A week later, the supplies came. It was supposed to be earlier but got withheld again by the growing extreme weather of this land. Elda was getting annoyed and frustrated with her own home.

  When it did come, Noir told Elda to check on Jibran, who seemed a little under the weather. In which Elda found it completely predictable and unsurprising given his very hot homeland.

  And so she went to his quarters. As soon as she was in front of his doors his bodyguard announced her arrival. Jibran told her to come in.

  “Are you fairing well?”

  “Why do you ask so, my Lady?”

  “You’re still adjusting to this place after all,“ Elda signaled to her retainers.

  “Bring the hot chocolate and soup in.”

  There are two sets of food and drinks on his room’s table. Jibran still sat on the chair near the fireplace. He eyed the food and drinks with eyes full of suspicion. Elda took a sip on his mug in the side that would be opposite of where he would drink it. She also took a spoon of his soup to show they meant no harm. As Elda took a sip of her own hot chocolate, he followed after.

  “Tell me. What true warmth is like?” Asked Elda idly. From across her, Jubran raised an eyebrow.

  “What do you mean true warmth? Being near the fire is warmth itself. Although it’s true that around this is cold air. Even a simple wrap around and using a blanket brings warmth,” answered Jibran with a confused tone as he couldn’t truly comprehend her question.

  “It’s just that I’m used to all this coldness and only a little warmth, so I don’t see the significance.”

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  In which Elda tried to imagine something she had not experienced. It’s an inane question, where any explanation won’t give her what she wanted.

  “Just because it’s not in a big amount doesn’t make it not a signifier of warmth, my Lady,“ said Jibran before he stopped for a second and looked over towards her.

  “Though I sort of could guess what you meant was that it’s hard to compare if you haven’t seen nor felt the other side. A lot of things we could define by comparing. I might also add, the existence of two opposite things makes the other exist .”

  “And your insight on this matter already proves that I too lack experience since I have not ventured to another land. No wonder I couldn’t win against my brother,” huffed Elda as she rested her chin on her palm when looking out the window.

  “Why have you not, My Lady?”

  Jibran looked at her curiously as she peered over to see his expression.

  “My narrowmindedness. I thought what need I venture to another land when I have this place? For pleasure? Vacation? Unimportant. Yet because of that, I lack a lot of knowledge that can only be known by experiencing. Reading or knowing isn’t enough.”

  “Then, the only thing you need is to step out, My Lady.”

  Jibran said the most obvious thing she needed to do yet Elda had not done. Elda stood up and gestured to her retainers to clean up her bowl and mug.

  “Yes, perhaps so,“ she walked away to his room doorway before stopping.

  “Enjoy. If you’re well enough, the next meeting will be held tomorrow. The supplies have come, so the next steps would need to be done promptly.”

  “Understood.”

  “Then I shall await you at the chess board.”

  Elda walked away to the hall and back to Noir’s throne room. To her surprise Noir has fallen asleep. William and Antoine stood by his side.

  “Truly, he let his guard down,” Elda rolled her eyes as she walked nearer to Noir. She took off her robes and placed them on him..

  “Don’t worry, the guards and us are vigilant when he do need rest,” assured Antoine as he gestured to himself, William, and all of the guards in this room and outside it. Elda nodded in response.

  “Well do tell him it seems that while Prince Jibran was a bit fatigued, he probably will be able to come to the meeting tomorrow.”

  “Alright, your highness I shall deliver the message when he wakes up,” Antoine replied and bowed slightly. William only stood silently and eyed her harshly. But then again he eyed everyone like that except for a selected few, which was Noir, his family, and Antoine. A distrustful person, truly a good balance with Noir who was careful but a bit too softhearted.

  “Then, I shall retire to my room.”

  Elda moved away from the throne room through the hall and straight to her chamber. She sighed as she sat by the window, looking over the moon. She smiled despite herself, hoping that the diplomatic cooperation will be successful.