DYBAR - Chapter 40 < The Belief That It Will Be A Life Full Of Happiness >
Do Your Best And Regret It
The atmosphere in the conference hall became chilly. I blinked my eyes. I clearly remembered what Edwin had whispered to me before it came here.
"I couldn't tell you in advance. You might be a little surprised when you go in."
Entering the conference hall without any further explanation, I thought that what Edwin had said was that he was worried about a face-to-face meeting between me and the Duke of Madeleine.
But, let's deal with that problem later.
"What is urgent today is the marriage between the Grand Duke and Princess Madeleine."
When the Emperor blatantly refused to allow Edwin to attend the meeting. And as if changing the topic, when the conversation turned to the marriage issue.
Olivia understood what Edwin meant when he said, 'You might be surprised.'
The Emperor is preventing the empire's only Grand Duke from attending a meeting. This was ridiculous, beyond her surprise.
What is it for?
The reason why the Emperor is openly wary of Edwin's attendance at the meeting. Is he worried that power will gather under Edwin, who has become a war hero?
Either that or else. It was a time when my thoughts became deeper and deeper.
"According to the Grand Duke's wish, I approve the marriage of Grand Duke Edwin Lowell Vikander and Princess Olivia Madeleine."
The Emperor's voice rang heavily through the conference hall. I lifted my head in surprise. He gave the approval cheerfully like this. Just a few days ago, the Emperor would not even accept a formal request for a meeting.
"But, you have to follow the rules of etiquette."
At that moment, various etiquette related to marriage appeared in my mind. Among them, if there is an etiquette that can interfere with marriage...
"Do you know the etiquette that states that a woman who was married to the royal family cannot have relationships with other nobles for one year? Princess?"
"Your Majesty!"
"Yes. I know."
I obediently answered, holding Edwin's arm as he called out to the Emperor in embarrassment. I knew best how viciously the 'one-year grace' could be used.
"I'm glad the Princess knows well. This is a wish that I promised to grant by royal decree, so I permit the marriage of the Grand Duke and the Princess, but order that the 'one-year grace period' be strictly observed."
The Emperor spoke without hesitation. His first plan to humiliate the Princess and the Grand Duke had already gone awry. Deciding to be content with just quickly getting those two out of sight today, the Emperor looked at the Duke of Madeleine.
The Duke, who was looking at me with a stern face, seemed to sense the gaze and bowed his head towards the Emperor. Any Duke he knew would definitely return the eldest Princess to her position as the Prince's fiancée within a year.
The Emperor, who had hoped that this meaning would also be conveyed to the Grand Duke, frowned for a moment at the sudden sound of the voice.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Princess Madeleine was smiling, with her arms crossed around the Grand Duke. A Princess who always thought she was quiet was showing off her affection with her partner at a noble meeting.
"I was already thinking about a year as a preparation period for my marriage to His Highness the Grand Duke. As Your Majesty has announced, we will legally hold our wedding exactly one year later."
Edwin, who was looking at me as if surprised by the sudden folding of her arms, quickly smiled lazily. And he pulled me towards himself. Perhaps because his arms, which had only been lightly resting on hers, went deeper and their bodies became closer, Edwin's cool scent instantly reached the tip of my nose.
The scent of his body made my heartbeat, which had been beating rapidly due to my nervousness, become even stronger.
"It's a pity that I can't make the Young Lady a Grand Duchess sooner, but what can I do? However, thanks to His Majesty's blessings, I was able to prepare for the wedding more perfectly."
I smiled at Edwin, trying to ignore the pounding sound of my heart in my ears. It was fortunate that Edwin was quick to notice. It was a moment when no one mentioned the 'one-year grace period' anymore and hoped that it would just go on like this.
"I heard that the Princess is well versed in old books..."
It was then. I swallowed my breath and looked at the nobles as he clicked his tongue as if I was being rude. The person who came forward ostentatiously was the Marquis Ethel.
Marquis Ethel exaggeratedly lowered his body towards the Emperor.
"Your Majesty, it seems that the Princess does not understand 'one year's grace' very well. Would you please allow me to step forward for a moment so that its meaning does not fade?"
When the Emperor nodded slowly, the Marquis was inwardly delighted. An opportunity rolled into the palm of his hand. And the Marquis was not one to miss opportunities.
The Marquis cleared his throat loudly and stood up. Then he walked towards Princess Madeleine and Grand Duke Vikander, who were standing there.
The Intimidating feeling radiating from the Grand Duke was great, but the Princess was not. The face staring at him was only the age of his youngest daughter.
The Marquis swallowed his sneer and opened his mouth as if concerned about the Princess.
"I fully understand that the Princess would be excited about marrying His Highness the Grand Duke. However, as the father of a daughter, I would like to say something because I am worried that if the purpose of implementing the 'one-year grace period' is not properly understood, problems may arise with the Princess's chastity in the future."
"..."
"The issue of succession to the royal family is more important than anything else. It is presumptuous for me to speak in front of Your Highness the Grand Duke, but the Princess has been living as His Highness the Crown Prince's fiancée for eleven years. No, more than eleven years."
The Marquis paused for a moment. Then he turned to the nobles and spoke meaningfully.
"If there was no affection during that time, wouldn't that also be a problem?"
There was laughter from somewhere. His attempt to humiliate me by citing my charms as a woman worked. The Marquis chuckled as he looked at the Duke of Madeleine.
No matter how much Olivia is said to be an illegitimate daughter, she is a daughter whose name is in the family.
How can he sit there so aloof?
Marquis Ethel did not understand at all. But what if he doesn't understand? Thanks to this, he can get rid of the Duke and Duchess of Madeleine at once.
The Grand Duke's eyes, as if piercing him, became increasingly harsh. Instinctively, a shiver ran down his spine, but every time the Grand Duke tried to step forward, the Princess continued to grab his arm.
She seemed to know that if she made things bigger now, the Princess would suffer more damage. The atmosphere went according to the Marquis's wishes.
The Marquis, completely intoxicated by this situation, concluded his speech triumphantly.
"So, if you clearly understand the meaning of 'one year's grace, Princess, I hope you will pay more attention to grooming yourself properly than preparing for marriage so that the issue of debating the legitimacy of the heir does not arise. Shouldn't there be a situation where people gossip about this or that?"
"Eleven years."
This was before the Marquis even turned around. Hearing the low voice, the Marquis turned around without thinking and was startled.
"I have been engaged to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for eleven years already. Marquis Ethel."
The half-faced Princess, who couldn't even make eye contact with him until a moment ago, was now looking at him with a detached look.
"Eleven years ago, I really didn't know. I never thought I would be given a 'one-year grace period' to break off my engagement with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and get married to His Highness the Archduke."
I sighed softly and faced the Marquis. I could see the Duke of Madeleine beyond the Marquis, who was looking at me as if he were proud. Even when I saw the Duke frowning, I didn't feel dizzy or feel sick to my stomach.
I never thought a day would come when I would be okay with the Duke not taking my side. So I deliberately lowered my head towards her marquis.
"...As a father with a daughter, I will listen carefully to your concerns."
A final greeting to the Duke, who has never once treated me as his daughter, and simultaneously, a sarcasm to the Marquis.
When everyone was subconsciously feeling the two meanings, I raised my head and smiled.
"So. Please do as you said to your daughter, Lady Ethel."
"What, what?"
The Marquis' face turned red as if he had been caught off guard.
"I didn't know that an engagement that had lasted for 11 years would be broken. If it's me, Lady Ethel who is only a partner to His Highness the Crown Prince, shouldn't I be even more careful about how I behave?"
"Princess! Be careful what you say! Maria has already been appointed as the Crown Prince's fiancée.”
"Marquis!"
The Emperor let out an angry cry. The Marquis closed his mouth with an apologetic look on his face, and I rolled my eyes and looked at the Marquis in amusement.
"Aha. Then you will have to tell me more, Marquis. I don't know what will happen with the engagement, but shouldn't we prevent people from saying 'this and that' about our lovely daughter?"
The poignant words instantly turned the atmosphere of the conference hall cold.
I smiled quietly and bowed to the Emperor once more.
"Your Majesty has already prepared for the vacant position of His Highness the Crown Prince's fiancee. Thank you, Your Majesty, for being able to prepare for my marriage with His Royal Highness more comfortably."
Green eyes sparkled brightly. Cool eyes that are never soft. The Emperor sighed deeply, feeling the same sense of déjà vu as he had when he saw her predecessor, Archduchess Vikander, a long time ago.
She was always shy and quiet, but she spoke quite boldly to the Marquis and even swayed the atmosphere of the conference hall. He had one more reason why he couldn't let go of the eldest daughter of Madeleine.
The Emperor gestured toward the chamberlain.
As the chamberlain approached, the Emperor ordered everyone to stop listening.
"Call the princess to my parlor."
The Duke will do well, though. The Emperor decided to attack their camp. To do that, he needs to grab the Archduke's leash again.
Be sure not to miss it.
***
"Isn't it a perfect day? As Olivia said, I attended the noble meeting, received permission to marry, and was able to go down to Vikander territory."
It was the garden of the Emperor's palace after the aristocratic council had disbanded.
"My Lady even achieved a complete victory."
Edwin looked at my complexion in the warm, sunny garden and opened his mouth.
"... But why do you look so sad, huh?"
A soothing, gentle voice was addressed to me. I shook my head.
"I don't look sad."
"No way. Your voice sank like this."
"I'm just a little disappointed. I shouldn't have told you in advance. It's not that you didn't attend the meeting, it's that you couldn't."
I pursed my lips and lowered my head. Stupid Olivia Madeleine. No, you stupid Olivia.
There must have been a reason why Edwin did not participate in the noble council.
He strongly encouraged participation. The result was to announce in front of all the nobles that the Emperor disliked Edwin's attendance at the meeting.
"..I appreciate you trying for me, but if it's something Edwin doesn't want, don't do it. This is what I want too."
I slowly raised her head. I deliberately looked at Edwin's face to make a sincere request.
Ha ha ha.
A wonderful sound of laughter spread throughout the garden. I opened my eyes wide. I thought he would tell me not to worry, or that I would get in trouble. Edwin rolled his eyes and smiled as if he were genuinely happy.
“Eh, Edwin.”
"Olivia. My innocent girl."
Edwin called me as if he were lamenting How naive. Edwin used words without hesitation that no one could relate to.
"How can you be so soft-hearted? Huh?"
These were words that would have been devastating for the Marquis of Ethel, who had been treated with a red face by the tender-hearted Olivia Madeleine.
"I thought distribution had grown. Is this why Olivia is the one breaking her promise?"
"What is that!"
"I really 'didn't attend the meeting until now. I fell for Olivia's persuasion and decided to attend from now on."
"But..."
"The Emperor's reluctance to attend is something Olivia shouldn't worry about."
Edwin, who had been speaking without hesitation, suddenly opened his eyes wide. Because I covered his mouth with my hand.
I turned into rabbit eyes and looked around her. Luckily for me, there was no sign of anyone passing by.
"Edwin! This isn't even the Archduke's residence."
I, who was trying to nag, stiffened. The red eyes that met hers were close. It was then that her unavoidable gaze gazed intently at me.
“Ah!”
The feel of soft lips touched and fell under my palm.
I was startled and took my palm away from Edwin. Edwin smiled mischievously and shrugged his shoulders.
"Wow, that's shameless!"
"What do you think? While we were about to get married."
"Still."
I couldn't think of anything to say in response. My face turned bright red. Edwin, who had been looking at my face as if he were lusting after me, changed his expression the moment his eyes met mine.
Then he raised his palms in surrender.
"I'll surrender. I'll quickly call a carriage before I get scolded."
Edwin, who was turning to go find the carriage, looked back at me as if he had forgotten.
"By the way, Olivia."
"Yes?"
I answered calmly, holding my palms over my chest. Edwin's eyes slowly widened at that innocent look.
"... Do you know what kissing the palm of your hand means?"
"Oh really!"
I finally turned around. Only when the sight of a smiling Edwin had gone far away did I carefully look behind me. The prank was over and Edwin was no longer there.
Only then did I sigh softly. I was fortunate to have a cool breeze tickling my cheeks.
I looked down at my palms. The very center of my palm, where Edwin's lips had touched a moment ago, felt hot.
"... Do kisses have meaning for each part of the body?"
Because the words I said as if I was complaining were unfamiliar. The corners of my mouth rose slightly. Who would have known that my last memory at the imperial palace, which always weighed on my shoulders, would be so sweet?
How about going to Vikander Territory? Will the people there welcome me? Wouldn't it be welcome?
Despite the worries surging inside me, I now smiled.
"I thought distribution had grown."
Edwin will regret telling me that. As someone who has grown up in distribution, I feel like I can truly love Vikander without worrying about reception.
One by one, happy thoughts grew in my head. I also remembered what I had forgotten all along. A letter from an unknown article arrived in my mailbox.
Even after the war ended, there was no letter from the knight.
I thought I would send him one last letter. Not a letter packaged with lies. I thought it would be okay to tell the real story of my life to someone who comforted me at least once. I wanted to say that I was grateful for the time, that it was a comfort, and that I sincerely hope that he does his best.
Where did the courage to be so honest come from? I could tell even without answering.
"Olivia. Let's go."
Looking at Edwin, who was smiling like sunlight in the distance, I pressed the palm of my hand near my heart. My expectations, which I thought had all but faded away, sprouted little by little without me knowing when and turned towards Edwin.
My heart was pounding. I smiled brightly and walked towards Edwin. Sunlight poured down on me with every step I took. As if they were rooting for my future path.
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