The Duchy of Ashbon.
Located to the southwest of Waveland, this land, unlike the long winters and frequent rains of Waveland, boasts a mild climate and fertile soil, bursting with life in the spring.
The rich lands of Ashbon feed its people well, while the dense forests and mountains generously provide timber, animal hides, tart fruits, and herbs.
The picturesque sea is not far away, drawing wealthy citizens of the empire to Ashbon in summer to soak in the exotic waters, and in winter to gaze at the mountains that retain their colorful hues late into the season.
For these reasons, neighboring countries, including Waveland, have always coveted the lands of the duchy, but there was one flaw that turned them away: the frequent incursions of monsters.
To the northwest of Ashbon lies the Kanji Mountain Range, known as the highest and longest mountain range on the continent.
The mountains and passes of Kanji are extremely deep and treacherous, making passage and climbing strictly prohibited, while hunting and gathering are only allowed in certain designated areas.
The Kanji Mountain Range extends to Waveland, but the most notorious peaks are all located to the north of Ashbon.
The people of the continent referred to those peaks, which have yet to be conquered by humans, as the “Devil’s Summits.” This was due to the appearance of monsters.
Monsters would descend from the Kanji Mountain Range to threaten Ashbon at least once every quarter. Among them were species known to be particularly dangerous.
To combat this, the residents of the duchy, regardless of gender, took up arms from a young age, resulting in most of the renowned knights being produced in Ashbon.
And leading those knights with an unapproachable authority was none other than the current emperor’s nephew, the last remaining blood of Ashbon. In just ten years of reign, he had placed Ashbon in a position more prosperous and secure than ever before.
That was the Duke of Ashbon, Nobert.
“I greet Your Grace, the Duke.”
Ariella, staring blankly at Nobert, quickly lowered her head to greet him.
It was rude to maintain eye contact for too long. She never dreamed she would encounter him in such a moment.
As soon as she realized, she shifted her gaze downward, but seeing the subtle twist at the corner of his mouth, it seemed she had offended him.
Aaron, too, seemed to have grasped the situation at that moment and slowly lowered the hand he had raised. However, the fierce demeanor showed no signs of abating.
“What are you doing here, and what is the matter…?”
“I believe this is a garden accessible to anyone.”
Nobert boldly interrupted Aaron’s words with his reply. It was only natural for Aaron’s face to contort in response.
He knew full well that it was not meant in that sense!
Aaron gritted his teeth and raised his voice. But as he continued, his lips involuntarily stuck together.
“I heard a loud noise, so I came out.”
Aaron’s face momentarily took on a troubled expression. Ariella felt no different.
‘Did he hear everything?’
Had the Duke of Ashbon overheard the entire conversation she had just had with Aaron? Given that he had asked if she needed help, it seemed he had grasped the general situation, but how much had he actually heard?
Thinking that she must have appeared to be pouring out her grievances to her unfaithful fiancé filled her with shame.
‘Why did it have to be the Duke?’
Realistically, it was better than being caught by someone else. The Duke was known for his discretion and kept away from social circles, so he likely wouldn’t spread rumors.
However, Ariella thought it would have been better to be caught by someone else. She had no interest in social gossip anymore…
‘The Duke dislikes me.’
There was nothing more unpleasant than seeing the human side of someone who disliked her.
Ariella empathized with the disgust he must feel and slowly raised her head. In the pitch-black darkness, the red, glowing eyes once again captured her gaze.
Nobert Ashbon, who drew the attention of all the nobility, had been staring at her like this for some time. His gaze was closer to a glare than a mere look.
Whenever their eyes met and Ariella awkwardly tried to smile, he would often turn his head away as if he had seen something filthy.
She hoped it was a misunderstanding, but judging by the fierceness of his gaze, it was almost certain that he disliked her.
There were many other pieces of evidence.
No matter which party they encountered each other at, he always maintained a certain distance from Ariella.
Whenever she approached him, he would move away again. Thus, for years, she had not been able to have a proper conversation with him.
