Chapter 27
Sophia’s Wedding
Sophia’s wedding was held at the town house of the Count Dian family in the imperial capital. I attended with His Majesty Alec, holding Cecilia in my arms. A baby crib had been prepared for Cecilia, and she was placed in it while Silya kept an eye on her.
Sophia was exchanging vows with Sir Cyril.
“I, Sophia Dian, vow to marry Sir Cyril Roselle, to support the Dian family together, and to spend my life with him.”
“I, Cyril Roselle, vow to marry Miss Sophia Dian, to support the Dian family together, and to love her for life.”
There seemed to be a slight difference in warmth between them, but the vows were beautiful. Both of them were wearing the wedding outfits I had designed, and I felt so moved that I nearly cried.
As the guests’ applause confirmed the marriage, His Majesty Alec and I took our seats and joined the reception. Cecilia could not stay out for long, but with Silya present, we were able to attend Sophia’s wedding reception.
Before we could greet them, Sophia and Sir Cyril came over to speak with us.
“Your Majesties, Emperor and Empress, thank you for attending our wedding today.”
“We are truly happy to be able to marry with the blessings of the Emperor and Empress.”
“Congratulations, Sophia. Take good care of Cyril and build a wonderful family.”
“That depends on Cyril.”
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I believe the day will come when my love reaches Sophia.”
“Calling her by name already?”
“We are married now, so it’s fine, isn’t it?”
I felt relieved seeing the two of them speak so comfortably with one another. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing Sophia’s spouse is someone with whom she can speak openly and honestly.
“Cyril, the Dian territories are important lands in this country. Help Sophia well and strive for the prosperity of the territories.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”
His Majesty Alec, who had been a childhood friend and close aide to Sir Cyril, said this lightly, and Sir Cyril responded calmly. Perhaps they share a relationship in which they can speak freely without hesitation.
“Your Majesty, may I see Princess Cecilia’s face?”
“Please do. She is your niece.”
Since it was Cecilia’s first outing since she was born, Sophia had not yet seen her face. Approaching the baby crib, she peeked at Cecilia and exclaimed in delight.
“How adorable! Her black hair is like Your Majesty, Empress, and her eye color is like Your Majesty, Emperor. Her features may also resemble Your Majesty, Emperor.”
“All members of the royal family are born with this eye color. Passing on this color is proof that she is my child.”
I thought I had heard something like this before, but it was the first time I had heard it clearly from His Majesty Alec. I had thought Garnet-kun’s pomegranate-colored eyes were rare, but they were apparently exclusive to the royal family. Cecilia had inherited them perfectly.
“May I hold her?”
“She just had milk, so her wedding outfit may get dirty.”
“It’s fine if it gets dirty. Holding my cute niece is more important.”
Sophia reached out, and I handed Cecilia to her. Her neck was stable now, so there was no problem. Cecilia looked around blankly while being held by Sophia.
“This is your aunt, Sophia. Cecilia, remember her.”
“Cecilia, this is my sister, Sophia. She is your aunt.”
“Uh-oh.”
As I spoke to her, Cecilia smiled brightly and waved her arms and legs. Sophia was completely captivated. Still, they had to return to greet other guests, so reluctantly, they went back to their seats.
Our seats were soon visited by Sophia’s parents.
“Your Majesties, thank you for attending our daughter’s wedding today.”
“So Princess Cecilia is with you. Let us greet her as well.”
Sophia’s parents were also captivated by Cecilia. She was their first grandchild, after all. When I handed Cecilia to them, they peeked at her little face.
“Her black hair resembles Your Majesty, Empress.”
“Her eyes are just like Your Majesty, Emperor.”
“Her face also resembles Your Majesty, Emperor.”
“How adorable!”
“She is your grandfather, you know.”
“She is your grandmother, you know.”
How could a baby capture so much of an adult’s heart? Seeing Sophia’s parents smiling and talking to Cecilia made me smile as well.
“Cecilia, these are my father and mother. Would you like to be held by them too?”
“May I?”
“Of course, please.”
Taking turns holding Cecilia, her parents reluctantly returned her to my arms, still smelling faintly of milk. They probably wanted to hold her longer, but they had responsibilities to entertain the other guests.
“Please visit the palace again.”
“Your grandparents are always welcome, Cecilia.”
After bowing to us, Sophia’s parents returned to their seats. I knew there were many other guests wanting to greet us, but Cecilia could not handle being out for so long. I wanted to celebrate Sophia a little longer, but regretfully, I spoke to Sophia and Sir Cyril and then returned to the imperial palace with His Majesty Alec.
“We will take our leave now. Sophia, it was a wonderful wedding.”
“Be happy, Sophia and Cyril.”
“Thank you, Your Majesties, Emperor and Empress, and Princess Cecilia.”
“Not that you can come anytime… but when you come to inspect the Dian territories, please come by.”
Once our greetings were exchanged, we boarded the carriage that had been prepared. Cecilia, exhausted, fell asleep. Even though the large imperial carriage had a crib for her, I held her the entire way since it would be dangerous if she moved around. Her drool got on my dress, but I didn’t mind at all.
“Sophia and her parents both said Cecilia is cute.”
“Because Cecilia is the cutest in the world.”
“Since she resembles His Majesty Alec, she will probably become the most beautiful princess.”
Sophia was beautiful, but Alec’s features were truly artistic, flawless, tall, with long silver hair, snow-white skin, and a perfectly proportioned body. Cecilia, too, resembled Alec—her skin extremely pale, and except for her black hair like mine, her eyes and features were much like Alec’s.
“They say girls who resemble their fathers are happy.”
“Really? Then I must be so happy because I resemble my father.”
Beautiful Sophia resembled her mother, while I, rather plain, resembled my father. Yet, being polished in the imperial palace had improved my skin, hair, and overall appearance. Standing next to Alec, I might still seem less striking, but I had come to see myself as reasonably beautiful.
“Why is it said that girls who resemble their fathers are happy?”
When I voiced this question, Alec smiled wryly.
“The mother of a child is always certain, but the father might not be. If a child resembles the father, he can raise the child with confidence that it is his own, giving the child love and happiness.”
“I didn’t know it was for that reason!”
I was surprised, and Alec chuckled softly, this time with a gentle, honest smile. His eyes glowed a soft reddish hue.
“I know Reisy will never bear another man’s child.”
“I only want you, Alec.”
“Reisy, I love you.”
“I… also… oh, Cecilia…”
At the moment Alec whispered “I love you,” Cecilia opened her eyes wide and looked straight at him.
“I love Cecilia too.”
“Ahh.”
Hearing she was loved, Cecilia smiled softly and fell asleep again. Her baby dress was embroidered with delicate blue vine patterns.
