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Chapter 8
Time passed quickly, and before Violette knew it, it was the day of the wedding. Groggily waking up on the morning of her wedding, she blinked her half-asleep eyes.
“Miss! Wake up! Eyes open!”
“Mm… they’re open.”
Violette had tossed and turned all night, leaving her sleep deprived. Her skin was rough, her eyes dull, and even the maids helping her with her hair and makeup looked dismayed.
As they hurriedly brushed and pinned up her hair, Violette half-opened her eyes to gaze at herself in the mirror.
‘I really am getting married… to a man I’ve barely seen.’
The thought of the wedding being so close made her nervous. Violette had never really considered marriage; to her, it was a tedious restriction. Her motto, especially in this life she had been reincarnated into, was to enjoy every possible day to the fullest.
When she yawned widely, the maids panicked and looked around anxiously.
“Miss!”
“It’s not like it’s the first time. But I’m a little nervous… maybe just one cigarette? No, I shouldn’t, right?”
“Missss!”
“Alright, alright.”
At the maids’ despairing pleas, Violette hurriedly nodded, avoiding their eyes. By the time she had changed into her wedding dress and adjusted it, the door suddenly burst open without a knock.
“Violette! Congratulations on your wedding!”
“You’re so rude.”
Violette clicked her tongue at her older brother. He was Roland Rascal, the eldest son of the Marquis of Rascal and almost a mirror image of her in personality.
He was a charming young man, well-mannered and kind, capable of melting the hearts of society ladies—but that was in the present. As a child, he had been just as mischievous as Violette, often causing trouble for their father, Argon.
As such, Roland always teased Violette, asking when she would ever grow up, poking at her temper.
“Wow… I never thought I’d see you in a wedding dress. I was sure no man would be foolish enough to marry you.”
“Well, there’s a woman marrying you, so why wouldn’t there be someone for me?”
Normally, Roland would have quickly retorted, but this time he remained silent, staring at her. His eyes reflected a sense of nostalgia.
“If mother could see this, she would be so happy.”
“…Yeah, probably.”
A faint smile spread across Violette’s lips. Their mother had passed away suddenly ten years ago.
Though Violette never met her mother directly, having been reincarnated into this life long after, memories of her mother occasionally surfaced, touching her heart. Despite not being her own memories, the bittersweet recollections moved her deeply, though she tried to push them aside.
“I need to get ready, so go downstairs. There are lots of guests already. Shouldn’t you also be preparing?”
“Don’t even mention it. It seems the Kegrainner family is really impressive. The number of guests already exceeds those who came to our weddings. Father is too busy, so I haven’t greeted them yet. I’ll wait and go down with you.”
“That many guests? Suddenly, I’m a little nervous…”
Seeing her anxious expression, the maid tidily adjusting her dress shook her head firmly.
“No cigarettes, miss.”
“Ugh.”
Violette clicked her tongue in disappointment. Roland approached her and suddenly grabbed her hand.
“Violette.”
“Why are you acting so close all of a sudden?”
“You need to live well. Stop gambling, reduce drinking and smoking… I truly believe you can settle down like me. We’re always on your side, so if anything happens, tell us. Got it?”
Blushing slightly, Violette avoided his earnest gaze. Having settled down with his own wife, Roland wished the same for Violette. Though he often teased her, he cared deeply for his younger sister.
He always felt Violette was like a fragile sailboat drifting aimlessly at sea. Now, he genuinely hoped she would drop anchor and find happiness, just as he had.
‘To be encouraging like this… and I’m about to divorce her… sorry, sister.’
Naturally, the contract with Narsia was a secret from everyone else. Even after being reincarnated, Violette genuinely cared for the people of the Rascal Marquis household.
Especially for her doting siblings, her affection was sincere, so deceiving them did not sit well with her. She forced a bright smile and clasped his hand.
“Yes, I’ll live happily. Thank you, brother.”
Beaming, Violette looked happier than any bride. Soon after finishing preparations, she held Roland’s hand and slowly made her way to the ceremony hall.
Dressed in a pure white wedding gown, Violette looked both delicate and noble. The white dress contrasted beautifully with her lavender-tinged hair, making her face glow. Everyone admired her, but her focus was elsewhere.
‘Wow…’
Stepping into the garden, she gasped softly at the sight. Contrary to the plan of a simple wedding at the Rascal mansion, the ceremony was grand.
Worried that their daughter might feel overshadowed, Marquis Argon added decorations, and Roland and Veronica, protective of their sister, contributed with jewels to enhance the garden.
Moreover, the guest list was enormous. This was a rare chance for both the Kegrainner and Rascal families to make an impression, drawing a crowd.
“Why is that man here…?”
Scanning the venue, Violette frowned slightly. The Imperial Envoy officiating the ceremony stood at the front. As she scowled, Argon approached her with a gentle smile.
“Shall we go?”
Her turn to walk in was approaching. All eyes were now on her.
Reluctantly, Violette took Argon’s hand, smiling brightly as she walked down the wedding path. She bit her lip, maintaining her smile, and whispered so only he could hear:
‘Why is the Imperial Envoy here? You know I hate the temple… so why call him? Are you going to do this until the very end?’
In the original story, temple priests were notorious for corruption and meddling in the royal family, often causing trouble. Their pious image was a front, and they often scolded Violette, calling her a fallen lady. She had always disliked them intensely.
‘Haha… being personally officiated by the Envoy… it’s an honor, right? I should see it that way, at least for my dignity. Just once, smile through it.’
‘Why are we having the wedding in front of our house for this…?’
Violette frowned at the sight of the usually robed Envoy. Just as she tried to grip Argon’s hand tightly in frustration, he quickly handed her to Narsia.
Unaware of the tension between the two, Narsia silently extended his hand.
“Ah…”
Only then did Violette fully notice him. Grasping his hand, the reality of their marriage hit her. Even if the one-year contract had a limit, for now, they were husband and wife.
Clutching his hand, they slowly approached the Envoy. He began his slow, solemn speech, but Violette’s mind was entirely on their joined hands.
‘I’m really marrying Narsia Kegrainner?’
Despite his cold expression, his hand was large and warm. Through the thin lace gloves, she could feel his body heat. Glancing up at his face, Violette stole a quick look.
Dressed in a pristine white suit, Narsia appeared almost angelic. The realization that she was marrying such a beautiful man made her cheeks flush lightly.
