* * *

In disbelief, the physician was about to give Ed a thorough check when he glanced at the Grand Duke.

His tone was subtly exasperated.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” the Grand Duke asked.

The physician pondered to himself.

‘Was His Grace always this way? The Grand Duke I knew would scold knights who got sick, saying a protector of the North couldn’t even take care of their own body.’

Although Ed wasn’t a knight, being summoned so urgently over this felt wildly out of character for the Grand Duke.

But instead of voicing his thoughts, the physician replied,

“No reason. I’ll check him thoroughly.”

After confirming once more that Ed was in good health, the physician removed his stethoscope and said,

“As expected, there’s nothing serious.”

“I see. Thank you for your efforts,” said the Grand Duke.

“Of course, Your Grace. If you feel cold or your throat feels dry, warm water or tea would be beneficial.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

After exchanging a few parting words, the Grand Duke meticulously tucked Ed’s blanket back around him.

“Wait here for a moment, Ed. I’ll get you some warm water.”

As the Grand Duke left the carriage, Ed, watching his retreating back, rubbed his own forehead gently.

“…”

Somehow, it felt strange not to have the Grand Duke’s hand checking his forehead.

---

The carriage, which had been traveling day and night without rest, gradually slowed as a loud call rang from outside.

“Open the gates! The protector and lord of the northern fortress, Grand Duke Asnel Linden, has returned!”

Recognizing the family crest on the carriage, the massive gates of the fortress opened swiftly, despite their size.

As the carriages passed through, led by Irtel at the front, the townspeople gathered to welcome the Grand Duke home, even though the sun was setting.

“Your Grace! Please open the window and greet us!”

“We hope you haven’t fallen ill during the journey!”

The Grand Duke opened the carriage window, meeting the eyes of his people and giving them a faint smile.

Ronen, who had dozed off leaning against the Grand Duke, woke up at the sounds from outside.

Letting out a small yawn, he glanced around curiously until the Grand Duke gently brushed back his bangs, making Ronen smile sleepily.

“Wow, isn’t he like a doll?”

“Move aside! I can’t see anything from here.”

“Did you see that? The Grand Duke just brushed his hair so tenderly. He looks so kind!”

Ronen, shyly peeking out from behind the Grand Duke to see the crowd, quickly retreated to hide behind him again.

His adorable reaction drew delighted laughter from the people, and they cheered, celebrating the Grand Duke’s safe return.

“Welcome back safely to the North, Your Grace and young master!”

When the Grand Duke casually waved to the people and closed the window, Ronen swung his legs slightly and remarked, “The North seems livelier and brighter than I expected.”

“It’s always bright and lively, but today feels even more so because Ronen has returned,” the Grand Duke replied.

“Really?”

“Everyone has been missing you.”

Listening to the conversation between the Grand Duke and Ronen, Ed thought, ‘This warmth and vibrancy must be proof of how well His Grace has been leading and protecting the North.’

As the carriage moved from a smooth path to a winding road, and the signs of people faded away, Ed, unable to resist his curiosity, cracked open the window.

His heart began to race as the Northern Castle came into view in the distance.

---

Upon arriving at the castle, those in charge of caring for the estate gathered at the entrance to greet the Grand Duke.

“Welcome back, Your Highness.”

Then, seeing Ronen disembark from the carriage after the Grand Duke, they paused before offering an emotional greeting.

“Young Master, it has been so long. I am Josh, the Head Butler of the Northern Castle. To see you again, I feel this old man has no more regrets. I will do my utmost to serve you with this humble body of mine.”

“Please take care of me as well, Head Butler,” Ronen replied warmly.

“Please, speak to me informally, Young Master. It would put my heart at ease.”

As Ed stood behind Ronen, watching the heartfelt reunion, Jaynon tapped him on the shoulder.

When Ed turned to look, Jaynon nodded toward him.

“Ed, let me show you to your room.”

“Oh, yes.”

Ed grabbed his belongings and followed Jaynon, who was walking ahead.

As they made their way through the main castle, Ed felt a sense of confusion.

“Wait… isn’t this the main castle?”

“Yeah, it is,” Jaynon replied.

Afraid to lose sight of Jaynon in this vast place, Ed kept close, worried he might get lost in the maze of marble corridors.

Jaynon eventually led Ed to a room on the second floor of the main castle.

Ed paused at the entrance, feeling the room was too spacious and immaculate for him.

“Am I really staying in this room?” he asked hesitantly.

Jaynon surveyed the well-kept room and nodded.

“If you need anything, let me know.”

As Jaynon was about to leave after setting down Ed’s luggage, Ed stopped him.

“Isn’t this room too nice for someone like me?”

Jaynon tilted his head.

“His Grace ordered this room to be prepared for you, so don’t worry. Rest well. I have some tasks to attend to.”

Before Ed could ask more, Jaynon left swiftly. Ed looked around the room, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

The bed was enormous, the desk was made of fine wood, and a plush carpet covered the floor.

‘This room feels more suited for a noble heir than for someone like me,’ Ed thought.

After standing there for a while, he cautiously pulled out the chair in front of the desk and took out a notebook from his bag.

Running his fingers over a fountain pen tucked in his coat, he opened the notebook.

“Oh, right,” he suddenly remembered and glanced at his luggage.

Ed stood and opened his bag.

The crisp sound of the buckles revealed a small sky-blue pillow.

It was Ronen’s cherished pillow.

Ed, could you pack this for me?

Huh? Isn’t this your treasured pillow, Young Master?

Yeah, but my bag is too full.

Yesterday, while Ed was packing, Ronen had come over, looking dejected, to make this request.

When Ed checked Ronen’s bag, it was already filled with gifts from the Grand Duke, leaving no room for anything else.

Although Ed’s own bag was nearly as packed, he managed to find space by carefully pressing everything down and was able to fit Ronen’s pillow.

Recalling this, Ed picked up the pillow.

‘I should return it to him. He might need it.’

After some deliberation, he cautiously opened the door.

Peeking at the bronze statue in the hallway and the staircase to the right, he closed the door, realizing he had no idea where Ronen’s room was.

“What should I do?” he muttered, stroking the pillow absentmindedly.

Just then, a knock sounded on the door behind him.

“Yes?” Ed answered quickly. When he opened the door, the Grand Duke was standing there.

“Ed, do you like your room?”

Seeing the Grand Duke dressed casually, Ed took a moment to respond.

“Oh, of course, Your Highness. Thank you so much for preparing such a wonderful room.”

“Mind if I come in and take a look around?”

“Please, come in anytime.”

The Grand Duke entered, checking the fireplace for wood and making sure there were no drafts from the windows.

“Is the room warm enough?” he asked.

* * *