episode_0051

Due to the author designating Lorian as a supporter from the North, her appearances could be counted on one hand.

The Northern Grand Duke, Elise Khan Springfield, left a significant impression despite appearing only a few times.

A refreshing personality completely contrasting with the pathetic witch, Beatrice.

And an unwavering strength that doesn’t falter even against the protagonist’s growth.

Lastly, a vow to accept as a husband whoever defeats her, which stirred hearts involuntarily.

She was a character impossible not to be popular, often compared to Beatrice because of it.

Could fan art like this have been drawn?

While Beatrice hesitated to confess her feelings, Elise confidently approached, brandishing her sword.

Seeing that scene, Beatrice muttered while trembling, “I liked her first.”

Honestly, I wasn’t fond of Beatrice either, but in that fan art, she seemed pitifully overshadowed.

Perhaps, after seeing that fan art, I started to dislike Beatrice even more.

Anyway, due to her vow of accepting whoever defeats her as her husband, whenever she encountered a strong opponent, she would challenge them like this.

After the Northern episode ended, knowing that the sword guy couldn’t match her strength, she still challenged him.

I expected her to challenge me, but seeing her cling to the sword guy like that…

Somehow, it didn’t sit right with me.

…Maybe it’s because it reminded me of the fan art scene; it feels oddly unpleasant.

Come to think of it, if I just tremble in fear here, the fan art scene would be complete.

It’s not like something is being taken away from me, but for some reason, it feels like it is.

To relieve that suffocating feeling, I quietly rose from my seat.

“Duchess.”

“Yes?”

“It seems like my companion is in quite a predicament right now. Could you give us some space?”

Pointing to the sword guy who froze like a stone at the Duchess’s sudden approach, I spoke, and the Duchess subtly raised the corners of her mouth as if amused.

“Oh, is it obsession?”

“Obsession? Look at his face and tell me. It’s obvious he finds it uncomfortable, isn’t it?”

I can’t help but chuckle at the word ‘obsession.’

I’m just offering a helping hand to a struggling comrade; how does that translate to obsession?

Obsession is a term reserved for when you feel possessive about something.

I don’t feel any sense of possession towards the sword guy, so how could this be considered obsession?

Part of my growing distaste comes from the Duchess labeling concern as ‘obsession.’

As she continues to make our companion uncomfortable, I find myself glaring at her irritably.

“Hmm… Well.”

With a mischievous grin, the Duchess leaned in closer to the sword guy.

“Judging by the pounding of this fluttering heart and the fiery look in front of me, it doesn’t seem like he dislikes it at all.”

“…You.”

“Moreover, wouldn’t it be natural to like it? Where can you find someone who would reject a flower on the edge of a cliff, untouched by anyone?”

The Duchess smirked strangely and continued mockingly.

“Besides, Witch, what right do you have to interfere with him? If you were ‘lovers,’ I might understand, but you seem to be just ‘comrades.’”

“…He’s… trying to prevent her from taking a wrong path…”

“Hmph, a cowardly excuse. If you’re truly comrades, shouldn’t you help ensure that he follows along with me? After all, a comrade getting everything, including the powerful Duchess, isn’t a bad deal, is it?”

I couldn’t possibly argue back.

Unfortunately, every word the Duchess said was true.

The Duchess was right.

If I truly cared about the sword guy, wouldn’t there be no reason to object?

Northern Duke, quite a splendid groom, isn’t he?

However.

Why does he detest being associated with that sword guy?

A sudden question cluttered my mind.

It’s a valid point, so why this anger?

What’s this frustrating urge to argue back?

Though briefly swayed by an unfamiliar emotion never experienced before.

I suppressed my feelings and resorted to the only means to repel the Duke.

“It’s getting late.”

“…?”

“Everyone looks tired. How about we disband for now? Oh, some have already dozed off?”

Pointing at Alain, asleep with a beer in hand, the Duke’s expression turned rather amusing.

“Cowardly move.”

“Cowardly? I don’t quite follow.”

Where’s the cowardice in helping comrades rest a bit more comfortably? Who knew they’d see it as cowardly.

“Could it be… that looking out for comrades is considered cowardly in the North?”

As I pretended to be shocked, covering my mouth, the Duke’s expression soured even more.

This is amusing.

Refreshing, indeed.

Gazing down at the Duke nestled in the sword guy’s embrace, she slipped away from the blade, her face contorted with disdain.

“We had a good time. Let’s plan better next time and meet during daylight.”

“Good idea. We should set contract terms; having ample time will be beneficial.”

…”

Seems like a ploy to gain the upper hand.

Sorry, it won’t be easy. Today was rough, but next time, I’ll be fully prepared.

Showing a bright smile towards the forced grin of the Duke, she fled the restaurant.

Confirming her departure, I approached the still dazed sword guy.

It seems he enjoyed the attention from the mysterious woman.

Of course, no man dislikes when a near-perfect beauty showers affection.

But he took it too lightly.

After all the fancy words, to just brush it off like that…

I gazed coldly at the sword guy and spoke up.

“Enjoyed it?”

“Huh?”

“Did you enjoy it?”

…”

The color drained from the sword’s face.

—–

“Welcome back, master.”

“Yeah… Old man, I’m back.”

“Um, did something unpleasant happen? You look rather pale.”

“Unpleasant… did something unpleasant happen?”

Undoing the disguise, changing into comfortable clothes, he recollected recent events.

Visiting the inn where the witch was, forgetting everything, having fun after a long time.

Seeking a potential husband, only to find someone else interested.

And that someone happened to be the witch, a key player in the victory, causing further complications.

“…Well, it felt more interesting than unpleasant. Laughed genuinely without pretense.”

Amidst slaughter and duties, he genuinely laughed after a long time.

Even though there were clashes with the priestess and serious debates with the witch.

Still, it felt energizing, not unpleasant.

But.

“Old man.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“If the fiancée is a witch, what should I do?”

The only issue: the newfound suitor is in the grip of an untruthful witch.

From the moment they met, he realized.

This person could defeat him and become a husband who would force shameful acts upon him.

Looks are one thing.

The absence of the elderly smell from my body is also a pass.

Though hidden, judging by the perverted appearance briefly revealed, we seemed like a perfect match.

Without any exaggeration, he truly lacked nothing as a husband.

…Except for the one undeniable flaw of being tightly held by a wicked witch, which is hard to ignore.

“Sigh.”

Feeling frustrated, I sighed, and the butler silently offered me cocoa with a smile.

“Isn’t it mourning, but cocoa? Can’t you switch it to coffee quickly?”

“Haha, to this old man, you are still a child, my lord. Besides, when feeling down, it’s better to have something sweeter than usual to quickly cheer up.”

“…Not a single word of concern, you old hag.”

“There’s no way I’d abandon you until your dying breath, my lord.”

“Tsk.”

Afraid that continuing the conversation would only worsen the mood, the butler stirred the cocoa he had prepared.

Seemingly interested in others’ romantic affairs, the butler asked me with a sly expression.

“So, who is your partner, my lord? Judging by your troubled face, they seem like a challenging person.”

“My partner? Um… Should I say someone who can’t be honest about their feelings? It seems like they make up reasons for everything they do. Hah, it was really amusing how they packaged obsession as camaraderie.”

“Well, then you might have a chance. Those who can’t be honest can never defeat the honest ones.”

“Right, I heard that even my mother handled father that way.”

My mother, who is now a star in the night sky, said so.

She emphasized that one must be honest in love, at least.

If one is not honest about the emotion of love, she warned, they will surely walk a difficult path.

“As the old hag said, there might be a chance. But…”

What if the witch isn’t dishonest, but rather hasn’t realized my feelings?

If she’s attributing meaning to each action to understand those emotions?

If this is true, then it’s only a matter of time before the witch becomes honest.

If my fears come true, everything will fall apart.

“I’ll seduce him with all my might.”

Before the witch becomes honest with her feelings, I will captivate the prince.

And bring back spring, spending the rest of my life happily here with him.

That’s the vow of the woman known as the Iron-blooded Duchess.