Fort Posein was the Austrian Kingdom’s largest fortress, yet it sat at the kingdom’s northernmost edge. Though the rise of the Corpse Eater industry and trade in their corpses had slowly drawn some life to the area, the cold, harsh environment made it nearly every soldier’s least favorite posting. Except for one man: the fortress’s current commander, Major General Dante Graywhite.

“What a sweet gig,” Dante mused silently, counting the seconds until five o’clock. “Back in Capital Gurena, it’s all trouble—challengers, balls, nobles proposing marriage. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Here, I just wipe out Corpse Eaters now and then, then laze around the office napping. Though damn, it’s freezing!”

“If you really feel that way, just give up the Kingdom’s Strongest title,” a voice replied. “Then you can legitimately return to the capital and live comfortably.”

“No way,” Dante shot back. “Hold the title for sixteen years, and I get promoted to nobility. My goal’s to live off tax revenues on my own land. I’ve got to hold on for these last six years.” He kept daydreaming. “By the way, Lawrence, what brings you all the way from the capital? Here to challenge my top spot?”

“Embarrassing for the former number one to challenge the current,” Lawrence said. “I’m here on business. And what’s with that disrespectful tone?”

“My apologies, General.” Dante snapped to attention and saluted. “May I ask the purpose of your journey?”

“Bodyguard duty. And to check on my finest disciple.” Lawrence pulled a five- or six-year-old girl with golden hair and doll-like features from behind him. “Astrologers predict unrest at this northern fortress soon, so they sent her to boost combat strength.” He pointed at the girl in fancy clothes. “Officially, the Unicorn-blessed one’s here to empower Fort Posein’s troops against the prophesied upheaval. Truth is, she’s a troublesome heir of the Gulenna bloodline—Unicorn-blessed, a spirit beast with no self-defense. Assassins are after her, so we’re hiding her here.”

“That’s not true! I’m here to help!” Yulia squeaked, interrupting.

“Officially, she’ll reinforce the army with magic,” Lawrence continued. “Yulia, this is your guardian: Major General Dante Graywhite, the current Kingdom’s Strongest, Sword Ghost Dante.”

The little girl curtsied elegantly. “Mr. Dante, hello. I’m Yulia Flanrensa Es Gulenna. Let’s play together.” She glowed softly, floating herself and small objects around the room.

“Magic recovered so fast. Whatever, not my problem anymore.” Lawrence patted her head. “She’s mischievous—often casting random spells to cause trouble. I’m leaving her in your care. Oh, a maid came along too.”

“Flying, flying…” Yulia drifted mid-air with trinkets swirling around her.

“So I’m a babysitter now? Give me a break.” Dante finally grasped the situation. “Hey, Yulia-chan, when you’re done, gently put everything back. That wine’s expensive.”

“Magic’s all gone.” Yulia declared, landing gracefully. Then books, cups, and trinkets crashed down like limp dolls.

“No, no, no!” Dante cried in despair.

“Anyway, that’s the gist. The maid will give you the details later. Take good care of each other.” Lawrence ignored Dante’s distress and headed for the door. “I’m heading back to the capital.”

“Bye, Mr. Lawrence. Thanks for taking care of me.”

“Hey, kid, your parents are nobles, right? I can get reimbursed for this stuff, right?”

“Almost forgot—Yulia’s parents were assassinated. Please avoid mentioning parents.” Lawrence turned back with an awkward smile.

“Oh, sorry.” Dante scratched his head at Yulia.

“I promised Mom to be strong, so it’s fine.” Yulia said with a tearful smile. “So, Uncle Dante, you have to take responsibility for me.” She sat on the floor, fiddling with fallen items, looking a little lost.

“Anyway, it’s complicated. The maid will explain what you need.” Lawrence noticed a maid approaching down the corridor. “Speak of the devil—Miss Elaina’s finished the arrangements?” He gave a quick greeting. “Miss Elaina, I leave her in your care. I must return to the capital.”

“Rest assured, I’ll take excellent care of the young lady.” A composed young woman entered as Lawrence hurried off. “Hello, General Dante. I’m Elaina Hume, Yulia’s temporary guardian. Here are her documents.”

“Ah, I’m Dante. Looking forward to working with you.” He glanced awkwardly at Yulia, still sulking on the floor, and took the files.

Another officer, around thirty, entered with paperwork. Ignoring the messy room, he sighed in relief at Dante’s desk. “Glad you’re still here, sir. Your commendation for solo-eliminating Corpse Eaters last month, latest Corpse Eater movements, and plans for the former commander’s wine cellar and forbidden library—all need your confirmation by tomorrow.” He placed a stack of documents on the desk.

“Work just piled up.” Dante chuckled wryly, introducing the man. “This is Von Officer Feng Indel, our second-in-command.”

Feng Indel blushed deeply, noticing the women for the first time. “Apologies for not seeing you earlier, ladies.”

Elaina smiled slightly and exchanged pleasantries with him.

“Arrange accommodations for them,” Dante said, flipping through Yulia’s file. “They’re VIP guests and might stay long-term. Handle it properly.”

“Yes, please follow me.”

“No, I’m staying with Dante.” Yulia suddenly refused.

“Not easy to shake off.” Dante muttered. “Von Officer, take Miss Elaina to settle in. I’ll watch this kid.”

“Yes, sir.” Feng Indel left with Elaina.

Dante sighed, reading the file. “Full magic affinity, unparalleled talent in Dark Magic, Unicorn blessing, distant royal kin… you’re trouble. After your parents’ assassination, you hid at Lawrence’s for half a year, right? How’s his daughter, Lady Elizabeth?”

“Auntie and her son are well.”

“Good. Let’s get along well too.”

“Hmph.”

“That Von Officer seemed interested in your maid. Aren’t you worried?”

“I noticed right away, dummy.”

“Kids these days…” To break the glass-like silence, Dante kept making small talk as he flipped pages.