It would be extremely uncomfortable for her arm, if she kept it bent so far to the side at all times... the shield is always either facing forwards, or diagonally a bit to her left, but mostly in front of her. It would be simply ignorant to keep her shield aimed anywhere else. Also by pressing forward with her left foot, the first and closest thing to Sigurd, aside from the tip of Hyperion, is indeed Iolanthe's hoplon. Also it was stated earlier that she shield veiled sight of her drawing the gladius - which truly fortifies the fact it faced forward as to protect the surprise of her fighting style. Sigurd couldn't have seen her drawing the gladius in the first place to take advantage of her movements.