Chapter 126: A Rare Northern Sun

Chapter 126

The rare northern sun broke through the heavy grey clouds, casting a soft, golden brilliance across the stone courtyard of the fortress. It was a pleasant morning, the crisp mountain air carrying only a gentle breeze instead of its usual biting gale.

Sigrid sat at a small wrought-iron table adorned with a white lace cloth, savoring the tranquility as she poured a fresh cup of tea. The dark liquid steamed in the morning air, contrasting with the pale porcelain cup.

Leo, who had remained at the fortress overnight to rest from his arduous journey, approached the table with a light, rhythmic stride. In his hand, he held a thick parchment sealed with the crest of the Royal Registry. "Your Grace," Leo announced softly, bowing his head as he held out the missive. "This missive arrived by a fast rider just a short while ago."

Sigrid took the letter calmly, breaking the red wax seal with a slender finger before unfolding the heavy parchment. Her crimson eyes scanned the formal script, and after a brief pause, a sharp, quiet scoff escaped her lips. Leo leaned forward, curiosity breaking through his disciplined demeanor. "What does the decree state, Duchess?" he asked.

Sigrid gestured slightly toward her head maid, passing the letter over. "The Royal Family has decreed a public apology," Sigrid replied smoothly, her voice cool and unbothered. "In two weeks’ time, a formal court assembly shall be held at the palace where Prince Ragnar and Princess Maria will publicly seek my forgiveness for the scandal."

Leo gasped, his eyes wide with astonishment. "They are bowing so low? I never anticipated the Crown would humble itself before a subject!"

Sigrid picked up her teacup, taking a small, deliberate sip while Lilith quietly took the letter to dispose of it in the hearth. "Do not be mistaken, Leo; they are not bowing out of sudden grace or remorse," Sigrid explained evenly. "They have been backed into a corner by the high nobility. Ragnar is the heir apparent, yet his reckless actions brought severe embarrassment upon the monarchy. Should such instability spread to foreign realms like Arkovia, our Kingdom risks losing its diplomatic prestige and political leverage. The high nobility cannot afford to let the populace lose faith in the Crown, as it directly threatens their own regional power and trade alliances. Therefore, forcing a public display of contrition is the only method to pacify the outrage and restore a semblance of order."

Leo listened intently, nodding slowly as the political chess pieces aligned in his mind. "I see... it is purely a calculated maneuver to save face."

Sigrid set her cup back upon its saucer with a faint clink, though her thoughts lingered on a darker thread. Yet I remain surprised by the relative silence from the palace, she pondered silently, her gaze wandering toward the vast, clear sky. Queen Evelyn has launched no immediate retaliation for my defiance, nor have Duke Vesper or Ragnar moved openly against me. They are uncharacteristically slow to respond to my strike. Her reflections were cut short by the sound of light, hurried footsteps echoing across the cobblestones, accompanied by a high-pitched, joyous call of her name.

Sigrid’s expression softened, a subtle smile touching her lips as she turned to see young Rony running toward her across the courtyard. Fully recovered from the fever that had threatened his life days prior, the boy’s face was bright with health and color. He scampered up to Sigrid without hesitation, leaning against her chair with a cheerful giggle. Sigrid rested a gentle hand upon his head, her heart swelling slightly at the contrast between his current vitality and the sickly child he had been when she brought him to the fortress.

"Good morning, Your Grace!" Rony piped up, his dark eyes sparkling.

"Good morning, little one," Sigrid answered softly, assessing his frail frame. Though still small for an eight-year-old due to years of hardship and sickness, his lively spirit was undeniable.

"Rony! Do not bother the Duchess!" A confident, stern voice called out from the entryway. Rosie emerged into the sunlight, dressed in the neat, plain garments of a junior household servant. She marched over with her hands resting upon her hips, giving her younger brother an exasperated scolding look. "You must show proper manners, Rony! We are extraordinarily fortunate Her Grace permits us to reside within these walls when we have done nothing to earn our keep yet."

Rony instantly ducked behind Sigrid’s dress, peeking out at his sister with a playful frown. Sigrid chuckled softly, patting Rony’s shoulder before looking up at the young girl. "There is no need to be so severe, Rosie. He has endured much as a child, as have you. He is not bothering me in the slightest."

Rosie’s posture relaxed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she asked, "Truly, Your Grace?"

Sigrid offered a gentle nod, reaching out to pat Rosie’s head as well. "Of course." As she withdrew her hand, a fleeting realization struck Sigrid’s internal thoughts. Caspian was entirely correct, she admitted to herself with a faint, wry amusement. I do possess a soft spot for children. Maybe it is due to how long i wished for child but was inable to do so because of Maria’s poisoning, I was robbed of having moments like this in my past life.

Shaking off the sentiment, Sigrid looked out across the sweeping, quiet grounds of the fortress. "This fortress remains far too empty," she noted aloud. "We must secure additional servants without delay."

Rosie perked up immediately, matching Leo’s sudden step forward as both youths spoke at the exact same moment. "We could help search for workers!"

Both children froze, glaring at each other with youthful rivalry. "I suggested it first!" Rosie huffed, crossing her arms.

"I spoke at the same time, and I knew the Duchess long before you arrived!" Leo countered defensively. Turning toward Sigrid, Leo dropped his shoulders, his expression becoming earnestly serious. "Your Grace... please do not send me back to the regional sanctuary. I wish to remain here at the fortress. I can be useful to your household!"

Sigrid tilted her head, curious. "May I ask why you prefer these cold halls to the care of the orphanage?"

Leo lowered his head slightly, his tone quiet yet resolute. "The caregivers were kind, but all I did was eat, sleep, and be sheltered like a helpless child. I wish to work and earn my place. You speak to me with respect, as though I were an adult."

Rosie let out a tiny, sarcastic hum, muttering under her breath, "Even if you act like a toddler despite being thirteen."

Leo shot her a sharp glare, but before a quarrel could start, Sigrid let out a soft laugh. "Very well, Leo," Sigrid agreed smoothly, leaning down to meet his eyes. "You shall remain at the fortress and serve as the Duchy’s young scribe." Leo’s eyes lit up with absolute delight, and he shot a proud, triumphant smirk toward Rosie, who simply turned her nose up with a quiet scoff. Sigrid straightened, her tone returning to its structured authority. "However, protocol demands we inform the orphanage directors of your official reassignment. Lilith, fetch parchment and ink."

Lilith bowed, departing quickly and returning with the requested writing materials. Sigrid sat at the iron table, her quill gliding effortlessly across the paper as she drafted two distinct missives. Once the ink dried, she folded the documents and sealed them with the house crest before handing them to her head maid. "Have our riders deliver the first missive to the orphanage, and dispatch the second directly to the estate of Viscount Henry Dumbledore."

Leo gasped softly at the name, looking puzzled. "Why are you contacting Viscount Dumbledore, Your Grace?"

Sigrid smiled faintly, her crimson eyes gleaming with quiet strategy. "Because he is currently the primary candidate running for the office of Supreme Minister of State. Courtesy dictates I acknowledge my fellow competitor before the council convenes, and we shall pay a visit to his domain when we travel south."

Sigrid turned toward the edge of the courtyard, calling out to her trusted guards who stood at attention nearby. "Chester, Maude, step forward."

The two armored figures approached immediately, bowing low in unison. "Your Grace," Chester responded.

Sigrid looked over them with sharp intent. "Gather all the local northern residents who have submitted inquiries for household service at the fortress. Organize them in the main hall within the hour."

Chester and Maude bowed deeply, their armor clinking as they answered, "It shall be done at once, Your Grace."

Sigrid watched them depart to execute her command, satisfied with the momentum taking hold. "Come," she said to Leo, Rosie, and Lilith, turning back toward the grand entrance. "Let us select the new standard of our household."

Sigrid strode through the heavy oak doors into the grand hall, where dozens of northern villagers stood waiting nervously. Their weathered faces and humble attire contrasted sharply with the orphanage towering stone pillars, yet their eyes shone with quiet hope. Sigrid ascended the dais, her crimson eyes sweeping across the crowd with cool, deliberate authority. The time had come to rebuild her inner sanctuary before heading south to confront her rivals.