Chapter 5.
Noble Bride
Soon, Applin and Lucent’s marriage was splashed across every newspaper in the Empire. Naturally, the news caused a tremendous shock throughout the realm.
Applin had long been mentioned as the Crown Prince’s intended bride, so rumors were rampant everywhere. Yet Lucent ensured that the press received a perfect love story, just as Applin wished. At the same time, rumors spread that the Crown Prince had an inappropriate relationship with an opera singer, and the union of an established noble family with a rising tycoon was framed not as a calculated deal, but as a love match. Many stories circulated.
Finally, the day of the century’s wedding arrived. The ceremony would be held in the Imperial Great Cathedral, reserved for nobles awarded the Order of Merit—which the von Hafen family qualified for. Applin rode in a top-tier white automobile with her mother, Lilyen, and her maid, Loren.
“No matter how times change, what is this automobile? A bride should elegantly ride a four-horse carriage… Well, that family wouldn’t know royal etiquette.”
“Still, grandfather sent his blessings.”
Lilyen pursed her lips at Applin’s words.
“Lucent’s bank is building a factory in Monas—what king would refuse? Nothing is more vulgar than trying to solve everything with money… How rich must he be?”
At first, Lilyen had strongly opposed the marriage to the Blackcarson family, citing class mismatch. But thanks to Lucent, the plan to save Count von Hafen’s life was executed, and the family debt was cleared. Consequently, Lilyen, devoted to her husband, was freed from her personal hell and could indulge in her last pride. Deep down, she even appreciated Lucent’s expensive gifts.
“Madam, this automobile is one of only three in the Empire.”
Loren spoke innocently, yet it was a subtle rebuke to her vain mistress. Lilyen, however, was oblivious—she was the type to think, ‘If there’s no bread, have cake.’
‘Tch, secretly enjoying it while pretending not to… such a snob.’
Loren laughed heartily, inwardly mocking Lilyen, then turned her gaze toward Applin.
“Today, the Crown Prince should see just how goddess-like our lady is… sigh.”
Loren was confirming with her own eyes that Applin’s fame was no exaggeration. Of course, all brides are said to be beautiful, but even a maid could tell that Lucent paying an extra 3 billion Sallings to make Applin his wife was an excellent deal.
“Don’t even mention that clueless Crown Prince.”
Lilyen glared at Loren. Applin quietly smiled at the two women bickering. Such leisure was possible only because they had overcome their crisis. She had no regrets about marrying Lucent—their marriage was political, but the life ahead could be built as they wished.
Meanwhile, Lucent pinched the bridge of his nose upon seeing his mother and sister. Did they forget it was their wedding day? They appeared adorned in white dresses, feathered hats, and glittering jewelry from head to toe. Low whispers and snickers spread among the guests.
“Looks like the bride today is not alone?”
“No matter the money, innate character and dignity cannot be bought.”
“How thoughtless, tsk tsk—”
Lucent closed his eyes tightly at the guests’ disapproving murmurs toward his mother Monica and sister Marie.
“Even if they don’t know it’s improper, knowing it doesn’t help either.”
“Exactly.”
If Leon hadn’t timely announced the bride’s arrival, he might have had to expel the troublesome pair from the cathedral.
Lucent went outside to greet Applin. Soon, the white automobile slowly stopped atop the red carpet.
The door opened, and the cloud-like lace and veil embraced Applin, placing her gently on the ground. Her delicate shoulders shone without excessive decoration, and a single lily on her chest accentuated her purity without expensive jewels. The moonlit-like dress exuded elegance, highlighting her even more. The scent from the lilies and calla flowers she held made the wedding feel tangible.
“My noble bride.”
Lucent extended his hand, and Applin smiled gently as she took it.
“You are noble too.”
“……?!”
She was surprised; the compliment seemed sincere rather than ceremonial.
Applin was quite taken aback by Lucent’s gentle holding of her hand. The cold, rigid banker image seemed temporarily gone; at this moment, he was exceptionally warm. Like a golden sun, his soft, neat blonde hair and sculpted features were flawless. His dark blue uniform embroidered with gold thread only complemented Lucent, not overshadowed him. Even his once sharp blue eyes could look gentle. Who could insult such a man?
Applin hesitated briefly, then reached to adjust the slightly askew corsage on his chest.
“Impressive, Lucent.”
Whether sincere or not, her words were sweet as honey. Even in the brief time since deciding on marriage, she made him feel like a better person. Perhaps that was why, though Lucent earned money like a dog, Applin spent like a noble. Through this marriage, he donated meat, flour, potatoes, and beans to the slums, gaining positive newspaper coverage for the first time.
Lucent and Applin stood in front of the Great Cathedral. By then, Lucent’s brief joy ended—his mother Monica was rushing toward them.
“Oh my! Our noble daughter-in-law…!”
Monica called Applin loudly, as if everyone around should hear. Lucent’s brows furrowed, and Leon flinched, having failed to track Monica’s movements.
“Mother…”
Applin widened her eyes upon seeing Monica adorned with colorful jewelry—every finger wearing a gemmed ring, a sight she had never seen before.
“Yes, yes, I am the mother. But all the money my son gave… why is the dress so plain?”
Monica frowned at Applin’s simple wedding gown.
“Leon.”
At Lucent’s firm command, Monica was led away by Leon. With a little time before the ceremony, he escorted Applin to a small chapel. Leaving them alone, Marie would surely have caused chaos.
“Lucent, is my dress too plain?” Applin asked innocently.
“Not at all. It suits you well.”
“Do you… like it?”
“Does my opinion matter?”
Applin smiled awkwardly. ‘He was so kind just moments ago…’ Even in a loveless marriage, she tried to savor small happy conversations like any couple, yet he spoke as if detached.
“I wanted to be praised… that I have good taste…”
“Ah, I see.”
Seeing Lucent flustered, Applin realized she had expected too much. ‘He’s not marrying me out of love…’ Even small gestures of meaning required time. Just then, Leon and Loren appeared in the chapel.
“Bank Manager, I have a report.”
Lucent excused himself to Applin and left the chapel. Loren stayed to attend to her.
“What is it?”
Seeing Leon’s excited face, Lucent’s expression hardened, his tone turning strict as in work mode. Something urgent had clearly arisen.
“The Crown Prince is coming to stop your wedding today.”
Lucent’s brows furrowed in disbelief.
“It seems it was revealed that the opera singer was actually married and has two children.”
Lucent laughed and moved toward the corridor, inhaling a puff of cigar smoke and exhaling deeply.
‘So the blinders are finally off?’
“He’s leading the royal guards here, insisting that Miss Applin be returned to her original place…”
“Leon.”
Lucent’s piercing blue eyes shot the secretary a look.
“Yes, Bank Manager.”
“Make sure the Crown Prince himself is returned to his original place.”
“Yes? But he is…”
Ordering the Crown Prince to be stopped was not easy. Interfering with royalty could result in sacrilege or even treason, punishable severely. It was akin to invading a sanctuary.
“Should I abandon the ceremony and rush out to stop him?”
Only then did Leon realize the gravity.
“No. I will stop him, Bank Manager.”
“Good. Then I will fetch my beautiful bride.”
Lucent’s lips twisted sharply.
