“You even took into account my inadequate feelings… I showed an embarrassing sight to Your Majesty.”

“No, I understand enough.”

The empress, even though the empress sat beside her, completely ignored her and gently leaned her head on the emperor’s shoulder.

The empress still had an unreadable expression.

“Well then, let’s swear.”

At the ambassador’s words, Belia and Khalid faced each other.

Then, each took a sip of the purified water handed to them by the ambassador and kissed each other.

With this, all the procedures were over.

“By this, I declare that the two are now married before the Lord.”

Cheers and applause erupted.

Afterwards, Belia and Khalid moved to the carriage prepared for them.

It wasn’t a carriage that blocked the view from the outside so that it couldn’t be seen inside but a carriage made without walls, allowing their appearance to be seen from anywhere.

This was a carriage made for imperial nobles to communicate directly with the imperial subjects by traveling around the capital, and it was often used for weddings.

After Khalid boarded the carriage first, he reached out his hand to Belia. Belia grabbed his hand and boarded the carriage. Inside, soft fur was spread out, and it was noticeable that they had made it not too cold despite the chilly weather.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Khalid spoke softly to Belia.

In response, Belia smiled mischievously.

“It’s you who worked hard.”

Starting with a kiss right away made her a bit worried, but she managed to endure it quite well.

“No matter what, that’s true. What if you act like this at the wedding!”

Belia scolded him in a low voice.

However, Khalid was confident.

“You’re so beautiful that I couldn’t help it. I asked to see the dress in advance. If you had shown it to me, you would have been disciplined, so this wouldn’t have happened.”

At his shameless answer, Belia rolled her eyes.

“Where is a groom who asks to see the bride’s dress!”

“Haha. Since you didn’t show it while saying that, I had no choice but to kiss you as soon as I saw it, right?”

“Don’t rationalize it, Khalid.”

Contrary to her words, there was a hint of laughter in Belia’s voice.

“Anyway, the ritual is over safely.”

“That’s right. It’s over.”

It was just the end of the simplest and easiest event.

Now they would greet the imperial subjects, congratulating their marriage by traveling around the capital. Then, they would return to the palace and attend the feast.

From there, it would be back to the battlefield.

The carriage moved slowly.

Passing by the people who had come to congratulate them, they left through the main gate of the palace.

Behind them, a group of knights formed a line and followed in procession.

“Princess Belia!”

“Your Highness! Congratulations!”

“Princess!”

Cheers echoed on the streets. Some people even scattered flower petals they had prepared.
Somehow it was touching.

Belia shook hands, making eye contact with each person as if she wouldn’t miss their faces.

Among them were children from the orphanage sponsored by Belia, and there were also artists.

Moreover, therapists, and even patients she encountered during her occasional visits to the clinic shook their handkerchiefs, congratulating her.

“Princess! Be happy!”

The words “Be happy” stuck in her ears and wouldn’t disappear.

‘…But the path I’ve walked so far hasn’t been wrong.’

Belia gathered her resolve once again, receiving their blessings.

As Khalid told her, she decided not to doubt the affection they sent to her.

“Belia, all these people will support you.”

Like the first commitment to rising from under the empire.

The foundation was already being solidified.

“So, don’t worry and just look ahead.”

Khalid firmly held Belia’s hand.

Belia looked at everyone smiling at her.

Yeah, maybe.

The terrible Ingot Empire might become lovable.

After touring the capital, the carriage headed back to the palace.

Looking at the beautifully decorated carriage, Raul smirked.

Khalid and Belia seemed happy.

‘…Happiness.’

A strange shadow fell over Raul’s face.

Indeed, how long would that happiness last?

His dark and murky gaze turned towards Belia.

Belia’s eyes were half-closed as she smiled brightly. Her hand was holding Khalid, and her gaze was fixed on him. Undeniable affection could be felt here.

‘She has become even more beautiful. Much more than before.’

Thirst filled him every time he saw her.

Is it because he couldn’t have it, creating more greed, or is it anger for having what was his taken away?

Raul sneered and let out a bitter smile. Then, he relentlessly observed their every move, even the slightest details, such as strands of hair fluttering in the wind.

“Your Highness, let’s go inside now.”

Ellyn, who was looking at the flower carriage with an anxious look, cautiously pulled Raul’s arm.

Now the banquet would begin.

While other nobles had already entered the banquet hall, only these two remained on the terrace, watching Khalid and Belia.

“…That’s how it should be.”

But Raul didn’t move until the carriage was out of sight.

Ellyn bit her lip as if she was worried.

…It seemed fine for a while.

“Your Highness.”

At Ellyn’s urging, Raul finally turned around.

His face bore an endlessly affectionate smile.

Only moments ago, he was smiling coolly, and now his expression seemed warm as if to say, “When did that happen?”

“I’m sorry, Ellyn. I have something to think about for a moment. Shall we go in?”

Raul gently held Ellyn’s hand.

Those who attended the wedding were enjoying the feast in the banquet hall while Khalid and Belia, riding the carriage, met the imperial subjects.

Soon, the protagonists would change their clothes and appear here.

“Oh, Your Majesty. Is that true?”

“Yes.”

Despite this feast, the emperor and empress were shamelessly sitting on the highest platform, having a lively conversation.

Beside them, the empress sat with an expressionless face, just looking down.

Thus, music flowed, and people were enjoying the party gracefully.

Around the time when the protagonists arrived, receiving cheers and applause, the scene changed.