PB 11

Chapter 11

There was a lot to do.
The usual procedures—agreements between the families, arranging the wedding gifts, visiting relatives—didn’t exist at all, and even though the Duchess of Sonz took on all the major preparations for the ceremony itself, it was still the same. For Seren, the urgent task was getting accustomed to the Imperial Palace.

Every day, Seren gradually familiarized herself with the palace, and with the Duchess of Sonz’s help, she was introduced to the people who worked there.

“You don’t need to do anything. Basically, the Duchess of Sonz handles everything.”

Isbrandt said this to her when she worried about whether she could fulfill her duties as Empress.

“All you need to do is find a trustworthy subordinate who could take over the Duchess of Sonz’s role. That’s something for later, though.”

“That’s the hardest part. I have to understand what the Duchess of Sonz does to even know who could handle it properly.”

Seren spoke with a serious expression. Managing the inner workings of the palace was something she had never imagined, but if she were entrusted with it, it was only natural to do her best. So many lives depended on it.

Isbrandt quietly observed her and smiled gently.

“Right. Do your best.”

Sometimes, when he spoke like this, Seren felt a strange sensation. Isbrandt would encourage her and say she could do well, but he never seemed worried at all. If she didn’t know him well, then perhaps he didn’t know her well either—but did he really not worry that she might make a major mistake?

“Does he trust the Duchess of Sonz that much?”

Undoubtedly, he did. Seren thought so, yet her anxiety often led her to brood alone.

Isbrandt’s comfort was sweet, and when they were together, she felt at ease, but when she was alone, she felt as if she were the only one worrying, which made her feel lonely.

“This must be what they call marriage blues,” she thought.

The Imperial Palace was beautiful and luxurious, but also imposing. Dragging her uncomfortable feet across the high-ceilinged halls, Seren could hardly imagine herself moving from a mere observer to the position of mistress of the palace.

“Aren’t you rushing things a bit?”

Emily had once asked, concerned. Seren felt her face flush, even knowing there was no hidden meaning behind the words.

Seren had also voiced her thoughts. Didn’t they need at least three months to prepare? But Isbrandt shook his head.

[We can’t wait that long.]

Feeling the strength of him pressing against her, she understood exactly what he meant.

[It’s not just anything—it’s a national marriage. And this is important to me.]

He spoke seriously and nipped her ear. Seren tried to push him away and run, but her ankle betrayed her, and she failed, ending up trapped in his arms, melting under his kiss.

She had actually wanted to visit Estelle once. The place where her life so far had unfolded. She wanted to organize her room properly, and take some things with her. But the wedding had been scheduled so suddenly that she couldn’t.

Her father clicked his tongue, wondering why she would bother with such unnecessary things.

[Everything will have to be replaced with things befitting the Empress anyway. Why bother bringing anything? If you need something, just tell the Duchess of Sonz.]
[Even so, there are letters and such.]

Wayne paused briefly, cleared his throat, and replied.

[I’ll organize and send them to you later.]
[Books and notebooks too.]
[Anyway, you’re busy right now. Even if I send the books, will you have time to read them? And if you want to read something, it’s better to use the palace library.]
[That’s true.]

Seren had no choice but to accept it. Strictly speaking, she didn’t need the items; she wanted to organize her pre-marriage life. But with so little time, even going down to the Rhubarb Estate wouldn’t allow for it.

Preparations progressed almost as if possessed.

Seren wrote countless letters. Wayne handled the few relatives, but she also had friends. She sent letters to some of Estelle’s acquaintances from her girls’ school days, enclosing train tickets and asking them to attend the wedding. She asked them to come, promising to provide bridesmaid dresses and palace rooms.

Of course, the wedding would be very different from the one she had imagined for herself, but she still wanted to receive blessings from the smiling faces she had pictured being there.

The Duchess of Sonz sent palace messengers to deliver rapid replies. But none of them gave the responses Seren had hoped for.

“To Seren,
Congratulations on your wedding.
And to become Empress! I was so surprised by the sudden news.
I should be there to congratulate you… but I’m sorry. My mother has been very ill recently, and I can’t be away for that long.
I hope we can meet again someday with happy faces.
Solar Calendar 1012, May 17
Your faithful friend, Olivia.”

“To my dear friend,
I received your letter.
I was shocked to hear that His Majesty the Emperor chose you.
The wedding being next month is too soon.
I’m visiting my grandmother next week. There’s a family matter I must attend to, so I can’t delay. I don’t think I can make it to the wedding. I’m sorry.
There will be a time for us to meet. Please tell me all about it then.
Wishing you happiness.
Solar Calendar 1012, May 18
With fond regards, Amelia.”

Several other letters arrived, but none promised to attend. The reasons varied: one friend already had a baby, another had a trip planned since last year, and another couldn’t leave the family business if their parents were absent.

Seren piled the letters neatly on her desk and buried her face in her hands.

“This wedding is too sudden, and too far away.”

She tried to comfort herself, but deep down, she couldn’t fully accept it. Only a few friends had written congratulations, and many had written farewells assuming they would never meet again.

Even thinking it was inevitable, Seren’s eyes filled with tears.

She didn’t think becoming Empress would change her. Of course, being physically distant meant she couldn’t meet friends as freely as before, but she had expected that at least letter exchanges could continue.

The Duchess of Sonz looked at her with a sympathetic expression. Seren forced a smile.

“It’s fine. It’s my fault for inviting them so suddenly. It wouldn’t have been easy for them to say they could attend such an event…”

“Seren…”

“I know that once I become Empress, I can’t associate with anyone as freely as before. So don’t worry.”

The Duchess of Sonz bowed.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why are you sorry? Oh, but I am worried that people might think I have no friends at all.”

Seren spoke lightly, but the Duchess of Sonz bowed deeply, unsure what to say.

Dinner was shared with Isbrandt every evening.

The location changed each time. The palace had many beautiful spots at night, as well as places for the royal family to rest. Late spring to early summer was a beautiful season, with night breezes and moonlight.

Seren felt joy every night, as if receiving a special invitation. Isbrandt, being familiar with every place, chose spots he thought she would like.

Tonight, however, it was around the new moon, and dark. Instead, many small candles were arranged around the terrace where the table was set. The garden below was also illuminated countless times over, making it feel like they were sitting in a sea of stars made of tiny flames.

The candlelight reflected on Isbrandt’s face, giving him a warmer expression than usual. Seren smiled quietly as she watched him.

“Was anything uncomfortable today?”

He asked his usual question first. Seren stroked her glass and shook her head.

“The Duchess of Sonz took good care of everything. Oh, by the way, Father is going to Estelle.”

“Is that so?”

“He said he would give me the jewelry Mother used to wear. What Is gave me is wonderful, but this has a different meaning.”

“That’s important.”

Seren fell into thought for a moment, but Isbrandt broke the silence with his presence.