King Michel appeared deep in thought. After overcoming the critical period when the disease outbreak hit the kingdom, King Michel became more convinced that Ivy was genuinely needed in the eastern region. Initially, King Michel had wanted to send Ivy to lead the war, but now he felt the urge to recall her. However, he couldn't do so immediately. He also needed to ensure that Ivy could effectively govern the northern territory.

King Michel, lost in thought, didn't notice Queen Nami's arrival. Slowly, Queen Nami approached her husband and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"What are you thinking, my love? Why does your face look so serious?" Queen Nami asked.

King Michel was slightly startled and then turned to look at Queen Nami. He gave a faint smile and shook his head slightly. "I'm not thinking about anything," he lied.

"My dear King, don't lie! Am I not your wife? I understand you very well, my love," Queen Nami replied.

King Michel fell silent for a moment and stared at his wife intently. Then, he sighed deeply.

"I'm thinking about Ivy," he said.

"Ivy?" Queen Nami asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Yes, you heard me right. I'm thinking about Race's wife."

"Why?"

"I've only just realized how much we need someone like Ivy. It's thanks to her that we managed to handle that dreadful disease outbreak so well. What if she loses or gets injured while leading the war with the northern forces?"

Queen Nami looked puzzled hearing King Michel's words. Wasn't Ivy already highly valuable? Why was her husband only realizing it now?

"Isn't Ivy already valuable? Winter has undergone many changes. He no longer needs to take his medicine regularly, my love. Thanks to Ivy, Winter is healthy now. So, please abandon your misguided plans, my love," Queen Nami urged.

King Michel fell silent and tried to digest his wife's words. He nodded slowly in agreement with Queen Nami. Shortly afterward, he gently took her hand.

"You're right; Ivy is indeed very valuable to us, my love. I will send for her to return to the east immediately. Let everything be continued by the soldiers," King Michel declared confidently.

Queen Nami smiled and nodded her head in agreement.
***
Race had just stepped out of his pavilion when Winter's horse-drawn carriage stopped before it. Shortly after, the carriage door opened, and Winter greeted Race with a cheerful smile.

"Let's get in! We need to head to the border right away. Father has ordered the troops to return today. Ivy has successfully taken control of the northern kingdom, and even an envoy from the northern kingdom arrived last night to raise the white flag," Winter explained.

Race's eyes sparkled with joy; he had been longing for Ivy. Without hesitation, Race quickly walked into Winter's carriage. Once seated safely and comfortably, Winter instructed the driver to head towards the eastern and northern border.

Lord Marques continued cursing in the western region as his plans failed again. It turned out that the disease couldn't kill Ivy because she wasn't there. Lord Marques slammed the table hard and then looked out the window. Shortly afterward, he remembered his pact with the forest monster. A wicked smile suddenly spread across Lord Marques' face.

"If my target can't be directed at you, Ivy, then I'll change my target to harm you," Lord Marques muttered with his sinister smile.
***
Ivy had just washed her face with the clear river water. The look of the woman Race loved appeared pale, exhausted from days of exerting her energy. After washing her face, Ivy returned to her horse-drawn carriage with slow steps. Ivy paused when she caught a glimpse of something happening at the border.

She looked towards the area where the northern and eastern borders met. "Race, Winter," Ivy whispered with concern.

Quickly, Ivy headed towards her carriage. "Is everyone rested and ready to go? We must leave now to ensure we don't arrive in the east too late," Ivy said to the remaining soldiers who had survived the battle.

All the soldiers shouted affirmatively and began to line up once more. Ivy climbed into her horse-drawn carriage and started moving towards the border.

"Wait for me, Race, Winter," Ivy whispered.

On the other hand, Race and Winter were receiving reports and stories from the border guards about how Ivy had fought against the northern forces. Race fell silent as he listened to the border guard's account. "How much energy did you unleash, Iv? What if something happens to her?" Race worried silently.

Winter sighed profoundly and stared straight ahead, trying to see if Ivy was getting closer or still far away.

"Iv, you really kept your word. Thanks to you, we're all safe. But how about you?" Winter thought, sharing Race's concern.

Lost in their thoughts, suddenly, a loud thud echoed from the ground not far from where Race stood. Dust filled the air, making everyone present their cough. Race was shocked to see that a monster had appeared and roared.

Race quickly held Winter back. "Stay here, Winter! I'll fight the monster," Race ordered.

"Be careful!" Winter warned Race.

Race nodded slightly and ran towards the giant monster. The group of soldiers present also joined the attack against the creature. Winter continued to grip the amulet that Ivy had given him. "Ivy will continue to protect me," Winter mumbled confidently.

After several minutes of battling the resilient monster, Race began to run out of energy. Several times, he stumbled and fell but managed to get back up. He had to protect Winter. Seeing his cousin almost defeated, Winter mustered the courage to join the fight against the monster. Armed with the powder Ivy had given him, Winter spread the powder precisely onto the beast.

A roar echoed from the monster. Race and Winter exchanged glances. "Still standing?" Race asked.

"Yes, still," Winter replied, handing another pouch to Race. Meanwhile, Winter took one for himself. They both continued to fight the monsters with Ivy's protective powder. Many monsters fell, leaving only the largest one. Just as the giant monster was about to attack Race, a white flash struck it, causing the creature to tumble to the ground.

Race and Winter could see Ivy running towards them from a distance with the monster defeated. "Ivy!" Race and Winter both shouted in unison.

They then looked at each other, feeling relieved as Ivy returned safely. Ivy smiled joyfully as she approached the two men she desperately wanted to protect. Race quickly embraced Ivy, while Winter, unable to bear the sight, felt his heartache again. He sighed deeply and turned his face away, not wanting to witness the painful scene.

"Why did you take so long to come back? I've been worried and missing you, Iv," Race said.

"I'm sorry; I didn't expect it to take this long. But what matters is that I'm back now," Ivy replied.

"Yes, you're right."

They continued to hug each other tightly. However, a monster was about to attack Ivy from behind. Seeing this, Race swiftly turns Ivy around, using himself as a shield to protect her from the monster's attack. Taking a mighty blow from the beast, Race fell to the ground, groaning in pain.

"Race!" Ivy cried out.

Winter was shocked to see Race fall. He quickly ran over and used the last pouch of powder he had. The monster groaned in pain and took a few steps back.

"Now, Ivy!" Winter shouted.

Ivy glanced at Winter briefly, then began reciting a spell. She unleashed a tremendous burst of energy that struck the monster, causing a loud explosion, and everything was engulfed in dust.
***