“Brody, marry me.”

“……”

Brody couldn’t respond. Her heart knew too well how much he wanted me.

Though burdened by responsibilities, he’d followed Brody, postponing those very responsibilities that weighed him down.

He’d always been sincere with her.

“To protect you.”

“……Your Highness.”

Brody’s eyebrows furrowed.

Seeing her troubled gaze, he clenched his fist tighter in his lap. He could feel the corner of the parchment crinkle.

‘…I can’t crumple it.’

He relaxed the grip on the parchment.

It seemed as if he had given up.

That’s when he made his ‘decision.’

Turning towards her, he gently brushed her hair aside.

Brody looked at him, puzzled. There was a certain melancholy in his eyes.

Then his lips parted.

“For three years. I’ll protect you for three years.”

Saying that, he handed her the piece of parchment.

“……What?”

Protect me for three years?

‘What does that mean…?’

“Uh…”

Brody’s eyes widened in confusion. What was he talking about? I said I would marry him, and he says he’ll protect me for only three years?

So he was saying that he’d let Brody go after three years. He was willing to divorce her after that, for her sake.

Without realizing it, she felt a lump in her throat.

‘How could he do this?’

Brody had made her decision considering various factors, but Aidan’s decision was solely for her benefit. There was nothing good about this choice for him, for the North, or for Aidan himself.

What he had desired all along was just one thing: for Brody to stay by his side. But now, he was even willing to give that up.

Brody was confused. Her heart was both happy and heavy. It was beyond wanting to be with someone you love; it was about wanting the happiness of the other even if it meant parting ways.

It wasn’t what she had hoped for. She wished he would have been more selfish. Then she would have felt more at ease.

He wouldn’t even give her the chance to be upset by saying anything selfish.

Having lowered her gaze, Brody mustered the courage to lift her head.

Her trembling eyes met his steady gaze.

Calm, deep, like steadfast ice. Just his expression was enough to feel that he truly cared for her. It didn’t seem like empty words. That wasn’t his nature.

Brody’s lips quivered.

“How can I repay your kindness, Your Highness?”

At that, Aidan’s eyebrows furrowed. Ah, kindness. Her words were essentially an acceptance of his proposal, but with the intention to leave after three years.

Though he was prepared, it still stung.

Brody knew. She knew he was hurt. But there was no way for her to not hurt him. She wasn’t fit for the role of a duchess.

‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Your Highness. But staying in the North isn’t a good choice. I’m not fit to be a duchess.’

Instead, she would do her best for his North. She would truly give it her all. She made that vow.

After a brief silence, his lips parted again. He spoke in a seemingly cheerful yet sarcastic tone.

“Kindness, you say. It’s not for free. Look at the document.”

“……?”

Not for free? Confused, Brody hastily unfolded the parchment.

On the top, Aidan’s strong yet neat handwriting stood out.

“A contract?”

“In exchange for me protecting you, you have an obligation to the North.”

“Ah……”
Brody quickly read through the contract.

Aidan Mason and Brody May will marry and maintain this for 3 years.

During this period, Aidan Mason will ensure the safety of Brody May, who in return will work for the North.

After 3 years, the contract will be voided, and Brody May will be free.

Aidan Mason guarantees the above terms.

And at the end, the seal of the Duke of the North was stamped.

Brody looked up.

“You said you would work for the North first, so it won’t be too burdensome, will it?”

“Yes, … yes.”

Brody awkwardly answered and gave a strained smile.

It was clear what he was thinking. He had deliberately added the phrase, ‘who in return will work for the North,’ to relieve her burden. Yet, ironically, it was that very sentence that made Brody feel somewhat at ease. It wasn’t entirely ineffective.

Honestly, it was a bit surprising. Why had the man, who had previously been bulldozing his way into taking her with him, suddenly changed his mind?

If he had been stubborn, it would have been possible to keep Brody by his side for a lifetime. After all, Brody needed him, and he held the key.

“Really… is this fine?”

Brody carefully asked.

“Would you be disappointed if it’s not?”

“No, no!”

Brody lowered her head and tightly hugged the parchment. She was a little surprised at her own reflexive behavior.

To be able to back out like this to make a decision, it felt a bit wrong to Aidan. She wasn’t planning to miss the opportunity that had come her way.

He looked at her and smiled knowingly. The expression seemed entertaining, but it didn’t feel pleasing.

He soon pulled out ink and pen from a pouch hanging on the saddle and handed them to her. It meant for her to sign if she agreed.

Brody pondered briefly and quickly added her signature next to Aidan’s seal.

While she was signing, Aidan spoke.