Chapter 171. A Long and Happy Night

Spring had come.

Fresh green sprouts dyed the whole world in a refreshing light, and colorful flowers each opened their buds.

The earth was full of new life.

And fitting this season, there was a joyous occasion in the Granz Empire.

Elmon was rippling with waves of celebration day and night. The entire empire celebrated the Emperor’s imperial marriage. They rejoiced in preparation to welcome the new Empress.

“I’m so nervous I could die.”

And I was putting on my dress with the help of Faye and the newly arrived maids.

Faye comforted me, saying it was alright.

“You’re the prettiest in the world. You’re set to captivate everyone.”

“Thank you, Faye.”

…My voice trembled as I said this.

I felt like I was going to die from nervousness.

Where had the boldness gone that made me rush towards the bone dragon without fear? Somehow, it seemed more nerve-wracking to go receive congratulations in this peaceful land.

“His Majesty?”

“He must be getting ready.”

It was as if she was saying, is this the time to worry about Johann? Faye busily moved her eyes while touching up the folds of the dress and adjusting the hair ornaments.

I decided to just keep my mouth shut. I tried to relieve some of the tension in my body by taking slow, deep breaths.

In one corner of the room, congratulatory gifts were piled up like a mountain.

Actually, when it was revealed to the press that Johann’s partner was of commoner origin, there was a lot of talk. Some people liked it, some people didn’t.

Being the purifier who saved the world acted as quite a positive factor, but the nobles still had mixed opinions.

Even those who approved were more along the lines of ‘well, it’s better than nothing since Johann wasn’t getting married at all,’ rather than fully accepting me.

On the other hand, those who openly opposed expressed concerns, wondering how a commoner could rule the empire. In reality, it would be more accurate to say they were watching to see how well I would do.

In contrast, the commoners generally liked me.

How should I put it?

It seems they viewed me as representing the commoners.

“It’s time to go now.”

Just then, a maid came to inform us.

I nodded and grasped the hem of my dress.

The imperial wedding was held within the palace grounds, but after the ceremony, we had to go outside and make a round of Elmon.

This was the first time in my life I would be standing before so many people.

I guess I’m not cut out for the stage.

Realizing a new aspect of myself that even I didn’t know, I moved my steps.

It felt strange to come out of the palace and get into the carriage.

After the ceremony, I would move to Felice Palace where Johann resides, not to the place where I had stayed during special training.

I haven’t been there yet, but according to Ionia, everything was prepared. In other words, I just needed to bring myself.

Clop-clop, clop-clop.

The carriage wheels slowly began to roll.

The palace was so big that even moving from here to there required a carriage. Well, it was also because I couldn’t walk or ride a horse in this dress.

I watched the scenery visible through the window, captivated by a strange feeling.

I thought I had gotten used to it, but everything looked different.

The maids passing by in small groups, the guards standing motionless like statues, the fountain spraying water like jewels, and the well-maintained shrubs that looked like paintings.

Even the gentle breeze passing through…

Why did everything feel different?

I really am going to live here now. This palace is now my home.

It was a strange feeling.

My heart tickled and fluttered at the same time. It felt like I was stepping into a world I both knew and didn’t know.

But it’s okay.

Because Johann is with me.

The carriage wheels stopped, and the moving scenery came to a halt.

I got out of the carriage and looked up. Sarnade Hall was showing off its elegant figure.

This was where I had taken my purifier oath. I never dreamed I would be making my marriage vows here too.

“Seraphina.”

A pleasant baritone voice came riding on the wind.

I turned my head. Johann was smiling splendidly at me.

The area around Sarnade Hall was already full of people.

Among them, I could see Mihail and Claude. And even Cyril, who had somehow gotten in and was pretending to be a nobleman.

“You’re dazzlingly beautiful.”

Johann whispered in my ear.

I smiled shyly at his words, sweet like milk chocolate. In my eyes, I saw Claude and Mihail with sour expressions.

Hmm.

It seems the heroes with their exceptionally good hearing had heard Johann’s whisper. It was words that sounded good only to lovers, and not so good to others. I understand those expressions.

Anyway.

Today was a day worthy of celebration.

I decided to focus on Johann.

Please understand even if it’s cheesy.

“You’re very handsome too, Johann.”

I returned the compliment to him. It was sincere too.

The emperor, beautiful even on ordinary days, was showing off his beauty today as if he had taken all the light in the world. It seems the effect was doubled when a handsome person dressed up.

We made our vows to God in Sarnade Hall.

That we would cherish the relationship God had brought together, love each other, and embrace each other’s shortcomings.

After the grand blessing from the High Priest, the coronation ceremony followed.

In other words, today was both a wedding and my empress investiture ceremony.

I knelt before Johann. Perhaps because of the atmosphere of the hall where light was flowing in, I felt a sense of solemnity.

“I hereby proclaim my consort Seraphina Marseus as the Empress of the Granz Empire.”

Johann’s solemn voice echoed throughout the hall.

The empress’s crown was placed on my head. It had considerable weight. It seemed to hint at the weight I would bear in this position from now on.

I must do my best with this too.

I made a deep resolve in my heart once again to become an empress who wouldn’t shame Johann by my side. And I prayed to God to help me a little, because it wouldn’t be easy.

I hadn’t slept a wink since the day before due to nervousness, but now my fear had disappeared like a mirage.

I wasn’t alone.

Johann was by my side.

That was enough.

* * *

Felice Palace.

I don’t know how today passed.

It was clearly a very long day, but it seemed to have passed in an instant.

After changing clothes and taking a bath with the help of Faye and the maids, I was sitting quietly in the room where I would be staying from now on.

Ah, I’m so nervous.

I thought all my fears had disappeared because I was with Johann, but now I felt like I was going to die from nervousness, wondering if Johann would open that door at any moment.

I couldn’t keep my hands still and kept fidgeting. The thin clothes decorated with lace felt excessively noticeable.

Knock knock.

It was then that a clear knocking sound cut through the air. Without adding a single lie, I experienced the feeling of my heart temporarily leaving its place and then returning.

My lips wouldn’t part because I was so flustered.

Click.

The door opened quietly.

Johann appeared.

I could feel his blue eyes scanning me from top to bottom. As his eyes returned to my face, I managed to open my mouth.

“Come and sit down.”

I was already sitting at the table.

Feeling it would be impossible with a sober mind, I had even poured some wine.

Johann glanced at it and smiled faintly.

“Wine is good too.”

As he said this, he strode over and sat next to me. Our thighs touched slightly.

Maybe because I was so nervous, my leg twitched involuntarily. But I didn’t avoid the point of contact.

“Sh-shall we drink quickly?”

Let’s try to borrow some courage from alcohol.

I could feel the heat rising in my face, but I was planning to somehow overcome this with the effects of alcohol too. It was fortunate that the room was dark.

I acted nonchalantly, hoping Johann wouldn’t notice my flushed face.

Of course, that was just my thought.

“Were you very tired today?”

Johann asked lightly as he poured red wine into the glasses.

“Well, it was manageable. But it doesn’t feel real yet.”

“What doesn’t feel real?”

“Just… getting married. And being together like this.”

“Really? I thought my neck would fall off from waiting.”

“…..?!”

I looked at him in surprise.

Johann was looking at me with meaningful eyes. It was a strangely dreamy gaze.

“You have quite an amazing talent.”

“What talent?”

“The talent of seducing people with a face that knows nothing.”

“……!”

What did I do!

I felt wronged. I didn’t do anything!

Johann let out a small laugh and picked up his glass. I bumped my glass against his in a daze and took a sip of wine.

And then his lips approached.

“……!”

“A snack.”

“Wh-what…!”

What is this man saying!

I was so flustered I could barely speak.

Johann seemed intent on tasting my lips once for every sip of wine. It wasn’t me but this fox-like man who was seducing people with alluring eyes.

I glared at him, not unkindly.

Then Johann took a sip of wine by himself and once again overlapped his lips with mine.

Gulp. The fragrant grape wine moved from his mouth to mine.

Now even the darkness couldn’t hide my reddened face.

Johann kissed my cheek.

“Your face is hot.”

“…It’s because of you, Johann.”

“Seraphina.”

“Yes.”

“Sera.”

“Yes, what is it?”

The light kisses that started on my cheek moved lower and lower, finally reaching my lips.

I felt dizzy from the sweet kiss.

The wine wasn’t necessary.

I felt like I was going to get drunk on Johann. He already seemed drunk on me.

We were completely absorbed in each other.

An irresistible sweet energy seeped into the air, and love bloomed softly.

It was a long and happy night.

『Not the Female Lead, But An Extra』 — The End