<Chapter 40>

Knock, knock.

“It’s almost time for the wedding to start. Sir, please excuse yourself and make the necessary preparations.”

David’s sudden entrance into the waiting room brought a fresh air to the tense atmosphere, entirely unaware of what had just transpired here.

Taking the opportunity, Bishop Roam hastily stepped back and made his exit.

“T-the truth will come out one day! God is watching over everything!” He left behind those pitiful words, like a defeated villain in a tragic play.

‘Seriously, of course God is watching everything.’

Send someone to save a doomed world and then just sit back and do nothing? That’d be heartless, even for a god.

‘Please, keep watching over me and step in to help whenever it looks like I’m in danger.’

Are you listening, God?

Even if you’re not… you better!

*  *  *

The wedding had been hastily prepared in just a month. Even so, the ceremony hall was flawless, brimming with splendor.

The grand hall, spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of guests, was immaculately adorned. Newly replaced white tiles on the walls and floors gleamed like freshly fallen snow, and a massive tapestry bearing the Winstein family crest hung prominently on the main wall.

Crystal chandeliers and colorful floral decorations adorned the towering white columns supporting the ceiling. The soft floral scent mingled with the warm glow of the lighting, creating a bright yet soothing ambiance.

A formally dressed orchestra played a serene, celebratory tune, blessing the couple who would begin their new lives together today.

The air smelled delightful, the eyes were treated to beauty, and the ears were at peace. Everything was so perfect, there wasn’t a single flaw to be found.

But among all these perfect things, one stood out above the rest.

‘My husband’s face, of course.’

The veil, specially designed for the bride’s safety, hid my face from the outside while allowing me to see everything clearly from within.

Thanks to that, I could unabashedly admire my husband’s face as he stood to my left—the handsome right side of his face, free from the scales.

‘Ha, I could live for a hundred years just feasting on that face.’

That thought alone left me feeling oddly full, even though I hadn’t eaten anything.

But my enjoyment was interrupted by the murmuring of the guests, which began to irritate me as Bishop Roam delivered his officiating speech.

“I heard she tried to take her life the moment she arrived in Winstein because she didn’t want to marry the Monster Duke…”

“Did you hear the rumor? Twelve years ago, the Duke went to the capital and saw her at the Great Temple. He fell in love at first sight and declared her his bride-to-be.”

“I heard that too! The Emperor couldn’t bear to send a Saintess candidate to the North, so he sent two other candidates first. But the Duke wouldn’t give up, so he finally got her.”

Where do these ridiculous rumors even come from?

“Poor thing… She must be holding back tears under that veil.”

Nope. I’m too busy admiring my husband’s face for that.

‘Sigh, but the fact that I can hear this nonsense…’

Most likely means Temenos can hear it too.

I shifted my gaze under the veil to look at Temenos. He stood stoically, showing no change in expression, even though he must have heard things I couldn’t.

‘But I bet he’s fuming inside.’

Wanting to comfort him, I gave his arm a firm squeeze.

“Stop staring already,” the words were whispered so softly that only I could hear them.

Startled, I widened my eyes under the veil.

‘He noticed I was staring?!’

“You’re going to bore a hole into my cheek.”

Unfair! I wasn’t staring that hard!

I opened my mouth, ready to defend myself, but Bishop Roam suddenly raised his voice, stealing my chance.

“Do you, the groom and bride, vow to forsake all others and love only each other, through both joyous and sorrowful times, until death parts you?”

Annoyed at losing my moment, I glared at Bishop Roam through the veil.

“But before you swear to God, the groom must remove his mask.”

What nonsense is this man spewing now?

Naturally, the air around us grew tense as someone shouted in protest: “How dare you! By what right do you demand this of the Duke?!”

Bishop Roam wasn’t backing down.

“Silence! As I, Bishop Roam, officiate this ceremony, God himself is watching. Any vows made here are as if made directly before Him. Making vows while hiding one’s face—how blasphemous!”

He even snorted derisively, his expression utterly smug.

“As the officiant and witness of this union, I cannot proclaim this marriage valid unless the Duke removes his mask!”

“This marriage was commanded by His Majesty the Emperor! Are you daring to defy the Emperor’s will?”

“I am a bishop. The only one who can command me is God, not the Emperor.”

Oh, give me a break. The only reason he’s here is because the Emperor sent him.

‘And look at that face—he’s clearly terrified.’

It was obvious. He wasn’t afraid of defying the Emperor. No, he feared the possibility of Temenos actually removing his mask.

Despite his trembling and the sweat dripping down his forehead, Bishop Roam kept running his mouth: “Duke Winstein, remove your mask at once. If you refuse to remove it…”

“It’s fine.”

A low voice filled the hall. All eyes turned to the Duke, who had been silent until now, as he raised his hand and slowly removed his mask. The white half-mask that had hidden his disfigured face dropped to the floor with a quiet thud.

However, standing with his back to the crowd, only Bishop Roam could see Temenos’ uncovered face.

“In the sight of God, with complete honesty, I vow to fulfill my duties as a husband, cherishing my wife in joy and in sorrow.” He spoke each word deliberately, his gaze locked onto Bishop Roam’s eyes, daring him to challenge his sincerity.

Bishop Roam stood frozen, his expression utterly drained of life, as though his soul had left his body.

‘Tsk tsk. That’s what you get for poking the bear.’

Suppressing a smirk, I cheerfully raised my voice: “Yes! I vow as well. I’ll live a happy life as a duchess!”

“Wha, What?”

“Oh, am I supposed to repeat exactly what I just heard? In joy or sorrow, I won’t abandon my husband… What was it again? Your Grace, what did you say earlier?”

“Couldn’t you remember that short vow?”

“Hey, it wasn’t that short… Anyway, I vow not to do anything that would embarrass God, who sent me here.”

Unlike this self-important bishop, I’ll never be such a disgrace. God, please continue to watch over me kindly.

Even after my brief prayer, Bishop Roam stared at me, jaw dropped in disbelief.

At this point, I began to wonder if the Emperor had deliberately sent him to ruin our wedding.

“Excuse me, Bishop? We’ve finished our vows.”

“Are you… are you serious? You truly mean to marry this man?”

“Yes, I just vowed to do so. Didn’t you hear?”

Rolling my eyes, I heard a voice from behind me join the fray.

“I’ve been getting the impression that Bishop Roam isn’t too fond of this marriage between our Duke and the Prospective Duchess.”

“How could that be? The Emperor and His Holiness the Pope themselves approved of her coming here.”

This mockery was clearly aimed at Bishop Roam.

‘Good! Keep going! Don’t stop!’

As the jeers piled on, Bishop Roam’s face turned a deep shade of red.

Panting heavily, he glared at me and declared, “……Then finally, to prove your vows are genuine, the groom and bride shall share a kiss.”

‘Hah, does he think I won’t?’

But there was a problem.

Not only did Bishop Roam seem to think I wouldn’t, but my husband also hesitated. Instead of lifting my veil, he simply fidgeted with its edge.
 

<To be continued>

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