Chapter 30.
Parting Again
On his way to the office, Mikrok was ready to rip William apart if the issue turned out to be something trivial. But—!
“So, you’re saying two Dark Dragons, who started their activity earlier than usual, attacked a village in the Koun region, and that this might not be the end of it?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. After burning down the village, it seemed like they were searching for something,” replied Duke Xenon, who had arrived in advance and was waiting in the office.
“Hmm…”
“Until now, our defenses have tightly sealed the entrance to Wind Canyon during the beasts’ rampaging periods, which helped minimize damage. But this time, their movements are different.”
Located even farther north than Pritan, Wind Canyon was home to Dark Dragons—beasts that gained peak power only when temperatures dropped to -40°C.
Once they grew to full size in the bitter cold, they could remain unaffected by temperature for about two months, becoming so ferocious that even the brave Pritan army dreaded facing them.
On rare occasions when the blockade at Wind Canyon’s entrance failed, the violent dragons would wreak havoc as far as the Haren Empire and even further south.
But it wasn’t even -20°C yet. The dragons couldn’t possibly be at full strength. This weather was practically summer for them.
For them to come out and attack a village in such conditions meant there had to be another reason.
“Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, we’ve successfully kept them contained in the canyon. Because of that, the entire northern continent has enjoyed peace.”
That was true. In exchange for that peace, numerous nations and tribes on the continent paid tribute to the Pritan Kingdom.
This was also how the kingdom had amassed its immense wealth in such a short time.
“If we fail to stop them now, not only will civilians be harmed, but it could cause diplomatic trouble as well.”
Mikrok unfolded a map of the northern continent and studied the villages near Wind Canyon seriously.
“How’s our stock of spears and arrows made from golden pine in the royal armory?”
“We’re fully prepared, Your Majesty.”
“That’s a relief.”
Folding the map, Mikrok stood as if he had made up his mind.
“Wil, select one hundred knights from the Special Order. Since it’s right after the monster subjugation, choose the most agile and strongest knights—those in top condition.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. When will the departure be?”
“Tonight. I’ll lead them myself.”
William looked at his king with a momentary sense of sorrow, but he soon gave a formal bow and left the office.
“Your Majesty the Queen, today let’s use a lily fragrance instead of rose.”
Adel and Sophie had been brushing my hair and helping me dress for over thirty minutes, yet I remained dazed.
It had only been four days since Mik returned, and now he was leaving for another campaign tonight.
Honestly, when I first heard rumors that my fiancé was a battle-crazed warhound, I expected things like this. I was even thankful he’d be away from the castle often. But now…
Mik wasn’t a demon who enjoyed killing. He was a man of foolishly strong responsibility, quietly fulfilling his duty.
Now that I knew he was a man who could get hurt or exhausted—just a human—I feared this dangerous departure more than anything.
Adel kept my makeup light and touched my lips with a glossy pink hue.
“Your Majesty, your skin is already so pale, but with this look, you seem almost translucent.”
Adel kept complimenting me, perhaps trying to lift my spirits.
“Thank you,” I nodded, forcing a smile.
“What if we leave your hair down today instead of putting it up?” Millie cautiously suggested, watching my complexion in the mirror.
Sophie, who had been preparing to pin my hair, glanced at my dress and agreed.
“Let’s do that,” I said.
My thick platinum hair cascaded over my shoulders like waves. A luxurious white fur hat adorned the top, and Millie draped a soft white fur cape over my shoulders. Inside the cape’s pocket were plenty of enchanted heat stones.
Millie, Adel, and Sophie stepped back.
“All done, Your Majesty.”
“Let’s go.”
I clutched a deep violet scarf on my lap tightly in one hand and stood.
My dress was far more ornate than usual, flowing like waves with every step.
The reason for all this elaborate preparation was simple—I wanted to show Mik my most beautiful self before he left for war.
I wanted him to hurry back to me, back to Pritan Castle.
When I imagined him facing off against the ferocious Dark Dragons, my heart felt like it would shatter.
‘If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have pushed him away last night when he wanted to hold me…’
Regret and self-blame surged in, but I straightened my back and steeled my heart. As Pritan’s queen, I would send him off with dignity! I took confident steps outside.
In the castle plaza, the brave knights of Pritan were mounted, lances raised in formation.
Stoic, grim expressions on their faces—they were demons to their enemies, but I had already seen their true selves. When they ran into the banquet hall to greet their children and families, their masks fell away.
They were simply fathers, husbands, sons—ordinary men who wore the mask of valor out of loyalty and duty.
Tonight, they carried not heavy steel lances but lightweight, solid wooden ones.
Made from golden pine—the only material capable of piercing a Dark Dragon’s scales—these were the secret weapons of the Pritan army.
Castle workers loaded bows and arrows made of golden pine onto wagons at the end of the line.
I walked slowly toward Mik, standing at the front of the formation. As our eyes met, he quickly dismounted and walked toward me. Then, gently, he cupped my cheeks, now flushed red from the cold.
“Are you trying to make it hard for me to leave again today?”
“We both know I can’t stop you.”
Lowering my gaze with a heavy heart, his fingers slid down, brushing through my hair draped over my shoulder.
“Then why did you dress up so beautifully to drive me crazy?”
I smiled faintly and looked away. If I met his eyes now, I’d surely beg him not to go.
With a soft laugh, he lifted my chin and whispered in my ear.
“Well, whatever you wear… I always go crazy for you.”
He teased, trying to cheer me up, but tears still welled up in my eyes.
I bit my lip and pressed the scarf into his hand—the one I’d clutched all this time.
“Please, come back unscathed. Just as you are now.”
Forcing a smile, I looked at him. He pulled me into his arms.
“Of course.”
“Ralph, catch!”
As departure drew near, Freddy tossed something toward Ralph. Reflexively, Ralph caught the flying object—it was a white scarf.
“Mom packed these—for both of us.”
Ralph looked displeased as he examined the scarf in his hand.
“I’ll talk to Millie. Tell her to give up on me. So you let go of those feelings too. Getting attached to a girl who likes me will only hurt you.”
“Shut up.”
“You know how hard it was for me to dodge Millie all night during the banquet?”
“Don’t say a word to her.”
Just then, Millie spotted them and approached with a cheerful smile.
“There you two are! Don’t say anything—I’ll guess who’s who.”
She studied the twin knights carefully with wide eyes.
“Hmm… Sir Freddy on the right, and Sir Ralph on the left. Right?”
Ralph nodded, and Millie beamed.
“Wow, I got it in one try. Must be the power of love!”
Freddy muttered in disbelief, and Ralph scowled at him.
Seeing Millie tilt her head in confusion, Freddy couldn’t bring himself to say anything harsh to her. He simply gave her a small nod and slipped away.
In truth, Millie had been on the lookout since she saw Lea heading to Mikrok. She was searching for her target—and soon spotted the busiest man in the formation: William.
She wanted to say something, even briefly, but he was so busy she feared she might miss her chance again like last time.
She’d been waiting for the right opportunity when she found the twin knights. Though she laughed and talked with them, her mind was completely focused on William.
‘If it comes to it, should I ask Sir Freddy to pass it on?’
While she hesitated, Freddy suddenly mumbled something and disappeared.
Clenching her lips and the scarf in her hand, she caught Ralph’s curious gaze.
“Would I be lucky enough to receive your scarf again today?” he asked hopefully.
“Oh… I’m sorry, Sir Ralph. I didn’t bring an extra one today.”
“Extra?”
His expression instantly hardened, but Millie didn’t notice.
Scanning for William, she saw he had dismounted and was looking this way.
“Sir William! Wait!”
She raised her hand and called out, but he turned away and walked in the opposite direction.
“Oh, did he not hear me? Sir Ralph, I wish you a safe return. Please come back unharmed.”
She hastily offered her goodbyes and ran after William. Ralph couldn’t bring himself to stop her.
“Sir William, wait! Please—huff—just a moment!”
When she finally caught up, Millie was too breathless to speak. Afraid he might walk off again, she pressed her blue scarf into his hand first.
“I wanted to give this to you last time too… but you were too busy… You said someone like you didn’t need something like this, but still… it’s better than nothing.”
Panting, she finished her sentence. William stood there in a daze, staring at the scarf in his hand.
‘She was just with Ralph… and yet she gave this to me?’
His heart fluttered, and he barely suppressed a grin.
“…Thank you.”
“Please don’t get hurt. Come back safe.”
Even with his curt reply and averted gaze, Millie smiled brightly.
Feeling dizzy, William suddenly reached out and pulled her into a hug.
Caught off guard, Millie froze like a statue.
“Sir… William…?”
