“Why are you here?”
The High Priest found the situation displeasing. The Grand Duke’s remarriage itself was absurd, and the fact that it was to the younger sister of the Grand Duchess made it even more ridiculous. The temple had allowed it to proceed because of the substantial donations involved, but why had this scoundrel chosen to involve himself in the marriage?
“Silbert?”
She was just as shocked. She didn’t know the genealogy of every noble family, but she was aware that Silbert belonged to one of the three great ducal houses.
As she looked at him in confusion, he winked at her lightly before greeting the High Priest.
“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, High Priest? The last time we met was at the auction house, wasn’t it? I remember setting a new record for the highest bid. I hope you’ve taken good care of the Tear of the Goddess.”
“Ahem. Ahem. Y-young Lord!”
The High Priest was flustered and scolded Lexion. Being a man who valued authority, he was busy trying to keep his private affairs hidden. There was little that happened in the underworld that he didn’t know about, and he even oversaw the capital’s auctions.
“Ah, my mistake. I must have been confused. I must have mistaken someone of a similar build for you, High Priest.”
Lexion feigned innocence while glancing at the nearby priests. Whether or not they knew of the High Priest’s greed, they were wary of Lexion, whose appearance had changed.
“Would you forgive my mistake, High Priest?”
Sweating, the High Priest nodded along hastily.
“Of course, of course. How many people in the Empire have a physique similar to mine, after all?”
He let out a hearty laugh, but his teeth were clenched. Lexion’s intention was clear as day.
‘I won’t expose your secrets, so do as I say.’
The High Priest shuddered as he met Lexion’s playfully glinting red eyes. He had heard that the man spent his days lost in women, gambling, and alcohol, but wasn’t he acting more like a schemer?
“Thank you, High Priest. I suppose you must be wondering why I’m here…”
Curious? He trailed off, drawing their attention. The High Priest, who had been responding halfheartedly, was startled by Lexion’s next words.
“I love this woman.”
“Ah, is that so? No, wait, what?! Y-young Lord?”
“I love her so much that when I heard she was being dragged into a forced marriage with the Grand Duke, I couldn’t just stand by. Even if it meant being disrespectful, I disguised myself as a knight to participate.”
His voice was thick with emotion, his expression filled with sincerity. The priests, who had been wary of him, now looked at the couple with pity.
“You are well aware of how obsessed the Grand Duke is with the Grand Duchess. When I heard that my beloved was being used as a substitute for the Grand Duchess, I couldn’t bear it… That’s why I barged in.”
“T-then, was it you who caused the Grand Duchess’ coffin to explode?”
It was a reasonable suspicion. However, Lexion spoke as if he had been wronged.
“I swear to the gods, it wasn’t me. Perhaps the gods themselves were truly enraged.”
“…”
“Still, since I’ve been given this opportunity, I should offer something in return to the gods.”
He lied effortlessly. The High Priest, who had been eyeing him suspiciously, brightened at the mention of an offering.
“Ahem. And how much…?”
“Bringing a daughter-in-law into the ducal house.”
‘A daughter-in-law of a ducal family.’ The mere phrase carried a burdensome weight. Milena flinched slightly at the words. Lexion held her hand tightly and spoke with a smile.
“It won’t be handled carelessly. So, will you proceed with the ceremony?”
Time was running out. Hurry up. Though his words were polite, the pressure he exerted was palpable.
The High Priest mainly dealt with high-ranking nobles. Skilled in noble speech, he fully understood Lexion’s message. His mind worked quickly, making calculations. Compared to the Grand Duke, who would threaten lives if angered, the Silbert Duchy, which regularly made large donations, seemed like the better choice.
His decision was definitely not influenced by the fear that this scoundrel might expose his secrets. The High Priest cleared his throat and put on a solemn expression.
“It is unfortunate for the Grand Duchy, but since the gods cherish such a true love, today is a blessed day. Though simple, I shall conduct the ceremony with sincerity.”
Without hesitation, he began reciting the wedding vows. As he had said, the ceremony was simple but carried out with sincerity. At last, a sacred document was placed before them.
“Please sign here.”
The bride’s name was already written. Taking the golden quill offered by the priest, Lexion signed without hesitation.
[Lexion Silbert.]
His elegant cursive script was neatly inscribed on the paper. As soon as his name was recorded, the document reacted. Milena’s name, written beside his, was bathed in golden light as her surname changed.
[Milena Silbert.]
She stared blankly at her changed name. With this, she had escaped marrying her brother-in-law and was freed from the curse.
Her sister couldn’t have foreseen this. She was no longer clinging to Calion nor burdened with the label of a villainess.
At last, she had escaped her sister’s grasp. She felt as if she had taken a step away from her oppressive fate, her heart growing lighter.
“Now, with the oath sealed, the ceremony shall conclude with the vow’s kiss.”
Lost in thought, Milena barely registered the High Priest’s words. Her head turned gently, and her vision was filled entirely with Lexion.
Huh?
“W-wait a minute!”
She cried out softly, but it seemed her urgency hadn’t reached him. As his face drew dangerously close, she shut her eyes tightly. Was he going to steal her lips again?
Smack. A clear sound echoed in her ears. However, the sensation was on her forehead, not her lips. Peeking her eyes open, she saw him smiling as he pulled away.
‘Were you surprised?’
His eyes seemed to say. His gaze, warm and curved, left her staring at him in a daze. He flashed a dangerously sweet smile and turned to the High Priest.
“My wife is quite shy.”
Despite his notorious reputation, he had only kissed her forehead? The High Priest looked at him skeptically, but Lexion added with a smirk,
“It is a husband’s duty to protect the woman he loves. If I started here, I wouldn’t be able to stop… I ask for your understanding.”
With the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds, bound by a one-year contract, stepped into their new reality together.
