"Other than the offices and reception rooms, this building is mostly bedrooms." Mike pushed open a door, revealing an empty interior. "None of them have been furnished yet, though. Would you like to design them yourself?"
They were much larger than the rooms on the second floor, clearly intended for important people in the fief or visiting guests. The master bedroom meant for Louis was absurdly large.
Louis waved a hand casually. "No need to make it too complicated. As long as they're livable and functional, that's enough. Simple is better."
Mike nodded. "All right, then. I'll follow the usual standards for nobles in the Northern Frontier."
As they spoke, Louis suddenly turned to Sif beside him. "Oh, right. You'll be coming here often for work anyway, so why not just move in? It'll save you going back and forth every day. I'll set aside one of the empty rooms on the third floor for you."
Sif froze for a moment, instinctively wanting to refuse.
But when she opened her mouth, she said, "...All right."
Her voice was quiet but perfectly clear, and a faint, awkward blush crept onto her cheeks.
She justified it to herself: It's only because it'll make work easier, and... it really is warm here... not for any other reason.
Mike gave an offhand cough beside them and quietly looked away.
Then they continued up the stairs.
On the fourth floor, the wind rushed straight into their faces, bringing the distinctive chill of high ground and a sense of wide-open space.
"Up here is the Red Tide Fief's last line of defense." Mike smiled and patted the stone wall beside him, his voice full of pride. "Whoever comes at us will get a bloody nose here."
He pointed at the top of the wall, slipping in