The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 2 Part 2
After all, she had previously intended to marry a man she wasn’t particularly fond of. More accurately, she had been planning on a decent match in terms of status.
“Don’t worry. You know me.”
While it remained to be seen if she could live well, she was confident that she would not lead a life of misery.
“Anais.”
Alexander approached, taking one of Anais’s hands between both of his. The other hand of hers should have held a bouquet, but a maidservant was holding it for now.
They were still at the residence of the Marquis Ruol, with some time left before the ceremony.
“It’s not too late. Just say the word if you don’t want to go through with this.”
Though such a declaration could cause a great commotion if overheard, Alexander spoke with a serious face. Behind him, his son Francis was glaring fiercely, as if echoing the sentiment. Seeing this, Anais gave a faint smile.
“Thank you for saying that. I’ll strive for happiness.”
Even if that meant coming between the main characters and Rahil. She had no intention of getting caught up and hurt by their romantic affairs.
Rahil was the one who forcibly thrust me into this situation I didn’t want to be in, so it’s only fair he suffers the consequences.
“…You just think about yourself. Don’t worry about us.”
Responding to Francis’s laden concern, Anais reached out to embrace both her father and brother. The men of her household worried too much. Among the people here, she was probably the most cunning and ruthless.
“I’m already looking out for myself, so don’t worry.”
“Lies.”
Francis reached out, gently cupping Anais’s cheek. He was careful to not smudge her makeup.
“I know you better than you think.”
He was resolved to not stand by if his sister ever faced misery. Anais was well-aware of Francis’s protective nature, so she took his hand and whispered,
“If I truly need help… I’ll ask for your assistance. Until then, don’t do anything rash.”
“Alright.”
The gentle pat on her head was as tender as those from their childhood. Anais bid her farewells and climbed into the carriage. Her long wedding dress was carefully arranged inside, and the driver also stepped in.
‘How will the Emperor treat Anais?…’
‘If he makes Anais cry, he won’t be left unscathed.’
They were marrying without even an engagement ceremony. Ideally, they should have met frequently to get closer, but it seemed like they had met only a handful of times over the past several months.
While Anais seemed indifferent, Francis felt uneasy.
She was a wise and kind soul, someone he could proudly present anywhere. Though she preferred to maintain a low profile, Francis thought she was even more beautiful than Angelica, whom the Emperor had pined for.
Of all the potential suitors, she chose Jeremy Noer, and after his odd behavior made her let him go, now it was the Emperor!
‘My sister is so naive to the ways of the world.’
This innocence made every Tom, D**k, and Harry want to exploit her, and it ground his gears. She wasn’t someone to be treated so frivolously by the likes of them.
Even if any woman in the world could endure such treatment, it was unbearable to see it befall my own sister.
‘If he fancies another woman, why not live alone until old age…!’
If it was solely for an heir, then he could have an agreement with the woman he preferred and have a child. There was no need to drag my unwilling sister into this.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt the need to get rid of anyone who would make his sister unhappy. While their father prioritized lineage, Francis didn’t. The glory recorded in history books or the praises sung by people meant nothing when juxtaposed with the unhappiness of a family member.
He still remembered the last moments of his mother, who waited for their father to return and breathed painfully. He would never let Anais live such a tormented life.
* * *
The carriage sped through the massive iron gates of the palace towards the main hall. The ceremony was to take place in the Hall of Luminance, where even the emperor’s coronation was held. In front of the main palace, nobles dressed in colorful dresses lined up in two rows.
These were the handpicked lower nobles, the privileged few invited to this event. Under the direction of the Duchess of Odesa, the men had flowers on their chests and the women on their wrists.
When the footmen rushed to open the door of the carriage, the Marquis of Ruol and his son descended first. Anais, with their assistance, gracefully stepped down from the carriage. Mary, following her, carefully held the wedding dress to prevent it from getting ruined.
A broad and lengthy staircase leading to the main palace was covered with a red carpet. Maidens in pristine white dresses came forward, showering petals, blessing the path for the bride.
Anais began to walk, holding Alexander’s hand. Given the wedding dress and high heels, the journey to the ceremony location seemed daunting.
Upon reaching the end of the stairs, high-ranking nobles came into view. Anais, adjusting her bouquet, remained conscious of her expression. Even if it was a marriage of convenience, she didn’t need to wear the face of someone being sold off.
Only a select few among the emperor’s confidants were aware of the agreement between him and Anais. Rahil was discreet in such matters, so there was no worry of leaks.
The documents sent to the temple were magically sealed. If tampered with even once, it would be evident. Therefore, it’s safe to say that the secret pact between the two hadn’t been exposed.
The entrance to the Hall of Luminance stood wide open. Someone among the attendants must have signaled Anais’s arrival, as the music had shifted to a different tune.
Standing at the entrance with Alexander’s arm in hers, she spotted a man in ceremonial robes at the far end. Rahil was always a strikingly handsome man, but today, he looked truly exceptional.
Turning to face her, Rahil’s expression seemed slightly taken aback, almost as if he hadn’t realized she could look so beautiful. She nearly shot him a glare, momentarily forgetting her poise.
‘I can’t even tell him not to make such a dumbfounded face.’
