🌻 🌻 🌻
FOLLOWING a brief rest, the ceremony started at noon. In front of the black steam locomotive preparing for its first trip, a carpet had been laid on the platform where guests would climb aboard the train, creating the ceremony venue.
Powerful nobles from various factions gathered for this joyous occasion, and Lucas was also present as one of the investors. His Highness, the third prince, conducted the ribbon cutting, and the locomotive left the station. A thunderous roar like I’d never heard before echoed throughout the area as a massive chunk of steel glided over the rails with a low groan. I was blown away, and our guests looked equally surprised when the train left.
As it safely departed the station, another round of applause erupted in celebration. The ceremony proceeded with a few words of greeting and other short speeches before a large party using the entire station was underway. The ceremony itself was a rather peaceful affair and ended without any issues.
The problem was the party. It was hosted within the station to promote the area as well as the railroad. The newly erected brick walls looked sturdy, like a church or a castle wall, but their shape gave a modern feel with an air of refinement. Large, dome-shaped ceilings had been constructed on either side of the station. The ceilings were tall and grand from a distance but looked more dignified when one stood inside. The animal reliefs that decorated the structures were a nod to the spirits that would protect this station.
The first floor was wide enough to host a ball, and in the middle was a mezzanine floor, where sofas allowed guests to rest. The third prince sat there with his servants, and Lucas and I decided to visit His Highness to greet him. The prince sat on the velvet sofa and happily squinted at Lucas. His Highness gazed at the floor below him.
“You seem to be doing well,” His Highness said. “You had that suit made for today, didn’t you?”
“Quite so,” Lucas replied. “How do I look?”
“When I heard that you were having that suit tailored, I thought that you’d finally gotten a better eye.”
“You’re too kind. It’s all thanks to you, for you allowed me to learn about your refined tastes.”
I found this conversation quite odd; it sounded like His Highness already knew about Lucas’s suit.
“Today’s outfit color is one that His Highness had been urging for my lord to wear,” Leik discreetly whispered into my ear. “My lord is trying to curry favor here.”
I recalled our conversation from this morning as the pieces clicked into place. Lucas had not only declined the ladies that His Highness had recommended but had chosen me, a woman who came from the disgraced Karelias, as his wife. Today’s suit implied that Lucas bore no ill will toward the third prince and wasn’t trying to rebel against him. Because Lucas took me for his wife, he would have to constantly worry about the third prince’s mood.
My chest tightened for a moment; there was no need for Lucas to choose me, and yet he did. At the same time, relief washed over me. I wouldn’t need to hand him over to any other woman who couldn’t possibly understand him enough. I’ve gotten rather selfish, haven’t I? I thought as I mocked myself. All the while, Lucas was expertly maneuvering his conversation with the prince. From His Highness’s hobbies to joyous occasions within his family and even providing new information that Lucas had attained from his ship, my husband spoke with His Highness’s best interests in mind. Lucas’s submissive attitude hammered home the fact that he was a budding merchant who had received the favor of the prince.
“And I heard you’re doing well with her,” His Highness said, his dark eyes piercing straight through me.
His chilling eyes made me shudder as though he was gauging my worth. I did my best to act unfazed and quietly smiled as I bowed my head. The prince only saw value in Lucas. If I didn’t do my utmost best so that I wouldn’t be an obstacle to Lucas’s success, all his efforts would be for naught. My husband’s bond that he’d built up over the years with His Highness would be in vain.
“I look forward to seeing what you can do, Lady Iris,” the prince said. He didn’t call me “Lady Stock” or a baroness yet, implying that I was yet to receive his trust. “A husband’s success depends greatly on the skills of his wife. This mostly stems from one’s bloodline or connections. I’m looking forward to seeing how you use your intelligence to support Lucas.”
The undertone of his words was clear as they pierced my heart: you’ve got nothing left, so use your head. Satisfied with the conversation, the third prince allowed Lucas to leave. His Highness shifted his demeanor in a flash as he smiled and winked.
“I’ve already gathered everyone over there,” he said. “The rest will be up to you.”
Our nerve-racking conversation with the prince had concluded. Lucas and I left to return to the busy hall on the first floor.
“That couldn’t have felt good, huh, Iris?” Lucas said to me worriedly.
I shook my head. “His Highness is simply worried about you. I’m very aware that this marriage is full of trials.”
“You’re as reliable as ever.”
As conversations between guests blossomed on the first floor, everyone enjoyed themselves as they ate from the buffet. Almost immediately, people gathered around Lucas and me, dying to converse with us. Due to the first prince being absent—as he was recuperating—and the third prince being present, no one was outwardly hostile toward us. Despite the various factions gathering for the party, we had an unexpectedly joyful time.