Back at the ceremony venue.

Ian, Chaos, and the soldiers were patrolling around the venue with heightened security. William was also busy moving around as the overall manager. Guests were taking their seats one by one. Soon, the bell announcing the start of the ceremony rang throughout the Empire. The high priest quietly stood before the altar adorned with sacredness. Dressed in robes decorated with silver and platinum, he closed his eyes briefly and prayed. In the silence, only the sound of burning flames could be heard. After finishing his prayer, he declared in a quiet but powerful voice.

“In the name of God, I declare that Theodore Gloucester, the Grand Duke, and Kayla Raenor, chosen as his companion, swear to become one under God’s blessing in this place today.”

A gentle murmur filled the ceremony hall. The high priest raised his head and struck his golden staff on the ground twice.

Thud thud—

“His Highness the Grand Duke enters.”

People’s gazes gathered at the back. Theodore appeared. A pure white uniform with black epaulettes. Strong red eyes. His steps were like those of a general heading to the battlefield. Theodore’s overwhelming presence filled the space. However, there was a subtle warmth in his red eyes. It was affection for Kayla, whom he would soon meet. Theodore stood before the altar. And quietly turned around.

“……”

Then, the high priest’s voice resonated.

“Now, Her Highness the Grand Duchess enters.”

Everyone turned their gaze to the back again. Under the white arch, Kayla was standing. Blue eyes visible through the pure white veil, and golden hair shining even more brilliantly in the sunlight. The hem of her white dress quietly brushed the ground. Kayla held the bouquet tightly with trembling hands and carefully moved toward Theodore. People held their breath, swallowing their admiration for her beauty. While feeling everyone’s gaze, Kayla looked only at one person. Theodore and Kayla’s eyes met from a distance.

‘It’s okay.’

Theodore’s eyes were saying. Kayla took courage from that small signal and took one step, then another. Just three steps away from the altar.

At that moment,

“Kyaaa!!”

A sudden scream filled the ceremony hall. It was a maid that Frea had infiltrated beforehand. She drew a dagger and rushed toward Kayla.

“Your Highness the Grand Duchess!”

Ian instantly jumped in and knocked down the maid. The maid’s knife fell to the floor with a sharp sound.

“Aack, no!”

“Full security alert!”

Ian looked at the maid’s face as if he would kill her right then.

“D*mn, it’s not who we’re looking for. Where is Marcel…!”

But before Ian could turn around, a sharp scream erupted. At the altar, one of the soldiers standing there drew his sword and rushed behind Theodore.

“Your Highness!”

Chaos tried to block him, but it was already too late. It was Marcel. Disguised as a soldier, he thrust his sword into Theodore without hesitation.

Swish—

“Theo!!”

Kayla’s cry echoed. Theodore clutched his chest and collapsed. In an instant, the ceremony venue became a scene of chaos.

“D*mn…”

Theodore’s crimson blood stained his white ceremonial clothes. Chaos and the soldiers rushed in and captured Marcel. But Marcel laughed until the end.

“This isn’t over… Kayla will eventually crumble.”

“Shut up!”

Chaos’s fist struck his jaw, and Marcel lost consciousness.

“Theo…”

Kayla ran to Theodore, who was covered in blood. His face was stained with blood. Kayla’s clear tears fell onto it.

“I’m glad… you’re safe, Kayla…”

After finishing those words, he slowly closed his eyes. His hand fell limply to the floor.

“No… please… please open your eyes…”

Kayla caressed Theodore’s cheek.

“Please… I beg you… don’t die…”

The moment her hands touched his wound, light burst forth from somewhere.

“……!”

Everything around was bathed in brilliant light, and people stepped back in surprise. The light seeping from Kayla’s fingertips felt purer and holier than anything else. Her eyes turned golden.

“You must live… please… I love you…”

In that moment, holy power exploded. It was the true power that even Kayla herself hadn’t known about. A more intense light enveloped Theodore’s wound. Soon the bleeding stopped, and the gaping wound disappeared without a trace.

“… Huhk!”

Theodore drew in a breath.

“Kayla…?”

He looked at her face as if in a dream. Kayla smiled through flowing tears. And she firmly held Theodore’s hand, stained with red blood.

“It’s okay, everything’s okay now…”

Theodore whispered as he exhaled.

“I’m sorry… for worrying you.”

At his gentle smile, Kayla burst into tears even more. No one among the people filling the ceremony venue could speak. Everyone remained silent with eyes full of awe and surprise. No one could deny it. She was chosen by God.

The wedding ceremony attack in the chapel spread throughout the Empire in just one day. Especially the news of Kayla’s “holy awakening” was featured prominently in every newspaper.

The Bride of God has descended upon the Empire.

Grand Duke Theodore’s life saved by holy power…

The criminal’s daughter receives God’s blessing.

People throughout the capital whispered the name of the grand ducal family and her name. In noble society, she was already remembered as an object of fear and reverence. The fall of the Grenville family was forgotten. Now she was “the Bride of God.” Kayla stood at the center of all these rumors. But in reality, she was trapped in confusion. Theodore’s hand stained with blood, his closed eyes, and the unfamiliar power she felt then. All of it still felt like a dream. The wedding was temporarily postponed, but the marriage itself wasn’t canceled. Rather, by the Emperor’s order, it was scheduled to be held as an official state ceremony at the Imperial Grand Chapel. This was partly to prevent another attack, but also because of the symbolism of holy power. The Emperor sent a letter to the grand ducal residence, clearly stating:

No one will deny God’s blessing. Kayla Raenor, you are the light of the Empire and the token of God.

Kayla held Martha’s hand and couldn’t speak for a while.

※※※

At the same time, in Theodore’s bedroom.

Theodore was quietly getting up from bed and putting on his shirt. Just then, the door opened carefully. It was Kayla.

“Theo?”

She entered the room but was startled to see him half-dressed in his shirt.

“S-sorry!”

Kayla’s ears turned red as she quickly turned her head away. Theodore let out a small chuckle.

“My body’s still uncomfortable, won’t you help me a bit?”

At those words, Kayla hesitated but nodded. With a reddened face, she approached him and began buttoning his shirt one by one with her fingertips. His heartbeat transmitted through her fingertips. Theodore’s warmth was felt up close.

“Actually.”

As she finished the last button, he quietly whispered with a smile.

“It doesn’t hurt at all.”

Kayla flinched and looked up at him. Theodore was looking at her with a mischievous smile. Kayla lightly tapped his chest with an embarrassed face.

“You’re teasing me!”

“Haha, but thank you.”

Kayla raised her head to look at him.

“You need to rest more, Theo…”

“It’s okay. I have some business at the imperial palace.”

“But… then let me go with you.”

At her words, Theodore’s voice became firm.

“No, you stay home. Marcel’s interrogation isn’t over yet. We don’t know how many more people Frea has planted.”

Kayla looked at him with anxious eyes. Unable to ignore that gaze, Theodore took a breath and carefully took her hand.

“Thanks to you, I’m not hurt at all.”

“Theo…”

“So don’t worry and wait for me, my bride.”

Theodore lightly kissed her hand.

※※※

Meanwhile, Theodore dressed properly and headed immediately to the imperial palace. The Emperor had summoned him directly. When Theodore opened the audience chamber door, the aged Emperor rose from his seat and approached him.

“I greet Your Majesty, the Sun of the Empire.”

“Are you all right?!”

The Emperor lightly grasped Theodore’s shoulders as he bowed his head.

“Yes, thanks to Kayla, I don’t have a single wound.”

“Huff…”

The Emperor released him and let out a deep sigh.

“So… that child indeed holds holy power…”

“… Yes.”

“Of all places, for her ability to manifest in front of everyone…”

The Emperor slumped back onto his throne.

“I will protect her.”

Theodore said firmly, looking at the Emperor. However, the Emperor shook his head at his words.

“Your power alone may not be enough now.”

“What do you mean…”

The Emperor continued, lightly gripping the armrest.

“There’s an argument among the nobles that she should be recognized as a national asset.”

Theodore frowned.

“An asset… you said?”

“All who wield holy power have been so.”

“Kayla is my wife, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor smiled slightly.

“Yes, and that means you are to manage that asset. If you want to protect her, you must become the hand of the state yourself, Theo.”

Theodore bowed his head heavily.

“… I will obey your command.”

Just then.

“Your Majesty.”

A low, gentle voice was heard from beyond the door. It was Evan, Theodore’s younger brother and the Crown Prince. He entered the imperial audience chamber with calm steps. His red cape swayed quietly with his footsteps.