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Chapter : 06
The Central Temple in the capital was bustling with preparations for the wedding of Zenaida and Kaiden.
It was a marriage arranged by the Emperor, uniting the Pope’s daughter and a Grand Duke. It was an occasion that had to be celebrated with splendor second only to that of the Emperor himself.
Everyone moved briskly, tense with anticipation.
As time passed, distinguished guests began arriving one by one to attend the wedding.
When more than half of the seats were filled,
the stars of the ceremony—Zenaida and Kaiden—made their appearance. Both were dressed in pure white satin garments embroidered with gold thread.
As they entered, flower children walked ahead of them, scattering blossoms to either side. It was meant to bless the couple’s happy future together.
To the sound of the crowd’s cheers, Zenaida and Kaiden stepped onto the red carpet.
Beneath their feet lay countless Rude flowers sent from the Papal State.
The very flowers that had once corrupted each of their hearts.
Their petals were crushed and ground beneath their steps.
Though the two held hands affectionately, their expressions were cold, as if neither wished to walk this path.
Even so, they did not stop.
May Kaiden live.
They firmly believed that continuing forward was the only way to save each other.
May Zenaida live the life she wants.
Holding different thoughts in their hearts, they came to a halt before the cardinal, who gazed at the ducal couple with a kindly smile.
“I am honored to officiate your marriage.”
With words as gentle as his smile, the cardinal began the ceremony.
“We inform Our Father in heaven that these two have become husband and wife.”
His words were much like those spoken at any ordinary wedding—about respecting each other, loving one another, and fulfilling their responsibilities.
“Will you fulfill those responsibilities and walk together until the very end?”
At the cardinal’s question, Zenaida’s and Kaiden’s gazes tangled briefly in the air. Both wore expressions that revealed nothing of their true feelings. Slowly, their eyes slid away from each other.
Then their answers followed.
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
The cardinal smiled with satisfaction and concluded the ceremony.
“I hereby proclaim that Kaiden Bentley Arthur and Zenaida Harmon have become husband and wife before God. Let us pray.”
At his invitation, everyone around them clasped their hands together. Kaiden and Zenaida did the same.
Each offered a prayer to God, wishing for the other’s happiness.
After the ceremony, the venue shifted to the Imperial Palace, where the reception continued.
Zenaida lingered in a corner, taking small sips of the drink a page had handed her. She wanted nothing more than to leave the banquet hall immediately, but she couldn’t.
When is the Emperor going to arrive?
At the very least, she needed to greet him before excusing herself.
She quietly scanned her surroundings. Kaiden stood apart from her, drinking on his own.
The two of them were like isolated islands floating in the sea, each standing alone.
Zenaida wondered if she should go to Kaiden’s side even now. But contrary to her thoughts, her legs refused to move.
Unlike at the estate, there was no reason for her to cling to his side here.
Watching him from a distance was the boundary she was allowed.
Pretending to drink, Zenaida observed Kaiden.
One sip, one glance.
Two sips, another glance.
And again—
The remaining liquor in her glass sloshed. Her head lifted naturally, and Kaiden’s broad, solid chest filled her field of vision.
Zenaida bit her lower lip and forced herself to act calm. Her fingers tightened around the glass.
The gaze she felt above her head lingered on her for a long time. To prove she was unfazed, she raised the glass again—only for Kaiden to stop her, as if he’d been waiting.
“Stop drinking.”
“I’m fine.”
“I’m not fine. Will you say the same in front of His Majesty?”
She hadn’t even finished half her first glass.
Her silent protest sank deep into her chest as Kaiden took the glass from her. Caught off guard, Zenaida stared at him blankly.
She really was fine.
Her now-empty hand hovered pitifully in the air. Kaiden handed the glass to a passing page, then extended his hand to Zenaida.
An escort.
“His Majesty will arrive shortly.”
Zenaida cautiously accepted his arm.
Moments later, just as Kaiden had said, a trumpet sounded to announce the Emperor’s arrival.
“His Majesty the Emperor enters!”
Soon, Felix entered the hall with a bright smile. He stepped onto the dais and looked toward Kaiden. His gaze was so affectionate that, to an outsider, they might have seemed like loving brothers.
Felix spoke cheerfully.
“At last, my only younger brother has married. I ask you all to congratulate him.”
A round of applause filled the hall, much like the applause heard during the wedding.
Applause full of falsehood.
Zenaida swallowed a hollow laugh.
No matter how many times she saw it, she could never get used to that expression or that tone.
Then attention shifted to the ducal couple, and Felix approached them.
Zenaida and Kaiden showed proper respect to the Emperor. As at their first meeting, Felix waved it off, telling them to relax.
“Congratulations on your marriage, little brother.”
“Thank you for introducing me to such a fine bride.”
“Of course. I’ve always had a good eye.”
Smiling broadly, Felix continued in much the same manner as their previous conversation in the audience chamber.
Zenaida waited quietly for the exchange to end. Felix, who had been speaking only with Kaiden, finally turned his attention to her.
“Have you received any word from His Holiness the Pope?”
“Ah… no.”
The Pope had attended neither the wedding nor the reception. Instead, he had sent Rude flowers to the ceremony.
At her answer, the Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly, then smiled as he wrapped up the conversation.
“Good. That’s enough, then. Enjoy yourselves. You are the stars of this banquet.”
As soon as the Emperor left, other nobles began glancing their way—but none approached.
A beast cursed by God and an ominous spirit mage.
They were less people to befriend than curious spectacles to observe.
Used to such looks, Zenaida gently took hold of Kaiden’s arm. His gaze turned to her.
“Are there any other nobles we need to greet?”
“No.”
At his reply, Zenaida spoke flatly.
“I’d like some fresh air.”
Kaiden studied her for a moment, then led her toward the balcony.
Kaiden brought Zenaida to the balcony, then stepped away to give her some time alone.
He added that he would be inside the hall and that she could call for him at any time if needed.
Zenaida nodded in acknowledgment.
She wanted to stay with Kaiden, but she swallowed those words and kept them in her heart.
Left alone, Zenaida stared into the empty air, lost in thought.
Is this how it passes?
The Pope had attended neither the wedding nor the reception.
The reason given was a regional tour. He regularly traveled throughout the Empire, bestowing God’s blessings.
He’ll come to the north eventually.
She wanted to kill both the Pope and the Emperor with her own hands—but she couldn’t.
Both were bodies blessed by God.
Unless they fell into corruption and cast aside that blessing themselves, killing them by another’s hand was impossible.
At least, the north was firmly under Kaiden’s influence, so the Pope couldn’t easily kill him there.
He has an image to protect.
Letting out a quiet breath, Zenaida decided to simply enjoy the reception for now.
The Emperor wouldn’t attempt an assassination at a banquet hosted by the imperial family. Doing so would only harm the throne.
Moreover, Maurice—Kaiden’s guard knight—was inside the hall.
Before the regression, Maurice had been one of those who served Kaiden faithfully until the very end.
He won’t recklessly eat the food either.
After all, she’d nearly been poisoned at the estate just days ago.
With her worries settled, Zenaida finally noticed the beautiful night sky before her. Stars were scattered around the softly glowing moonlight.
She had seen sights like this often before the regression, but seeing it now made it feel more special. Wanting a closer look, Zenaida stepped forward.
Then, at that moment—
Thud.
A black object fell swiftly downward.
A heavy sound was followed by a sharp scream. Gripped by a bad feeling, Zenaida hurried to look over the railing and clenched her fist tightly.
The object that had fallen past her was none other than a person.
And on that corpse was a mark only she could see.
Next, I’ll kill your servant, Dalton.
So if you want to save him, come find me within two days.
The final sentence glowed intensely.
I am a spirit mage like you, Zenaida.
