TRETTHD 26

#26. The Engagement Ceremony

Compared to the usual engagements among royalty, Khalid and Bellia’s engagement ceremony was quite small in scale. Of course, while it was small in size, the procedure itself didn’t differ much from standard ceremonies.

In her previous life, Bellia had held both her engagement and wedding in the Empire. If she had to pinpoint the timing, her engagement to Raul had happened much later than now.

So, she hadn’t expected a simplified engagement to be held in Ronica, nor that Marquis Sellon would attend as the Emperor’s representative.

Bellia thought of Derek, whom she had sent on a mission.

‘By now, the rumors should be spreading in the Empire, right?’

The moment she received a letter from the Emperor stating the wedding would take place next spring, she had sent an order to Derek to initiate the plan.

“Princess, it’s time to head to the venue now.”

At the maid’s words, Bellia rose from her seat.

Her dress was simpler than a typical wedding gown.

However, rather than pure white, it had a faint pink hue, giving it a more vibrant feel.

“Alright.”

There weren’t many attendees anyway, and they were all just witnesses to affirm that Bellia and Khalid were promising to marry. The Archbishop would likely arrive to offer a brief blessing and then leave.

Bellia imagined her engagement ceremony with indifference.

It wasn’t anything grand. She simply hoped it would be over quickly because she was tired. With that thought, she checked her reflection in the mirror.

“Let’s go.”

Bellia slowly made her way to the engagement hall.

By the time she reached the central plaza where the ceremony was being held, everyone was already seated and waiting for her.

“You look beautiful.”

Khalid, who greeted her at the front, couldn’t help but admire her.

“I thought it would look good when I picked this outfit, but reality surpasses imagination.”

Though the comment could’ve made her blush, he said it shamelessly, and Bellia burst into a delighted laugh.

“You look amazing too.”

She meant it. A handsome man who also dressed well was bound to be even more stunning.

Khalid smiled and held out his hand.

Soon, they would be called to walk down the flower-adorned path.

“It’s our engagement. It’s our declaration to everyone here that we’re getting married.”

After taking a deep breath, Khalid asked:

“Aren’t you nervous?”

“Hmm. Not really.”

Khalid stared quietly at Bellia’s composed demeanor, opening and closing his mouth a few times before deciding against saying anything.

As he remained silent for a while, Bellia turned to look at him.

He looked clearly displeased.

“What’s wrong?”

“You can be so heartless sometimes.”

“Ah… Was my answer too indifferent?”

Bellia asked cautiously, worried she might have said something wrong.

But Khalid shook his head.

“It’s something more fundamental than that.”

He let out a small sigh, holding back his words. Explaining why he felt hurt would wound his pride too much.

“But I promised I wouldn’t force anything on you… so I’ll bear this disappointment on my own.”

Only then did Bellia realize her mistake.

In her previous life, she had already experienced engagements and marriage. So, she saw these formal events as mere steps toward a goal. But Khalid didn’t see it that way.

“Khalid.”

“…”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t consider your feelings.”

“Bellia. It’s better if you don’t say anything right now.”

“Hmm… I’m sorry.”

She hadn’t meant to hurt him.

Bellia gripped Khalid’s hand tighter.

“Don’t try to be cute…”

That wasn’t her intention.

She tightened her grip again and whispered softly:

“Once we walk down that path together, there’s no going back. But I’m okay with that.”

Bellia smiled brightly.

“Don’t forget—it was me who chose you.”

At those words, the stern expression on Khalid’s face softened, as if he had no choice.

He thought it was childish and foolish of him, but her words made him genuinely happy.

“Then I’ll do my best to ensure you never regret your excellent choice.”

Finally, the Archbishop’s voice echoed, calling today’s main couple.

* * *

To the accompaniment of the orchestra, Khalid and Bellia held hands and slowly walked down the path strewn with white petals.

Their faces were beaming with joy.

Everyone who watched them felt certain they were truly in love. Seeing such genuine smiles, there was no way it could be fake.

‘Damn it…!’

Of course, not everyone was thrilled.

From the front row, Raul gritted his teeth as he watched Bellia walk toward them, radiant enough to light up the entire plaza.

He should have been the one by her side.

‘Why? Why is Khalid standing next to Bellia and not me?’

He still couldn’t understand.

Did she really love Khalid?

“Your Highness, please smile. Your expression is stiff.”

“…I’m aware, even without you pointing it out.”

Raul forced a smile again. But his clapping grew weaker and weaker. He clenched his teeth, pretending to be unaffected.

‘This feels disgusting…’

Was it because Khalid had taken what was his? Or had he genuinely come to care for Bellia without realizing it?

He couldn’t define the reason.

While Raul was lost in thought, Khalid and Bellia shared their vow kiss.

“They really look like the perfect couple.”

“Don’t they?”

The whispers behind him were irritating.

The kiss looked so natural.

‘Of course it would. They even spent the night together.’

His already low mood plummeted even further.

Raul couldn’t take his eyes off Bellia. Normally, he would’ve walked away cleanly. But strangely, he had no desire to do that now. He couldn’t organize his feelings for her.

“Your Highness.”

“…Marquis Sellon. I think I have to take the princess for myself.”

As the engagement ceremony concluded and the couple walked back down the flower path, Raul whispered softly.

Marquis Sellon sighed.

“Your Highness, you mustn’t.”

“I’ve been thinking about it. But the only thought I keep having is that she belongs to me.”

It had been that way since the first time he saw her.

He never believed in fate, but she had felt like a perfect match tailored for him.

Her traits, her innocent and obedient nature, her lack of worldly experience—nothing about her irritated him. It was as if she existed just for him.

‘But that wasn’t all.’

The moment Bellia rejected him, it felt like the puzzle pieces didn’t fit.

Something was wrong.

“There will be better matches than the princess. You don’t need to covet the Second Prince’s future wife.”

That wasn’t it.

It wasn’t because she was Khalid’s fiancée.

It wasn’t because she was a Ronican princess.

It was because she was Bellia.

“His Majesty will find you a suitable match. The Ronican princess is certainly a good marriage candidate, but that’s all.”

“What if I’m serious about her?”

“…Your Highness, please don’t joke like that.”

Marquis Sellon’s expression stiffened.

He tried to believe Raul was just upset over being rejected. But the Prince’s unusual demeanor stirred unease.

“…She’s mine. She’s supposed to be mine.”

A strange feeling of defying fate consumed Raul.

“Your Majesty is considering Lady Elin Canterif.”

Marquis Sellon mentioned Elin Canterif, who had long been designated as Raul’s fiancée. Her powerful ducal family held the Empire’s central political power—far more valuable than the Ronican kingdom.

The Emperor intended to solidify Raul’s claim to the throne through this powerful union.

Knowing this, Raul turned his back on Sellon.

He was frustrated—but he knew he needed more power.

“Looks like I’ll have to move up the timeline.”

Sellon looked at Raul with concern.

“There’s nothing to worry about. Tell His Majesty I’m ready to proceed with the engagement to House Canterif.”

If he couldn’t have Bellia now, he would become Emperor, kill Khalid, and take her for himself.

Raul’s face brightened.

* * *

Bellia lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Beside her, Khalid gently played with strands of her hair.

The engagement had gone more smoothly than expected.

“Are you sleepy?”

“A little.”

They had initially entered the room to discuss future plans, but once she lay down, fatigue overwhelmed her.

She had thought it wasn’t a big deal, but after the ceremony, her nerves relaxed, and her whole body felt heavy.

All the tension from watching Raul and Sellon’s reactions had drained away.

“Hehe. Then sleep a bit.”

Khalid chuckled at Bellia’s soft, drowsy reply. Her sleepy look was too cute.

“You must be tired.”

“You’re the one playing with my hair. That’s why I’m sleepy.”

His gentle strokes lulled her into slumber. But Khalid had no intention of stopping.

“Your hair is so pretty.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Like the finest silver thread.”

“Hmm… really?”

Bellia’s voice trailed off, and soon, she was breathing softly in sleep.

Khalid lay beside her, gazing at her face. With her eyes closed, she looked like the innocent princess she was raised to be—so much so that her bold proposal felt out of place.

“Bellia.”

No response.

“You can’t go anywhere now.”

Though his words dripped with possessiveness, his hand continued to gently smooth her hair. He wanted to return to the Empire and tie her to his side for good.

“But then… you might be scared of me.”

Khalid smiled.

Looking at the defenseless Bellia sleeping soundly, he suddenly wanted to bite her soft cheek. Her sweet scent was making him lose reason.

He adjusted her posture so she could sleep more comfortably. Bellia murmured and nestled closer to him.

“Hehe. This is a problem, princess.”

But Bellia leaned into his chest and fell into a deeper sleep.

‘Now what do I do…’

He hadn’t necessarily wanted to become Emperor. He just hadn’t planned to let Raul take the throne so easily—he had set up many obstacles.

Well, if he ended up Emperor along the way, all the better.

Khalid sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Then he looked down at Bellia’s serene face.

‘She seems completely unaware.’

Still, he didn’t want to bring it up himself unless she asked.

He wanted her to be curious about him.

“What am I going to do with you, huh?”

His gaze wavered.