In the end, that curiosity was the beginning of everything.

A grueling carriage ride. Nausea surged up my throat several times, eventually leaving a sour taste in my mouth.

Endlessly winding mountain paths, a carriage seat that kept bruising my backside.

I crossed mountain roads carved out of cliffs no less than five times.

After all that suffering, I arrived at the 'Berg' Marquisate.

Fitting for the iron fortress guarding the Empire's front lines, the delicate carvings on the walls hewn from the cliff rock were a sight to behold.

The sight offered a glimpse into the prestige of the 'Berg' family, which was said to have stood firm for a thousand years.

The moment of admiration was brief as reality set in. The horse was panting as if it were about to collapse. Both the coachman and the horse looked ready to faint from exhaustion.

Slowly, the carriage wheels approached the iron gates of the Berg Marquisate.

I tilted my head back until my neck ached at the majesty of the iron gates and shouted for them to open, but time just passed.

I surely must have sent word before leaving two weeks ago. Yet the gates of the Marquisate remained shut, living up to their reputation as an iron fortress.

Beyond the thick iron gates, the faint voice of a guard only told me to wait a moment.

Thirty minutes, an hour, and then two hours passed before the gates finally began to open slowly.

The sound of the heavy iron gates opening felt like a new world was being revealed.

Passing by colorful statues, lawns, and well-manicured garden trees, the main doors of the mansion opened.

The interior, decorated with luxurious marble floors, statues, chandeliers, and paintings, was like a paradise. Is this what another world looks like?

Through the gap of the opening door, a man with snow-white hair caught my eye.

My eyes met his.