Episode 69. Wedding Rehearsal
“Do you have time?”
Olivia saw Margot standing at the door and quickly approached her.
“Teacher... No, Princess!”
“I think it would be better to just call me professor.”
“That won’t do.”
Margot closed the door and stepped inside, instinctively examining Olivia's face. The bags under her eyes were clearly from lack of sleep.
Margot clicked her tongue slightly and gently patted Olivia's back.
“You don’t have to feel so burdened.”
Margot strode over, glanced at the various etiquette books Olivia had been studying, then looked back at Olivia, who was standing there blankly.
“So don’t whip yourself into doing too well.”
Olivia pursed her lips and simply smiled. She always confided in Margot about everything, but strangely, she couldn't bring herself to confide in her now-overwhelming anxiety.
When Olivia remained silent, Margot approached her.
"If you keep belittling yourself, you'll eventually disappear. You can't do that."
When Olivia looked up and met Margot's gaze, Margot slowly stroked her black hair.
Olivia whispered, feeling the warmth in her hair.
“Can I do it well?”
At her question, Margot rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Of course."
“...”
“After tomorrow, you will become my family.”
“...”
“You are most welcome, Olivia.”
At Margot's welcome, tears briefly welled up in Olivia's eyes and then disappeared.
"Thank you."
"I'll be heading straight back to Pulder after your wedding tomorrow. I'll probably be too out of it to say a proper goodbye tomorrow. Don't be upset that I left without saying goodbye."
"I know."
Margot laughed softly and disappeared, leaving behind the words, "Sleep well tonight!"
Even after visiting Madame Winfred and Margot, Olivia's anxiety showed no signs of abating. Since it wasn't a problem that could be solved by worrying about it immediately, she tried to forget her anxiety, but it proved easier said than done.
Olivia reread and reread the wedding etiquette and order, the family tree, which she had already read dozens of times, and pictured tomorrow in her head.
"Dress up and wait in the main palace hall. When His Highness comes down, accompany Him to Hamelin Cathedral. While disembarking from the carriage and ascending the steps of Hamelin Cathedral, do not look up or smile. Your pace must not be faster than His Highness's..."
Even though she had memorized the order so well that it was almost a joke, her heart kept pounding, and she was out of breath.
Olivia was almost dazzled by the eerily slow and rapid pulse.
"Grandma..."
She absentmindedly called out to her grandmother. What would she say on a day like this?
Did she tell me to live well, or did she feel anxious together?
That too was a pointless question with no answer.
Olivia pressed hard against her chest, slowly regulating her breathing. She felt a longing for someone to press down hard on her heart. Her throat felt parched, like someone suffering from an inexplicable thirst.
Eventually, Olivia got up and started to pace.
Meanwhile, the sun was slowly setting. The sunset, casting a crimson glow over the entire world, stretched out and seeped into the room. The intense, red light seemed even more suffocating.
Olivia took a long, slow breath, when suddenly there was a knock, and the maid came in.
Then he briefly explained the matter.
“His Highness Prince Noah Astrid has arrived.”
Noah Astrid.
As soon as she heard that name, surprisingly, the river of anxiety that had been surging like crazy until then became calm.
The river that didn't even fall silent at the name of Grandmother was Margot's greeting.
Only then did Olivia realize that she had been waiting for him.
Noah smiled as he looked at Olivia, who was standing there in the splendid sunset.
“Hello, Liv.”
As he gave a light and casual greeting, the maids waiting unconsciously opened their eyes wide and glanced at the prince.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness.”
In contrast, Olivia greeted him politely and politely.
Noah was inwardly impressed by Olivia's graceful and natural manners, flowing like water. At the same time, he felt deeply satisfied.
“Can I come in?”
Olivia was inwardly taken aback by the polite question, but quickly bent and straightened her knees once more.
“Of course. Would you like some tea?”
“No, I just stopped by for a moment, so don’t worry about it.”
Noah twitched the corners of his mouth and spoke to the maids standing next to him.
“The sunlight is too strong, so pull down the curtains and turn on the light.”
The tone changed as if turning over a palm.
If the tone directed at Olivia had been like the cool sunlight of an autumn afternoon, just now it felt like the air of a sunless winter. Cold, dry, and desolate.
The maid ordered the maids waiting outside to draw the curtains, then went around with matches and lit all the lights in the room.
As the maid finally lit the candle on the table where Olivia had been sitting, Olivia nodded to her in greeting.
As they all retreated, the room was filled with a much cozier and warmer light than before.
Olivia stood awkwardly and then led him to the sofa.
“Please sit down, Your Highness.”
But instead of the sofa, Noah walked towards the table where Olivia sat. The densely stacked books were familiar to his eyes.
Noah frowned and muttered.
“You’ve been holding onto those boring things all week.”
His appreciation of the royal symbol was also very disrespectful, as was his appreciation of the royal etiquette book.
Olivia pretended not to hear and didn't respond, but Noah looked at the book regardless and then looked back at Olivia.
“Did you memorize it all?”
"I memorized everything Mrs. Lehmann taught me. But she said there was still a lot left to study."
Then, Noah discovered the dense family tree of his relatives and frowned as if he had seen something he shouldn't have seen.
This is really the worst.
Noah glanced at the family tree as if he were dumbfounded and asked abruptly.
“This too?”
"Yes."
As Noah gave her a strange, silent look, Olivia shrugged and pointed to Walter's photo.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness, next in line to Princess Lucy, is Duke Walter Lightwing Astrid. He is His Majesty's younger brother and the lord of the Western Lightwing Territory, and..."
Noah, who had been listening to her voice flowing so naturally as if it were music, cut her off and asked.
“If you see it once, will you remember it?”
“If you try to memorize it.”
“It’s unfair.”
Olivia burst out laughing at the words coming from the same person who originated the word "unfair."
“Why are you laughing?”
Olivia narrowed her eyes at the man who had everything.
“If His Majesty told me that, everyone would laugh like this.”
“Is that so?”
"Sure."
Noah shrugged and suddenly asked a question.
“Ranked 43rd.”
"Macbeth Jr., Marquis of Lucid. He owns 40% of the Orullia region..."
“Ranked 46th.”
"Count Macbeth Lucid. He is the younger brother of Marquis Macbeth Jr. Lucid, and owns 20% of the Olulia region..."
“That’s good.”
“What is it?”
“If I’m confused, I should ask you.”
“...”
“From now on, you will receive and memorize the documents related to the renewal of the succession order for me, and then inform me when they are needed.”
Because the line of succession to the royal family is adjusted as soon as a child is born, renewal documents are often delivered.
Something felt a little off, but Olivia nodded eagerly, feeling that she had something to do.
"All right!"
“Is this something you like?”
Olivia decided to ask him what she had been wanting to ask him since the topic was on the table.
“Your Highness, I have something to ask you.”
"Say it."
“What should I do from now on?”
Noah, who had been asked a similar question before, tilted his head and put his hands in his pockets.
“Didn’t I tell you then?”
Olivia recalled the conversation at the hotel.
"Let's get married with such a big splash that all of Herod will be in an uproar, and kiss me in front of everyone. I want the world to know that you're my wife."
"The very fact that Olivia Liberty married me is my need for you.”
Olivia nodded slightly and added her explanation.
“Yes. You said that marrying me was necessary.”
"However?"
"But I still want to know specifically what I should do. For example, if you could tell me something I can do, like you just said, I'd appreciate it."
“I don’t understand why you insist on making me do this.”
“...”
Noah shrugged, looked Olivia in the eye, and spoke clearly.
"I needed you, Olivia Liberty. Tomorrow, you will become Duchess Olivia Rosemond Astrid, you will be given the title of Princess Consort, and you will be my wife. That's all."
There was not a single trace of falsehood in the recording's eyes.
Olivia was left speechless by the sincerity in his eyes.
Olivia gains more from this marriage than she can handle, but the man in front of her will gain nothing.
But Olivia couldn't bring herself to ask that. If words of agreement escaped his lips, it would be, ironically, terribly sad.
Olivia slowly lowered her gaze and blinked silently.
Noah gazed intently at the woman who would become his wife tomorrow.
His gaze traveled from her high forehead to her high nose and deep-set eyes, then down her slender cheeks to her lips, as red as a rose.
Noah turned his head to gauge the width of the room, then folded his arms and extended them to Olivia.
“While we’re here, let’s practice some more.”
Olivia, who came to her senses at Noah's words, quickly responded.
“So, are we assuming that this is the entrance to Hamel Cathedral?”
"Yes."
Olivia carefully took hold of Noah's arm.
As she had learned, she kept her gaze down, tried not to move her upper body, and was careful not to let her toes outrun Noah's steps.
Noah stared blankly at his bride, who was trying to walk properly, but Olivia didn't notice his gaze.
Noah stopped halfway through the long room and pointed ahead with his finger.
“Now, if the four priests holding the insignia step aside, the archbishop will be waiting for us.”
"Yes."
Olivia released Noah's grip and folded her hands neatly.
“He’s going to give a long sermon.”
“...”
“We just have to not fall asleep.”
“Who would fall asleep in a place like that?”
“My uncle.”
“...”
“Anyway, after the sermon, the archbishop will perform the covenant ceremony, and we’ll just recite along.”
Olivia, having mentally mapped out the sequence, naturally turned halfway toward Noah. When Noah extended his left hand, Olivia pretended to put a ring on his ring finger.
Then she held out her left hand, and this time Noah pretended to put a ring on her hand.
Somehow, she felt like she was playing with Lucy's dolls.
Meanwhile, the anxiety that had been plaguing Olivia had all but disappeared.
But that lighthearted feeling was completely reversed the next moment.
Noah turned completely toward Olivia and whispered softly.
“After I give you the ring, I will kiss you.”
A voice, echoing from a deep, rugged valley, sent a shiver down Olivia's spine. Her heart, which had been beating peacefully until then, suddenly pounded loudly.
“Do you have time?”
Olivia saw Margot standing at the door and quickly approached her.
“Teacher... No, Princess!”
“I think it would be better to just call me professor.”
“That won’t do.”
Margot closed the door and stepped inside, instinctively examining Olivia's face. The bags under her eyes were clearly from lack of sleep.
Margot clicked her tongue slightly and gently patted Olivia's back.
“You don’t have to feel so burdened.”
Margot strode over, glanced at the various etiquette books Olivia had been studying, then looked back at Olivia, who was standing there blankly.
“So don’t whip yourself into doing too well.”
Olivia pursed her lips and simply smiled. She always confided in Margot about everything, but strangely, she couldn't bring herself to confide in her now-overwhelming anxiety.
When Olivia remained silent, Margot approached her.
"If you keep belittling yourself, you'll eventually disappear. You can't do that."
When Olivia looked up and met Margot's gaze, Margot slowly stroked her black hair.
Olivia whispered, feeling the warmth in her hair.
“Can I do it well?”
At her question, Margot rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Of course."
“...”
“After tomorrow, you will become my family.”
“...”
“You are most welcome, Olivia.”
At Margot's welcome, tears briefly welled up in Olivia's eyes and then disappeared.
"Thank you."
"I'll be heading straight back to Pulder after your wedding tomorrow. I'll probably be too out of it to say a proper goodbye tomorrow. Don't be upset that I left without saying goodbye."
"I know."
Margot laughed softly and disappeared, leaving behind the words, "Sleep well tonight!"
Even after visiting Madame Winfred and Margot, Olivia's anxiety showed no signs of abating. Since it wasn't a problem that could be solved by worrying about it immediately, she tried to forget her anxiety, but it proved easier said than done.
Olivia reread and reread the wedding etiquette and order, the family tree, which she had already read dozens of times, and pictured tomorrow in her head.
"Dress up and wait in the main palace hall. When His Highness comes down, accompany Him to Hamelin Cathedral. While disembarking from the carriage and ascending the steps of Hamelin Cathedral, do not look up or smile. Your pace must not be faster than His Highness's..."
Even though she had memorized the order so well that it was almost a joke, her heart kept pounding, and she was out of breath.
Olivia was almost dazzled by the eerily slow and rapid pulse.
"Grandma..."
She absentmindedly called out to her grandmother. What would she say on a day like this?
Did she tell me to live well, or did she feel anxious together?
That too was a pointless question with no answer.
Olivia pressed hard against her chest, slowly regulating her breathing. She felt a longing for someone to press down hard on her heart. Her throat felt parched, like someone suffering from an inexplicable thirst.
Eventually, Olivia got up and started to pace.
Meanwhile, the sun was slowly setting. The sunset, casting a crimson glow over the entire world, stretched out and seeped into the room. The intense, red light seemed even more suffocating.
Olivia took a long, slow breath, when suddenly there was a knock, and the maid came in.
Then he briefly explained the matter.
“His Highness Prince Noah Astrid has arrived.”
Noah Astrid.
As soon as she heard that name, surprisingly, the river of anxiety that had been surging like crazy until then became calm.
The river that didn't even fall silent at the name of Grandmother was Margot's greeting.
Only then did Olivia realize that she had been waiting for him.
Noah smiled as he looked at Olivia, who was standing there in the splendid sunset.
“Hello, Liv.”
As he gave a light and casual greeting, the maids waiting unconsciously opened their eyes wide and glanced at the prince.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness.”
In contrast, Olivia greeted him politely and politely.
Noah was inwardly impressed by Olivia's graceful and natural manners, flowing like water. At the same time, he felt deeply satisfied.
“Can I come in?”
Olivia was inwardly taken aback by the polite question, but quickly bent and straightened her knees once more.
“Of course. Would you like some tea?”
“No, I just stopped by for a moment, so don’t worry about it.”
Noah twitched the corners of his mouth and spoke to the maids standing next to him.
“The sunlight is too strong, so pull down the curtains and turn on the light.”
The tone changed as if turning over a palm.
If the tone directed at Olivia had been like the cool sunlight of an autumn afternoon, just now it felt like the air of a sunless winter. Cold, dry, and desolate.
The maid ordered the maids waiting outside to draw the curtains, then went around with matches and lit all the lights in the room.
As the maid finally lit the candle on the table where Olivia had been sitting, Olivia nodded to her in greeting.
As they all retreated, the room was filled with a much cozier and warmer light than before.
Olivia stood awkwardly and then led him to the sofa.
“Please sit down, Your Highness.”
But instead of the sofa, Noah walked towards the table where Olivia sat. The densely stacked books were familiar to his eyes.
Noah frowned and muttered.
“You’ve been holding onto those boring things all week.”
His appreciation of the royal symbol was also very disrespectful, as was his appreciation of the royal etiquette book.
Olivia pretended not to hear and didn't respond, but Noah looked at the book regardless and then looked back at Olivia.
“Did you memorize it all?”
"I memorized everything Mrs. Lehmann taught me. But she said there was still a lot left to study."
Then, Noah discovered the dense family tree of his relatives and frowned as if he had seen something he shouldn't have seen.
This is really the worst.
Noah glanced at the family tree as if he were dumbfounded and asked abruptly.
“This too?”
"Yes."
As Noah gave her a strange, silent look, Olivia shrugged and pointed to Walter's photo.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness, next in line to Princess Lucy, is Duke Walter Lightwing Astrid. He is His Majesty's younger brother and the lord of the Western Lightwing Territory, and..."
Noah, who had been listening to her voice flowing so naturally as if it were music, cut her off and asked.
“If you see it once, will you remember it?”
“If you try to memorize it.”
“It’s unfair.”
Olivia burst out laughing at the words coming from the same person who originated the word "unfair."
“Why are you laughing?”
Olivia narrowed her eyes at the man who had everything.
“If His Majesty told me that, everyone would laugh like this.”
“Is that so?”
"Sure."
Noah shrugged and suddenly asked a question.
“Ranked 43rd.”
"Macbeth Jr., Marquis of Lucid. He owns 40% of the Orullia region..."
“Ranked 46th.”
"Count Macbeth Lucid. He is the younger brother of Marquis Macbeth Jr. Lucid, and owns 20% of the Olulia region..."
“That’s good.”
“What is it?”
“If I’m confused, I should ask you.”
“...”
“From now on, you will receive and memorize the documents related to the renewal of the succession order for me, and then inform me when they are needed.”
Because the line of succession to the royal family is adjusted as soon as a child is born, renewal documents are often delivered.
Something felt a little off, but Olivia nodded eagerly, feeling that she had something to do.
"All right!"
“Is this something you like?”
Olivia decided to ask him what she had been wanting to ask him since the topic was on the table.
“Your Highness, I have something to ask you.”
"Say it."
“What should I do from now on?”
Noah, who had been asked a similar question before, tilted his head and put his hands in his pockets.
“Didn’t I tell you then?”
Olivia recalled the conversation at the hotel.
"Let's get married with such a big splash that all of Herod will be in an uproar, and kiss me in front of everyone. I want the world to know that you're my wife."
"The very fact that Olivia Liberty married me is my need for you.”
Olivia nodded slightly and added her explanation.
“Yes. You said that marrying me was necessary.”
"However?"
"But I still want to know specifically what I should do. For example, if you could tell me something I can do, like you just said, I'd appreciate it."
“I don’t understand why you insist on making me do this.”
“...”
Noah shrugged, looked Olivia in the eye, and spoke clearly.
"I needed you, Olivia Liberty. Tomorrow, you will become Duchess Olivia Rosemond Astrid, you will be given the title of Princess Consort, and you will be my wife. That's all."
There was not a single trace of falsehood in the recording's eyes.
Olivia was left speechless by the sincerity in his eyes.
Olivia gains more from this marriage than she can handle, but the man in front of her will gain nothing.
But Olivia couldn't bring herself to ask that. If words of agreement escaped his lips, it would be, ironically, terribly sad.
Olivia slowly lowered her gaze and blinked silently.
Noah gazed intently at the woman who would become his wife tomorrow.
His gaze traveled from her high forehead to her high nose and deep-set eyes, then down her slender cheeks to her lips, as red as a rose.
Noah turned his head to gauge the width of the room, then folded his arms and extended them to Olivia.
“While we’re here, let’s practice some more.”
Olivia, who came to her senses at Noah's words, quickly responded.
“So, are we assuming that this is the entrance to Hamel Cathedral?”
"Yes."
Olivia carefully took hold of Noah's arm.
As she had learned, she kept her gaze down, tried not to move her upper body, and was careful not to let her toes outrun Noah's steps.
Noah stared blankly at his bride, who was trying to walk properly, but Olivia didn't notice his gaze.
Noah stopped halfway through the long room and pointed ahead with his finger.
“Now, if the four priests holding the insignia step aside, the archbishop will be waiting for us.”
"Yes."
Olivia released Noah's grip and folded her hands neatly.
“He’s going to give a long sermon.”
“...”
“We just have to not fall asleep.”
“Who would fall asleep in a place like that?”
“My uncle.”
“...”
“Anyway, after the sermon, the archbishop will perform the covenant ceremony, and we’ll just recite along.”
Olivia, having mentally mapped out the sequence, naturally turned halfway toward Noah. When Noah extended his left hand, Olivia pretended to put a ring on his ring finger.
Then she held out her left hand, and this time Noah pretended to put a ring on her hand.
Somehow, she felt like she was playing with Lucy's dolls.
Meanwhile, the anxiety that had been plaguing Olivia had all but disappeared.
But that lighthearted feeling was completely reversed the next moment.
Noah turned completely toward Olivia and whispered softly.
“After I give you the ring, I will kiss you.”
A voice, echoing from a deep, rugged valley, sent a shiver down Olivia's spine. Her heart, which had been beating peacefully until then, suddenly pounded loudly.
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