At dusk, the sky was dyed warm and tranquil by the orange-red afterglow. Ang stood atop North Wind Town's walls, looking down over the land. Lights flickered on throughout the town as the residents finished their day's work. People came and went along the streets, carrying both the exhaustion and satisfaction of the day. This land had been built bit by bit by him and his family. It had witnessed their growth and carried their future.
Aisha stood beside him, lightly swaying against the railing with a contented smile on her face. Her long hair fluttered in the breeze, and her eyes were filled with affection for her homeland.
Ang fell silent for a moment before turning to her, his tone solemn. "When I'm not here, North Wind Territory will depend on you and Aida."
Aisha froze, and the smile on her face vanished at once. She keenly sensed the deeper meaning behind Ang's words and immediately grew nervous. "Brother, are you going somewhere?"
Ang was amused by her sudden reaction and shook his head. "I'm not leaving that soon. I just want to tell you that only with you and Aida here can I rest easy."
Aisha let out a breath of relief, but unease still lingered in her heart. "Why do you say that?"
Ang looked into the distance, his gaze deep and his tone steady. "After all, I'm an imperial baron, the Defense Officer of the Beastlands, and a landed lord. I have to answer the Empire's summons. In the days ahead, I won't always remain in North Wind Territory."
Aisha's eyes widened slightly as she clenched her fists.
"This is the place our family truly built from nothing," Ang continued, his tone carrying a trace of barely noticeable gentleness. "I hope you and Aida can guard