Chapter 64: Unsolved Twist (2)

Isaac DeepSnow.

If one were to describe him in a single phrase, he was the very definition of an elite noble.

As the captain of Wintercannon’s defense forces, his position was comparable to that of a capital defense commander in modern terms.

As the heir to the prestigious DeepSnow family, he could have lived a life of wealth and privilege without ever lifting a finger.

Yet, the fact that he had climbed to his current rank purely through his own merit was proof of his extraordinary abilities.

Perhaps that was why he had one particularly unusual background detail.

Isaac once had a marriage proposal with Grace.

According to the novel’s storyline—

When Grace ascended as the Northern Duke, the DeepSnow family proposed an alliance through marriage with the Northrein family, aiming to solidify the unity of the two most powerful noble houses.

Historically, it was common for the first and second-ranking noble families to strengthen their political power through marriage alliances.

However, in the early days of her reign, Grace had gone through some kind of incident.

After that, she had no room to consider anything else, devoting herself entirely to ruling the North.

The engagement, which had been continuously delayed, was eventually nullified.

Since the two of them had never formed a personal relationship, Grace and Isaac simply remained as ruler and vassal.

An engagement plot involving one of the heroines?

Naturally, readers at the time were captivated by this revelation.

However, the incident that led to the engagement being called off—commonly referred to as “The Tragedy of That Day”—was never revealed, not even by the time the Northern arc ended.

Once Aran departed for the royal capital and Grace exited the story, the plot moved on to Episode 5, leaving this mystery unresolved.

Thinking about it now, I’m even more curious.

What exactly was The Tragedy of That Day?

What could have happened for it to be given such a grim name?

Since it took place during Grace’s ascension, it must have been something significant.

More importantly, there was something I had learned after joining the escort knights—

The Northern Duke’s escort corps did not have a long history.

Of course, there had always been a unit assigned to protect the duke.

But it had never been as large as it was now, with over a hundred members.

Nor had it ever possessed so many knights of such high caliber.

Originally, it had been nothing more than a small personal guard.

It wasn’t a knightly order or a royal guard in the true sense.

It was Grace and Elaine who had restructured and expanded it into what it was today.

Considering their ages, this meant the escort corps had existed for less than ten years.

Even now, the corps was still in the process of refining its structure, creating new positions like vice-captain and squad leader.

So how had the escort corps become one of the North’s most critical military forces?

Why had Grace, who was supposedly too busy to consider marriage, spent so much effort establishing it?

And why had Elaine, someone younger than Grace, been chosen as its captain instead of a more seasoned knight?

Maybe it was my instincts as a devoted reader.

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that The Tragedy of That Day was deeply connected to the origins of the escort corps.

And most likely, it also had ties to the upcoming betrayal storyline.

After all, when the identity of the traitor was revealed in the novel, The Tragedy of That Day had been mentioned once again.

My thoughts had drifted off course.

I refocused on Isaac, who was currently presenting the plans to reinforce the fortress defenses.

“We have identified weaknesses in the eastern gate and have completed fortifications. Additionally, to ensure a steady supply of expendable weapons during battle, we have set up temporary storage facilities in strategic locations.”

“What about coordination with Snowflake Tower?”

“We have installed cold energy cannons in each watchtower, based on the findings from our research on frost crystals. The cannon chambers are pre-loaded with crystal fragments, allowing them to fire powerful blasts of frost even when using regular mana rounds. As for firepower and range…”

Isaac continued answering Grace’s questions without hesitation, delivering each response with absolute precision.

Once their exchange was complete, Grace nodded in approval.

“I’ve heard the defense report. Next.”

She then moved on to Arthur, Gunter, and the other command officers, inquiring about their respective areas, addressing shortcomings, and issuing additional orders as needed.

As expected from experienced military leaders, there wasn’t a single weak link among them.

And the more I listened, the more a strange excitement welled up inside me.

In Brave Road, even though the western forces launched a surprise invasion, the North managed to hold them off.

This was despite suffering heavy losses from preemptive sabotage.

But now, unlike in the novel, the North was fully aware of the enemy’s schemes and was thoroughly preparing.

Just how spectacular would the battle against Dorgon’s legion be?

It might not be appropriate to say this, but—

I was genuinely looking forward to the fight.

“All of you have been fulfilling your duties admirably, and that gives me both confidence and pride.”

Grace’s voice carried across the hall.

“As you heard earlier, we cannot expect reinforcements from our allies. Keep that in mind and make sure to refine your preparations even further. That is all.”

At her closing words, the military officers saluted in unison before stepping away.

However, just as Arthur, the commander of the knight order, was about to leave, he suddenly turned and approached Elaine and me.

“Sir Luke, may I have a moment of your time?”

“?”

I thought we had settled everything the last time we spoke.

What could he want now?

But judging from his serious expression, this was something that had to be addressed.

Since I needed Elaine’s permission before moving, I turned to look at her.

Elaine gave me a slight nod, signaling that I could go.

Previously, she had been wary of Arthur trying to take me to the knight order’s headquarters.

But that had been during a break, in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Now, in a situation like this, she must have judged that Arthur wouldn’t be tactless enough to push for my defection.

With her permission, I followed Arthur.

As a knight who had served the North for two generations, Arthur was well-versed in the layout of the Winter Palace.

He led me to a secluded spot, known only to the escort knights.

“This should do.”

He came to a stop, then turned to face me.

“Have you confessed your feelings to the woman you love?”

“…?”

The completely unexpected topic left me momentarily stunned.

“Not yet. Don’t tell me you’re going to propose an engagement with your youngest daughter again…”

“Ahem. No, nothing like that.”

Arthur cleared his throat.

“I was just wondering if, by any chance, things didn’t work out, a new relationship might help ease your loneliness.”

So he was planning to suggest it again.

“My youngest seems to have taken an interest in you. She was quite disappointed.”

Arthur’s usually stern face softened slightly, as if even he found this a bit embarrassing.

I had never had a daughter, but imagining one like Elaine, I could understand why fathers became overly protective.

“And at my age, there’s nothing more entertaining than hearing about young people’s love stories.”

“Ah, I’ve heard that before.”

In my past life, workplace gatherings often turned to discussions about relationships.

The middle-aged employees would always urge the younger ones to experience love while they still could.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll handle it on your own. I’ll be rooting for you.”

Arthur returned to his usual serious demeanor.

“But that’s not what I called you here for.”

He fixed his gaze on me.

“You remember what you asked me last time.”

“I do.”

I had previously asked him—if someone were to betray Grace during the war, who would it be?

Arthur hadn’t pointed to anyone specifically.

But he had said it would have to be someone with enough power and status to replace Grace.

“Ever since that conversation, your words have been bothering me.”

Arthur crossed his arms.

“I never expected a mere squire to ask me such a bold question. It left quite an impression.”

Well, it wasn’t every day that a squire asked the knight commander something like that.

Even I had wondered if I had been too forward whenever I saw Arthur afterward.

“So, I gave it some serious thought. There’s no harm in being cautious, after all.”

Arthur’s voice grew more deliberate.

“If we assume such a person exists, as you suggested, and narrow down the candidates based on logical criteria… interestingly, only one group fits.”

“…Who is it?”

“Before I answer, I want to ask you something first.”

Arthur stared at me intently.

His warm demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp, calculating gaze that sent a chill down my spine.

It was as if our pleasant conversation had been nothing more than an act.

If I answered incorrectly, what would happen?

Arthur wasn’t like Grace or Elaine.

He had only recently taken an interest in me, and we had only spoken a handful of times.

There was no deep bond between us.

Unlike those two, he also had the experience and stubbornness that came with age.

“I don’t know what you mean, but I have been curious about something.”

“What is it?”

“The North has many noble houses.

But why is there only one great noble house that can be considered equal to the Northrein family?”

Arthur’s lips curled up slightly.

“So you… were thinking of the same candidate as I was?”

“I wouldn’t try to hide it from you, Commander.”

Arthur’s chosen candidate was none other than the DeepSnow family.

Just as I had intended.

That’s right.

The traitor from within mentioned in the novel—

Their identity belonged to someone from the DeepSnow family.

Grace, as a young ruler, had many powerful figures around her.

Older individuals with vast experience, renown, and high-ranking positions.

Darial, the master of Snowflake Tower, had no lack of ambition—after all, he had claimed the title of Tower Master.

However, his interests lay solely within Snowflake Tower.

To him, the tower’s prestige and magical advancements were paramount.

And for that, Grace was the perfect partner.

Arthur, as the pinnacle of Northern knights, was the very embodiment of chivalry.

He would sooner take his own life than betray Grace.

In fact, if anyone dared raise a blade against her, he would be the first to pass judgment.

As for the administrative officials—the chamberlain, the diplomat, the treasurer—

They were all competent, well-respected, and from distinguished families.

But…

People who relied more on their intellect than their strength could never win over the strong-willed people of the North.

Even if they attempted a coup, they wouldn’t be able to gain the support needed to establish themselves as the new ruler.

By eliminating each possibility one by one—

Only a single candidate remained.

The DeepSnow family.

A noble house that had lived in the North for generations, possessing both prestige and influence.

Their patriarch, Lionel, played a significant role in the high council, proving his ambition for power.

If Grace were to disappear, the next Northern Duke would likely come from their family.

Of course, the DeepSnow family had always acted in cooperation with the Northrein household.

They had never formed their own political faction or attempted to build an independent power base.

But unfortunately, my suspicions weren’t baseless speculation.

I had seen the future through the novel.

Not the entire DeepSnow family was treacherous.

But their betrayal had dragged their entire house into the chaos.

The internal strife that erupted from this prestigious family plunged the North into disorder.

So much so that they failed to mount an initial defense when war broke out.

Even though the North was preparing thoroughly this time—

The stronger the fortress, the more devastating even a small crack could be.

If a tremor from the DeepSnow family caused the great wall to collapse, crushing the North under its weight—

That was the one thing that absolutely could not be allowed to happen.

That was why I had directed Arthur’s attention toward them.

With him and the Northern Knights watching, even if something did erupt within the DeepSnow family, it could be swiftly contained—before it spiraled into something catastrophic.

“Still, this is merely a candidate that fits the conditions,” Arthur said, folding his arms. “We don’t even have a shred of evidence that they harbor ulterior motives.”

“I have no intention of making baseless accusations. Nor am I asking you to agree with my suspicions, Commander. But after hearing about the betrayal within the Hero’s party, I was reminded of an important lesson—before a great battle, one must first look within.”

“Ah… That’s true.”

Arthur sighed, nodding in understanding.

“No one expected the Hero’s own allies to betray him, after all.”

Yet despite his agreement, his expression remained conflicted.

“To be honest, I’ve known Lionel for decades. I can acknowledge his hunger for power… but I cannot imagine him ever turning a blade against Her Grace.”

“……”

“Even though they have different personalities, Her Grace always respected him as an uncle in private. The idea that he would betray her out of greed is… Hah. I don’t even want to think about it.”

Arthur let out a deep sigh, rubbing his forehead.

“But then again… If even the Hero’s party ended up that way, I suppose no one can truly know what lies in a person’s heart. It’s complicated. Hah…”

It was clear that the mere thought unsettled him.

After all, he had known both Grace and Lionel for years.

But after another moment, he exhaled sharply, as if pushing the thought away, regaining his composure.

“At any rate, I simply wanted to confirm your thoughts. You haven’t discussed this with anyone else, have you?”

“After seeing your reaction that day, I decided this wasn’t a topic to discuss lightly.”

“You’re bold and daring, but you have a cautious side too. Good. Don’t speak of this to anyone else—it will only create unnecessary trouble.”

“I apologize if my concerns have caused you undue burden, Commander.”

I made sure to lower my head, looking genuinely remorseful.

Arthur studied my face for a moment—then chuckled.

“You really are an honest one.”

“…?”

“You think I wouldn’t notice?” He smirked. “You didn’t tell me all this out of mere concern. You’re convinced something will happen, and you dragged me into it.”

“What do you mean—”

“I am the Knight Commander, boy. You’re not nearly skilled enough to hide your true thoughts from me.”

A chill ran down my spine.

But Arthur simply patted my shoulder with a warm smile.

“Do you know why I’m willing to help you?”

“…I’m not sure.”

“It’s because I saw it in your eyes.

You truly care for the North.

That gaze, filled with devotion…”

Arthur grinned, clearly amused, before turning to leave.

But then—

“Ah, one more thing.”

“…?”

“Earlier, you asked why there was only one great noble house in the North.”

“Yes… That’s what I asked.”

“Hmm. So you really don’t know?”

Arthur tilted his head.

“It was quite the major incident. I’d assumed most people knew about it.”

“…?!”

“Then again, you were just a commoner at the time. And you were young, too. I suppose it makes sense that you wouldn’t remember.”

Arthur let out a small chuckle, then walked away.

Watching his retreating figure, I felt a sense of emptiness unlike anything I had experienced since coming to this world.

And at the same time—

I realized something.

The event Arthur had mentioned—

That must have been The Tragedy of That Day mentioned in the novel.

I had to find out what happened.