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Chapter 8
The central hall of the Kailum Grand Ducal House.
Guests of the bride and groom stood on both sides of the virgin road, each in their places. The bride’s side looked at the groom’s guests with clear discomfort.
“…Beastmen?!”
“And not just that—there are even lowborn people without titles.”
The ones showing displeasure were from the bride’s side, but strictly speaking, they were not truly her guests. They were merely “uninvited guests” invited so the Emperor would not suspect anything. The true retainers of the Kailum Grand Ducal House and those close to them remained silent, simply waiting for the bride and groom.
On the groom’s side, however, excitement filled the air. Just being invited to such a historic wedding was enough to thrill them.
Henry, wearing a green formal suit matching his eye color, fidgeted nervously and kept looking around—even though he wasn’t the one getting married. Then he glanced at Hector beside him and teased him.
“Future manager, what are you holding?”
“That’s none of your business!”
Henry tried to mess up Hector’s hair, but Hector quickly slipped away. As Hector stood up from his seat, Henry said,
“Hey, kid. Where are you going? The ceremony is about to start.”
“I’m not a kid!”
Hector quickly disappeared into the crowd. He really was fast—just like a beastman. Henry tried to chase him but stopped, noticing the eyes around him, and sat back down.
He’s not the type to cause trouble… but still.
If even one person here collided with another, it would turn into a huge incident. Henry bit his lip and quietly slipped out between the guests.
Edward was not a trained knight, but as a merchant, he was used to standing in front of people. Fortunately, his parents had given him a well-built body that suited such a role.
“Impressive.”
“That’s a nice compliment.”
Dietrich’s praise, who resembled Diana, made Edward feel good. Edward carefully placed his hand on his chest, where a boutonniere was attached.
He had proposed the contract and finally reached this point. Now, it would last for one year.
Rather than feeling like it was beginning, it felt like it was already heading toward the end—but he decided not to regret it.
Because today was the day he truly wished for.
“…Guild Master!”
“…Hector?”
The bright voice that eased the tension belonged to Hector. Behind him came a slightly disheveled Henry.
“Ah, this must be the one you mentioned?”
“Yes.”
“That one?”
“Baron Mare said a very talented person joined the guild.”
Hector twisted his body shyly at the praise—he was clearly still a child. Dietrich smiled at Henry and gently patted Hector’s head.
“But this isn’t a place just anyone can enter.”
“S-sorry. I had something I had to give to the guild master…”
“Future manager, what are you giving him?”
Hector took something out from his clothes. It sparkled in the light.
“…A four-leaf clover?”
“Wrong. It’s a three-leaf clover, Baron.”
Edward received a small clover-shaped amulet from Hector.
“…Glass?”
“I got some help from a glass workshop. When they heard it was a gift for you, they helped me.”
“Future manager, you should’ve given a four-leaf clover. A groom needs luck, right?”
“You don’t understand.”
Hector said, his eyes shining,
“The meaning of a three-leaf clover is ‘happiness.’”
Luck… or happiness.
Edward lifted the amulet. Inside the clear glass, the clover shone beautifully.
“People search everywhere for four-leaf clovers, but ignore the three-leaf clovers all around them… You shouldn’t lose happiness while chasing luck, right?”
“Nice one, future manager.”
Dietrich looked at the amulet with interest.
“But there are two?”
“…O-one is for the young lady… I thought it would be nice to give her one too.”
Would Diana like it?
Edward smiled faintly.
“I’ll give it to her.”
“Really?!”
“Thank you.”
Edward gently patted Hector’s head. Then Henry picked Hector up.
“Hey—!”
“It’s better if you stay with me today.”
“…Okay…”
After they left, it was finally time for Edward to enter.
“Thank you for your help, Young Master Dietrich.”
“It’s nothing.”
Since Edward was unfamiliar with the Grand Ducal residence, Dietrich had stayed by his side all day, helping him.
“Baron Mare—no, groom. There’s something I want to say.”
“What is it?”
“Before you enter… this is your last chance.”
Sunlight came through the window, shining on Dietrich’s pale blond hair.
“A chance to run away.”
“….”
“Once you enter, it’s over. Even if you separate later, you will always be known as her husband—and the Emperor will see you as an enemy.”
The current Emperor was not a forgiving man.
“If Diana becomes Grand Duke, you may be hunted for life.”
“…That sounds like something that would make Diana angry if she heard it.”
“That’s true. She might even beat me to death for saying nonsense.”
Though he joked, his eyes were serious.
Edward lightly patted his shoulder.
“There’s one thing you’re wrong about.”
“What is it?”
“I plan to be the Emperor’s rival for life.”
The Emperor lacked wealth. Edward lacked power.
“But even after I separate from Diana… I will stand against anyone who tries to block her path.”
“…Why would you go that far?”
It was a pure question.
Edward smiled gently, like a man in love.
“Because I love her.”
“….”
“If you ever fall in love, you’ll understand.”
Dietrich held back his thoughts.
Edward stood before the door. Before opening it, he turned and smiled brightly.
“For this happiness… giving my life wouldn’t be a waste.”
The door opened, and Edward walked forward with confidence.
Maybe someone muttered, “He’s crazy.”
If he said he wasn’t afraid, it would be a lie.
But that fear quietly faded.
If the person he loved was Diana de Kailum… then shouldn’t he become someone worthy of her?
Edward, once an ordinary man, chose to become a reckless one.
He saw the bride.
She looked perfect in a pure white wedding dress. She showed no shyness or embarrassment.
But that was fine.
He held out his hand.
She took it.
That alone was enough.
Diana looked at Edward calmly. After the wedding, she could finally begin the succession process.
They had barely reached the starting line.
For both of them.
It was not a loud wedding, but it was not solemn either. Bright flowers decorated the hall beautifully.
They walked forward together.
Slowly.
Diana walked calmly, used to countless gazes.
Edward walked nervously, his mind blank, trembling slightly.
Henry wanted to laugh at him but held it in.
Anyone could see Edward was extremely nervous.
But—
He also looked unbelievably happy.
The guests, both from the bride and groom’s sides, were surprised.
At the very least, they thought—
“This is not a loveless marriage.”
But Diana was also surprised.
What kind of man is he?
Even as he walked into danger blinded by love, he didn’t look miserable.
Instead…
He stood before the high priest.
The ceremony began.
While Diana half-listened, Edward listened seriously, as if engraving every word into his soul.
Diana glanced at him—and met his eyes.
He was smiling brightly.
His eyes, clear like the sky, were deep like the ocean.
Filled with unwavering affection.
“I never gave him love… so how can he give me so much?”
She couldn’t understand where it came from.
And suddenly—
Diana felt afraid.
