Synopsis
Belle Aspara has spent her entire life in a wealthy, warm southern kingdom.
However, caught in a power struggle within her family, she is forced into a political marriage and sent to the frigid northern kingdom after her second older brother schemes against her.
Her future husband is Gus, the lord of Fang Castle in the harsh northern lands.
During the worst year of relentless cold and famine, Gus is desperately searching for a way to secure supplies for his people when the second son of House Bell proposes a deal: if Gus marries Aspara, the Bell family will provide a generous dowry.
Although Gus feels guilty that Aspara has been forced into a marriage she never wanted, he has no choice but to accept.
Upon arriving in the North, Aspara discovers that there isn’t even a proper interpreter to help her communicate with her husband, leaving the newlyweds unable to understand one another.
“I am Aspara of House Bell. Unfortunately, we have no custom of teaching the language of barbarians, so I’m afraid I cannot understand your greeting.”
“The interpreter was unable to accompany us after being accused of disloyalty. Well, neither of us seems particularly foolish. If we live together long enough, surely one of us will eventually learn the other’s language.”
“I was told my family’s dowry was sent ahead of time. We can simply unpack a few things from the luggage. Jack, would you translate for me?”
“Uh… He says… welcome, my lady.”
“So this is how people in the North welcome guests? Ah, don’t translate it word for word. Just tell him it’s cold outside and that we should go inside.”
“Uh…
As Jack, her knight escort, delivered the message with an awkward grin, the previously restless crowd seemed to settle down. Under their lord’s lead, everyone began heading into the castle, which was a relief.
It wasn’t until much later that Jack realized what he had actually said in the northern language wasn’t “Please let us inside,” but “Please let us go home.”
