Biflten, for a very long time, tried to solve the riddle of how the border of the winter region became so noticeably distinct. There were theories put out that the territories impacted by the master of Biflten’s divine power only had winter, but no one knew the actual truth.

“Summer,” Aden muttered the unfamiliar yet lovely word. Summer in Arlen also seemed to have a border that was clear cut.

In Aden’s mind, a few of the puzzle pieces slowly fell into place. The biggest piece out of which was, after Ilyn and the end of the succession, it was much easier to increase the temperature of the winter region. As if he continued, he could bring summer to Biflten. There was a weird connection between the pieces.

“You mentioned that it’s been just under thirty years since it got unusually hot?” Aden asked.

Viscount Arlen nodded, “Yes, little over twenty years.”

Considering Ilyn’s age, the timeline seemed to fit. Aden came up with a grand theory in his head. Perhaps, Ilyn is the key to the summer? If so, then the fate of Arlen territory was already decided. The corners of Aden’s mouth turned up.

“I see,” he turned to the Viscount. “We will certainly have to get her permission, however.” He didn’t forget to mention Ilyn.

“If she allows it, then let’s make a deal,” Aden said, “I’ll pay 20 golds per carriage.”

The usual rate for carrots was 15 golds per carriage. Viscount Arlen couldn’t hold back and let out a joyous laugh. He grabbed Aden’s hand and shook it.

“You have a deal!”

For the Viscount it was as if the deal was already made. In his head, he was quickly calculating the amount of carrots his farm produced in a year, the profit he would be making and what to do with the profit.

“Indeed,” Aden grinned.

Ilyn was now a winter person. If his theory was correct, starting next year the temperature of the Arlen territory would return to as it was before which meant that they would not be able to produce carrots anymore.

Aden couldn’t help but laugh. What a perfect way to destroy the honor Viscount Arlen had earned while locking Ilyn in the house.

Winter begins now.

***

The House of Viscount Arlen treated Aden very well. As Aden knew of the financial situation of the House, the meal he was offered felt like an overkill they could not afford. Viscount Arlen had a chirpy face on as he had no idea that Aden knew that the house was struggling to make ends meet.

Since the Viscount kept insisting on writing up a contract during the meal despite Aden’s insistence on getting permission, Aden helped draw up a contract. Of course, he was going to rip it up the moment Ilyn disapproved.

There were many ways Aden could bring down the House of Viscount Arlen, but he didn’t want to pursue any of the ways that could bring sadness to Ilyn. Ilyn came before anything.

“Hmm.” The Viscount stroked his chin, pretending he still had a lot to worry about as he read the contract but failed as the corners of his mouth kept turning up.

The contract mentioned the amount each carriage would contain, the cost and that the price may change each year depending on the market condition. The Viscount’s gaze seemed to have skipped the latter part.

Aden said after finishing dinner, “On top of the contract, I’d like to offer a monopoly to the Acid Merchant.” As Viscount Arlen’s smile dropped from his face, Aden laughed, “Of course, we’ll give you more.”

Viscount Arlen’s face seemed to have eased after hearing that.

“How many years?”

As Aden gave it a thought, an ear-splitting scream came from the room above them. Startled, Aden’s gaze turned upward then to Viscount Arlen. The Viscount looked completely caught off guard. It seemed like this was not a part of the festivities the Viscount had in mind for the night.

“Ma’am!” Viscount Arlen frowned as a maid screamed.

Aden cocked his head a little. Ma’am? Then, Viscount’s wife?

“Bring me the guest!” A shrill voice rang.

Aden turned his gaze to Viscount Arlen, “I heard your wife has a bit of a health issue.” It was a known fact in the gossip mills of the warm region. “Acid Merchant also deals in medicine. I would like to meet her and perhaps I can recommend her some good medicine,” he added.action

The Viscount felt defeated, there was nothing he could do. He had warned the maids not to let his wife out, but it was too late now.

“Would you? She will welcome it.”

Viscount Arlen walked slowly and led him to her room. Normally the Viscountess would have found it would be rude for guests to come into her room, but she immediately opened the door as if she was waiting. The maids that were holding her back all left. Aden observed that the maids who met eyes with the Viscount froze.

“Go downstairs,” The Viscount waved them off like he didn’t like them. It was a gesture for them to disappear quickly.

“Come in.”

The face that greeted Aden had kindness all over it. Aden walked into the room and unlike the chilling scream and commotion that was caused, the person on the bed was graciously sitting and waiting for him to enter.