Chapter 40

As the seasons changed, and early summer arrived, the mourning period for her father was finally over.

It was the long-awaited wedding parade.

On that day, a procession of carriages adorned with flowers lined up in the capital of Pastore, and they paraded down the main streets with orchestras and dancers.

While Lucrezia was making final adjustments to her veil and makeup in the mansion, a cheerful voice of a cute little girl burst in.

"Big sister! Look at this!"

It was her younger sister, Rosa.

Dressed in a graceful dress, she made a quick bow.

"Oh, how lovely. You look so different."

"I've been training hard!"

Rosa puffed out her chest.

Since then, Rosa had become more obedient to Lucrezia's advice and had improved her manners and etiquette remarkably after getting a governess.

Now, she was a lady who could be taken anywhere without embarrassment.

"Big sister, thank you so much for getting my dress back!"

The dress, embroidered with rosebuds, was one that Rosa had once made but never worn due to the return of the title. It had been sold as a used item, which Rosa had found by chance, and Lucrezia had bought it back for her.

Since then, Rosa had become even more well-behaved.

Even if she had ulterior motives, she had learned to maintain a proper appearance, which Lucrezia considered sufficient.

"Big sister, your outfit is beautiful too!"

Lucrezia smiled wryly at Rosa, who seemed to be saying, "I'm the best." This was still an area that needed improvement.

Accompanied by Rosa, Lucrezia boarded a particularly large open carriage.

Next to her was Lamirio.

While Lucrezia maintained a composed appearance, she was far from calm inside.

—Lord Lamirio in his wedding attire is so handsome, it's a problem.

Lamirio had been reluctant, so the outfit was almost entirely chosen by Lucrezia, and she had memorized the pattern from seeing it so many times. However, the sight of him wearing it was extraordinary.

Just being next to him made her heart race and feel tense.

When she glanced sideways, he smiled back at her with an incredibly gentle expression, and Lucrezia's cheeks turned red instantly.

Throughout the parade around the capital, Lucrezia was restless and couldn't settle down.

—To think I'll be married to such a wonderful person, it's unbelievable!

When she was helped down from the carriage at the end, she blushed again.

Why was just touching hands so embarrassing?

Lucrezia's mind went blank, and she hardly remembered anything that happened afterward.

Before she knew it, she was being encouraged by the crowd to exchange a vow kiss.

"Lucrezia"

Called by her name in a soft, sweet voice, Lucrezia's heart raced as she gently looked up at Lamirio.

"Are you nervous?"

Lucrezia almost screamed at the teasing whisper. She hadn't been told they would be this close. What was supposed to happen next?

With her mind a blank, Lucrezia clung to Lamirio's hand.

Lamirio's face broke into a brief smile at the unexpected gesture, but he quickly composed himself.

"Okay, I understand. Just stay still. Trust me, alright?"

"Y-Yes."

Nodding absentmindedly, Lamirio pulled Lucrezia close and gave her a light, feather-like kiss.

Their eyes met as they slightly parted.

Seeing the loving look in his eyes, Lucrezia felt a deep sense of emotion. She realized, yes, she was marrying this person.

***

—Afterward, Lucrezia and Lamirio paraded through the entire territory, receiving countless blessings from the people.

The parade continued for several days, and the Duke of Pastore provided many meals and drinks along the way, entertaining the people for a long time.

Lamirio's reputation as a lord grew, and it wasn't long before he and Lucrezia were praised as exemplary rulers.

****

And five years later.

Their relationship was as good as it could be, and their second child was growing up healthily.

That year, the diary that Lucrezia had diligently written was discovered by a playwright and was published as an opera.

"The Ugly Duke's Seventh Miracle After Six Broken Engagements"

Lucrezia was dissatisfied with the title.

She had always wanted to erase the name of the Ugly Duke from the country.

So she made some changes to the title.

"The True Form of Duke Lamirio of Pastore: His Trials and Miracles"

—And so it ends.

◆Announcement of Book Publication and Manga Adaptation◆

"The Ugly Duke and the Forced Marriage" has been decided for book publication and manga adaptation.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported the series during its run.

Thank you for all the views, bookmarks, comments, and ratings!

◆Announcement of New Work◆

"Rize, the Magic Tool Maker, Opens for Business: I Was Rescued by the Ice Duke While Making Magic Tools for My Sister"

https://ncode.syosetu.com/n1180he/

The series has started.

I hope you will also enjoy this one.