NMBTD 25

Chapter 25

Maybe because it was the second time, the wedding was boring.

In her previous life, she was so excited and nervous that the ceremony ended before she even realized what was happening. But this time, since she knew the order of events, it was unbearably dull.

The priest made the declaration, recited prayers, greeted the imperial family, and finally, they listened to the empress’s congratulatory speech.

It was a simple procedure. But that was only for regular noble weddings.

Even if the procedures were the same, because it was the imperial wedding, everything was solemn and serious.

And because of that, it dragged on terribly. Each ritual took at least an hour.

Just when she thought she might suffocate from boredom, all the wedding rituals finally ended.

Now, only the banquet and the wedding night remained.

“Sigh.”

Alesia sighed deeply as she stepped out of the chapel and entered the Second Prince’s palace, the veil lifted.

Once inside the bedroom, she just wanted to collapse on the bed, regardless of the remaining events.

As if reading her mind, Lysette smiled gently.

“You must be tired from the tension. Everyone feels that way on their wedding day. Just hold on a little longer, Your Highness.”

“I just want it to be over soon.”

Alesia smiled awkwardly.

The truth was different. She was just bored and wanted to run away. But she swallowed her true feelings and added politely,

“I’m glad I chose a comfortable dress for the banquet. I’m a little exhausted.”

“The wedding dress has a train. It’s not easy walking while dragging that long train behind you.”

Lysette skillfully helped her change clothes and continued.

“The banquet dress has a full bell skirt, but it’s made of light chiffon material, so it will be much more comfortable.”

Alesia nodded, looking at herself in the mirror.

The pale peach banquet dress emphasized her chest and waist, and the skirt flared widely below.

Dressed in the banquet gown, she looked like a doll on top of a cake.

“It’s comfortable.”

Alesia genuinely admired.

On the outside, it looked like a carefully crafted outfit, but it prioritized mobility so it wasn’t as restrictive as the wedding dress.

Now she understood why Lysette’s atelier was considered the best in the empire.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. The Second Prince is waiting.”

While Alesia was putting on the diamond necklace gifted by the Empress, she turned her eyes toward the voice outside the door.

As her gaze shifted, Sarah quickly approached the doorframe.

“You’ll be leaving soon. Just a moment.”

“His Highness said he would personally come to escort you. How should I convey this?”

“Well…”

Sarah, chatting with a servant by the door, looked back at Alesia. The moment she heard ‘Second Prince,’ her eyes darkened.

Reading Alesia’s expression, she spoke kindly to the servant.

“Isn’t that unnecessary? His Highness must greet the guests. Don’t worry. We’ll escort Her Highness properly.”

While Sarah spoke to the servant, Lysette adjusted Alesia’s necklace.

She looked at Alesia with admiration and spoke sincerely.

“You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. The Second Prince will surely fall for you again.”

“Thank you.”

Alesia gave a half-hearted smile at Lysette’s compliment.

She had no desire to be seen prettily by Franz.

But she couldn’t say that out loud. Alesia skillfully hid her true feelings behind a mask of smiles.

From now on, she would have to live like this countless times—hiding her true self.

It was something she had to get used to in this second life.

“Her Highness the Second Princess enters!”

As Alesia stepped into the banquet hall, a guard struck the floor with a spear and shouted.

All eyes in the hall turned toward her. Curiosity, hostility, and admiration mixed in the gazes made her feel dizzy.

But Alesia walked forward with an indifferent expression.

She was used to the gazes. The nervous, sweating girl who didn’t know what to do was gone.

“Second Princess.”

A man appeared through the crowd. He bowed politely to Alesia.

“I was just about to come get you.”

Alesia looked at him calmly.

He looked proud to call her ‘Second Princess.’

He was now officially her husband from today.

Franz gave a faint smile and lowered his eyes. When he bowed, his radiant blonde hair gleamed under the lights.

Alesia watched expressionlessly as Franz lifted his face.

He, too, wore banquet attire. Not the white uniform that added sacredness to the wedding, but a more casual navy blue uniform.

The design emphasized his broad chest and tapered waist in a reverse triangle shape. He was so handsome that all the women in the banquet hall glanced at him covertly.

‘This is exactly like in my previous life. I thought it would be different.’

Alesia evaluated Franz’s outfit without excitement.

She was past the stage of marveling at his beauty. Being enchanted by his handsome face was something only the foolish and naive Alesia of her past would do.

To her now, Franz’s appearance held no power.

No matter how fresh his smile or earnest his gaze, it was useless to her.

“That peach color suits you well. I should tell Madame Lysette to prepare a few more peach dresses.”

Alesia frowned lightly. How could he say such things knowing her reaction perfectly?

It was suspicious whether he had any real intent or not.

Whenever Franz complimented her, she pretended not to hear it and let it pass. Yet, he never tired of praising her beauty.

“What’s his angle?”

Alesia grew cautious each time Franz kindly approached.

Past experience made her wary. At any moment, he might suddenly declare that her scent was disgusting.

She didn’t know when it would happen, but she was sure such a future awaited her.

Maybe Franz was desperately holding back the urge to plug his nose right now.

Maybe he was enduring it with all his might to secure their bond and receive mana’s blessing.

‘Do whatever you want.’

Alesia thought coldly. No matter what he did, she was sure she wouldn’t get hurt. She was used to being treated coldly.

Alesia and Franz walked together toward the Empress, who was waiting for the second prince and princess.

The Empress, seated at the main table, smiled kindly when they greeted her politely.

“Congratulations on your marriage, Second Prince and Second Princess.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“The Emperor would have been very pleased to see you both…”

The Empress’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the dignified Franz and beautiful Alesia.

As her voice faltered, a handmaiden by her side dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

The Empress smiled sheepishly.

“I’m being childish. To show tears on such a happy day. I’m sorry, Second Princess.”

“Please don’t apologize, Your Majesty.”

Alesia walked forward and took the Empress’s hand. The Empress, surprised that the Second Princess suddenly grabbed her hand, looked at her.

“When you wake up later, please let me greet you properly. Together with Your Majesty the Empress.”

Alesia’s warm words made the Empress bite her lip. She nodded and, with a choked voice, said,

“Alesia, to have someone as warm as you by Franz’s side is truly a blessing to the Imperial Family.”

“You flatter me.”

Alesia humbly bent her knees slightly. The Empress looked fondly at the shining necklace on her neck.

“I’m glad I gave you this necklace. It suits you very well. Don’t you think so, Franz?”

“I can only admire Your Majesty’s insight.”

Franz answered politely but somewhat stiffly.

As he made the formal reply, he cleared his throat and added,

“Would you allow me to have my first dance with my wife?”

“Oh my, how silly of me. Of course, you should.”

The Empress blinked at Franz’s words and gently pushed Alesia toward him. Startled, Alesia stepped close to Franz. The Empress lightly clapped her hands.

The banquet hall instantly fell silent at the Empress’s applause.

Drawing the attention of those present, the Empress looked toward the orchestra waiting in the hall.

The conductor responded to her signal by moving his baton, and a gentle melody began to flow—a somewhat slow tempo dance piece.

As the music played, the guests naturally surrounded Franz and Alesia.

They wanted to witness the honor of seeing the bride and groom’s first dance.

Franz, surrounded by the crowd, reached out his hand to Alesia gracefully with a confident expression.

“Alesia, my bride. Will you grant me the honor of dancing with you?”

“…Yes.”

Alesia reluctantly took Franz’s offered hand.

She had been avoiding him until now. But now, she could not keep him away.

At least once, she had to dance with Franz.

Because the banquet started with the married couple’s dance.