Chapter 136
Everyone had gathered here to bless the start of a noble and shining couple.
Through the tall windows, streams of light poured in like blessings.
A woman in a gown sparkling like scattered starlight walked slowly across the long white carpet.
Her pink hair was tied up gracefully, her slender neck proud and straight, her posture and steps already filled with the dignity of an empress.
Her forehead was round and smooth, her nose sharp and tall, her purple eyes radiant.
Her lips were bright like spring flowers, painting her like a living watercolor.
At this moment, no one remembered her past or the rumors that once stained her.
They had all been washed away, as if rain had cleared fallen pollen, and by her own deeds she had proven that those rumors were false.
She was now the most noble woman, worthy of receiving the blessing of the whole world.
“We now begin the wedding of His Majesty Emperor Etias von Clyde and Her Grace, Duchess Katrin Elemore.”
The old archbishop, who had risen to his seat after Kubel Hintz fell, looked at the couple with eyes full of love and respect.
The hall fell silent, every gaze fixed solemnly on the ceremony.
The archbishop spoke:
“Since the First Emperor saved the world from chaos and founded Oswell, countless hardships have passed. One of them was the rule of an unworthy usurper.”
His voice carried like an echo through the hall.
“In that dark time, filled with incompetence and irresponsibility, His Majesty prepared a great revolution—for the sake of all who suffered under the empire. A revolution strong enough to overturn the land and bring back clear skies.”
The words stirred the hearts of all present.
None could forget the day Etias reclaimed the throne from the evil emperor—the day of true joy and glory.
Half the guests here had been nobles and soldiers who joined the revolution.
“But His Majesty once said, without one person, the revolution would not have succeeded.”
All eyes turned to the bride, Duchess Katrin Elemore.
“Katrin Elemore.”
Silence deepened in the room.
“Wearing the mask of a villainess, she hid her purpose and performed noble deeds for His Majesty.”
The archbishop reminded everyone of the truth—that Katrin, once an orphaned lady, had supported the revolution and helped protect Etias. That House Elemore was not truly evil, but instead shielded the rightful emperor from the usurper.
“His Majesty declared that without her, the revolution would have failed. That she is the empire’s greatest benefactor. And not only that—this great woman saved the empire once more.”
The war with Gran Orden and the western nations was recalled. Together, she and Etias had fought at the front, defeating the enemy and restoring peace to the continent.
“Two lights have become one. Just as their union shines brighter than the sun, so too will they shine forever above Oswell.”
The archbishop’s blessing carried tears and emotion.
“His Majesty’s reign will be eternal, and Her Majesty will forever remain by his side. By the will of God, this marriage is now blessed.”
He raised his hands and cried out:
“Eternal be Oswell!”
The crowd echoed loudly, “Eternal be Oswell!”
“Eternal be the Clyde dynasty!”
“Eternal be the Clyde dynasty!”
And finally:
“Eternal be love!”
The shouts of blessing rang like thunder, echoing until the hall fell quiet.
Grand music began to play, solemn and majestic.
The archbishop nodded toward Etias, who lowered his gaze toward Katrin.
She turned slowly to face him.
Etias spoke firmly:
“I, Etias von Clyde, declare that from this moment, I accept Katrin Elemore as my precious wife, for all my life.”
His deep voice carried certainty.
The hall erupted with applause and cheers.
Katrin placed her hand on her chest and bowed slightly toward him. Then she replied:
“I, Katrin Elemore, declare that from this moment, I accept His Majesty Etias von Clyde as my husband.”
Her clear and steady voice brought even greater applause and joy.
An attendant brought forth the crown of the empress—one of Clyde’s most treasured relics.
It had been remade to suit the new empress, adorned with the most beautiful jewels.
Etias placed the crown on Katrin’s head.
With the crown and her splendid gown, she looked like a goddess who had just descended to earth.
The young girls in the hall covered their mouths in awe.
“She’s so beautiful…”
Katrin straightened her posture, now the perfect empress.
Etias’s blue eyes shimmered as he looked only at her.
“…Katrin.”
He whispered her name and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.
Her long eyelashes trembled faintly as she closed her eyes.
Fireworks burst with thunder, and the music swelled into a grand march.
The cheers of the people rose like crashing waves.
It was the beginning of an imperial festival.
After the wedding, I returned to the waiting room, my cheeks flushed.
“Was I strange at all?” I asked.
“Ah, I didn’t know it would be so overwhelming,” I sighed.
Anes, who had stayed closest to me, helping me with the gown, was also red-faced.
“You did perfectly, my lady. I’m sure of it,” she said breathlessly, still dazed by the crowd’s cheers.
“It’s finally over,” I whispered, placing my hand on my chest and letting out a sigh of relief as I looked at myself in the mirror.
Even after all the times I had stood in front of people since entering this body, nothing compared to today’s nervousness.
‘Etias is amazing… he didn’t tremble at all.’
Thinking of his dignified, handsome figure filled my heart with pride.
That incredible man was now my husband.
When we made the final march, if Etias hadn’t supported me, I might have collapsed.
Anes, always at my side, explained the next schedule:
“While His Majesty greets the foreign guests, you will change your clothes, take a bath, and….”
My belongings had already been moved to the imperial palace. From now on, that was my home.
“Can I rest after that?” I asked.
I lifted my heavy dress to cool myself, already longing for sleep.
But Anes’s next words made my heart race again.
“…Then, you will prepare for the wedding night.”
Ah. The wedding night.
The first night.
