Chapter 11: The Oath

Anna efficiently prepared dinner, setting a balanced meal on the table.

The main dish was a stew of chicken and root vegetables.

Fine took a bite.

“Oh, it’s delicious…”

“I’m glad it suits your taste.

I’ll let the cook know.”

“Thank you.”

Fine nodded.

‘At least the maid seems kind—a small comfort.’

Spending time with Anna felt like it could be peaceful.

After the meal, Anna cleared the dishes.

“I’ll return shortly to help with your evening preparations.”

“Evening preparations?”

“Yes.

We were so excited about the master’s marriage that we prepared adorable nightwear for you.”

Anna’s beaming smile made Fine pause.

‘Right, today is—’

With their marriage registered at the noble council, Fine and Hawk were husband and wife.

The first night as a couple meant their wedding night.

Before she knew it, she was bathed and dressed in cute nightwear with a front ribbon.

The thin fabric was slightly sheer, modestly covering essentials but revealing tantalizing glimpses—a provocative design.

‘I’m really not in the mood for this.’

Sitting on the bed’s edge, Fine felt at a loss.

Raised to marry into a ducal house, she understood a noble wife’s primary duty was to bear an heir.

But being treated like a mere tool for childbirth was unacceptable.

‘Can I push through with a claim of feeling unwell?’

Resisting Hawk’s strong build would be impossible if he pressed her.

As she pondered, the bedroom door clicked open.

There stood Hawk in a nightgown, its collar and hem adorned with ribbon embroidery, likely prepared with care by the staff, just like hers.

He approached her slowly.

“You seem to be feeling better.”

“Uh… well…”

Fine faltered.

‘Think.

There must be a way—’

As Hawk’s hand nearly touched her cheek, inspiration struck.

‘That’s it!’

“My lord, we haven’t held a wedding ceremony.

But I’d like to make a vow before the omniscient god.”

Hawk froze.

“Do you mean you want a ceremony soon after all?”

“No, that’s not it.

I’ve heard Rosaider’s warriors raise their swords, vowing to their lord with the god as witness.”

She’d read about this custom in a book while studying Rosaider before coming.

Warriors swore to fight with their lives, and in return, their lord pledged never to abandon them.

“…You’re not a warrior.”

“True.

But as the future Countess of Rosaider, shouldn’t I be allowed to make a vow?”

Fine met Hawk’s gaze, staring down at her.

Reprimanding herself for trembling under his intensity, she held his eyes.

Hawk let out a soft chuckle.

“Staring me down like that—you’ve got more courage than your appearance suggests.”

“I’ll take it as a compliment.”

In truth, she was terrified.

This was a man called the “Grim Reaper” on the battlefield.

“Are you sure you understand what the oath entails?

It’s not a mere promise.”

“Of course, I understand.”

Fine nodded.

According to the book, this oath—a sacred vow—was akin to ancient magic.

Once made, breaking it brought suffering worse than death.

Hawk gazed at her silently, then, judging her resolve firm, softened his expression.

“Very well.

My wife’s first request.”

Hawk took a sword from the bedroom wall.

“This is the holy sword passed down through the Rosaider family.

Legend says a young soldier received it from a goddess who visited this land.”

He held it out, displaying it to Fine.

It was far larger than a standard sword, its hilt and grip intricately carved, like a treasure for a giant.

‘He lifts such a massive sword with one hand so easily.’

“I swear by this sword and the omniscient god to provide you treatment befitting a countess.

In return… never betray me.

Is that acceptable?”

Hawk fixed his gaze on Fine.