Chapter 67

Aden wrapped his arm around Ilyin’s shoulders and helped her sit up. “You don’t have to worry too much,” he said as he adjusted the Blue North’s silk on Ilyin’s head. “In your foresight I didn’t actually die. I was just injured, and my wounds heal quickly once I am in the winter region.”

Ilyin managed a nod even though she still wasn’t quite convinced.

“I can’t avoid being hurt, but at least we’ll find out the identities of those underneath the black masks,” Aden reassured her. “We’ll have to try to deceive Idith, no, the dream.”

Upon his name being called, Idith became alert, “Pardon?”

“Idith,” Aden waved him over, “Out the carriage.”

The carriage stopped. Idith was curious as to what his master was thinking but obediently left the carriage without a single word. When he left, Aden closed the curtains, and his hand began to shine blue as he used the divine power. The light was extremely bright as it seemed like he was using more power than usual but there was no noticeable difference in the surroundings.

“What did you do?” Ilyin was confused.

“Idith is very familiar with the winter region, but he doesn’t know much about the terrain of the warm region, so he’ll have to make-do by looking at the map,” Aden motioned to the front, the carriage was fast approaching the warm region.

“If the people who ambushed us know of our destination, it means they know who I am,” said Aden. This meant that they would not follow them into the winter region since they know that the person they were after is the Duke of Winter.

“I’m thinking of narrowing the border of the winter region, so it looks like a part of the warm region.” The border separating the warm and winter regions was very distinct.

“Ah,” Ilyin nodded as she understood his plan.

Aden would manipulate the weather to make it so that the winter region near the border was warm. This way both Idith and the masked group would think that that was the warm region. The masked attackers would then enter the winter region with their realization.

Aden gave a dark smile seeing her slowly realize his plan, “I will be able to show them winter.”

***

The carriage safely reached the warm region. The Acid Merchant had sent people to the border to greet the Biflten group. As they were from the winter region, clothes more fit for the warm region were prepared for them. The group from the winter region however didn’t have a problem with their own outfits.

“What’s going on?”

The merchant people were discussing amongst themselves but stopped immediately when they realized Ilyin’s presence.

“Greetings, Mistress.” They bowed politely and quickly pushed the clothes they brought deep into the carriage.

“I’ll take care of it,” Ilyin smiled kindly as she gestured towards the clothes.

They thanked her wholeheartedly as relief swept over them and before they left, they bowed graciously to her.

It was at sunset when the group arrived at the Acid Merchant. The group from the winter region seemed flustered as they were not able to get used to the sunshine. Even the usually nonchalant Aden seemed interested as he looked at his shadow that was becoming longer because of the sun. Ilyin laughed quietly at their reactions. It seemed like she would have to help them a lot here in the warm region.

“Welcome,” Acid Merchant’s Milo greeted them briskly.

The curt greeting was completely different than that of when he greeted them at the winter region. Ilyin was surprised but soon understood.

The leader of the Acid Merchant was Milo and if he was too familiar with them in front of the people of the warm region, it would be revealing where his loyalties lay. It looked like Aden thought the same as he didn’t say anything about it.

“The Viscount’s representative is waiting,” Milo reported in a low voice.

Aden cocked his head to the side, “Representative?”

His voice was calm but there was a hint of annoyance. The group accompanying Milo bowed lower upon hearing the tone of Aden’s voice. It felt like the air around them suddenly got colder.

“I’m pretty sure I said that I would meet with the Viscount himself.” His words echoed in the silence.

Milo knew that the Duke of Winter wouldn’t be able to use the divine power in the warm region but couldn’t help feeling his neck becoming cold. It was the Duke’s words and aura that emanated that coldness.

“I will correct it.” He bowed and quickly went back into the merchant building.