<CHAPTER 69>
The Most Beautiful Bride in the World
A week passed just like that, and now that Ehilie’s condition had returned to normal, Redemberg fell into another serious dilemma.
It was because of the wedding preparations.
If it were up to him, he wanted to hold it in a vast and magnificent venue, invite an enormous number of people, and show everyone.
That such a beautiful person was his wife.
However, there was no suitable place.
‘The Demon Realm is obviously out of the question.’
‘Cameldot estate? It’s so remote that no one would come to see it. Besides, the estate itself is too old to host a proper banquet.’
At the very least, proper grand halls or cathedrals were all located in the capital.
‘This is troublesome.’
There was no way he could hold a wedding in this small village.
After worrying for a long time, Redemberg reluctantly decided to ask for advice.
“What kind of weddings do women like?”
At his question, Herond quickly answered.
“The trend these days is definitely the Red Room! A massive hall covered entirely in red from the ceiling to the walls, with a red carpet and the head of a dragon you personally hunted displayed in the center—”
“Not you.”
“Pardon?”
“I asked Lucy.”
Herond, who had been answering enthusiastically, froze blankly.
Lucy, who had been called, also looked flustered.
“…M-me?”
“Yes.”
“Your Highness! Do you not trust this Herond?”
“No.”
“What?”
“Herond is reliable in other areas, but his sense of romance is garbage.”
That was true.
Herond, who claimed to be a romance expert, had barely even spoken properly to any women other than Lucy and Ehilie.
‘Still, calling him garbage so bluntly is a bit…’
Lucy worried that Herond might get hurt.
‘When Herond sulks, he becomes a nuisance.’
He would droop like a sick chicken and scatter feathers all over the corridor.
“I’m a useless crow.”
It was always Lucy’s job to comfort the gloomy Herond.
Of course, even when she did, his mood didn’t improve easily.
Lucy carefully glanced at him.
However, instead of being depressed, Herond looked proud.
“That’s right, Your Highness! I am indeed quite reliable.”
It seemed he was so moved by the part about being reliable that he didn’t even hear the rest.
‘He really is a bird.’
Lucy admired his simplicity.
This positive mindset was one of his strengths.
‘Oh right! I didn’t answer.’
Lucy, who had been distracted by Herond, finally spoke.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can answer that.”
Before she could finish, Herond jumped in eagerly.
“See, Your Highness! For such an important matter, you should entrust it to your most reliable subordinate, me! According to my perfect knowledge of romance—!”
Redemberg didn’t even look at him.
“Why?”
“Your Highness, are you even listening to me?”
He was completely ignored.
Since Redemberg didn’t respond, Herond changed direction.
“Then Lucy, tell us. His Highness is asking for your advice, so why is it difficult?”
Lucy answered calmly.
“What His Majesty wants to know isn’t what kind of wedding women like, but what kind of wedding Lady Ehilie wants.”
“That’s the same thing!”
‘Please be quiet, Herond!’
Lucy shot him a glance before looking straight into Redemberg’s eyes and speaking clearly.
“A wedding isn’t something you do alone. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime step you take together with the partner you’ll spend your life with. So instead of worrying alone, why not ask Lady Ehilie directly? Even the time you spend thinking about it together will become a happy memory.”
“That’s not it, Lucy. Things like this should be prepared as a surprise to be truly moving! Don’t you think so, Your Highness?”
“I see.”
“Right? You heard that, Lucy—Your Highness also… Your Highness? Where are you going?”
Redemberg silently left the room.
His destination was likely where the most precious person in the world to him was.
Herond stared blankly at the closed door.
Lucy shook her head.
“Herond really doesn’t understand anything.”
“What? What don’t I understand?”
“How would someone who’s never even been in a relationship understand a woman’s heart?”
“Hah! You’re no different!”
“I may not have dated, but I know what it feels like when you start liking someone.”
“What? Lucy, do you like someone?”
“Yes.”
“Since when? Who is it?”
“Lucy, I’ve told you many times—don’t fall for someone just because they look good! I’ve known you since you were little, so I’m saying this like a father!”
Lucy stared at him before turning away.
“Herond, you really are a fool.”
“What? A fool? Where else is there a crow as smart as me!”
***
Following Lucy’s advice, Redemberg spoke with Ehilie.
He asked how she wanted to decorate the wedding venue and who she wanted to invite.
“I want a small, cozy wedding hall. Big, flashy venues feel a bit overwhelming. Oh, I once attended a wedding at a village church, and it was perfect. I remember thinking I’d like to get married there someday.”
Ehilie spoke excitedly about the wedding she envisioned.
“A church filled with flowers, with warm sunlight shining in like a spotlight.”
It was good that he had listened to Lucy.
As she said, what Redemberg wanted was a wedding where Ehilie could smile happily.
“Ah, I think it would be best to hold the wedding as soon as possible…”
“Understood.”
“What?”
“I will prepare it as quickly as possible.”
“How quickly are you planning to prepare it?”
Ehilie muttered.
It would take at least a month to prepare everything, including the dress and flowers.
But she didn’t yet know.
That Redemberg’s patience only existed when it came to Ehilie.
He had no intention of waiting a whole month.
He was so eager he could marry her as soon as tomorrow.
***
A week later.
The largest church in the small countryside village was filled with people.
There wasn’t even space to stand inside.
Outside the open windows, crowds gathered on tiptoe to watch.
“Wow, they’re finally getting married.”
“I know. They’ve been so lovey-dovey, I thought they were already married.”
“Well, that’s because they weren’t married yet. After marriage, they’ll end up like us.”
“Oh please.”
“What, am I wrong?”
“Stop ruining the mood and just congratulate them.”
From couples born and raised in the village, to elders who returned after working in the city, to children dragged along by their mothers—
the entire village had gathered.
The old church, though worn with time, was filled with warmth and happiness left behind by countless people.
White veils were elegantly wrapped around the aged pillars.
Flowers brightened the interior.
Sunlight poured in more brilliantly than any jewel or gold.
“They’re coming out!”
“Let me see too!”
At last, the main characters appeared.
The bride in a pure white dress looked like an angel.
Her silver-white hair flowed like a galaxy beneath her veil.
Her layered dress shimmered with elegance.
“Oh my, she’s beautiful. Like an angel.”
“And look at the groom!”
The groom beside her radiated overwhelming presence.
His perfect face was both cold and gentle, sharp yet soft.
His tailored black suit highlighted his broad shoulders and strong physique.
“He’s glowing. Just looking at him makes you smile.”
“What does he even do? He looks like nobility.”
“Why would a noble marry in a place like this?”
“Maybe he gave up everything for love.”
“How romantic!”
“You people should write a novel.”
Despite all the chatter, everyone ended with the same thought.
“I hope they live happily.”
“Ehilie! I loved you! Please be happy!”
As if they were the only two in the world, the couple gazed at each other sweetly.
The ceremony began amid warm blessings.
The officiant was Father Thomas, who had long served the church.
He spoke for over thirty minutes.
Just as the guests grew tired, the highlight arrived.
“Now, the final vow kiss.”
“W-what? A kiss?”
Ehilie’s blue eyes widened.
“It’s our village tradition.”
“B-but in front of all these people…”
Rek smiled charmingly.
“If it’s tradition, we should follow it.”
“W-wait, Rek! You can just pretend—!”
Before she could finish, he pulled her close and kissed her.
He had no reason to hesitate before the most beautiful bride in the world.
“Oh my!”
“What passion!”
“Waaah!”
Cheers and applause erupted.
It was a wedding more radiant than sunlight.
