Anna spoke softly, thinking Serena was shy. However, Serena’s expression under the veil had completely hardened. Thanks to the veil, at least she didn’t need to manage her expression.

“Oh, the chapel.”

Serena could think of nothing. Her mind and thoughts had completely frozen. Yet the carriage stopped, and Anna helped Serena descend.

As the chapel decorated with flowers came into view, she had no choice but to accept it. She couldn’t run away from this.

The wedding ceremony went smoothly, even without Serena’s will. The process was mostly similar to her engagement ceremony in her memory, the only differences being slightly more lavish decorations and more guests.

“Today, I am presiding over this blessed ceremony in the name of the Holy Papacy.”

Even the bishop remained the same. He had aged a bit over the course of six years, of course.

“Our God has the power to make a couple one, so today’s vows shall be unbreakable.”

Even though she was half-zoned out, the ceremony proceeded rapidly.

“Serena Astel, daughter of House Astel.”

The moment she regained her senses, she found herself standing in front of the altar. The unique scent of Lucas subtly filled the air.

She couldn’t turn to look, but she could distinctly feel his robust and large presence, quite different from the engagement ceremony.

“Do you vow, today, to take Lucas Thern as your husband, to live and die together, and to become one in the name of God?”

She had no courage to say no at this point.

“Yes…”

As Serena answered, she heard Lucas’s short sigh. Had he worried she might not answer? Was his mindset the same as it had been six years ago at their engagement?

“Lucas Thern of the great House Thern.”

For some reason, the bishop’s respectful address seemed unfair. Yet it reminded her anew how noble Lucas’s status was.

Recalling how he had barged into the Astel duchy and kicked her out, she found it unbelievable what she had done.

“Do you vow, today, to take Serena Astel as your wife, to live and die together, and to become one in the name of God?”

“I vow.”

Lucas’s deep voice resonated majestically throughout the chapel.

“As proof of this vow, this ring for my bride.”

Following Lucas’s words, a priest beside him lifted a ring box. Lucas then took out the ring and slipped it onto Serena’s left ring finger.

“I hereby declare, by the authority of the Holy Papacy, that you are now husband and wife. Your Highness the Crown Prince, please lift the veil of Her Highness the Crown Princess and seal this ceremony with a kiss.”

The hand Lucas used to hold the veil trembled slightly. Others might not notice, but Serena could feel it.

And then he slowly lifted her veil and looked down at her. It was an awe-inspiring moment that made all her past humiliation disappear.

“Then.”

After whispering a single word, Lucas bowed his head to lightly kiss Serena’s forehead and lips. Serena, who hadn’t thought much about the ritual, was taken aback and closed her eyes.

“Long live His Highness the Crown Prince! Long live Her Highness the Crown Princess!”
Fortunately, before Serena could show any signs of discomfort, fireworks went off and the guests continued their applause. Unable to help himself, Lucas tightly held Serena’s hand. It was time to leave the way they had come.

“I’ll never forget today.”

Only to Serena’s ears, Lucas whispered amid the noisy crowd. The guests were thrilled to see the newlyweds affectionately holding hands as they walked down the carpet to make their exit.

“Is the vow still valid?”

While maintaining her smile, Serena whispered so that only he could hear. Her mind had been uneasy all day due to the final ceremony in the carriage she had heard from Anna.

“Of course.”

Lucas was also smiling for everyone, but his voice was a bit strained. He was filled with a desire to fully enjoy this marriage, but he couldn’t break his promise to her either.

“But you do know that we’re now a legitimate couple?”

Lucas gently asked while waving at the guests.

“Yes. But promises and vows are still valid.”

Serena also followed him, waving her hand. The shining diamond ring still felt unfamiliar on her left hand.

“And I will always make an effort.”

By now, Serena knew just how persistent Lucas could be.

“Then, let’s each make an effort.”

Serena said, maintaining her smile for the guests, but speaking coldly. Thinking of what might happen tonight, she couldn’t feel at ease. In some sense, the differences between them now felt even more tense than they did at their engagement ceremony six years ago.

And so, the wedding ceremony they had waited six years for had ended.

One of Lucas’s wishes had come true.