Side Story 1 – A Tumultuous Wedding, That Night

A perfectly clear sky.  

Countless flower petals scattered gently in the breeze, and the square was filled with the voices of the crowd.  

Though they hailed from different regions, they were all waiting for the same thing: the public procession where the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, newly wed at the temple, would make their first and last appearance before heading to the Imperial Palace.  

It was the only opportunity to see the Imperial Family, those near-mythical beings who seemed to reside above the clouds, up close.  

The ceremony had already been delayed far beyond its scheduled time, leaving most of the people who had traveled from afar restless with anticipation.  

Especially the children, who idolized fairy-tale princes and princesses, could hardly contain their excitement. They perched on their fathers’ sturdy shoulders, craning their necks like giraffes.  

And as if to soothe their eager hearts, the sound of trumpets began to echo from the other side of the square.  

“There! They’re coming!”  

A shout from someone seated atop a high roof stirred the crowd into a buzz of excitement.  

Just as they had said, the lion-emblazoned banner of the Asherit Imperial Family came into view from the far end of the avenue.  

The armored knights holding the banners reflected the sunlight, their gleaming armor dazzling the eyes.  

But in the end, what truly captivated the crowd’s attention wasn’t the banners, nor the knights, nor even the extravagant display of gold and jewels trailing behind them.  

“W-what…?”  

People froze mid-applause, stunned.  

Hair that shimmered like molten gold, the very symbol of the Asherit Imperial Family’s legitimacy, was accompanied by a white bridal veil fluttering beside it.  

Though this was an opportunity to see the Imperial Family in person, it was usually just a figure of speech.  

In reality, the most one could hope to glimpse was the shadow of the royals inside their ornate carriage or an occasional wave from behind a window.  

Every royal wedding until now had followed this tradition, and it was a natural precaution for safety.  

That’s why the sight of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess leading the procession on horseback was nothing short of shocking.  

It was a scene so unbelievable that even seeing it with their own eyes didn’t make it any easier to comprehend.  

The silence that followed was broken by the exclamations of a few children.  

“Wow! It’s really a prince and a princess!”  

“You dummy, we’re supposed to call them His and Her Highness, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”  

“They’re so cool!”  

“I want to ride a horse too!”  

Unaware of the gravity of the situation, the children innocently marveled at the sight. Their voices gradually brought the adults back from their thunderstruck stupor.  

And then…  

“Wooooooaaaaahhh!”  

As if the silence had never existed, the square erupted in thunderous cheers and applause.  

The atmosphere became so electric it seemed ready to explode, much to the dismay of the soldiers lining the avenue to maintain order. Even they, however, couldn’t tear their eyes away from the Crown Prince and Crown Princess as they passed right before them.  

The Crown Prince, with his radiant golden hair and crimson eyes, was even more dignified and regal than the rumors had suggested. The Crown Princess, with her deep blue hair elegantly styled, her white dress, and her veil, was graceful and beautiful.  

Though the knights surrounding them closely obscured their every movement, the mere fact that the royals were appearing before the public without any barriers was symbolic enough.  

‘Asherit is a peaceful and secure nation, and the young heirs who will lead its future meet the people face to face, at their closest.’  

Everyone who witnessed the sight felt this and was moved.  

Yet, hidden behind the helmets and armor of the knights, the reality of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess was far from picture-perfect.  

“See? I told you. They’re happy, not suspicious at all.”  

“…I didn’t object because it was strange. I objected because it was dangerous.”  

The man and woman, their faces adorned with serene smiles, moved their lips almost imperceptibly.  

In truth, the decision for them to ride together on horseback had not been part of the original plan.  

They had ridden horses to the temple for the ceremony, but the problem arose afterward.  

After the ceremony, they were supposed to travel to the Imperial Palace, where a grand reception awaited.  

While the guests would proceed directly to the palace in their carriages, it was customary for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess to take a detour through the capital square before entering the palace.  

The purpose was to showcase their majesty to the people and to ensure they arrived fashionably late to the reception, as befits the main characters of the event.  

But as the guests departed, another problem arose for the couple.  

Katrina Eseth had sabotaged the royal carriage Carnier was supposed to use by breaking one of its wheels.  

Repairing the wheel in time was impossible, and bringing a new royal carriage through the crowded streets would draw undue attention.  

So Carnier had made a suggestion.  

• Servante, let’s ride together on horseback.  

• What?  

• It’s unprecedented, but it’ll definitely capture attention. The people will love it. 

• Wait, Carnier. What’s the point of capturing attention? The most important thing is your safety and the Crown Prince’s. 

Naturally, both Servante and Duke Raymore opposed the idea. They argued that arranging a new carriage discreetly would be the safest option.  

But then Carnier said something that made everyone panic.  

• Actually… I think I might’ve twisted my ankle a little when I jumped earlier. 

• What?!  

• Why are you only saying this now?!  

• Well… I didn’t realize it at first. But during the ceremony, when I knelt before the priest, I started to feel it. It’s fine when I walk slowly, but it might be noticeable if I get in and out of a carriage. 

Perhaps it had happened when she had been kicking mercenaries while wearing sharp satin heels.  

But Carnier wisely kept that detail to herself.  

• Why did you jump out of the window in the first place… Sigh.  

• …I apologize, Your Highness. My sister…

• No, it’s not your fault, Duke…

• Well, technically, it’s more Katrina Eseth’s fault than mine…

• Let’s just stop talking for a moment. 

• The fool who jumped out of the window should stay quiet for now. 

• …Understood. 

And so, the two ended up riding a single horse together, looking as affectionate as a painting.  

Though outwardly composed, Servante tightened his hold on the woman in his arms and let out a quiet sigh.  

“You need to be more mindful of your safety…”  

“I’m reflecting on it… And not to make excuses, but you don’t need to worry so much. We’ve tripled the number of guards, even if we’re not in a carriage.”  

“What good is that when we’re exposed from above?”  

“I’ve ordered the Shadow Knights to patrol the rooftops. Plus, all of our family’s private soldiers are on duty.”  

“They’re not invincible. If we were attacked by surprise…”  

Servante’s words trailed off as his lips suddenly closed, like a shell snapping shut.  

The unexpected warmth that brushed against the corner of his mouth had silenced him.  

The knights escorting them flinched as if they hadn’t heard anything, while the cheers of the crowd grew even louder.  

In full view of the public, the Crown Princess had kissed the Crown Prince on the cheek. She then pulled back slightly and winked at him.  

“The only one who can attack you right now is me.”  

“…Carnier.”  

“I’m sorry for worrying you.”  

Perhaps it was the relief of having completed the ceremony, which had nearly been derailed. Carnier, who had ignored both her brother and husband to rush to the venue, seemed to have regained some of her composure.  

She felt sorry for this man who must have been tormented with worry while she was kidnapped, and she felt ashamed before her family.  

At the same time, she didn’t want to burden him with nothing but anxiety on what should have been the happiest day of their lives.  

“I’ll listen to your scolding later, when it’s just the two of us. I won’t interrupt, and I’ll do everything you say.”  

“……”  

“So… could you smile for me now? It’s our wedding day, a day that will never come again.”  

Under the magic of Beth, her personal maid who had been urgently summoned, there was no trace of the battle left on her now-lovely face. Her long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings.  

Beneath them, her anxious eyes gazed up at him.  

Servante, who had been silently moving his lips as if to speak, finally let out a sigh. He then leaned forward and placed a kiss on the bride’s pure white forehead.  

The scene, like something out of a fairy tale, drew another wave of cheers from the crowd, and the knights silently standing guard around them blushed beneath their helmets.  

“……?!”  

But the one most flustered was Carnier herself.  

Just moments ago, she had kissed him without hesitation, but she hadn’t imagined that he would return the gesture. She blinked in disbelief.  

Looking down into her wide eyes, he smirked crookedly.  

“Don’t forget your promise.”  

“Yes… uh…?”  

“You said you’d do everything I told you to, didn’t you?”  

His last words were so low and secretive that even the knights nearby couldn’t hear them. Anyone with a hint of perception would have caught the underlying intent in his tone.  

Carnier’s face flushed as red as the flower petals scattering through the sky.  

‘That’s… not what I meant!’  

Meanwhile, he calmly pulled her closer. He used his broad cloak and sturdy arms to shield her now-blushing face.  

The clatter of horses’ hooves mixed with the applause of the crowd, creating a lively commotion. Yet, to the two of them, only the sound of each other’s heartbeat grew louder.