A Noble's Day

In the Northlands, winter was always the most important thing. Food and warmth were forever the only melody beneath the wind and snow.

Snowflakes drifting through the sky were beautiful, but not in the Northlands.

They were Death's whisper.

Frozen Earth Territory, Rhino Horn Mountain.

Ryan argued endlessly with the envoy from the Imperial Capital.

"I told you, I don't know why the Grand Duke is targeting me either, but that absolutely cannot become a reason for His Majesty the Emperor to break his word."

Across from Ryan, the knight named Haines was under immense pressure as well, wiping the cold sweat from his brow.

"Baron Ryan, His Majesty merely wishes to understand the conflicts between nobles so that he can mediate them."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

Haines lowered his voice and said:

"Baron Ryan, to be honest with you, His Majesty has no choice but to do this."

"Your fortress in the Northlands is nearly complete. This batch of supplies is the last one. Many places across the Empire now require materials for reconstruction, and there truly are no more materials to send to the Northlands."

What they were arguing about was the supplies Emperor Florian had previously promised Ryan in support of his construction of the Northern Great Wall fortress.

Knight Haines had been responsible for delivering them, only to tell Ryan that this was the final batch.

Ryan had angrily demanded an explanation, leading to the current scene.

"Winter has arrived. Transportation is truly inconvenient."

Ryan was deeply suspicious that Emperor Florian had seen Baron Ryan's growing strength and thus changed his attitude and approach toward him.

"His Majesty intends to build a Light Church City outside the Imperial Capital."

Haines said helplessly. He never should have accepted this task.

So that was it?

"Could it be