Mia wasn't sure about what Northern meant but seeing him excited made her happy.
Northern soon noticed the smile on her face and stopped smiling. "What is making you happy?" He asked her.
Mia titled her head. "Young master is excited so am I. Besides, you act like a strange person, is it the effect of alcohol?"
Northern smiled wryly. "Effect of the alcohol I took?" He mumbled. "You can say that... It is definitely caused by the alcohol."
"If so, young master, I will start taking alcohols," Mia said and Northern could not help but shake his head.
"No, don't ever try such!" He warned her sternly.
Mia giggled at how serious Northern looked. "Young master, I was just kidding."
"Better," Northern said. "Follow me, there is something I'd like you to do for me."
Instinctively, Northern went to his own apartment which was on the East side of the villa. He had the whole East side to himself and this marveled him because in his former life, he wasn't born into such luxury. He could not even afford it.
He was born into a very poor family. What's worst, his mother, after giving birth to his younger brother eloped with another man, living their sick father to take care of them. His father had to do all he could to train them — even as far as borrowing money from business owners.
His father's health deteriorated so much that after a month of not getting treatment, he died. After his death, Northern took it upon himself to take care of his brother. As little as he was, he started doing menial jobs for people, in the end, he'll use the money to buy things for the house. He also struggled to train his brother in school.
When he sixteen, he joined a local secret organization and became their assassin. With the money gotten, he cleared off his father's debts, sent his brother to a good school, and was able to afford a manageable apartment for the two of them. He learned life the hard way.
"Follow me," he said to Mia and they both went into his sitting room.
"Young master, what is it that you want me to do for you?" Mia asked after Northern had settled down.
"Do you know Aria Voss?" Northern asked Mia.
Mia's eyes flickered slightly at the mention of the name. She clasped her hands together politely, her voice soft but steady. "Aria Voss… I've heard of her, young master, though I don't know her personally. She's quite well-known around the capital."
Northern leaned back in his chair. "What do you know about her?"
Mia thought for a moment before replying. "Lady Aria is the daughter of Lord and Lady Voss. Their family is one of the few noble houses directly affiliated with the Frost Council—the highest authority of Ice mages in the northern region. Her father, Lord Voss, is an intermediate Stage Ice mage and one of the Council's advisors. Her mother, Lady Celene Voss, is rumored to have once reached the Spirit Stage."
She paused briefly, glancing at Northern to make sure she wasn't saying too much.
"Go on," he said, his tone calm but curious.
"Well," Mia continued, "the Voss family is very strict about their reputation. They don't associate with just anyone. Lady Aria herself is… said to be different from most noble daughters. She doesn't attend many social gatherings. Some say she spends most of her time studying ancient Ice scriptures or training alone in the Frost Courtyard. There are also rumors that she's looking for something—or someone—but no one really knows what."
Northern listened quietly, his mind connecting the pieces.' So, she's from a powerful family of Ice mages. No wonder she's desperate to enter the Ice Valley.'
"Do you know anything about their influence?" he asked. "Their allies, perhaps?"
Mia shook her head lightly. "I'm afraid not, young master. I only know what people whisper about at the market or during errands. The Voss family doesn't mix much with outsiders. Even servants who work there rarely talk about what happens behind their gates."
Northern nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "I see. That's good enough for now."
He leaned forward slightly. "Mia, can you do me a favor?"
"Of course," she said immediately. "What do you need, young master?"
"I need you to gather more information about Aria Voss and her family," Northern said, his tone lowering. "Anything you can find—where they go, who they meet, what they're planning. But do it quietly. No one should know I asked."
Mia blinked in surprise. "Information… about Lady Aria?" She hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I can try. I'll talk to my sister. She might be able to help."
Northern frowned slightly, caught off guard. "Your sister?"
Mia smiled faintly at his reaction. "Yes, young master. Did I never mention her before?"
"No," Northern said, shaking his head. "You didn't. I didn't even know you had one."
"Well," Mia said, lowering her gaze a little, "we don't live together anymore. She works in the central district as a handmaiden at the royal academy. She hears things… a lot of things though. If anyone knows something about the Voss family, it'll be her."
Northern's interest sharpened. "The royal academy? That's where most nobles train, isn't it?"
"Yes," Mia said. "She's been there for two years now. She sometimes sends letters home, telling me about what happens there. I can write to her tonight and ask discreetly about Lady Aria."
"That would help," Northern said with a nod. "But be careful, Mia. Don't mention my name or make her suspicious. Just say you're curious."
Mia smiled warmly. "I understand, young master. I'll handle it carefully."
He studied her for a moment, noticing how sincere her eyes looked. In this world full of deceit, she was a rare type—innocent but capable.
"Thank you, Mia," he said quietly. "I owe you one."
Mia shook her head quickly. "Please, don't say that, young master. Serving you is already my duty." Then she tilted her head slightly, adding with a small grin, "Besides, you've been acting so differently lately. If this is what change looks like, I don't mind helping."
Northern couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Maybe I just needed a reason to change."
Mia smiled again, bowing politely before turning toward the door. "I'll send the letter to my sister right away. I should have a reply in a few days."
"Good," Northern said. "We'll talk again once it arrives."
As she left, the room fell into silence.
Northern leaned back in his chair, staring at the flickering candlelight on the table. "So, the Voss family is tied to the Frost Council… and Aria's mother once reached the Spirit Stage. That means getting the map won't be as simple as she thinks."
He ran a hand through his hair and let out a quiet sigh. "Still… I need her just as much as she needs me. The Ice Valley might be dangerous, but it could be the key—to everything."
He stood up and looked out the window toward the moonlit courtyard.
"Aria Voss," he murmured to himself. "Let's see what you're really after."