Towards the Winter Cabin of Serenity and Madness, Cinderella Runs - Chapter 144
That day, the sky was exceptionally clear.
The sunlight was just right, and the crops were ripening well, promising a bountiful harvest. A fragrant, cool breeze was blowing pleasantly.
Although it was a perfect day to lie in the shade and enjoy some leisure, Kyden’s mansion was bustling with people moving around busily.
Guests were arriving to celebrate Kyden and Roel’s wedding.
Count Serley, his knights, Sir Jared, Lady Lorraine, and the officials from the Count’s territory had all come to Kyden’s mansion.
Roel’s guests had also arrived. Kyden sent clean clothes and a carriage for her village people to ensure they could attend the wedding.
With a tense expression on her face, Roel stood in front of Lady Lorraine, who was none other than Kyden’s mother.
“Hmm.”
As she twirled her index finger, Roel turned in place. The rich fabric of her dress fluttered beautifully.
Lady Lorraine had come to the mansion the day before the wedding and started making various suggestions. Contrary to Kyden’s words that his mother was indifferent and cold, Roel felt that she was, in fact, meticulous and attentive, albeit not very expressive.
If she was truly indifferent, she wouldn’t have come to help with the wedding preparations the day before.
“Tighten it up.”
“Eep!”
As soon as the words left her lips, the maids on either side of Roel pulled at her waist ribbon. With her slim waist now on display, Lady Lorraine nodded in satisfaction.
“Good.”
“Phew…”
After an hour of struggling, Roel let out a sigh of relief.
Lady Lorraine enjoyed writing, painting, and was skilled with instruments; perhaps that was why her aesthetic sense was demanding and her standards high.
Her first remark after seeing Roel was,
“You’re beautiful.”
It was a simple comment, made with a flat expression. Then, after Roel greeted her and she showed her around the mansion and the wedding preparations, her second remark was,
“You’re quite charming.”
It was just a brief statement, and while it was a bit surprising, Roel felt grateful that she seemed to think positively of her.
Did Kyden inherit his lack of eloquence from his mother? Besides their similar stern expressions, their striking yellow eyes were also a match. Perhaps that was why Roel felt drawn to Lady Lorraine.
“Mother, is Kyden not coming? I want to show him my dress too.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
A maid standing next to her conveyed Lady Lorraine’s intent.
“Traditionally, the groom shouldn’t see the bride before the wedding.”
“Is that so…?”
She hadn’t seen Kyden since last night. The reason was that the engaged couple shouldn’t sleep together the night before the wedding.
Preparing for a wedding was no small task, and the thought of not being able to see Kyden until the ceremony made Roel want to rush through the wedding and enjoy time with him instead.
“Should we hurry up with the wedding, Mother? Everyone must be getting hungry waiting.”
“Quiet down.”
“Yes.”
At her firm words, Roel nodded quickly.
What could Kyden be doing? He must be busy greeting the guests. She sighed, thinking how exhausting weddings truly are.
* * *
A translucent veil was draped over her head. Roel slightly lowered her head and walked down the path lined with red carpet.
The applause from the guests grew louder. At first, she had no thoughts, but as she approached him step by step, her heart began to race.
At the end of this path, Kyden would be waiting. What expression would he have? Would he be happy? Would he be smiling warmly?
In contrast, she felt tense, freezing up and pressing her lips tightly together.
She could see his legs. Roel stopped walking for a moment and took a deep breath.
Thud, thud, thud.
Along with the applause of the guests, the sound of her heartbeat echoed in her ears.
At the officiant’s words to face each other, Roel slowly raised her head and turned her body. He lifted her veil.
Her gaze, which had been focused on the ground, slowly rose.
Kyden’s face came into view.
He was… just as nervous as she was. His earlobes were flushed, his lips pressed tightly together, and his Adam’s apple bobbed repeatedly.
Roel, dressed in a pure white gown, looked like an angel, which only heightened his anxiety. Her presence made his heart feel like it would stop.
Seeing his extremely tense face allowed Roel to smile for the first time. It was rare to see Kyden looking so flustered, and it was genuinely adorable.
Kyden couldn’t relax his serious expression as he gazed at her, and Roel beamed back at him.
When the officiant asked for the wedding rings, Kyden took Roel’s hand. He fumbled several times while trying to put the ring on, clearly nervous.
Count Serley, sitting among the guests, couldn’t help but chuckle at this clumsy sight he had never seen before, and Kyden’s parents looked on in amusement, their mouths forming perfect ovals in surprise.
To ease his tension, Roel whispered softly, “Kyden, you can take your time.”
Kyden squinted slightly, nodding as if to say he understood.
She found his expression cute, and as he shook his shoulders, she watched the ring finally slip on.
“Thank you for becoming my husband. I truly… love you so much.”
“…me too.”
Kyden swallowed hard and replied,
“Thank you, and I love you. I will always.”
He responded with a joyful smile, his face filled with emotion. Roel felt a slight sting at the corners of her eyes, making her vision blur.
Her journey of happiness was just beginning.
