Grace Hall became even more renowned after the second wedding of Duke Raphael Rodney and Kristin Edith,

The first wedding of Duke Raphael and Kristin had undoubtedly been canceled due to the broken engagement.

Nevertheless, since they eventually got married there, a rumor spread that couples who passed through Grace Hall were destined to reunite no matter what.

Of course, this wasn’t Kristin’s intention, but their two weddings became one of the most famous episodes of Grace Hall.

With its growing reputation, Grace Hall flourished even more among the nobility, and commoners also began to dream of holding their weddings there.

Hearing this, Duke Raphael sought an audience with Emperor Lucas Aedon and arranged for one commoner couple to be selected by lottery each month to hold their wedding at Grace Hall.

“Have you heard the news about Grace Hall?”

“What news, Your Grace?”

“I’ve made some efforts for the commoners. After all, isn’t my ability the most exceptional in the Empire?”

“Oh, Your Grace, truly!”

“Kristin—or rather, I should now call you ‘Duchess,’ since you’ve become the duchess. Soon, you’ll have to attend the Margaret Festival, won’t you?”

Sitting by the fireplace, Duke Raphael smiled as he watched Kristin knitting.

The Margaret Festival, which ran from mid to late December, was about to begin.

As the duchess, Kristin was now expected to grace the event with her presence.

Previously, even after marrying Duke Raphael, she hadn’t attended. But now, she didn’t need to bring it up herself; the duke would be the first to mention any upcoming events in the Empire.

Whether at banquets where she met with the nobility, back at the Vincent Orphanage she revisited, or among the commoners of Oakley, the region of Levi Mines, they reclaimed from the emperor. Raphael Rodney ensured Kristin, his beloved duchess, was cherished and cared for everywhere she went.

“When we have a child…”

A child?

Kristin paused her knitting at the mention of a child.

It had only been two months since their wedding, so it felt a bit early, but Kristin also wanted a child.

She touched her abdomen, lost in thought for a moment.

She hoped they would resemble Raphael more than her if they were to have a child,

Duke Raphael might appear cold, aloof, and sometimes stubborn, but he was intelligent.

He remembered everything he heard once, and his persistence and patience ensured he achieved whatever he set his mind to.

His swordsmanship and defensive skills against enemies were also exceptional. If they had a son, she hoped he would grow to become a knight commander representing the Empire. If they had a daughter, she wanted her to grow into a lady with dreams.

Kristin now had the wealth and capability to make that possible.

The diamond mine yielded an endless supply of diamond ore every month, so no matter how many children they had, they would grow up in happiness and abundance.

However, having a child didn’t happen just because they wanted it, so Kristin let go of any impatience about the matter.

“Are you listening to me, Kristin?”

“Yes, of course. I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

Kristin’s smile faded, and noticing this, Duke Raphael approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her and gently kissing her cheek.

He couldn’t help but be concerned, as her expression suggested she was worried about having children.

While the thought of having a child was delightful, he assumed Kristin’s heart hadn’t fully healed after their recent trials.

“Having a child would make us even happier, no doubt. But you know, Kristin, you’re what matters most to me.”

“Your Grace…”

“So don’t worry too much. It’s still early for our little angel to arrive. I’d like to enjoy our newlywed life a bit longer—maybe they could wait a few years before joining us?”

Hearing his playful tone, Kristin blushed and smiled shyly at him.

Seeing her reaction, Raphael smiled and continued speaking to Kristin, who was seated in her rocking chair.

“To think that such a beautiful woman has become my wife—it’s been months since our wedding, yet I still can’t quite believe it. That’s why I’ll keep cherishing you even more, my love.”

Despite servants in the background, Duke Raphael picked Kristin up in his arms and carried her to their bedroom.

—

A few days later, the Margaret Festival began.

The streets, adorned with blue Margaret flowers, were stunning despite the biting cold weather.

The light snowfall added a touch of enchantment, making the scene feel both magical and warm.

If no one had mentioned it was winter, one might have mistaken it for spring, given the comfort it brought.

Happiness radiated from the faces of the many people gathered along the marketplace streets.

Kristin, too, came to the marketplace with Lenci and Cindy.
Although she had intended to come with Duke Raphael, he had some work to finish in his study and had told her to go ahead with the maids.

Kristin was delighted to see Lenci and Cindy’s excitement and joined them in exploring the bustling marketplace.

“My lady, it’s been so long!”

“Lenci, Cindy. It’s been nearly two months since the wedding, hasn’t it? How have you been? Are your studies at the academy going well?”

It had been months since Kristin last saw Lenci and Cindy.

After the wedding, Kristin had wanted to bring Lenci and Cindy to the duke’s estate, but she couldn’t.

Kristin didn’t want them to continue working as maids in the Edith residence.

Both of them were attending the academy and nurturing their dreams, and Kristin worried that if she didn’t let them go, they might remain maids until old age. It would have been such a waste of their lives.

After the wedding, Kristin called Lenci and Cindy aside and gave them envelopes with enough money to cover a few years of academy tuition and living expenses.

She also tore up their employment contracts and burned them to ensure no lingering obligations.

At the same time, she increased the salaries of the remaining staff at the Edith residence, genuinely wishing for their happiness.

“After parting from you, my lady, I was so heartbroken. But knowing how much you care for Cindy and me, I resolved to work even harder,” Lenci said.

“Me too,” Cindy added. “At the academy, I’ve learned to read and write, compose essays, and study the Empire’s history. I used to think there was nothing fun besides eating and playing!”

“Cindy, Lenci. I’m so glad,” Kristin replied warmly, patting their heads affectionately as she looked at them with pride.

As they continued talking, Lenci reached into her bag and pulled out a necklace made of flowers—the same one Kristin had given her at her wedding.

Unlike before, Lenci’s expression was quite shy as she handed over a floral necklace made of blue roses and Margaret flowers.

“Um, this is… I mean…”

“I also brought a gift for you, my lady!”

Cindy, too, began rummaging through her bag, carefully pulling out something to give to Kristin. It was a crown beautifully crafted from Margaret flowers and white lilies.

“Oh my, isn’t this a flower crown?”

The gifts were a floral necklace and a flower crown.

Kristin was deeply moved and couldn’t hide her joy, finding their thoughtful gestures incredibly endearing.

“It’s nothing compared to all that you’ve done for us, my lady, but we made this for you,” Lenci said shyly.

“Oh, Lenci.”

“While making these, we couldn’t stop talking about how much we missed you, my lady,” Cindy added.

“Working at the Edith residence was tough, but now that we’ve left, we find ourselves reminiscing about those times a lot.”

“Really? It must have taken quite a bit to make these for me,” Kristin said warmly.

“Not as much as you’d think. Lenci’s brother, Oliver, helped us a lot. And…”

Cindy’s face turned noticeably red as she trailed off at that moment,

Kristin, noticing how Cindy’s face flushed at the mention of Oliver, spoke up with a knowing smile.

“Is there something going on between you and Oliver?”

“As expected, you’re so perceptive, my lady! Even I was surprised. Cindy and my brother…”

“Lenci!” Cindy exclaimed, her face turning an even deeper shade of red.

Seeing Cindy’s flustered reaction, Kristin nodded as if she understood everything and reassured her.

“You don’t have to say anything if you’re embarrassed. It’s fine to keep it to yourself. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

Just then, Lenci pointed to the distance and exclaimed, “Oh, my lady! Look, Duke Raphael is coming this way!”

Kristin looked in the direction Lenci indicated and saw Duke Raphael approaching on horseback.

He was moving slowly, deliberately, but his gaze was fixed entirely on Kristin.

As his figure entered her view, Kristin’s heart began to race.

He wore a black uniform with a crimson cape draped over his shoulders, and a longsword at his side. His jet-black hair fluttered in the breeze, and his faint smile only added to his striking presence. In his hand, he carried a bouquet made of various flowers.

—