For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 49 - Cold Weather (5)

#49. Cold Weather (5)

What surprised Perth the most when he entered Hiver Castle was the menu prepared in the dining hall. Despite the commoners suffering from food shortages, the reception within the castle was splendid. Oblivious Alfonse complained behind his back that the meals in the castle were simpler compared to what he had eaten before.

However, from Perth’s perspective, it was more than enough, even excessive. Despite the castle’s modest exterior, its interior was lavish. Even if it was purposely decorated extravagantly to welcome Alfonse, it seemed excessive. Perth had to forcibly suppress the furrow in his brow, unbeknownst to himself.

“Your Highness, how do you find the food?”

“It’s excellent.”

Fortunately, Alfonse, who knew how to engage in social banter, didn’t reveal his true feelings outwardly. Perth stood by the wall, stealing glances at the Count of Hiver. Despite his jovial appearance, he didn’t seem as congenial as expected, perhaps due to the scenery and the menu he encountered upon arrival.

What worried him more than the people in front of him was Lia’s possible anger. He couldn’t even find an opportunity to apologize since then. Especially amidst the already awkward situation, he had made a mistake. He felt even thirstier.

As he became aware of his own feelings, he grew increasingly anxious. It was unlike him to display such behavior, even to the point of angering everyone. But without Lia around, his vision blurred. As a result, words escaped him disorderly. It was a first for him in such circumstances.

“- Perth!”

“Oh, yes.”

He couldn’t even hear Alfonse calling him as he was lost in thought. Truly, it was uncharacteristic of him. Alfonse, perhaps sharing the same thought, narrowed his eyes.

“What’s on your mind lately?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s not nothing. I could tell you were preoccupied throughout dinner. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

There was indeed something noticeable. Perth bowed his head with renewed admiration.

“I apologize. I’ll correct myself.”

“No need. You’re like a brother to me, whatever concerns you have, you can share them.”

He wasn’t a brother, and he didn’t want to share his concerns. Perth blinked. Alfonse sat at the table next to his bed, indicating the opposite seat. But Perth declined and stood by his side.

“It’s alright.”

“I already know. Your concern. About Lady Lia Penelope, isn’t it?”

Perth held his breath at the penetrating response, trying not to let his expression falter. Revealing his emotions to Alfonse wouldn’t be beneficial.

“Why would I be concerned about Lady Penelope?”

He attempted to offer a relaxed smile, similar to the one he usually wore when meeting outsiders. Alfonse quickly caught onto his hypocritical smile.

“There you go. Trying to brush it off so quickly, but it’s evident. I already know.”

“What are you talking about?”

Whatever it was, Perth had been ready to deny it. His expression remained consistent, but internally, he felt tense, swallowing dryly. If he had been caught by Alfonse despite trying not to show it, it would have been quite shocking.

“It’s Lady Lia, isn’t it? Actually…”

Alfonse paused, deliberately withholding his words. It was a deliberate act of silence. Moreover, he angled his chin in what he thought was a flattering pose and pretended to ponder. Perth knew this tactic well, especially when he used it to charm women.

“Don’t beat around the bush and just say it.”

However, when Perth didn’t yield, Alfonse frowned in frustration.

“You’re being dull.”

“I am because it’s dull.”

“Alright, alright. Did Lady Lia ask you for an unreasonable favor?”

The abrupt question almost made Perth falter involuntarily.

“An unreasonable favor?”

He had never received such a request, nor was she the type to make such demands. But seeing Perth’s expression, Alfonse nodded as if confirming his suspicion.

“Exactly, that’s it. She probably asked you to let her ride in the carriage because traveling on horseback was tiresome. That’s why you were so upset.”

It was a fabrication. Perth dismissed the idea that Alfonse had any real insight. How could one interpret things favorably in one’s own mind?

“No, that’s not it.”

“I’m fine, so let her ride the carriage when we return.”

“No, that’s not it!”

After a firmer rebuttal, Perth deemed there was no point in further discussion. So, after bidding farewell to Alfonse, he left the room.

“Well then, rest well.”

“And remember what I said, don’t worry over trivial matters!”

Feeling a headache coming on, he closed the door and ran his hand through his hair. He wanted to resolve the issues in the Hiver region quickly and return to the palace. It felt like all the problems started when he left the palace.

“Lia…”

He murmured involuntarily, then immediately shut his mouth. Unconsciously, he had wanted to address her affectionately. Since there was no one in the corridor, it was fortunate, but anyone seeing him now would have sensed his emotions.

He wanted to reconcile quickly and see her smile at him like before. To achieve that, he knew he had to rely on his abilities, even though he disliked relying on them. But it was the quickest way to find the solution.

* * *

Rustle. Drawing aside the curtain, Lia looked out the window. The sky was clear, allowing the moon and stars to shine brightly. Just by standing near the window, she could feel the chilly air. When she got closer, her breath fogged up the window, then cleared after a while, repeating the process.

Others were already asleep. Apart from those accompanying Alfonse on his journey here, it was a routine of staying in inns or camping out. Everyone was accumulating fatigue. Some had already started snoring.

But Lia couldn’t seem to fall asleep. Ever since the day she had fought with Perth, she hadn’t been able to sleep properly. He had been upset because he was worried about her. But she hadn’t understood and had lashed out at him instead. As time passed, her anger subsided, and she grew increasingly eager to apologize to him. However, being constantly busy assisting Alfonse, she couldn’t find the time. After they arrived at the castle, it became even more difficult.

‘I just felt bad that Mr. Perth was angry with me.’

She rehearsed the apology silently, so others wouldn’t hear. But when the moment came, she stumbled over her words, fearing she might say the wrong thing. Whether she would have time to apologize was uncertain. She hoped there would be an opportunity tomorrow. Lia prayed while gazing at the bright moon.

* * *

Work began early in the morning. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Lia had to go outside the castle. It was a day for inspecting the main crops while walking around the fields.

“We mainly reclaim melted land. However, when the snow doesn’t melt, we forcibly melt it to use. But there’s a limit to it, and when the ground gets too cold again, the crops freeze and die.”

Listening to the explanation, Lia observed the current crops. They all looked wilted and lifeless. She wasn’t sure how much longer they would survive like this. She lightly dug the soil with her fingers. Though the ground was somewhat frozen and hard, it wasn’t completely dry. Lia jotted down all her findings. 

Kevin asked various questions to the responsible parties and occasionally got lost in thought. Even the crops grown within the castle were in this state, not much different from those of the commoners. If anything, their condition might even be worse.

“For now, we’ve brought all the edible cold-climate plants and seeds. We’ll select the ones suitable for planting.”

The department responsible for cold-climate management took the lead in discussions. The conclusion was that understanding the overall situation was a priority. They decided to immediately inspect the locals’ farmlands. They split into teams and began their separate tasks. Naturally, Lia was paired with Kevin, as they were in the same department. Before heading to the market, Kevin glanced back.

“What’s up?”

“Something.”

“What is it?”

But no matter how much Lia looked around, there was nothing where Kevin was staring.

“It’s the tantrum of a coward.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing. Just that we should make up for not being together at the festival last time.”

Bringing up the festival made Lia’s expression sour.

“You’re persistent.”

“Of course. My persistence knows no bounds.”

Referring to the map provided by the castle steward, they left Hiver Castle. The castle was situated on a high elevation, giving them a feeling of descent as they walked down. During their descent, Kevin and Lia exchanged many conversations. Kevin was familiar with this area, having had experiences here before, so he knew a lot about the Hiver region.

“Do the locals here not use their abilities for farming?”

“The residents here have weak abilities. As you know, the ancestors of Psychedelia are immigrants. The indigenous people originally didn’t have abilities.”

“I know that.”

It was a fact known to anyone who studied Psychedelia’s history. Currently, all citizens possess abilities, but this wasn’t the case from the beginning. The heritage and artifacts left by the indigenous people were evidence of this.

“Rarely, there are cases where people have no abilities at all. Anyway, proper ability users are very rare among them, and because their abilities are weak, farming through abilities is difficult. That’s why agriculture here is even more challenging.”

If only people with weak abilities existed from the start, it made sense that farming through abilities would be difficult. Even if an outstanding ability user emerged, they would have been carefully selected by the palace. So, Lia felt even more inclined to help. Although her abilities were still lacking in many ways, this place desperately needed her abilities. At least for the time she was here, she wanted to help.

“What if I use my ability?”

“Don’t say such foolish things again. We’re not here to provide temporary solutions. If that were the case, the palace would have sent only plant ability users. Plus, it’s dangerous, as I’ve said. Got it?”

“…Understood.”

In truth, she didn’t understand at all. But Lia nodded anyway. While they talked, the two quickly arrived at the village. It wasn’t as crowded as the capital, but the village was quite lively.

“Try this before you go!”

“Selling items made of leather at a low price!”

The merchants enthusiastically promoted their goods. There were many items displayed that one wouldn’t typically see in the capital. It was overwhelming.

“It seems like a bustling day.”

“Yes, there are so many people. I never thought there would be this many.”

“I thought there would be fewer people.”

“…Probably because it’s said to be a harsh land, making it difficult to live.”

The impression of the child she had met for the first time was vivid in Lia’s mind. She had thought that all residents of the Hiver region must live difficult lives. But the castle was magnificent, and the villagers didn’t seem as troubled as she had thought.

“In any city, you need to look beyond the surface to see its true nature. What you’re seeing now is just a small part.”

As they walked a little further, Kevin pointed out an alleyway that revealed the ‘back’ of the village. There, they saw alleyways filled with hungry-looking children. Lia’s heart ached at the sight of each small, haggard face. It seemed they might dislike being stared at too closely. Lia quickly lowered her gaze to the ground. In the meantime, a child approached her.

“Sister…?”