The blossoming trees are delicately swaying in the rhythm of the fresh summer breeze. It sets the dew drops to slip from the blades of the lush green wild grasses causing prismatic lights on the field steps... Ah, what bliss! The serenity of the place is a dream paradise...

That would be a nice view to see, however, Celeste should not have expected a ‘vista’ of the Northern Duchy in the first place. Those were all just the White witch’s creative imagination as she thought of her destination—Levonne, the Archduke's territory in the Northern Border.

It was Mr. Berkley who described how beautiful the territory was which lead her to believe that the place was truly a utopia when in fact, it was the total opposite. Summer in the north was different and not a pleasant one. The moment they arrived at the border, Celeste could see nothing but a place clad in white. She had never stepped foot in Levonne before as she did not like winter and cold. Her mana was not compatible with this kind of climate.

She could remember meeting for the first time the white witches who governed the winter solstice. It was quite a memory, they had brought a snowstorm with them; a traumatizing yet hilarious incident at the banquet. From that day onwards, they had not shown their faces to any festivities of the coven anymore—only gifts and their goodwill greetings were sent.

‘So this is what the North looks like?’ A whiff of disappointment was seen on her face. The sun was barely shining through the sky, the snow was still sleeving the budding trees and—

“Achooooo!” She sneezed, pausing her pressing criticism of the Duchy. If only she could use her magic to warm her body up.

The icy wind breathed passed her sensitive nostrils making her grit her teeth and shiver simultaneously. No amount of clothes could suffice in this freezing climate. This place was absolutely a ‘no-no’ for a Forest witch like her! Another round of sneezing escaped her mouth which slightly disturbed the champagne-colored horse she was sitting on.

“Easy there,” came a whisper beside her, pulling the rein of her horse towards the side. One click of his tongue and the animal calmed down from its light agitation.

Even without looking, Celeste knew who it was. Just his mere presence was enough confirmation that it was the Archduke. Besides, she was more preoccupied with her current condition that she could hardly utter even just a single gratitude.

A warm coat was suddenly draped around her shoulders which made her jolt. Good thing, Celeste was able to grab somebody’s arm to prevent herself from falling off the horse’s back.

“Damn it!” She grunted at her jinx. It was all Adonis’ fault. In all honesty, she had a bad feeling about this ‘friendship operation’ with the Archduke. This most likely would not end well.

“You can let go of my arm now,” a sudden male voice intruded her contemplation.

“Huh?” As she looked up to see the person to whom where her hand was still clinging, the face of the Archduke blessed her sight. “Y-Your Highness!”

Without any second thoughts, she let go of his arm as if burned by it. Since Mr. Berkley went ahead of them, an awkward silence befell between them as their horses resumed walking the snowy path. Just as Celeste was about to express her thanks to the Northern Lord, a bunch of knights appeared ahead of their trail.

“Archduke, the knights are here!” His secretary notified Ezekiel.

The knights’ winter armor was camouflaging the snowy terrain as they rode their horses with confidence and vigilance. As soon as they saw their commander, they galloped their horses faster to meet them.

“We greet our lord, the Archduke of Levonne,” the soldiers hailed in a chorus as they bowed their heads to give respect to the high noble.

In response, Ezekiel just nodded his head to acknowledge the knights. One soldier moved forward and took off his helmet revealing a face of a middle-aged man with a huge scar on his left cheek. His rugged look did not lessen his manly appeal at all.

“Sir Bennet,” the Archduke called his name. He was his teacher and the general of the Levonnean white knights.

“Your Highness, I assumed you have a pleasant trip. The folks are delighted to hear of your safe arrival.” The man began with a warm expression. “I hope Aron did not bring inconvenience with you at your investigation.”

A chortle was heard from Mr. Berkley as soon as his name was mentioned. “How could I trouble the Archduke, Sir Bennet? I’m the greatest assistant ever,” declared the secretary with self-love and praise.

Though no one agreed to the said self-proclamation. Sir Bennet only laughed at the secretary’s sudden comment.

“Hey, it’s true! I’m not even joking.”

Ignoring his secretary’s conceitedness, Ezekiel proceeded with his reply to the general. “The case is far from being solved, sir Bennet. It’s bigger than I thought," he said in a low voice. "I need you to gather the frosts.”

'Frosts...?' In a short distance, Celeste could hear the conversation between the two men. A piece of crucial information could be helpful in the future, she thought. It was obvious that the Archduke was bothered by the incident involving the late Baron of Edelfort... and a very ominous black wizard.

There could be a broiling conspiracy against the empire.

“As you command, your Highness.” Sir Bennet took notice of Celeste behind the Archduke and inquired about her identification. “...And who is this lady might be, my Lord?”

Celeste immediately forced a smile despite the cold, rooting for a good impression. She needed to gain the knights’ trust as well to avoid suspicion; the same knights that were experts in tracking and pursuing witches like her. Better to be on their good side.

“My hired private investigator,” the Archduke answered without any hesitation as he angled his head toward her direction. “Celeste Evergreen.”

She nodded to the Knight commander without throwing a glance at the Archduke. "Good day, sir."

A knowing grin had formed the General’s lips upon hearing the Northern Lord’s quick answer. Amused and quite shocked as the young master had never brought a woman into his territory until today. Sir Bennet knew that the Archduke was probably lying to hide his affair with the beautiful lady. Who on earth would a woman choose to work as a private investigator? Such a perilous job was not a fitting profession! He must have fallen in love with the pretty miss and brought her home.

Ah finally, this could be the beginning of his master’s romantic pursuit and eventually bring forth a De Clarzus heir, by heaven’s grace! And perhaps, the reason why they needed to hide their relationship was that this young miss came from a poor family; with no title nor wealth, not suited for a high noble like the young master.

‘Forbidden love… so bittersweet! Poor young Lord…’ With determination on his face, Sir Bennet decided that he would protect this ‘ship’ at all costs for his young master’s happiness and future heir!

"Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, my lady. I'm Cleofas Bennet, commander of the White Knights."

Ezekiel’s eyebrow lifted slightly at the overly cordial manner that his General had shown after introducing Celeste to him. Not sure why but somehow, he could see an unknown burning resolve in his brown eyes. What could this old man be presuming again?