Erna looked at Callion. No one expected this marriage to be filled with love and respect. And Erna knew it, too. Still, she harbored a glimmer of hope.
'I thought you would at least understand.'
Even without asking, she could tell just by looking at him. He looked like he could die any moment. Perhaps the Aether Kingdom expected another ambush and sent someone willing to die. Like her.
Even though they were in a position where they had to share a seat, she still hoped for a little sympathy, knowing they were in the same situation. But then, the moment she saw him, he suddenly started hurling abuse at her.
Erna withdrew all sympathy she had for Callion. All that remained was anger.
The world was her enemy. The kingdom that abandoned her, even if she died, the maids and knights who laughed at her all along the way. And now, even Callion, who was spewing out abusive language.
The lethargy that had filled Erna's being vanished, consumed by rage. Her mind, freed of the weight that had weighed her down, spun around. She wanted to throw away the crown and all, and use the bouquet she held to smack Callion in the face, who was staring at her in disbelief. Then, she wanted to imprison all the maids and knights for their rudeness in bringing her here like luggage.
'But I have no strength.'
She was still nothing more than a useless Princess of Havand. Erna knew that to be worthy, she had to become the Grand Duchess of Hesse. And the title would only be bestowed upon her after this marriage.
“Get started.”
As Erna spoke with force, a look of surprise crossed Callion's face. Of course, Erna ignored his gaze, remaining focused on Vanessa.
“Do you agree, Prince Callion?”
At Vanessa's polite question, Callion hesitated, then nodded helplessly.
“I agree. Let’s proceed.”
"I understand. I trust that you both fully understand the obligations and responsibilities that come with this marriage, and I will proceed with the ceremony."
A quiet wedding ceremony was held in the midst of an extremely cold atmosphere.
"It hurts..."
Erna returned to her room, groaning as she took off her shoes. The shoes prepared for today weren't actually hers. They belonged to a Princess who had come here before her, and they didn't fit Erna's feet.
Erna ignored the maids' attempts to stop her, kicked off her shoes, and quickly threw off her robes. With the ill-fitting garments gone, she was finally able to breathe.
She couldn't even remember how the wedding proceeded or ended. She only remembered Callion glaring at him as Vanessa spoke of her hope that this marriage would bring peace to everyone. And when Vanessa finally asked them to share a kiss of vows, their faces had contorted to a horrific degree. They'd only known each other for an hour, and the affection between them had already plummeted to the point of being practically nonexistent.
But there was no other way. The kiss was the final act of the wedding, and it had to be done for the ceremony to end safely. At that moment, Erna felt a twinge of hope that Callion might refuse to be with her. Then, the blame for nullifying the ceremony would fall on him, and the Kingdom of Aether would have to send a new royal family.
Although becoming the Grand Duchess of Hesse would be delayed a bit, she seemed able to endure it if it wasn't him she was marrying. At least the Hesse Council President didn't seem to think ill of her.
But contrary to Erna's expectations, Callion gritted his teeth, approached her, and, with a look of utter desperation, kissed her lips. Their lips touched for a fleeting moment, barely a second. And then they parted immediately.
“This is to announce that this marriage has been established.”
As soon as Vanessa finished speaking, the two men groaned in disgust and frantically rubbed their lips with the backs of their hands. For a wedding as important as the marriage of two kingdoms and the one to decide the Grand Duke of Hesse, it lacked any dignity.
'It's over anyway.'
Erna clenched her fists. The wedding was over. So, she was now the Grand Duchess of Hesse. Just as she was about to officially begin work tomorrow and begin clearing out the maids next to her, a swarm of maids stormed into her room.
“...What’s going on?”
Erna, having lived for a long time observing their every move, though determined to kick them out, observed them out of habit and asked cautiously.
“What is it, Princess, no, Grand Duchess?”
The maids spoke, their overbearing attitude still the same, even though their titles had changed.
“You need to prepare the first night.”
First night?
Erna froze at those words. She hadn't thought about it at all. Since it was a formality anyway, she assumed once the ceremony was over, all the big issues would be settled. Of course, the treaty stipulated that any child born between them would become the next Grand Duke of Hesse, but both she and Callion were now sixteen.
In the past, there were people who got married and had children at that age, but these days, people don't have children until they are at least twenty years old because having a child at a young age often puts the lives of both the child and the mother at risk.
So, she thought she wouldn't have to go through any trouble for the next four years, at least until she turned twenty.
'Furthermore..'
Marquis Canavan, who led the delegation from the Kingdom of Havand, had clearly told Erna before departing for Hessengard that she would not be spending the night with Callion for the time being. But why? Why all of a sudden?
Erna looked at the hand of the maid approaching her. It was a very thin negligee, transparent, though she didn't know what it was made of.
“Yes, you need to wash up and change into this.”
"...No."
"Your Highness, this is a matter of utmost importance, forging a treaty between the two kingdoms. You cannot simply decide whether to accept or reject it based on your personal feelings."
As if they had known Erna would come out like this, the maids paid no attention to her words and dragged her into the bathroom, leaving the negligee beside her.
"Let go of this! The Marquis of Canavan said there was no need for a night out! Bring him in! Something is definitely wrong!"
"That's not possible. The Marquis of Canavan specifically instructed me to treat the Grand Duchess with respect. Now, what are you doing? Why don't you quickly escort the Grand Duchess to the bathroom?"
The maids consistently called Erna "Grand Duchess" to a point of annoyance, as if it didn't matter to them whether she was a Princess or an Grand Duchess.
She thought she wouldn't have to endure this kind of rudeness again once the wedding was over, but once again, the violence-like behavior came rushing back, and Erna resisted fiercely. But the maids, strangely strong, dragged her into the bathroom. Erna's cries of disapproval echoed through the bathroom, into her room, and into the hallway.
After a while, a maid came out into the hallway and bowed her head to the man standing there.
“I did as you told me.”
“Yeah, good job.”
The man in the hallway was the Marquis of Canavan, leading the delegation from the Kingdom of Havand. He clicked his tongue as he heard Erna's voice.
"For someone who claims to be a representative of the Havand royal family to act so whimsically... is extremely problematic. In Havand, in Aether, and even here in Hessengard. Isn't that right?"
The maid bowed deeply at the Marquis of Canavan's request for consent.
“Of course. The Princess, no, the Grand Duchess, is still young and doesn’t seem to know how to behave... I think the Marquis will need a lot of guidance.”
"Of course. Of course. That's why His Majesty sent me here as the representative of the delegation. Among the tasks His Majesty has entrusted me with is the guidance of the Grand Duchess. As you all know... compared to other Princesses, isn't she a bit lacking in etiquette?"
The Marquis of Canavan stroked his proud moustache, which he had trimmed dozens of times, and thought about the wedding.
'How arrogant. Thinking you're a real Grand Duchess and acting as if you're doing whatever you want.'
Before departing the Kingdom of Havand, the Marquis of Canavan was deeply pleased with Erna. Accustomed to the cold treatment she received from the royal court, Erna was a timid Princess who dared not even voice her own opinions. A Princess of noble birth but reserved, she was a perfect puppet to be used as a puppet.
"I don't have high hopes for her. If she dies, I won't hold you responsible. Your job is simply to closely monitor the Hessenguard and Aether."
The King told the Marquis this when he sent Erna away. Thanks to this, the Marquis could come to Hessengard with peace of mind. Furthermore, the two previous ambush attacks had clearly targeted only the royal family. So, even if something happened this time, only Princess Erna would die, and he himself would be safe. Of course, it would be even better if Erna didn't die. He could promise to support the young Princess, handle her duties, and live like the Grand Duke of Hessengard.
'However...'
The Marquis of Canavan frowned, recalling Erna's quarrel with Callion at the wedding. What kind of occasion was that for her to act so arrogantly? Moreover, her words were childish and crude beyond compare. He repeatedly gave her a look to urge her to be more careful, but Erna, even when their eyes met, simply ignored him as if she were a different person, acting as if she were acting as if she were her own boss.
'I thought you would at least understand.'
Even without asking, she could tell just by looking at him. He looked like he could die any moment. Perhaps the Aether Kingdom expected another ambush and sent someone willing to die. Like her.
Even though they were in a position where they had to share a seat, she still hoped for a little sympathy, knowing they were in the same situation. But then, the moment she saw him, he suddenly started hurling abuse at her.
Erna withdrew all sympathy she had for Callion. All that remained was anger.
The world was her enemy. The kingdom that abandoned her, even if she died, the maids and knights who laughed at her all along the way. And now, even Callion, who was spewing out abusive language.
The lethargy that had filled Erna's being vanished, consumed by rage. Her mind, freed of the weight that had weighed her down, spun around. She wanted to throw away the crown and all, and use the bouquet she held to smack Callion in the face, who was staring at her in disbelief. Then, she wanted to imprison all the maids and knights for their rudeness in bringing her here like luggage.
'But I have no strength.'
She was still nothing more than a useless Princess of Havand. Erna knew that to be worthy, she had to become the Grand Duchess of Hesse. And the title would only be bestowed upon her after this marriage.
“Get started.”
As Erna spoke with force, a look of surprise crossed Callion's face. Of course, Erna ignored his gaze, remaining focused on Vanessa.
“Do you agree, Prince Callion?”
At Vanessa's polite question, Callion hesitated, then nodded helplessly.
“I agree. Let’s proceed.”
"I understand. I trust that you both fully understand the obligations and responsibilities that come with this marriage, and I will proceed with the ceremony."
A quiet wedding ceremony was held in the midst of an extremely cold atmosphere.
***
"It hurts..."
Erna returned to her room, groaning as she took off her shoes. The shoes prepared for today weren't actually hers. They belonged to a Princess who had come here before her, and they didn't fit Erna's feet.
Erna ignored the maids' attempts to stop her, kicked off her shoes, and quickly threw off her robes. With the ill-fitting garments gone, she was finally able to breathe.
She couldn't even remember how the wedding proceeded or ended. She only remembered Callion glaring at him as Vanessa spoke of her hope that this marriage would bring peace to everyone. And when Vanessa finally asked them to share a kiss of vows, their faces had contorted to a horrific degree. They'd only known each other for an hour, and the affection between them had already plummeted to the point of being practically nonexistent.
But there was no other way. The kiss was the final act of the wedding, and it had to be done for the ceremony to end safely. At that moment, Erna felt a twinge of hope that Callion might refuse to be with her. Then, the blame for nullifying the ceremony would fall on him, and the Kingdom of Aether would have to send a new royal family.
Although becoming the Grand Duchess of Hesse would be delayed a bit, she seemed able to endure it if it wasn't him she was marrying. At least the Hesse Council President didn't seem to think ill of her.
But contrary to Erna's expectations, Callion gritted his teeth, approached her, and, with a look of utter desperation, kissed her lips. Their lips touched for a fleeting moment, barely a second. And then they parted immediately.
“This is to announce that this marriage has been established.”
As soon as Vanessa finished speaking, the two men groaned in disgust and frantically rubbed their lips with the backs of their hands. For a wedding as important as the marriage of two kingdoms and the one to decide the Grand Duke of Hesse, it lacked any dignity.
'It's over anyway.'
Erna clenched her fists. The wedding was over. So, she was now the Grand Duchess of Hesse. Just as she was about to officially begin work tomorrow and begin clearing out the maids next to her, a swarm of maids stormed into her room.
“...What’s going on?”
Erna, having lived for a long time observing their every move, though determined to kick them out, observed them out of habit and asked cautiously.
“What is it, Princess, no, Grand Duchess?”
The maids spoke, their overbearing attitude still the same, even though their titles had changed.
“You need to prepare the first night.”
First night?
Erna froze at those words. She hadn't thought about it at all. Since it was a formality anyway, she assumed once the ceremony was over, all the big issues would be settled. Of course, the treaty stipulated that any child born between them would become the next Grand Duke of Hesse, but both she and Callion were now sixteen.
In the past, there were people who got married and had children at that age, but these days, people don't have children until they are at least twenty years old because having a child at a young age often puts the lives of both the child and the mother at risk.
So, she thought she wouldn't have to go through any trouble for the next four years, at least until she turned twenty.
'Furthermore..'
Marquis Canavan, who led the delegation from the Kingdom of Havand, had clearly told Erna before departing for Hessengard that she would not be spending the night with Callion for the time being. But why? Why all of a sudden?
Erna looked at the hand of the maid approaching her. It was a very thin negligee, transparent, though she didn't know what it was made of.
“Yes, you need to wash up and change into this.”
"...No."
"Your Highness, this is a matter of utmost importance, forging a treaty between the two kingdoms. You cannot simply decide whether to accept or reject it based on your personal feelings."
As if they had known Erna would come out like this, the maids paid no attention to her words and dragged her into the bathroom, leaving the negligee beside her.
"Let go of this! The Marquis of Canavan said there was no need for a night out! Bring him in! Something is definitely wrong!"
"That's not possible. The Marquis of Canavan specifically instructed me to treat the Grand Duchess with respect. Now, what are you doing? Why don't you quickly escort the Grand Duchess to the bathroom?"
The maids consistently called Erna "Grand Duchess" to a point of annoyance, as if it didn't matter to them whether she was a Princess or an Grand Duchess.
She thought she wouldn't have to endure this kind of rudeness again once the wedding was over, but once again, the violence-like behavior came rushing back, and Erna resisted fiercely. But the maids, strangely strong, dragged her into the bathroom. Erna's cries of disapproval echoed through the bathroom, into her room, and into the hallway.
After a while, a maid came out into the hallway and bowed her head to the man standing there.
“I did as you told me.”
“Yeah, good job.”
The man in the hallway was the Marquis of Canavan, leading the delegation from the Kingdom of Havand. He clicked his tongue as he heard Erna's voice.
"For someone who claims to be a representative of the Havand royal family to act so whimsically... is extremely problematic. In Havand, in Aether, and even here in Hessengard. Isn't that right?"
The maid bowed deeply at the Marquis of Canavan's request for consent.
“Of course. The Princess, no, the Grand Duchess, is still young and doesn’t seem to know how to behave... I think the Marquis will need a lot of guidance.”
"Of course. Of course. That's why His Majesty sent me here as the representative of the delegation. Among the tasks His Majesty has entrusted me with is the guidance of the Grand Duchess. As you all know... compared to other Princesses, isn't she a bit lacking in etiquette?"
The Marquis of Canavan stroked his proud moustache, which he had trimmed dozens of times, and thought about the wedding.
'How arrogant. Thinking you're a real Grand Duchess and acting as if you're doing whatever you want.'
Before departing the Kingdom of Havand, the Marquis of Canavan was deeply pleased with Erna. Accustomed to the cold treatment she received from the royal court, Erna was a timid Princess who dared not even voice her own opinions. A Princess of noble birth but reserved, she was a perfect puppet to be used as a puppet.
"I don't have high hopes for her. If she dies, I won't hold you responsible. Your job is simply to closely monitor the Hessenguard and Aether."
The King told the Marquis this when he sent Erna away. Thanks to this, the Marquis could come to Hessengard with peace of mind. Furthermore, the two previous ambush attacks had clearly targeted only the royal family. So, even if something happened this time, only Princess Erna would die, and he himself would be safe. Of course, it would be even better if Erna didn't die. He could promise to support the young Princess, handle her duties, and live like the Grand Duke of Hessengard.
'However...'
The Marquis of Canavan frowned, recalling Erna's quarrel with Callion at the wedding. What kind of occasion was that for her to act so arrogantly? Moreover, her words were childish and crude beyond compare. He repeatedly gave her a look to urge her to be more careful, but Erna, even when their eyes met, simply ignored him as if she were a different person, acting as if she were acting as if she were her own boss.
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