Home/The Ice Age Came? And I Just Got Married?!/ch 54

Chapter 54.

No one answered.

Those who had had their youth stolen by the Countess were filled with rage at her words. Those who hadn't been affected were visibly shocked, learning the truth for the first time.

"I saved you!"

But only silence answered her.

That silence was the first judgment she had ever received.

No one threw stones. No one cursed her.

No one even looked at her—as if she no longer held any value.

The moment she realized that, Countess Winterdean's lips trembled. For the first time, she lowered her head.

Clare watched Eve in amazement—she had orchestrated all of this so naturally.

Just then, Leon spoke quietly.

"I'm also a Royal Academy graduate—so I've heard countless rumors about you two."

Clare listened as Leon told her old stories about Logan and Eve.

Rumors said there was a frail but incredibly tenacious beauty at the Academy who never yielded to the Cheshwind heir. Eve had been the target of envy and jealousy, but she had also been secretly admired by many.

The problem was that Eve herself seemed unaware of all this—her eyes had been fixed only on Logan.

She had to beat Logan. She lived only for that—she knew nothing else.

The harassment from her jealous peers meant nothing to her.

One day her desk disappeared; another day her textbooks were torn; someone once poured milk over her head and called it an accident.

There was endless bullying—but Eve seemed not to even realize she was being bullied.

She genuinely believed the students had simply made mistakes, and remained absorbed in her studies to defeat Logan.

Since the victim showed no damage, the harassment gradually decreased.

Then, those who had bullied her suddenly dropped out or were hospitalized—repeatedly.

Rumors said Logan was behind it, but there was no proof.

After such incidents, the bullying completely stopped.

Clare listened to Leon's story, then looked out the window. The sun had fully risen.

Warm sunlight poured into the community hall.

The long night was ending.

Soon, Eve pulled out her pocket watch and checked the time. Then she looked out at the sunlit window.

With a faint smile, she turned without hesitation. She tapped Logan's arm and said,

"The sun's up. Let's go."

Clare found herself following Eve as if drawn by her.

Just before they left the Sunhaven shelter, all the residents came out to bid them farewell.

"Do you have a destination in mind?"

A young woman in her late twenties, with wheat-colored hair neatly braided, asked me.

She was one of those who had had her youth stolen by the Countess.

"We're heading to Rosebrook."

"Would you consider staying with us instead...?"

Eve smiled and declined.

"I appreciate the offer, but we already have our own shelter."

Then, as if struck by an idea, she extended her hand to the woman.

"Would you like to form an alliance with our village?"

The woman glanced back at the residents, bewildered. When they nodded, she cautiously took Eve's hand.

Eve shook it gently and said,

"There won't be much contact right away—but someday we might need each other's help."

The woman's face brightened—and so did the faces of the other residents.

Eve left them with these final words:

"We come from Acorn Village in Rosebrook. Until we meet again—stay safe."

---

Squeak— Squeak—

The baby bird, Pipi, led the way.

We'd arrive in Rosebrook in about an hour.

We were walking through the forest after leaving the Sunhaven shelter.

I walked behind Logan and asked Clare, who was following,

"Are you sure you won't regret it?"

I meant leaving the Countess's fate to the villagers instead of dealing with her personally.

"Even if I did regret it, it's too late to go back now."

Clare was firm.

"Once you reach Rosebrook, you'll head straight to the naval base, won't you?"

At my question, Clare and Leon nodded. Then Clare cautiously met my eyes and spoke.

"Yes—and..."

"And?"

"After we've searched the base—could we come to your village?"

That was unexpected.

---

Aiden and Vincent remained in the greenhouse.

Charlotte was at a loss for words. She and Brian were tilling the field, unsure how to handle the situation.

She felt a piercing gaze from behind—Aiden and Vincent.

Brian was sweating profusely under that gaze.

How does he sweat so much...

Finally, Charlotte whispered to Brian,

"Senior—when are those people going home?"

"How should I know? Be careful—he's still the Crown Prince."

"The world's already gone to hell, and he can't do anything—what kind of Crown Prince is that?"

Charlotte's sharp criticism made Brian nod frantically.

Just then, Aiden's voice came.

"Connor—I was worried you might be dead. I had no idea you were doing so well here."

Cold sweat trickled down Brian's back. He turned his head like a broken toy.

There stood Aiden, waving casually at him.

Brian shot up and bowed.

"Yes! Your Highness."

He'd already greeted him upon entering, but rank and file reflex kicked in.

"It's strange to see you so obedient. The Brian Connor I remember was the type to say whatever came to mind."

Only then did Charlotte remember that Brian had been a royal agent.

Just then, Marcus entered the greenhouse.

"Still here, I see."

Aiden raised an eyebrow at Marcus's words, but didn't falter.

"I came to meet the Duke and Duchess of Cheshwind."

Aiden lifted his teacup.

"I'd lose face with those who follow me if I returned empty-handed."

Marcus smiled faintly.

"For Your Highness to worry about face—your situation must be more difficult than I thought."

Aiden's lips curved faintly.

"Should I take that as sympathy?"

"An expression of respect."

There was no greater snake-tongued man. Charlotte clicked her tongue at Marcus's verbal sparring.

Captain Vincent, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"Rutland—mind your manners."

"Mind my manners? I hear that often in business."

Marcus replied without flinching, then added,

"Usually from those who fear what might come next."

Ahem—

Brian coughed awkwardly.

"If I've been rude, I apologize—though Your Highness has yet to say he's displeased."

Unfazed, Marcus bowed his head to Aiden.

He was a viper from hell, with a serpent's tongue.

Aiden narrowed his eyes, stroking his chin.

"Tempting."

"Pardon?"

"Would you care to join me?"

"I'll decline."

"May I ask why?"

"I've already boarded a rather interesting ship."

Marcus's sharp refusal made Aiden shrug.

He changed the subject lightly.

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