"Why are you so well-dressed this early, Iv?" Race asked as Ivy fed him breakfast.

Ivy smiled and then offered another bite of food to Race. "Don't you remember I have to perform healing magic on Winter today?" Ivy replied.

"Oh, why so soon?" Race said.

"It's not that soon; it's because you're only here in the room. Get well soon so we can go visit Winter together," Ivy encouraged Race.

"Yeah, I'll recover soon. I'm already feeling much better."

"I know."

They fell silent, gazing at each other. Ivy then took a deep breath to push aside her worries. She placed Race's empty plate aside and offered him water.

"After this, I'll be heading to Winter's pavilion. You stay here with Gareta and Selina. Doha, the health expert, will come to examine you after lunch, Race," Ivy said while waiting for Race to finish his drink.

"Okay, but isn't Gareta coming with you to Winter's pavilion?" Race asked as it was unusual for Gareta not to accompany Ivy.

"Not this time. I'll be performing soul-binding, so I need full concentration, just Winter and me," Ivy explained.

Race pursed his lips, understanding Ivy's explanation. Ivy then hugged Race without warning.

"Race, you know how much I love you, right?" Ivy asked.

"I do, because I feel the same way," Race replied.

"Yes, you're right, Race. That's why, after this, we have to live happily together," Ivy whispered in her heart, feeling worried. Her prediction may have indicated a victory for the eastern kingdom, but Ivy also foresaw herself running out of energy after the battle.
***
Ivy walked alongside Winter towards the horse-drawn carriage that would take her away. Winter smiled and held Ivy's hand before she could climb into the carriage. Ivy stopped in her tracks and looked at Winter.

"What's wrong, Winter?" she asked.

"Are you not hiding something?" Winter asked, also unaware of the reason for Ivy's trip to the border today.

Ivy smiled and shook her head. "What could I possibly be hiding? Isn't it you and Race who are keeping something from me?" Ivy turned the conversation around.

"No, we're not hiding anything at all, Iv. We were just discussing how to prevent your involvement in the war," Winter defended himself. Ivy chuckled softly at Winter's expression. She then took hold of Winter's arm gently.

"I already know about that too, Winter. There's no need to be so concerned," she reassured him.

Winter widened his eyes in disbelief. "Did Race tell you everything?" he asked.

Ivy nodded gently, then released his hand and politely bowed. "I have to go now, Winter. Take care of yourself!" Ivy said.

"Yeah, you be careful on the road too!"

Ivy nodded in agreement. She then boarded the carriage and instructed the driver to depart.
***
The border was in chaos, with soldiers engaged in combat against one another. The northern kingdom's troops were numerous, overwhelming the border guards. Ivy's horse-drawn carriage had just arrived, and she could already see the tumultuous battle scene. Dust filled the air, accompanied by shouts and the cries of wounded soldiers.

Having changed into more comfortable attire, Ivy exited the carriage. She started reciting mantras she knew to create a protective barrier for the eastern border. As she got closer to the battlefield, she continued reciting her mantras. Ivy then took something from her trouser pocket, a headpiece adorned with sharp spikes. She chanted her incantations and threw the headpiece towards the northern troops.

As the object landed on the ground, a strong wind emerged, sweeping away all the soldiers, including those from the north. Ivy recited another mantra, extending her hand, suddenly producing a torrent of water. A massive flood ensued, washing away the northern troops and preventing them from returning to their territory.

Ivy ceased her incantations after expending much energy and deeming the situation under control. She collapsed to the ground, exhausted, clutching her aching chest. Her thoughts were now consumed by Race.

"Race," Ivy whispered.

In Race's pavilion, he woke with a racing heart from a terrible nightmare. He had seen Ivy collapse from exhaustion. Race scanned his room, but Ivy was nowhere to be seen. The day had grown dark, and Ivy hadn't returned yet.

"Ivy! Gareta! Selina!" Race called out, searching for any sign of his wife.

There was no response from anyone in the pavilion. Race started to panic. Still weak from his earlier illness, he left his bed and room.

"Ivy! Where are you?" Race yelled as he searched for his wife.

He made his way to the central hall, finding no one there. Race's anxiety grew. With a shaky step, he continued his search and headed towards the garden at the back of the pavilion.

"Even though it's unlikely she'd be in the garden at this time of night, it won't hurt to check," Race murmured.

At the pavilion, Gareta expressed his concern. "How could this happen, Selina? Why hasn't Mistress Ivy returned yet?"

"Didn't she go to Prince Winter's pavilion? Maybe this time it's taking longer because of the treatment," Selina suggested, not initially alarmed.

"I've accompanied Mistress Ivy many times, Selina, and I've never known her to treat Prince Winter. I'm worried that this has something to do with the visit from Mr. and Lady Milano yesterday," Gareta admitted, his concern growing.

"What could be the connection? Didn't they come to visit Master Race?" Selina inquired.

"That's right, but on that day, Mr. Milano had a serious one-on-one conversation with Mistress Ivy. It was rather suspicious, considering Mr. Milano's solemn expression, and they were alone during the conversation. I fear something may have happened to Mistress Ivy now," Gareta explained, deeply worried.

Gareta couldn't hide his anxiety, and Selina, who had initially been unperturbed, now shared his concerns.

"What were they talking about, Gareta? Why didn't you tell me about this?" Race suddenly spoke up from behind them.

Gareta and Selina both turned to look at Race in surprise.

"You've gotten out of bed, Young Master. Are you feeling strong enough?" Gareta asked, both surprised and concerned.

Gareta stood and approached Race, but Race quickly waved his hand to stop him.

"Where is Ivy, Gareta? Where is my wife?" Race asked, his emotions getting the better of him.

Gareta hesitated, and Race sensed his unease. With a step back and a slightly unsteady body due to his lingering weakness, Race persisted.

"Tell me, Gareta. Where is Ivy?" Race's voice quivered with worry and fear.

"I don't know either, Young Master Race. Selina and I are also waiting for Miss Ivy to return," Gareta said.

Race was truly surprised by Gareta's words. He stepped back and staggered slightly due to his still frail body.

"Young Master," Gareta exclaimed, moving to assist Race.

"Let go! I'm fine. Quickly, instruct the guards to prepare the horse carriage; I must search for Ivy," Race said.

"But, you're still unwell, Young Master Race," Gareta protested.

"Yes, Young Master Race. Let's wait here for Miss Ivy to return," Selina said, trying to persuade him.

Race looked at the two female servants close to his wife.

"How can I wait here? My wife has disappeared. What if something happens to her?" Race shouted, losing control of himself due to his worry for Ivy.
***