It’s Not Night - Chapter 197.2

“It’s beautiful… It’s even more breathtaking than in the pictures.”

“Is it? I’m not sure about that. Anyway, we’ll be there soon. Let me help you with your clothes.”

Dustin naturally gathered Andra’s clothing and spoke to her. Andra willingly entrusted herself to him as they gazed out at the vast expanse of pine forests and permanent snow. Occasionally, they even spotted large reindeer with impressive antlers, which was an interesting sight.

As Dustin had said, the carriage soon arrived at the mansion. Andra stepped out of the carriage escorted by Dustin but was immediately met by a barrage of hostile glares. She swallowed hard, feeling the sharp, menacing atmosphere around her. It was then that Andra fully realized she had arrived at the Airak family.

‘Life really does surprise you. I, an Aveline, have come all the way to the North, and to the Airak family, on my own.’

Looking up, she saw the mansion built in the distinctive style of the North, just like the ones she had read about in books. It had a more utilitarian design, with fewer decorations, giving it a somewhat austere feel. The high spires and walls made the mansion feel more like a fortress.

“This way, Andra.”

Dustin extended his hand to her. Andra took it, walking along the red carpet that led to the entrance of the mansion.

Far ahead, she could see soldiers standing in a line with spears at the entrance, and among them, someone stood with their arms crossed, waiting for their arrival.

Andra couldn’t quite make out the person’s gender. Their head was shaved, and while they weren’t as large as Dustin, they were still taller and bulkier than Andra.

Who could it be? A woman? No, a man?

“Dustin Airak!”

At that moment, someone shouted Dustin’s name loudly, and the person with the spear began to march toward them. Dustin instinctively moved Andra behind him and took a defensive stance, though he didn’t draw his sword.

In an instant, the sharp spear was thrust toward his throat.

“…Yen.”

“You little punk, I knew one day you’d cause some trouble.”

Came a harsh voice.

Andra was startled by the sudden spear, but what shocked her even more was realizing that the person in front of her was a woman. Taken off guard, she instinctively took a step back, her eyes wide with surprise.

Dustin warned the woman in front of him in a low, deep voice.

“Lower the spear. It’s dangerous. Lady Avelin is a formal guest of Airak.”

“Guest, what guest.”

The woman sneered at Dustin’s words but lowered the spear nonetheless. Still, Yen didn’t take her eyes off Andra.

“Is that Avelin?”

“Mind your manners. If the head of the family had seen that, he’d have scolded you. Apologies, Andra. This is Yen Airak.”

“…Is she your younger sister?”

At the mention of the Airak name, Andra’s eyes widened as she looked at the woman again. She had suspected something about her build, and now it made sense. She must be of Airak blood. Just then, Yen shouted loudly.

“I never had a bastard like that as my sibling!”

Her shout was so loud it nearly deafened Andra. She blinked rapidly and glanced back and forth between Dustin and Yen.

‘Do they not get along as siblings?’

Andra, who usually had a good relationship with her brothers, found the tension between Dustin and Yen a bit strange.

“Enough, come inside. The head of the family won’t be here for a few more days.”

With those words, Yen turned on her heel and left them behind.

Andra and Dustin followed Yen into the estate. Like the outside, the interior was sparse, with minimal decoration. Despite the simplicity, there was no sense of deprivation or lack.

Despite the Airak family’s reputation for being looked down upon, they were still an old family with a Ducal title. In the North, they held more power than even the Emperor.

As they were about to turn down a hallway, Yen suddenly turned back and asked.

“Do you know where your room is?”

“I know.”

“Good. Stay quiet until the head of the family arrives. Don’t cause a scene like last time.”

“It won’t happen.”

“Good to hear.”

Yen gave Dustin a cold reply before glancing at Andra, who still seemed lost in the conversation, and clicked her tongue.

‘Poor thing. How did she end up with such an idiot?’

With a shake of her head, Yen disappeared into the hallway.

Once Yen was gone, Andra cautiously turned to Dustin and asked,

“Dustin, were you… the troublemaker in your family? Why does your younger sister look at you like…?”

It felt like she was looking at a ticking time bomb about to explode.

Dustin seemed to have a lot to say. However, he seemed to decide against it and chose to stay silent. It was clear he was uncomfortable discussing it.

“That’s… I’ll tell you later. For now, let’s check out the room since you must be tired.”

With a firm grip on Andra’s hand, Dustin led her upstairs.