Chapter 8

Before long, the figures in the cathedral had almost all disappeared.

The pews were almost empty, with only the priest slumped a little distance away and a few dozen people, who seemed to have lost their strength, remaining near the entrance.

Was the bride, who appeared in a blood-soaked wedding dress, that terrifying? It was convenient for having a secret conversation, but Alicia felt a bit wronged.

(Or perhaps what they fear is not the blood-soaked bride...)

Felix, whom Alicia was looking at, whispered in this manner.

"Do you really have the power to see the future?"

"!"

Felix's gaze became even more interested as Alicia's eyes widened.

"Indeed, if I had to choose, it was no mistake that you were more valuable than your sister. The mysterious princess of Shelharad."

(This man has decided to believe in the existence of powers now considered superstitions. He seems to be showing interest in it, which is convenient...)

However, from this moment on, Alicia was determined to keep something hidden from Felix.

"Alicia, your power to see the future has a limitation. Besides the situation where you must choose suicide when faced with a near-death situation, there is one more."

Of course, she could not forget what her mother had told her.

"---You can see the future only three times in your life."

In other words, Alicia could only see the future two more times.

(He is interested in me because of this power. If he finds out that I can only use it two more times, and especially if I use it up, I will have no value to him.)

In the future where Alicia was killed in the forest and Tina married, Tina was said to have been kept under house arrest by Felix.

Alicia's fate, once she became worthless, would undoubtedly be even more tragic.

(The only way to deceive him about the usage limit is to 'act as if I can see the future even when I'm not using the power.' I will use all the knowledge and skills I have... and then, I will use this country to fulfill my duties as a princess.)

She slowly closed her eyes and repeated this to herself.

(First, I must do whatever it takes to pull that uncle from the throne and reclaim my father's country.)

To gain supporters throughout the country, she walked around doing charitable work.

Even if her sister Tina was credited with the accomplishments, it was Alicia who actually interacted with the people. They promised to repay her kindness whenever she needed it.

(The last thing I need is a powerful foreign ally. I've made various preparations, but the best would be if my 'husband' could be that ally.)

Alicia slowly opened her eyes and looked up at Felix.

"Will you promise me?"

"Promise?"

"To cooperate with me. ...Otherwise, I cannot share any more detailed information."

When Alicia stated this clearly, Felix smiled.

The sunlight streaming through the cathedral's stained glass windows made the light gray color of Felix's eyes even more transparent.

"Before making such a promise, there is a pledge we must exchange first."

"What...?"

Felix's lips pressed against Alicia's, who was looking up at him.

"---..."

Alicia couldn't help but gasp.

It was a very gentle kiss.

(A pledge kiss for the marriage...)

She had heard that the man who welcomed her as his bride was a cruel person.

If he found out that her power was gone, it wouldn't be strange for her to be killed.

(But I won't be intimidated.)

As soon as Felix released her lips, Alicia reached out and stretched up.

"!"

She kissed him back and quickly pulled away, looking up at him closely.

"Sorry, my lord."

She wiped her lips with the back of her hand and smiled provocatively.

"I forgot to tell you that what stains my lips is not lipstick, but blood."

"---, hah"

His eyes, which seemed to be in a good mood, now held a coldness that pierced through Alicia. He then pulled her closer by the waist and declared to the frightened state guests in the corner of the cathedral.

"With this, Alicia May Roderenvaldt has become my bride. May blessings be upon Princess Alicia."

"Ah..."

The priest, with a strained face, managed to squeeze out his voice.

"N-now, at this moment, a new history is being opened before our eyes. May this marriage bring light to both countries, and blessings upon the crown prince and princess!"

"...Blessings...!"

Amid the forced cheers, Alicia looked up at Felix's profile.

(I will build a cooperative relationship as quickly as possible and reclaim the throne from my uncle before he kills me.)

The bells of blessing rang throughout the cathedral.

(No matter how much of this blood, called mystical, I shed...)

Alicia listened to the sound of the bells and gazed at the beautiful crown prince who had become her husband.

-----

Chapter 1 - End

Continues to Chapter 2 - "The First Night"

That concludes Chapter 1!

The next chapter will start the story of the newlyweds' first night together. The chapters featuring the two of them will continue for a while! I will update at 6 AM tomorrow.

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