Chapter 5.4

In the Empire, there was only one group of people who were absolutely required to submit their marriage vows at the temple: high-ranking nobles of Count rank or higher.

Commoners didn’t need to visit the temple, but for high-ranking nobles, it was mandatory to submit official documents since the Empire managed their family registries. 

Although Lian was born into the Clyde Marquis Family, as the second son, he was considered a regular noble and technically not required to submit the vows. However, his honorary Count title obligated him to do so. Thus, the two of them had to prepare early in the morning and head to the temple together.

Once they arrived, they would meet a priest, submit the marriage vows, stand side by side to confirm the vows, and receive a blessing. While wedding ceremonies were grand, the actual legal process was fairly simple.

“What? Again…?”

The problem, however, was that this “simple” procedure was being blocked before it could even begin.

For the fifth time now, Lian and Hestia were turned away as they left the temple.

“Could it be that all the priests are busy today? How is it possible that every place we go, they’re unavailable? It’s so strange.” 

Hestia said, puzzled, as they descended the temple steps. She wondered if they had picked the wrong date.

But unlike before, when Lian would tilt his head in confusion or suggest trying another temple, he remained silent. When she turned around, she saw him standing still in the middle of the stairs. The sunlight behind him cast shadows over his face, making his expression unreadable. Growing anxious, Hestia approached him, gently took his hand, and called out to him cautiously.

“Lian? Are you alright? Are you tired?”

“Ah… yeah. Let’s rest nearby for a moment.”

The two of them soon found themselves holding hands as they entered a shop near the temple. It was a cozy place that sold bread and drinks, with small tables set up for customers to sit and chat. Despite the crowd, they managed to find a single empty table.

‘We both wore cloaks to avoid attention… but Lian is so famous, we still need to be careful.’

Adjusting his clothing, Hestia playfully teased him, 

“My handsome husband, you should hide your face more.”

“Hide it? Why?”

“Because I don’t like how people keep looking at you. Only I should see you.”

At her words, Lian bent down to her eye level, a wide smile spreading across his face. Thankfully, the tense expression he’d worn earlier had softened, returning to his usual demeanor. Pretending to be embarrassed, Hestia added, 

“So please, cover yourself better so you don’t stand out.”

Once his face was half-hidden in the shadows of his hood, she felt relieved and led him into the shop.

Just as they sat down at the table, the shopkeeper approached to take their order. She suddenly exclaimed loudly, 

“Oh my, a new bride? Are you coming back from the temple?”

Brides visiting the temple typically wore white dresses with red sashes and floral decorations, and Hestia’s attire matched that description perfectly.

Instantly, she felt unwanted attention on her. She had been about to take off her cloak but quickly pulled it back on, nodding shyly in response. Across from her, Lian chuckled in amusement and placed their order.

“Two slices of lemon cake and two cups of very strong black tea, please.”

The shopkeeper laughed warmly and replied, “Of course! On a day like this, dessert is a must,” before disappearing to prepare their order.

“Lemon cake and black tea? Is that a custom here in the capital?” 

Hestia asked, tilting her head in curiosity. She had never heard of such a combination in the countryside where she had lived.

Propping his chin on his hand, Lian explained, 

“It’s sweet and refreshing, so it helps with fatigue. It also has an awakening effect. That’s why it’s a staple dessert combination for weddings in the capital.”

“Fatigue… oh. I see. How suggestive. The capital is quite bold, isn’t it?”

It seemed to her that the dessert was meant to prepare couples for their wedding night. Blushing furiously, she muttered her observation under her breath.

“Huh? Why? Weddings are exhausting—there’s the ceremony, greeting guests, and everything else. That’s all it’s for.”

Lian replied, looking genuinely puzzled.

“Oh… is that so…?”

“Sounds to me like you’re the one with the suggestive thoughts, my dear wife.”

His unexpected response left Hestia flustered, realizing she had entirely misinterpreted the situation. Embarrassed, she stammered, and Lian, clearly amused, began teasing her by rubbing his knee against hers under the table.

“Why? Should we eat quickly and head back?”

“No! I’m going to take my time eating…!”

Just then, the shopkeeper returned with their lemon cake and tea. She cheerfully commented, “Normally, I don’t make this dessert often, but I felt like making it today,” and added a small congratulatory remark, wishing them happiness. Alongside the cake and tea, she placed some adorable cookies as a complimentary service.

Delighted, Hestia beamed and began eating right away, savoring the tangy flavor. She even fed Lian a bite.

“How is it?”

“It’s good. You look beautiful eating it.”

“Not me, the cake…”

He really had a way of saying things that made her heart flutter. As they enjoyed their cake in the warm atmosphere, Lian, who had been sipping his tea, suddenly spoke as if he had remembered something.

“Hestia, can you wait here for a moment?”

“Of course. Why?”

“There’s a flower bouquet I ordered nearby. I’ll go pick it up.”

“Oh, right. You were supposed to get it in a few days, weren’t you? But since we moved up our schedule…”

He nodded in confirmation. Originally, they had planned to visit the temple two days later, and the bouquet was supposed to be ready by then. But now, he intended to pick it up earlier.

“Should I come with you? I’m almost done eating.”

“It’s fine. I’ll be back quickly, so take your time finishing.”

“Alright. Be careful.”

As he stood, Hestia picked up the prettiest heart-shaped cookie from the plate and popped it into his mouth. He crunched it down in a few bites, smiling lazily. Then, leaning in close, he whispered softly into her ear.

“Hestia, this really is for recovery.”

He gestured lightly with his chin, as if telling her to look behind them. 

What was it? 

With a lighthearted curiosity, Hestia turned her head—and immediately gasped in surprise.

Somehow, a crowd as thick as a cloud had gathered behind them.

Although that area was already bustling with people, it was clear this wasn’t the usual commotion. Everyone had stopped in their tracks and was now staring in their direction.

Flustered, Hestia instinctively moved closer to him. Lian let out a low chuckle and placed a kiss on the top of her head.

“Just a little further, and the carriage will be waiting. It’s completely enclosed, so we’ll be able to avoid all these eyes. I already checked it out—it has thick doors and really soft seats.”

Why was he explaining all this in such detail?

Not understanding his intentions, she innocently replied, “Oh, really? It must be a nice carriage then?” At her words, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

The meaning behind that smile became clear to her shortly after.

“Ah, Lian, wait… mmph, mm…!”

As soon as they entered the carriage and closed the door, leaving the two of them alone, Lian immediately pulled her onto his lap and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was deep and lingering. His large hands roamed over her body, and every touch made her head spin as she closed her eyes in a daze.

She had a feeling the journey back would feel unbearably long.

While they held each other tightly in a tender embrace, somewhere far away, plans were already being set into motion to tear them apart. This, she would only come to learn much later.