* * *
As the carriage departed the capital, Ed played with the hatchling perched on his lap.
The little dragon seemed delighted, chirping with high-pitched “Kyaa, kyaa” sounds as it fluttered around.
However, it didn’t last long.
Still weary from the past days, the hatchling soon curled up on the opposite cushion and dozed off with a soft purring sound.
Gently stroking the dragon’s back, Ed spoke.
“Even though the Emperor’s sudden absence left the throne vacant, I’m relieved there hasn’t been major chaos. I was worried that the citizens might suffer if things got out of hand.”
“Well, this is the Ain Empire—renowned for withstanding not only monsters but also invasions from neighboring countries over the years. Even if issues arise, the cities have systems in place to address them. And with the Empress Dowager leading by example, working tirelessly day and night, the officials under her follow suit without rest.”
Ed thought the Grand Duke’s efforts had also contributed significantly to the Empire’s quick recovery as he opened the carriage window.
The soft breeze brought a faint smile to his lips, and the Grand Duke gently pulled Ed against him.
“We’ve even packed Ronen’s favorite jerky from the palace, so let’s keep going without stopping until we leave the capital.”
“Yes. Ronen, Jaynon, and the steward will all be waiting for us.”
The carriage, which had been speeding along without a break, eventually began to slow.
Spotting the name of a city on a passing milestone, Ed’s eyes widened.
“Your Grace, are we stopping in Illa again this time?”
“If we have to rest on our way to the North, wouldn’t it be better to stay in a place filled with memories of you?”
The view outside the window looked just as it had a year ago.
Modest, cozy houses with rounded roofs, bright and cheerful walls, and fences painted in vivid colors.
The lively, spirited residents matched the charm of the town’s exterior.
As the city’s vibrant atmosphere came closer, Ed recalled the vitality he had felt last year.
“It’s a relief the people here weren’t affected by the incident in the capital.”
It was then that the townsfolk, noticing the Northern Grand Duke’s carriage, erupted in cheers.
Amid the enthusiastic welcome, Ed finally noticed colorful banners strung between trees, adorned with phrases like “Protector of the Empire” and “Grace of the North,” praising the North.
The villagers’ reactions were markedly different from last year, leaving Ed puzzled as he turned to the Grand Duke.
“Your Grace, why are they welcoming us so warmly?”
Unbeknownst to him, stories and articles about the Grand Duke and the soon-to-be Grand Duchess had spread widely during his sleep.
“Your Grace, why is everyone in the village welcoming us like this?”
Ed had no idea how far the rumors and newspaper articles about the Grand Duke and his consort had spread across the empire while he was asleep.
‘Shadow of an ominous calamity? What really happened that night in the imperial capital?’
‘A revival of the empire’s mythology?! The true identity of the black dragon that appeared out of nowhere!’
‘Now we can reveal it: the two golden dragons and the blue dragon seen in the capital! (Subtitle: The blue dragon wasn’t really a dragon?!)’
‘An exclusive report! The Grand Duke Linden and his consort saved the empire from disaster? In fact, the golden dragon was none other than Asnel Linden, the Grand Duke himself…’
‘Who is Asnel Linden? And let’s dig deeper into Ed Linden, his partner!’
Once everything at the palace had settled, newspapers throughout the empire were quick to shower praise on the Grand Duke and Ed.
One article even featured an interview with the owner of a kebab shop Ed and Ronen had visited last year.
It wasn’t unusual.
What had happened that night was already known not only to the people in the capital but also to those in nearby towns and cities, even before the articles came out.
How could they not know?
They’d all witnessed the black clouds spreading from the capital, covering the skies above their homes.
The terrifying night eventually passed, and as dawn broke, articles about the Grand Duke began pouring out.
“…Although we couldn’t reveal all the details, under the Empress Dowager’s orders, we ensured at least that it was known we resolved the situation,” Asnel explained.
“I only helped a little with what you had already accomplished, Your Grace.”
Though Ed tried to downplay his contribution, his flushed cheeks betrayed him.
When he first started traveling with the Grand Duke last year, he was just an outsider who had lived in the empire for barely a year and was seen as merely an attachment to the Duke’s retinue.
But now, he stood proudly as the Duke’s companion, receiving cheers and blessings from many.
Even the lord of Illa personally guiding them to their lodgings was a stark contrast to last year.
At a quiet estate nestled in Illa’s low mountain slopes, the Grand Duke and Ed dined and retreated to their room.
As the Grand Duke wrapped a coat around Ed, he asked, “Shall we go out for a walk now that we’ve had our fill?”
“Go where?”
“It wouldn’t be fun if I told you in advance.”
Ed chuckled at the Grand Duke’s playful reversal of his own words from their time in the palace gardens.
He took the hand offered to him, and they left the room.
The Grand Duke led Ed leisurely down the corridor, ensuring his steps were steady as they ascended the stairs.
“Here?”
Beyond a short hallway, the door they stepped through led to the roof of their lodging.
The tranquil estate overlooked the village below, and the cool night breeze gently caressed Ed before dissipating.
Leaning against the railing, the Grand Duke turned to face Ed.
He lightly covered Ed’s ears, prompting a curious tilt of his head.
“Your Grace?”
Just then, a soft ‘boom’ echoed, followed by colorful fireworks lighting up the sky.
Ed’s blue eyes, which had been fixed on the Grand Duke’s red ones, lifted to the heavens.
The Grand Duke smiled and kissed Ed lightly.
“Do you like it?”
Ed giggled at the ticklish sensation on his lips and replied with a kiss of his own.
“Of course.”
At the Grand Duke’s signal, more fireworks shot up, their light dancing across Ed’s face as his radiant laughter filled the air.
“Did Your Grace arrange this?”
With every burst of light, their faces glowed brighter, their shared joy palpable.
The Grand Duke pulled Ed into his arms.
“Before meeting you, fireworks only reminded me of the guilt I felt for losing Ronen.”
“…”
“But after being with you, they’ve become the beginning of new memories, a source of joy. I no longer associate fireworks with pain.”
Ed listened intently to the Grand Duke’s words.
“A year may be short or long, but it’s been filled with so much for us.”
“That’s true.”
“And there will undoubtedly be more unexpected events ahead.”
Ed nodded in agreement.
“But with someone as wise and kind as you by my side, I’m certain we’ll overcome anything together.”
The Grand Duke gazed at Ed with unwavering sincerity.
“So, Ed, let’s continue to rely on each other.”
‘Boom, boom.’
Amid the resounding fireworks, Ed rose onto his toes and kissed the Grand Duke’s lips.
“I will, Asnel Linden, Your Grace.”
In the early hours before dawn, Ronen threw off his blanket and leapt from his bed, running to the window.
‘Could my brother and Ed have arrived overnight by horse or carriage?’
He glanced around, then hurried out of his room.
It had been over twenty days since his brother left for the capital.
In that time, Ronen had been preoccupied with preparing to welcome him back to the northern castle.
But everything changed a week ago when he learned that his brother and Ed were the ones who had vanquished the strange creatures faintly visible even from the north.
Now, he was desperate to hear the full story.
But even more pressing was the news of his brother’s wedding to Ed!
A letter had arrived just days prior, informing him of their safe return and instructing him to prepare the northern castle for the ceremony.
Ronen was stunned.
It was already incredible that they had saved the empire together, but a wedding?
Weren’t weddings about love?
Sure, some were political, but his brother and Ed weren’t like that…
Oh, does that mean they—?!
Shocked, Ronen had bolted to Jaynon with the letter in hand, expecting a similar reaction.
But to his surprise, Jaynon didn’t seem fazed.
‘Am I the only one who didn’t know about them? Is it because I’m still young?’
Unable to hide his pout, Ronen felt Jaynon gently ruffle his hair.
“I only had a vague sense of it myself, but I wasn’t certain. Hearing it directly from the Grand Duke makes you the first in the castle to know, Ronen.”
“…Really?”
“Of course! And since you’re the first to know about their marriage, it shows how close you are to them.”
At Jaynon’s words, a wave of joy replaced Ronen’s earlier emotions, lighting up his expression.
Seeing the boy’s delight, Jaynon added with a satisfied smile.
* * *
