As it turned out, the order's heiress's request was quite unexpected.

  Every year, a lantern festival was held in the capital of the Nadal Empire. This was a significant event, comparable in scale to the celebration of the founding of the Astrological Order or the Empire's Independence Day. People believed that if you made a wish on this day and released a lantern into the sky, it would surely come true. For the most part, of course, it was young people who dreamed of this.

  Adults didn't really believe that a lantern released into the sky would solve their problems. So this holiday served mainly as entertainment. People from all over the empire flocked to the capital to watch the colorful show and have fun. The festival was traditionally held at the end of autumn. In other words, there was very little time left.

  It so happened that this year, the festival and the Small Council coincided. But Remesis learned of this directly from Iliana Alseid, as she hadn't been interested in it before. Honestly, festivals and other such things interested her least of all now. Did she have time for entertainment?

  But the order's heiress, despite her busyness, still wanted to go there. It was all because of the girl's younger sister, who had long dreamed of visiting this festival. But this year, due to work, neither her father nor her elder sister could go with her. Because of this, the girl was very upset.

  Therefore, Iliana wanted to come at least briefly to buy Gardenia a gift. Some kind of symbolic souvenir related to the festival. At first, Remesis didn't understand why the girl was telling her all this. Did she want to show someone her caring elder sister side? But everything became clear when it came to the actual request.

  "Could you come with me and help me choose a gift for my sister?"

  Remesis choked on the calendula tea she was drinking upon hearing this proposal.

  "What?" she interjected. "Why would I...?"

  "The thing is... I don't know what children are interested in nowadays. I'm afraid of making a mistake and buying something unsuitable. But you and Gardenia are almost the same age, so your opinion could help me."

  Remesis frowned. "Actually, I'm not eight years old, I'm already twenty. How would I know about children's interests? And besides..."

  "Everyone's tastes are different. What I might choose might not appeal to your sister."

  Iliana smiled.

  "Nevertheless, I think you won't let me down."

  Given Iliana's persistent position, the girl realized she wouldn't be able to wriggle out of it so easily. She had to repay the "debt" she had involuntarily incurred. And although Remesis hadn't originally signed up for this at all, nothing could be done now.

  "Just one day..." gritting her teeth, the girl was forced to agree.

  The next day, Remesis had a day off, which she successfully spent recovering. After the miraculous healing potions Iliana had sent her, the girl felt much better. Her head no longer ached, and there was no nausea from dizziness. True, she would have to wear a bandage on her head for another week, as the largest hematoma was on her forehead.

  From rumors, which spread even faster in the Imperial Palace than in the Carter estate, Remesis learned that the best imperial physician was taking care of the ducal heir's wellbeing. Maids were on duty at his bedside around the clock, and according to them, the boy complained that Remesis might have infected him with some disease with her bites. He demanded to be tested for various infections. Learning about the drama her brother was putting on, Remesis just snorted.

  Michel was furious when he learned he couldn't hold his sister accountable. He asked the Duke to file a complaint with the Emperor, but he refused. A direct petition to the sovereign was a last resort Michael certainly didn't want to take. In the end, this dispute had to be settled by "mutual agreement."

  After the day when the youth was publicly humiliated because of Remesis, he no longer tried to bother her. He didn't even look in her direction. Only a silently embittered expression indicated that he still hadn't forgotten the insult. At least this incident served as a graphic lesson for him.

  Remesis was able to attend the next council session on her own. The main topic of discussion was food supply for the population. The Nadal Empire was known for always having fine weather and abundant harvests every year. For centuries, it had always fed itself and did not resort to imports from neighboring countries.

  However, in the last two years, there had been a record drought, resulting in many regions of the empire facing food shortages and famine. Even the grains that yielded harvests the following year brought much less than usual. The land was rapidly drying up. "Could this be that natural crisis that occurs once a decade?"

  Of course, this problem mainly affected commoners. The aristocrats living in the capital lived as usual and didn't even notice the rise in grain prices. Nevertheless, this problem couldn't be called insignificant. After all, commoners are the main workforce of any state. Concern for their welfare was the primary duty of those in power.

  To solve the dilemma of food shortage, the council members discussed possible solutions for seven hours. Options such as forced import and reducing the land tax for commoners were tried. In the end, when Remesis left the meeting hall, she was completely exhausted. Although she was not invited to the general discussion as before, she was tired just from listening to all of this.

  The girl really wanted to return to her palace and rest, enjoying a cup of cold lemon tea. Just what was needed in the summer heat. But, taking a step in that direction, she remembered she still had things to do today. The girl groaned angrily, stopping halfway down the corridor.

  She and Iliana Alseid had agreed to meet at the city gates at eight o'clock. Today was the last day of the festival. When Remesis hoped the girl would change her mind or forget about the meeting, her wish didn't come true. Iliana even smiled at her across the round table and unambiguously hinted at her wristwatch as they left the room. Seeing this, Remesis's eyebrow twitched. "It seems she really won't let go of me..."

  Frustrated, Remesis managed to return to her palace only to warn Hannes.

  Since the palace provided to her had no servants, besides his main duty as a protector, the knight had to take on other functions as well. He would escort and meet the girl after meetings, then return to the palace where he attended to various matters. This time, she found him in a kitchen apron preparing dinner. Seeing the fish and stewed vegetables in the pot, which looked extremely unappetizing, Remesis was even a little glad to avoid this.

  The little lady told the knight about her plans. Surprised, Hannes Wrightly couldn't help but ask:

  "Your Highness, where are you going at this hour?"

  "Uh... I'm meeting a friend," Remesis hesitated, for some reason not wanting to name the order's heiress.

  "A friend?" he frowned. "Your Highness, it's not safe to go out so late at night. If you are going, I cannot let you go alone."

  The man angrily put his hands on his hips and resembled a strict mother who doesn't allow her child to walk late in the evening. Remesis found it funny when she compared this scene to that.

  The girl giggled softly. The knight, on the other hand, was not amused at all.

  The commander felt a great responsibility, as he was the only one responsible for the princess's safety. If anything happened to the Lord of the North's wife, it would be on his conscience. Because of this, the knight behaved stricter than usual and even argued with Remesis. But the girl made it clear she didn't need that. She didn't want to further aggravate the awkward situation.

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  At the thought that Hannes would be behind them during the walk, constantly watching... Brrr!

  "No, it's fine! My friend... um... will be able to protect me. So there's no need for you to come."

  It took some time for Remesis to finally convince the knight to let her go. But, like a caring mother, he still didn't agree to it so easily. They agreed that Remesis would return home no later than ten in the evening. Otherwise, the knight promised he would personally break her "friend's" legs. Imagining this scene, the girl giggled again.

  She and Iliana Alseid met at the city gates exactly at the appointed time.

  From afar, Remesis noticed that she had even managed to change clothes. She saw the girl not in the Astrological Order uniform for the first time. Her chestnut hair was tied up in a high ponytail. Her emerald eyes were hidden behind the frames of half-moon glasses. When Remesis met her in this state, she was momentarily taken aback by the unexpectedness. Iliana, following her reaction, inquired with a chuckle:

  "What's the matter? Do I become even more attractive in glasses?" Remesis frowned and instantly looked away.

  "I'm too young to judge anyone's attractiveness," she grumbled.

  The girl coughed, realizing she had indeed looked too long. The last thing she wanted was for this person to start imagining things.

  Iliana found this amusing.

  "Heh heh. You talk about your age with such a serious face that even I feel younger."

  They walked along the avenue, and Remesis involuntarily looked around. Iliana Alseid, this time slowing her pace and walking almost in step with her, spoke:

  "I heard it's best to enjoy the festival when it gets dark. It seems we're lucky."

  This was most likely true, as the streets were filled with people. However, Remesis still grumbled:

  "What do you mean 'enjoy'? We came to choose a gift for your sister."

  "I remember that," the order's heiress smirked.

  There was another thing troubling the girl. She couldn't believe Halias Alseid would really let his daughter go to the festival, knowing who she was going with.

  "By the way, what about His Eminence?" Remesis inquired casually. "Does he know you're here?"

  "I hope not," the girl smiled thinly. "At least my servant was supposed to cover for me.

  I'm supposed to be asleep by now."

  "Oh, I see," Remesis grinned. It turned out that even the noble heiress of the family was capable of such outright lies.

  However, the affairs of someone else's family didn't concern her in the slightest, so soon Remesis's attention returned to the festival.

  Even if the girl hadn't planned to come here, she still couldn't force her eyes not to look. The lively streets were adorned with wondrous lanterns and various stalls. There were food kiosks, children's shops, as well as gaming establishments and casinos.

  However, most spectators were still engrossed in the main theme of the festival — launching lanterns. Many colorful dots already illuminated the night sky.

  Noticing Remesis's interested gaze directed upward, Iliana suggested:

  "Do you want to launch a lantern?"

  "What? No!" the girl immediately blurted out categorically.

  For the order's heiress, this was another reason for amusement. Remesis's decisive refusal was explained by the superstition: which existed for two people launching lanterns together. And Remesis certainly didn't want to do anything like that with Iliana Alseid.

  They wandered like this for a while, examining the goods on the stalls. A thought flashed through Remesis's mind: "Look what I've come to, choosing a gift for Asil's lover..." Lamenting her unenviable fate, the girl wanted only one thing — to get this over with as quickly as possible.

  Finally, something caught Iliana's attention.

  "Wait a moment."

  "Huh?"

  Iliana suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her somewhere. Remesis didn't even have time to take a breath.

  "Look," she led her to one of the stalls. "There are some nice things here."

  The girl stared blankly at the stall selling accessories.

  "Dear customers, take a look!" the vendor immediately chimed in. "Today we have many new arrivals from the Mediterranean continent. Unique materials and affordable prices will surely please you..."

  Remesis helplessly stared at the man trying to sell them his goods. The girl hesitantly asked her companion:

  "Are you sure you want to buy jewelry? They sell a lot of toys here."

  She doubted that a seven-year-old child would be interested in jewelry. It would be more practical to buy a doll that was currently in fashion.

  But the Supreme Astrologer's eldest daughter shook her head.

  "My sister already has many toys. I want to buy something more valuable and memorable."

  Remesis sighed.

  "He said to look," Iliana insisted. "Maybe there's something suitable here."

  At Iliana's request, the girl examined the displayed items with a bored expression. These were unique jewels that could only be found at the festival. However, the little lady examined them with a rather impassive gaze. Perhaps due to her age, but now she was much more attracted to the sweet corn stall opposite than to cold precious stones.

  Nevertheless, she still had to say something.

  "This looks nice."

  Remesis's hand reached out and picked up an accessory, just the right size for a little girl. It was a bracelet woven from platinum threads, with small emerald-colored stones as pendants. It perfectly matched Gardenia's green eyes.

  The corners of Iliana's lips stretched when she saw what the girl had chosen.

  "As expected, you have good taste, Princess Rania," she remarked sincerely.

  The aristocrat bought the jewelry without hesitation after just one comment from Remesis. As if that was enough for her. The delighted vendor packed up what turned out to be one of the most expensive items in his shop. The bracelet, costing twenty thalers, was securely packed in a soft fabric pouch.

  Remesis's jaw dropped when she only now learned the price of the bracelet. So this was what living large meant... The money this bracelet cost would have been enough to feed Fortress Nord for a month. But Iliana easily parted with it to acquire a useless beautiful trinket.

  Remesis sighed and shook her head as they walked away from the stall with the newly acquired gift for Gardenia. She mentally lamented: "All capital aristocrats live in clover..." For a girl who never dreamed of such extravagance, it was like a painful sting. "Instead of spending so much money on some stones, they'd better do something useful!"

  Since the main purpose of visiting the festival was fulfilled, they intended to head back. And although Iliana suggested they walk a little more, the girl was determined to return as soon as possible. "Hannes is probably worried..." But at that moment, noise was heard in the distance.

  Buzzz~!

  Turning around, Remesis saw a group of people in costumes walking down the street. The main event of the festival had started at the most inopportune time. It was the beginning of the parade.

  Boom!

  The explosion of fireworks further riled up the people on the avenue. A huge crowd of people was heading straight towards them. They beat drums, danced, and celebrated. People came out to watch the parade from everywhere, making it difficult for the girls to leave the main road.

  It happened as the crowd passed by them.

  Shove.

  People hurrying kept bumping into Remesis. The eight-year-old girl was being carried away by the flow of people like a fish among ocean waves.

  "Your Highness!"

  Iliana was moving away from her with a panicked face. Remesis was carried further and further by the throng of marching parade participants, and she desperately tried to resist, although it was useless. It felt to the girl like the whole crowd would simply crush her.

  "It's hard to breathe..."

  "Remesis!"

  When Remesis had already lost hope of getting out, someone's cry rang in her ears. Hearing her own name, Remesis looked up and saw Iliana Alseid's worried face.

  "Grab on!"

  The girl managed to catch her small hand and shield her from the crowd. Iliana shielded her with her body until all the people had passed. Only then could Remesis pull away and exhale. By chance, she looked up and met her gaze. Iliana still firmly held her shoulders.

  "Thank you." Remesis wanted to say this. But suddenly her tongue went numb. The light of the festive lamps refracted in the noblewoman's emerald pupils, and this sight made the girl forget her last words.

  They silently looked at each other.

  ***

  North, Fortress Nord.

  After Remesis left, Asil was unusually quiet. Much quieter than usual. She refused to leave their room and stared continuously out the window. As if hoping someone would appear there. The portions of food delivered daily to the room would simply remain on the threshold, and the spoiled food would later be taken back.

  The princess did not sleep and did not wash, gradually turning back into the same abandoned little animal she had been before. Even though the castle servants were afraid of Asil because of her intimidating aura, they involuntarily empathized with her. The sight of a little girl, like a puppy, daily missing her mistress, could not but touch their hearts. Gradually, their wary glances softened.

  "Am I the only one who feels a bit sorry for Her Highness? She misses our princess so much."

  "Their relationship is so sweet. Even though they're just children, I've never seen such attachment in a couple."

  Moreover, after Remesis left, Asil didn't behave aggressively and didn't attack anyone. She just looked out the window and hardly ever stopped. So the sincerity of her deep feelings was easy to believe.

  The princess didn't pay attention to another maid who brought her breakfast. Quietly leaving the tray by the door, the maid awkwardly said:

  "Your Highness, please eat something. Otherwise, the Princess Consort will worry."

  "…"

  There was no answer, as usual, and the girl sighed. Soon she left. At that moment, another gust of cold northern wind swept outside. The girl, in old clothes with an exhausted look, sat on the windowsill and looked at the snowy road.

  Caw. Caw.

  A bird tapped on the window.

  Asil opened the window and stretched her hand out into the street. A raven landed on it. The girl's gaze, previously gloomy and dejected, softened. She gently stroked the black feathers, and the bird responded with a quiet caw. The princess wrapped her thin, pale fingers around the raven's neck and jerked sharply.

  The bird's head flopped limply to the side.

  Asil tore open the still-warm body and took out a waxy lump from its belly, broke it open, and pulled out a strip of paper. Quickly reading the message, she threw the raven's carcass out the window and closed her eyes in deep thought. A barely noticeable smirk touched her lips.

  The dead black bird in the snow was quickly covered by falling snow.