Chapter 6 (Part 1)

The sudden wedding preparations flowed like water. Choosing a pre-prepared dress and deciding on even the smallest details brought them to the morning of the wedding day.

During that time, Cardin was also busy, so they barely had time to see each other. When he came in late at night, she only saw him briefly in her sleep.

Her heart raced with tension as she looked in the mirror. She knew it was a temporary position, but the weight of reality was heavy.

If her body had been fine, if her family had been good, could she have accepted this moment naturally?

“I think the only person who can put out the fire in Cardin right now is you, Brienne. What do you think?”

“I hope you can enjoy everything by marrying Cardin and then step back appropriately. Right now, Cardin needs a better marriage prospect than anyone else.”

The words Hernes had said before lingered in her mind. 

Would Cardin’s feelings really fade with this marriage? 

Brienne couldn’t even imagine it.

At that moment, a shrill laugh echoed. Glancing at the wide window, she saw all sorts of people. From hats adorned with ducal feathers to dazzling silk dresses. All were nobles she had never seen before.

As it was the wedding of the Messerode family, it was said that there was no one in Devok who didn’t know about it.

‘Father must know too.’

There had been no news so far, but her father was not one to stay still. Even when they met at the hotel, he had given her an order not to solve it herself.

‘Father should remain quiet until this wedding is over.’

This marriage was not eternal. If her father intervened, her situation would undoubtedly become more difficult.

“Madam?”

Turning around belatedly, Melin spoke.

“You must go now.”

Taking a deep breath, she took a step. As she left the waiting room, the soft sound of a harp echoed. Though it wasn’t loud, it felt as if her head was spinning.

As she hesitated, Melin approached and took her arm.

“Are you okay?”

Brienne nodded. Lately, she often felt dizzy and weak. Perhaps it was because of the many medications she took for infertility.

At that moment, Melin whispered.

“The Duke is already here.”

She tightly gripped the white daisy bouquet in her hand. There was no more retreat. Perhaps this marriage was deceiving Cardin. It was proceeding with Hernes’ agreement.

“Don’t treat me like a stranger you just met and insist on repaying it.”

“So you don’t have to repay it. Unless you want to leave me.”

Whether Brienne repaid the money or not, they wouldn’t work out anyway. Realistically, her marriage to Cardin was difficult. Marriage itself was about continuing the lineage.

Tears welled up from her heart.

‘Why is every moment with Cardin temporary?’

The more she thought about it, the more sadness welled up. She bit her lip to hold back the tears, and Melin watched her worriedly. She barely composed herself and took one step, then another.

‘Think positively.’

Forcing herself to be determined, she lifted her head. In the distance, she saw a familiar person. Even from afar, he stood out in his neat formal attire.

Yes, being by Cardin’s side like this was a stroke of luck. A chance that would never come again. Thinking that, she moved forward.

As soon as Cardin saw her, he approached.

Today, he looked even more polished. Cardin met her eyes and smiled. He gently touched her cheek and asked.

“Are you nervous?”

“Very.”

Even her voice trembled. Cardin smiled kindly and embraced her with one arm. For a moment, it felt as if warmth enveloped her entire body.

His voice resonated calmly in her ear.

“Walk with me, sign the register, and greet the people.”

“…….”

“Stay right by my side.”

His soft breath brushed her ear. As she tried to step back from the strange feeling, he smiled and released her. Cardin held her hand with his large hand. As he met her eyes and slightly tilted his head, he seemed to shine particularly brightly.

Cardin seemed quite happy, as if he had been waiting for this moment. Without thinking, she held his hand tightly. Her feelings for him were genuine.

Walking along the flower path where pink rose petals had fallen, there were so many people it seemed overwhelming.

Perhaps because of that, the applause echoed in her head. She barely managed to walk, relying on Cardin’s arm, and felt completely overwhelmed. Listening to the High Priest’s words, looking at each other and kissing, signing the register. Though it was a simple process, her hands were so sweaty that the white daisy bouquet almost slipped.

Finally, people approached. They all seemed to be associated with Cardin, congratulating him and greeting him. They greeted her as well, but it seemed more out of formality, as they didn’t engage her in conversation.

They mostly spoke with Cardin. She hardly had a moment to speak. Some noblewomen greeted her, but most treated her as if she didn’t exist.

Then, as people moved away, someone approached. Cardin immediately led her and turned around.

“Brienne.”

It was a familiar voice. She paused for a moment and turned around, meeting Hernes’ gaze. She approached with a bright smile.

It was completely different from the behavior of the nobles she had seen before. As if she had business only with her, her face was kind.

Cardin whispered in her ear.

“Brienne, there’s no need to greet Mother.”

“But she came all the way here….”

Before she knew it, Hernes was standing in front of her. She gently lifted the corners of her mouth.

“Brienne, we’re family now. Congratulations on your wedding.”

A hollow laugh echoed. Cardin looked down at Hernes with cold eyes.

“Aren’t you the one who mocked this marriage more than anyone?”

“Didn’t I say? I wouldn’t say anything if only the lineage continued.”

“Please leave.”

His voice was so cold that she wondered if it was really Cardin speaking. Hernes spoke clearly, unaffected by the tone.

“I’m here to see Brienne more than you.”

Her face turned to her. Seeing her tension, Hernes smiled.

“You seem very nervous. Are you taking what I gave you regularly?”

Cardin’s eyebrows furrowed sharply.

“Don’t give Brienne unnecessary things.”

“Why do you think it’s unnecessary? I’m giving her something I cherish.”

“You’ve never paid this much attention to people before. You’ve always been indifferent and bothered.”

Cardin’s gaze at Hernes grew sharper.

“Now it seems like there’s an impure motive. Isn’t that right?”

Hernes’ lips subtly hardened. At that moment, a noblewoman approached.

She warmly greeted Hernes and congratulated Cardin on his marriage. She was just about to leave when Hernes elegantly held her arm.

“Why didn’t you greet Brienne, Madame?”

“Pardon?”

“It seems you forgot to greet our Brienne.”

Most of the nobles Brienne had met before hadn’t greeted her. The noblewoman blinked in surprise and then bowed her head diligently.

Hernes watched with satisfaction and whispered softly enough for only her to hear.

“Even if your family isn’t much, don’t stay silent.”

“…….”

“If you stay silent, they’ll naturally ignore you like that.”

Hernes words were colder than before. They sounded natural, as if it was her true personality. When Brienne lifted her head, Hernes smiled as if nothing had happened.

“It’s amusing. Mother, you’re showing such interest in others.”

Her voice was laced with coldness. Hernes moved her lips gently.

“I’m teaching you what you couldn’t pay attention to. Now that Brienne is officially the Duchess, shouldn’t she learn even the small things?”

“I don’t need your help, Mother. Please leave.”

Hernes looked at Cardin and smiled, then kindly spoke to her.

“Brienne, even if you’re from a family of no account, you’re now the Duchess of Messerode. So, hold your head high when dealing with people. Your attitude towards them will reveal your presence.”

Though Hernes words were correct, they didn’t particularly resonate. It was because Brienne recalled the honest side of Hernes she had seen before.

Moreover, she wouldn’t be in this position for long anyway.

At that moment, Cardin led her outside. He held her arm tightly, quickening her pace naturally.

Brienne looked at him unintentionally, and Cardin spoke.

“You’re not touching what Mother gave you, right?”

His voice was still cold, as if his anger hadn’t subsided. The bitter tea and sweet pills. She had been taking them regularly with her infertility medication. Then Cardin stopped.

“You’re not still taking them, are you?”

“Your mother said it was cherished and good….”

Coldness seeped into his eyes.

“I told you, my mother is cunning.”

His face, firmly set, seemed to be barely containing his anger. It was a side of him she had never seen before, and she couldn’t speak.

At that moment, popping sounds were heard, and bright flower fireworks burst around them.

Cardin immediately turned and led her.