𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟔: 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 【𝟏】

My wedding with Cid would take place in a small church located in Duke Marcus’s territory.

The attendees will be Onii-sama, our young men, Cid’s family, and my aunt’s family.

In addition, Master Grat and Elsa will also be attending.

Even though it’s the wedding of the Duke’s daughter, we decided to keep it modest because Cid didn’t like extravagant things.

Besides, at the evening debut party, important figures of the country, including King Granbalm, will be present. So, I wanted the ceremony to have a small and warm atmosphere.

Onii-sama had been crying since last night, and I ended up crying as well, feeling like I was marrying someone far away.

[What? You’re going to live separately?]

Aunty asked with a puzzled expression, which was still fresh in my memory.

Why did Onii-sama, Cid, and I cry so much when we will continue living in the same mansion? 

―As the morning dawned, only questions remained.

“Ojou-sama, you look absolutely beautiful.”

“Yes, indeed! It’s all thanks to everyone.”

The bridal gown was a custom-made pure white dress for this day.

It was a simple A-line design, but adorned with plenty of jewels and rhinestones, sparkling brightly.

My long hair was carefully braided and adorned with flower decorations, covered by a veil.

Since morning, I underwent fitting and hair styling, expecting to wait for Cid in the dressing room. . . or so I thought.

As soon as I was ready, I headed to Cid’s dressing room. I wondered if he’d be surprised.

Elsa, leading the way, knocked on the door. 

―Knock, knock.

“Yes.”

Cid’s voice was slightly low.

He probably took a short nap after getting ready.

Although we couldn’t meet last night due to tradition, he had been extremely busy these past few days and must have had very little sleep.

I hope he had a good rest last night.

“Excuse me.”

Elsa called out and opened the door, gesturing for me to enter.

I quietly entered the room, leaving only my footsteps. 

It was a spacious room surrounded by pure white walls.

On the desk, there were many congratulatory letters.

There were piles of letters with the emblem of the Mage Association. . .Could it be that they even gave him work on a day like this?!

With my back to the door, I approached Cid, who was sitting on the sofa.

He was wearing a glossy silver robe. It was a color that complemented his shiny black hair.

“Elsa? Is Viara ready?”

Cid spoke while looking at the letters in his hand. But Elsa wasn’t here.

“Elsa, deliver this to Ethan-sama. . .”

He turned around and froze when he saw me, stopping his movement.

He gasped and his eyes widened.

“Hehe, surprised? I wanted to show it to you first, so I came here before the priest came to greet us.”

“. . .”

No response.

He didn’t even seem to be breathing.

Worried, I tilted my head like a cat.

“Cid? Are you so stunned that you can’t even speak?”

I grabbed the hem of my skirt and curtsied with a raised gaze.

“Viara. . .Wow, amazing.” 

Cid covered his mouth with his hand, revealing his excitement. It was a reaction I had never seen before, and his face had a faint blush.

I blushed too, unexpectedly overwhelmed by his joy.

Although we had known each other since we were five years old, seeing each other in wedding attire made our hearts race with excitement, unable to take our eyes off each other.

“Viara, you look absolutely beautiful.”

“Oh, thank you. Cid, you look wonderful too.”

He crossed over the back of the sofa and stood in front of me.

He kissed my cheek and placed his hands on my shoulders with strength.

“Shall we go home right away?”

“I’m not going home.”

The seriousness in his eyes surprised me.

His gaze was intense, even though the ceremony was about to begin.

After the ceremony, there will be a reception party.

I rejected his suggestion with a smile.

In response, Cid’s shoulders slumped, and he hugged me gently.

“Sigh. . .I have to wait until tonight.”

“Wait, what!?”

Finally, the day had come.

He was not good at waiting, and I made him wait for quite a while. I had no choice but to brace myself.

As I closed my eyes and focused my mind, the door was knocked and Elsa entered.

“Ojou-sama, the priest is here. The ceremony will begin shortly.”

“Thank you.”

I smiled and prepared to head to the ceremony. However, Cid gently grabbed my wrist.

“Viara.”

“Hmm?”

He took out a simple silver ring. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that he had the same one on his left middle finger.

“I can finally give this to you.”

“This. . .”

The ring had a small bird and ivy pattern, symbolizing peace. 

It smoothly fit into my left ring finger, as if the size had been measured without me noticing.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I’ve been meaning to give it to you someday. The engagement ring ended up having a flashy design because Ethan-sama insisted on making a big impression.”

Indeed, it was quite something. 

It had a price tag that could buy a house, and it was adorned with a huge gemstone carved into the shape of a dahlia flower. . .

Moreover, when you put it on the ring finger, it covered the neighboring fingers. I couldn’t go out wearing something like that.

“I’m happy. Thank you.”

I raised my left hand to eye level and looked at it intently.

I had always wanted matching rings, but I never expected to receive something that perfectly matched my wishes.

Cid, satisfied with my joy, smiled with a content expression.

“I love you, Viara.”

He said it without any hint of embarrassment, looking just as happy as I was.

He kissed my forehead, and I closed my eyes with a smile.

But the ceremony was about to begin.

“Um, are you ready?”

“Yes.”

The priest, who was brought by Elsa, spoke with a smile.

But it was only me who felt awkward about being seen affectionately with each other.

“I’m not ready yet. Could you wait a bit longer so that we can immerse ourselves in our own world?”

“You can say that at a time like this?!”

After that, we successfully carried out the wedding ceremony and were finally recognized as a married couple.

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