Chapter 64
“Though my skills may not compare to Cardinal Verzel’s, may I also brew and serve some tea?”
“It would be an honor. I look forward to it.”
Christian responded politely, his face bright with a smile. As he did, the other cardinals exchanged glances and forced chuckles, following his lead.
As we sipped my tea and continued our conversation, the atmosphere gradually softened. At this rate, at least, I wouldn’t have to worry about them offering a prayer of curses tomorrow.
“I believe it would be best to wrap things up, as there are preparations to be made for tomorrow’s ceremony. What do you think?”
“Let’s do that, Cardinal Verzel.”
When I agreed, the cardinals stood up. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, they began leaving without a proper farewell, just as they did whenever they visited the palace.
But just as the last of them was about to exit, Christian’s deep voice rang out, stopping them all in their tracks.
“Hold on a moment. Where do you think you’re going without showing proper courtesy? That is hardly befitting of men in your esteemed positions.”
His tone was low and emotionless, yet it carried enough weight to be unmistakably threatening.
The cardinals, flustered, stiffened like statues and exchanged nervous glances. Then, in a hasty and uncoordinated manner, they turned back and bowed before me.
“We shall see you at the Blessing Ceremony.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Finally, Christian stepped forward.
“I will see you tomorrow.”
He then pressed his lips deeply onto the back of my hand. It was subtle, but at the moment our skin parted, I thought I saw a glint of regret in his eyes.
I had been indifferent until then, but whenever I caught that strange emotion in his gaze, it unsettled me.
‘But what does it matter now? I’m already married. He’ll give up eventually.’
A vague yet persistent sense of unease clung to me. Even his kindness felt burdensome rather than reassuring.
“Oh…!”
It suddenly dawned on me—while Christian had maintained impeccable decorum toward me throughout the gathering, not once had he addressed me as Your Highness.
Did he still see me as a candidate for sainthood?
What was it with this country? Why was everyone so reluctant to let go? Were they all just a bunch of ex-lovers?
A heavy weight settled in my chest at the frustrating thought.
After the cardinals departed, leaving the greenhouse empty, I found myself troubled by the thought of seeing Christian again tomorrow. Strangely, even the hostile cardinals felt easier to deal with.
‘How did our relationship become this complicated?’
Just then, the door to the rose greenhouse opened, and Ilias appeared.
“Your Highness.”
For some reason, I was especially glad to see him today.
“I hurried over, but it seems the tea gathering has ended. Was everything all right?”
“Yes. It went… well enough. Though, I honestly couldn’t tell if the tea was going into my mouth or up my nose.”
Ilias chuckled in amusement and took a seat beside me—not across from me, but right next to me. The maids’ eyes widened in surprise.
“If you didn’t get to enjoy the tea gathering, then let’s have our own. This time, I’ll make sure the tea actually goes into your mouth.”
As I smiled softly at his words, a maid set a teacup before him.
“Wouldn’t you agree that tea with me is far better than tea with the cardinals?”
He lifted his cup, and I followed suit. Instead of our cups clinking, our gazes met in midair.
A refreshing hint of fruit touched the tip of my nose before the warm liquid reached my lips.
From its initial gentle sweetness to its final crisp bitterness, I could taste every layer distinctly.
Whenever I was with Ilias, my senses felt heightened. He was harmless, yet somehow exhilarating.
It was strange, but I didn’t dislike it.
Even if the whole world resented me, it wouldn’t matter. As long as I had just one person by my side.
And I hoped that, when Ilias needed comfort, I could be that person for him too.
* * *
As the sun rose, heralding a new day, so too did the long-awaited Blessing Ceremony arrive.
From the early morning hours, I was whisked away by the maids, subjected to a half-bath and a full-body massage.
Every part of me was refreshed—mind, body, and even any lingering puffiness—before I was led into the toilette room.
Since this was a prayer ceremony, the focus was on purity and elegance rather than opulence. My makeup was kept soft and natural, enhancing a pure and serene look. My hair was styled the same as during the rehearsal, braided over one shoulder. Instead of fresh flowers, I adorned my hair with diamonds.
I then donned a sapphire-colored dress, the emblematic hue of the imperial family.
One of the maids hesitated before speaking.
“Your Highness, I believe it may be best to forgo the pendant today. The prepared accessories are more than sufficient.”
Out of habit, my fingers brushed over the pendant at my neck as I replied,
“On a day like today, when I’ll be facing the cardinals, taking this off would be the same as walking into a fire willingly.”
I masked my emotions and spoke casually.
“It’s something I wear every day, so it would feel strange without it. I’ll wear it alongside the diamond necklace.”
“As you wish.”
Lastly, I placed a diamond-studded tiara atop my head. A delicate veil draped from it, ready to be lowered if needed.
I stepped outside, and Ilias approached, dressed in an outfit that matched mine in color.
“Lin, you look absolutely stunning.”
I placed my hand lightly on his outstretched one, and together, we walked toward the carriage.
The carriage, too, had been adorned with various shades of blue flowers, showing the meticulous effort put into the event’s presentation.
Beyond the palace gates, the city was alive with celebration. The energy of the crowds seeped into the carriage.
I glanced out through the closed window. I hadn’t expected so many people to gather.
“There are so many people here.”
“They’re all here to see you, Lin. I hear it’s the largest crowd in history.”
“Really?”
“It seems the people wish to offer you their blessings.”
If so many people were offering me their blessings, perhaps I could withstand even the cardinals’ prayers of malediction.
Of course, I said that, but would they really dare to utter a curse in the name of the goddess?
“How could I ever repay such kindness?”
“Would you like to try repaying it right now?”
“Huh? How?”
Ilias reached for the window in the center of the carriage and opened it. As soon as he did, a wave of cheers erupted.
“Wow!”
The imperial carriage was made with enchanted glass, allowing those inside to see out, while preventing those outside from seeing in.
I could see the people, but they couldn’t see me—until now. Their excitement soared as the window opened.
The window was large enough to reveal both Ilias and me clearly. We looked at the people and smiled as we waved.
“Waaah!”
As the enthusiastic cheers filled the air, we arrived at the plaza.
Just as I was about to step out of the carriage, Ilias reached out and stopped me.
“Wait a moment, Lin.”
His hand moved toward my face. Surprised, I widened my eyes at him, and he chuckled.
“You need to lower your veil.”
“Oh!”
I suddenly recalled how Sarah had repeatedly reminded me about it before we left. I felt embarrassed.
With gentle hands, Ilias adjusted my veil for me.
Hiding both my face and my embarrassment behind it, I took his hand and stepped out of the carriage.
As we emerged, thunderous applause erupted.
At the center of the plaza stood a grand, open-air stage, designed so the audience could see from all directions.
Of course, the nobility’s seating had the best view. It was arranged in a tiered fashion, ensuring visibility even from the back rows.
Among them, I spotted Lady Hyacinth, Cordelia, and other familiar faces. Below the stage, I also noticed Nancy and other merchants from the shopping district. I exchanged brief glances and greetings with those I recognized.
**Woooong!**
A majestic trumpet sound rang out, and the noisy crowd instantly fell silent.
The Myaria Church choir began to sing, their voices washing over the plaza like a holy tide.
As the hymn concluded, the bells of the temple rang, and flocks of white doves soared into the sky.
A solemn and sacred atmosphere settled over the gathering.
The beauty of the moment moved me to the verge of tears.
Perhaps this was the greatest power the church wielded over the empire—the ability to command devotion through unseen forces.
‘Can such invisible power ever be overcome?’
My thoughts swirled chaotically.
But for now, all that mattered was getting through the ceremony without mistakes. I pushed aside my distractions.
With Ilias as my escort, I carefully ascended the stage, step by step.
The cardinals were already assembled in formation.
As I reached the stage, I turned in every direction and waved, greeting the people.
Their cheers roared like thunder, shaking the ground beneath us.
Even as a temporary crown-bearer, I could feel the full weight of the title.
And today, more than ever, Ilias seemed remarkable—choosing to bear this heavy crown while striving to walk the right path.
As my gaze lingered on him, the crowd’s cheers grew even louder.
Then, a priest’s quiet voice cut through the noise.
“We shall now begin the Blessing Ceremony for Princess Adeline Senner, who has married His Highness Prince Ilias Driophea and joined the imperial family.”
Following the etiquette I had been taught, I grasped my dress and executed a perfect bow, offering a picture-perfect smile.
“Princess Adeline Senner, please kneel.”
I stepped forward to the designated spot at the center of the stage and knelt.
One by one, the cardinals approached, placing their hands upon my head as they bestowed their blessings.
I could feel a gentle warmth flowing into me—divine energy coursing through my body.
It was an odd sensation.
‘No wonder people crave divine blessings.’
Finally, Christian approached and rested his hand atop my head.
His sacred power felt noticeably heavier than the others’.
It was exceptionally pure and holy—so much so that my eyes stung with tears.
“In the name of the goddess, I bestow my blessing upon Adeline Senner.”
Lastly, the Holy Father himself stepped forward, placing his hand upon me.
After experiencing Christian’s immense divine power, I couldn’t help but wonder—how strong would the Pope’s power be?
‘Huh? What is this?’
His power was disappointingly faint—almost negligible.
‘Is this man truly the Pope?’
When his feeble blessing ended, the officiating priest’s voice rang out once more.
“As the final part of this ceremony, we shall now offer a collective prayer for Her Highness, Princess Adeline Senner.”
For the final blessing, everyone in the plaza knelt in unison and prayed for me.
Seeing an entire crowd offering their sincere prayers on my behalf, guilt pressed down on me like a heavy chain.
This contract marriage felt like a terrible deception.
It was as if I had trampled on all the devotion poured into this ceremony.
As the prayers concluded and I rose to my feet, I found that I could no longer smile as brightly as I had at the start.
“This concludes the Blessing Ceremony for Her Highness, Princess Adeline Senner. May Goddess Myaria always be with the Empire.”
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