- Linker

6. “Erno………….” Standing under the sunlight, Erno appeared far more beautiful than Diana remembered. His jet-black hair, braided and cascading down, shimmered like raven feathers in the light. His proud stance was reminiscent of a mountain peak enduring a snowstorm with unwavering strength. When she had been closer, all she could think was how big he seemed, but now, from a short distance away, she noticed his physique wasn't merely large; it was balanced and quick, like poetry in motion. His long, straight limbs resembled the slender elegance of white birch trees. Erno approached, stopping a couple of steps away, and crossed his arms. His face was full of disapproval as he tilted his head to look down at Diana. “You must have a death wish.” What on earth have I done? Bewildered, Diana's mouth fell slightly open, and her brows furrowed. “...I don’t understand what you mean. As I told you yesterday, I would never…” Just as she resolved to clear up the misunderstanding from the day before, a fortuitous encounter, she was about to speak when he raised his arm. Was he about to strike her for talking back? As the memory of Lapin, who had laid hands on her without hesitation, flashed across her mind, Diana instinctively squeezed her eyes shut. However, instead of hitting her, his arm pulled her into him. At the same moment came a thud, and a huge, thick icicle crashed down where she had been standing. “...?” “What?” Cautiously opening her eyes, Diana was shocked. Erno’s strong arms were wrapped around her. No, it wasn’t just his arm; his entire body was shielding her. But Diana hadn’t even realized this. Though she had thought the icicle hanging from the eaves was large, seeing it up close, it was gigantic, rivaling the pillars of a building. If something like that had struck her on the head, just imagining it made her tremble all over. “How am I supposed to understand this situation, walking around under icicles without a maid? Do you think of me as a fool?” His voice was laced with a faint anger. Veronica, who had visited the castle early in the morning, saying there were many things to tell the Duchess, had clicked her tongue disapprovingly upon hearing last night’s events. I told you, didn't I? That girl would be no different. I told you not to have any expectations. It's not a bad bet since, win or lose, I’ll still be here. If you keep responding like that, she’ll think lightly of you. It’s only happened once, so why fuss? Once turns into twice, and twice into ten times before you know it. Once again, Veronica’s words rang true. After he had overlooked one lie, seeing her make no pretense of hiding, his anger turned to a weary sense of hollow frustration. Diana couldn’t grasp what exactly had caused this man’s anger. However, one thing was certain: had it not been for him, the thing that would have split was not merely the icicle but her head. “I... I really didn’t know. I just thought the icicles were beautiful and wanted to look at them…” The realization that she had almost genuinely died caused Diana’s voice to tremble. “I’m sure you did.” Diana closed her mouth. Whatever she said now seemed to be perceived as an excuse to avoid the situation. She had intended to clarify the misunderstanding, but it seemed like she had instead created a bigger one. “Are you alright? I heard a loud noise… Oh dear, greetings to the Duchess.” A familiar-faced knight approached, running towards them. “Oh, so the noise was caused by this. Are you unharmed?” “Yes, I’m fine. He saved me since he was there just in time. It seems I’m late in thanking him. Thank you for saving me.” Diana raised her voice, attempting to appear as though nothing was amiss. Erno let out a hollow chuckle at her sudden burst of energy, which contrasted with her earlier trembling voice. He wondered if it had even dawned on her how close she had been to dying. “Make sure all the icicles attached to the castle are removed before we return. If the guests attending the banquet are injured, it’d be a disaster.” Though leaving just one might not be so bad if it ended up stuck in that old man’s head. “Aquila?” “We should set off now.” He, too, was dressed in attire fit for the outdoors. “Where are you going?” It wasn’t Erno who answered but Akila. “There have been reports of monsters appearing nearby, so we’re heading out for a bit of a clean-up. It shouldn’t take too long, so there’s no need to worry.” At the mention of monsters, Diana’s shoulders flinched. It hit her anew that this place was indeed on the border separating the realms of humans and monsters. “Well… Erno!” “Is there something else you wanted to say?” Erno turned entirely, standing face-to-face with her. His dissatisfaction was evident, as if thinking he could have set off already if not for her. Diana could acutely feel how much larger this man was compared to herself. The unexpected size difference made her momentarily feel small, but she feigned calm and spoke with an unaffected demeanor. “... Be careful.” “Hah.” Erno, with a sly smile, moved closer to Diana. Two strides at his pace would bring him directly in front of her or even allow him to envelop her in his arms. Feeling the shadow cast over her from head to toe, Diana felt an overwhelming pressure and shrunk her shoulders. Leaning close to her ear, Erno whispered. “Don't say things you don't mean, Vi.” “......!” “You do realize that if I die, all of Fenrir’s fortune will be yours, right? Ah, unless you’re telling me to survive until I can die three days later?” “Erno!” "It would be best to clear things up now. I absolutely, utterly despise liars. So don't ever pull a stunt like this again." Without so much as a glance at Diana, who was frozen in shock, Erno turned and rejoined his soldiers. Left alone, Diana stood there, struggling to catch her breath. Although he hadn't physically struck her, Erno's harsh words reminded her uncomfortably of Baron Lapin. In fact, given that they were to spend their lives together, this was worse. *** Though she was too shocked to speak, she realized she couldn't just stand there frozen forever. The tailor would arrive soon. Remembering this fact, Diana stumbled inside with unsteady steps. "... Monster hunts are quite dangerous, aren't they?" The unexpected question made Veronica, who was observing the fitting session, and even the tailor pause and look at their new duchess. Diana had returned pale-faced, seemingly after some incident during her stroll. "Erno mentioned that there were monsters nearby, and they were on their way to deal with them." "Whatever you imagine, it's probably ten times more dangerous," Veronica replied, setting her teacup down. "Oh, it seems the Duchess may not be aware," she continued. "Aware of what?" "Aren't you curious how people manage to survive in such a frigid place? What gives them that capability?" Come to think of it, Diana had never considered it before. Seeing Diana's puzzled reaction, Veronica nodded knowingly and began her explanation. "This land has historically been ruled by five families. Though now only three remain, this isn't crucial to the story. Each of these families possessed unique abilities." Listening intently to this new information, Diana couldn't help but lean in closer. "They could wield the power of animals. Among them, the Fenrir family boasted the greatest strength, enough to protect everyone—like a leader of wolves." "So, Erno also has…?" Veronica gave a slight nod. Although there were many untold stories leading up to that point and thereafter, they were irrelevant to the Duchess. "To be so strong... Was my concern then just unnecessary meddling?" Diana's eyes, which had momentarily sparkled with curiosity, dimmed with melancholy once more. "Did something happen?" Ho, what do we have here? Veronica's eyes twinkled behind her veil. It seemed something had indeed transpired between the couple earlier. Whatever it was, it wouldn't hurt to know. After all, the more intricately one could weave discord between them, the better. "It's alright. I’m on your side, Diana. So go ahead and share whatever’s on your mind," Veronica encouraged, offering a kind smile from beneath her veil.