TRETTHD 84

#84. Perhaps

Belia and Khalid’s wedding began in a dazzling fashion with the couple’s kiss, and then the ceremony proceeded in proper order according to protocol.

On one side of the wedding hall, the Empress—who had not been seen outside her palace for a long time—appeared and took her seat. When she entered holding the Emperor’s hand, a tremendous stir swept through the audience.

Though it was just a rumor, some even speculated that the Empress had actually died and the Emperor was hiding it. So it was obvious how much of an impact her presence would make without needing to imagine it.

“If you have any intention of making a pointless scene, I suggest you stop now, Your Majesty,” someone said.

“…….”

The Empress remained silent, as if she had nothing to discuss with the Emperor, answering no questions and keeping her composure. She simply walked to her seat with an indifferent expression and stared quietly at Khalid.

“Is Her Majesty the Empress finally entering the social scene in earnest?”

“No, surely not……”

Many wondered aloud, but no one could answer their questions.

Amid the rampant speculation, Belia’s grandfather—the high priest sent from the Divine Kingdom—ascended the dais to bless the couple getting married today.

“I have always prayed without selfish intent for all creation under the watchful gaze of the Divine. But today, I wish to offer a personal prayer, solely for them,” the high priest said warmly.

“I will not speak at length. I trust that my sincerity will reach the Divine, so I shall pray quietly.”

With that, he slowly closed his eyes.

Though a simple gesture, there was an indescribable, transcendent power emanating from him.

All present fell silent in awe at the majestic sight.

The high priest murmured a prayer, and gradually, bright lights began to appear around him, flickering in and out.

They watched for a while as the luminous clusters formed.

“The Divine will gladly bless their future,” the high priest said, smiling, raising and lowering his hands. The lights that had disappeared quickly reappeared, circling around Belia and Khalid.

Everyone present gasped in wonder at the mysterious, beautiful sight.

Even the Emperor was no exception. He gazed at the high priest in amazement. Though he had attended many weddings, he had never seen the high priest radiate such brilliant light while offering a blessing.

It seemed that the title of “high priest” was well-earned; his tremendous sacred power illuminated the entire hall.

“Wow.”
“Truly beautiful.”

Everyone watched the lights move in silent awe.

When the lights finally dimmed, a subtle aura could be seen emanating from Belia and Khalid.

“Their souls are now imbued with the Divine’s radiant light. Surely, there will be hardships in the future they will walk together. But—”

The high priest drew a small staff from his robes, one of the five sacred relics he always carried.

“Lehisin, the third bell of the Divine. As witness to these two, I declare in the name of the Divine: their future shall be filled only with blessings.”

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous cheers and applause erupted.

Yet, some still sat with uneasy smiles. Especially the Empress, whose expression was extremely dark.

The more attention and discussion this wedding received, the more lackluster the First Prince’s wedding in autumn would seem.

‘Princess Ronica’s position is more significant than I thought.’

At first, she had merely considered her a princess of a small country. Though not as tiny as a confederation of states, Ronica’s kingdom was small compared to the Empire.

The Empress had assumed Belia posed no real threat to them, despite the Emperor paying so much attention to her. Even though Ronica was the granddaughter of the high priest, the Divine Kingdom had always been closed off and uninvolved in other nations’ affairs. The Empress assumed the high priest would take no action.

‘Yet he left the Divine Kingdom just for my granddaughter’s wedding…!’

It was a painful mistake.

The Empress clenched her fists. She maintained a smiling face, but she couldn’t stop her lips from trembling.

Just because one girl was getting married, the Second Prince’s status had risen so much—it made her grind her teeth.

‘I should have pushed the Emperor to let Raoul become engaged to the princess…!’

It had been a mistake to agree with the Emperor when he suggested pairing with the Canterif Duchy.

At that moment, the Emperor quietly spoke to her.

“Empress, do not be troubled. I will ensure that the First Prince’s wedding is prepared far more grandly and splendidly than this one.”

“You even consider my insufficient feelings… I am ashamed before Your Majesty.”

“No. I understand perfectly.”

Even with the Empress beside her, the Empress leaned lightly on the Emperor’s shoulder. The Empress’s expression remained unreadable.

“Now, the vows,” the high priest said.

Belia and Khalid faced each other. They each sipped from the purified water the high priest handed them and kissed.

With that, all formalities concluded.

“By this, I proclaim before the Divine that these two are now husband and wife.”

Cheers and applause erupted once again.

Belia and Khalid then moved to the carriage prepared for them.

It was not an enclosed carriage but one with open sides, allowing everyone to see them as they traveled.

Such carriages were often used for royalty to tour the capital and interact directly with their subjects, especially during weddings.

Khalid climbed into the carriage first and extended his hand to Belia. She took it and entered. Inside, soft furs lined the carriage, keeping them warm despite the chilly weather.

“You’ve done well,” Khalid said quietly to Belia.

Belia smiled broadly in response.

“You’ve worked hard too.”

He had kissed her so soon after the ceremony started; she had worried at first but seemed to have endured it well.

“Still, that’s no excuse. What are you thinking, kissing me at the wedding!” she whispered, scolding him.

Khalid, however, remained unabashed.

“You were too beautiful to resist. That’s why I asked to see your dress in advance—then I’d have been prepared, and this wouldn’t have happened.”

Belia rolled her eyes.

“What kind of groom asks to see the bride’s dress beforehand!”

“Haha. You didn’t show it despite saying that, so I had no choice but to kiss you immediately.”

“Don’t justify yourself, Khalid.”

Despite her words, there was laughter in Belia’s voice, evidence that she was not truly angry.

“Well, at least the ceremony ended safely.”

“Yes, it did.”

It was only the simplest part of the day. They would now tour the capital, greeting the citizens who came to celebrate, and then return to the palace for the banquet.

From there, it would be another battlefield of sorts.

The carriage moved slowly.

Passing the people who had come to celebrate, they left the palace gates. Knights lined the route, marching alongside them.

“Princess Belia!”
“Your Highness! Congratulations!”
“Princess!”

Cheering echoed through the streets. Some even threw flower petals in celebration.

Belia waved at each person, meeting their eyes, refusing to miss a single face.

Among them were children from the orphanage she sponsored, artists, therapists, and patients she had met during visits to the clinics—all waving and offering congratulations.

“Princess! Be happy!”

The words “be happy” lingered in her ears, impossible to shake.

‘…So far, the path I’ve walked wasn’t wrong.’

Belia strengthened her resolve, accepting the blessings offered to her. She decided, as Khalid had said, not to doubt the affection people were showing her.

“Belia, all these people will support you,” Khalid said.

Like the first promise she had made, to rise from the bottom of the Empire to the top—her foundation was already solid.

“So, you just need to move forward without worry.”

Khalid held Belia’s hand tightly. She looked at all those smiling at her.

Yes. Perhaps…

The once terrifying Ingot Empire could indeed become something she could love.

After touring the capital, the carriage returned to the palace.

Raoul sneered as he watched the flower-adorned carriage.

Khalid and Belia looked happy.

‘…Happiness.’

A strange shadow darkened Raoul’s face. How long would that happiness last?

His dark, troubled eyes fixed on Belia.

Belia’s eyes were half-closed in a bright smile, her hand holding Khalid’s, her gaze locked on him. Her love for him was palpable.

‘She’s even more beautiful now. Much more than before.’

Each time he looked at her, his desire surged.

Was it because he could not have her that he wanted her more, or was it the anger of losing what was his?

Raoul smirked lightly, observing their every detail, even the way her hair fluttered in the wind.

“Your Highness, shall we go in?”

Elin, watching the carriage with anxious eyes, carefully tugged on Raoul’s arm.

The banquet was about to begin.

All the other nobles had entered, leaving only the two of them on the terrace, watching Khalid and Belia.

“…Yes, we should,” Raoul said.

Yet he did not move until the carriage was completely out of sight.

Elin bit her lips anxiously. It had seemed fine just a moment ago.

“Your Highness.”

Only then did Raoul turn around. His face wore nothing but a gentle smile.

After just now smiling coldly, his expression was now warm, as if nothing had happened.

“I apologize, Elin. I had something to consider. Shall we go in?”

Raoul gently took Elin’s hand.

Those who attended the wedding had already entered the banquet hall and were enjoying the feast while Belia and Khalid toured the capital. Soon, the couple would change into new attire and appear at the banquet.

“Oh, Your Majesty. Is this true?”
“Indeed.”

Though the Emperor and Empress had done nothing for this banquet, they sat brazenly at the highest dais, chatting and laughing freely.

Next to them, the Empress sat expressionless, merely looking down.

As music played and people enjoyed the elegant party, a shout announced the arrival of today’s main protagonists.