Cassineph
“Your Highness, preparations for departure are complete.”
“Very well. I’ll head out shortly. But before that, I must go see His Majesty.”
Having finished his preparations, Valery rose from his seat. He had received the imperial command and was ready to head north. After ensuring his appearance was in order, Valery headed straight for the Empress’s Palace. His steps toward the Empress’s quarters were unwavering.
The Empress welcomed Valery warmly and gladly.
“You’re not leaving immediately, I see.”
“Your Majesty, I’ve come to pay my respects.”
“It’s troublesome for you because your mother wasn’t diligent enough.”
“Please don’t say that, Mother.”
If the Crown Prince, the first prince, resembled the Emperor, then the second prince, Valery, was the spitting image of the beautiful Empress. From his features to his ivory-gold hair, there wasn’t a single part of him that didn’t resemble her.
“Be careful on your journey. Did you already greet His Majesty?”
“I offered my farewells to him after the banquet last night.”
“I see. Just make sure you don’t get hurt.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back safely, Your Majesty.”
After giving a deep bow, Valery exited the Empress’s Palace. One of his guards, Marlon, followed behind him like a shadow.
“Let’s depart immediately.”
“I’ll see to the preparations.”
Soon, the horses and carriages headed for the north were readied, and a small group selected for this northern expedition followed him.
The journey from the capital to the northern region typically took about a week. The road was smooth until midway, but from the entrance to the north onward, there were no gates, and the area was underdeveloped, causing their pace to slow significantly.
In winter, heavy snowfall could stretch the journey to as long as two weeks. That’s why they couldn’t travel with a large entourage.
Moreover, this was an imperial decree.
Even if the official duty was merely to conduct an inspection, it was Valery’s first time outside the capital. The north was a neglected and dangerous region.
The Emperor’s intention was also to test his capabilities. Valery couldn’t afford to disappoint him.
Taking only two carriages, including his own, Valery departed for the north with a small group.
Not long after passing the northern entry point, the carriages came to a halt.
While Marlon got off to check the situation, Valery waited inside the carriage. It didn’t take long before Marlon returned, looking grim.
“Your Highness. We have a problem.”
“What is it?”
“Due to a recent blizzard, the bridge that the carriage needs to cross has collapsed. It won’t be repaired until next month.”
“Is passage completely impossible?”
“Not entirely. We should still be able to get through on horseback.”
Valery pulled aside the curtain covering the window and scanned the surroundings. The snow had stopped, and since it was daytime, some of it had already begun to melt. If they hurried, they could reach further inside.
“Let’s proceed on horseback.”
“Will that be all right?”
“Let’s not waste time.”
Valery secured his coat and got off the carriage. They decided to dismantle the carriage and proceed on horseback. Once everything was ready, Valery mounted his horse with ease and tugged the reins.
They needed to find shelter before the sun set.
“Let’s enter the region first and look for lodging.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Let’s move.”
Finding lodging wasn’t difficult.
In the winter, the north was nearly deserted, so most inns were completely empty. The one they found had only one group staying. Valery and his group rented out the entire second floor.
However, due to a violent snowstorm that began during the night, Valery’s plan to begin his inspection on the first day was ruined.
The blizzard was so fierce it created the illusion that the black sky was being painted white. Left with no choice, Valery stayed inside the inn and eventually gave up and fell asleep by evening.
When he awoke the next morning, the snowstorm had cleared. As if it had never happened, the sun peeked out a little. Valery hurried to get ready.
According to the innkeeper, it snowed almost every night in winter. Sensing that he might need to return earlier than planned, Valery decided to split his team and conduct the inspection separately.
Marlon followed behind Valery, while the rest headed in the opposite direction.
“They say the sun sets early here. We should hurry.”
“This place is inconvenient in many ways. I can see why His Majesty is considering shutting it down.”
The north was an area barely influenced by the imperial power, and most nobles avoided going there. Even half the lords assigned to govern the region had essentially abandoned their posts.
At the very edge of the north stood a massive prison housing criminals. Hardly anyone dared go near it—it was practically a land of death.
Unlike the capital, which often felt like a warm greenhouse even in winter, this place was harsh. A few hours into the inspection…
By lunchtime, they were feeling both hungry and tired.
Valery turned his horse around to return along the path he had taken.
Marlon gazed at Valery’s broad back.
“Let’s pick up the pace.”
Leaving only a few words, Valery tugged on the reins and galloped forward. After a while, they reached a fork in the road. According to the map, they should go left—but there was also a path to the right.
Marlon rode ahead to check, then returned.
“There seems to be a village down that way. May I check it out first?”
“It’s dangerous to go alone. I’ll come with you.”
“It appears to be a small village. I doubt there’s any danger. Then I shall escort you.”
“Marlon! Are you all right?”
“I’m fine… Ugh… I didn’t expect an ambush… Your Highness, are you unhurt?”
Shortly after they had taken the right path, they were ambushed. As if guarding something, the attackers blocked their way. They hadn’t even sensed their presence beforehand.
Valery immediately drew his sword and aimed it at the enemy.
But there were five more opponents than expected. Though Valery had fought against multiple foes before, these attackers were highly skilled—far beyond what one would expect to find here.
After a fierce struggle, they managed to take down all seven enemies, but Marlon was severely wounded.
Valery, too, suffered serious injuries across his body.
“I’m all right. Can you stand?”
“I—I just need to rest a moment. Please, Your Highness, get to safety…”
