Chapter 35
A massive crowd had gathered in front of the main gate of the Imperial Palace. The murmuring throngs had an atmosphere almost like a festival.
Everyone eagerly anticipated the gate opening, and for Teowin to descend and stand on the platform before them.
Thud. At that moment, a resounding echo seemed to quiet the commotion. Even at the slightest vibration, everyone fell silent and fixed their eyes ahead.
The palace gates opened. From within, the Royal Knights, clad in ceremonial armor, marched out in perfect formation. Their swords gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, and the precision of their synchronized movements was breathtaking.
“The Royal Knights!”
“Oh my…! When will we ever see them in our lifetime?”
“There! Wow, it’s Marquis Rizerne!”
“How can someone exude so much dignity even at that age?”
As the Royal Knights came out to greet the future rulers and celebrate the royal wedding, Rizerne naturally stood at the forefront.
From a distance, people craned their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. It was a grand and vibrant scene, befitting the celebration of a royal marriage.
Young girls to elderly men were all struck with awe at the majesty of the Royal Knights. And then, Teowin appeared behind the procession.
“Waaaah!”
“It’s the Crown Prince!”
Dressed in splendid ceremonial attire, Teowin looked impressive, tall, and even beautiful from afar.
Behind him, Agnes appeared in a white dress.
As she appeared, the excited cheers instantly fell silent. A hush seemed to stretch from the front to the far end, as if the sound itself had been absorbed.
Instead of a single loud cheer, whispers of awe and admiration filled the air.
Her white dress sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. Coupled with her platinum hair, shining even more brilliantly, she drew everyone’s gaze.
“Truly… isn’t this what a sacred aura feels like…?”
Someone murmured, and those around unconsciously nodded. People who had been staring at her in a daze now turned their attention to Teowin, who had ascended the platform.
Those close to the platform were once again captivated by their Crown Prince.
The way these two looked at each other with trust and affection was almost sacred. The dazzling sunlight enhanced their beauty even further.
“Ha… it’s like a painting.”
From behind came the Emperor’s strange exclamation, but it didn’t disturb the two of them.
Agnes’s lower lip trembled slightly. Though he wasn’t one to show much emotion, every word he spoke was sincere enough to touch her heart.
After the march for the commoners who had come to witness the Crown Prince’s wedding concluded, they entered the nearby ceremonial hall, where their cheers could still be heard.
Walking along the long corridor, dragging the hem of her luxurious yet simple white wedding dress, flanked by grand pillars, the power and prestige of both the Kropen Empire and the Rizerne Marquis family were palpable.
Even in this serious setting, he was so stunning that she almost forgot herself. The elaborate building decorations and the bright sunlight seemed invisible compared to his presence.
Their eyes met. Seeing the icy expression he wore made her shiver involuntarily.
From earlier, whenever their eyes met, it felt as if he was looking deep into her soul. It made her flinch, wondering if he somehow knew her spirit had changed.
She hesitated but stood beside him. To make matters worse, the hall was much larger than it appeared from the outside, packed with extravagantly dressed guests.
“This feels like it’s really starting now.”
“It’s fine. You’ve already taken the initiative, so it’s under control.”
Teowin spoke as if acknowledging she had overcome the earlier tension. She glanced at him briefly from beneath her veil, but he didn’t notice her gaze.
“On this day filled with blessings, we begin the wedding of Crown Prince Teowin. Crown Prince Teowin Kieste and Miss Agnes Rizerne will now enter.”
When someone in white spoke loudly from inside, the murmurs of the guests quieted. As he took the first step, she followed slightly behind, almost reluctantly.
They walked down the central aisle and stopped beneath the large goddess statue, standing side by side. The officiant spoke incomprehensible words about the gods, and she was startled by Teowin’s tongue click as he looked back at the guests.
The audience sparkled in their extravagant dresses and jewelry, some clapping enthusiastically, others observing silently.
“To our god, who will enjoy eternal glory, we welcome another virtuous soul to Kropen.”
When the officiant finished the declaration, the gathered guests bowed their heads, murmuring wishes for harmony. A sideways glance at the Crown Prince revealed his firm jawline, exuding an imposing presence, as if looking down upon them all.
After the ceremony, Agnes was led by Roza, who had accompanied her from the Rizerne mansion, to change into her wedding dress, eat, and freshen up.
Roza stopped at a door on the third floor and looked back at Agnes. Distracted by the vastness of the space, she hesitated, considering retreating down the stairs, but Roza noticed immediately. Pursing her lips, she followed obediently.
“This will be the living quarters of Her Highness the Crown Princess. There are additional private spaces, which I will show you tomorrow.”
Agnes hesitated at the threshold, still tense. Roza walked away quietly. Though learning court etiquette had been arduous, this place was truly magnificent. Even the head maid moved with noble elegance.
The room, adorned in deep navy and gold, was spacious, luxurious, and calm. Standing at the spot that would belong to her, Agnes let out a quiet sigh.
As dusk seeped in, tension gripped her as she looked around. The chaotic thoughts she had carried throughout the day evaporated upon entering the bedroom.
One major problem now faced her—immediately and directly.
For a moment, overwhelmed by the luxurious room, her gaze landed on the white bed sheets touched by the reddish sunlight, and only one worry arose in her mind: the first night.
Even holding hands or hugging closely was unfamiliar.
Though unspoken, she knew that since it was the first night, he would naturally come to this room. What had felt abstract before now seemed real, and her dry throat swallowed hard.
“I… I still can’t do this…”
“What do you mean you can’t?”
Whoosh! She tried to turn and leave, but something blocked her. A chilling voice brushed over her head, and her shoulders trembled.
Raising her head slowly, she saw sculpted lips, a sharp nose, and… cold blue eyes gazing down at her, yet filled with warmth.
So handsome it muddled her thoughts, yet his imposing, cold presence stopped her mind entirely.
She pursed her lips in submission, but he raised a finger and gently freed her lips from her teeth.
The sensation of someone else’s touch on lips that had never felt it before opened her eyes wide.
“You already know, the first night is crucial for both of us. If you leave now… rumors far worse than those from the banquet will follow.”
His low voice echoed like a lingering note. Drawn by his arm around her waist, she found herself seated on the bed.
He moved without hesitation, guiding her gently, with no unnecessary force.
“I…”
“I know you’re nervous. If you haven’t thought about it yet, start now. There’s plenty of time. Just don’t run away.”
Under that quiet command, Agnes could do nothing. It was something she had to do, not out of fear.
If she faced it head-on without preparation, she feared she would tease him endlessly before the act even began.
“Then… just holding you like this is enough for today…”
“No.”
Agnes raised her voice, summoning courage. Though she thought about annulment, she had chosen to be with him. She could not keep rejecting him.
She had loved the Rizerne household, and now, more deeply and for longer, she stood before the one she must cherish and protect.
From now on… even if I cause trouble or stir chaos in the Imperial Palace… the only one I can rely on is this man.
Darkness naturally settled in the room.
The rowdy commoners of the day and the nobles who had observed her with envy or indifference were absent.
Only the man before her remained.
This was the man she would rely on, even to her last breath. Both she and he had to maintain control, to preserve the Kropen Empire.
Though the first night was daunting, Agnes finally met Teowin’s gaze with clear, untainted eyes.
She could face him now, without distraction, without impurity.
Together, they could grow stronger. Because he was Teowin, who cherished her and loved the empire. She felt certain they could manage it.
