The day that seemed like it would never come had arrived. Waking up early in the morning, rubbing her eyes, Serena took a bubble bath and put on her wedding dress with the help of several people.

“Young lady, you look truly beautiful.”

Honestly, until she put on the dress, she was worried about whether it would fit her body, but the dress, which was tailored with the delicate consideration of the royal family, highlighted Serena’s tall and slender figure while not forgetting elegance.

“It seems… better than I expected.”

The length of the dress was just enough to cover the top of her feet, and the delicate and elaborate lace of the sleeves was clean and stylish as if it had been woven yesterday.

Not only that, the waistline and neckline were as comfortable as if the dress had been Serena’s from the beginning.

“Her Majesty the Empress and I have completely different body types, how did they make it fit like this?”

“They took all of your detailed measurements when you were engaged. Since then, you haven’t grown any taller, so it had to fit.”

“Hmm… it would be a problem if I grew any more there.”

Serena gave a playful smile. Anna was pleased with her confident appearance, unimaginable for a woman who had once collapsed from starving herself and running around the mansion trying to force her body to fit into her engagement dress.

“Yes, it’s just right now.”

As she turned around in front of the mirror, the hem of her wedding dress fluttered beautifully like waves. No matter how indifferent she was to dresses on a daily basis, it was a sight that would make any woman’s heart race.

“Now you need to put on your veil and get ready to leave.”

As it was a special day, both Anna and the head attendant Peter wore white ceremonial clothes. Of course, they couldn’t compare to the bride, who was the main character, but they already had a festive feeling.

“The Duke will be arriving soon, and you will ride in the carriage with the Marquis to the Imperial Palace.”

Although she had heard the procedure many times, it was always new. Especially since the Marquis of Sherwood had never shown his face at the mansion, she was also curious.

“The Marchioness and Young Lady Lora will attend as guests.”

“Did you pack all the things I’m bringing?”

“Yes. I checked several times. Don’t worry.”

The bride’s carriage was filled with items that could be brought to the Imperial Palace.

Although there were no personal items due to the Marchioness throwing them away, dresses made by Mrs. Haley and beautifully crafted jewelry took their place.

“That… most important item?”

“I put it inside the secret compartment at the bottom of the box. It’s certain.”

Only then did Serena nod her head as if relieved. More important than the elegant dress and shining jewels was the promise that pledged her freedom in Lucas’s name.

It would be best if there was no need to use it, but it was a necessary insurance policy just in case.

“Phew… a wedding.”

Even after putting on the wedding dress, it didn’t feel real. However, as Anna put the veil on her without hesitation, the translucent vision gradually awakened her to reality.

“Um, Anna. Can’t I put it on at the entrance?”

At the same time, she realized how stuffy it was to have a translucent field of vision.

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

Why not indeed. Serena nodded her head obediently, lacking the energy to argue further. The customary law she had hoped for was thwarted by Lucas’s strong will, but the rest were not.

“Then… goodbye, my everything.”

It was a line she had wanted to say at least once. However, unlike in the movies, the wedding venue didn’t appear right away. If she went through all the customs and procedures, today would be a very long day.

The bride was not allowed to speak to anyone other than her head maid before the wedding ceremony. Thanks to this, she avoided the hardship of having awkward conversations with Duke Astel and the even more awkward Marquis of Sherwood.

“We’ve just passed through the palace gates now.”

Anna slightly parted the curtain of the carriage window and whispered.

“The wedding will be held in the Imperial Chapel.”

That place was still vivid in Serena’s memory. It was natural since it was where she had a quarrel with her cheeky little fiancé. Who would have thought that such a day would come then?

“Duke Astel will stand in the front row of the guests, but since this is a royal wedding, you have to enter alone, Young Lady.”

What did it matter either way?

All Serena wanted to do was quickly finish the bothersome ceremonies and procedures, throw everything off, lie down, and rest well.

“After the wedding ceremony, the guests will have a reception, and then you’ll change out of your dress and attend the reception before leaving first.”

Anna recited the schedule without even taking a breath, as if she had worked hard to memorize it.

“And then you’ll change into your nightgown in the bedroom of the Crown Princess’s quarters and wait for His Highness the Crown Prince to come.”

Serena’s eyes blinked slowly under the veil.

She couldn’t believe her own stupidity for completely forgetting what would happen after the wedding, specifically on the wedding night.

“Don’t worry. Everything will flow naturally.”

Anna spoke softly, thinking Serena was embarrassed, but under the veil, her expression was completely frozen like a stone. Fortunately, thanks to this veil, she didn’t need to manage her expression.

“Oh my, it’s the chapel.”

Serena couldn’t think of anything. Her head and thoughts were all frozen. However, the carriage stopped, and Anna helped Serena out of the carriage.

When the chapel decorated with flowers was placed in front of her eyes, she had no choice but to admit it now. She couldn’t run away from here.

The wedding went smoothly even without a shred of Serena’s will. Most of the procedures were the same as the engagement ceremony in her memory, with the only differences being slightly more elaborate decorations and more guests.

“Today, in the name of the holy papal palace, I am officiating this blessed ceremony.”

Even the bishop was the same. Of course, he had aged a little after 6 years.

“Our God has the power to make husband and wife one, so today’s vow cannot be broken.”

The ceremony proceeded wildly even as she remained in a half-dazed state.

“Serena, daughter of Astel.”

By the time she came to her senses, she was already standing in front of the altar at the end of the long carpet. And Lucas’s unique scent wafted faintly.

She couldn’t turn to the side, but his strong and large presence was definitely felt, completely different from the engagement ceremony.

“Do you vow to take Lucas Tern as your husband today, to live together through any hardships, and to become one in the name of God even in death?”

She didn’t have the courage to say no after coming this far.

“Yes…”

As soon as Serena answered, Lucas’s short sigh was heard. Could it be that he had been worried that Serena wouldn’t answer even after coming this far? If so, his heart must be at a similar level to the engagement ceremony 6 years ago.

“Lucas of the great Tern Imperial Family.”

The bishop’s honorific title for him felt unfairly biased, but it made her realize anew how noble Lucas’s status was.

Recalling his image of barging into the Astel ducal residence and being kicked by her, it was unbelievable what she had done.

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

“I vow.”

Lucas’s low voice rang with authority throughout the chapel.

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

At Lucas’s words, the priest standing next to him held up the ring box. Then Lucas took out the ring and put it on Serena’s left ring finger.

“Congratulations. At this moment, with the authority of the holy papal palace, I declare that you two have become husband and wife. May Your Highness the Crown Prince lift the veil of Her Highness the Crown Princess and kiss her lips to end this ceremony.”

Lucas’s hand holding the veil trembled slightly. It was subtle enough that others would never notice, but Serena could feel it.

And he slowly lifted the veil and looked down at Serena. It was an impressive scene that made all the humiliation he had experienced at the engagement ceremony disappear.

“Then.”

After uttering a brief word, Lucas lowered his head and lightly kissed Serena’s forehead and lips. Serena, who had not particularly thought about this ceremony, closed her eyes in surprise.

“Long live His Highness the Crown Prince! Long live Her Highness the Crown Princess!”

Fortunately, before Serena could reveal her bewilderment, firecrackers burst and the guests’ cheers followed. And Lucas firmly held Serena’s hand as she stood there helplessly. Now it was time to go back the way they came.

“I won’t forget today.”

Lucas whispered only in Serena’s ear amidst the noisy guests. The guests’ congratulations were tremendous as they watched the newly married couple affectionately holding hands and exiting along the carpet.

“The vow is valid, right?”

Serena whispered so that only he could hear, while maintaining a smile. It was because the last ceremony of the day that she had heard about in the carriage from Anna had been on her mind the whole time.

“Of course.”

Lucas was also smiling for everyone, but his voice was a little bitter. He wanted to fully enjoy this marriage, but he couldn’t break his promise to her either.

“But you know we are now a legitimate married couple, right?”

Lucas asked in a low voice as he waved to the guests.

“Yes. But the promise and vow are still valid.”

Serena also waved her hand following him. The diamond ring on her left hand that shone too brightly was still unfamiliar.

“And I will always try.”

She now knew well how persistent of a man Lucas was.

“Then, let’s each try our best.”

Serena spoke coldly while maintaining a smile for the guests. Thinking about what would happen tonight, she couldn’t become any more lenient. In a way, the difference in their views was more fierce than at the engagement ceremony 6 years ago.

And so, the wedding they had waited 6 years for ended.

One of Lucas’s wishes had come true.