Eleanor asked, looking intrigued. That was a battle briefly mentioned in the novel. Major wars were mostly dealt with in episodes featuring Serdis or Violet.

“It’s a frontier of a small kingdom, and their needs from the empire are clear. I thought they wouldn’t risk starting a war.”

“You’re right.”

“It might even work out well. Because it’s not a largescale affair, it could be easier to avoid participation.”

It would be strange to send a duke into such a small battle in the first place.

“You don’t need to worry, Your Highness. I’ll speak on our behalf.”

“Why Eleanor?”

“Why? I wish for a safe married life for my friend—”

“A Knight Commander like you has no time to worry about friends. I’ll take care of this.”

I cut her off. There was no need to entrust this to someone else when I, the duchess, was there. After all, the contract with Hertian also involved using my abilities.

“But I can make it easier—”

“No, it’s our issue.”

Faced with my firm reply, Eleanor closed her mouth. Standing beside me, Hertian added,

“My wife is correct. It’s my issue, and we’ll handle it ourselves.”

At that, Eleanor seemed to glare at him, then rolled her eyes. She smiled, looking pleased somehow.

“Hertian, you must feel reassured with Her Highness here.”

A cool response, fitting for the Vice Commander of the Knight Division.

“I apologize for refusing your help, I didn’t want to impose.”

Handing her a bracelet, I gently grasped her wrist. Now it was time for us to discuss our plans.

“Let’s go.”

Just as I turned to lead him away, Hertian stopped me. His face looked perturbed.

“My lady, are you angry?”

“Me? Angry?”

“Your face looks angry.”

I must have been scowling without realizing it. Was it jealousy, seeing how well Eleanor and Hertian got along? On reflection, I had acted out of character.

“I was just worried about you, Duke. Eleanor, if I’ve been rude, I apologize.”
Clearing his throat, he spoke in a much softer voice. Eleanore chuckled and said she understood the reluctance of a newlywed couple to be apart.

I guided Eleanore and the knight to their room before following Hertian to the study.

As the door closed, he immediately turned around.

“Madam.”

I knew what he was about to say.

“Wait a moment. Let me speak first.”

So, I intercepted. He would have stopped me from taking the lead, just like he did during our last business venture.

“Hertian and I have a contractual relationship, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then I also have the right to ensure my contract is safely upheld.”

This was my demand.

I would also be involved in matters related to this war.

Because Hertian would be participating in this war.

In the original work, that was the case. There were only a few battles where Hertian didn’t participate, and Turan was not among them. In other words, Hertian will participate in this war too. And this matter also seems related to Serdis.

“But it is a dangerous matter.”

His concern was not concern, but discomfort. As I felt during the Curcia issue, he seemed uncomfortable having someone else resolve his affairs.

However, taking it all on oneself isn’t skillful either. Especially if Serdis is involved, I should take the lead in resolving it.

“I know. You’re a man who dislikes others trespassing in his domain. But while we’re together, please don’t draw too many lines between us.”

“Excuse me? You think I have been drawing lines to keep you out?”

“No?”

He loosened his tie once, with a baffled expression on his face.

“No, absolutely not.”

“So, can I cross the line?”

I was planning to forcefully cross the invisible line between him and me, especially now that Serdis was involved. To ensure that our married life is no longer disturbed. Even more so if someone is planning to force me and Hertian into a divorce.

Hertian had no answer. He stared blankly at me with slightly parted lips. But his ears were bright red.

“Hertian, your ears are red. Is it too cold?”

“Ah, no.”

“No? Even if you are naturally warm, wearing such thin clothes can be hazardous.”

Are you taking the medicine I provided?

I moved the embers to the cold fireplace and approached him again. I noticed he was wearing a thin cloak, similar to the one he wore in the waterway.

“It seems I’ll have to cross lines in many ways.”

I felt guilty for not paying attention to Hertian’s clothing while providing maid uniforms. In this cold, even a robust man could fall ill.

That’s when he grabbed my hand.

His hand was incredibly warm, separate from his red ears. Ironically, I felt warmed by it.

“May I also cross lines?”