Chapter 5

Staring directly at Clyde’s face, which practically seemed to glow from all the effort that had gone into preparing him for the wedding, Beatrice widened her eyes.

‘That’s right! Let’s just close our eyes and get through it.’

This was a hurdle they would have to cross eventually anyway.

Think about it.

Today wasn’t just any day. It was their wedding.

What if she showed even the slightest hint of her usual irritation toward him and people started thinking:

“Wait, are you two really in love? This marriage is fake, isn’t it?”

‘I already threw myself onto the floor in front of our families and called the woman who killed me “Best sister ever~.” I can’t get exposed over something like this.’

If Clyde had heard her thoughts, he probably would have laughed and called her ridiculous.

Still, it was effective motivation.

Steeling herself, Beatrice grabbed her veil with one hand and stole one final glance to the side.

Her family sat there smiling warmly, completely unaware of the turmoil in her mind.

‘…Ha! Look at those grins. Their mouths are practically reaching their ears. Weren’t they the same people who were freaking out about this rushed wedding?’

Fine.

‘I’m making a huge sacrifice for this family.’

As frustrating as everything was, it was still better than watching them die pointless deaths.

Naturally placing a hand on Clyde’s shoulder, she slowly closed her eyes.

Maybe it was because her vision was blocked, but she became unusually aware of him approaching.

Just as they had agreed beforehand, he leaned close enough to make it look like they were kissing.

Then he lowered his voice and whispered:

“…What is this? This wasn’t part of the plan. Why are you suddenly closing your eyes? That’s terrifying.”

“Because I don’t want to look at your face up close.”

“Why? It’s one of the most handsome faces in the Empire. Looking at it this close is a benefit.”

The fact that he knew that about himself was even more annoying.

Instead of answering, Beatrice simply pressed down harder on his shoulder.

As if his words weren’t even worth responding to.

And just as their lips were about to stop at the agreed distance…

BANG!

The sharp sound of a chair being kicked echoed through the hall.

A furious voice cut through the crowd.

“Hah. I was trying to wait patiently like a proper lady, but have you all thrown procedure out the window? You’re blessing and announcing this union without even asking if anyone objects? Who gave you permission?”

A woman stood up abruptly.

Her face was hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat and a thick lace veil.

But Beatrice recognized her immediately.

In fact, everyone in the room probably did.

Because…

“Hah! I thought someone was playing a prank just to provoke me again. I can’t believe this absurd situation is actually real.”

The woman ripped off her hat and threw it aside.

It was none other than Valoa Edvain Crawford.

Famous for all the wrong reasons.

The only daughter of Grand Duke Alec, the Emperor’s older brother.

A notorious troublemaker.

A complete menace.

If someone upset her, she would make their life miserable regardless of status.

The nobles had reportedly sent dozens of petitions to the Emperor because of her behavior.

The real problem, however, was that for the past year she had been aggressively pursuing Clyde Dalton.

‘She sent marriage proposals to the Dalton estate practically every other day. At the New Year’s Ball, she even publicly declared that Clyde belonged to her and warned all the noble ladies to stay away.’

Naturally, Beatrice, who spent a great deal of time with Clyde, had received one of those warnings herself.

“You there. The blonde from the Hartwell family.”

“…”

“I know I made myself perfectly clear. If you forget your place and start eyeing what’s mine, I’ll crush you into dust just like a brick. So stay away.”

That’s right.

She had simply gone to the Imperial Palace because her mother had ordered her to deliver some documents her brother had left behind.

And she had ended up suffering through that encounter.

Valoa had cornered her against a wall as though she had been waiting for that exact moment.

Then, right in front of Beatrice’s face, she had crushed a brick with her bare hand.

‘I thought she was insane back then too!’

Looking at Valoa’s golden eyes, which seemed even crazier than Beatrice remembered, she silently panicked and nudged Clyde.

“…What is she doing here? Don’t tell me you invited her?”

“…”

“Wait. No way. You didn’t, right?”

Her question was perfectly reasonable.

Valoa’s name should have been at the very top of any wedding blacklist.

There was no way Clyde would invite her.

‘Then why isn’t he answering?’

Suddenly worried, Beatrice turned toward him.

The moment she saw his face, her eyes widened slightly.

“Valoa Edvain Crawford.”

This wasn’t Clyde’s usual expression.

As he slowly spoke her name, unmistakable hostility radiated from him.

‘…What? What’s gotten into him?’

He hadn’t even looked this angry when dealing with Princess Elodie.

Confused by this unfamiliar side of him, Beatrice instinctively grabbed his hand.

His fingers felt colder than usual.

Unfortunately, that turned out to be a terrible decision.

The moment Valoa saw them holding hands, she exploded.

“Take your hands off each other right now!”

“Lady Crawford! What kind of behavior is this at someone else’s wedding—?!”

“Behavior? You call it behavior when I’m taking back what’s mine? I already told everyone that Clyde Dalton belongs to me!”

She stomped on the hat she had thrown aside and marched toward them.

The situation was rapidly spiraling toward disaster.

Just as both families were about to intervene—

“Valoa, that’s enough!”

Princess Elodie stepped forward.

Standing protectively in front of the aisle, she blocked Valoa’s path.

Still clinging to Kaelan’s side like she already belonged to the Dalton family, she spoke firmly.

“I granted your request to attend this wedding because I wanted to give you a chance to move on. If you act like this, what happens to my reputation?”

What?!

‘So the princess was the one who let Valoa into the wedding?’

Beatrice stared at Elodie, whose expression looked impressively resolute.

“Sister, move aside. Do you think I won’t hit you just because you’re my sister?”

“I won’t move. For their sake, for yours, and for Uncle… no, for the Grand Duke’s sake as well.”

“Hah! You’re really going to stand in my way?”

“Yes. If anything, I’d rather you blame me. After all, I’m the one who helped these two achieve the happy ending of their love story.”

Oh, please.

‘Anyone listening would think she personally brought our families together.’

Of course, that was exactly the impression Elodie wanted to create.

Annoyingly enough, it was a very clever way of speaking.

And that determined expression on her face…

‘She’s using Valoa to build an angelic reputation for herself too, isn’t she?’

Valoa’s fiery personality made the contrast even stronger.

In the past, Beatrice never would have noticed.

But now that she knew everything, Elodie’s intentions were painfully obvious.

Watching the favorable looks appearing in the eyes of the guests and family members, Beatrice tightened her grip on Clyde’s hand.

If she didn’t consciously stop herself, she felt like she might laugh.

‘Wow. That’s some incredible skill. I guess this is the level of talent required to destroy entire noble families.’

She had intentionally offered Elodie an opportunity because it suited her own plans.

But she hadn’t expected the princess to exploit it this effectively.

‘Still, it’s reassuring. This proves the princess standing in front of me really is the same person I knew.’

A tiny part of Beatrice had wondered whether it was fair to blame the present Elodie for crimes she hadn’t committed yet.

That concern had completely disappeared.

If the princess truly cared about them, she never would have arranged things so that she became the center of attention at a wedding that was supposed to be about the bride and groom.

Apparently Clyde found the entire performance just as amusing.

“…Interesting.”

He muttered softly enough that only Beatrice could hear.

Then he squeezed her hand lightly before letting go.

“Stay here for a moment.”

“Huh? Where are you going?”

Without answering, Clyde walked forward until he stood beside Princess Elodie.

Then he spoke firmly.

“No, Your Highness. There’s no need for you to carry such a burden.”

“Clyde?”

“You simply indulged us once and kindly allowed Lady Crawford to attend out of goodwill. We cannot possibly let you take responsibility for this.”

While pretending to defend the princess, he subtly criticized her at the same time.

Then he turned toward Valoa.

“And Lady Crawford. I’ve told you every time you’ve asked. I do not belong to you. I am neither an object nor prey. How can a person belong to someone else?”

“Yes. And every time, I told you the same thing.”

Valoa smirked.

“Your little rebellion is adorable. I don’t need your permission. If I say you’re mine, then you’re mine.”

“In that case, you’ll have to argue with His Majesty directly.”

Clyde’s expression remained calm.

“Because with His Majesty’s approval, we have officially become husband and wife.”