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Chapter 34
The wedding was held at a villa near the capital, known for its beautiful garden.
Traditionally, imperial weddings were held at the Avent Temple, so this choice was quite unconventional — but since it was the wedding of René Stade, everyone simply accepted it as typical of her.
“But the villa is much prettier than I expected. I can see why Your Highness insisted on having it here.”
The early-June garden was dazzlingly picturesque.
Red roses, purple lavender, cute daisies, tulips of every color, blue aster, and white lilies—
It made perfect sense that an old lady had poured her heart into the garden to soothe herself after losing her husband.
I suppose I chose this place partly to emphasize my desire to retire from being a princess and live quietly in the countryside.
“Isn’t Her Highness stunning today? To think that behind such elegance and grace lies such an incredible amount of power…”
“The dress is magnificent too, and it suits this location so well. I assumed you’d be married at the Avent Temple, but it seems you have a modest side.”
But despite all the gossip about me, not one person guessed the reason I had chosen this venue — that the princess might be exhausted from the splendor of palace life.
Why do you think I picked this place in the first place…! I’ll have to make it clear at the reception.
“Still, the entrance order is unusual. Isn’t it normally the groom who waits on the wedding road for the bride?”
“Well, the marriage was made possible thanks to the Princess, and it is the Princess who is accepting him. Naturally the prince should walk up quietly and pay his respects.”
True enough, the chatter ended abruptly when a page announced Friedrich’s entrance.
Not because they were minding their manners, but because everyone was completely spellbound by Friedrich’s appearance.
His neatly cut hair — which he had previously kept long — was already a striking change, but the Stadte-style ceremonial attire emphasized his figure so strongly that he looked almost like a celestial deity walking the white wedding road.
Because he had always stayed quietly by my side, this was the first time I had fully felt the weight of his presence when he stood alone.
Everyone watched him approach me, utterly captivated.
Yes, this man is my husband.
Even if only temporarily, I felt so proud that I smiled openly and reached out to him.
Friedrich took my hand with a gentle smile and stood beside me. Murmurs of admiration rose from the guests.
“The bride and groom are truly beautiful.”
“Thank you, Archbishop.”
The Archbishop, who should have been comfortably officiating in the Avent Temple, had come all the way here to perform the ceremony.
His recital of scriptures was long, and though Friedrich must have felt uncomfortable, he never once let go of my hand.
When I wiggled my fingers out of slight discomfort, he seemed to think I was playing, and wiggled his fingers back with a smile.
I felt compelled to go along with it and simply smiled.
Finally, it was time for the vows.
“Friedrich Kiel, do you pledge to love, honor, and devote yourself to the great Princess René Stade for the rest of your life?”
“Until my very last breath.”
He answered without the slightest hesitation. For a moment, his voice sounded so unwavering that I wondered if he truly meant it.
“René Stade, do you pledge to cherish, love, and respect Friedrich Kiel as your husband for the rest of your life?”
“I do.”
At that moment, Friedrich squeezed my hand. Instinctively, I turned toward him.
“I hereby declare the two of you husband and wife.”
Amid thunderous applause, Friedrich continued to hold my hand tightly. His face, cheeks slightly flushed, looked at me like that of a newlywed husband.
Below, his cherry-red lips curved into a lovely smile. Seeing that smile made me feel strangely warm, and I smiled back.
Well… whatever happens later, and however this marriage came to be — a marriage is still a marriage.
“Take good care of me, husband.”
Friedrich’s smile grew even brighter. At the very least, my vow to cherish and respect him was not a lie.
***
The villa couldn’t accommodate all the guests, so for the reception we had no choice but to return to the palace.
I changed into the reception dress Joachim had picked out earlier and greeted guests alongside Friedrich.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. It felt like watching the wedding of a goddess today. You were absolutely stunning.”
“And the venue! Instead of a temple, the ceremony in a garden full of flowers felt so magical. You chose a wonderful place.”
“I’ve really been drawn to rural life lately. Now that I’ve married such a beautiful man, maybe I’ll just whisk him away and hide in the countryside.”
I slipped this in as subtly as I could, but the reactions were…
“Oh my, Your Highness. You already have free access to the palace — why go all the way to the countryside?”
Things like that.
“And the more expensive the jewel, the more you should show it off. Otherwise someone might steal it.”
And things like that.
Damn it, what was the point of choosing a remote location for the wedding if this is the result?
Meanwhile, I ran into an unexpected guest at the reception.
“I must admit my judgment was wrong.”
Joachim had insisted on attending even though I’d told him he didn’t have to come for the ceremony.
Earlier, he had even taken the bridal bouquet — traditionally given to young women preparing for marriage.
“I think the dress chosen by the prince suited you better for the ceremony. Though it was a bit of a flaw that people might confuse who the flower was.”
Even though I’d married him, Friedrich hadn’t received a title, so he was still referred to simply as “the prince.” I gave a dry laugh.
“You still can’t help saying embarrassing things, I see.”
Joachim shrugged.
“I only speak the truth.”
“So, what are you going to do with the bouquet? Planning to give up on becoming my consort and finally get married?”
“As if. I surrendered Your Highness’s left ring finger, so I need at least the bouquet as consolation. I’ll dry it carefully and keep it forever.”
“Suit yourself. Just make sure it doesn’t attract bugs into René Palace.”
Joachim smiled, then looked down at my left ring finger.
“What is that unusual ring?”
It was the knitted ring Friedrich had given me yesterday. I proudly lifted my hand.
“This? It’s the engagement ring Friedrich made for me.”
“…He made it himself?”
“A ring more precious than any diamond. Who else would hand-craft a wedding ring like this?”
Joachim, who had been impressed, suddenly changed expression.
“I can do it too.”
He declared this with newfound determination. I waved my hands hurriedly.
“You? Don’t even start. I’ve seen your knitting. Do you know how hard it is to knit something that tiny?”
“If I start practicing now, I might finish in time for Your Highness’s coron—mph.”
I quickly covered Joachim’s mouth.
He almost ruined all the hints I’d sprinkled during the reception!
Smiling coldly, I growled,
“Joachim Rommel, have you completely forgotten what I told you?”
“…Your Highness still hasn’t changed your mind?”
Strangely enough, he looked more confused than I felt.
I dropped my hand from his mouth and glanced at Friedrich.
His expression had stiffened. So he had noticed.
“This isn’t the place to talk.”
Now that we were married, I supposed I could trust Friedrich a little more.
Sighing, I ended up saying something I hadn’t planned to reveal.
“I’m no longer interested in succeeding the throne. I told you that clearly last time, but you must not have believed me — maybe I seem fickle.”
At my words, Friedrich’s eyes quivered ever so slightly. I shrugged and added playfully,
“Definitely not a topic for a reception. Right?”
“…”
But Friedrich’s expression stayed rigid.
Why? Was he disappointed I wouldn’t become emperor? Did he feel cheated?
Well… maybe he had dreamed of becoming emperor’s consort after marrying me.
Watching him anxiously, I added,
“Even if I don’t become emperor, I’ll make sure your life won’t be affected. Don’t worry.”
I meant it as reassurance, but his expression only darkened further. I had no idea what the real problem was.
