𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔𝟕: 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬 【𝟐】

The ceremony proceeded smoothly, and in the evening, a grand unveiling party was held.

At the banquet, delicious dishes and drinks from various countries were served, and His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister were very pleased.

Onii-sama suppressed his shyness to the extreme and continued to greet people with lifeless eyes.

The young lady, who had her eyes on such a timid gentleman, wanted to somehow make Onii-sama fall in love with her.

The young ladies at the party were casting passionate glances at my timid brother. I wanted them to somehow make him fall in love. Even though Cid married into the family, the heir to the Marcus Duke territory was my brother and his child after all. . .!

“Viara-sama, congratulations!”

“Well, thank you!”

The daughters of influential landowners came to offer their congratulations.

For them, this was also a matchmaking event. With minimal greetings, I introduced them to our young men, knights of the kingdom, and the young members of the Mage Association, turning into a matchmaker despite being the bride.

When the greetings were over, I went to the terrace to find Cid, who was nowhere to be seen

Where did he go, leaving the bride behind?

Slightly tipsy, I took a deep breath, enjoying the pleasant night breeze.

Countless stars filled the sky.

Today, the ceremony was truly a wonderful memory.

As I gazed absentmindedly at the night sky, I heard Cid’s voice from the darkness outside the terrace.

“Viara.”

When I turned to look, he was there, dressed in a blue robe and travel attire.

He was wearing a black formal suit just a moment ago, when did he. . .

Standing in the garden, he spoke to me through the terrace railing.

“Let’s run away together.”

“Run away?!”

He extended his hand smoothly. 

I was about to take his hand, but hesitated for a moment.

Is it okay to run away?

Even though the unveiling party was about to end, can the main couple just disappear?

Seeing through my thoughts, Cid smiled.

“I have informed His Majesty and everyone. Besides, I have arranged for Ethan-sama to be returned to us for two weeks starting tomorrow, so let’s burden him with work.”

Everything was perfectly prepared!

So, all of that busyness until just before the ceremony was for this?!

It seems everything went according to plan.

If that’s the case, there’s no reason not to take his hand.

I easily climbed over the terrace railing and jumped into his arms while still in my dress.

“Now, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

As we smiled at each other, we held hands and ran away from the venue.

“This time, it’s like a princess being abducted.”

Me in a dress and him in travel attire.

It might look like an elopement. I playfully murmured that, and Cid looked surprised and said,

“Viara, there’s no princess who climbs over the fence by herself.”

“Oh, come on, just ignore that part!”

Cid chuckled and took off his robe, draping it over my shoulders.

I loved moments like this. . .!

Wrapped in his scent and the warmth of the robe, I felt so happy that I could collapse.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Cid’s hand was so big that it completely enveloped mine. It was a bit rough, but it was the most comforting hand for me.

As we held hands and ran, we were looked at curiously by passing guards.

The main couple of today were  running towards the back gate, So it was natural to be curious. 

“The carriage is waiting at the back. Let’s go to the port.”

“The port?”

“Yes. Our destination is Nice. I haven’t told Ethan-sama, so I want to board the ship before he finds us.”

Onii-sama will surely be angry.

But I hope he sees it as our honeymoon.

“Take care.”

“Sure thing! Aniki, Miss, have a safe trip.”

Cid waved his hand to Zold, who had been waiting, and we passed through the gate.

“Well then, shall we escape before the pursuers from Ethan-sama arrive?”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Sitting in the coachman’s seat of the carriage was none other than Galius, with his bald head as usual. 

He raised his thumb and smiled at us. 

Although it was a carriage with the Duke Marcus family’s crest, not a hooded carriage, I remembered that time and smiled. 

“Off we go!”

Cid’s cheerful voice echoed.

As we sat side by side in the carriage, Galius slowly drove the carriage out, timing it perfectly. 

Through the window, I could see the night road flowing by. The villagers had lined the road with numerous lamps to celebrate our wedding.

The dim orange light seemed to guide us to a happy married life.

Filled with hope for the future, I found a bag at my feet and became even more cheerful.

This bag was a set for fleeing the country.

Of course, a frying pan was included. It’s funny that Cid prepared this as well, and my lips naturally curled up.

“Hehe.”

“What’s the matter?”

Cid leaned in as I laughed to myself and stroked his head.

“I thought it was a redo of our escape from the country. You really understood that I wanted to run away.”

“If you shouted so much about wanting to escape, it’s understandable.”

Did I really shout that much?

“I’m glad I have a quick-witted husband.”

I couldn’t help but say that he was my husband! I looked at Cid, curious about his reaction. 

But there he was, with a silly smile on his face.

“I want to be the one who fulfills your wishes, no matter what they may be. Even if it’s any wish.”

“!”

As he embraced my shoulder and nuzzled against it, I couldn’t take it anymore. He gently kissed my left hand from which the ring had been taken, and my body grew warm.

“I love everything about you, from every strand of hair to your fingertips. Your voice, words, thoughts, everything.”

“Well, that’s quite a deep love. I knew it.”

“The quality is even higher than the weight, you know?”

His breath against my ear made my heart skip a beat.

Cid, who chuckled, looked at me with a sweet atmosphere surrounding him.

“I. . .I’m glad to be ‘Viara’.”

I have lost count of how many times I wondered why I wasn’t the heroine.

But now, looking back at how I ended up with Cid, I can accept myself.

“Thank you for choosing me.”

Cid gently wiped away the tears that welled up in my eyes. As I closed my eyes, his lips met mine with tenderness.

His arms wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me close as if enveloping something precious. It made me happy. 

After taking our time for a slow kiss, Cid looked mischievously at my, blushing cheeks.

“Please take care of the stray dog you picked up until the end, okay?”

“Of course, that’s my intention.”

The boy who suddenly came to our house one day grew into an incredibly loyal dog.

Because he can be a mad dog, I can’t let him roam freely.

I lovingly stroke Cid’s black hair as he looked at me with eyes that melted my heart.

When I surprised him with a kiss instead of giving a response, his expression became unusually astonished.

“Hey, Cid. Where to, Nice? Kyaa!”

As I tried to ask about our future, he suddenly lifted me onto his lap, and a scream escaped my lips.

“What’s with the suddenness?!”

“I love you! Please never leave me again! Should I make a collar for you? I can ask the dwarves.”

“I don’t need that! Why are you saying such scary things!! I don’t have that kind of interest!”

Cid held me tightly, pressing his head against mine, and happily called my name.

“Viara. . .Viara. . .”

Ah, I could see a tail that shouldn’t be there.

I could see it wagging happily!

Is it going to be okay like this?

I was becoming anxious because I was too happy.

I remained silent for a while, but eventually, I gave in and embraced his head. As I gently stroked him, Cid narrowed his eyes in contentment.

“You’re such a hopeless child.”

“Thanks to you.”

I pressed my cheek against his head and gently closed my eyes, basking in the feeling of happiness.

Just by being close to each other, it was so warm.

Indeed, he’s my dog.

I’m sure I’m the one who got caught.

If I’m loved this much, there’s no way to escape.

The villainess who was abandoned by the heroine ended up being tamed by an overly affectionate dog.

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