After riding a splendid carriage for a while, we finally arrived. The destination was the central square of Atigrado.

“Please step down.”

Is there an event? But how would there be an event I don’t know about?

Feeling bewildered, I reluctantly got off the carriage. But why is everyone looking at me? As if I’m the protagonist who appeared late…

“We’ll escort you this way.”

A path with a red carpet laid out was visible. Without understanding English, I walked down the middle of it. People gathered on both sides, staring at me.

As numerous eyes focused on me, beads of sweat formed on my back.

What’s going on in this situation?

While thinking so, I waved to the people around me.

People continuously cheered, waving paper that sparkled like confetti.

Congratulations or something. Be happy, they shouted.

What on earth is this!

And at the end of the red path was Idrish.

Idrish, with his hair neatly arranged, was in a better-dressed state than usual. It felt like I was witnessing the awkward movements of a prospective son-in-law going to seek permission for marriage from his future in-laws.

As I stood in front of Idrish, suddenly music started playing.

What, these musicians. Where did they come from?

Dozens of people played instruments skillfully, creating a melodic tune.

“Idrish, what is all this… I’m really confused?”

I murmured quietly.

“Ahem.”

Idrish, appearing tense, cleared his throat and adjusted his collar. The surroundings became silent.

And suddenly, he knelt in front of me. What is he doing!

Idrish extended his arm toward me. In his large hand, a small box adorned with red velvet was placed.

“Cecilia, marry me.”

At that moment, fireworks exploded from all directions.

Bang! Bang!

Cheers erupted, filling the square.

Everything became white in my mind.

Ah, me… I’m so embarrassed…!

What kind of nationwide feast is this?

My head felt dizzy.

This is not what I wished for.

Engulfed in cheers, I couldn’t utter whether it was good or bad during that chaotic moment.

“Why do you seem so lacking in energy? On such a good day like today.”

“Just… something feels empty in my heart.”

I weakly responded to Mirai’s question. I received congratulations for hours. People beamed with joy when they saw me, saying, “Congratulations on your marriage. Hail to the queen!” even though I hadn’t accepted it!

In various ways, it felt extremely uncomfortable.

How does it feel… It’s like exposing an intimate affair to the whole nation.

Embarrassed, ashamed.

Moreover, I didn’t even hear a proper love confession.

All I wished for was Idrish’s sincere words.

Of course, the ring with diamonds embedded in it was nice. It was too big to wear, so I carefully put it away.

“Maybe today feels too surreal for you. You’ll feel better tomorrow.”

Mirai covered me with a blanket, comforting me affectionately.

“Do you think so?”
“Of course, don’t worry and sleep well.”

However, even after Mirai turned off the lights and left, sleep did not come easily for a long time.

At that moment, the door suddenly opened without any warning.

“W-Who is it?”

I sat up abruptly.

How dare someone enter the bedroom of the prospective queen who received a proposal today?

“Did I disturb your sleep? I was just planning to show my face for a moment.”

“Idrish, you surprised me. No, I wasn’t asleep.”

I tapped the side of the bed, signaling him to come closer. However, for some reason, Idrish stood there like a pillar, not sitting down as I intended.

Anyone would think we’re lovers who started dating today… It made me unnecessarily embarrassed.

Actually, I couldn’t fall asleep at all and went for a walk outside…

“Went for a walk?”

Idrish nestled something in my arms. Confirming what it was, my eyes widened.

It was a bunch of flowers blooming in various colors.

“Flowers? Wait, did Idrish personally pick them?”

“Do you dislike it? I brought them because I thought you’d like them since they’re pretty.”

Idrish chuckled. However, he himself didn’t seem too confident in what he said.

No way. Did I hear correctly?

“They’re pretty? Idrish… I don’t really know what’s pretty.”

Idrish’s gaze momentarily clouded.

See, I hit the mark, didn’t I?

Every time, I used to say, ‘What’s so pretty about that? It’s just the leaves and reproductive organs of a plant.’

Oh, is he suggesting we reproduce?

“Well, to be honest, I don’t really know what’s pretty. But… I chose something that resembles you.”

Idrish slowly sat down next to me. A pleasant summer night scent emanated from his body.

He touched each flower with his fingers.

“The white flowers are similar to your heart, and the yellow ones resemble the atmosphere when Cecilia, you, smile brightly. And the pink flowers resemble the color of your soft cheeks when I see you.”

I lost my words and closed my mouth. Idrish sat down beside me and his body emitted the pleasant scent of a summer night.

He plucked one flower after another with his fingers.