Ch.66Love and War #4

Little by little, at a comfortable pace.

Helena and I have been preparing for our wedding slowly, allowing plenty of time, following this principle.

What clothes to wear, what dishes to serve, what to say in the greeting speech, and so on… We started with the important things and then handled even the miscellaneous tasks that could have been done later.

And so, I’ve reached the day before my wedding.

Just like the day before being discharged from military service when time seemed to crawl by unbearably slowly, the day before the wedding felt the same. Though I was slightly anxious with an indescribable mix of vague elation and fear.

“Are you worried?”

In the evening, with yellow lamps illuminating the room. Helena, who was drinking tea with me, casually asked.

To that, I shook my head to indicate that I wasn’t. It was just that my heart felt different than usual.

If I had to name one concern, it would be the titles and gazes that would be directed at me from now on.

I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or sad about being called Grand Duke, a title I’d never had in my life.

“Everyone worked hard, and we prepared thoroughly, so I’m not worried. It’s just that the thought of being called Grand Duke from tomorrow makes me uneasy.”

“Ah… I suppose that makes sense since Jion isn’t the type to welcome a rise in status. But I think it can’t be helped. You’ve always been mine, but going through the official procedure gives it a completely different weight.”

From a baron’s son to a Grand Duke. As Helena said, it’s an enormously significant difference.

This kind of social advancement is unprecedented, and would be nearly impossible in peaceful times.

To achieve this level of status elevation in this continent, one would typically need to take up arms during chaotic times when nations are falling.

At least, that’s what I thought.

Depending on the circumstances, it can be uncomfortably nauseating and overwhelmingly burdensome.

The difference between vaguely imagining it in your head and actually feeling its weight was incomparable.

Perhaps if I didn’t have a steel mentality, things wouldn’t have worked out this well.

I thought again how wise I had been to request this trait, which was neither flashy nor extraordinary.

I was truly grateful for this ability that seemed to prove the saying that even in a tiger’s den, one can survive by keeping their wits about them.

“It is different. That’s why I’m scared too.”

“Scared? Really? If it’s that burdensome, should we cancel the wedding even now? We have plenty of time, so after you’ve calmed down a bit more…”

Helena, concerned about my timid appearance, even suggested canceling the wedding.

Normally, she would have encouraged or scolded me, saying not to show weakness or that it was too late to back out with all the preparations complete…

Overcome with unexpected emotion, I firmly grasped Helena’s hand.

It might have seemed abrupt to suddenly take her hand, but Helena just blushed and smiled broadly.

Besides, we had already sent out wedding invitations long ago, so canceling wasn’t really an option.

“It’s okay. It’s not as scary as when you have those dark circles under your eyes.”

“Ugh! Am I… that frightening?”

“You are. Who wouldn’t be scared when a Sword Master stares at them with murderous intent?”

It wasn’t murderous intent but rather a fear like plunging your head into a bottomless abyss, but there seemed no need to explain that point.

It was enough to comfort Helena who was sincerely blaming herself, and to tease her as she pouted and claimed she’d been deceived.

Even through all this, she showed no sign of letting go of my firmly held hand, which told me she wasn’t truly angry.

“That’s so mean! You’ve never teased me like this before…”

“Maybe I feel more comfortable now, thinking that we’ll be husband and wife from tomorrow. I’m sorry.”

“…Well, I suppose I have no choice then.”

Helena released my hand and straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin slightly, as if trying to show great magnanimity.

She seemed to be attempting to demonstrate what aristocratic mercy mixed with arrogance looked like, but it appeared as awkward as a child pretending to be an adult.

Instead, it made her look all the more adorable.

◎◎◎

The day of the wedding.

The Krauser mansion was bustling with guests who had arrived after receiving invitations.

Some nobles who ruled territories came in person, while many others sent representatives such as their children.

Thanks to the gentle emphasis in the invitations that attendance was optional, many guests seemed relaxed and engaged in conversation without tension.

“You seem calm.”

Ellen approached me as I was observing the scene from the second-floor balustrade.

She was wearing a black formal attire typically worn by knights, which might have looked awkward, but she showed no sign of discomfort.

She looked gallant yet beautiful, fully displaying Ellen’s charm.

“I’ve experienced something similar before. I was very nervous the night before an important exam, but when the day actually came, I felt calm.”

“Are you saying that for Your Grace, a wedding is similar to an exam?”

Your Grace, huh. I nodded, feeling a bit ticklish at the title.

“It’s similar. I think the wedding itself is good, but… the guests who have come here look like examiners to me. Even nobles belonging to the Royal faction don’t feel like allies, let alone others.”

“Ah! Come to think of it, I heard that some who maintain neutrality and even a few from the Noble faction have shown their faces?”

“That’s right.”

The neutral faction who maintain balanced relationships by moving between the Noble and Royal factions.

And even those under the Killinear Duchy, where a cold atmosphere still flows internally and internal strife could break out at any moment.

Especially from the Noble faction, some came after hearing rumors even though we didn’t send them invitations… they might be planning to switch factions on this occasion.

Although the wedding day should simply be a happy occasion, a noble’s wedding was also a political venue.

“It’s surprising, but there aren’t many elaborate procedures for the wedding. I thought a high-ranking noble’s wedding would be more grand and splendid.”

“That’s because we decided to keep it that way.”

It’s closer to what would be called a small wedding in modern terms, but since Ellen wouldn’t know that concept, I gave an answer suggesting we wanted to keep it modest.

Considering the cost of ingredients for the banquet and decorations for the lobby, it was far from modest, but from a noble’s perspective, it might seem so.

“I’m envious.”

“Even if you’re envious, there’s nothing to be done. So would you please step back and keep your distance?”

As Ellen was muttering like a complaint, a familiar voice joined the conversation.

The owner of the voice was none other than Helena, who, as I turned around, was slowly approaching with the support of her maids.

It wasn’t that she was physically uncomfortable, but she was awkward with the wedding dress and the white shoes on her feet.

“Yes… I apologize for my rudeness.”

For a moment, sparks seemed to fly from Ellen’s eyes, but she soon bowed her head and stepped back a few paces.

Seeing how quickly she composed herself and took a deep breath, I suspected she had momentarily lost control of her emotions.

“I’m here. No, I’m here.”

As if to indicate that we were now a couple, Helena smiled brightly and spoke informally.

A pure white wedding dress with beautifully embroidered intricate patterns that emphasized the contours of her body.

Come to think of it, unlike modern weddings, since there would be more time for face-to-face conversation, covering the back might not have much meaning, but it was a design that could be appreciated for what it was.

The Helena before me now was as beautiful as the goddesses of the divine realm, and the thought that such a woman was to be mine sparked a belated sense of superiority.

“You only tried it on briefly before taking it off then… is it comfortable to move in?”

“Yes. It’s fine. I feel like I could even wield a sword and fight in this.”

“You’re being quite exaggerative today.”

“I’m serious.”

Helena pouted her lips as if dissatisfied that I didn’t believe her sincerity.

Since only the mansion’s residents were watching, and she was in front of me, she seemed to be showing her bare face without hiding anything.

Even though she was speaking informally, it was a change she had made after considering whether to maintain the calm and relaxed attitude she had shown so far.

However, this change was limited to within the mansion; the moment she walked down there, she would put on her public mask as if nothing had happened.

This was a different matter from speaking informally.

“Anyway, it really suits you. You’d stand out as the best anywhere.”

“…Thank you.”

Helena, embarrassed by the direct compliment, blushed and fidgeted.

I smiled at her and then extended my hand. The guests would soon be getting hungry, so it seemed best to go down and finish the speech briefly and concisely.

Helena seemed to understand my intention, as her firm yet soft hand overlapped with mine.

It seemed like just yesterday when she was lamenting the calluses on her hands from countless hours of holding a sword, but time really flies.

“Well, shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Hand in hand, we slowly walked down the corridor and descended the grand staircase leading below.

Click-clack. As the sound of shoe heels hitting the ground echoed through the mansion, the eyes of those who had been engrossed in conversation all turned toward us.

Regardless of their individual intentions, they clearly recognized what today’s event was about.

─He’s made it big. How does one manage to seduce a duchess? It’s surprising, even with an advantageous position.

─It’s no wonder she had no shortage of suitors. Though they completely stopped after that incident…

─Since they’ve publicly declared their relationship, it can’t be helped. More importantly, I haven’t seen that dress before… which tailor’s work is it?

People talking about the past. People talking about clothes. And people talking about me. All kinds of idle chatter was rising like a fog from beneath our feet.

“Welcome. We are honored that you have personally come to our wedding.”

However.

As soon as Helena began her conventional yet appropriate greeting, everyone fell silent.

Perhaps it was because she exuded her unique pressure despite her smiling face, but the nobles appeared to be on their best behavior.

The evidence was in how they straightened their backs and tensed their shoulders nervously.

“In my life, there have been joyful moments, but also unfortunate ones. I’ve found that where there is happiness, hardship often follows. For example…”

A life that, while not long, could not be called short either.

Helena’s life, which in terms of ups and downs was incredibly dynamic, made the listeners nod their heads involuntarily.

From her early training in swordsmanship and etiquette to her younger brother’s poisoning attempt and more. She overwhelmed the audience by fearlessly mentioning topics that should normally be avoided on a joyous day.

To me, it seemed like she was questioning whether a marriage that only seeks happiness is truly the right kind of marriage.

“Therefore, I cannot guarantee that marriage will always be happy. Some of you may have made strategic choices for the union of power, and some may have found happiness by chance within that. Conversely, there may be times when it is bland or unhappy.”

─What matters is the determination and will to shape that relationship.

Helena concluded her speech with those words, giving me a sidelong glance.

A whispered warning that if I had something to say, I should say it, and that I should at least say a few words.

Suppressing a sigh that was trying to escape from my throat, I squeezed Helena’s hand.

Not crushing it, but just firmly enough to feel that we were tightly connected.

“Welcome. Today, I have received more love than I deserve from Helena and have formed this marital bond. I am originally from a baron’s family with no connection to the duchy, and I am well aware of how undeserving I am. However, I have no intention of being crushed or intimidated by this unworthiness.”

The burden was a burden, and the fact that I would become a Grand Duke through marriage remained unchanged.

Unless Helena suddenly changed her mind and canceled, it was a title I would carry until death.

So I decided to go for it, thinking there was no need to be intimidated now.