DHDF 39

chapter 39

Of course, there was something that had to be done beforehand. After all, finally, the long-awaited day of the engagement ceremony had arrived.

If it were in the past, it was obvious I wouldn’t have been able to sleep and would have tossed and turned for hours. All sorts of doubts, anxieties, and confusion would have kept me awake.

But now, that stage had passed.

“Trying so hard to convince myself through overthinking is just a luxury.”

Along with the “Mana Perception” training, I had been gradually improving my physical abilities and spending time learning self-defense from Rosalyn.

I had been moving with the single-minded goal of gaining as much as possible while staying at the mansion.

Thanks to that, I fell asleep as soon as the sun set, and when I woke up, my eyes were even slightly puffy.

“In a way, maybe this is a better fate than before.”

Hmm, well, whatever.

I decided to think positively. It was better than spending such an important day exhausted.

Having started the day earlier than usual, I quietly eased my hunger with some simple cabbage soup and then began the day’s schedule in earnest.

“How do you like it, Miss? Isn’t it beautiful?”

The first task was changing into Madame Chloe’s creation.

It was ceremonial attire, made brighter and more elegant by layering white over the purple that represented the Edenfield family.

Naturally, it was far more splendid and luxurious than everyday clothing.

It was complicated to put on, so I had to get help this time.

“It is…”

I glared at myself in the mirror.

I had only just realized something I had overlooked.

Although the ceremony was only a formality, the engagement wasn’t just a gathering of the couple. Important people connected to the families would also attend.

I took a deep breath and objectively assessed the situation.

“The guests are strong adults. There aren’t many my age here.”

There was no risk of fainting due to the “curse,” nor of being blamed for it.

“Aeete didn’t say anything either.”

At least I wasn’t at a level to be pointed at.

Good. No problem. I regained my smile and moved on to the next step.

“It’s heavy. Not just extravagant—really heavy.”

“Then shall we do just one?”

“Yes.”

The maids, holding the hairpins one by one, reluctantly put them down.

Even as an adult, it would have been difficult to hold my head properly with all of them in place.

When I tilted my head slightly to check in the mirror, the rattan flower shapes of the pins clicked together, producing a clear, delicate sound.

“I don’t think I’ve seen this accessory before.”

I had spent a lot of time in the mansion, so while I usually just tied my hair with a ribbon, I knew all the accessories.

“Yes. The Grand Duchess sent it.”

“Oh, from Lady Carlin…”

I touched the flower absentmindedly, then withdrew my hand. Suddenly, it felt unexpectedly weighty.

“I’ll have to thank her later.”

The purple gemstone in the flower shone brilliantly.

Once I put on my shoes and gloves, I felt fully armed, a strange confidence rising as if I could face anyone.

Looking out from the terrace, I saw carriages arriving one by one amid the commotion.

“…Still, dealing with everyone at once would be tough.”

Lady Carlin had said the engagement would be a brief ceremony.

They had invited three friendly families and six families directly under Edenfield.

I could only imagine how grand it would have been if it were a full formal event.

“There’s still time. Would you like to wait in your room, or go out early?”

It was indeed a little stifling to sit in one place for so long, but I didn’t want to face anything unexpected.

I maintained my posture to keep my elaborate outfit neat and reviewed the ceremony sequence.

“Since I’ve memorized it thoroughly, I shouldn’t do anything foolish.”

Of course, I couldn’t let my guard down completely.

Feeling it was finally time, I descended the central staircase.

“Verzene.”

Litema waved from the opposite side, dressed in ceremonial attire similar to mine.

The only difference from usual was that he had brushed his hair back to show his forehead—a clearly deliberate choice.

“You’re lucky. We meet just like this.”

We shook hands as if it were natural.

Though his expression and movements hadn’t changed noticeably, I could sense Litema’s excitement.

“You seem happy.”

“Hmm, do I?”

“Just… seems like it.”

Litema laughed lightly and met my gaze.

“Of course. This is the day we announce that you will become part of our family.”

I wasn’t entirely convinced, but I let it pass.

His emotions were so intense that it was hard for me to fully understand them.

Inside, Aeete was greeting the guests.

He was so skillful and natural that it was clear he had been acting as the Grand Duke’s proxy for a long time.

“Ah, Litema. And Lady Erdion as well.”

His smile was unusually elegant, almost tangible.

“Since Father Miguel is here, it would be good to meet him before the ceremony begins.”

We followed his instructions without a word.

After greeting the priest who had blessed the Edenfield brothers, I also encountered my adoptive parents.

“It’s nice to see you like this, my daughter.”

“We’ll see each other again soon.”

After meeting a few of Litema’s relatives, we finally entered the tent used as the waiting room.

Laot was already lounging in a chair inside.

Soon, Aeete returned.

From outside, the sound of music and the priest’s voice drifted in intermittently.

“Esteemed guests, today we gather… to witness the sacred vow of a noble family’s engagement… Please be present as they are united as one.”

I took a deep breath and reminded myself not to be nervous.

Realizing it would pass quickly, I felt much calmer.

“Lady Verzene Erdion will enter.”

I was first, to make a strong impression on everyone.

And alone.

As soon as I stepped outside, countless eyes turned to me. Curious eyes, or ones judging me.

“…I can’t show weakness here.”

Not just for me, but for the Grand Duke’s family as well.

I straightened my back, lifted my head, and stepped forward.

Thanks to my etiquette lessons, I quickly regained my pace and executed the proper form.

“The groom’s side may enter.”

As I reached the officiant, Aeete was called out.

I watched him walk toward me. Behind him, Laot and Litema also joined, standing beside Aeete.

No matter how I thought about it, it was… unreal.

Being tied together with the brothers who would later be hailed as exemplary grooms.

This wasn’t part of any escape plan I had imagined.

“Today, through this sacred vow, we unite the honor of our families. This promise will stand firm in the name of the Grand Duke’s family.”

I slowly read the vow I had been handed.

It stated that I would honor becoming a member of the Grand Duke’s family and strive to uphold its prestige.

The brothers’ vows were similar—they joyfully accepted the bond and its responsibilities.

“Now, as a sign of this sacred union, we will exchange rings and gifts. This symbolizes the unification of our families and the pledge to protect each other in all paths ahead.”

The steward brought a silver tray, bowing. On it were four open ring boxes.

Aeete first removed my glove, held my hand, and smoothly placed the ring on my left ring finger.

“This feels a bit strange…”

I clenched my fist unconsciously, thinking that no accessory better symbolized this bond than a ring.

Since I had three fiancés, I had to place rings on all their fingers as well.

When his turn came, Litema lowered his head slightly and brought his lips close to my ear.

“You can’t take it off just because it feels uncomfortable, Verzene.”

“……”

“I’ll always wear mine too.”

He was sharp—his mere presence pierced right through to the heart. As if he wanted to show that I wasn’t as firm and strong as I seemed.

I silently slid the ring onto his finger.

And so the engagement ceremony ended.

The first gate had been passed.

I had promised everyone that I would become a member of the Edenfield family.

I had obtained the shield and the shackle I so desperately needed.

Now, the Edenfield family could no longer abandon me.