“Welcome to Levonne, Miss Evergreen!” Aron Berkley proudly presented as they finally arrived at the entrance of the walled city.

Behind that huge iron gate in front of them was the infamous Northern municipality that was under the Archduke’s jurisdiction. Celeste could feel the enormous amount of magic; probably a barrier of energy that was protecting this place from foreign sorcery—especially dark sorcery. The barrier itself also provided warmth against the cold region.

Yet, the white witch couldn’t concentrate at all. ‘This is bad, I might get caught…’ Uneasiness crept into her mind as she stood before the blockade of energy. The barrier might detect her mana as soon as she stepped foot inside the wall. She won’t stand a chance, as this was the Archduke’s turf… and the winter was suppressing the flow of her elemental energy.

‘What to do…?’ She bit her lip, quite fretting at the moment.

“Are you not coming?” The Northern Lord asked her when she hesitated to enter the city gate. “You are wearing my cape, you can safely enter the barrier with that around you.”

“Oh…” A breath of relief escaped through her mouth. He must have guessed that she was bringing some magic items, and the barrier could have prevented her to set foot into his territory.

Perhaps, that was the reason why he gave it to her earlier… or maybe the Archduke had a caring side? Her lips squirmed as she could not imagine the High Noble who was known for being fearsome and unmerciful, could be gentle and soft. Obviously, the first one was the rational answer.

As they trotted the streets of Levonne, the citizens came running to see Ezekiel which was quite a surprise. The people seemed to adore the young Lord, even giving some offerings of welcome and gratitude. Maybe the stories about him were exaggerated to the extent that people outside Levonne pictured him as a menacing figure. Celeste threw a sneaky glance at the Archduke; trying to observe him from afar whether he liked the attention that he was getting. But he was still wearing that stiff, emotionless expression of his.

How can he be so indifferent all the time? And now, she wondered if she could really gain a favorable outlook. Adonis had a point, the Archduke could be their strongest ally so she must do well in pretending to be a private investigator.

“The Archduke has arrived!” Sir Bennet shouted at the gate of the castle. At last, they reached the Duchy residence at the very top of the hill, overlooking the Northern city.

The Northern palace was vast, almost occupying the plateau. There was also parterre en broderie with white and golden colors of base minerals, and purple and bluish-kind of flowers that Celeste had never seen before. Her disconcertment was forgotten momentarily at the grandeur of sight.

“Welcome back, your Highness.”

All the uniformed servants were gracefully lined up at the gate. Faces were formal yet genuinely gladdened before the presence of the young Lord. However, what bewildered Celeste the most was the Butler who approached them. He looked rather young to be the head of the household, probably younger than the Archduke himself. Usually, butlers were elders refined with years of experience serving their masters.

Although curious, Celeste stopped herself from being intrusive. She was more aware of the prying eyes the maids were giving her. She would not be surprised if there would be a rumor about her tomorrow. The Archduke’s cape that was still covering her body would definitely add ‘spice’ to the latest gossip.

“Your Highness, the emperor sent a letter yesterday. I had put it on your table, as well as the documents that you need to assess are already neatly arranged. I supposed that your plan went well,” the butler said with the voice of an old man; croaky yet soft-spoken.

Celeste almost coughed when she heard the sound that came out from the Butler’s mouth. It was a shock! His young façade was in total contrast with his voice. What on earth had just happened to this poor lad that his voice became raspy like an elderly in his seventies? Her wheezing must’ve been caught by Ezekiel thus he turned his head around to look at her.

‘Ooops…’ She was embarrassed, to say the least. She didn’t mean to find the young butler’s voice hilarious… she was just too stunned that it came out churlish.

“Norman, can you prepare a room for the guest? This woman, Celeste Evergreen, will be staying in my residence,” the Archduke announced for everyone to hear.

Murmurs were heard afterward from the servants but soon were hushed by the butler whom Ezekiel had called ‘Norman’. He was seen exchanging brief meaningful glances with Sir Bennet, the general of the White Knights, and Mr. Berkley before his eyes settled on her.

“Yes, my Lord." He complied with another curtsy to the Archduke. "Miss Evergreen...” His smile was different as if he was very pleased to meet her. "Welcome to the De Clarzus estate. I am Norman Sollivan, the head manservant of the De Clarzus family."

They proceeded to go inside the mansion and resumed the formal pleasantries there. As the butler led them into the huge white anteroom with a mosaic interior ceiling, Mr. Berkley had walked to her side. He bent over to her ear and whispered something.

“Miss Evergreen, I know you are quite curious about Norman but he is already sixty-eight years of age with a young adult's face, hence the old man’s voice.”

Celeste looked up to the secretary, urging him to go on with his tattle.

“…He was cursed by a witch. His deceased wife might have encountered a witch before she died and wishes to see Norman in his youth as he was quite a looker back in the days…”

“Indeed, the butler is quite good looking…” Celeste commented in a soft, low voice, almost a breath.

Mr. Berkley nodded in accord and continued what he was saying, “…And she fell terribly ill. Black magic works in exchange for someone’s life so she must've paid the price for such a thing.”

“I see…” That would explain why the butler’s voice did not match with his youthful appearance.

Aron Berkley spoke the truth about dark sorcery. Curses were embodied with the devil’s magic. It was malefic and dangerous—a taboo. It corrupted all the living things; killing them. The hunger for power and desire were more addictive than anything in return one could lose themselves in the maelstrom of degeneracy.

And the demons took advantage of that to toy with humankind.