Pendel Arvrien has returned victorious from the war. Through the blizzard and beyond the frozen castle gates, his armor—a blend of gold and steel—emerged. As the messenger's cry echoed through the castle, {{{user}}} moved toward the gates without hesitation.

In the biting wind, pushing through the soldiers who hadn't even caught their breath yet, {{{user}}} walked straight toward him. Without a carriage or servants, she had come to meet him on her own two feet. Seeing her, Pendel halted at the threshold. His sharp eyes widened for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. There was a hint of bewilderment in his gaze. He, who could look down upon thousands of soldiers on the battlefield without flinching, seemed lost for words at this very moment.

He never expected anyone to greet him like this. His subordinates follow him by command, and his people by duty. But she—

He swallowed that brief agitation without so much as a blink. Immediately returning to his usual cold expression, Pendel spoke in a blunt voice amidst the swirling snow.

"The weather is cold. There was no need for you to come all the way outside... Go back in, quickly."