The wedding day had finally arrived. The sky was brilliant and clear, as if in celebration of the two.

Ertel sat in front of the mirror, visibly tense. The maid in charge of her attire brought in the dress.

“Young Lady, since today is such a special day, the dress was entrusted to a seamstress we can truly rely on. Would you try it on now?”

As it was custom-made, the dress gracefully accentuated Ertel’s feminine silhouette. The long sleeves were not overly extravagant, and fine lace embroidered the hem. The embellishments were kept simple with touches of gold.

After donning the elegant gown, she turned once in front of the mirror. Despite her indifferent expression, the dress looked radiant and beautiful.

“How is it, Young Lady? Isn’t it gorgeous?”

“The dress is lovely.”

“And you look beautiful too, Young Lady.”

At that moment, the sound of footsteps came from behind the curtain. It was Adin, who had come by to check whether preparations for the ceremony were going smoothly.

He was thoroughly pleased by the sight of his daughter wearing a white dress and a floral crown on her head. A broad smile instantly stretched across his face.

“My daughter, you’re so beautiful.”

He suddenly pulled Ertel into a warm embrace, though she simply sat there with a calm expression.

As a father, a swirl of emotions washed over him. He felt relief that his daughter’s wedding would proceed without trouble, but also sorrow and heartache.

Ertel, sensing his feelings perfectly, murmured softly.

“You have to be well, even without me.”

“The ceremony hasn’t even started yet, and you’re already speaking as if you’re leaving. You said you’d stay a week after the wedding.”

“That’s true… but still.”

“You must visit often with Juan, even after the marriage.”

“Yes. My husband will agree to that, too.”

“You’re already calling him your husband… Now it finally feels real.”

Ertel held her father tightly for a long time. Within the natural flow of events, there was nothing to be sad about.

***

“If you wish it, I shall give you ~ my morning, my lively morning ~ My radiant hair you so love, my golden-tinted blue eyes ~ All the sounds that come with the sun-drenched morning and the sweet gurgling of the nearby fountain ~ And my small hands, and my heart that must always remain near yours ~”

The clear and heartfelt wedding song moved the nobles and attendees deeply. At last, the grand wedding ceremony was wrapped in a sacred atmosphere.

Ertel gently took the hand Icarus offered and descended the stairs, one step at a time.

Smiling in the sunlight, Ertel looked stunningly graceful and elegant.

Among the crowd, one person stood silently, watching the scene unfold. King Pedro’s eyes, filled with melancholy, were fixed on Ertel.

Her smile catching the sunlight, her white dress surrounded by floating flower petals, her graceful steps down the stairs, and the warm gaze from Juan beside her—That single moment etched itself like a painting into the king’s heart.

‘Juan has found a woman he truly loves.’

He didn’t know where this quiet stirring of emotion came from. She was simply a woman with a presence that compelled one to keep looking.

Ertel could also feel the warmth of his gaze. As she looked out over the cheering crowd, her gaze halted at one particular spot.

The noble seat—where Pedro sat, silently watching her.

That steady, unwavering gaze that rested upon her.

“…!”

It felt as if time had stopped. The cheers and flower petals suddenly moved in slow motion.

Ertel felt as if every cell in her body had frozen. She could do nothing but accept the mournful gaze that struck deep into her heart.

‘In this life, I hope Your Majesty won’t fall in love with me.’

The ceremony continued in a solemn and sacred mood.

Ertel and Icarus exchanged engagement rings and vowed their love to each other.

“I, Juan, make this vow. To my wife, I offer my infinite respect and affection. Every moment with her has brought me great joy, and I promise that all future moments will bring even greater happiness.”

His voice was soft, graceful, and captivating as he whispered his love.

“I, Agnes, make this vow. To my husband, I will share my smile and laughter. Through him, I will discover the meaning of life. No matter what hardships may come, we will overcome them together and grow into an even deeper love.”

Standing on the v*rgin road, they tightly clasped hands and shared gentle warmth.

With their foreheads touching and their eyes softly meeting, they looked into each other’s souls. In those deep, lake-like eyes, they could see nothing but each other’s beloved face. Their heads tilted naturally, and lips met lips.

Clap clap clap—

Amid roaring cheers and blessings, the symbolic kiss was shared.

The guests, neatly dressed and holding bouquets, sincerely admired the couple.

The brilliantly colored stained-glass windows shimmered as they reflected the pair.

The gentle sound of the organ filled the air, signaling the moment when two hearts became one.

If only time across the whole universe could stop here—

‘O Kaiya, god of fate, bless our union born of struggle.’

***

They departed on their honeymoon aboard a private boat, just the two of them.

The day the boat set sail, the weather was painted with deep hues of sunset—picturesque and romantic.

Each holding a glass of rum in their hands, the couple enjoyed the sea breeze as they whispered words of love.

Icarus guided Ertel into the cabin. The moment the door opened, the magic began.

Candles were lined up on a mystical purple carpet. Their soft glow lit the surroundings beautifully. On the table stood a three-tiered tray of delicacies:

On the first tier were jellies and whipped cream; on the second, jelly made from fish soup; and on the third, sponge cake and custard. Lace-draped curtains flowed from the ceiling, and a variety of fresh flowers adorned the center of the wall.

A subtle, sweet fragrance lingered in the air.

From the moment she stepped slowly into the cabin, Ertel was swept up in the romantic atmosphere.

She was utterly captivated by everything around her. She could almost see the effort the duke must have put into preparing all of this in advance.

“Oh my.”

Icarus firmly gripped both of her shoulders to convey what he wanted to say.

“Will you accept this ring?”

Ertel covered her open mouth with both hands. Perhaps she had been longing for this day all along. A day that seemed like it would never come. She was so stunned that tears didn’t even come. No—rather, a twitching laugh seemed ready to escape.

“Ertel. You are now the reason for my life.”

Icarus truly wanted to begin a new life. Not one tormented by past guilt and sleepless nights, but a life focused solely on one woman.

Because only then could he find happiness.

“Icarus, stand up.”

Ertel took his arm, gently pulling him up from his knees on the floor.

“The ring is so beautiful.”

She proudly slid it onto her fourth finger, then rose up on tiptoe to wrap her arms around his neck.

At last, Icarus smiled as he cradled the back of her head with his large hand. The two of them now felt truly and completely fulfilled.

“Ertel. From now on, we have so much to do.”

“What should we start with?”

“Let’s plan for children.”

“Already?”

Ertel thought her husband was truly mischievous. They had just finished the wedding, and here he was getting ahead of himself.

“Men… They think having a child is that easy.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t let you sleep at night anymore.”

“Hmm…”

Embarrassed, Ertel turned the conversation away to hide her blushing face.

“Is there something you want to do or wish for after this trip?”

“Something I want?”

“Yes. If it’s something I can help with…”

Before she could even finish her sentence, Icarus caressed her cheek.

“Love me.”

“What is that? I already love you.”

“No—I mean, constantly.”

“…Huh?”

His arm wrapped around her neck, pulling her into his embrace. Then, in a seductive voice only she could hear, he murmured:

“Unchangingly, for a long, long time, love me.”

“…!”

“That’s your duty.”

As the crimson sunset touched the horizon, their lips met.

“Mmh…”

Ertel allowed him to explore the depths of her mouth. Tongues clashed and entwined between their joined lips. And so, her body melted into Icarus’s chest.

The blazing sun, caught in the middle of summer, poured down upon them. Their eyes flickered like dry firewood igniting in a roaring flame.

“I love you.”

“I… I love you too.”

A bird soaring over the water swooped around them and sang. The rolling breath of the clear sea brushed against them.

Until they reached the island, the two of them continued to sing and whisper of love.

What remained for them was only a new beginning.

~~End of the Main Story~~