Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 203
Milli gazed at the invitation with wide, sparkling eyes.
“Oh, my goddess!”
After exclaiming once, he looked back at the invitation.
“Unbelievable!”
Despite the shocked expression he wore, his broad grin made it clear that he wasn’t truly surprised. As someone who still harbored a deep fascination for tales of heroes, the engagement of Burt and Irene held a similarly romantic allure for him.
A king willing to give up everything for love.
“I have to attend.”
The ceremony was being held practically right next door, so he didn’t need such a firm resolution to attend. Yet, his enthusiasm was endearing, and his knight simply watched with a fond smile.
“But what should I wear?”
“They said you could come in something comfortable.”
“How could I!”
Milli quickly began rummaging through his wardrobe.
Time flew by, and soon, the day of the event arrived. As Burt’s guest and the future heir to the Northern throne, Milli was given special entry.
“Hello!”
He greeted cheerfully, catching Burt’s attention from where he stood by the window. Burt turned, revealing himself in a deep navy ceremonial outfit, embroidered with silver threads. The sight of him was so stunning that Milli momentarily lost his words.
When he finally regained his composure, he glanced down at his own attire, hoping it looked at least a little impressive. After all, he was the successor to such a remarkable figure.
Milli straightened his back with pride.
His thoughts and aspirations were almost tangible, so much so that the adults in the room couldn’t help but smile warmly at the earnestness he displayed.
“I’m glad you accepted the invitation,” Burt said with a welcoming smile.
“No, thank you for inviting me!”
Milli replied loudly, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
“I heard you’ll be acting as a flower attendant?”
“Yes!”
Milli would be joined by another child, one selected by the temple—a small girl with a round face who got along surprisingly well with him.
“Lady.”
“Pfft!”
She did seem to laugh quite a bit, though.
Milli’s meeting with Burt was brief, as it was soon time for him to fulfill his role as a flower attendant.
“I’m nervous.”
Arthe, the little girl who would eventually become a priestess, clutched her basket tightly with her small hands.
“It’s okay, we practiced a lot, remember?”
“Yeah, we did practice a lot.”
Arthe took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. Today, the weather was particularly beautiful, more so than usual.
“The Saintess must be in a good mood.”
“Definitely. The sky is so lovely today.”
Milli agreed with Arthe, nodding along.
“And you look lovely too.”
Arthe complimented Milli in return. It was the first time he’d been told he was “lovely” by a girl, and his cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. But that feeling quickly faded.
As the space around them filled with lively conversation, the sound of musical instruments began to flow through the air. Milli felt a fresh wave of nerves sweep over him.
The doors leading into the temple opened, and the first to appear was Burt. He walked forward with a commanding presence, stopping after a few steps to wait for his soon-to-be fiancée, who would follow him shortly.
Not long after, Irene appeared.
Dressed in a white gown, she looked truly stunning. The gentle smile on her face radiated happiness, softening her expression. In that moment, even the ominous associations that had once surrounded her seemed to fade away, rendered meaningless.
When she extended her gloved hand, Burt took it. At that moment, the chatter among the guests fell silent. Even those attending with grudges or reservations found themselves unable to speak.
In the quiet, the two walked together down the red velvet path.
“Milli.”
Milli had been staring at them in awe, but Arthe poked him in the side to snap him out of it. He quickly joined her, following behind the couple as they walked. Even as he scattered petals from the basket, his gaze remained fixed on the pair ahead.
A wave of unexplainable emotion filled Milli’s small heart.
At the end of the red path, on the platform, stood High Priest Grein.
“Today, we gather to bless these two.”
Grein began to speak, maintaining an outward calmness that did not reflect her true state. Inside, her heart raced loudly, almost uncomfortably so.
“Are you nervous?”
Burt leaned in toward Irene, his voice low.
“A little.”
“Would you like some help to relax?”
With that, he gently took her hand again, the one he had just released a moment before.
Is this really okay? Irene wondered, but Burt’s calm demeanor kept her still.
“And how do you feel now?”
It was just a simple touch, but it brought a sense of calm back to her. Meanwhile, Grein’s voice continued, reciting the sacred vows.
“Do you both vow to cherish, love, and trust each other?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
The formalities ended quickly, leaving only one final act.
The kiss.
‘But we practiced for this.’
Irene took a deep breath and leaned in to kiss Burt, who had lowered himself to her height. Their lips met briefly and gently, then parted just as quickly, leaving her feeling unsatisfied. After all that practice, was that really it? Somehow, she felt a bit cheated. But seeing Burt’s smile, so full of joy, she couldn’t bring herself to voice her thoughts.
“Now, Lady Irene is officially mine.”
