* * *

At the office, Ed knocked, and the Grand Duke’s voice granted him permission to enter.

Ed stepped in, greeting both the Grand Duke and the butler standing beside him.

“Please, take a seat, Ed,” the Grand Duke invited.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Following the Grand Duke’s gesture, Ed sat on the sofa, with the butler taking a seat nearby.

The Grand Duke handed Ed a sheet of thick paper, embossed with striking golden details.

“Ed, here’s a notice about the establishment of the Herbal Association.”

“The Herbal Association?” Ed repeated.

The Grand Duke gave a small nod, observing Ed’s gentle smile before speaking again. “A well-respected and skilled apothecary from the South has become its head.

He has a good reputation and is reliable.”

“May I take a look at the announcement?” Ed asked.

“Of course.”

The Grand Duke nodded and continued, “Since the North is sponsoring it, they included a letter asking for any advice or requests on how best to operate.”

Ed, after reviewing the notice, looked up.

“If there’s a specific direction I’d like them to take, may I make a suggestion?”

“What would you propose?” the Grand Duke inquired.

“I’d like to request they produce a medicine from the tricolor violets,” Ed said.

“It’s a common flower in the South, known for its respiratory benefits when brewed as tea or ground into powder. It’s effective for treating coughs and phlegm.”

“Ah, I see,” the Grand Duke replied.

“Yes, I thought it could serve as a general remedy for the North, where colds are severe every winter.”

Ed remembered the original story, where an epidemic spread through the Empire while the Grand Duke was falsely accused of letting it happen.

Initially, it started as mild cold symptoms, but worsened to coughing blood and developing dark spots before leading to death.

The South suffered the least damage, thanks to the tricolor violets’ effectiveness.

‘If I arrange for the medicine to be made early, it’ll prevent the Grand Duke from being falsely blamed and help those who struggle with the harsh northern winters. With the Association, distributing it should be manageable,’ Ed reasoned.

The Grand Duke nodded in agreement.

“I’ll request that from the Association. Any other ideas?”

Ed thought for a moment.

“It would be helpful to create a booklet on first aid using common wildflowers and herbs, so even remote villagers can manage basic illnesses without needing a doctor.”

The Grand Duke listened to Ed’s calm explanation and responded, “I’ll ask them to work on that as well, Ed.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Anything else?” the Grand Duke prompted.

Ed considered it before replying, “Nothing comes to mind right now, but if I think of anything later, may I bring it up then?”

The Grand Duke smiled.

“Of course, Ed.”

---

After concluding his meeting with the Grand Duke, Ed returned to his room, feeling excited about the establishment of the Herbal Association.

As he sat at his desk, jotting down notes with a fountain pen, a knock sounded at the door.

‘Who could it be?’

When Ed opened the door, he found the butler standing there.

“May I come in, Ed?”

“Yes, of course,” Ed said, making room.

The butler entered and settled into a seat.

Ed quickly adjusted a chair for him, and the butler offered a warm thanks before sitting.

“You mentioned working as a servant at Count Herrins’ estate, right?”

“Yes, Sir Butler.”

“Then, could you assist me from now on?” the butler asked, smiling kindly.

“Pardon?” Ed replied, surprised.

The butler chuckled. “I think you and I would work well together.”

Ed looked at the older man, whose hair had begun to gray, before speaking.

“Are you asking me to help with the work at the northern castle?”

The butler nodded.

“The Grand Duke has granted permission for me to train you, should you be interested.”

Ed gave a slight smile and replied promptly, “I’d be honored to assist in any way I can.”

“Good, I appreciate that enthusiasm. To get started, it’ll help to read these first.”

Without delay, the butler placed several thick books on the table.

“These are histories of the Empire and guides on northern customs. Knowing these well will help you take care of the castle.”

Ed’s eyes widened at the sight of the books, but he replied eagerly, “Yes, Sir Butler.”

“You said the Young Master taught you to read, but don’t hesitate to seek me out if you find anything challenging.”

“Yes, thank you, Sir Butler.”

After Ed spent his days studying the Empire and life in the North, the head butler began teaching him about finances, treasury management, and taxation.

Following that, Ed learned how to plan budget execution and conduct audits, as well as receive bibliographical information about the northern library.

When six months had passed, as autumn deepened, Ed wandered through the garden, musing.

‘…It feels like I’ve been buried in studies for more than half a year rather than actually learning practical work.’

The Grand Duke, looking out the window, caught sight of Ed and smiled gently.

Ed seemed to be lost in deep thought as he strolled through the garden.

‘What could he be thinking about?’

Over the past few months, the head butler had taken the time to oversee Ed’s studies.

When the Grand Duke inquired why, the butler had replied with a smile.

“Ed makes teaching feel rewarding.”

The Grand Duke worried that Ed might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of studying, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Ed’s complexion was bright, and his eyes shone with vitality.

After finishing his thoughts, Ed shook his head lightly and walked toward the northern warehouse.

Watching him, the Grand Duke shifted his position and returned to reading the documents on his desk.

‘A healing mage exists, but it’s certain there’s no precedent for one who demonstrates healing power simply by touching someone without incantations or visible markings.’

The Grand Duke lightly rubbed his chin, recalling the warmth and healing energy he felt when Ed had held his hand.

Since the day Ed revealed his secret, the Grand Duke had discreetly investigated his abilities.

After reviewing all the records he had found, the Grand Duke burned his compiled notes in the roaring fireplace.

Ultimately, only the two of them must know Ed’s secret.

---

“Ed, aren’t you tired?”

Ed, who had been reading a book in the library, raised his gaze to see Ronen holding two puppets and wiggling his fingers.

The puppets, crafted by Sena for Ronen, moved with slight gestures as he inserted his fingers into them.

Watching the lion and eagle puppets nod, Ed put down his fountain pen.

Checking his pocket watch, he realized it was already past 9 PM.

“It’s already this late, young master.”

It was time for Ronen to go to bed.

Ed organized his books and notes and carefully placed his fountain pen into its case.

As Ed tidied up, Ronen animated the puppets again and asked.

“Which team will you cheer for tomorrow, the lion or the eagle?”

The next day marked the start of a two-night, three-day martial arts competition at Mount Garenda in the North.

Each year, in the transition from autumn to winter, the northern castle held an event where the knights were split into two teams, the lions and the eagles, for a competition aimed at training their strength and fostering teamwork.

The tournament featured events like swordsmanship, horseback riding, archery, and spear fighting, culminating in a hunting contest.

The hunting contest was especially crucial, as the outcome depended on the type and number of prey captured, determining the winning team.

The victorious team was awarded generous prizes, and the participant who contributed the most to the win would receive honor as well.

The knights had been rigorously training, preparing for the competition by splitting into teams and putting their utmost effort into it.

Some eager knights had already set out early, carrying supplies and setting up camp, while others were still sweating it out in the training grounds.

Ed would be participating as an observer with Ronen, scoring the tournament events.

“I plan to cheer for both teams. If I’m to grade fairly, I can’t let my heart lean toward either side.”

“That’s true, but…”

Ronen pouted slightly, making the puppet’s mouth move.

“I’m a bit partial to the lion team because Sir Irtel is on it… But I suppose that’s not right as a judge, is it?”

Ed tilted his head slightly.

“Well, as long as you score fairly, it shouldn’t matter which team you secretly favor. After all, we’re not puppets ourselves.”

* * *