After settling Duke Edmund's funeral arrangements, Louis did not linger in Frost Glaive City. The autumn harvest was fast approaching.
This was the foundation of the Red Tide Fief-not the swords of its knights, nor its seat in the Empire, but those vast expanses of golden wheat.
If they missed the season or something went wrong during the harvest, grain yields would fall. In the Northern Frontier as it stood, that was almost tantamount to suicide.
"Have the Cold Iron Knights escort Emily, Lady Elena, and little Isaac back to Red Tide City to settle in. I'll return once the autumn harvest is over." On the journey back, Louis looked at Emily beside him.
Emily lowered her eyes, one hand resting on her swollen belly.
She neither wheedled nor tried to stop him, saying only softly, "I'll leave the autumn harvest to you."
Louis paused, warmth spreading through his heart.
Emily needed his company now more than ever, yet she still understood and helped shoulder his burdens.
He gently took her hand. "I'll come back as soon as I can."
Emily nodded and said nothing more.
The carriage rattled along the mountain road, and the view ahead gradually opened up.
The entire valley lay beneath heavy golden wheat, its drooping ears rolling in the breeze like golden waves under the sunlight.
Hundreds of translucent greenhouses also stood in neat rows, reflecting a silvery sheen in the autumn sun.
"Is this... really the Northern Frontier?" Lady Elena stared at the scene, her eyes full of disbelief.
She was accustomed to the Northern Frontier's famine and desolation. She had never imagined such abundance could exist on its bitterly cold, frozen earth.
Meanwhile, Ferran, commander of the Cold Iron Knights, rode forward, unable to hide his curiosity.
He made no attempt to beat