I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 101
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Emilia felt a headache coming on due to the sudden arrival of Ellyn and the maids.
More precisely, it was because of the wedding dress and various accessories sent from the royal household.
“What’s all this?”
“These are necessary for the wedding ceremony the day after tomorrow. They have been prepared and sent by the royal household.”
“….”
Emilia looked at the wedding dress taken out of the box.
“We need to check if it fits you. I’ll help you try it on.”
No matter her reluctance, it wouldn’t make much difference.
Emilia stood up from the chair. The maids quickly moved to help her into the dress.
After being fully dressed in the royal-supplied attire from head to toe, they were done.
“It seems we just need to take in the waist a bit.”
She hadn’t expected the wedding preparations to be like this, but she complied without question.
“Then we’ll make the adjustments. Is there anything that feels uncomfortable?”
“No, there isn’t.”
Emilia saw her reflection in the wedding dress.
The white dress had a low-cut chest covered with lace, a design overlaid with delicate golden embroidery that drew the eye. Ribbons tied at either side of the waist and layers upon layers of skirt added to its opulence.
Her red hair stood out even more against the stark whiteness of the dress.
“You look truly beautiful.”
Emilia couldn’t bring herself to smile at Ellyn’s comment. For others, it might be a happy wedding, but not for her.
Suddenly, reality hit her. What would become of her once she was married to Duke Heinrich?
“Duke Loren will also attend Madam’s wedding, I’ve heard.”
“…My father?”
“Yes, that’s right. The royal family has granted permission.”
“Does that mean my parents won’t have to stay in prison anymore?”
“I’m not sure about that.”
Her father had not wavered in his convictions. He wouldn’t support Adrian just with words.
The unexpected news of her father’s attendance at the wedding unnerved her.
But perhaps it was an opportunity.
Emilia thought of the hidden dagger. On the wedding day, if an opportunity came, she would stab him and escape from this place.
She’d rather die than live like this. Yet, so far, the Duke had not allowed her even that much control over her fate.
But it was he who had said to hide her claws and wait for the right moment. Emilia thought that opportunity might come during the wedding.
The royal family was hosting a grand banquet, and everyone in the kingdom would attend.
It might be her chance to escape amidst the chaos.
“Is everything finished now?”
She lifted the veil. Only then did she somewhat feel like herself again.
“Yes, you can change back into comfortable clothes now.”
She allowed them to help her out of the cumbersome wedding dress.
“Madam, it will truly be a magnificent wedding.”
Dell tried to sound cheerful.
“A wedding is a day for happiness. As the most beautiful bride, it surely will be a happy day for you.”
Emilia’s expression remained grave as the wedding dress was removed.
“Dell, for a wedding to be happy, there must be satisfaction. And between the Duke and me, there are no conditions for satisfaction.”
“Madam…”
Dell’s voice faltered as she called out to her.
“So even if the wedding two days from now is more lavish than any other, the bride will be unhappier than anyone.”
* * *
“Never thought we’d meet here.”
“Nor did I.”
Mikhail replied as he alternated his gaze between Adrian and the woman next to him.
The woman’s resemblance to Emilia was unsettling.
‘She looks like a wilting rose.’
Unlike Emilia, who evoked the image of a red rose, the woman next to Adrian had hair that appeared brown at times yet tinged with red.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Adrian, evidently eager to be introduced.
She wore her hat deep, but as the wind blew, her face was fully exposed. She had flawless skin, free of any freckles, and was undeniably beautiful.
Adrian was looking at the box in Mikhail’s hand. Unable to wait, the woman introduced herself.
“I am Blair von Berne.”
“A princess of Eponsen, I see. I am Mikhail von Heinrich, Duke Heinrich.”
“My goodness! You must be the famous Duke Heinrich. I never thought I’d actually meet you in person. You are quite the gentleman.”
After the two exchanged greetings, Adrian continued.
“I missed the perfect time to introduce him. Duke Heinrich is a steadfast ally and comrade of mine.”
Princess Verne nodded and glanced at Mikhail with an enchanted expression, causing Adrian’s lips to curl up slightly.
“The Duke is indeed handsome. Many lament that he is taken.”
“Ah, you are married. Of course, such a charming man wouldn’t be single.”
Mikhail listened to their conversation and gracefully lifted the corners of his mouth.
“Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness.”
“….Oh my.”
The princess was visibly pleased with his flawless greeting.
“It seems you are also familiar with the customs of Eponsen.”
Mikhail gently took the hand Princess Verne offered and kissed the back of it.
