"Oh, God," Harriet covered her mouth and wept with joy as she read the letter Daniel had shown her.
The letter was from the Old Duke.
"We've won, Madam," Daniel breathed a sigh of relief, accepting the embrace of his wife, Amelia, who was almost screaming with delight.
"This is excellent news," Harriet rubbed her cheek and chuckled.
All the servants who heard also cheered and hugged each other cheerfully from the news.
"Madam, congratulations!" Amelia said, approaching Harriet. Both hugged each other.
"Congratulations to all of us," said Harriet softly.
The Old Duke's letter clearly stated that the opposing Lycan army had been captured, numbering nearly 600 individuals. There were casualties from both sides, but not many lives were lost thanks to the Old Duke's wisdom and strategy.
The Old Duke explained in a separate appendix to Harriet that he had found her brother's Mate. This was the news that Harriet had been waiting for.
However, the Old Duke's explanation seemed to be still not over. Harriet could see from how the Old Duke ended his letter that the man wanted to discuss a fundamental matter with her once he returned to the castle.
Still, Harriet was happy. Her decision to come here as the daughter-in-law of the Almandine Family was indeed the right one. Now, her brother, Heath, would be safe, and all was well.
The cheerful mood at the castle's main front door was suddenly interrupted. The servants saw a blonde-haired man walking down the stairs. Everyone quickly bowed politely with shocked faces.
"Good afternoon, Young Lord."
Harriet, Amelia, and Daniel, who had their backs on the stairs, turned their heads. They saw Liam, who looked at everyone, confused.
"Why is everyone gathered here? There is a problem?" he asked.
But as soon as he saw Harriet crying, Liam's expression turned cold. "What's the matter, Madam?"
"Milord!" Harriet walked over to Liam and hugged the man's slender waist tightly, burying her face in his chest. "You woke up… oh, thank you very much…"
Liam noticed Harriet's crying figure only when he came and how she suddenly hugged him. He thought there was a severe problem, so he immediately glared at Daniel, who was surprised.
It had been long since Daniel had received the cold and terrifying gaze from those golden eyes. Liam might need to help understanding what they discussed earlier because the echo in this vast room was severe enough to disturb a Lycan's keen sense of hearing.
Daniel handed Liam the letter from the Old Duke as Harriet looked up to him. Liam had barely read about the Old Duke's victory in the letter when he saw Harriet's happy smile in his arms.
"We won!" said Harriet happily.
Any cold aura Liam had emitted disappeared altogether, replaced by a gentle smile.
"If we won, laugh, don't cry. I thought someone hurt you," Liam said gently, returning the letter to Daniel and wiping the tears from Harriet's cheeks.
Harriet smiled and smiled, still wrapping her arms around Liam's waist. Of course, Liam was happy to put his arm around Harriet, too. The man took a deep breath and turned to Daniel, Amelia, and the castle servants, still staring at the floor, not daring to raise their faces.
"Go back to work, but let's rest early today to celebrate the victory. Reward five gold coins for each servant and member of our family pack. Spread the word throughout the lands of the North and prepare a welcome celebration for the returning convoy. I think that's all for now," Liam said calmly and casually.
The man's demeanor was authoritative even though he acted as if he was talking about the weather, not giving orders. This could not escape Harriet's eyes, who continued to watch Liam's movements. This was such a perfect day for her.
Great news came, and Liam woke up after five days of unconsciousness since the morning after that whole moon night.
"Yes, Young Lord," the servants and Secretary Daniel and his wife went to carry out Liam's orders.
Once the room was empty of other people, Liam looked down at Harriet, who had been staring at him intensely. Liam kissed Harriet's forehead between her eyebrows and smiled even more comprehensively.
"Sorry, I fell asleep in the middle of our date. How many days ago was it?" the man asked.
"Don't apologize. And… you've been asleep for five days," said Harriet. She added, "But you wake up without me around.".
"I can feel something. Like you're calling me," Liam said. "Is my Madam so happy she wants to share it with me?"
Harriet nodded enthusiastically, and Liam blinked at the adorable side of Harriet, who was so happy today.
Liam kissed Harriet's cheeks and then her lips, and Harriet smiled sweetly. Liam chuckled. "So when Madam is happy, I can tease her all I want? This is fun."
Harriet laughed in a sweet voice.
"Ahh, my teasing is no longer working. Madam is happy she doesn't care about my teasing, huh?" Liam felt even more pleased to see his wife's bubbling mood. He secretly wanted to make Harriet happy like this forever.
Harriet buried her face back into Liam's chest.
"Thank you, Milord," said Harriet softly.
Liam once again blinked in confusion.
"Thanks for asking me out on a date and trying to wake up for me. I'm grateful you accepted me and didn't hate me," Harriet said.
Liam's eyes faltered. Spread something in the space in his chest that left a bitter taste. This was the second time Harriet had made it seem like he had felt something in that space.
"Harriet, this is my duty as an Alpha and a man. You don't need…"
Harriet shook her head, cutting off Liam's words warmly.
The woman wiped away the tears running down her cheeks and looked back at him.
"Are you hungry? It's time for lunch," said Harriet, changing the subject slightly but smoothly.
Liam smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Harriet's temple.
"Hm, I'm hungry. Let us eat. This time, I won't fall asleep in the middle of eating," the man said, making Harriet laugh.
The two entered the dining room, surprising so many servants to see Liam coming down from his tower.
That day, Liam fell asleep again after finishing his lunch.
Aksara