“Ah… I…”

“How many times must I tolerate you insulting my woman? How much more patience should I have, Marquis Harper?”

Marquis Harper’s face turned ashen. He immediately grabbed his daughter by the nape of her neck and urged her strongly.

“I apologize! We’ll leave right away!”

Marquis Harper hurriedly descended the stairs with Sienna following behind. After they left, silence fell around them. Duke Felix stroked Erica’s hair.

“…Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. Except for my slightly damaged fingernail.”

When Erica raised her hand, her index fingernail appeared broken with a little blood showing through. Duke Felix’s red eyes widened slightly, and he adjusted his grip on his sword.

“How dare they…”

Seeing that he looked ready to chase after Marquis Harper, Erica embraced his waist.

“I’m really fine!”

“…Erica.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s get married.”

“Kai?”

‘A proposal…!’

They were already supposed to get married, but recently he hadn’t mentioned the word ‘marriage’ at all, so she had forgotten about it. 

With everyone around her constantly saying that Duke Felix had abandoned her, she had started to believe it too. She wondered if he had no intention of marrying her.

Duke Felix took a small box from his pocket. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he opened the box. Inside, a large emerald ring glittered. Seeing the excessively large ring reminded her of the ring worn on her grandmother’s hand.

‘Wow. …It’s so gaudy.’

How did one even find such a ring? Was this another family heirloom? The thick emerald looked expensive with its brilliant luster, but it seemed too uncomfortable to wear daily.

Duke Felix placed the ring on her ring finger and said,

“I’m sorry for the delay. It was difficult to find such a large emerald.”

“…Ah, yes.”

‘Was it custom-made?’

It was an expensive-looking ring. However, the design was something elderly people would typically wear.

‘But I don’t mind. You can’t gift such a large gemstone to just anyone, right? It probably means his feelings for me are that substantial.’

A smile kept escaping through Erica’s teeth. He knelt before Erica and looked up at her with earnest eyes.

“Will you marry me? Erica Mills?”

Erica held his cheeks with both hands, bent down, and gave him a brief kiss. After separating their lips, she said,

“I will, Kai.”

Wearing a ring she would never have chosen under normal circumstances, Erica smiled more brightly than anyone. 

It was the moment when she, who had tried harder than anyone to live a long life, settled with one person. Now she would work to create a comfortable shelter with Duke Felix rather than just staying in his shadow.

Many things had happened, but her choice had not been wrong. When she first had her prophetic dream, she never imagined everything would work out so well. Of course, there had been twists and turns along the way.

‘This might not have been such a struggle after all. Changing a predetermined fate is naturally difficult.’

Erica remained positive and lively. And seeing her this way, a gentle smile also played on Duke Felix’s lips.

The wedding was held at the cathedral, attended by many nobles along with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, who were close friends of Duke Felix. The Crown Princess was Cora Grey, one of Erica’s closest friends. Many other guests gathered to see the historical attendees.

The spacious cathedral seemed crowded on this day with too many people. This was because nobles who hadn’t been invited had entered on their own to make an appearance before the Crown Prince.

Cora, along with Laila, smiled at Erica who was sitting quietly in the bridal waiting room, wearing a more voluminous dress than anyone else.

“Erica, congratulations.”

“Yes. Thank you. Oh, and congratulations to you too, Cora.”

Cora’s face was more composed than expected. When she was quiet, no one would guess she was the Crown Princess.

“It’s nothing. I’m just marrying someone I’m compatible with.”

Laila giggled and whispered in Erica’s ear.

“The Crown Prince is apparently well-endowed.”

“Well-endowed?”

“His manhood is large.”

“Ah…”

Erica immediately looked around. She didn’t want to be dragged to prison for insulting the royal family before she could even get married. But now, even if she went to prison, Cora, who had become the Crown Princess, would probably get her out. Laila laughed and said,

“By the way, have you heard about Sienna Harper?”

“No.”

“I heard she got married to a wealthy old Count. She threw a tantrum until the day before, saying she didn’t want to go, but Marquis Harper quickly sent her away, saying she would ruin the family.”

This was too detailed to be just a rumor. Erica tilted her head at the suspiciously specific source.

“Who did you hear that from?”

“I have a servant planted in Marquis Harper’s household.”

Erica and Cora’s mouths opened wide at Laila’s words.

‘No wonder she knows all the gossip in social circles!’

Erica looked around.

“Do you have someone in Duke Felix’s mansion too?”

“No. Why would I plant someone there when I can just ask you? That would be unnecessary.”

Erica took a deep breath and felt relieved.

“Good. Don’t ever do that. I don’t know what Kai would do if he found out.”

Being someone who roamed battlefields, he might be sensitive to such things.

“I won’t.”

Cora also glared at Laila.

“You don’t have anyone in the palace, right?”

“Uh…”

When Laila drew out her response, Cora calmly said,

“Well, you’d be executed immediately if you did.”

“R-right.”

It seemed she did have someone there… Laila kept her mouth shut. Just as Cora was about to caution her, Count Mills entered the bridal waiting room.

“Erica, it’s your turn now.”

“Yes…”

Count Mills’ eyes were bloodshot, suggesting he had been crying. Erica felt sorry for her father. How lonely would he be with her leaving his side after her sister had already gone?

But unlike her distant sister, she planned to visit her father frequently. She thought she should visit at least three times a week. Being in the same capital and close by, she could visit often. Even if it was just for a cup of tea.

The sound of the orchestra’s performance resonated magnificently. The usually solemn cathedral had been transformed into a splendid space with floral decorations.

Ella, holding the trailing dress from behind, followed Erica. Erica walked down the aisle holding her father’s hand. The carpet was so soft it felt like walking on clouds. At the end stood Duke Felix in the most handsome suit, smiling at her.

With her hair up and adorned with flowers, Erica was more beautiful than anyone. Duke Felix, with his black hair tied back, looked reliable and handsome, drawing admiration from the people.

Their gazes intertwined in midair. So much had happened between them. Duke Felix, who had been stiff, smiled when he saw Erica. When his usually expressionless face brightened, cheers erupted from the guests.

Count Mills guided Erica to Duke Felix and then stood among the guests, clapping his hands.

While the bishop read the wedding sermon, Duke Felix whispered to Erica standing beside him.

“You look especially beautiful today.”

“You look handsome too, Kai.”

“…Actually, I have another gift prepared for after the wedding.”

“What is it?”

“A certificate proving you have sufficient qualifications to become a knight.”

“Ah…”

“No need to thank me.”

“…Of course. I worked hard too, you know.”

“Hmm… but if you could just say thank you once…”

“Thank you.”

Duke Felix grinned. She was truly grateful to him. In fact, without him, becoming a knight would have been difficult. It felt like she had received a wonderful gift from him.

The bishop cleared his throat as he watched them.

“First, I would like to thank the parents who made today’s bride and groom possible. Now these two will become one and build a new family. The path they walk, leaving the shade of their parents, may be thorny and difficult, but together they can accomplish anything. I sincerely congratulate them on their marriage, and finally, may the groom kiss the bride!”

Amid everyone’s cheers, Duke Felix kissed Erica’s lips. His tongue swam gently inside Erica’s mouth. She should have maintained her composure during the wedding ceremony, but receiving his kiss made her body go weak.

‘…It feels too good. So good it’s overwhelming.’

She remembered when she first saw him in her dream.

“Erica Mills?”

Duke Felix’s voice sounded as sweet as candy. When Erica staggered, Duke Felix supported her.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes…”

It truly felt like everything had returned to its rightful place. She had survived and would continue to strive to live. This time, by Duke Felix’s side.

‘It feels so reassuring not to be alone.’

To survive, she had turned her most fearsome enemy into her ally. Now Duke Felix would become her reliable supporter.

And she would be his.