Oh spoiler lord/lady of this series @zz2000
Hear my plea, and please answer the question related to the oath and symbol this chapter. Have the raws/novel reached this far ahead? Its obvious she dug her own grave here but what just happened? Thanks in advance.
Bonus question:
Since you said ML/bodyguard-san is really a commoner and most commoners end up being heterosexual, when exactly do both leads fall for each other?
@Hypothon The manga has covered up to the middle of WN Chapter 9. There's currently 61 WN chapters out now.
If my MTL of the chapter is correct, Clifford's
from a warrior bloodline whose life mission is to find a "chosen lord" to serve as their master. The chosen lord can be of any social class, but the warrior always chooses their master (similar to the wand choosing its wielder from Harry Potter). Clifford cast that symbol on Octavia's hand to solidify their connection and as a "danger detector"; so if Octavia is ever in trouble, he'll sense it and come to help her.
Unfortunately I haven't read that far yet into the story to see how the relationship goes (I was at Chp 13), but if you're interested you can read the WN here.
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n1094dl/
PS.
Confirmed 1st prince hates Octavia (and is convinced she hates him back), due to his suspicions she ordered assassins to kill his lover. He also suspects her (non-existent) boyfriend and Clifford are conspiring with her.
What I got from novelupdate spoiler forum is royal family tree is a bit complicated.
- Current king is also gay have have official male partner. Octavia refer him as 'mother'.
- The 1st prince, Sirius, is King's sister child. The 1st sister died after gave a birth.
- Octavia is a child from another King's sister. This king's sister is alive and sometimes visit Octavia.
:::There is no mention in spoiler how they conceived children, thru male partner or magic.:::
- Alex is King's biological son. A lady from marquis family madly fell in love with the King and drugged him and gave birth to Alex. She supposed to be punished from her crime because she gave birth to the prince, so she was pardon but never met her son.
Therefore, they are cousins, not real sibling. Look like it’s a custom for princesses to be baby machines for the throne.
I don't have any idea why a lot of people think sudden command seal is a bad omen. It can't be anything but lucky find based on the fact escort had the reason to appreciate employment and ritual for branding the owner have the form of oath - i.e. can't be malicious due to rituals appearances usually symbolic of actual meaning.