Political Marriage (4)

2. Political Marriage (4)

Regardless of his shock, the ceremony proceeded without error.

To the sound of the pipe organ, the couple stood shoulder to shoulder.

Though it was a simple ceremony, hardly befitting a grand duke’s wedding, every necessary formality was observed. Throughout the service, the Grand Duke did not spare Miraine a single glance.

As the hymn ended, the bishop extended the Bible and spoke.

“Place your hand on the Holy Scripture and swear.”

Turning his head to look at the Grand Duke, Miraine couldn’t help but swallow a sigh.

*’Rumors…’*

Light streaming through the stained glass and tesserae of the cathedral windows covered the Grand Duke’s long black hair in shimmering colors. A faint breeze stirred his soft locks, and behind the mask, ice-clear eyes glinted.

For a moment, Miraine felt dizzy.

There was only one thing he could say.

*’Rumors…’*

Letting out a slow breath, Miraine placed his hand on the Bible.

After a series of vows, a majestic hymn resounded in his ears.

「Where love abides, God dwells

The Father’s love has gathered us as one

In His embrace, we shall sound the trumpet and rejoice

Where love abides, God dwells

A great purpose has led us here

We shall love each other in truth

Where love abides, we become one

Lest one loaf become two

Repel wicked strife and silence contention

Standing before the gates of heaven with the saints

We give glory before You, Holy Father

O endless joy beyond compare

Continue without end

Amen.」

As the final notes of the hymn faded, Miraine let out a long breath.

He felt inexplicably weary.

The wedding was drawing to a close.

“Present the rings.”

Miraine was a little worried, but the Grand Duke knelt before him without hesitation. The hand that slipped on the ring was slow but precise.

Gazing silently at the ring on his finger, Miraine calmed his tumultuous heart.

“The covenant is between your souls. It is a seal of the pledge to be faithful to each other and never betray one another until you stand before God. Do you, Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, resolve to live as husband and wife for eternity?”

Swallowing, Miraine answered.

“Yes.”

After a brief silence, a low voice rang out.

“Yes.”

The Grand Duke’s hand covered Miraine’s.

A reverent kiss burned the back of his hand.

*’Ah.’*

Miraine let out a shallow gasp, swallowing his embarrassment.

Kissing the back of his hand, the Grand Duke suddenly lifted his head and fixed his gaze on Miraine.

In the reflection of those blue eyes, Miraine saw a face that somehow looked like a lonely child.

* * *

And so, the wedding ended.

Afterward, Miraine attended the reception, was introduced to the Grand Duke’s vassals, and received their oaths of fealty.

Whether because Northern men were sparse with emotion or because they were wary of Miraine as their lord’s political rival, most knelt before him with stony faces and pressed their lips to his ring.

The three knights he had seen at the city gates were also there. The first to kiss his ring was Straus, followed by Rabe and Linn in turn.

The highest-ranking house was Straus. With a face that briefly flashed hostility, Straus brusquely kissed the ring before bowing. Most of the other knights offered their oaths with similarly indifferent expressions—except for the knight of the Linn family, who bore a wolf emblem.

“I sincerely welcome you to your official position.”

“Welcome?”

“There are many fools who grumble, but now they won’t dare treat you lightly. Not even the Grand Duke.”

“No one treated me lightly before.”

For some reason, the knight burst out laughing at that.

“I am Edmund Linn.”

Miraine watched Edmund rise after kissing the ring, a quiet smile on his face. Concealing the chill in his heart, he wore a gentle expression.

After the oaths, a true feast began. The domain’s residents danced and sang, mingling with the knights. The Grand Duke sat at the head table, speaking with Straus. Miraine silently drank alone.

No one spoke to him, and Miraine did not step forward among the crowd.

When the party had mellowed somewhat, Miraine slipped away unnoticed. Returning to his room, he threw himself onto the bed and, without meaning to, fell asleep.

* * *

He dreamed.

*’Mother!’*

In the dream, a boy reached out both hands, trying to catch the ankle of a beautiful woman flying away. The woman, whose hair seemed spun from silver thread, soared through the sky on translucent wings.

He stretched his hand toward the woman about to leap from the windowsill, but he couldn’t grasp her slender ankle. Catching only her shoe, the boy stared at the beautiful white foot in front of him and despaired.

She’s leaving!

Today, too, she was leaving.

Violet eyes looked warmly at Miraine.

Face drenched in tears, the boy—Miraine—wailed in anguish.

*’Don’t go! Please, please! Don’t leave Father and me behind!’*

But the scream didn’t last long.

The grown boy opened his eyes.

* * *

“Ah.”

Blinking tear-filled eyes, Miraine gazed at the ceiling.

*’Again… a dream…’*

What brought him back to his senses was a calm voice.

“You’re crying.”

A soft ‘ah’ escaped Miraine’s lips.

Raising his head in bewilderment, fragmented words tumbled out.

“I’m sorry… I fell asleep…”

“You don’t need to cry like that; I won’t touch you. Don’t act so pathetic, Miraine Laster.”

At the somber voice, Miraine fell silent.

In his vision stood a man with a dark smile.

Miraine’s breath caught.

A brief silence passed.

“Your Highness.”

Miraine’s eyes wavered.

The Grand Duke, bathed in moonlight, stared at him with a penetrating gaze. Beneath the cold silver mask, blue moonlight glinted in eyes like weathered stone. An undeniable pressure emanated from him. The Northern King’s very presence constricted Miraine’s throat.

A sneer curved the lips beneath the silver mask.

A slow voice followed.

“Tears.”

Before Miraine could speak, the Grand Duke continued in an icy tone.

“What rumors circulate about me in the capital?”

Collecting his thoughts, Miraine parted his lips.

“I judge people not by rumors but with my own eyes.”

Then he looked at the Grand Duke with clear eyes.

The Grand Duke held a brief silence. Miraine could read his discomposure.

“Enough.”

After a moment, the Grand Duke’s sharp voice cut through the air as he glared at Miraine. Gauging the Grand Duke’s mood, Miraine involuntarily stiffened. A murderous aura flowed from him.

“Your Highness.”

“I already know roughly, so there’s no need to elaborate… And I’ll tell you in advance: those rumors are likely true. Miraine Laster.”

Miraine was at a loss for words.

*’The rumors are true?’*

Miraine looked up at the Grand Duke.

A sinister aura clung to the face beneath the mask. The man looked down at him with a twisted smile, his gaze laced with contempt and hostility.

Trembling slightly, Miraine froze as he noticed the cloth wound around the Grand Duke’s right hand.

*’No.’*

Hideous rumors from the capital flashed through his mind.

*’He didn’t seem like that kind of person.’*

At that moment, a hollow laugh escaped him.

*’I’m ruined.’*

Silently watching Miraine, the Grand Duke reached out a hand toward him.

“Your father doesn’t love you.”

Miraine flinched but did not avoid the hand.

The elegant fingers touched his curly light-brown hair.

The Grand Duke’s face was cold, unreadable.

“Bastard?”

“…Yes.”

The Grand Duke toyed with Miraine’s hair like a child playing with a toy. Miraine’s face was pale and seemed drained of strength. A mocking expression flickered across the Grand Duke’s face as he observed Miraine’s complexion, then vanished.

“How pathetic!”

Suddenly releasing the hair, the Grand Duke spoke coldly.

“The choice is yours, Miraine Laster.”

The words shook Miraine.

“If you wish, I will leave this room right now.”

Startled, Miraine’s eyes darted to the bedding, then his body stiffened. Shaking off his hesitation, he spoke through gritted teeth.

“No.”

A couple that does not consummate the first night is not truly married.

Recalling the meaning of a political marriage, Miraine met the Grand Duke’s eyes.

He could have run from the capital. He could have accepted Laisa’s offer. But he had chosen not to run.

Then shouldn’t he take responsibility for that choice?

“I…”

The Grand Duke watched him with a dry expression.

“I came to Wickier to become your spouse.”

Fully composed, Miraine reached out and grasped the Grand Duke’s robe. Locking eyes, Miraine Laster slowly moved his lips.

“I desire this night with you.”

Taking a deep breath, Miraine carefully parted the Grand Duke’s robe. A clean scent wafted from the opening. His complexion slightly eased, Miraine Laster continued in a low voice.

“Will you grant me your permission?”