Upon arrival to Frostine, a territory famed for its talented ice craftsmanship due to its overwhelming ice block resources. Winter all day long had produced tons of ice, leaving the villagers to craft the ice into impressive sculptures. 

The envoy was welcomed by the earl, his palm on his chest, a man in his late 50’s, “Welcome to land of great ice sculptors, Prince Archanbeau,” he greeted and continued, “Please let me escort you to our estate. You must’ve been feeling tired” 

Leading the men as the knights were dismissed to the barrack and the princes aided by Ludwig gone separate buildings, whilst the two were being welcomed by the people of the estate. They were assigned to a room respectively but Anastasius insisted on sharing the room with Ludwig which was to the young knight’s delight. 

While waiting for the bath to be prepared, the prince dismissed the earl to have a private conversation with Ludwig. “I assumed you know why I decided to stop here” The prince said as he took a seat by the tall window, sipping his warm cup of water. 

Ludwig bowed his head down slightly, answering his superior respectfully, “Forgive me if I get this wrong, your royal highness. I believe the reason would be to spectate the situation of this territory.”

Anastasius’ amber eyes gazed at the young lieutenant, giving a momentarily pause before breaking the silence. “Yes. The earl has done a splendid job to keep the people content. When we arrived, I noticed some people chattering lively . Children ran around, playing. I also noticed that the outfit of the people and the servants here wore the right amount of thickness to withstand the cold. I was served a cup of water, you see. This room too. It isn’t as warm as what I usually experience at the palace.” 

Ludwig was confused by the explanation and the young heir noticed it, immediately erased the confusion by explaining further, “I’m not complaining or offended by the lack of hospitality that a royalty should receive because notably, getting served a cup of water is as equivalent to downgrading the royalty. An insult but I do not mind such lack of royal treatment,“ Anastasius watched the kids creating a snowman. 

“What I mean, the people here are, oddly, living warmly while this elite estate that should be getting more warmth, is actually chilly. You see where I’m coming from?” he arched an eyebrow, wondering if this explanation is clear enough. 

The puzzled Walter raised both eyebrows as if an idea light out which made the young Archanbeau give a faint smile, knowing he was understood. “You were wondering how the earl was able to get enough warmth for his people and where he got the material for the thick clothes?” Ludwig checked with his master by asking and the snow-white locks male nodded in return.