Side Story Chapter 36

Winter that year was harsher than ever, and Riftan threw himself into Anatol's restorations like a man possessed. Despite keeping busy with castle renovations and building the ramparts along the border, his shattered pride refused to mend.

Standing in front of the battlement, Riftan clenched his jaw as he looked down at the frozen earth. Whenever he closed his eyes, he saw the Duke of Croyso's scornful gaze. At night, that image turned into Maximilian's terrified eyes. Riftan pulled a hand down his face, appalled at himself for his lingering feelings after all the humiliation he had suffered.

It was high time he broke free of this pointless fantasy. He was not worthy to even kneel before her.

A grub should keep to the ground. Looking higher will only bring misfortune.