Moreover, Leia and her family would support Akkia in ascending to the throne. By signing this paper.

“We need the strength to protect each other for now.”

With just that fact in mind, Leia was satisfied enough. After all, Leia’s original desire was not for the extravagant and luxurious rituals of the nobility.

Dmitry let out a sigh as he looked into Leia’s determined eyes.

At times like this, he felt the reality of Ariel’s bloodline. Leia resembled her mother, and when she believed something was right, she wouldn’t easily back down.

“If Leia has made that decision, then that’s how it should be.”

“Where are you going?”

Leia looked at Dmitry, who was adjusting his appearance, with a puzzled expression. Akkia, who had come expecting to have dinner together, was also taken aback.

Dmitry, alternating his gaze between Akkia and Leia, nodded slightly.

“Well, I have a dinner appointment with Count Giorgio today.”

“Dinner? I didn’t hear about a dinner appointment from Button today.”

Leia hadn’t heard about a dinner appointment today from Button. Before Leia could say anything, the Duke of Belarus walked towards the reception room. Before closing the door, he spoke to the two alternately.

“I might come in very late today or may not come at all, so don’t wait for me and go to bed first.”

“…Yes. Please be careful.”

With Dmitry leaving the mansion, an awkward silence settled in the reception room where only the two remained.

When Leia cautiously raised her head, Akkia, wearing a complex and subtle expression, came into view.

These were the words the Duke whispered to her just a few days ago.

Leia felt like the happiest woman in the Empire just being by his side. However, it seemed different for Akkia, given the heavy look in his eyes as he stared at the marriage vow Leia had signed.

‘I wonder what’s bothering him.’

A sigh escaped Akkia’s lips. He hadn’t proposed to her hastily to skip the formalities and get married. After driving Ilei out of the palace, when he was in a position to ascend to the throne, he had meant to formally welcome Leia at that time.
From a position higher than anyone else. I wanted to be welcomed as the most beautiful bride amid the blessings and cheers of the Imperial citizens.

Whether she knew that sentiment or not, Leia hastily signed the marriage vow.

Akkia, holding the parchment that already declared them legally married, let out a deep sigh.

Even if she thought so, they were already a married couple.

‘Nothing can be done about it.’

It was a moment when he pledged to welcome her more grandly than anyone else on the day he ascended to the throne. Suddenly, he saw the dim darkness outside the window.

‘Time has passed so quickly already.’

The day had passed rapidly due to the marriage vow. Since it was still before the official announcement of their marriage, Akkia had to return to the Hydren Duchy, considering the attention of other people.

With such thoughts in mind, Akkia lifted the jacket he had hung over the sofa.

“Well, I’ll be leaving now. When preparations are complete, send someone to the mansion, and I’ll come to pick you up…”

“Huh? Are you just leaving?”

Leia looked at Akkia, who got up from his seat as if he had finished his task, with a puzzled expression.

“We got married today.”

“…So?”

Facing Leia’s gaze, who stared at him intently, Akkia swallowed his dry saliva.

“Even though we couldn’t have a wedding ceremony, legally, we are a married couple.”

On this day, Leia’s eyes sparkled as if they had removed the starlight itself.

‘A bit late to realize now.’

Akkia, who felt an inexplicable sense of oppression starting from beneath his feet, finished his thoughts. However, unaware of the Duke’s feelings, Leia gradually leaned closer to Akkia.

“Your Excellency.”

Moonlight flowing through the window began to gradually color Leia.

Although Akkia’s slender wrist, which seemed to have no strength at all, grabbed him, today, it seemed more powerful than ever.

“At least on our first night, shouldn’t we…?”

“…What?”

The low voice mentioning the first night lingered in Akkia’s ears.

“We couldn’t even have a wedding, let alone wear a dress… But still, we became a married couple today, right?”

Maybe it was because it was night, or maybe it was because Leia looking at him was so lovely.

Akkia found his heart tightening inexplicably.

“Even Grandfather said he would come in late…”

Watching Leia, whose gaze wavered with confusion, take the initiative and continue speaking, Akkia’s eyes gradually deepened.

“Tonight, I’ll sleep in my room.”

The words Leia spoke to him were an irresistible temptation.