“……If you want to know, just go to bed now.”

Logan Redford facing her with barely a finger’s width between them. Had the heat of the sunset coloring the sky transferred to him? His blue eyes were flickering with passion.

What to do? She should say something. But her heart seemed to have climbed up to her head, making any thoughts impossible as it pounded loudly.

She could only stare blankly into his eyes.

Logan Redford cupped the back of Sidney’s head with his hand and his lips quivered.

“Sidney……”

Logan’s impatient expression and husky voice were asking for permission.

Only then did Sidney realize what she wanted.

She wanted to confirm if Logan Redford, who had everything in the world, still desired her as much as that day, and if she herself wanted to be in his arms. Even if it was just base lust.

Sidney Warden placed her hands on his broad shoulders and asked back.

“……If I go?”

“We’ll find out how much we want each other, and how well we match……”

Sidney couldn’t help but refute his overly confident and certain tone.

“It’s just physical pleasure.”

She regretted it the moment the words left her mouth, but didn’t bother to correct herself. After all, one night’s indiscretion had been decisive in their marriage.

Logan lowered his head with a self-deprecating smile.

“That’s natural between husband and wife.”

“……Is that so?”

She mumbled something in surprise at the shortened distance, and Logan tightened his grip on the back of her head.

As their breaths mingled, their lips met.

Startled by the heat passing between their lips, Sidney flinched, but Logan dove deeper, deeper, catching and enveloping her as she tried to escape.

Consuming her like that, rough and insistent at times, then gentle and coaxing at others.

The persistent yet intense kiss that seemed to steal her soul heightened an inexplicable thirst. Is this what it means for the body to heat up? Sidney wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head back.

Had the sea swallowed the sun? The sky she unconsciously looked up at was dyed indigo.

At Raon Lynd’s advice, he thought this was it. After all, the Dowager Duchess Douglas Redford that Sidney would face tomorrow was no ordinary person.

Her eccentric and dogmatic personality, along with her sly cutting remarks, made even him, her grandson, wince.

In a different sense, Sidney Warden was no pushover either. If she decided against something, she would turn her back ruthlessly by any means necessary.

Rather than just relying on a verbal promise, it seemed much better to put a ring on her finger.

But when he actually tried to do it, the ‘meaningful place’ was the problem.

Although the time he had spent with Sidney Warden was long, most of it was as superior and subordinate traversing battlefields, not as a man and woman.

As such, to find meaning, they would have to cross the border into the Asnel region.

It’s not like he knew places Sidney Warden frequented in this Marcel either. While he was at a loss, Logan recalled the villa in Long Beach where he had spent his childhood.

It could be killing two birds with one stone, as he could even transfer the ownership of the house while at it.

Having decided on the location, he headed to a jewelry store. All that caught his eye were flashy and expensive rings.

But they wouldn’t suit Sidney Warden, who had spent more time living as a man than a woman, nor did she seem to particularly like such high-priced precious metals.

So he bought a plain ring that could be worn regardless of gender.

Finally, after having a bouquet prepared, he headed to Yvonne Boutique where Sidney Warden would be waiting.

But meeting Victoria Owello there threw a wrench in his plans.

He already didn’t have good feelings about Victoria due to hiding the fact that Sidney was ‘Marien’ and introducing Steve Deniro.

And now she shows up unannounced during his scheduled time with Sidney Warden, blabbering about opposing the marriage and whatnot – how could he look at her kindly?

At this point, questions arose.

How did Victoria Owello know about Sidney Warden’s secret of being a woman and about the marriage? Why was she so recklessly involved in Sidney’s affairs like a mother hen protecting her chicks? And why was the usually cold-hearted Sidney Warden indulging all of Victoria’s excessive meddling and whims?

Through conversations with both Victoria Owello and Sidney Warden, he could guess that they had a closer bond than family.

Though he didn’t know the details, one thing was clear. Winning over Victoria Owello would make it easier to gain Sidney’s heart.

Looking down at the night sea from the second-floor study, Logan Redford firmed his resolve and spoke.

“Investigate in detail the situation of the Owello ducal family, the movements and backgrounds of those mentioned as successors, and those supporting Victoria Owello.”

Raon Lynd, called to the Long Beach villa late at night, asked for an explanation with a puzzled face.

“Lord Logan, clumsily intervening in the Owello ducal family’s affairs in the current situation could ruin everything. If I may be so bold, why do you want to help Lady Victoria Owello?”

“Why do you think the Duke of Owello doesn’t cast out his daughter who refuses marriage and turns her back on her father?”

“That’s because she’s the only child left to the Duke who lost his son…”

Raon Lynd trailed off mid-sentence and widened his eyes. He must have finally realized the Duke of Owello’s inner thoughts and difficulties.

Logan turned around slowly with his hands in his pockets. Looking at Raon Lynd, who was asking if his thoughts were correct, he grinned.

“It’s just unacceptable. Handing over that great family to those without Owello blood flowing in their veins.”

“But according to imperial law, it’s impossible unless Lady Owello marries and has grandchildren.”

That’s right. That’s ultimately what Victoria Owello wants. But if there was another way to resolve the grudge from Justin Owello’s death, preferably in a direction favorable to Victoria Owello…

Logan Redford tilted his head slightly and retorted.

“What if it were possible?”

“If that could be done, it would be perfect, but how do you plan to persuade Lady Owello?”

“Raon Lynd, you just do what I told you properly. My wife will do the persuading.”

Logan deliberately emphasized the words ‘my wife’. So that Raon Lynd would realize that Sidney Warden was not a potential threat to the Redford family, but a beneficial presence.

After rolling his eyes for a moment to finish his calculations, a meaningful smile appeared on Raon Lynd’s lips.

“Yes, I’ll investigate thoroughly.”

Logan Redford passed by Raon Lynd with slow steps. Raon Lynd, who followed him out of the study, spoke up.

“By the way, did Warden-nim like the ring and proposal?”

Oh, right. Logan frowned slightly, glancing towards the bedroom where Sidney was sleeping.

“I’m sorry. I’ll send Jane early in the morning.”

“Don’t tell Sidney about the proposal and Lady Owello.”

“Yes.”

After Raon Lynd left, Logan, left alone in the dark corridor, stared blankly at the door to Sidney’s bedroom.

Crackling, as if echoing the sound of burning logs in the fireplace, a fierce blizzard pounded on the windows.

Snow that had fallen all night piled up softly in the garden.

Sidney’s eyes unconsciously followed the swing, swaying with it. She suddenly wondered if the young Logan Redford had ridden that swing.

If he too, like other children, had laughed cheerfully while swinging vigorously.

“Lady Marien, is there anything uncomfortable?”

At maid Jane’s question, Sidney blinked and looked in the mirror. The still unfamiliar face was staring back at her with long blonde hair cascading down.

Her mouth tasted bitter. Lady Marien hid her face, Sidney Warden hid her gender, so it was always like wearing a mask.

Sidney met maid Jane’s eyes in the mirror.

“I think I’m fine.”

“Then, shall I style your hair?”

On the dressing table with an oval mirror were cosmetics and a jewelry box. They weren’t there until before going to bed last night. As Sidney stared intently at the jewelry box.

“Madame Yvonne sent jewelry and hair accessories to match the dress.”

“I see.”

“Your hair is really beautiful. Lady Marien, shall I style it up voluminously?”

Sidney blinked her eyes slowly. As permission was granted, maid Jane’s hands moved quickly.

In no time, the hair styling was finished and even makeup was done. She was as skilled as Victoria Owello’s maid Sarah, drawing admiration just from watching.

“You’re really good.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m saying that I become more presentable with each touch of Jane’s hands.”

At Sidney’s smooth compliment, Jane blushed like a radish and became shy. However, her eyes and voice were full of pride.

“You flatter me. It’s an honor for me to be able to dress such a beautiful person.”

It was embarrassing to hear. After exchanging compliments back and forth like that and putting on a black cape with a glossy sheen, she left the villa.

The clear sky and the blue sea surging in the distance, the cold wind and the salty smell of the sea, and the faint sound of waves. Everything was not much different from yesterday.

Sidney moved her feet towards where the carriage and people waiting for her were.

Logan Redford, who had been talking with the knights of the Redford marquis family, raised his head and was startled.

The other knights also froze in place like stones. Sidney tilted her head quizzically at their reaction.

Is it that strange? When she looked in the mirror just now, this face might not have been a typical beauty, but it wasn’t at a level to be so averse to.

Even if it were, they shouldn’t be so rude to a lady. Don’t these guys have eyes?

As Sidney swept a fierce glance over the knights, Logan Redford blocked her view with an annoyed face.

“Don’t look at them like that.”