The Northern Mad Dog Is Wagging Its Tail

  Britia looked at Sig with a beaming smile.

 

  As soon as he received the news, Sig rushed over without even changing his clothes, so he wasn’t in a suitable state to go to the party. Therefore, with Harty’s kindness, he was trying on various clothes.

 

  “How does it look? Is it okay?”

 

  Harty asked, wondering if he looked different since he always preferred to wear dark clothes but now he was wearing white. Britia nodded continuously, acknowledging his sense of style without any resistance.

 

  This was already the fifth white outfit, but Britia’s eyes were filled with joy, and a smile never left her lips.

 

  “It feels strange because it’s not something I’m used to.”

 

  Not only did it stand out when blood splattered on it, but it was also too flashy with its decorations, making him feel uncomfortable. Sig wanted to ask for a different outfit.

 

  “But I fell for it again.”

 

  However, he swallowed his words when he heard Britia’s voice in his ear.

 

  “It feels different from usual, and I really like it.”

 

  If it pleased Britia, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to endure the awkwardness. Besides, she said he looked quite charming wearing it. 

 

  “I’ll help you with your hair.”

 

  When the decision was made, a servant approached with a comb. Sig didn’t feel like having Harty’s vice commander standing behind him, but he obediently sat in the chair.

 

  Then, as he looked at himself and Britia, who gazed at him affectionately through the mirror, he lifted the corners of his mouth.

 

  “You’re cute.”

 

  Britia giggled and mumbled, catching the attention of the vice commander. It was fascinating to think that someone could call him adorable after seeing that.

 

  Having the famous Harty Slanford right next to her, is Sig Turas really cute?  

 

  ‘Some strange taste she got there…’

 

  The vice commander thought so, but kept her mouth shut. It would be troublesome if Britia realized something was off and decided to cancel the engagement.

 

  Right now, when she couldn’t take her eyes off the Duke, they needed to quickly proceed with the plan.

 

  The Lockhart family must have given permission as well. The vice commander planned to hold the wedding of the two as soon as possible. Although there had been no response for several days to Sig’s letter requesting permission from the Emperor, the Empress was very positive, so it should be fine.

 

  Then, there was one more concern for Britia.

 

  “Lady.”

 

  The vice commander called Britia quietly. Was she going to the party with Harty to deliberately provoke Sig’s jealousy, or was she really planning to go to the party with Harty? It was an important issue.

 

  “Next time you want to call for Lord Duke, just say you’re looking for him. Then he’ll come running to you immediately.”

 

  The vice commander spoke to Britia to give her advice.

 

  “Was Duke-nim really surprised?”

 

  “Very much so. Even though you were able to stop Lord Duke from going wild with just a hug, we were worried.”

 

  “I’m sorry. I was too hasty.”

 

  As Britia’s bright expression suddenly darkened, the vice commander glanced at Robert.   They didn’t know what was going on either, as Robert shrugged.

 

  “You said you would let me know if you found out anything from the person who tried to kidnap me. Do you have any new information?”

 

  The vice commander’s pupils slowly shifted in response to Britia’s question.

 

  “Is the party you’re attending today related to that incident?”

 

  “I’m not sure.”

 

  The vice commander tapped his fingers on the armrest, lost in thought. He had planned to reveal the details once the matter was resolved. But it seemed like she had heard something somewhere.

 

  Seeing her suspicion towards Raidars, did she hear something from the Count who doubted him? 

 

  What an annoying thing to do.

 

  “There is still no evidence that Raidars orchestrated the incident. I promise to let you know if I find out anything. But Lady.”

 

  The vice commander’s gaze became sharp.

 

  “What would you have done if Lord Duke hadn’t come?”

 

  Britia looked at Robert without saying a word. The vice commander let out a long sigh. She seemed well-behaved on the surface and resembled Lord Duke in some ways.

 

  “We are committed to protecting you, even if it costs us our honor. If anything happens to you, Robert will die.”

 

  Cold sweat ran down Robert’s back as he felt the vice commander’s gaze on him.

 

  “If I had known it was a trap and that you were leaving your side, I would have died in your place a long time ago. We don’t have a replacement knight until reinforcements arrive, so I can only keep you alive for a while.”

 

  Robert tensed up and swallowed hard.

 

  “But if you were truly taken hostage, then it   would be war. If something were to happen to you because of a mistake you made? His Majesty, the Empire would be engulfed in flames.”

 

  War? Britia, who had never even thought of such a thing, was startled and took a sharp breath.

 

  “If that’s what you desire, then it’s okay for you to enjoy the danger.”

 

  “Of course, it’s us who would fight in that war, not you, lady,” the vice commander said in a raised voice.

 

  “I’m sorry. I was too hasty,” Britia replied, her  voice sounding weak.

 

  The vice commander noticed Britia’s downcast expression and sighed, realizing that

he had acted too impulsively, just as Sig had complained. Unlike Sig, who found it bothersome to think about what to do in such situations, Britia was a delicate person.

 

  “I guess I haven’t fully grasped the changed circumstances yet,” Britia said in a feeble voice.

 

  The vice commander inwardly bit his tongue at Britia’s lack of strength.

 

  I should have comforted her and taken her to Altheim. But it seems like I’ve already taken away her burden. If she’s scared and says she doesn’t want to get married, what should I do?

 

  “It was meant as a gratitude for letting us know before anything happened. Lord Duke always handles accidents as a matter of course, causing him a lot of trouble,” the vice commander said, trying to salvage the situation. He let out a forced laugh, hoping to lighten the mood. Nonetheless, as Britia showed no signs of perking up, the vice commander became uneasy.

 

  Damn it. I wish Heather had warned me to be careful with my tone from now on.

 

  “Please continue to let us know if anything happens in the future. That’s what we’re here for,” the vice commander said.

 

  “I’ll keep that in mind,” Britia said, glancing at Robert standing behind her.

 

  He had already saved her life once, and he had been a grateful person who had served as a sparring partner when she was learning self-defense from Leon. She wonder if he’ll end up being punished later.

 

  “Could you at least spare Robert this time? He has helped me multiple times. It would be a bit harsh if he were to be punished for one mistake.”

 

  “If that’s what you want, my lady, then of course.”

 

  Thank goodness. Robert breathed a sigh of relief as the vice commander glanced at him. 

 

  “Thank you,my lady,” Robert quickly expressed his gratitude.

 

  Britia smiled at him, relieved, and the vice commander finally breathed a sigh of relief. But somewhere in the background, he sensed a dark presence. Sig was glaring at them, excluded from the conversation.

 

  The vice commander snorted and received his intense gaze.

 

  “Lord Duke, I’m a married man. As you know,” the vice commander said, trying to appease Sig.

 

  But even with those words, it didn’t seem to provide any comfort as Sig narrowed his eyes and approached. Seeing Sig’s reaction, Britia let out a small laugh.

 

  Sig flinched. He wondered if his transformation was truly amusing, as Britia usually didn’t respond this way. He felt concerned.

 

  “Is something wrong with my appearance?” Sig cautiously asked.

 

  Britia nodded her head in response to Sig’s careful question.

 

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know who else is around, but you’re so handsome that I couldn’t help but laugh.”

 

  “…Are you sure it’s okay?” Sig’s face relaxed with a hint of embarrassment.

 

  “I’m so okay with it that I’m worried other women might fall for you.”

 

  Britia raised her eyebrows and glared at Sig.

 

  “I got a little scared that you might start fooling  around.”

 

  Britia let out a deep sigh, placing her left hand on his cheek. Sig took hold of Britia’s left hand, lowered his gaze, and spoke.

 

  “That won’t happen.”

 

  “But if you’re surrounded by many women, who knows what might happen.”

 

  “Even so, in my eyes, I only see you.”

 

  The vice commander turned away from the affectionate display between the two and trembled as he stood up from his seat. Approaching Harty, who was satisfiedly watching Sig, he spoke.

 

  “Lord Slanford, can you tell me about tonight’s security arrangements? If we’re going together, I think we should know at least some of it.”

 

  The vice commander smirked and gestured with his eyes towards Sig and Britia. Understanding his intention, Harty nodded.

 

  “I’ll introduce you to the head of security. Come this way.”

 

  The vice commander winked at Robert and he followed eagerly. As the servants left and only Britia and Sig remained in the reception room, a moment of silence enveloped them.

 

  “You seem a bit down,” Sig said, gazing intently at Britia’s profile. His words accurately reflected Britia’s continued contemplation of the vice commander’s previous statement.

 

  “Becoming a duchess seems like a bigger deal than I thought.”

 

  The vice commander was right. If the duchess attending the party were to be assassinated, it would inevitably lead to a war among the noble families. Britia had only thought that having Sig by her side would provide some reassurance, but she hadn’t considered it to that extent.

 

  “So, are you worried?”

 

  The worried expression on the person asking made Britia appear even more concerned, and she let out a small laugh.

 

  “Yes, I’m scared that I might make Sig worry.”

 

  Britia leaned on Sig’s arm as she spoke. Yet, she subtly awaited his response, hoping to hear that everything would be okay.

 

  Could it be that he didn’t want to complain about such things?

 

  Britia opened her wide eyes and turned to him, and her lips slightly brushed against his.

 

  “…Does that mean you’ll kiss me every time I say I’m scared?”

 

  “If you’re okay with it.”

 

  The intense gaze directed at her made Britia’s cheeks flush.

 

  “It seems like it means more to the Duke than just comforting you.”

 

  “I can’t deny that.”

 

  Sig’s gaze, focused on Britia, paused at the necklace she was wearing.

 

  “That’s a necklace I haven’t seen before.”

 

  It seemed more like a magical item than a simple jewelry piece. He had never seen her wearing something like that before. How scared must she have been to search for and wear something like this around her neck?

 

  Sig felt a pang in his heart. He wanted to give this lovely person the belief that he would always protect her by his side.

 

  “In fact, Lord Slanford lent it to me tonight in case something dangerous happens.”

 

  A flame suddenly burst in Sig’s heavy, sinking heart.

 

  Harty Slanford!  [Here goes our jealous puppy ><]

 

  That man kept making advances, be it through his proposal or constant interference.

 

  “There’s no other meaning. Count Slanford is supporting our relationship. He feels a love for me, even if it’s just a tiny bit. Sig, are you listening to me?”

 

  Due to his jealousy, Sig’s mind was in disarray, so he couldn’t hear her words clearly. He took out a small jewelry box from his pocket as if he had made up his mind. Before Britia could see its contents, he swiftly grabbed her hand and slid it onto her left ring finger.

 

  “Um, uh, Sig, what’s this?”

 

  “It’s an engagement ring.”

 

  The diamond-studded ring was beautiful. However, there was one thing that bothered Britia.

 

  “You didn’t even ask if I would accept it. You just put it on.”

 

  She didn’t have any intention of refusing, but his nonchalant action without any tension made Britia’s expression turn perplexed. As she made a motion to take off the ring, Sig held her hand.

 

  “You agreed to marry me, didn’t you? If it’s on your finger, it serves as proof that you’re my wife. I hope you keep wearing it.”

 

  “But is it necessary to put it on me without any discussion?”

 

  When Britia glared at him with reproach, Sig held onto her hand.

 

  “I’m sorry.”

 

  He apologized with words, but Sig covered the ring with his thumb, preventing her from taking it off, protecting the ring.

 

[Soooooooo freaking cuuuuuuteeeeeee]