The Central Forge Reactor
Born in a dark world, the Central Forge Reactor. To be precise, it wasn't exactly a forge. It was easier to picture it as a massive black pillar like a chimney. Magic stones were fed into it continuously. The black magic stones, handled by mages, spat fire as they vanished into the pillar. When the enormous turbine at its base began to spin, the city soon filled with warmth. This was one of those moments where my knowledge perfectly aligned with the novel's setting. We could call it the Central Forge Reactor—or, in other words, a magic stone-based reactor. While a typical reactor generates electricity, ours melted the earth, forged iron, and spread geothermal heat to make farming possible.
"But the design is hideous."
That was its biggest flaw. Smoke billowed from the towering chimney.
"What do you think? The Empire doesn't need anything like this."
"Wow, it's incredible. So huge... and long."
"H-Hem. It is an impressive pillar."
We were outside. I rarely ventured beyond Winter Castle, but I'd used our guest as an excuse to slip away. Free from Alfredo, Dorgon, and the likes of Lord de Wintergard. Of course, the paperwork would pile up like a mountain to torment me later. But that was tomorrow's problem—tomorrow's me could deal with it.
"The Empire doesn't need these because it's warm even in winter."
"Does that pillar make the whole area around here warm? If we had something like that..."
She circled the reactor like a child, wide-eyed. The mages bowed in greeting as I passed. Were they suddenly swarming me because some work issue had cropped up? I returned their nods while watching Daniela, who was beaming with excitement.
Before we left for our walk, she'd still been downcast. A change of scenery, I figured. After breakfast, I'd decided to show her around outside right away.
Daniela had protested, "It's fine. I'll just stay quietly inside the castle—"
"I want to show off the North to my guest, so bear with me. Especially to someone from the South."
I'd watched her eat breakfast. She was dainty about it, like it suited her taste perfectly.
"No other plans for today?"
"None, Your Grace. Ah, there is a special performance at the Northern Hall of Arts this evening."
"Oh, finally. The day has come."
There was a reason for it, of course. I'd run through countless plans in my head, discarding them one by one. For a moment, I wondered why I was overthinking it so much, but seeing Daniela eat so properly chased the doubt away. With a guest here, it was fine. Probably?
"Looks like my morning and afternoon are free."
"Ah, um, yes."
"So, how about I show you around the North?"
My heart raced. I wiped my mouth with a napkin, trying to sound casual. Is this a date? The thought made me tense up a bit. Alfredo looked displeased, but I ignored him.
Daniela set her utensils down with perfect noble etiquette—nothing like the rumors. I'd once heard that imperial nobles were all show and no manners, especially in the North, derisively called the "Kingdom of Exiles."
"Thank you, Your Grace, but I wouldn't want to interfere with your duties."
A refusal? I glanced at Alfredo behind me. He subtly shook his head. Not yet? Or keep going?
"There must be plenty you've never seen in the South. It'll be easier to understand with someone guiding you. And since you're a guest, I have to do my best."
How's that? Okay? Alfredo gave a slight nod—not too obvious, but it seemed passable. Felt like I was consulting a therapist.
"Still, I worry it'll disrupt your work, Your Grace."
"It's fine. Wintergard always puts guests first."
"In that case, may I prepare?"
"Go ahead. I'll give you some time—take it slow."
Suddenly, I wondered if she even had suitable clothes. Winter Castle had everything, but still... I quietly signaled Alfredo: Make her as beautiful as possible. Noblewoman style. But he was already on it.
"Such an order is a first, Your Grace."
"Etiquette matters. Right?"
"Hahaha, we'll do our utmost. Then—"
Alfredo hurried after Daniela as she rose. Probably escorting her to the wardrobe. The other nobles had stripped her of her clothes and dowry, so she likely had nothing. We could pass it off as Wintergard hospitality.
Come to think of it, I needed to get ready too.
"I-I should prepare as well..."
"This way, Your Grace."
The maids swarmed me. Soon enough, I was dressed in a neat suit with a black cloak. It'd stand out in the city, of course.
"Even so, doesn't this outfit stand out too much in town?"
"Your Grace, this is what captivates women's hearts. The Northern cloak over a Southern blazer and shirt..."
"I get it. I get it."
I waited for Daniela at Winter Castle's gates. Soon, a woman in a flowing cloak approached slowly. Northern women wore skirts or pants interchangeably—no restrictions. Daniela awkwardly tugged at her pant legs, trying to hide them under the cloak, but the loose black pants suited her perfectly.
"How does it look?"
Alfredo spoke first. Not for nothing was he a noble. Wait, no—he was a butler.
"Doesn't it make me look too Northern? Is it uncomfortable?"
"It's my first time in pants, so my gait feels a bit..."
"They're loose-fitting, so it'll be fine. Northerners don't wear skirts in winter."
Alfredo slipped behind me, fiddling with my arm to create space. Daniela glanced at him curiously. He forced some room in my sleeve. Got it! I get it!
"A-Hem, then shall we go?"
I turned to the gates. The guards bellowed announcements: "His great and dignified Grace departs the castle!"
It was a bit much sometimes, but it bought us time. I slipped my hands in my pockets and subtly crooked my elbow.
"Oh!"
Daniela startled at Alfredo's nudge but slid her fingers into the crook of my arm. Only then did Alfredo bow and retreat inside, clapping silently and dipping his head.
"We'll be off."
Clop-clop. I wanted to walk naturally, but it wasn't easy. I slowed to match her pace. The guards bowed deeply as the gates closed.
I'd already picked our first stop. Plenty of time before the evening performance—we'd start with something the South lacked. The Central Forge Reactor! And that's how we ended up here.
"Should've taken a carriage if I knew it'd be this far."
"I've never seen anything like this, even in the imperial capital."
"They don't need it there. But in the North, temperatures plummet the moment the fire dies."
Daniela returned to my side, placing her hand lightly in the crook of my arm just like when we left the castle. I felt the soft touch.
"Your Grace? What brings you here?"
The reactor superintendent came rushing over, breathless—worried about some issue at first, but his face lit up when he saw Daniela.
"Showing our guest the Central Forge Reactor."
"All this is possible only because Your Grace is such a wise ruler!"
"Too much flattery, too much! Hahaha!"
I checked Daniela's expression. Perfect. Good job, you.
The reactor's true magic shone at night, but the sun was high now. Natural flow was key. We'd walked a bit, so time for the next street.
"Thinking of showing her Central Street next. What do you say?"
"An excellent choice, Your Grace! Straight this way. Haha!"
I knew the way, of course, but a natural guide added flair. Or maybe not—Daniela was still mesmerized by the reactor. It sat smack in the city's heart; Winter Castle was nearer the edge by design during development, but the location worked well.
"Central Street will be the liveliest. You've got this."
"Y-Yes, sir."
As we headed to Central Street, the avenue burst with blinding light and bustling energy. Perfectly laid pavement blocks formed flawless paths. Merchants hawked their wares with shouts; two men arm-wrestled, drawing a crowd; elders lounged in open windows, basking in the sun.
The North's winter had been hell. At least until I became Grand Duke.