“I came as soon as I was summoned, Madam.”

Hoffman was slightly out of breath, having hurried over.

Cecilia gave him some credit for not dragging his feet.

“I heard that the Lord went out. They said it was around noon, yet I only just learned of this now. Why is that?”

“Ah… I didn’t think…”

Hoffman trailed off, realizing his misstep.

“You didn’t think?”

“My apologies, Madam. If I may explain, the Lord often comes and goes frequently. Especially around this time, just before winter, we naturally expect him to be away from the castle. Sometimes he’s gone for as long as two months.”

“And if something happens while the Lord is away for such a long time?”

“Those remaining in the castle handle things as they arise.”

Cecilia couldn’t understand this logic.

The master should avoid being absent whenever possible—there are always wolves lurking for an opportunity.

‘…Is it different here?’

The continent ruled by the seven grand dukes was a world full of intrigue.

It was a prosperous land, crawling with those who were greedy.

‘Indeed, the saying goes that where there’s wealth, there are always thieves.’

“When winter comes to Lagos, heavy snow falls almost daily for nearly two months. Outdoor work becomes impossible, and even going outside is out of the question. We are confined indoors for the entire two months, so this is the busiest time as we prepare to endure it.”

“Are you saying the Lord himself is among those busy with preparations?”

“That is correct, Madam.”

Cecilia recalled the past, watching the endless snowfall through her window.

It rarely snowed on the continent, so it had seemed fascinating to her then.

The pure white world viewed from her warm bedroom was simply beautiful.

‘So the harsh winter here lasts two months.’

Even though she’d spent two winters here, she hadn’t realized that.

“I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again. When the Lord either returns or goes out, there hasn’t been anyone to report to until now. Madam, this is our first time serving a lady of the house. I humbly ask for your understanding.”

Cecilia let out a chuckle.

“Where did you learn to speak like that?”

Relieved by her laughter, Hoffman thought to himself, ‘Oh, I’m safe.’

Still, he kept his expression one of contrition.

“I’ll accept your explanation.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

“So, when will the Lord return?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know, Madam. He will return before winter begins in earnest, but…”

“Then, how long until winter starts?”

“Approximately one month, Madam.”

Benjamine, standing beside them, frowned deeply. Frustrated at not being able to interject as usual, she bit her lip.

.

.

After returning to the bedroom, Benjamine sighed.

“What’s the point of having such a grand castle if there’s nothing of substance? I’ve never heard of a lord personally preparing for winter.”

‘She’s only ever known Grand Duke Jericho as a lord. The world is much bigger than you think, Nanny.’

Cecilia smirked to herself.

“Miss, you’re smiling? You don’t even know when you’ll next see your husband.”

Benjamine looked exasperated.

Cecilia let out a small, incredulous laugh.

‘She’s good at saying things she doesn’t mean.’

Did Benjamine really wish for Cecilia to build a bond with her husband?

In her past life, Benjamine had been the one who enabled Cecilia to remain isolated in her bedroom.

How different people’s words could be from their true intentions.

Cecilia couldn’t help but laugh at the irony.

Misunderstanding her laughter, Benjamine sighed.

‘When will our Miss finally grow up?’

Yet, seeing this carefree side of Cecilia, Benjamine felt somewhat reassured.

 

❖ ❖ ❖

 

The dense forest.

Tall trees rose so high they blocked out the sky, leaving the forest in darkness even at midday.

A group of hunters moved quietly, scanning their surroundings.

“We found it.”

A hunter said, lifting some leaves to reveal animal droppings.

Harrison spoke up, “It’s clear the advance party passed this way.”

Russell nodded.

“They tend to scout the path and return to it.”

He gazed intently in one direction within the forest.

Following this path would eventually lead them to a village.

‘A pack led by an experienced leader is indeed different.’

The wolves had managed to find the perfect route to ambush the village while remaining concealed.

‘This time, I’ll catch him with certainty.’