The Return of the Iron-Blooded Ruler
Ariel woke a little earlier than usual, intent on finishing her preparations to return to Hespania. Just as she had expected, she hadn’t slept deeply the night before; when she checked the mirror, the shadows beneath her eyes looked rather hollow.
She washed quickly and, without waiting for Shuri’s help, finished her simple toilette alone. Hoping the morning breeze might clear the last traces of sleep from her mind, she stepped out of her room and headed for the terrace. There, amid the crowd, she spotted a familiar back.
She drew in a slow breath to steady herself, then approached him with a deliberately calm expression and gave the nape of his neck a light tap.
“You’re up early.”
“What? You’re already awake? I was just about to come wake you.”
Edgar looked her up and down with mild surprise. The scrutiny irritated Ariel; she positioned herself so no one else could see, then punched him squarely in the shoulder.
“Ow!”
“Don’t be such a baby, you idiot…!”
When Edgar let out a dramatic yelp as though he had been mortally wounded, Ariel flinched and glanced around before scolding him. She was certain she had hit him with the force of a thrown rock—where did he get off acting like that? Still, Edgar had every right to feel wronged. The pain was far too sharp to be ordinary, unless she had unconsciously wrapped her fist in the Mana of Domination.
He doubted she would ever use such power on her childhood friend during a playful scuffle, yet the mere possibility sent a chill down his spine.
“Ugh, it still stings… You have no idea how heavy your hand is.”
“You train every single day. How can something this small even hurt you?”
“What does training have to do with pain? Even Mr. Creed would die if you stuck a blade in his stomach.”
Ariel gave a small, understanding nod at the uncharacteristically blunt remark. If the comparison involved Creed, the image became vividly real. No one else would have driven the point home so clearly.
While the two childhood friends were still engaged in their pointless bickering, two figures slowly approached from behind.
“So both of you were here.”
“Did you sleep well last night?”
The newcomers were none other than Sally and Gria. They had been taking a stroll outside the annex when they noticed a familiar silhouette and drew closer. Sure enough, it was Ariel’s group.
Startled by the unexpected meeting, Ariel returned their greeting. Edgar, who had been leaning against the railing, also inquired about their night.
“Are you both staying until tomorrow?”
“Ah, we’re scheduled to return to Hespania today.”
“I thought as much. Your clothes looked so neat I wondered…”
At Gria’s words, Edgar scanned their surroundings. Indeed, people’s attire varied. Some, like him and Ariel, were dressed formally and clearly ready to depart, while others, like Sally and Gria, wore simpler clothes suited for another day of leisure. The former were leaving for their family estates today; the latter planned to remain.
Edgar’s expression filled with surprise—he hadn’t considered that distinction until now.
On the other side, Sally was feeling her own pang of regret. She had finally met a girl her own age—aside from Gria—during the ball and had hoped to grow closer to Ariel. Yet they had barely spoken, and now it was time to part.
“Lady Robeheim must be terribly busy with official duties if you’re returning so soon… What a shame.”
“It’s not quite like that. My father has to step away for a while, so I need to watch over the estate in his absence.”
“Your father… you mean His Highness Yulken Robeheim?”
Yulken Robeheim. One of the most powerful nobles in the Helvenia Empire and current head of the Robeheim family, rulers of the North. He was known as the iron-blooded sovereign for showing no mercy to the migrant tribes that invaded the northern lands, cutting them down without hesitation. A legendary figure who inspired both fear and admiration.
Hardly any noble house was unfamiliar with his name. Sally was among the many young ladies who secretly admired the feats she had only heard about.
“Yes, he’s always so busy.”
“I suppose he must be. It can’t be easy for you either, my lady.”
“It’s simply my duty as a member of the family.”
Despite her words, even Sally—who barely knew her—could sense the faint bitterness hidden behind Ariel’s smile. To be born the only daughter and shoulder the weight of an entire ducal house at just fifteen… For Sally, who had a younger brother close in age, the burden was almost impossible to imagine.
Suddenly Sally seized both of Ariel’s hands, pressing them to her chest and gazing at her with sparkling eyes.
“If you ever find the time for a cup of tea, would you send a letter to our house? I’m truly sorry we couldn’t finish our conversation.”
“O-of course. Um… your hands…”
Startled by the sudden physical contact—even between girls—Ariel stammered. Only then did Sally realize what she had done and quickly let go, flustered.
Not long after, Shuri spotted the two on the terrace and approached. Everything was packed and the carriage prepared; she needed Ariel to confirm the departure time.
“My lady, the carriage is waiting just outside the imperial palace. When would you like to leave…?”
“Right now. Edgar, shall we go?”
“Already? All right.”
They had lost track of time while talking. Ariel’s modest luggage, which she had brought out herself, was divided between Edgar and Shuri. Together they left the annex.
Sally and Gria asked to accompany them at least to the palace gates, saying it was a rare connection. Ariel did not refuse. There was no need to be coldly formal with people one had formed a bond with.
The scene was quite different from their departure for Hespania. Then, the entire ducal retinue had come out to see them off. Today, only two people stood at the gate.
“I’ll send a letter later so we can have that tea, Lady Dwalos.”
“Ah…! If it’s not too forward, could you call me by my first name? And if possible, I’d like to call you Ariel as well…”
“I’d like that too.”
Having only just become acquainted, it felt too soon to part so stiffly. Besides, who knew when they would meet again? They wanted to change how they addressed one another now, like a token of their promise to see each other in the future.
“…All right. Sally. Gria. Since we’ve come this far, there’s no need for formal titles, is there?”
“Of course not! Ariel.”
“We must meet again, the three of us. I’ll be waiting, Ariel.”
How many people in the world could address the precious daughter of a grand ducal house so casually? Sally nodded vigorously, her face glowing with emotion. When Gria echoed the promise, a faint smile curved Ariel’s lips.
Edgar and Shuri, watching from the side, whispered and chuckled to each other. It was rare for Ariel to open her heart so quickly to people she had only just met. Perhaps Sally’s sincerity had reached her even though they hadn’t spoken much. For all her cool exterior, the girl had a surprisingly warm heart.
“Safe travels, Ariel! We’ll meet again soon!”
“I’ll prepare some excellent tea. If you have the chance, please visit the Jernin family as well.”
As the carriage began to move, Ariel waved from the window. The two girls waved back, promising yet again to meet, though they had already lost count of how many times they had made the vow.
The carriage sped down the grand boulevard leading to the center of the imperial capital and soon vanished from sight. The two girls left behind licked their lips with lingering regret, then exchanged soft smiles. They hoped that next time they would be able to talk much more.
The air slipping through the carriage window had grown noticeably colder. Ariel stirred from her light doze and looked outside. The endless plains that had been barren when they arrived were now covered in a delicate blanket of snow, as though a fresh flurry had fallen just before their return. The sight was like a painting.
Ariel loved this view. The moment when everything in the world was blanketed in white and all things seemed equal. Beautiful flowers, towering ancient trees, humble cottages, and sharp spires—none needed to be judged as lovely or plain. Everything simply slept beneath nature’s gentle cover.
“Looks like we had a decent snowfall. There won’t be any accumulation in the city, will there?”
“Probably not. It melts the moment it touches the ground.”
The Symbol of Domination did not actually alter the weather itself. It could not prevent snow or rain from falling. What it did was maintain a mild temperature, so the snow melted as soon as it landed or turned to rain before it could reach the earth.
That was why, although Ariel lived in Hespania, she rarely saw snow piled up unless she stayed away from the castle for a long time.
“We’ll be there soon. Do you think Lady Helene will be at the castle?”
“I’m not sure. She might have gone to where Father is… In any case, Elfelt is at the main house.”
Ariel gazed at the snow-covered plains with indifferent eyes, as if none of it particularly mattered. Before long the carriage reached the gates of Hespania and quickly made its way along the main road to the Robeheim family castle.
“My lady, shall I prepare warm water as soon as we arrive?”
“Mm, it’s fine. I’ll rest my eyes a little longer, then wash when I wake. What about you, Edgar?”
“I’ll wait in my room. Call me if you need me.”
He could meet Creed tomorrow, and even if he slipped out after Ariel fell asleep it wouldn’t be too late. While the three of them discussed their plans, the carriage slowly came to a stop before the castle. The guards at the entrance rushed forward and saluted.
“Welcome back, my lady.”
“You must be tired after such a long journey.”
Ariel smiled and nodded at the two guards, then asked about anything that had happened in her absence.
“Thanks to your concern, everything was peaceful.”
“And Mother? She didn’t go to where Father is?”
At Ariel’s follow-up question, the two guards widened their eyes. Suddenly they began exchanging hesitant glances, each trying to shift the burden of answering to the other.
“Why are you acting like that? Did something happen?”
“Well… the thing is…”
Anyone who served the Robeheim family knew the rumor, even if they had never witnessed it themselves. These two were no exception, which was why they hesitated to speak. But the truth could not stay hidden forever.
Eventually the taller, sharper-featured guard took the lead.
“The truth is… His Highness has returned.”
“…Father?”
“Yes.”
Only then did Ariel understand why they had been exchanging nervous looks. Beside her, Edgar’s expression changed. A shadow fell across Shuri’s face as well.
Ariel closed her mouth, her eyes growing dark and still as she stared at the water channel flowing beneath her feet. After a moment she gave a small nod and walked past the two men without another word.
It seemed it was still too early to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.