Chapter 5
"A-anyway, what's with her?"
"I'm not sure what's going on with her right now, but she's just as nervous as you are. So, at least, try to stay calm and take your time. Today, both of you are the main characters."
As I spoke with enthusiasm and a smile, it was only then that our Duke blushed and returned the smile. It's hard to believe that this Bear is getting married.
"You're right. How do I look? Do I look good?"
"You look the best."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Really, really?"
"Really, really. So stop hesitating and get going. There will be more than a few guests waiting to welcome you."
Fortunately, Lethias moved with more composure, appearing much calmer than before. Poor Mister Pavel followed behind him, clenching his teeth.
"The honeymoon will have to be a bit extended."
A chuckle escaped as Yann let out a sigh and stuck out his tongue. Valentina glanced at me with a teasing smile.
"For a while, the Duke's residence will be entirely occupied by the two of you."
"Valen..."
"Oh, I see. So it's just my friend and Miss Sasha... Well, that's really something..."
You two really are siblings! Clearing my throat sternly, I desperately tried not to show how my face flushed.
"When is it going to start?"
"Exactly at seven o'clock. It will be during the reception. Judging by the crowd, it looks like there'll be a party that goes on all night..."
"That's even better, isn't it?"
"That's right. Hopefully, those cops will also get caught up in the festivities."
* * *
“Lethias di Saloma de Serpente, do you vow to marry Alfonsina di Rosa de Orsini before the Holy Father and the Virgin Mary?”
“I do.”
“Alfonsina di Rosa de Orsini, do you vow before the Holy Father and the Virgin Mary to marry Lethias di Saloma de Serpente?”
“I do.”
The Christmas Eve wedding took place at 5:00 PM on a cold but sunny winter day with clear skies.
The wedding’s invited guests, along with our hotel’s own guests and the deployed policemen, and even passersby, crowded around the hotel to catch a glimpse of the event.
In a grand ceremony hall filled with hundreds of attendees, the bride and groom knelt before the archbishop with solemn expressions, successfully concluding their vows.
Their wedding rings were made of platinum, with aquamarines set around a five-carat diamond.
Gasps of admiration filled the air as the luxurious rings shone brilliantly under the sparkling crystal chandeliers.
The reception unfolded in the hotel's front yard. A massive Christmas tree stood at the center, adorned with candles, decorations, and twinkling lights, heralding the start of the celebration.
Guests gathered around, marveling at the sight. The effort put into transporting and decorating the over 20-meter-tall fir tree was truly satisfying to behold.
Looking down at the reception area, where a dreamy Christmas tree, white banquet tables surrounding a colorful fountain, a buffet, statues spouting drinks, an orchestra, and a comedy troupe converged, I was approached by someone who unexpectedly wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his chin on my shoulder.
Along with his distinctive musky scent, I could hear the faint jingle of my earrings.
"What are you up to?"
"... Checking the setup? Making sure everything is going smoothly for the perfect party."
"Can it get any more perfect than this? This is even more splendid than an imperial court banquet."
It certainly was. The most significant difference from an imperial banquet was the absence of societal barriers here.
The entire attention of the imperial capital was focused on this event. If they started distributing gifts to the less fortunate, the vicinity would likely empty out.
"It's almost seven o'clock."
"Why, are you nervous?"
"I just thought you might be leaving soon. Yann mentioned you'd be heading out from then on. If Oppa finds out..."
"Will he really put effort into searching for me when he could actually enjoy his time without me? If he can't see me, he'll be rather excited."
"Will you be back after the festivities?"
"Well, I can't say for sure... I don't want to return triumphantly only to find you standing there with your arms crossed, asking what took me so long."
I should have chuckled at his mischievous grin, but I couldn't. Instead, I lowered my head and covered my face with my hands.
Perhaps sensing something amiss, Benya straightened up, took hold of my arm, and gently turned me around.
"What's wrong?"
I initially intended to dismiss it as nothing. But he wouldn't allow that. His soft, silk-gloved hand gently held my chin and lifted it. His intense sky-blue eyes met my teary ones.
"Sasha?"
"Sorry. I'm just feeling a bit... overwhelmed suddenly."
I had resolved not to feel like this, but it seemed I still had a long way to go. Sniff. Benya's grip on my hand tightened as I shook my head.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later. They instigated it all from the moment you returned home..."
"I know, I know. I understand, but as the time draws near..."
"Don't worry too much. Because I won't engage in any kind of fight, and our side's victory is assured."
While the grandest wedding reception and the Christmas Eve festival unfolded at Wendy's Hotel, battles would erupt throughout the streets of the Imperial City.
It was more of a surprise attack on Fibonacci by the Dallas Myers Club side than an all-out war.
Tonight would finally see the revenge for what happened here on my first day back. It was an essential step for the ensuing consequences.
Lethias might have been involved at any other time, but not today. Tonight, Lethias and Alfonsina were the stars of the show.
The audience wouldn't have a glimpse of what was transpiring behind the scenes until the play's finale.
With a resolute smile in my teary eyes, I nodded. Benya smiled back.
"By the way, I still can't believe that Oppa is getting married."
"Neither can I. I even wondered if anyone would ever take him..."
"But it's quite a relief. It's a political union, yet not many manage to genuinely like each other this much."
"I can't say it's a huge relief, but it's all thanks to you. Hyung should be grateful to you once again."
"It's not because of me; it's because of you. Oppa grew into such a fine person because of you, right? Besides, it was your arranging that brought about this match made in heaven."
I added with a trembling smile, and Benya looked at me with an odd expression for a moment. What a perplexed look.
"Is that a good thing?"
"Isn't it? I'd even say you'd make an excellent father in the future."
"If Hyung were my son, I would've probably beaten him to death already."
Well, that's understandable. I couldn't dispute that. Benya pulled me closer, scratching his head awkwardly.
"I should get going."
"Are you leaving already?"
"Because I need to do a final check. You yourself mentioned how their discipline might slip without me around."
"I did say that, but... Just be careful, okay?"
The head of the Dallas Myers Club was Yann, but in a way, he was similar to our Lethias in that he functioned as more of a second-in-command. Both Serpente and the club had distinct true leaders.
However, Benya wasn't the kind of leader to let things happen without taking action. He wouldn't simply stand by.
A kiss landed on my cheek as his fingers gently brushed through my hair, pushing it to one side. I turned my head, offering my lips instead of my cheek. Soon, my arms wrapped around his neck.
Even though our lips drew close, Benya, who eventually pulled back, placed something into my hand with a playful chuckle.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself. So it should be worth the effort."
Then he departed. I leaned against the window sill, holding the little box in my hand, and burst into laughter. His way of giving gifts was so characteristic of him. I wondered what was inside.
I was tempted to open it right away, but I decided to wait until midnight. After all, a Christmas gift deserved to be opened on Christmas Day.
I slipped the gift box into my inner pocket and finally made my way toward the reception.
* * *
"Sasha, where are you now, whoa…"
"It's not a sad sight if our teasing of the groom goes away!"
"Whoa! Let go! Everyone, let go of me!"
The reception room was abuzz with noise, which was only natural. In the midst of it all, Lethias was at the center of a lively event, surrounded by young men of his age.
Alfonsina sat with her friends on her side, watching with great delight as her groom found himself in a bit of a predicament. Alright, alright, everyone seems to be having a blast.
People were laughing at this scene, others were twirling around on the well-kept lawns, some were gathering under a tree to make wishes, some were engrossed in eating and drinking, and there were those who seemed to be debating or arguing passionately.
As I surveyed the various guests, I made my way to the center of the reception hall and settled down by the fountain next to the tree. Someone approached me and handed me a cocktail.
"I was worried I might not get to see you, but I'm glad I did."
"Your Highness."
It was the Crown Prince. He had a somewhat bashful smile as if feeling regretful about something. Could it be because he's being compared to his younger brother?
Fortunately, Knoxus was nowhere to be seen. I had spotted him earlier at the ceremony, but it seemed he had left early.
"Are you leaving already? At this moment…"
"I've been enjoying a rare moment of solitude in this courtyard, but there are plenty of matters I need to attend to. I have a commitment with the Imperial Father."
"It's a shame you're working on Christmas Eve."
"That sentiment applies to you as well, doesn't it? And Benya too. Speaking of whom, I haven't seen him take a holiday break in years."
"Ah…"
"Thanks to him, I've become a workaholic as well. It's not a good habit to overwork when you're the Crown Prince."
I took a sip of my cocktail and chuckled. Assad also laughed heartily and tilted his golden hair to the side.
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