~Chapter 1~
Though spring sunlight flooded the land, a lingering chill remained—an early spring breeze that hinted winter had not yet fully passed.
Yet even that cold couldn’t stop the crowd that had gathered at Thefold Cathedral, one of Rajan’s landmarks.
And for good reason: today was the long-awaited wedding of Crown Prince Khalid and Lady Rivie Arfin of noble blood. A union that many had believed would never happen.
“The Crown Prince is getting married? I never would’ve imagined.”
“You’re not the only one. The whole Empire was shocked.”
“I thought His Highness hated Lady Rivie…”
“They say she completely changed after the accident five years ago.”
“Even if she lost her memory, personality doesn’t change so easily.”
“Shh! How dare you talk like that about the Master of Holy Power? She used to be a bit harsh, sure, but not anymore. If someone hears us badmouthing her, we’ll be in trouble.”
“Yeah. It’s just hard to believe, that’s all.”
Some were suspicious, some amazed, and some genuinely happy.
The next Emperor of the Empire marrying the blessed Master of Holy Power was undoubtedly a cause for celebration.
Still, whispers of doubt and dissatisfaction lingered among the nobles—and they all stemmed from one name: Rivie Arfin.
Five years ago, she’d been in a horrific accident—her carriage had plunged off a cliff. She was unconscious for a time, but then miraculously woke up.
“Who… are you? Who am I…?”
When Rivie opened her eyes again, all of her memories were gone.
From her personality to her tastes and even her physical sensitivities, everything about her had changed—as if she were an entirely different person.
Though it should’ve caused concern, the Arfin family secretly felt relief.
Before the accident, Rivie had been infamous for her violent temper and cruelty. Her relationship with the Crown Prince, arranged from childhood, had been downright hostile—more enemies than betrothed.
But the Rivie who lost her memory rebuilt all her relationships from scratch, as if writing a new story.
On the other side of the cathedral, beneath a glass ceiling soaked in sunlight, people clasped their hands in prayer.
“Did you hear? Lady Rivie restored this cathedral from ruins.”
“Really? I thought it was always this sacred.”
“No, just five years ago it was a massive, abandoned shell. She paid for repairs herself and brought in priests from the temple.”
“If that’s true, that’s incredible!”
“Right? People still say she hasn’t changed inside, but I believe it. She’s truly worthy of her noble blood now.”
Their eyes sparkled, and their praise felt so grand, even they were a bit embarrassed saying it.
Very few people knew the real nature of Rivie. The voices singing her praises were just a small portion of those present in the cathedral.
The cheers shook the stained glass windows—no one outside had the faintest idea of her true nature.
Public opinion was divided, but everyone gathered here today was there to bless the marriage of Crown Prince Khalid and Rivie Arfin.
Even the High Priest, who rarely left the temple, had come to officiate—proof of how significant this day was.
Holding the royal wedding not in the palace but in a regular cathedral in the capital was also unusual.
Because of that, crowds flooded the area, and the palace dispatched knights to maintain order.
It was a precaution arranged by the Crown Prince himself, so that Rivie—who would be distressed if anyone were hurt in the crowd—wouldn’t have to worry. It was a testament to how deeply he cared for her.
It was truly a beautiful day.
“My lady, everything is ready. Would you like to take a look?”
Rivie, the bride and star of the day, let out a small sigh of relief as her preparations, which had started early in the morning, were finally complete.
Sitting upright for hours had been exhausting.
But the moment she stood in front of the mirror, all that fatigue vanished.
“Wow…”
“You look stunning, my lady.”
Rivie admired her reflection. She had always known she was pretty, but the skilled hands of the best artisans had given her an even more radiant glow.
A face she thought she had grown used to now looked unfamiliar—almost too beautiful.
“Yes, I’m beautiful.”
…So beautiful, it was almost enviable.
Rivie smiled softly, the corners of her lips lifting gently.
Her maids, who had worked hard since dawn, bowed with satisfaction—as if her smile alone had made it all worthwhile.
“You’ve all done such a wonderful job. Thank you.”
She didn’t forget to offer kind words to those who had helped her prepare.
“His Highness will be absolutely speechless when he sees you.”
“You really think so…?”
Rivie suddenly recalled their first meeting.
When their eyes had first met, Khalid had immediately frowned and clicked his tongue.
“What trick are you trying to pull this time?”
His distrust of Rivie Arfin had been sky-high, so his reaction had made sense.
But the Rivie at that time had simply stared at him, dazed by how incredibly handsome he was.
And now, people were saying he would be the one to lose his breath when he saw her. The change felt real now.
“Of course! You know how much His Highness cherishes you.”
“Mm…”
Rivie smiled shyly and nodded.
If the bride isn’t beautiful on her wedding day, then who would be?
Dong—dong—
The great bell of the cathedral rang out to mark the hour. Noon was approaching.
Rivie took her first steps with the help of her maids.
The bell tolled twelve times. The cathedral doors opened grandly.
At the end of the white aisle stood the man she loved more than anything.
Crown Prince Khalid Nomen Epherenia.
Sunlight streamed through the glass and bathed him in gold.
Though the cathedral was full, Rivie saw only him.
He looked surprised at first, then smiled warmly.
Rivie gently lifted her dress and began walking toward him.
The carpet was smooth, the path lined with ivory statues and golden candelabras.
Unable to wait even a moment longer, Khalid strode toward her and held out his hand.
When she carefully placed hers in his, he clasped it firmly, as if he would never let go.
His warm, strong grip made her heart tighten.
“You’ve startled me.”
“Huh…?”
“You didn’t tell me you’d be this beautiful.”
He said it teasingly, but it was clear how deeply he meant it.
“But of course—it’s your day, after all.”
Rivie blushed and was momentarily speechless.
The same man who once looked at her with disgust now spoke to her with disarming affection.
How could she not love such a man?
“Let us begin the vow ceremony.”
At the High Priest’s solemn declaration, Khalid cleared his throat nervously and pulled out the ring.
They had designed it together—an emblem of their love.
The vow ceremony was sacred: a promise of eternity made before the gods, sealed with a ring placed on a loved one’s finger.
Khalid carefully slid the ring onto her delicate hand.
He was nervous too—his fingers trembled slightly.
“I, Khalid Nomen Epherenia, vow before the primal god Vesia. I will love you and only you, for eternity.”
His voice was dignified and resolute—filled with sincerity.
It was different from the traditional vow, prompting murmurs and applause from the guests.
Rivie’s face flushed, but more than that, she felt overwhelmed with joy.
She gently took his hand in hers.
As expected of a man who wielded a sword, his hand was large and strong.
Rivie took the matching ring and looked quietly at him.
In his crimson eyes, there was so much affection it could overflow.
But then—his face wavered.
Thump—Thump—
The ring in her hand trembled. The world seemed to shake apart.
“Ah…”
Desperate to stay upright, she gripped Khalid’s hand tightly.
Startled by her sudden trembling, he called her name.
“Rivie?”
But she couldn’t speak.
Her stomach churned. The ground felt like a crashing sea. Her senses twisted, like she was hit with a violent wave of nausea.
Throb—
An agonizing headache split through her skull. Her mouth opened, but no scream came out.
Unconsciously, she looked at Khalid.
“Rivie!”
She gripped his hand even tighter.
No…
No…!
Rivie clenched her lips and trembled all over.
“Ah… ah… ah…”
No… please…
The words never formed. They fell apart in her mouth.
She could no longer control her body.
Khalid shouted something, eyes filled with panic.
Rivie screamed inside—but her cry could not reach him.
Her body, unconscious, slowly collapsed onto the white carpet she had just walked.
Her eyelids slid shut.
The last thing she saw—was the face of the man she loved, twisted as if he had just lost everything.
