Chapter 230: A Modest yet Luxurious Wedding

In the tranquility returned to Bohemia’s noble estate after the festivities…

Senel addressed her ‘niece’ Cazerios in a calm voice:

“First, I wish to express my gratitude. For permitting this marriage… For summoning Mother to make it possible… For everything…”

“…No, I have merely done what was called for.”

Blushing slightly with a smile, Cazerios responded to Senel.

Meeting her gaze with sincere appreciation tinged with curiosity, Senel asked:

“But…why go to such lengths? In the end, this simply allowed another to take a place by the side of your beloved husband… Was it not a loss for you, in some way?”

“…Fufufu…”

Cazerios let out a light laugh at Senel’s words.

Then, regarding her aunt Senel…

No, one who had already become family – someone she trusted and could open her heart to – Polena, Cazerios smiled sincerely as she spoke:

“Matters of gain or loss…I cannot fully grasp. You already know, do you not, Princess Senel? That I am rather oblivious to such things…”

“Even so…”

“All I wish for is the happiness of my cherished ones, however slightly. For Lord Santana… For Princess Senel. After such arduous toils, I hope you both find ample joy. And ultimately… I could not bear to let Princess Senel… No, Polena… depart from my side.”

“…Cazerios…”

As ever, Cazerios spoke with utmost purity.

Seeing her unfeigned manner, Senel felt a profound warmth stir within.

“…As I thought from our first meeting… You are indeed an excessively kindhearted soul…”

“While my status may differ, my heart remains that of one devoted to serving the Lord. My wish for all to find happiness remains unchanging.”

From their initial encounter until now, Cazerios had consistently prioritized others over herself –

As if embodying the answer to the senseless bloodshed over religion these past decades.

Seeing this, Senel felt grateful to the divine for blessing her with such a wonderful niece,

A serene smile gracing her lips.

Adorned in an ornately embroidered pure white dress –

One she had never envisioned wearing herself…

Senel Polena Dragonia felt a profound joy mingled with a hint of nervousness.

This miraculous happiness, once deemed utterly impossible, had manifested like a rainbow grasped within her hands…

Bringing her an immense delight she had never before experienced.

And in this moment…

As she adjusted her attire, her mother…

Mina Rozheveta Dragonia, the Empress who had made this miracle possible, shed joyful tears at her daughter’s impending nuptials.

“Now, now, Mother, no need for such tears on this happy day.”

“Sniff… Hah…hahah… My…apologies. Truthfully, even I did not expect to be so overwhelmed… Our daughter, getting married… It still feels like a dream to me.”

“Just as with Katrena… You remain ever the same in this regard, Mother.”

A wistful smile crossed Senel’s lips.

Seeing this, Empress Rozheveta was struck anew by how her second daughter had grown into a fine woman, feeling a profound surge of emotion.

Then, firmly grasping Senel’s hands, Rozheveta…

In this moment, was not an Empress nor a supreme mage, but simply a mother finding pure joy in the sight before her.

And so, with the final preparations complete, Senel slowly rose.

Before her, Cazerios entered the bride’s chamber.

“Are you ready? Then let us be on our way. Lord Santana awaits.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Very well, my child.”

With those words, Rozheveta took her daughter’s hand with an uncharacteristic stiffness, leading her out.

Sensing the complex emotions beneath her mother’s outward awkwardness, Senel fought back her own tears as she proceeded forth.

Per her wishes, the wedding was a relatively modest, private affair.

Present were only our families, my two wives Cazerios and Estelle, and a few servants officiating the ceremony.

A truly simple wedding, devoid of even ceremonial rites.

Yet, separate from the small guest count and minimal formalities…

I could not help but feel an intense nervousness rivaling my previous nuptials with Cazerios and Estelle.

‘Already the third time, yet I still cannot seem to acclimatize…’

Some might consider thrice-married an overabundance of fortune, given how daunting a single wedding can be. Regardless, awaiting the bride amidst this lingering awkwardness left me quite anxious.

Then, after a moment…

The sound of applause finally echoed.

At its center…

I beheld her approach – Polena’s form, stepping slowly toward me.

Clad in a pristine white dress…

Hand-in-hand with her mirror image, her mother, Polena drew nearer with each step.

Like an angel descended from heaven, the sight of her brought an instinctive, radiant smile to my lips.

Then her mother placed that beautiful woman’s hand in mine.

Though unspoken, the trusting expression she wore told me all.

I slowly bowed, vowing to ensure the happiness of the one now entrusted to my care.

And so, leaving her mother behind, Polena and I joined hands.

We then approached the altar, gazing into each other’s eyes as we made our solemn vows with voices tinged with nervous excitement:

“I, Santana Andreassia, vow to forever love my wife Polena, and dedicate myself to her wellbeing.”

My oath carried hopes for our future together and a husband’s sense of duty.

Once I had spoken, Polena, her cheeks flushed, responded with a slight tension and firm resolve:

“I, Polena, vow to forever love my husband Santana Andreassia, and support him through any circumstance, offering my aid.”

Once more confirming the trust and faith between us…

Previously as master and maid, now as husband and wife…

This sacred oath renewed our bond.

Afterward, I slowly pulled Polena into an embrace.

And then…

-Chu-

A sworn kiss sealed with warmth, consummating our union.

Amidst the ensuing applause we utterly tuned out…

We simply reveled in each other’s warmth, hoping this happiness would persist eternally.

Vowing to overcome any obstacles together, as we had thus far, hand-in-hand…

-THE END-