Home/The Ice Age Came? And I Just Got Married?!/ch 68

Chapter 68.

"Sir Rayburn."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Your sword does not exist for my sake."

The moment Aiden finished speaking, Vincent's body tensed.

Aiden could tell what Vincent was thinking—that he'd been abandoned by the Crown Prince.

Aiden paused for a beat, then slowly explained.

"That sword exists for the kingdom—and the kingdom is its people."

Aiden's gaze was steady and calm. He knelt on one knee, lowering himself to Vincent's level.

Vincent looked up. Aiden had come down to meet his eyes.

Vincent's gaze trembled sharply.

"The kingdom is more precarious now than ever."

His calm voice filled the room.

"An endless ice age has come, and people survive without knowing if they'll see tomorrow."

Aiden's gaze drifted past Vincent, toward the window.

"Some are starving. Some have lost family to the cold. Some have been crushed by despair—while others cling to their last hope to survive."

He looked back at Vincent.

"In times like these, the strong must not turn away from the weak."

His voice grew lower and more resolute.

"So if anyone needs help—do not turn away. This is my request—and also the command of the Grandon Kingdom."

Tears fell onto the carpet—Vincent's tears.

"Honor is not preserved by hiding mistakes, but by taking responsibility."

Aiden knew that Vincent's first priority had always been Aiden himself—which often caused friction with others.

Vincent was a man of pride, serving the Crown Prince. That was why Aiden wanted to say this to him.

Aiden no longer had the power to give him that pride.

"If you understand—then bow to the Duchess and the villagers first. That's the first thing you must do."

"I obey."

Vincent bowed and stood up. He strode out of the room—heading straight for Eve.

Left alone, Aiden stared blankly out the window.

The room was warm. But outside was a world of freezing cold and snow.

That was where he should be—where his people were starving and dying.

Aiden gazed at the frosted window for a long time.

---

Vincent apologized.

But there was nothing to forgive. I hadn't heard the words, and even if I had, I wouldn't have taken them seriously.

But I accepted his apology.

Even if I hadn't been harmed, that didn't mean his intention was meaningless.

And so, Vincent and Aiden decided to leave Acorn Village and return to their own base.

At some point, they'd tried to recruit me and Logan—but the effort wasn't entirely fruitless. Brian Connor was going with them.

Brian had originally been aligned with Aiden in the novel, so I was mentally prepared.

Still, he and Charlotte had grown close—I wondered if she was okay with him leaving.

Soon, Aiden, Vincent, and Brian stood at the village entrance, ready to leave.

We all came out to see them off.

Brian spoke to Charlotte.

"Norton isn't far from here."

"So?"

Charlotte tilted her head.

"I'll send word."

"Huh? To me? Not the Duke?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Charlotte asked, flustered.

I was just as surprised—I'd thought it was mutual, but maybe not?

"Leaving and still talking about contact?"

Charlotte grumbled.

Ah.

Now I understood how she felt.

It wasn't that it wasn't mutual—she was just upset that Brian had chosen the Crown Prince over Acorn Village.

"Junior Murray—at least say goodbye. We might not see each other again."

"Live well or don't, I don't care."

Charlotte gave a curt farewell. Brian looked disappointed, his shoulders slumping.

Then Aiden and Vincent turned to us.

"I won't soon forget the kindness you've shown us, Your Grace."

I smiled and nodded at Aiden's words.

"I'm honored to hear you say that. Acorn Village will always remain a steadfast ally."

It was a relief that Acorn Village could shed its reputation as "Devil's Land."

Since we hadn't managed to stay inconspicuous, it was better to be seen as a mysterious land of capable people—one worth allying with.

"How about we maintain regular contact and support each other? If you permit, I'd like to continue this connection."

"I'll decline."

I elbowed Logan's side and smiled as harmlessly as I could.

"Precious ties are not easily formed. Acorn Village is always ready to welcome you."

Aiden's face lit up with satisfaction.

And so, the two sides formed a survival alliance.

Aiden, Vincent, and Brian left Acorn Village.

Of course, there was a small incident at the end.

As Brian was about to leave the entrance, still looking dejected—

"Senior Connor!"

Charlotte, who had been fidgeting anxiously, ran toward him.

For a moment, I thought she was going with him.

But she only handed him a letter and returned.

Her expression looked relieved.

Brian stared at the envelope for a while, wiped his eyes, and waved at Charlotte.

Why part ways if they were that attached?

"When did those two get so close?"

At my question, Marcus chuckled.

"When you and Logan were gone, the trip from the harbor to Acorn Village was rough—they leaned on each other."

I'd expected as much—extreme situations tend to create bonds.

I nodded and asked Marcus,

"Did nothing happen with you, Senior?"

Marcus shrugged casually.

"How could anything happen when you weren't there?"

"You might need to make something happen."

Logan sneered, and Marcus raised an eyebrow.

As the two glared at each other, Charlotte returned.

I asked her,

"Why didn't you go with Senior Connor?"

Charlotte looked at me seriously.

"What are you talking about? Acorn Village is my first priority—how could I follow him?"

She said it so matter-of-factly that I felt embarrassed.

"Besides, our competition isn't over yet."

"Competition?"

What competition was she talking about?

"I'm still following behind you. Until I overtake you, I have to keep competing."

It was an unexpected answer, and I was speechless.

Was her drive to beat her rival really stronger than her budding feelings?

Not that I had room to talk—I'd done anything to beat Logan...!

Marcus, watching with folded arms, said with amusement,

"You might have to stay attached forever, then."

"Senior—male jealousy is unbecoming."

"That's fine—I'm the type who gets forgiven for my looks."

Charlotte raised her hands in surrender, at a loss for words.

He wasn't wrong—even in this disaster, he looked more elegant than anyone else.

Come to think of it—I wonder if Clare and Leon are okay.

I suddenly wondered if they'd survived the fierce blizzard.

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