Our lady steward typically gave off a stoic impression, but she was a hard worker and extremely thoughtful. I truly needed her in my life. When I thanked her, she responded with a faint smile. I would’ve liked to talk to her more, but as she informed me of the day’s schedule, I realized there was no time to spare for idle chatter.
After breakfast, I took a bath, where every last bit of my body was scrubbed down. Next came a hair trim and a manicure, followed by a full-body massage and a substantial lunch. Then I was told that it would be best to take a short nap. I didn’t think it would be possible to so easily nod off during the afternoon, seeing as how I’d never done so before. However, I ended up sleeping very soundly, and when I awoke, my morning fatigue had completely dissipated.
Now that I felt fully refreshed, it was time to begin changing into my attire for the wedding. Nico, Rico, Coco, and Constance all helped me dress. Although I had tried everything on before, I still felt nervous as I passed my arms through the gown’s sleeves.
Next, my attendants covered my dress with a sheet before they applied my makeup and arranged my hair. The last step was to put on my accessories, but this was traditionally done by family members, so my mother and sister had been called over in advance.
“Oh my, Francette,” said my mother. “That dress looks gorgeous on you.”
“It really does,” said my sister. “You’re beautiful, Francette.”
Their praise made me feel hopelessly embarrassed.
My mother helped me with the earrings, while my sister fastened the clasp of a necklace at my nape.
Teary-eyed, my sister said, “Francette, promise me you’ll have a happy marriage.”
“I will,” I replied.
“If you ever get into a fight, you’re welcome to run away to the Empire,” my mother added.
“I hope Gabriel and I can continue to get along, then, so that it won’t come to that.”
“Yes, that would be best.”
I took their words to heart.
My mother and sister left, and my mother-in-law and Mrs. Molière came to take their place.
“Why, Miss Francette!” my mother-in-law exclaimed. “What a stunning ensemble!”
“Yes!” Mrs. Molière agreed. “You look just like a princess!”
I couldn’t help but feel moved by the thought that we had all worked together to make this wedding dress a reality.
“Mrs. Molière, thank you for all of your assistance when I was preparing to move to Triste. I’m so grateful that you so warmly accompanied me in buying everything I needed.”
“Think nothing of it! I had a wonderful time too!”
If Mrs. Molière hadn’t put so much effort into choosing clothes for me, I would have struggled to put together an outfit worthy of greeting Prince Axel or the imperial prince in. Thanks to her, I hadn’t lacked anything and was able to live luxuriously in Triste.
“Miss Francette, please look after Gabby for us,” she continued.
“You can leave him to me.”
I looked at my mother-in-law and found that, although I had yet to say anything to her, she already had tears in her eyes.
“Mother, thank you so much for doting on me as if I were your real daughter,” I said.
“It’s only natural—you’re my son’s bride, after all. How could I not hold you dear? Although, had we met in the capital as strangers, I feel we still would have grown close. That’s the kind of wonderful lady you are. I’m truly happy that you chose to be a part of our family.”
“Mother...”
Even though Constance had told me, “You mustn’t cry. It will ruin your makeup,” tears immediately welled up in my eyes.
“Miss Francette, please continue to take on any challenge your heart desires,” my mother-in-law said. “I will always be on your side, even if Gabriel objects. I will fight him with all my might if that is what it takes to protect you.”
I couldn’t help but giggle at her zealous declaration. It made my budding tears dry, and for that I was grateful. I have such a dependable mother-in-law.
Lastly, my mother-in-law placed a pearl tiara and long veil atop my head. With that, my bridal ensemble was finally complete.
Constance brought me a full-length mirror. “How is it, Lady Francette?”
“Oh my!”
The lake pearls sparkled as they caught the sunlight shining in from the window. Threaded alongside them, the silver embroidery, which we had worked on one stitch at a time, was breathtaking, and the pearls scattered across the veil looked like shooting stars.
I couldn’t help but feel like I wasn’t myself. Perhaps acknowledging my own beauty this one time could be permitted, since my current appearance was the combined work of everyone present.
“Thank you all for making me look so beautiful!” I exclaimed.
Everyone smiled gently at me. It seemed that Gabriel had finished his preparations too, so Constance went to call him over. The others left the room as well.
I fidgeted as I waited. Before long, there was a quiet knock at the door.
“Fran, may I come in?” Gabriel asked.
“Y-Yes, you may.”
The door opened slowly, revealing Gabriel in a pure-white tuxedo. He was also carrying Wibble. As soon as he spied me upon entering the room, his gaze filled with awe.
“Fran...you are the most beautiful bride in the entire world.”
“Thank you. You’re looking very handsome too.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Kneeling before me, he continued to lavish me with praise. “I’m starting to doubt whether you truly exist.”
“Now you’re exaggerating.”
“I’m doing no such thing!”