The day that seemed like it would never come finally arrived. Early in the morning, rubbing her eyes awake, Serena bathed in foam and donned her wedding dress with the help of several people.

“Miss, you look truly beautiful.”

To be honest, until she put on the dress, Serena had worried whether it would fit her. Yet the gown, altered with the royal family’s meticulous care, highlighted Serena’s tall and slender physique without sacrificing elegance.

“Better than I expected…”

The length of the dress perfectly covered the tops of her feet, and the sleeves’ delicate and intricate lace appeared as clean and sophisticated as if they had been sewn yesterday.

Moreover, the waistline and neckline felt comfortable, as if the gown had been Serena’s own from the start.

“How did they tailor it so well? The empress and I have entirely different body types.”

“They took your exact measurements during the engagement ceremony. You haven’t grown any taller since then, so it was bound to fit.”

“Mmm… growing taller now would be problematic.”

Grinning, Serena displayed a playful smile. No one could have guessed that she was the same woman who had once fainted from starving herself to fit into her engagement dress.

“Yes, it’s perfect as it is now.”

As Serena twirled in front of the mirror, her wedding dress skirt rippled beautifully. Even someone usually indifferent to dresses couldn’t help but have their heart race at such a sight.

“Now you need to wear the veil and get ready to leave.”

On this special day, Anna and the butler Peter were also dressed in white formal attire. Of course, they couldn’t compare to the bride, but the festive atmosphere was already in the air.

“The duke will arrive soon, and you will go to the palace with the earl leading the carriage.”

Although she had heard this procedure several times, it always felt new. She was especially curious because the Earl of Sherwood had never once shown his face at her residence.

“The countess and Lady Lara will attend as guests.”

“Have all the items I need to bring been prepared?”

“Yes, we’ve checked multiple times. Don’t worry.”

Inside the bride’s carriage were items that could be taken to the palace.

Although there were no tarnished objects—thanks to the countess discarding them—a dress made by Lady Heiley and finely crafted jewelry took their place.

“What about… the most important item?”

“It’s secured in the secret compartment at the bottom of the box. It’s safe.”

Only then did Serena nod in relief. More important than the elegant dress or shining jewelry was the promise Lucas had sworn on, granting her freedom.

It would be good if she didn’t have to use it, but it was an essential insurance just in case.

“Sigh… A wedding.”

Even after wearing the complete wedding dress, the reality had not yet sunk in. However, when Anna smoothly placed the veil on her, her semi-transparent vision started to bring her back to reality.

“Can I put this on at the entrance?”

She also realized just how stifling a semi-transparent view could be.

“It’s customary for the bride to wear the veil before leaving the room.”

“Fine.”

Why not? Serena nodded her head obediently without further argument. What she wanted to dispute was already vetoed by Lucas’s strong will; the rest was not.

“Well… goodbye, my everything.”

It was a line she had always wanted to say. But unlike in movies, the wedding ceremony didn’t begin immediately. After passing through all the traditions and procedures, today would be a long day.

Before the wedding ceremony, the bride couldn’t speak to anyone except the priest leading the ceremony. Thankfully, this spared her the awkwardness of talking to the already awkward Duke of Astel and the even more awkward Duke of Sherwood.

“We’ve now passed the palace gates.”

Anna whispered as she slightly opened the curtain of the carriage window.

“The ceremony will take place in the royal chapel.”

The place was still vivid in Serena’s memory. It was where she had had a squabble with her impudent little fiancé, so it was natural. Back then, she never thought such a day would come.

“Duke Astel will be in the front row among the guests, but as this is a national marriage, you will have to make your entrance alone.”

What could she do, one way or another?
Serena could only think of wanting to quickly finish the annoying ceremonies and rituals, then lie down to rest.

“After the wedding ceremony, the guests will have a reception. You may change your dress then and attend the reception before leaving early.”

Anna recited the schedule without even pausing to breathe.

“Then you may change into sleepwear in the bedroom of the Crown Princess’s quarters and wait for His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Serena’s eyes blinked slowly beneath her veil.

She couldn’t believe her own stupidity, having completely forgotten what would happen precisely on the night after the wedding.

“Don’t worry, everything will naturally flow.”