The person who entered wasn’t someone she was expecting. His brilliant blond hair gleamed under the light. His white suit suited him better than anyone else.
It was clear he had dressed with care, as his appearance was exceptionally striking. He had always been handsome, but today he looked as though a god had descended to earth.
Violet thought briefly. Was that the proper mindset of a guest who shows up to a wedding in a white outfit? Was he exacting revenge for the birthday celebration incident?
Regardless, the guest spoke in a cheerful tone.
“It’s been a while, but you’re still as beautiful as ever. No, I should say you’ve become even more beautiful.”
“Your Imperial Highness…”
“No need for formalities. I’m here simply as a friend to offer my congratulations, so let’s skip the complicated greetings.”
“Well, okay.”
“……”
Violet quickly adjusted her attitude, causing a slight shift in Rajaden’s expression. Her face, as always, remained calm and composed.“Still as ever, you switch your attitude quickly.”
“How long do you think I’ve known you, Your Highness?”
“That’s true, but… well, fine.”
“You arrived early.”
“I rushed here to be the first to congratulate the most beautiful bride.”
It was a lie. He had agonized all morning, debating whether to attend or not, but now he spoke with confidence.
Looking around the empty waiting room of the bride, Rajaden smiled.
Although Violet’s social circle was small, she had a few close friends, so he had expected some of them to be here. Yet, somehow, they were alone, and he wasn’t sure whether that was fortunate or not.
Unaware of his thoughts, Violet smiled serenely, her expression as graceful as ever.
The moment he saw her smile, Rajaden felt a jolt, as though his heart had dropped.
And in that instant, he understood why he had been so unsettled by the news of Violet’s marriage.
Violet had been Rajaden’s first love. And he had kept that feeling preserved, tucked away in a corner of his heart, believing that it would remain beautiful as long as it was left unfulfilled.
But emotions he once thought he had buried couldn’t remain quiet forever. At the sight of Violet, the feelings he had relegated to memories whispered to him again.
So, he smiled.
“If your husband ever gives you a hard time, come to me.”
Violet looked at Rajaden silently. Her eyes, as deep as a lake, sparkled like violet gems as she gazed at him.
She tilted her head, as if pondering his words. Was it just friendly advice, offering to be there for her, or was there a deeper meaning behind it?
Violet soon smiled in return.
“I must be the only one who would dare seek counsel from the future emperor.”
“Your brother does the same thing, after all.”
“Does he?”
In a world where true friendships among the nobility were rare, the two shared an honest laugh. Whether they truly understood each other’s hearts was uncertain, but at that moment, they laughed together. If Aldin had seen them, he might have been consumed with jealousy.
Just then, other guests arrived to congratulate the bride. Rajaden exchanged a brief glance of acknowledgement and stepped aside. Violet made a polite gesture to hold him back, but the crown prince only responded with a smile, knowing it was a mere formality.
.
.
Soon, the wedding began.
Whether the Crown Prince offered his congratulations or his curse as he watched the ceremony, no one could say.
* * *
“…I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
After a long and tedious speech by the officiant, the declaration that officially united Violet and Aldin as family was made. Violet smiled softly as she gazed at the man in front of her.
The temple, decorated solely for the wedding, was bathed in brilliant light from the heavens. The sight was awe-inspiring.
Standing beside her, Aldin was no less beautiful.
He was a man more like winter than summer. Not like a clear sky, but more like a cloudy, overcast one—calm and serene, like the sea in the dead of winter.
And that same man was now gazing at her with a radiant smile.
How many trials had they endured to reach this moment?
It was a moment she had longed for, and it was more brilliant and beautiful than any other day.
So, Violet decided to set aside the memories of the past and focus solely on the present.
* * *
The wedding, though seemingly modest, was filled with vibrant moments.
The knight who caught the bride’s bouquet was teased endlessly with calls for her to hurry up and marry, and at one point, a stray cat wandered into the ceremony, causing a brief, adorable commotion.
After the ceremony, when Violet and Aldin arrived at the seaside villa, she paused for a moment, lost in thought.
“Aldin.”
“…Yes, Ducal Lady.”
“Are you still speaking so stiffly?”
“But… I’m not sure if I can dare to call you by your name so easily.”
“Even though I’m no longer a ducal lady?”
“Th… That, well…”
“Would you like to try calling my name properly?”
“……”
By now, after everything, what was there to be embarrassed about? Yet, this man, so prone to shyness, blushed all the way to his neck and avoided Violet’s gaze.
‘Really, this unexciting man.’
Violet smiled, reminding herself that it was precisely this lack of excitement that had led her to choose him.
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