Smiling at her, he then moved on as if nothing had happened.

“We’re going to be moving quickly today. It will be hard for you to keep up.”

Aiden explained as he showed her an actual parchment map, not a palm-sized one.

‘Why, why is he smiling like that? My heart’s pounding.’

Her face flushed even more when Aiden grazed her cheek and gave her a knowing smile than when she was teased.

To hide her flushed cheeks, Brody covered her face with her hands and listened to his explanation.

From Tilden Harbor to Middle Trade City in the southwest of Ferdan Fortress, it would take about two full days.

“Middle Trade City, that’s a straightforward name.”

“Yes. It’s a commercial hub situated at the intersection of the Central and Northern regions. The largest city near the fortress.”

Brody nodded as if she understood. He wrapped up his explanation.

“But there isn’t a decent town to stay in between. So, we’re going straight there, planning to ride for a day and a half without rest.”

“What? But you said it’s a two-day journey. Won’t it be hard to ride a day and a half without rest?”

“Winter has set in and we’re near the North. The horses are very energetic and can draw more power from spirits.”

Brody was flabbergasted. The idea of riding for a day and a half without sleep was unimaginable for her.

“So, it’s best if you just ride with me.”

Seeing she had no confidence to complete a forced march by herself, Brody agreed. They mounted their horses and set off again.

By the harbor, a hill sloped gently upward.

Riding over the crest, Adonia suddenly looked back.

In his gray eyes, the figures of two people riding a black horse far below the hill came into view.

“……”

He paused momentarily to observe them.

A whimsical wind from the sea ruffled his white hair.

“What are you doing? Not coming?”

“Ah, no. I’m coming.”

He turned his head, a strange expression on his face.

Although they were still south of Ferdan Fortress, the end of November in the Central-Northern region was sufficiently cold.

Riding had at least warmed them up, but during their brief rests, the cold wind would chill their sweat, bringing even harsher cold.
Every time, Aiden took meticulous care of Brody.

He even tried to make a warm water bottle during a brief rest, but Brody stopped him, saying it was unnecessary.

While Brody sat in front of Aiden, alternating between naps and rests, Aiden had not closed his eyes once, continuously driving the horse.

He didn’t want to disturb her moment of rest.

Moreover, her condition somehow didn’t look good…

“I think I’ll be fine just like this.”

Brody crouched next to Aiden and slipped into his cloak.

A flustered Aiden blushed slightly, gathering the cloak around her.

Naturally, Brody leaned against Aiden’s arm.

‘It doesn’t seem like she’s ill.’

It was a forced march, true. But she didn’t really look unwell. Rather, she seemed more lively than Brody, who had just been leaning against him.

‘Well, her physical abilities are superhuman to begin with. So why is she acting like this?’

He had been silent the whole way. Normally, he wasn’t overly talkative, but even more so now.

Brody had had many thoughts as they approached the North, so the two had traveled mostly in silence.

It was awkward, but Brody felt it was time to speak and mustered her courage to open her mouth.

The timing seemed right.

“Your Highness.”

“Hmm?”

“I have something to say that I couldn’t before.”

“…Hmm.”

Sensing Brody’s mood shift, Aiden thought that the inevitable had come.

“Duke Jax told me that I’ve been admitted into the family. Does that mean you will decide my fate? Is that correct?”

“Hmm, yes. Unmarried women and minors are basically the responsibility of the head of the household.”

“Sigh… Responsibility. After not caring how I was treated in the ducal house, now suddenly I’m admitted? The intent is so transparent it’s unnerving.”

Aiden, with a bitter expression, pulled her closer to him by her shoulders.

“May I ask? Your parents are…?”

There was a pause before Brody replied.

“…I don’t know who they are.”

Aiden nodded. He had heard Jax refer to her as an orphan when speaking in the South.

‘I can imagine the kind of treatment she’s received growing up, given how freely Jax discussed her background.’

He understood why she hadn’t returned to the Imperial capital of Medisian after fleeing the Northern army. At least it wasn’t because she had lost face with Jax after failing her mission.

Even when he asked her if she had a place she wanted to protect before the battle with the Empire, she had answered without a second thought: No.

‘I was worried she might have lingering attachments to the Central region and want to return. But it seems she has absolutely no such intentions.’

Having suffered in a noble house, she probably didn’t want to get entangled in aristocratic or political affairs any longer.

Aiden felt he somewhat understood Brody.

Then she only had one option left.

Realizing this, Aiden touched the parchment he had tucked inside his cloak, firming up his resolve.

Brody hesitated before speaking.

“Your Highness, so what I’m trying to say is, I think I should go to the North alone.”

“…Hmm?”

What did she mean? Aiden furrowed his brows. He thought he had anticipated all her likely choices, but this was unexpected.

“Think about it. If you take me to the North, it will require submitting the matter to a nobility conference for judgement. It would put you in a difficult position.”

“That’s not a problem.”

“It’s not just about challenging the Imperial family; doing something against public reason isn’t good. We can’t afford to lose moral ground, especially not now when the North is so crucial.”

“Nothing would change if you go alone. You’ll still have to stay with me in the North to avoid any magical manipulation.”

“….”
Brody remained silent because it was true. In fact, going north was also because Aidan had to go north.

The only remaining option for her to be beside him without causing trouble was one.

That is, to become his wife through marriage. Then, Jax couldn’t assert his jurisdiction over Brody.

‘Under Jax, of all people. If I don’t want to create a diplomatic issue, marriage is the only answer. I really don’t have the confidence to play the role of the Duchess Consort. Then do I have to leave him with a divorce history after being the Duchess for just three years? What should I do… How can I avoid that position? It’s too shameless to consult with the person who wants to marry. If only I could ask Mrs. Liberna Murphy.’

Brody scratched her undeserving cape.

She had to utter audacious words again, but her mouth wouldn’t open easily.

As Brody hesitated for a long time, Aidan’s expression hardened.

Finally, he mustered the courage to speak.

“Brody, marry me.”