That Marriage, I’ll Do It in this Life - Chapter 12
4. Founding Festival (1)
Founding Festival.
It is an event that commemorates the founding of the empire while also wishing for its enduring history to continue.
Since the proclamation of the empire’s founding took place during the peak of autumn, it also serves as a harvest festival, making the Founding Festival a grand and resource-rich celebration every year.
It is a time when taxes accumulate at both the imperial and territorial levels, so there is an abundance of food and entertainment.
On the first day.
The members of the Debov household had already moved to the townhouse the previous day to attend the Founding Festival.
Saena woke up early in the morning to prepare for the parade.
The parade begins at noon, when the sun is at its highest.
“Miss, I know you love the parade, but remember you also have to attend the debutante ball later, so don’t come back too late.”
In truth, any lady debuting today wouldn’t even consider watching the parade.
The preparation time for a noble lady to attend a ball is beyond imagination. From head to toe, from fingertips to toenails, everything is meticulously checked. They bathe and massage themselves with different scented oils for each body part, sometimes staying in the bathroom until their bodies are practically steeped in fragrance.
It wasn’t uncommon for preparations to begin at dawn or even the day before just to attend an evening ball. This was the case even with the dress, shoes, and accessories already chosen in advance.
However, Saena detested sitting still for long hours to get ready, and she was determined to see the parade, so she minimized her preparation time.
“Alright, Nanny. I’ll be back.”
“Yes, Miss. Have a good time.”
With the maid assigned to accompany her, Saena climbed into the carriage.
Her escort knight, Rupert, would ride separately on horseback outside the carriage.
After some time, the carriage came to a stop.
“Miss, from here on, you’ll need to walk.”
Rupert spoke.
It seemed the central square was under control, so the carriage couldn’t go any closer.
With Rupert’s escort, Saena stepped out of the carriage. Even though there was still some time left, the streets were already bustling with energy. For reasons unknown, cheers could be heard from various directions.
Saena looked around, taking in the lively scenery.
‘Well, this is nice.’
Though Yuri’s absence was regrettable, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simple fact that she had returned to a time before her marriage.
With a slightly excited heart, Saena strolled leisurely, observing her surroundings.
‘It’s already quite a scene.’
The Founding Festival parade is a prominent event that symbolizes the Guardian Spirits’ protection over the Macfeyden Empire.
There were even local residents who traveled to the capital a month in advance just to witness this parade. Nobles weren’t immune to the excitement either. After all, Guardian Spirits were mysterious beings to everyone.
The parade wasn’t exclusive to nobles; it was open to all citizens of the empire. However, that didn’t mean they mingled during the viewing.
Nobles had their own dedicated viewing platforms. In the past, Saena would have preferred to watch among the commoners. Though it was more crowded, it allowed for a closer view and a more vibrant atmosphere.
This time, however, she obediently followed Rupert’s guidance to the viewing platform.
“Please take a seat here, Miss.”
As soon as she entered the viewing platform, the gazes of nobles who had already taken their seats turned toward her. It was natural for nobles to assess the faces of those around them.
However, since Saena had not yet made her debut, she discreetly covered her face and chose a spot where she could view the square.
She was glad she had decided to wear a hat.
The hat, with its wide brim and a small attached veil, had been sent along with her dress by Madame Charlize. It was perfect for subtly hiding her face and also served well to shield her from the strong midday sun.
Rupert stood off to the side, while the maids moved to the servants’ waiting area.
“Wow—!”
As the time approached, deafening cheers erupted from all directions. It was the kind of cheer that made one’s heart race with anticipation.
Saena fixed her sparkling gaze on the central square.
Bam-ba-ra-bam!
With the amplified sound of horns, the massive gates of the imperial city swung open, and the cheers grew even louder.
Clack, clack, clack.
Infantry soldiers, marching in perfect formation, were the first to appear, proudly displaying their disciplined military bearing. Following them were standard-bearers carrying the imperial flag, stepping in unison.
At the end of the long procession, an open carriage drawn by eight horses appeared, carrying the imperial prince and his fiancée, called the hebeta, adorned with a lavish canopy.
“Long live the Macfeyden Empire!”
“Long live His Highness the Prince!”
As the prince came into view, the cheers grew even louder.
A marching band, equipped with drums and horns, played music in rhythm with the procession, heightening the atmosphere.
Thud. Thud. Thud-thud-thud.
Behind them, a group of soldiers performed a synchronized sword dance with precision, followed by a cavalry unit in shining silver armor, marching with dignity.
Even though the parade’s procession was something seen every year, it never failed to captivate the audience.
“Wow—!!”
“It’s the Guardian Spirit!”
Finally, at the rear of the procession, a towering figure came into view, and the crowd’s cheers reached their peak.
The highlight of the parade, the appearance of the Guardian Spirit, had arrived.
“Finally…”
Saena widened her eyes in anticipation.
‘I’m finally seeing it in person.’
The first thing she noticed was its flowing mane.
A black lion with a mane that rippled like darkness itself, spreading in all directions. Its forehead bore a glowing emblem, as if light was seeping through its dark skin.
The massive and majestic king of beasts. The Guardian Spirit of the Kramer family moved leisurely along the procession with its translucent body.
The Black Lion of the Oath, <Morev>.
The grand lion with golden eyes was both awe-inspiring and mysterious.
“Hmm, but… isn’t that not a Guardian Spirit?”
Saena mumbled to herself absentmindedly, only to be startled by her own words.
‘Not a Guardian Spirit…?’
Why had such a thought crossed her mind?
Even though she was an avid fan of <Arles-Promesa>, she wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about Guardian Spirits. It was known that fewer than ten Guardian Spirits remained in existence today.
No matter how much she liked them, she had never had the opportunity to see one up close, and there wasn’t much public information available. Like everyone else, her only chance to see them was during parades.
Feeling baffled by herself, Saena carefully examined Morev with her eyes, only to suddenly sense a gaze.
Following that gaze, she was taken aback.
“……?!”
Sitting atop a massive black horse, marching alongside Morev, was the Oathkeeper of Morev.
The Duke of Kramer was looking directly at her.
Even from a distance, it was unmistakable.
For some reason, it felt as though her gaze was bound tightly, unable to move elsewhere, as if she were being restrained. Behind him, something seemed to flicker faintly, though she couldn’t make it out clearly.
Saena’s pupils quivered.
“…Saena?”
Huh.
Caught in that strange gaze, Saena snapped out of it at the sound of her name in her ear.
“Ah…?”
When she looked up…
“…Kayan?”
“Sorry, did I startle you?”
It seemed even to him that she looked startled.
“I guess I was too focused on watching. I was a little startled, but I’m fine.”
Saena exhaled softly, relaxing her body, which had tensed up from the strange sense of pressure.
‘But what was that just now?’
When she looked back down at the square, the Duke of Kramer was no longer looking at her. He was facing forward, continuing his circuit around the square.
‘Did he just glance this way and I misunderstood?’
…Yes. It must have been a misunderstanding. The distance was too great.
Even as she examined Morev again, she no longer felt the same sensation as before.
Tilting her head slightly, Saena soon dismissed the thought.
That aside,
“What are you doing? Standing there and casting a shadow.”
Why was he standing there, shading her like that?
“If you’re not leaving soon, sit down and talk.”
Saena looked up at Kayan and spoke.
“Hmm, should I? Mind if I watch with you?”
“Of course not.”
She hadn’t expected to run into someone she knew, but it was better than sitting idly by herself.
Kayan quietly took a seat next to Saena.
“Saena, you came out to see the Guardian Spirit too? That’s unexpected.”
“Yeah, I like them.”1here she said “나 좋아해” which could also be interpreted as ‘I like you’
“…Huh?”
Kayan asked again, a beat late.
“I said I like watching Guardian Spirits.”
“Ah, that’s right.”
Kayan flinched slightly as he replied.
The parade in the square was still in full swing. People were throwing flower petals they had prepared in advance, cheering loudly.
The sight of the massive Guardian Spirit, as tall as the surrounding buildings, following the procession against the backdrop of the imperial city at midday was truly a breathtaking and awe-inspiring scene.
“But Saena, isn’t today the day of your debut?”
After silently watching the parade for a while, Kayan suddenly seemed to realize something and asked in surprise.
