"Makes you wonder, is it a formidable defense or just a nicely guarded prison?"

That was the first thing the princess said after taking a long, careful look at the wall. The line of defense in the West Territory stretched as far as the eye could see. The wall looked even taller, with no trees around, towering over the barracks, warehouses, and factories. Winds from the wasteland generously covered this small military settlement in dust. Like a layer of ash, it was everywhere: on the buildings, roads, garden plants and even on the chestnut-colored hair of the soldier who came to guide them.

The servants and soldiers headed to the warehouse to unload the supplies that had been brought. Dr. Winda quickly instructed one of the men on how to handle her bags and then joined the princess. She did not comment on Cornelia’s words, but instead, her eyes were fixed on the windmills, as the giant blades spun in the western wind.

"Just imagine what we could accomplish if we turned all this electricity into power for industry," said Winda, without hiding her disappointment.

Cornelia glanced at the direction of the electricity-generating windmills. Despite their number fading and the light blades being patched and, somewhere, even fully replaced by a heavier, lower-quality metal, the sight was still impressive. No wonder some people were reluctant to leave after their service there.

A graveling voice shattered the doctor’s dreams. "Yeah, life would be great for a couple of months. Until the nymphs gather and boil everyone’s brains."

The soldier, who was guiding the guests, straightened up and greeted the man who approached them. His jacket was draped only over his broad shoulders, revealing muscular tanned arms. His black hair was dust-free, but he hadn’t bothered to shave his stubble before greeting the guests. Cornelia felt the doctor’s skepticism, evaluating the person in front of them. Unlike Winda, she knew the identity of the man. Despite his frowning and bushy eyebrows, and lack of manners and respect for the royal family, the princess extended her hand.

"Thank you for coming to greet us, Margrave Nolden."

"I didn’t expect you to actually come," answered the Margrave, shaking Cornelia’s hand without removing her gloves.

"Haven’t you received the letter?" asked Dr. Winda. She was not too eager to greet the man in the same way, but still quickly shook his hand and introduced herself.

Nolden scoffed. "I thought it was a joke. You may be displeased with our cool welcome, but people from the capital are nothing more than trouble." He turned to the young soldier and said, "Will, show the doctor to her room. I think we need to talk first, Your Highness."

Neither of his guests had problems with such a suggestion. Dr. Winda was glad to rest after a long journey, and Cornelia wanted to discuss the upcoming mission. They parted ways, and the princess followed Nolden to his mansion. When they were climbing the stairs to the second floor, the margrave asked, "Are you really going to Indivisibles’ caves?"

"Yes, that is the intention. And I’m hoping for your assistance, Lord Nolden."

The man, still frowning, did not reply. He walked silently all the way to his study. Cornelia looked around after closing the door. The strong smell of cigarette smoke reminded her of her father. But unlike his taste, the simple furniture and lack of decorations made this room seem like it belonged to a factory boss or low-ranking official. Not to the man of a high noble status. The margrave went straight to the cupboard and asked, "Tea or coffee?"

Cornelia shook her head. She would rather discuss the mission, and this study hinted its owner was straightforward. "A glass of water will be fine."

"Hm! Not bad." The margrave gave her a quick look, then poured the water into a teacup. He placed it on a coffee table next to his own, inviting the princess to sit down with a nod. The man took off his gloves and said, "So, how is my ex-wife doing?"

She was right to guess that Nolden would be straightforward. He simply jumped to the topic she had hoped to postpone. But it was an inevitable conversation she was prepared for with the lord responsible for border defense.

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"What the royal family did to you was certainly a grave offense. But you continued to serve your country, securing the border wall."

"I didn’t have much of a choice," replied the margrave in a gravelly voice. "And Your Highness is also part of the royal family."

The words that the capital nobles used, like the highest praise, sounded like a stigma coming from Nolden.

"Yes. I did voice my thoughts regarding my father’s unfair treatment, but I admit I should have been more convincing." The memories of that fateful day in Emerald Hall caused Cornelia to glance at the teacup filled with water. Those cups, made of delicate porcelain and decorated with an elegant flower pattern, stood out from the otherwise simple surroundings. "Instead, I distanced myself from the matter. And for that, I apologize."

The margrave picked up his cup and took a sip. Now that he wasn’t wearing gloves, the princess noticed small scars and calluses all over his hands.

"Even if you did that, it might still be difficult to change the outcome. Sweet words easily swept my ex-wife away. It turned out that providing her with what she wanted wasn’t enough."

His voice sounded flat, but he still couldn’t hide the bitterness behind it. However, for the princess, it had another effect. She couldn’t help but think of her own parents, living pretty much the same way. The envy of her position ignited in countless nobles, never making up for the cold, predator-like surroundings of the place that was her home.

"Sometimes, just having a home to live in isn’t enough, Lord Nolden. If you showed more emotion towards Lady Olive, it might not lead to her falling in love with you, but at least she would not be so eager to leave your side."

The man raised bushy eyebrows. "Are you saying that I’m at fault?"

"No, at least not entirely. But judging from my observation, you are a man of few words. You believe actions should speak louder than words. And I think you didn’t talk to your wife about your beliefs, so she felt neglected. Lady Olive was brought up in the capital and was used to hearing sweet words and compliments. In her eyes, you probably seemed an indifferent and cold husband."

When Cornelia finished sharing her thoughts, the room became silent. The margrave stared intently at her. His frowning face reminded her of Sieg’s. The passing memory of him made her chest feel heavy. Then, suddenly, the man next to her leaned back and laughed.

"I wasn’t expecting to be scolded by someone who needed my help."

"My apologies if I sounded arrogant. I just hope that hearing my opinion will give you a chance not to repeat the same mistakes in your next marriage."

"I didn’t know I was getting married." The man’s tone sounded much more light-hearted despite his intimidating appearance. "But I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to change my habits a bit."

"You can practice, Lord Nolden," Cornelia encouraged him, thinking about how Sieg had become more talkative over time.

"Hmmm. Okay," the margrave said, leaning forward with a serious expression. "Your eyes are so beautiful, I want to pluck them and take them with me wherever I go."

"… Yeah, just don’t. Compliments aren’t really your forte." Cornelia sighed. 'Compared to Wenzel, Sieg is a silver-tongued devil.' As she headed for the border, she didn’t expect to offer advice on romantic relationships to the margrave. "Give flowers instead."

The margrave scratched his stubble. His hand moved towards the pocket of his trousers, then stopped. Looking at the princess, Nolden asked, "I suppose you wouldn’t mind if I smoked?"

"Actually, I would," replied Cornelia. "But thank you for asking. See, you can be considerate, Lord Nolden."

The man grumbled something far from considerate words. Nevertheless, he did not smoke. Instead, he returned to the original purpose of her arrival. "If you wanted to visit Indivisible, the timing is not good. You should have come earlier - the autumn is just around the corner, and it might pass in a blink of an eye. Consider postponing the mission until next year."

He wasn’t wrong. But it took a lot of combined effort to make this mission happen and gain the king’s approval. Cornelia couldn’t retreat after coming this far.

"There were various issues delaying our departure," said the princess, without elaborating on the reasons. "But if we leave in a couple of days, we can still get back before winter."

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you afterward," the margrave said, drinking his lukewarm tea in one gulp. "Fine. I’ll give you some men for protection, and a few dogs."

"Dogs?" Cornelia raised her eyebrows.

"Yeah. Believe me, you will need them."

His words raised the girl’s suspicion to a new level. "Is there something you haven’t written in your reports, Lord Nolden?"

"Can you blame me for that?" replied the man with a smirk.

Considering the past events and the strained relationship between the king and the border lord, it was expected that Nolden would have some secrets. But she still didn’t like the possibility that national security could crumble because of mistrust.

"I suppose I can’t," said the princess. She followed the man’s example and finished her water.

The knock on the door was like a signal to finish the conversation. Cornelia stood up when she noticed the margrave was grinning.

"He still knocks like Ilse—two short and third after a pause," uttered Nolden, glancing at the princess. She frowned. The small wrinkles appeared at the corners of the Margrave’s pale blue eyes. He was strangely joyful, for no apparent reason. Nolden stood up and headed for the door. "Well, I’ll check on the preparations for your mission while you two catch up."