continent, mountains, cold winds, and the banners of the Verde Family jointly ruled the empire's northern frontier. Though it was still autumn, winter's breath had already begun knocking on the doors between the mountains of this frigid northern land. Accompanied by dry, cold currents that had never ceased since the start of autumn, the weather in Rime County grew colder by the day. Sometimes winds howled down from the mountains, blowing loose snow from the peaks onto the slopes. Those living in the mountains could almost suspect that winter snow had arrived, with the cold winds merely preceding it.
Naturally, for Winterkeep Castle atop the mountain, wind and snow were far more commonplace, and not even tied to the seasons. Even in midsummer, the castle could suddenly be blanketed by whirling snow. Even if the skies around it were perfectly clear, snowflakes would inexplicably swirl through the castle's courtyards and balconies. Whenever such sudden snowfall appeared, the servants in the castle knew that the mood of the "Ice Duke" dwelling deep within had changed. But whether the northern guardian was in a good mood or a bad one that day... only her personal maids would know.
At Winterkeep Castle's highest point, a tower filled with magical radiance stood silently upon a stone platform. Flying snow continuously condensed in the sky above its peak, dancing around the tower and across half the castle. Streams of light formed by magic intermingled with the swirling snow, carrying a mesmerizing beauty that was nevertheless frightening in its chill. Two maids stood in a corridor in the tower's upper levels, somewhat nervously watching the heavy snow outside. One of them could not help approaching the window to check once more whether it had been shut properly.
The window was,