Prologue

“…I want to become that man’s wife.”

It was a wish Epona could not tell anyone. A desire she had to keep only in her heart, yet she dared to pray to the Goddess of Love.

She prayed, wishing desperately to become that man’s wife.

She hoped that man would become her husband.

She promised that if her wish were granted, they would be the happiest couple in the world.

But Epona already knew.

She knew better than anyone that her wish could never come true.

She knew it was futile, yet she could not give up, so she kept praying, as if it was her last chance.

I want to become that man’s wife.

I wish that man would be my husband.

We will surely be a happy couple.

Hoping earnestly that her heart would reach the Goddess, Epona left the Temple of Beatrice.

And the next day, the Goddess’s oracle descended, causing a stir in both families.

* * *

“Does this make any sense? To marry my daughter off to such an uncouth, godless family!”

“Do you think this is good for me? I don’t want my son marrying into your family, who only knows how to push pens!”

“Perfect. Then let’s agree not to marry them.”

“Good. For once, we’re in agreement.”

For nearly a hundred years, there had been no oracle from Goddess Beatrice. But the High Priest did not reveal the contents of the oracle to anyone, quietly summoning four people to the temple.

They were Marquis Laura, his only daughter Epona Laura, and Duke Ordo, with his only son Karos Ordo. Just the four of them.

Marquis Laura and Duke Ordo recognized each other and immediately wore displeased expressions, wondering why they had been called. But when the High Priest finally appeared and delivered the oracle, both men raised their voices.

“The Goddess is truly indifferent. How could she command my precious daughter to marry into a family like that?”

“You keep saying exactly what I want to say. Marrying my son off to such a weak family—ridiculous.”

While the two men bickered, Epona silently watched and glanced furtively at Karos. But Karos only sat there, expressionless.

‘What is he thinking?’

Was he surprised? Or was he displeased?

Either way, it was clear this situation was not pleasant.

At that moment, Karos seemed to sense her gaze and looked at Epona. Their eyes met, and Epona, startled, quickly turned away.

Unable to bear the two men any longer, the High Priest spoke sternly.

“Are you saying you dare to defy the will of the Goddess?”

“No, that’s not…”

“I trust you will not make the foolish mistake of rejecting the sacred oracle.”

“Of course, we must follow the will of the Goddess, but…”

Marquis Laura, frowning in frustration, turned to Epona.

“What do you think, Epona?”

“Me?”

“Are you alright with marrying the son of such an uncouth family?”

Suddenly, all eyes were on Epona.

“I…”

But Epona kept her mouth shut instead of answering.

Her feelings had not changed since she prayed at the Temple of Beatrice. If she could, she wanted to nod and show her intentions right then. But under the gaze of the Duke and Karos, she hesitated.

Watching her, the Duke sighed and asked Karos,

“What do you think, Karos? Are you alright with marrying the daughter of such a weak family?”

“…….”

Duke Ordo asked, but Karos did not answer. His eyes remained fixed on Epona.

The moment their gazes met—those intensely shining red eyes—Epona felt her breath catch. Before she could look away, Karos spoke.

“How could I possibly defy the will of the Goddess?”

His low, calm voice carried a humble acceptance of the oracle.

Epona, nervously rubbing her hands together, unconsciously looked up at Karos. She thought she might have misheard, but his expression remained unchanged.

Duke Ordo, apparently just as surprised, asked again,

“You mean…”

“I will accept this marriage.”

From the beginning, Epona thought Karos was uncomfortable with the situation, since he had only watched quietly. But Karos declared he would marry her, without a hint of reluctance.

‘The Goddess truly granted my wish, my prayer.’

Epona bowed her head, clutching her hands on her knees. Yet, even though her wish had come true, she could not feel pure joy.

Because it was a wish granted solely for her own selfishness.

“Epona, what do you want to do?”

Unexpectedly, since Karos accepted the oracle, Marquis Laura asked her carefully.

“I…”

She squeezed her hands tightly.

If she agreed to this marriage, she would become that man’s wife, and he would become her husband. All she had to do was nod, but Epona hesitated.

‘Is this really okay?’

Her head told her one thing, but her heart did not follow.

Yes. This is not a wish or a prayer of mine. It is merely the Goddess’s oracle.

Epona tried hard to deceive herself.

“I will also accept the will of the Goddess.”

At those words, her eyes met Karos’s again. But this time, she did not look away.

Suddenly, she recalled the first day she saw him. On a bright afternoon with gentle sunlight, she met him standing in front of the giant statue of the Goddess. His silvery hair shimmered like fine threads, and his red eyes shone with an alluring, intense light.

Since meeting him, she realized how pure silver could be, and how beautiful red could be.

So she could not let go.

‘Even knowing it’s my own selfishness…’

She simply could not give up.

* * *

「On a day when gentle spring sunlight pours down, the freshly bloomed laurel flowers will bring peace.」

The Goddess’s oracle was proclaimed to the world. It was revealed that Epona of the Laura family and Karos of the Ordo family were meant to marry, and people could not hide their astonishment.

The two families were infamous in the Empire for their terrible relationship. The children of such families getting married—everyone whispered and gossiped about Epona and Karos.

“Laura and Ordo are getting married?”

“They’re sworn enemies.”

“Will those two ever get along?”

“It’s going to be noisy forever.”

People loudly insisted the marriage would fall apart and the wedding would never happen. But contrary to expectations, preparations went smoothly and the wedding was held without incident.

‘I’m really marrying this man.’

Epona could hardly believe it, and even during the ceremony, she stole glances at Karos.

His silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and his red eyes beneath were brighter than rubies. The warmth in their clasped hands made Epona’s hand tremble slightly. Feeling heat rise in her cheeks, she hid her face behind the bouquet she held.

She suddenly remembered that Karos himself had chosen and arranged the bouquet. She knew it was a tradition for the groom to prepare the bouquet as a symbol of his love for the bride, and she was delighted.

The soft, white petals layered together made the bouquet feel full and comforting, warming her heart.

‘The first flower prepared just for me…’

It was only a bouquet prepared for the wedding, yet her heart fluttered.

Was this heaven, or a sweet dream?

Epona gripped the bouquet tighter, burying her face in the flowers.

If this was heaven, may it last forever.

If it was a dream, may she never wake.

On the first night after the wedding, Epona arrived in the bridal chamber first, trying to calm her nerves.

What should I do when he came in?

What should I say to avoid awkwardness?

Right, I should ask about the name of the flower in the bouquet.

Her mind was crowded with thoughts, but her heart was so excited that she took deep breaths again and again.

But, unexpectedly, Karos did not come to the bridal chamber. At first, she wondered if something had happened. But as the dawn light crept in through the window, she realized the truth.

Karos had deliberately chosen not to come. Yet, she could not bring herself to ask why, nor could she go looking for him.

“…….”

Alone in the bridal chamber, Epona lay on the bed, hugging the white bouquet tightly, swallowing her tears.

And she realized.

They would never become a happy couple.

* * *

That evening, Epona finally saw Karos at the dinner table, after he had not come to the bridal chamber. The table was set with delicious dishes, but she had no appetite. Karos, sitting across from her, acted as if nothing had happened the night before.

That made it even more sorrowful.

“Young Master.”

She called him carefully, and their eyes met directly. In that moment, words buried deep in her heart nearly spilled out.

Why didn’t you come last night?

Do you dislike me that much?

Still, it was too much. Far too much.

Her feelings rose to her lips, but she had to say something else.

“I know very well that you do not welcome our marriage.”

She forced a calm expression, but saying the words out loud made her heart ache, as if it was being torn apart. Even so, Epona continued.

“If, someday, you meet someone you truly love and wish to marry that person…I’ll leave….”

Her words trailed off.

Fortunately, Karos seemed to hear her clearly, and his face immediately stiffened. Epona wished he would say something, but Karos remained silent until the end of dinner.

Thus, both the first night and the first meal passed in gloom, without a hint of warmth.