🐈🐈🐈
THE day of my wedding finally arrived.
I dressed in my completed wedding dress and looked at myself in the mirror. Then, I let out a small sigh.
Ah. It’s the perfect dress. Perfect. Far too good for the likes of me.
Through multiple fittings, several prototypes, and numerous revisions, we finalized the design about ten days in advance. Things were getting tight with the deadline, and I was sure I’d caused Racal a lot of stress.
But, thanks to her hard work, the finished dress was so beautiful and striking, even with the all-black theme.
The bodice had a simple silhouette, with a large diagonal silver pattern from the waist to the bust. The embroidery was chic but memorable, like Lord Viol’s evening tuxedo, and the workmanship was exquisite. Just looking at it made me sigh all over again.
In contrast, from the waist down, the dress became much softer in impression. The skirt consisted of multiple layers of black, silver, and white satiny chiffon fabric, with the diagonal silver embroidery in effect here, too, providing a touch of refinement that kept it from looking too whimsical.
The dress was white, black, and silver, but my accessories all involved bright colored stones, making the overall look glamorous. I had several strings of necklaces set against the exposed decolletage, each emitting a colorful glow, shimmering and sparkling gorgeously each time I moved.
“Oh! Oooh! You’re truly beautiful, Seren! I’m moved to tears!”
“Right? I knew bright, glam makeup was a good idea. It works with the dress. Super beautiful!”
Mother teared up joyfully, looking like a young girl herself. Marietta and my maid, Rince, had been fussing over my makeup for a while now. What would I ever have done without them all?
“I’m so glad… Really, I owe all of this to you, Mother, and you, Marietta. Thank you for all of your advice and support,” I told them.
“No doubt if your special man saw you right now, Sis, he’d be stunned by your beauty.”
“Do you think so? That would be… really nice.”
“Of course!”
As I pictured Lord Viol, my heart thrummed with excitement.
Once I went through those doors and headed to the royal palace, I’d finally see Lord Viol. Wearing a dress made especially for him… I would become… Lord Viol’s legally wedded wife.
Just the thought of it was enough to have me in heaven.
✦ ✦ ✦
🐈🐈🐈
NOT long after finishing my wedding look, I stood taking deep, quiet breaths in front of the door that led to the royal palace’s grand hall.
Goodness, my heart is pounding! Once I opened this door… I would find Lord Viol on the other side. I mean, I could already faintly hear his brothers chattering through the door.
Why was I so nervous? I’d seen Lord Viol—spoken to him—just yesterday.
I need to calm down, I told myself, but when I thought about vowing to spend the rest of my life with Lord Viol… It made me almost swoon, and I couldn’t force myself to relax.
Before I had time to compose myself, the doors leading to the hall creaked slowly open.
On the other side of the door, I saw Lord Viol’s family, dressed in formal attire… And Lord Viol himself, looking even more dashing than usual.
He’s amazing…
I almost gasped that out loud!
Just like I’d hoped, he wore an all-black suit in his usual style but with exquisite embroidery around the collar, lapels, and sleeves. It had clearly been made to order and fit Lord Viol’s slender body to perfection. He looked more beautiful than ever before. His hair was neatly tied back, exposing every inch of that handsome face that brought me so much joy to behold.
It seemed unfathomable that such an amazing man was to become my life partner.
I managed to smile so that, hopefully, he wouldn’t notice my palpitations. Trying to calm myself, I looked into Lord Viol’s midnight eyes, and he returned my gaze in kind.
I couldn’t look away. We stared at each other for a few long moments.
Then, Lord Viol’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “…You’re exquisite.”
Such praise!
“Thank you.” I croaked out a response. “Black suits you best of all, Lord Viol… I… I wanted to look like the perfect bride for you.”
Overcome with joy, I struggled to put my feelings into words.
“I had no idea black could be such a lustrous color… It brings out your beautiful features, Lady Seren. I mean it… You look absolutely perfect in black.”
When Lord Viol said those words, that smile on his lips… I felt like all the hard work had paid off. Oh, I’m so glad I went the extra mile!
“Incredibly beautiful…”
“Amazing…”
“Lady Seren! You look great! Super pretty! And cool! Kinda like… Grown-up and sophisticated?”
Lord Viol’s younger brothers praised me one by one. Like they were trying to reassure me. I always feel like such a plain Jane around Lord Viol, and now, with him sparkling brighter than ever, I felt unsure of myself… So their words helped.
Lord Viol’s family was filled with such kind and wonderful people.
“Ehehe. Thank you.” I found myself giggling.
Lord Viol’s family members are always frank and straightforward, leaving me no doubt where I stand with them, and it gives me a warm feeling inside.
Okay, Lord Viol’s younger brothers aren’t immune to roasting their older brother from time to time… But their unpretentious ways have endeared me to them.
“Yes, she is stunning. I couldn’t be prouder to call her my daughter.”
When Father said those words, seemingly overcome with emotion, I felt myself welling up as well. I could see something sparkling in the corners of Father’s eyes.
On the day I informed Father that I planned to become not a future queen but a High Mage, he’d been surprised to be sure. But he hadn’t gotten angry. He’d heard me out.
After that, he encouraged me AND did what he could on his end, using his influence to help facilitate my dreams.
When I informed him of my desire to marry Lord Viol, he’d told me it was too soon. But he was the one who, in the end, arranged for me to meet with the king and queen to discuss it. He made it clear he was on my side.
Without Father’s help, would I ever have been able to train to become a High Mage? Would I even be here, having this wedding ceremony with Lord Viol?
So when I saw the tears shining in the corners of Father’s eyes, I felt my chest swell with emotion.
“Oh, stop it, dearest. It’s too soon for tears yet. Pull yourself together.”
“Yes, yes, of course… It’s time, isn’t it?”
Mother smiled and gently dabbed at Father’s eyes with her hanky. I hoped that Lord Viol and I could be like them… Staying close throughout the years ahead.
“Well then, we can’t keep the king and queen waiting. Everyone, take your places, please.” The elderly priest’s tone kept my tears from welling up.
…Right. The ceremony’s about to begin. I took a deep, slow breath.
Realizing that as soon as those next doors opened, the ceremony would start, I suddenly felt so nervous I could barely get any air.
I glanced up at Lord Viol, whose gentle eyes gazed back at me.
Right. Everything’s fine.
Suddenly, I felt relieved, and a smile spread across my face.
There was no need to be nervous. As long as I was with Lord Viol, everything would be fine. This renewed conviction made all of my tension and anxiety instantly evaporate.
“…Lord Viol, let us be happy together.”
“Yes. I promise to cherish you for the rest of my life, Lady Seren.”
My words came out unbidden and clumsy, but Lord Viol’s response was smooth and sounded like music to my ears.
How is it, I wondered, that Lord Viol always knows exactly what I want to hear? He’s always saying he’s terrible at conversation, but his words are like joyful gifts. It’s odd, really.
Now that I was feeling less anxious, happiness seeped in… And I beamed at Lord Viol.
How lucky am I to become this man’s wife?
“Please, promise me that during the ceremony itself, too,” I said.
“Ah, right, of course.”
“And…”
“Yes?”
“From now on, could you just call me… Seren?”
“…!”
Once the ceremony was over, I’d officially be his wife, after all. But my request made Lord Viol’s cheeks blush a deep red. Seeing his response made a wave of embarrassment wash over me.
“I… I… I can certainly do that.”
Lord Viol gazed into my eyes, and despite a slight stammer, he promised to fulfill my request. That swell of happiness rose up in my chest again.
…This is pure happiness.
As I savored the imminent joy of becoming this man’s wife, my ears rang with the clamor of bells.