Winter

Winter had arrived.

The fog that blanketed the entire central and northern region came on schedule. Unfading mist and an increasingly frigid air began to envelop Alderan. Amid the pale gray vastness, the magnificent imperial capital became blurred and hazy, as if the human world were an oil painting soaked in water, with nothing quite so distinct anymore.

The Obsidian Palace stood high amid the fog like a giant forged from stone, overlooking the imperial capital.

Rosetta Augustus unfolded the letter before him and read every line with a composed expression.

Ferdinand Wendell stood beside the emperor's desk. He saw the Cecil Empire's Sword and Plow emblem at the top of the letter, its design, along with the ruled lines on the paper, neat and elegant.

The ruler of Typhon took a long time to finish reading the not particularly lengthy letter. Then, after a brief moment of thought, he said softly, "This tuition fee has finally become acceptable."

"This is a good beginning, Your Majesty," Ferdinand said solemnly.

Rosetta nodded slightly. "Gawain Cecil believes the two nations need to establish deeper exchanges—the old era of facing each other with swords and guns should end. A more prosperous and affluent society is what this age should truly pursue."

Ferdinand quietly watched his sovereign. "Your Majesty, what do you think?"

"At least on one point, I agree completely: the old era truly has ended." A faint smile seemed to touch Rosetta's lips. "We need to do things better suited to the New Era...

"Lord Ferdinand, Gawain Cecil has always emphasized that his new empire possesses a friendly and open new system. So do you think... they would welcome some guests from Typhon?"

Ferdinand fell silent for several seconds before slowly replying, "We will only know if we try."

With a smile