The footsteps of House of Silver’s procession echoed softly along the magnificent corridors of Gimle Palace’s western wing.
The walls were adorned with intricate gold-plated carvings, while white marble pillars supported the lofty ceilings, which were covered with paintings of gods and rulers from ages past.
Light filtering through the stained-glass windows cast soft, colorful patterns across the red velvet carpets, creating a warm atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the bitter cold outside the palace.
The palace butler leading the procession finally stopped before a pair of mahogany doors carved with the royal crown emblem.
He turned around and bowed with impeccable poise.
“We have arrived, Your Grace, Duchess Freya, Young Master Edward, and Young Lady Elena.”
His gaze shifted toward the servants standing behind him.
“The western wing has been specially prepared to accommodate House of Silver. All essential amenities are available, and the assigned staff will assist you throughout your stay.”
He then gestured to two servants, who stepped forward to open the doors.
“If you require anything, please use the silver bell in the sitting room. The palace staff will arrive promptly to assist you.”
Freya nodded gracefully.
“Thank you for the warm welcome and the arrangements you have made. We appreciate the palace’s consideration.”
The double doors swung open.
Beyond them lay a spacious suite that was exceptionally luxurious even by the standards of noble residences.
A grand white marble fireplace occupied one side of the sitting room, its flames burning steadily behind an intricately carved iron screen.
Sapphire-blue velvet sofas surrounded a low table made of dark wood, while heavy silk curtains framed the tall windows overlooking the palace gardens.
Several other doors led to private bedrooms, dressing rooms, and a bathroom equipped with a polished stone bathtub.
Everything had been arranged with meticulous care.
There was not a speck of dust on the tabletops.
The linen sheets were neatly spread across the beds.
Even the firewood beside the fireplace had been stacked in such a way that it could easily be used whenever the flames began to fade.
For a family accustomed to living in Silvergard Fortress, a place this warm and peaceful almost seemed excessive.
On the northern frontier, comfort often had to give way to survival.
Here, comfort itself was part of how the palace displayed its status.
“This place is completely different from Silvergard,” Elena remarked, her eyes sparkling as she looked around.
Edward removed his gloves and lightly patted his sister on the shoulder.
“Of course. If the royal palace couldn’t provide decent accommodations for its guests, how do you think the nobles would react?”
Elena gave a small snort.
“I’m just saying that this place is beautiful.”
“And I’m just saying that you sound like someone who has never seen a sofa before.”
“Edward!”
Freya’s gentle laughter interrupted their little argument.
Meanwhile, Aiden remained in his mother’s arms.
He calmly surveyed the room, noting the doors connecting the different sections of the suite and the fireplace’s position relative to the windows.
An old habit.
Even in a comfortable place, his mind automatically cataloged his surroundings.
However, before he could finish his assessment, Freya lowered her head and adjusted the collar of his little outfit.
“What do you think, Aiden? Do you like our room?”
Aiden turned toward his mother.
“It’s nice, Mother.”
Those two simple words immediately brightened Freya’s face.
“Really?”
She kissed his cheek.
“I’m so glad you like it.”
Aiden blinked.
He was beginning to suspect that even the simplest answer in this world could lead to consequences he had never anticipated.
Especially when dealing with a mother who regarded her youngest son as the most precious treasure in the world.
Not long after the immediate family had finished inspecting their rooms, Martha and Amy arrived with several servants pushing luggage carts.
Martha immediately took charge of arranging the family’s personal belongings.
“Put the clothing trunks in the room on the right. The bathing supplies go near the main bedroom. As for the medicine box, place it on the small table away from the fireplace.”
Amy nodded quickly.
“Understood, Aunt Martha.”
The girl then helped move the smaller trunks, occasionally checking their labels to ensure nothing was misplaced.
Martha, meanwhile, made sure every valuable item was placed where it belonged.
After years of managing House of Silver’s household needs, she had developed the habit of working efficiently without having to issue a multitude of orders.
Freya watched them with satisfaction.
“Make sure you get some rest as well once everything is finished. We still have two days before the celebration.”
“Understood, Your Grace,” Martha replied.
Amy nodded even more enthusiastically.
“Yes!”
After ensuring that the luggage was being handled properly, Martha led Amy out to finish their remaining duties.
The sitting room gradually fell quiet.
Edward dropped onto a sofa near the fireplace and stretched his stiff shoulders after the long journey.
Freya sat in an armchair with Aiden still on her lap, while Elena walked toward the large window overlooking the gardens.
Outside, the winter garden stretched beneath the fading sunlight.
The shrubs had been neatly trimmed.
Footpaths wound through a thin blanket of snow, while several stone statues stood among trees that had shed most of their leaves.
It was a beautiful sight.
Yet Elena seemed to give it only a passing glance.
Because in the very next moment, her thoughts had already wandered elsewhere.
We’re really in Gimle!
She clasped her hands in front of her chest.
The largest city in the northern territories.
A center of trade.
A gathering place for nobles.
And, most importantly…
Her eyes sparkled.
Shops!
Images of countless storefronts immediately filled her mind.
Soft woolen fabrics from Baronia.
Brightly colored silk from the eastern regions.
Warm blankets embroidered with beautiful stars.
Little wooden monster toys.
Honey cakes, candied berries, and all sorts of sweet treats that were almost impossible to find in Silvergard.
Everything sounded perfect.
Especially if she bought it all for one particular person.
Aiden would look absolutely adorable in a new robe.
Elena’s smile widened.
What if I also bought him a special blanket?
The softest one, of course.
And a few little animal-shaped pillows.
She began counting on her fingers.
Oh, and sleepwear!
Her smile grew wider still.
In her imagination, Aiden was already sitting amid a mountain of presents, dressed in new clothes, wrapped in a soft blanket, and enjoying a plate full of sweet cakes.
The image was so satisfying that Elena failed to notice how suspicious her expression had become.
The corners of her mouth were raised far too high.
Her eyes narrowed.
Both hands curled into little fists, as though she had finally discovered the purpose of her existence.
Edward, who had been enjoying the warmth of the fireplace, happened to turn around.
He fell silent.
Then, slowly, he turned toward their mother.
“Mother.”
Freya lifted her head.
“Yes?”
“I think we need to keep an eye on Elena while we’re in Gimle.”
Freya followed his gaze.
The moment she saw her daughter’s expression, she immediately understood what Edward meant.
However, instead of showing concern, Freya covered her mouth with one hand to stifle her laughter.
“What makes you think that?”
Edward massaged his temples.
“Her eyes.”
He gestured toward Elena with his chin.
“That isn’t the expression of someone who simply wants to go sightseeing. I’m worried she’s planning something we’ll regret allowing her to do.”
Elena still hadn’t realized they were talking about her.
Edward sighed.
“If we aren’t careful, she might return tomorrow with ten trunks of clothes, five wagons of cakes, and enough toys to open a shop of her own.”
Freya finally let out a soft laugh.
“Edward, you’re exaggerating.”
“Mother, you haven’t seen her face.”
“I have.”
Freya glanced at her daughter again.
“And I think she’s simply happy.”
She lowered her head to straighten Aiden’s clothes.
“Elena hasn’t had many opportunities to enjoy a city this large. Let her have some fun, as long as she behaves herself and doesn’t neglect her responsibilities.”
Edward still looked unconvinced.
“But, Mother…”
Freya raised an index finger with a gentle smile.
“Besides, Aiden really is adorable.”
Edward fell silent.
He looked at his mother, then at his younger brother sitting peacefully on Freya’s lap.
Aiden blinked.
Edward released a long sigh.
“…Now I understand where Elena gets it from.”
Aiden turned away, pretending to be interested in the flames dancing in the fireplace.
He had no intention of getting involved in an argument he clearly had no chance of winning.
Yet inwardly, he couldn’t suppress a complaint.
So I’m not dealing with just one person.
It turns out the entire family shares the same weakness.
He glanced briefly at his mother.
Then he looked at Elena.
And that weakness is me.
The conclusion should have made him feel proud.
Strangely enough, it only made him a little worried about his own future.
Night gradually descended upon Gimle.
Outside the windows, the last traces of sunlight disappeared behind the tall buildings.
Crystal lamps along the streets began to glow, while lanterns in the palace gardens cast golden light between the snow-covered trees.
After attending a dinner banquet with several palace officials, the members of House of Silver finally returned to their suite.
The banquet had lasted quite some time.
For Edward and Freya, discussions about regional affairs, the condition of the frontier, and preparations for the celebration were inseparable parts of their visit.
For Aiden, however, the banquet had been a far more exhausting test of patience.
He had to sit still, endure the attention of nobles who found the sapphire-eyed toddler irresistibly adorable, and occasionally offer simple responses to avoid arousing suspicion.
No monsters had attacked him.
No enemies had threatened his life.
Yet after several hours among adult conversations, Aiden had begun reconsidering which was more exhausting: enduring a prolonged battle or pretending to be a little child who understood nothing.
That night, he decided to go to bed early.
Freya carried him to his bedroom, laid him on the soft bed, and pulled the blanket over his small body.
“Sleep well, darling.”
She gently stroked his hair.
“We still have plenty of time to enjoy Gimle tomorrow.”
Aiden gave a small nod.
“Good night, Mother.”
Freya smiled, kissed his forehead, and dimmed some of the lamps before leaving the room.
The door closed softly.
Aiden stared at the ceiling for a few moments.
Finally, some peace and quiet.
No formal conversations.
No curious stares from nobles.
No need to maintain an innocent expression in front of people he had only just met.
He pulled the blanket a little higher.
At least I can get some proper rest tonight.
The thought was so relieving that Aiden soon closed his eyes.
He had no idea that someone in another room was making an entirely different plan.
The antique wall clock showed ten minutes past midnight.
The palace had fallen into the silence of the night.
Along the western wing’s corridors, wall lamps glowed dimly.
Most of the servants had finished their duties, while the guards remained stationed at key points.
There was no sound except for the occasional footsteps of patrolling guards in the distance.
Then a shadow stopped outside Aiden’s bedroom.
It waited for a few moments.
Its head turned left and right, making sure no one was watching.
Then, slowly, the door handle began to move.
Creeeak…
The door opened a few inches.
A dark-haired girl slipped inside with careful movements.
She wore dark-colored nightclothes and carried a small pillow under one arm.
Elena.
Her eyes adjusted to the darkness.
On the bed, Aiden was still sleeping soundly, his face partially covered by the blanket.
Elena stared at him.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
Success.
She had waited long enough to make sure everyone in the suite was resting.
After confirming that no footsteps could be heard in the corridor, she had finally carried out her secret plan.
Her objective was simple.
To hug her little brother.
That was all.
At least, that was what she told herself.
Elena approached the bed, placed her pillow beside it, and slowly sat down on the edge.
“Aiden…”
Her whisper was so soft that it was barely audible.
Her younger brother did not move.
Elena’s smile widened.
“Big sister is here.”
There was no answer.
Of course not.
Aiden was asleep.
Elena carefully lifted the blanket and slipped into the empty space beside him.
She adjusted the pillow, made sure Aiden was lying comfortably, and then wrapped both arms around his small body.
The embrace was warm and full of affection.
However, Elena’s enthusiasm made her hug a little too tight.
Aiden stirred.
His eyes slowly opened.
For several seconds, his consciousness remained clouded by sleep.
He could only feel the warmth surrounding his body and something preventing him from moving freely.
Then he recognized the voice whispering near his ear.
“Hmm… I finally get to sleep beside Aiden again.”
Aiden’s awareness returned instantly.
…What?
His eyes shifted to the side.
Elena’s face was right beside his, wearing a satisfied smile that left no room for misunderstanding.
Elena?!
Aiden stared at the ceiling.
Then he looked at the closed bedroom door.
Then back at his sister.
Did she sneak into my room in the middle of the night just to hug me?
Elena gently rubbed his back.
“The journey must have been tiring, huh? Go to sleep. Big sister will stay with you.”
Her voice was so sincere that Aiden couldn’t bring himself to complain immediately.
The problem wasn’t that he disliked his sister’s affection.
On the contrary, he understood that Elena genuinely loved him.
However, there was a difference between receiving affection and becoming the target of a secret midnight operation.
In his previous life, Aiden had faced countless threats in Pantheon: Twenty-One Worlds Online.
He had led battles, confronted dangerous monsters, and survived situations that demanded absolute composure.
Yet none of those experiences had prepared him for an elder sister who would sneak into his bedroom simply to hug him.
What kind of enemy launches an attack while their target is sleeping?
Aiden nearly let out a loud sigh.
Fortunately, he remembered just in time that he was supposed to be sleepy.
He chose not to resist.
Partly because he didn’t want to wake everyone else in the suite.
Partly because he knew that if Elena became fully alert in the middle of such excitement, the situation might become even more troublesome.
Aiden shifted slightly to make breathing more comfortable.
Elena immediately loosened her embrace.
“Oh, sorry, Aiden.”
She adjusted the blanket and gently stroked his hair.
“Is this better?”
Aiden gave a small nod.
“Mhm.”
Elena smiled again.
“Such a good boy.”
She pulled the blanket over both of their shoulders.
Then, with much calmer movements, Elena hugged Aiden and rested her head on the pillow.
“Good night, little brother.”
For the first time since sneaking into the room, she said nothing more.
Her hand merely continued to stroke Aiden’s back from time to time in a gentle rhythm, much like when she had tried to soothe him as a baby.
Aiden fell silent.
The warmth from the fireplace in the adjoining room, the thick blanket, and the sound of Elena’s breathing gradually settling into a steady rhythm created a comfortable atmosphere that was difficult to ignore.
He didn’t need this kind of protection.
At least, not in the sense most people understood.
Yet there was something different about being held by someone who expected nothing in return, who wasn’t afraid of his strength, and who sought no benefit from his name.
Elena simply wanted to be close to her little brother.
It was as simple as that.
Aiden closed his eyes again.
Fine.
Just for tonight.
He allowed himself to sink into the warmth of his sister’s embrace.
Tomorrow, I’ll make sure she doesn’t bring the entire collection of shops in Gimle back to this room.
It sounded like a perfectly reasonable plan.
Unfortunately, Aiden had yet to realize that Elena had already spent much of the previous night compiling a shopping list nearly as long as the supply manifest for a military expedition.
And that list was not finished.
The night continued to pass.
Outside the window, snow fell gently over the palace gardens.
Lantern light flickered in the wind, while the shadows of trees swayed across the snow-covered paths.
Inside the bedroom, Aiden eventually fell asleep again.
Elena followed not long afterward, still hugging her little brother with a small smile on her face.
For a few hours, there were no political intrigues, no rivalries between nobles, and no threats from the outside world.
Only an elder sister who felt she had achieved a great victory by managing to sleep beside her younger brother.
However, such peace would not last forever.
When dawn arrived, Gimle would stir to life once more.
Stopping his elder sister before the entire Gimle marketplace turned into her personal gift warehouse.