Chapter 29

When Lucretia appeared at the dinner, she was greeted by Lamirio.

"Hey, are you feeling better?"

"Y-Yes, I think I was affected by the heat. I'm fine now."

Lamirio murmured, "I'm glad," and smiled gently.

The changes in his expression, which had been hidden behind his glasses, were now clearly visible.

Perhaps because of this, Lucretia felt somewhat off balance.

She sat down, tense, but her appetite didn't return. She reached for the glass of water.

"Tomorrow, as soon as it's light, we'll leave the mansion and go to the largest cathedral in the country. I want you to get some rest early."

Lucretia almost spat out her water at this unexpected announcement.

"It's just a simple ceremony, so you can wear your usual dress. We'll have a parade to match the winter event rush. I plan to have a more elaborate wedding dress made for you, one that will outshine even the queen of a great nation. We just received some wonderful fabrics and jewels from the port town..."

Lucretia listened to Lamirio's smooth and uninterrupted description of the grand wedding dress, her mind going blank.

"...That's the idea. I'm sure it will suit you."

He said it casually and smiled.

Lucretia was completely overwhelmed.

-- I thought my husband-to-be would be more timid and reserved...

His current assertiveness in pushing for the marriage made her feel as if he had changed into a different person.

-- I need to dissuade him. But...

She couldn't bring herself to be strong because, deep down, she was secretly pleased.

It felt as if Lamirio was ardently courting her, making her heart race.

Having always been neglected by her fiancé and father, despite her love for being relied upon, this was a bit too much for Lucretia.

"Since it's difficult to host a reception at the mansion in such a short time, we'll make a public vow in front of a large crowd at the cathedral. Our notary will prepare the marriage certificate, so I want you to sign it before we leave tomorrow morning. And..."

Lucretia was slightly moved by the smooth and efficient planning.

-- Lord Lamirio, you're more efficient at work than I thought.

In her household, most of the troublesome tasks were handled by Lucretia. She had organized the recent convalescence party almost entirely on her own, so she didn't know what kind of work Lamirio did.

-- I thought I had to take care of everything myself...

It was such a wonderful thing to have someone take the initiative.

She could easily see how much effort Lamirio was putting into this, given her own experience.

-- To go to all this trouble and then cancel it because of my personal whims would be a matter of conscience...

To ruin something so well-organized because of personal caprices would be truly difficult.

Lucretia, who had always been overshadowed by her sister Rosa and father's whims, could empathize with Lamirio's efforts.

"...Is there anything you don't understand?"

Lucretia had already lost her will to stop him.

-- Maybe it's fine? I don't see any problems anymore. It's just a wedding ceremony, after all. What matters is whether there is love.

Since he was so eager, Lamirio would surely treat her well.

With this thought, the voice of the angel that had been restraining her disappeared.

-- I'm sorry, Rosa. I used to think you were foolish, but now I can't laugh at you.

Lucretia, too, had a flower blooming in her head.

Her dull eyes must have been shining a little now.

"No, I'm looking forward to it."

-- Oh, how foolish. But... it's fun!

While inwardly squealing with excitement, Lucretia ate her bread with a nonchalant face.

***

The next morning, Lucretia signed the documents as instructed.

The first step of the marriage was complete.

"Let's go."

Held by Lamirio's brisk hand, she got into the carriage.

Though he claimed to do only what was necessary, his straightforward manner made Lucretia feel very embarrassed and tense.

Sitting next to him was somehow awkward.

Lamirio, noticing that Lucretia was silent, tried to make conversation.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Not really..."

"Just a little more to go. Once the vow ceremony is over, you will officially be my wife. When we get back, try to get some good rest."

-- W-Wife? I'm not ready for that.

At that moment, Lucretia realized a very important fact she had overlooked.

-- ...Am I going to sleep with my husband from today?

By common sense, as a wife, she would.

Lucretia blushed so much that she couldn't look at Lamirio properly.

The conversation didn't flow well, and before she knew it, the carriage had arrived.

The cathedral, the largest in the Principality of Pastore, was so bright inside, with natural light flooding in.

-- Amazing, the ceiling is full of angel paintings.

While admiring the beautiful frescoes, the ceremony proceeded smoothly, and she was asked to make a vow.

"...I swear to love Lord Lamirio for the rest of my life."

As she made the vow, she was prompted to exchange a kiss.

Lucretia's heart was pounding so hard that she thought it might break. Lamirio gently leaned in and gave her a tender kiss.

-- The bells rang to celebrate the vow, and as soon as they stepped outside, they received congratulations from the people around them.

"Was that a wedding?"

"Yes, thank you—"

Lucretia's eyes were fixed on a man standing behind her.

He looked a bit thinner over the past few months, but there was no mistaking him.

"Hey, sister, who is that!?"

Her sister Rosa approached loudly.

Lamirio quickly pulled Lucretia close to protect her.

"...Do you have any business with my wife?"

The man gave a smug smile in response to Lamirio's somewhat challenging tone.

"Sorry, but I can't recognize this marriage. After all, this girl is my daughter. 'The Ugly Duke'—Lamirio Pastore."

"...I see. You are Lucretia's father, Prince Antonio."

The bright voice of the younger sister cut through the tense exchange.

"Hey, what's so ugly about this guy!? He's super handsome!"

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