The Reckless Betting Scheme

It was mid-January 1040. Winter's chill still blanketed the land as Frederick's private train, billowing white steam, slowly pulled up to the platform at Weissenburg City Station.

Two rows of guards were already standing at attention on the platform. The cold wind tugged at the hems of their dark gray coats, but not one of them moved.

Frederick lifted the curtain and breathed against the window, fogging the glass. Outside was Weissenburg City's familiar skyline, its cluster of pointed rooftops solemn and clear in the winter morning light.

"We're here," Maria said softly beside him. Her hand settled naturally over his, her fingertips warm against his skin.

Across from them, Susan and Lilu were bundled in thick bearskin cloaks, their faces still showing the weariness of the journey.

"Back to work again." Frederick leaned lazily into his seat, looking thoroughly reluctant. "Sigh, winter really isn't the season for working. It's too cold."

"They should pass a law saying that whenever the temperature drops below zero, everyone automatically gets the day off."

Lilu couldn't help laughing, her eyes curving into crescents. "You could move the Grand Duke's residence to the Southern Continent. It's hot there all year round. No one even knows what snowflakes look like."

Frederick only smiled, though a thoughtful glint crossed his eyes, as if he were genuinely considering whether the idea might work.

The carriage door suddenly opened, and a blast of icy air rushed in, jolting everyone awake.

Attendants on the platform were already busy unloading the luggage. Frederick and the others stepped out, and the guards saluted in unison.

The next day, everyone got busy with their work.

Lilu would be visiting the Weissen-Bockner Shipyard, the Hanma Shipyard, and the Lukang Shipyard in turn to inspect the progress on the Dawn Trading Company's merchant ship