Chapter 49

At last, the grand doors of the cathedral opened, revealing a scene so magnificent that it felt more dazzling than solemn.

Through the soft blur of her veil, Agnes gazed at the splendid sight before her and felt as though she had stepped into another world.

The hall was filled with nobles of the highest rank, people she would normally never dare to speak to, and even members of the Imperial Family. All eyes were fixed upon her and the pure white aisle stretching before her.

At the end of that aisle, standing before the altar in his ceremonial attire, was her brother, Serene’s laughter echoing softly as she covered her mouth in awe.

“My, I thought the bride might feel small next to my brother, but I was wrong. She looks stunning.”

Her teasing voice, fortunately, never reached Agnes’s ears. Agnes was far too tense to notice anything else.

‘I can’t make a mistake.’

She knew how long even a single misstep could linger in the minds of the guests.

Each step felt heavier than excitement, filled instead with nervous restraint. She lowered her gaze for a moment to steady herself, then lifted her head again.

That was when she saw Dylan.

He stood at the altar in a black tuxedo, his clear blue eyes fixed solely on her. Even the veil could not blur that gaze.

Dylan moved forward with elegant steps to meet his bride.

“Agnes, just look at me as you walk.”

When he held out his hand, the hall fell into complete silence.

Dylan Harkvitz. The perfect nobleman who could have ascended the Imperial throne. A man burdened with a curse that turned him into a monster.

And the woman who chose to become his bride.

All eyes were upon them.

Agnes placed her hand in his without a hint of hesitation.

The moment she touched him, the tension that had stiffened her body began to ease.

It was proof of how deeply she trusted him, how completely she depended on him.

Dylan, sensing the change, met her gaze through the veil.

No one in the room could understand her trust in him, and even Dylan himself found it difficult to comprehend.

Yet she alone was unafraid to hold his hand. Perhaps it was only natural that her hand should rest in his now.

He squeezed her hand gently and guided her forward. Step by step, she walked beside him, no longer afraid of faltering.

When they reached the altar, the High Priest began his solemn blessing.

“You are now joined in holy matrimony. In joy and in sorrow, support and rely on each other. Groom, state your vow before God.”

“I vow before God to support and stand by Agnes Everchen.”

After Dylan spoke, the High Priest turned to Agnes.

“Bride, state your vow before God.”

“I vow before God to support and stand by Dylan Harkvitz.”

Her words were not a mere ritual.

This was her promise to the man who had reached out to her when she was at her lowest. She would never disappoint him. Even if her strength was small, she would always offer it to him.

While most people listened to the ceremony absentmindedly, Agnes vowed with unwavering conviction.

When the vows were done, they exchanged rings before the audience.

Each ring was engraved with the forest of the Harkvitz domain in astonishing detail, and a clear blue gem gleamed at its center.

Dylan was the first to slip the ring onto her finger. Then Agnes took his large, calloused hand and gently slid the matching ring onto his left hand.

For a brief moment, she thought she saw his fingertips tremble.

But that couldn’t be right. It must have been the veil shifting.

Hand in hand, they turned and walked down the aisle together.

Agnes released the breath she had been holding and glanced at Dylan beside her.

“I was so nervous that I can barely remember what happened in there.”

Her lighthearted remark made Dylan smile faintly.

“It’s not over yet.”

He was right. She still had to change dresses and stand before the public once more.

She would ride the elaborately decorated carriage, passing through the crowded streets filled with spectators, and repeat their sacred vows once again before the ceremony finally came to an end.

When Agnes sighed, weary at the thought, Dylan leaned toward her and whispered,

“Once we reach the North, I’ll make sure you spend an entire year in peace. You will have quiet days that almost feel dull. Hold on just a little longer.”

Agnes lifted her head and smiled. A quiet life in the North. It was exactly the kind of peace she had longed for.

Just imagining it gave her strength, and she nodded softly.

The two of them parted ways outside the cathedral, each returning to their own dressing room.

Agnes hurried to change into her second gown. She had known that noble weddings involved multiple dresses, but she had never imagined how hectic it would be.

The Imperial maids bustled around her, helping her undress and redress with swift precision.

Amid the flurry of movement, she felt dazed, almost as if she were a mannequin in a boutique window.

She merely followed instructions, lifting her arms, bowing her head, and tightening her waist as the maids directed everything.

Even so, they worked with such speed and efficiency that she was dressed in her new gown in no time, with minutes still to spare.

Agnes couldn’t help but be impressed.

This dress was different from the one she wore in the chapel. Her veil now flowed down her back instead of covering her face.

The new gown was a mermaid silhouette with a softened line, embroidered with silver thread that shimmered like starlight under the sun.

A knock came at the door. The maids exchanged knowing smiles, then quietly left the room. The space fell silent.

Moments later, measured footsteps echoed toward her. Dylan entered the room.

Now, with the veil pulled back, she could see him clearly for the first time that day.

He was always neatly dressed, though modest for someone of his status. But today he wore a finely tailored black suit embroidered with gold thread. A brooch of deep blue gemstone gleamed on his chest.

The black cloak draped over his shoulders shimmered faintly with blue hues under the light. Agnes thought it suited him perfectly.

Dylan approached and extended his hand. Agnes took it and rose gracefully.

“I knew you were beautiful, but today you are especially so. I wanted to tell you earlier.”

His low voice carried warmth as he kissed the back of her hand. Agnes smiled softly.

“You look handsome as well, Your Grace. More than ever.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Even if this is a marriage of convenience, it’s still better to be handsome for it, isn’t it?”

His quiet jest drew a light laugh from her.

Dylan’s lips curved faintly as he escorted her out.

They stopped before the carriage prepared for the ceremonial parade.

The carriage was white, adorned with intricate patterns and fine metalwork at each corner. It was taller than most, open at the top but framed with slender pillars that could hold a canopy.

Agnes stepped in with his help and settled into the cushioned seat.

Running her hand along the fabric, she spoke softly.

“His Majesty and Her Majesty rode in a carriage like this when they married, didn’t they?”

“That’s right. You saw that procession?”

“From afar. My mother and I watched it from a coffee house overlooking the main street. Back then, Her Majesty was still a princess.”

It was one of Agnes’s cherished memories.

Back then, her life had not been grand, but it had been peaceful.

She and her mother would go to coffee houses together, enjoying sweet pastries and sometimes watching the parades of the royal family from a distance.

“When you say ‘mother,’ you don’t mean your adoptive one, do you?”

“No. My real mother.”

“You must have been close to her.”

His question made Agnes smile in surprise.

They had shared many things, yet rarely spoke of their private lives. His curiosity felt unexpected but not unwelcome. Especially since it was about something she held dear.

“She wasn’t always gentle. She was strict, sometimes frightening. But she was always there for me. When I was sick, she stayed up through the night to care for me. Even when she scolded me, I could always feel her love.”

Her smile turned wistful as she recalled those days. Dylan watched her quietly, then spoke in a low voice.

“Now I understand why you’re such a good mother to Noah.”