“Episode 24”
Aris’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected welcome. The joy overflowed as the people, who immediately recognized her as the Grand Duchess despite coming from a distant kingdom, called her by that title.
“May the glory of God be upon His Grace and Her Grace in the days to come!”
“We bless your wedding!”
The atmosphere was completely different from what Aris had imagined about the North. The square was filled with families gathering in joyous celebration, sharing this happiness like a festival.
“Thank you, everyone.”
As Ricard held Aris’s hand up high, cheers erupted at its peak.
“Today, this wedding will be engraved in the history of Alberthus like no other.”
It was truly a royal statement. Ricard didn’t appear arrogant or noble, but he had a quality that naturally attracted people to follow him.
“I am already filled with blessings, so let us bless the Duchess who has come from afar.”
Aris blushed for no reason and discreetly let go of Ricard’s hand.
“Now, let the festival begin.”
At Ricard’s words, the square erupted in excitement.
“We have welcomed a beautiful bride, so there will be a three-day feast in this square.”
It seemed like the joy of the Grand Duke had been fully conveyed to the people. For the first time, Aris felt her heart race as she saw the crowd blessing and cheering for her. Ricard, who showed his true self as soon as they arrived in the North, also stirred her heart.
“Glory to Alberthus. Blessings to my Grand Duchess.”
The fervor rose with Ricard’s final toast. Of course, the same went for Aris’s cheeks.
In that moment, Aris had a sudden thought. It was about the next moment after the wedding. The wedding was not over yet, as a wedding without the nuptial night ritual would be considered invalid.
Yes, the wedding was not over yet.
* * *
The rest of the ceremony was not much different in the North. The people were treated to a festival, and there was a banquet at the Grand Duchy as well. Only Aris, as the bride, went to the bridal chamber first and waited for the next step.
“You must be very tired.”
Veronica, who bathed Aris and dressed her in a traditional white nightgown, asked affectionately.
“Don’t be too nervous.”
Usually, brides on their wedding night were worried about two things. One was the wedding night itself, and the other was whether the groom would come to the bridal chamber before midnight.
“I’m okay.”
Aris forced a smile. Veronica carefully brushed Aris’s platinum hair, removing all the jewelry. The cascading platinum hair sparkled like a galaxy even in the darkness. This was Veronica’s final task.
“Now, go out.”
According to tradition, once the bride finished preparing for the nuptial night, she had to wait alone in the bridal chamber. Even if the groom, intoxicated by the banquet, didn’t return until dawn.
“Princess…”
Aris nodded her head, smiling.
“I am now the Grand Duchess.”
The world Aris had seen in her previous life was too narrow and harsh. The importance lay more in the wedding ceremony than the bride herself, and even more so in the majesty of the Emperor.
“People seemed happy.”
The expressions of the people gathered in the square were not forced; they genuinely congratulated the Grand Duke’s wedding and welcomed Aris.
“You did well, didn’t you?”
Perhaps Ricard wouldn’t come to the bridal chamber. This wasn’t a real wedding, and they both agreed on that. However, it didn’t seem like he would be in a position to enjoy the banquet either, so he would probably find somewhere to rest alone.
“Spending this night alone feels the same.”
For some reason, Aris felt a sense of camaraderie. While she didn’t harbor the venom to suppress those around her, her life hadn’t been much different. Whether as a princess treated as a tool or an empress trapped in the palace, loneliness had been the same.
“What time is it?”
Aris checked the time. She thought it had been quite late due to the many events, but it was only 9 o’clock.
“But still, staying awake until midnight was part of the etiquette.”
The groom shouldn’t come too late to the bridal chamber, but coming too early also brought embarrassment. So, it was considered appropriate for the groom to arrive around 11 o’clock, maintaining decorum.
“Ugh…”
Aris yawned, tired from the day’s events. Just then, the door to the bridal chamber slowly opened.
“Ah…!”
Startled, Aris quickly folded her arms. She even tried to hide her yawn with a fake cough.
“I’ve seen everything.”
Ricard’s low voice came from the door.
“May I come in?”
It was a strange question. Today was their wedding day, and Ricard was the groom.
“Yes…”
Soon, the door closed again. Ricard’s footsteps were surprisingly quiet for his large stature. Aris nervously sat at the edge of the bed. Ricard then took a seat in the nearby chair.
“Did I come too early?”
Ricard asked with a puzzled expression.
“I… thought you wouldn’t come.”
Aris replied honestly. For some reason, she didn’t want to lie to this man. He had been the only one to be honest with her from the beginning.
“Was I not supposed to come?”
Ricard’s expression was unusually serious. His face darkened so quickly that Aris was taken aback.
“Oh, no. It’s just that… I just didn’t expect you to come. I guessed it on my own.”
This marriage wasn’t real. However, if Ricard insisted on the nuptial night, there was nothing she could do. The nuptial night was part of the wedding ceremony.
“As you know, I am unable to enjoy festivals or banquets.”
Ricard said casually.
“However, if the groom who married today is seen alone, it would be awkward, wouldn’t it?”
It wasn’t a wrong statement. In fact, Ricard had nowhere else to go.
“Also, the wedding won’t be complete until the nuptial night.”
Ricard slowly got up and sat next to Aris. Just that made Aris stiffen.
