Sigrid

“Yes.”

As Sigrid entered her room, Seria followed close behind and carefully placed the box on the desk. Sigrid began to undo her hair and asked:

“Were there any other messages?”

“No, there weren’t.”

“I see…”

Sigrid murmured softly. Seria clasped her hands together and forced a smile.

“I’m sure oppa is fine. He’s not one to keep in touch often, and it’s difficult to communicate once inside the Ice Tower.”

“Ah, yes. I suppose it’s not spring yet, either.”

He said he’d return in spring, after all.

But the date is almost spring now. Though it’s still cold, before long the weather will turn mild as if it had never been otherwise.

Sigrid swallowed a sigh. Her friend’s younger sister was smiling and comforting her; she shouldn’t be like this.

“There’s a saying not to trust a magician’s time promises.”

Sigrid said with a grin, and Seria nodded.

It was an old proverb warning that magicians get so absorbed in their research they lose track of time, so be prepared to wait when making appointments with them.

—Don’t trust a magician’s time promises.

Arkana sighed.

“Even so, isn’t this too late?”

At Arkana’s words, his master Skard snorted. The room had an exotic atmosphere unlike the imperial style, reminiscent of the far south. Delicate floral carvings adorned wooden lattice windows, colorful tiles covered the floor, and cushions and pillows made of brilliantly patterned fabrics were scattered about.

Light streamed in through the window, but Arkana knew well it wasn’t sunlight. It was magical light.

“Aren’t you being like this because you’re about to receive your appointment and leave?”

At those words, Arkana’s face stiffened slightly.

“Then why am I learning magic I can’t even use?”

Skard exhaled smoke from his water pipe and straightened the cushion he was leaning on.

“Not to fight, that’s for sure.”

“I’m not trying to fight.”

“But there’s someone you like, isn’t there? You want to use it for that person, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

There was no hesitation in Arkana’s answer. Skard sighed again.

“Magic, you see, is actually nothing special, but at the same time, it’s an incredibly powerful force. We’ve been able to live well all this time because we haven’t used our power for personal gain.”

“I know.”

What if magic were used to kill people in war?

Of course, magic isn’t omnipotent. But it’s true that one person can possess firepower equivalent to many, and it enables unexpected tactics. If so, each country would try to secure magicians as weapons by any means necessary.

“But from my experience, there’s not much difference between magicians and aura users.”

Arkana imagined a scenario where he used magic to fight Sigrid. He couldn’t guarantee victory at all.

“If the magic tower wants to play it safe, that’s fine. But I’m different.”

“Your goal from the beginning was to gain power.”

Skard spoke as if lamenting. Arkana smiled slightly and said:

“But you’re the one who accepted me, Master.”

Skard raised one eyebrow.

“Are you blaming me now?”

“No, I’m grateful.”

Even among magicians, Skard was an outsider. His skin was brown, and his features were different. Hailing from the Mollard Islands, he had taken on as a disciple the boy who proclaimed he wanted to learn magic to gain power—a boy other magicians had rejected.

In short, you could say it was a case of misfits banding together.

Skard stared at his disciple’s face for a moment, then said:

“I’m not saying I don’t think about it too. There are probably many lives and souls that could be saved with magic…”

In fact, the Ice Tower occasionally dispatched magicians at the request of nations.

“Anyway, let’s wait a bit longer.”

At Skard’s words, Arkana lowered his gaze impatiently. He had promised to return by spring…

He hoped their conversation would end before then.

⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱⊰⋆⋅⭑⋅⋆⊱

When word spread that Sigrid would be guarding the Third Prince, everyone in the Imperial Guard immediately gave her looks of sympathy.

“Is it that terrible?”

Sigrid asked in the dining hall, and Orut shuddered as he replied:

“He’s an incredibly spoiled brat, and no one can control him. They say he often tries to shake off his guards or throws plates and food.”

Isn’t that truly awful? Orut sighed.

How high is a master knight’s pride?

At least as high as the North Ice Mountains, surely. But to have to endure a child’s tantrums and be showered with food, even if he is a prince? It was horrifying just to imagine.

As the two talked, a man from the 7th Imperial Guard sitting at the next table chimed in:

“I briefly guarded the Third Prince, and let me tell you, be careful. He’ll tell you to bark like a dog, hit you with his hands, and kick you. It’s really terrible.”

“That’s serious. What about his tutor?”

At Sigrid’s question, the man shook his head.

“He glued the tutor’s hair and made them leave crying.”

Orut shook his head, saying, “That’s really awful.” The 7th Imperial Guard man grinned and said:

“Well, you’re a renowned master from the 1st Imperial Guard and a beauty, so it might be different for you.”

Then he left the table. Orut narrowed his eyes, watching his retreating back, and said:

“That guy’s not even a master.”

The way he stuck out his tongue made it hard to believe he was older than them. Orut turned to Sigrid and said:

“Anyway, good luck. I don’t know why you’ve fallen out of favor with His Majesty, but…”

At those words, Sigrid smiled bitterly and said:

“I’ll do my best.”

“Make sure you don’t bring shame to the name of the 1st Imperial Guard.”

Alita said as he passed by, finishing his meal. Orut grumbled, “Jeez, why doesn’t he do it himself then?”

Sigrid stood up and said:

“There’s no use getting too nervous about something I’ll have to do anyway.”

“Right, do your best.”

Orut spoke freely since it wasn’t his problem. Sigrid nodded and carried her plate to the return area.

As she was leaving the dining hall, she ran into Beramund. He looked worried for a moment, then grinned and said:

“If he doesn’t listen, just give him a spanking.”

“I’ll consider it.”

Smiling in response, Sigrid left the Imperial Guard quarters.

CRASH—!

The sound of breaking porcelain rang out loudly. Sigrid paused for a beat with her hand raised to knock, then rapped on the door.

Soon the door opened, and a pale-faced maid greeted Sigrid.

“I’m Sigrid Ankertna, assigned to guard the Third Prince.”

“Tell her to come in.”

At the voice from inside, the maid quickly ushered Sigrid into the inner chamber.

Morning sunlight poured in through large windows, and most of the furniture in the room was small. It must have been sized for the room’s owner, the Third Prince.

A young woman in elaborate clothes sat askew on one of the few adult-sized pieces of furniture. Sigrid immediately recognized who she was.

“I am in the presence of Her Majesty the Empress.”

Quickly kneeling as she spoke, the Empress briefly commanded, “Rise,” and Sigrid stood up. As she did so, she swiftly stepped to the side, and a boy who had attempted to kick her from behind made a surprised “Huh?” sound. Catching the arm of the boy who was losing his balance and stumbling, Sigrid said:

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness the Third Prince.”

Embarrassed that his kick had failed, the Third Prince swung his fist while huffing, but Sigrid easily dodged it by slightly twisting her body.

“You—!”

“Prince, that’s enough.”

“Mother! But this—!”

“This is Sigrid Ankertna, who will be guarding you during the day.”

“A mere wench like this as my guard!”

The Third Prince stomped his foot and then threw himself at his mother’s skirt.

“I don’t want this! Please ask to change her. Please? I don’t want a female guard.”

“It’s His Majesty’s order. Accept it, Awen.”

Awen said “But, but” several times, but the Empress was firm. The Empress raised her head to look at Sigrid and said:

“You said Ankertna, correct? I’ve heard your skills are excellent. A master at such a young age?”

“I am humbled.”

“I entrust my son to you.”

“I will do my utmost.”

Sigrid bowed her head politely. When she raised her head again, Sigrid looked at the Empress.

‘They said she’s the same age as Her Highness the Crown Princess.’

The Empress was indeed young. Her jet-black hair was meticulously pinned up, adorned with elaborate ornaments, and she wore dark, dignified clothes, but she still looked youthful. If not for the small tiara symbolizing her status as Empress glittering on her head, she might have looked like an ordinary noble maiden. Surprisingly, the Third Prince whining in her arms didn’t resemble her at all.

‘He takes after His Majesty.’

Just the difference in hair color made their impressions starkly different. The Empress gently pushed her son away and stood up. It was a careful yet resolute movement.

“Then this mother shall take her leave.”

“Already?”

“You must study hard.”

Saying this, the Empress quickly passed by Sigrid, who had bowed again, leading her maids out of the room. As soon as the long train of her entourage left and the door closed, Sigrid twisted her upper body to the side.

CLANG—!

The teacup thrown by the Third Prince—Awen—whizzed past her ear and shattered against the wall. Sigrid glanced at the broken porcelain and said:

“What a waste.”

“It’s because you dodged!”

“My hands are too precious to catch a cup filled with hot water.”

“You! How dare you be so insolent!”

“Why are you so angry?”

“I don’t need a guard!”

‘Ah, so that’s the problem,’ Sigrid thought, nodding.

“But it’s His Majesty’s order, so it can’t be helped.”

“You’re just here to spy on me anyway—!”

“I’m here to guard you.”

“Guarding, spying, what’s the difference?”

“What would I gain from spying on you, Your Highness?”

“That’s—”

At this, Awen seemed to be at a loss for words and pressed his lips together. Sigrid waited patiently for an answer.

“As if I’d tell you!”

Awen finally shouted after a long pause, and Sigrid nodded, saying, “I see.” Awen squinted his eyes at Sigrid. But soon a servant announced that the tutor had arrived, and Awen turned on his heel and ran out. Sigrid quickened her pace to follow him.

“I’m not going to class!”

“Wait, Your Highness!”

Awen shouted as he passed the tutor, who tried to grab him with a bewildered face but failed. Sigrid gave the tutor a quick nod and followed Awen out of the room. After hiding and running here and there for a while, Awen escaped into the garden and caught his breath.

“So there’s a garden this way.”

“Eek?!”

Awen was startled by the calm voice behind him. There stood Sigrid, without a trace of panting.

“You, how—!”

“I followed you.”

“But I didn’t see you…!”

“I kept a proper distance.”

“I’m not going to study.”

Awen said, tensing his stomach muscles. The silver-haired female knight tilted her head and replied:

“Yes, I see.”

“Huh?”

A confused Awen made a dumbfounded sound. Sigrid stood silently without saying anything else. Awen asked:

“Didn’t you chase me to catch me?”

“Why would I need to catch you, Your Highness?”

“Well…”

Awen was taken aback by the “Isn’t it obvious?” implication.

“I’m your guard, not your tutor, disciplinarian, or nanny.”

“Then you won’t force me to study?”

“No.”

Awen suddenly felt deflated. This thirteen-year-old boy composed himself and glared at Sigrid. She might say that, but who knows when she might suddenly change her attitude when he lets his guard down. Sigrid asked in a leisurely tone:

“But won’t you be cold in that attire?”

Hearing Sigrid’s words, Awen realized she was right. He had felt hot from running just moments ago, but now that he was standing still and the wind was blowing, he felt cold.

“Give me your cloak.”

“This is my cloak.”

“…What did you say?”

“I’m your guard, not your nanny, remember?”

“It’s an order! Give me your cloak!”

“I refuse.”

“Eeek—!”

Awen reached out to grab Sigrid’s cloak, but she gracefully avoided him. After charging at Sigrid’s cloak like a bull for quite some time, Awen finally collapsed, exhausted.

“I’ll tell Mother and Father to have your head! I’ll have your head hung on a spear tip!”

“That sounds unpleasant.”

“If you’re scared, give me the cloak right now.”

“I refuse. I could give you my cloak. But then I’d become your nanny, which means I’d have to catch you and take you to your tutor.”

At those words, Awen frowned. After panting for a while, he stood up and said:

“Then forget it.”

‘Oh?’ Sigrid felt a bit surprised.

‘So logic works with him.’

It might be childish logic, but still, it worked.

Awen dusted off his bottom and went back inside the castle. Sigrid silently followed him. After watching him cause trouble and wander around, Sigrid quietly said:

“Your Highness.”