The morning air outside the Arcadelt Estate was crisp and biting. Snow had begun to fall over the mountain peaks bordering the Northern Territory.
Following the clues deciphered from the spatial core by Adrian, the location of the second dimensional artifact had been confirmed: the ancient ruins hidden deep within the Frozen Abyss of the North.
I stood by the armored carriage, wrapped in a dark fur coat. Chloe stood right beside me, meticulously adjusting the fur collar around my neck to keep the chilly wind away.
"Lady Rosel, the temperature in the northern valley drops significantly at night," Chloe whispered softly, her warm breath visible in the cold air. "I have packed extra heating mana-stones in your carriage."
"Thank you, Chloe," I nodded. "Is our private escort ready?"
"Yes, my lady. But..." Chloe paused, her emerald eyes darkening as she turned her head toward the front gates.
A troop of white-armored imperial knights rode up to the estate, led by Prince Leo on a magnificent golden stallion. Beside him rode Lady Catherine, back in her full northern plate armor, looking considerably more subdued after our duel at the banquet.
"Rosel," Leo greeted, dismounting smoothly and walking toward us. "The Northern Expedition to the Frozen Abyss is under high royal order. The Emperor has granted me full command to assist House Arcadelt in securing the artifact."
*Ping!*
[Reading Prince Leo's Thoughts...]
*‘Traveling through the harsh northern wilderness together... This is the perfect opportunity to prove to Rosel that I can protect her in dangerous territory!’*
*PROTECT ME? I'M THE ONE PREVENTING YOU FROM GETTING STABBED BY CHLOE EVERY FIVE MINUTES!*
"Your Highness," I inclined my head slightly. "I see Lady Catherine is joining us as well."
Catherine stepped forward, stiffly offering a low bow. "Lady Rosel. My father, Duke Vane, has requested that I act as your guide through the northern terrain. I... apologize for my previous arrogance at the banquet."
* **[User_OrangeCat]:** *CATHERINE GOT HUMBLED SO HARD SHE BECOME OUR TOUR GUIDE, LMAO!*
* **[User_YuriSimp]:** *STILL, KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM OUR QUEEN!*
"Accepted," I replied calmly. "Let us move before the blizzard sets in."