Chapter 106

Judith greeted the guests who attended her engagement ceremony, including the Roziena siblings.  

In one corner of the hall, a group of people dressed in splendid knight uniforms had gathered. Among them were Chase’s fencing club alumni and a senior female knight who was his direct superior.  

As soon as their eyes met, Judith flinched slightly.  

‘Come to think of it, I once had a ridiculous misunderstanding about her.’  

Of course, she wouldn’t know anything about it, but just the thought of Judith being caught up in such a strange misconception by herself made her face burn with embarrassment.  

The female knight, noticing Judith’s gaze, waved cheerfully and approached her.  

“We met before, didn’t we? Do you remember me? I’m Chase’s direct superior.”  

“Yes, of course, I remember. Thank you so much for coming all this way to celebrate our engagement, especially since the Imperial City is quite far from here.”  

When Judith bowed politely, the female knight waved her hand as if to say there was no need for such formality.  

“No, it didn’t take long by carriage.”  

Then, in a playful tone, she added,  

“Besides, I couldn’t miss this perfect opportunity to legally skip knight training. I’m the only one who came to represent the Imperial Knights, and the others were practically dying of envy.”  

At the female knight’s joke, Judith, who had been tense, finally relaxed and laughed.  

It seemed like the knight had noticed Judith’s nervousness and was trying to ease it with a lighthearted comment.  

‘It’s a relief that Chase’s superior is such a kind person. This is reassuring.’  

Thanks to her, Judith felt much more at ease as she looked at the female knight.  

The knight, observing Judith, seemed to fall into a moment of reminiscence and murmured,  

“Attending an engagement ceremony after so long brings back memories. Actually, I got married to my fiancé not too long ago.”  

Judith already knew this story from Chase, but she pretended to hear it for the first time and listened attentively.  

“Before getting married, I was just as happy and excited as you are now… But in reality, marriage isn’t always smooth sailing. As someone who’s been married longer than you, let me give you one piece of advice: don’t expect too much. Living together every day will reveal differences and even flaws that were hidden behind each other’s strengths.”  

“Oh, I see… Thank you for sharing that with me. I’ll keep that in mind.”  

“Oh, and if Chase ever gives you trouble, let me know immediately. I’ll whip him into shape. Of course, it’s better if you can resolve things through conversation first.”  

“Yes, thank you for your concern.”  

The female knight gave Judith a few encouraging pats on the shoulder before leaving.  

After dealing with the Roziena siblings and now the female knight, Judith felt as though she had climbed several mountains.  

Exhausted, she realized she still had one more important guest to meet: Madame Fedelian.  

Judith scanned the room, stretching her neck to look around for her.  

“Judith!”  

Fortunately, Madame Fedelian spotted Judith before she could find her.  

Hearing her voice from behind, Judith turned around with a bright smile.  

However, her expression froze slightly when she saw who was accompanying Madame Fedelian.  

It was Axel Fedelian.  

‘I didn’t expect to see Axel again like this.’  

Of course, Judith had thought she might run into him by chance while living in the capital, as it was impossible to avoid him forever.  

But for Axel to personally attend her engagement ceremony with Chase—she had not anticipated that.  

Even if Madame Fedelian had suggested Axel attend the ceremony, Judith had assumed he would decline.  

‘Why on earth did Axel come to the engagement ceremony? There’s nothing good about him being here. Seeing me again must be uncomfortable for him too…’  

No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t understand his reasoning, and her mind became a tangled mess.  

How should I act?  

Greeting Axel warmly would feel strange, but ignoring him would also be awkward.  

While Judith stood frozen like a broken doll, Madame Fedelian and Axel approached her.  

Snapping out of her thoughts, Judith quickly composed herself and greeted them.  

“Madame Fedelian, and Axel. Thank you both so much for coming all this way. I know you must be busy, so I truly appreciate you taking the time to be here.”  

“No need to thank us, Judith. No matter how far or busy we are, it’s only natural to attend your engagement ceremony. The dress you’re wearing today suits you perfectly. I’m glad the gift was worth it.”  

“Oh, yes. Thank you so much for the dress as well.”  

While Judith exchanged words with Madame Fedelian, her attention was entirely focused on Axel.  

Madame Fedelian seemed to notice Judith’s distraction and glanced at Axel, her expression showing slight exasperation.  

‘Judging by her reaction, Axel attending the ceremony wasn’t due to Madame Fedelian’s suggestion or insistence.’  

As the uncomfortable air lingered between them, Axel, who had remained silent, finally spoke.  

“Judith, it’s been a while. I came to congratulate you on your engagement. Here’s a small gift to celebrate.”  

“…Thank you.”  

What Axel handed over was a bouquet of vibrant flowers. Decorated with unique fresh blooms, lace, and ribbons, it was stunningly extravagant.  

At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary gift, but the fact that he had acquired such flowers in the middle of winter was remarkable.  

‘It must have been incredibly expensive…’  

Judith hesitated to accept it.  

“I chose these flowers because I thought they suited you. You’ve loved fresh flowers since you were a child…”  

Giving a bouquet to a woman who was about to marry someone else seemed like an odd choice.  

Was there some hidden meaning behind it?  

Judith narrowed her eyes and studied Axel’s expression.  

As always, his face wore a calm and gentle smile.  

If she continued to hesitate, she thought she might appear strange, so Judith reluctantly accepted the gift.  

After all, Axel had already congratulated her on her engagement during their previous encounter. What more could he possibly do now?  

“Thank you.”  

There wasn’t much else Judith could say to Axel besides expressing her gratitude.  

At that moment, Axel glanced at Madame Fedelian before leaning in close to Judith and whispering softly so only she could hear,  

“Judith, I understand if you still feel uncomfortable around me. But if you truly have no feelings for me, and I feel the same, can’t we at least remain friends?”  

Pulling back slightly, Axel finished his thought. 

“We share so many memories from childhood… It would be such a shame to let those go.”  

“…”  

“My congratulations on your engagement are sincere. I wish you all the best.”  

Madame Fedelian, who had been observing the situation, then interjected with a bright smile.  

“Oh, Judith, on such a joyful day, I have more good news to share. Axel has decided to get engaged to Riana again. While the exact date isn’t set, they’ll be holding their engagement ceremony within the next few months.”  

Axel and Riana were getting engaged again.  

Judith looked at Madame Fedelian in surprise.  

“It seems Axel regretted breaking off his engagement with Riana back then, saying it was an impulsive decision.”  

Madame Fedelian looked genuinely delighted as she spoke.  

Well, Judith had to admit that Axel and Riana made a great match. She had even thought it was a shame when their engagement was called off.  

‘So that’s why Axel suggested we remain friends.’  

Now, Judith understood Axel’s words and actions. Feeling more at ease, she looked at him with a lighter heart.  

“Judith, once the engagement ceremony is over, could we talk briefly? I have something I’d like to say to you and Chase.”  

“Alright, I understand.”  

As long as Chase was included in the conversation, there didn’t seem to be any issue. Judith nodded in agreement.  

***

Although the engagement ceremony was simple, it was incredibly enjoyable because so many close acquaintances attended.  

Without complicated formalities, it felt like a special and memorable event that they would look back on fondly in the future.  

As Judith and Chase entered the hall hand in hand, loud cheers erupted from afar.  

“Wooo—!”  

However, as they drew closer to the audience, a mischievous comment came from where Chase’s peers were seated.  

“The groom is lucky, but the bride is too good for him!”  

Startled, Judith glanced over and saw a knight who appeared to be Chase’s age.  

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed Chase hadn’t been as much of a loner at the academy as she had thought.  

Evidence of this was how Chase simply took the joke as a compliment without refuting it.  

Soon, the couple stepped onto the platform, and amidst the shower of congratulations, they exchanged the rings they had prepared in advance, bringing the engagement ceremony to a close.