The Possessor Mistook the Genre for 20 Years

74 – Met the Secretary’s Father.

The Duchy of Frigia in the northern part of the empire.

The land ruled by Balak Frigia, known as the Grand Duke of the North.

Among the cities in the Duchy of Frigia, the most developed one was, of course, Serpa, the ice city centered around the Duchy of Frigia.

This was where Franz had just arrived.

Due to the climatic characteristics of the north, where the temperature drops as you go further north, the whole area was covered in snow and ice.

The nickname “ice city” suited it perfectly.

“Arian grew up in a place like this.”

Upon arriving in the north, the sight of the snow-covered landscape and her cold demeanor seemed to fit perfectly.

Although it had warmed up a bit recently, until not long ago, it had been nothing but rigid and unyielding.

“It’s been a really long time…”

Arian said, looking at the distant city with a sense of longing.

“Why has it been so long?”

“Because I haven’t come here once since I went to the Magic Tower.”

Not even once?

It had been over ten years since Arian entered the Magic Tower.

One would think she would have returned home at least once, even if not frequently, but she hadn’t, which was quite surprising.

Well, she must have her personal reasons.

Maybe she doesn’t get along well with her family.

“Let’s not ask.”

It might be a topic she doesn’t want to talk about.

It’s better to remain curious than to make things awkward.

Eventually, the carriage driven by Franz entered the streets of Serpa.

There were many people on the streets, and naturally, their eyes were drawn to the special carriage from the Magic Tower.

It was an object that defied common sense, so it was only natural.

Franz ignored their gazes as much as possible and drove the carriage slowly.

“A lot has changed here and there. Ah, that shop over there is still the same.”

Arian muttered to herself as she looked out the window.

They say even mountains and rivers change in ten years.

Naturally, the city would have undergone various changes as well.

Arian didn’t look too bad as she gazed out, thinking such thoughts.

I was worried she might dislike meeting her family, but fortunately, that didn’t seem to be the case.

Screech-.

Eventually, the carriage driven by Franz came to a stop.

In front of the carriage was a towering castle wall and a large gate.

Beyond that was a grand castle befitting the title of Duke, and they had finally arrived at the Frigia Ducal Castle.

The guards, dressed in fur-lined armor, tilted their heads in curiosity.

It seems like the sight of the carriage is causing some confusion.

“Arian, let’s get off for a moment.”

“Yes, I think that would be a good idea.”

Franz got out of the carriage with Arian.

‘Wow, it’s quite cold.’

He hadn’t realized it while inside the carriage, but the air outside was quite chilly.

It was only natural, considering the snow hadn’t melted.

“Arian, did you bring your outerwear?”

Franz asked as he reached into a small bag at his waist.

He had packed a few thick cloaks in case of emergencies, and he was about to take one out.

“Of course… I didn’t bring it.”

Arian’s answer sounded oddly awkward, but Franz decided not to mind it.

“Here, wear this.”

“Oh, thank you.”

When Franz handed over a thick cloak, Arian bowed her head and accepted it.

She then wrapped herself in the cloak and sniffed it, as if trying to catch its scent.

Franz was startled by her action.

‘Does it smell…?’

It had been in the bag for quite a while.

He didn’t think it would be a problem due to the nature of magical tools, but one could never be too sure.

“Arian, does the cloak smell?”

“Oh, no…!”

Arian quickly lifted her head and answered.

But since she might have said that out of politeness, Franz decided to smell the cloak himself.

‘Thank goodness. It doesn’t smell at all.’

Relieved, Franz approached the guards.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Yes! Thank you!”

“I’m Franz Gilbert, the master of the tower. Could you please open the gate?”

“Ma-master of the tower, Franz…?!”

The guards’ eyes widened.

“Haha….”

Since the subjugation of the Demon King, he had experienced this reaction so many times that it felt routine, but Franz still found it awkward.

Others said it was something to be proud of, but when you actually experience it, it’s not quite like that.

“It is an honor to meet the mage of the Hero’s Party!”

“Thank you for thinking so.”

“If you are attending the party, may I see your invitation….”

Before the guard could finish speaking, a delicate hand suddenly appeared between the guard and Franz.

In that hand was an invitation bearing the crest of the House of Freesia.

“There, is that enough?”

“Yes, I have confirmed the invitation, but….”

The guard tilted his head and trailed off,

“Are you perhaps Lady Arianne?!”

He continued, eyes wide open.

It was a reaction that was understandable, given that the lady had been away from home for more than ten years.

Arianne, however, seemed less than pleased.

“Keep your voice down…!”

“My apologies. I was just so happy….”

“…Just open the gate quickly.”

“Yes…! Right away!”

The guards opened the firmly closed castle gate.

Franz, who had boarded the carriage with Arianne, immediately started the carriage and passed through the gate.

“Arianne, did you really have to react so sharply?”

Franz said.

The guard seemed happy that the lady, whom he hadn’t seen for a long time, had returned, but Arianne had been rather cold to him.

“I was just embarrassed…!”

So that’s what it was.

Franz, who had also received an enthusiastic welcome, could understand her feelings all too well.

After passing through the outer wall, Franz’s carriage soon arrived in front of a large mansion.

In front of the mansion, many people were gathered, from the servants to the people of the House of Freesia, judging by their attire.

And such a situation was, of course, not good for Arian.

“Ah, really…! Why are there so many of them out there…?!”

“It’s your fault for not returning home for over 10 years.”

“That’s true, but still….”

Yes, in the end, all of this is Arian’s fault.

No matter how far the distance, he could have returned at least once.

“You didn’t even write a single letter, did you?”

“I did…! About two letters….”

Oh dear, he just drove a nail into his parents’ hearts.

No news is good news, they say, but from a parent’s perspective, frequent contact is always better.

“Sh-should we just go back…?”

Arian asked in a trembling voice.

But it was an absolutely unacceptable suggestion.

The fact that they had gathered at the entrance to welcome him meant that they all already knew Arian had arrived.

To come all this way and then leave without showing his face?

Honestly, he wouldn’t have any right to complain if they disowned him.

“I’m getting out first.”

Franz said as he shifted the gear to park.

Arian remained silent, like a mute who had eaten honey.

‘At times like this, you need a push.’

Even if it’s nothing once experienced, one tends to be overly nervous before doing it.

Having someone to push you at such times helps resolve things quickly.

Click-.

In the end, Franz opened the car door first.

“W-wait a moment…!”

Arian said urgently, but Franz just smiled.

Franz got out of the car and faced the people of the Frigia Duchy.

‘Did he fight a bear or something…?’

One person, wearing luxurious fur clothes and with a face marred by large claw marks, stood there.

At a glance, it was clear he was the head of the household.

It was a sight that perfectly matched the nickname of the Grand Duke of the North.

He approached as he confirmed Franz getting out of the car.

“Nice to meet you. I am Franz Gilbert, the Master of the Tower.”

“I am Balak Frigia, the head of the Frigia Duchy. Nice to meet you.”

When Balak extended his hand, Franz lightly grasped it.

It was a rough and thick hand, one that seemed to have many stories.

“By the way, I heard our daughter has come.”

“She says she’s too shy because it’s been so long. She’ll be out soon, so please wait a moment.”

As soon as Franz finished speaking, the door of the carriage’s assistant seat opened.

However, Arian, who got out of the car, kept her head down and said nothing.

“May I go to my daughter for a moment?”

“Yes, please do.”

Franz readily agreed.

It was urgent enough, as he was meeting his daughter whom he hadn’t seen in over ten years.

Soon, Balak stood in front of Arian.

“Arian.”

“…Uh, uh….”

“It’s been a long time.”

“…I’m sorry for not coming to see you until now.”

“It’s okay. So, lift your head. The head of the family shouldn’t bow in front of the servants, should they?”

At Balak’s words, Arian slowly lifted her head.

Her face was quite red.

Whether it was from embarrassment or the cold northern weather, he didn’t know.

A smile spread across Franz’s lips at the heartwarming scene.

He could still smile, as he had no idea what was going to happen next.