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Chapter 73
A Perfect Wedding
2022.08.12
Miryu woke up early in the morning.
‘Perfect.’
Even though she had received Queen Isabella’s permission, she still couldn’t shake off her uneasiness. Unlike what the Saintess had said, Miryu wasn’t actually pregnant.
‘I personally blessed you. Who would ever doubt that?’
‘But if I get caught…’
‘Before that happens, you can just suffer some kind of “accident” and pretend you had a miscarriage. Do it the same way you faked scars before.’
As the Saintess said, her worries were pointless.
Far from being a problem, Miryu’s supposed pregnancy—blessed by the Saintess—made everyone desperate to be part of this grand wedding.
The nobles of high society and even prominent figures all wanted to attend. Even Temiller, who hadn’t sponsored her before, invested a huge sum under the pretext of “support,” covering the costs of Silver Swan Wedding Hall and the ceremony.
‘To think I’m actually getting married at the Silver Swan Wedding Hall.’
It was the most prestigious hall in the Empire, located in a forest that symbolized eternal love—every bride’s dream venue. Reservations weren’t even regularly available, so not even Queen Royam had been able to secure it before.
‘At last, I’ve reclaimed my happiness.’
Because she was supposedly carrying an heir, Queen Isabella and Hessen showered her with even more care, while Diana fussed constantly, worried about Miryu’s stress.
‘And this will continue, won’t it?’
She bathed in a tub filled with roses and milk, then slipped into her extravagant wedding gown.
The dress she had chosen earlier was high-necked, which she didn’t like, so she had a new one made.
Specially crafted diamond earrings and bracelets added even more splendor to her wedding.
“Good heavens, is it because of the Saintess’s blessing? You look dazzling today.”
“Lady Juti has always been beautiful. No wonder Crown Prince Royam fell in love at first sight.”
Every guest who entered the bridal waiting room showered her with praise.
Compared to her usual modest and fragile demeanor, her transformation was dramatic.
“Mi, Miryu. Congratulations on your marriage.”
As soon as Baron Juti appeared, Miryu’s mood soured. But with people still around, she smiled.
“Welcome.”
People quietly withdrew, giving her space to be with her family. She thought the baron’s cautious attitude ridiculous.
“See? I told you I’d handle it all. Did you really have to wait to see the results like this?”
“…Yes, I should’ve trusted and waited. You truly are my daughter.”
As the baron laughed heartily and stepped closer, Miryu kicked his shin.
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Then what else…”
“I’m about to become Queen of Royam. Don’t you think you should realize what that means?”
She stroked her belly arrogantly. The baron, looking stung, finally muttered:
“…I’m sorry for dismissing you as a bastard. I was too worked up and did something unforgivable.”
“That’s it?”
“Dear, you should apologize too. Can’t you see how much pain you caused her, when she’s carrying Royam’s blessed heir?”
The baroness looked incredulous but, biting her lip, apologized as Miryu demanded.
“…I’m sorry, Miryu. I only meant to worry for you, but perhaps it felt like disregard.”
“Ugh, still with that nonsense?”
Miryu shook her head in disgust and dismissed them. The next visitor was Diana.
“Diana, I was waiting for you!”
“Did things go well with your family?”
“Of course. It was just a bit tiring…”
Diana patted Miryu’s shoulder sympathetically.
“Congratulations on your wedding, Sister-in-law. Finally, we’re truly family.”
“Yes, family.”
Miryu gazed tenderly at her belly.
“I’m so happy to give my child such a wonderful family.”
Diana smiled warmly.
“My gift will be for the child. I’ll give it to you after the ceremony.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to…”
“As a princess, if I show this much care for the child, everyone else will bless them even more.”
Miryu blushed.
“Thank you. If this baby knew such a wonderful aunt awaited, they’d want to come out right away.”
After Diana left to find Hessen, Miryu was again surrounded by carefully chosen guests.
It was a perfect wedding.
The wedding began at noon.
I too woke early to prepare. Betty, helping with my adornments, grumbled:
“It’s such a shame—you could’ve outshone her even more if only you weren’t just a guest. If we dressed you up more, that woman would be—ugh!”
“If I don’t, will I be outshone?”
“Of course not! Even in rags, you’d be more beautiful!”
After helping with my makeup, Betty left to fetch accessories.
“Timing is everything today.”
Left alone, I whispered to the trees.
“No sudden surprises this time, alright?”
—Heh, don’t worry.
—Yes, child. Now that your fairy power has recovered, you can control us trees yourself. Everything will be fine!
Creak—
“Betty, back already?”
When I turned, it wasn’t Betty but Johan, carrying the jewelry box she’d gone to fetch.
“Weren’t you away, Johan?”
Lately, he’d been so busy I rarely saw him. His sudden presence flustered me.
I hadn’t settled my feelings about him. I’d avoided it by focusing on Miryu, postponing any decision.
Yet the moment I saw him, my heart wavered again.
“It was important. I had to return in time.”
“Will you come to the wedding hall?”
If Johan showed up, my whole plan would shift.
“No. I won’t.”
He set the box on the vanity, then stood behind me, gently running his fingers through my hair.
“You have something else you want to do, don’t you?”
“Yes. But aren’t you curious?”
“I am. But not so curious that I’d press you if you don’t want to say.”
His long, strong fingers skillfully arranged my hair, decorating it with blue roses and ribbons, more deftly than Betty ever had.
But when his skin brushed my neck or ear, I flinched.
“There. Done.”
He fastened teardrop earrings from the box to my ears.
“Do you like them?”
In the mirror, I met his crimson eyes—gazing intensely, as if they could strip me bare.
My mouth went dry.
“Yes… beautiful. When did you learn to style hair like this?”
“A long time ago.”
He chuckled.
“I had a sister who always left her hair a mess.”
A story about family.
‘He’s never spoken of them before.’
Whether from curiosity or the warmth of his nearness, I was nervous. I feigned ignorance and asked:
“Your sister? Your family?”
“Yes. My family… who I can no longer see.”
“…Oh.”
“I’ll tell you someday. But right now, you don’t have the time.”
His chin rested lightly near my temple, and I felt calm.
‘Maybe I can trust him now.’
Then Johan suddenly kissed my cheek.
“…!”
Wide-eyed, I stared at him. He smirked playfully.
“You’ll have to get used to that.”
“It’s shocking when you don’t warn me.”
His low voice sent chills down my spine. His thumb brushed near my lips.
“So if I warn you… I can do whatever I want?”
“W-what?!”
“I’ll do it properly then. I’m going to kiss you now.”
What?!
But instead of kissing me, he hugged me tightly from behind, laughing like a predator.
“Just kidding.”
Yet now, every time he held me, I felt both secure and flustered. I nudged him with my elbow, and he released me with a grin.
“By the way, tomorrow, I’m taking you somewhere.”
“Where?”
“Somewhere you’ll like. Just the two of us.”
My heart pounded, and I feigned aloofness.
“How do you know I’ll like it?”
“Because I know everything about you.”
He smiled smugly.
“How could I not?”
The ceremony began.
“Here comes the bride!”
Miryu entered, escorted by Baron Juti.
The Silver Swan Hall was as magnificent as its reputation. Guests, delighted by the reception, applauded at Miryu’s arrival.
“She’s breathtaking.”
“I never knew Lady Juti was so beautiful. And her scars are truly gone.”
Beneath the chandeliers, Miryu’s smooth neck was bare—reminding all of the Saintess’s blessing.
“The prince and lady make such a splendid couple.”
“A wedding blessed by the Saintess… I envy her. If only I could have one like that.”
The baron handed Miryu to Hessen, who was waiting ahead.
“Take care of her.”
Hessen said nothing, only escorting Miryu forward.
‘Strange…’
With her face veiled, Miryu couldn’t see his expression.
‘Is Hessen nervous, like me?’
It was a life-changing day—perhaps he hadn’t heard the baron clearly. So she whispered softly, only for him:
“Hessen, you look so handsome.”
“…Miryu, you are beautiful.”
Relieved, Miryu smiled.
‘Yes, just as I thought.’
At the end of the red carpet, a cardinal from Royam presided. He blessed the couple, then asked for their vows.
“Bride Miryu Juti, do you vow to follow your groom Hessen Royam and live as his wife forever?”
“Yes.”
At last.
“Groom Hessen Royam, do you vow to live as husband to Miryu Juti forever?”
Overcome with emotion, Miryu beamed.
But Hessen said nothing.
The silence weighed heavy, unsettling the crowd.
Nervous, Miryu whispered:
“…Hessen?”
“…”
Then slowly, Hessen turned to her.
“Miryu, do you love me?”
“Of course I do. Why ask that now?”
Only then did she truly see his face.
‘What…?’
His expression was strange.
He looked more handsome than ever, like a fairy-tale prince. Yet his usual gentle smile was rigid.
“Then can you tell me everything you’ve been hiding from me?”
Even so, his orange eyes gazed at her warmly.
‘Or… not?’
A chill ran down her spine. His eyes seemed desperate, sorrowful—yet also as though he didn’t love her at all.
She had always thought Hessen easy to read.
But today, of all days, she couldn’t understand him at all. He felt like a stranger.
‘Estelle must have told him something.’
Still, the more uneasy she felt, the prouder she acted.
“What are you talking about?”
She feigned calm.
“You know my heart. I’ve been nothing but sincere. I’ve nothing to hide.”
She had erased every risk. The scars once forged with black magic were gone by the Saintess’s blessing. She had already disposed of the cursed gold ring.
‘There’s no evidence left.’
Hessen lowered his gaze.
“…Is that so?”
“Yes. Don’t worry, my love.”
When he finally nodded as usual, she relaxed.
‘How dare anyone try to ruin my wedding?’
Once she became Queen, she’d secure her place and uncover whatever trick Estelle had played.
At that moment, Hessen dropped the ring box. The rings rolled across the floor.
Miryu instinctively stared at them.
“I’m sorry. I loved you. But…”
His voice was sorrowful.
“I cannot trust your love.”
“Hessen…?”
“I can no longer endure your vile lies.”
In an instant, Miryu’s world shattered.
“My apologies, guests.”
Turning away, disdain flickered in Hessen’s eyes. He bowed to the audience.
“This wedding is annulled. This woman deceived me—she is no noble, but the bastard daughter of Baron Juti.”
