When I nodded to Freed's words, he entered his dressing room. Some of the people waiting behind Clara followed after him.
It seems there are places where the bridegroom doesn't see the bride until right before the wedding ceremony, but it's different in Wilhelm. After preparations are finished, the bridegroom himself picks up the bride and they ride to the church on a carriage together.
There's no concept of an engagement ring or wedding ring in this world. Although this world has a great deal of cultural similarities with the Earth, after all there are all sorts of differences.
By the way, the rings that will be my matching accessories with Freed are set to be delivered after the two-week honeymoon. A married couple wearing matching accessories is a custom characteristic to this world, but there are no particularly important events attached to it. It's only relevant to the married couple.
I've heard from Mother-in-law that her matching accessories with the King are anklets. It's no wonder I've never seen them.
However, even if the word 'love' hadn't been said, I feel like anklets were themselves a display of incredible obsession. If the King loved her so much, he really should have confessed quickly, and everything would have been settled.
My parents' accessories are necklaces. I've never seen Father's because he wears it under his clothes, but I know Mother's. It's a simple chain necklace, even worn with other necklaces it doesn't feel out of place.
And then I had the ring designed so it could be worn together with the ring I wear now. It seems Freed's ring is being made to match my rings by a craftsman who provides service to the Royal Family. It's a thick golden ring with an amethyst inlaid. I was shown a design proposal, and it looked like it would suit Freed well. To tell the truth, I'm looking forward to seeing it.
While I was watching Freed disappear into the dressing room with such thoughts, Clara called out to me.
"Princess Consort, this way."
That's right, I have to prepare too.
I nodded to Clara's words and bowed my head to Mother-in-law and the King.
"Mother-in-law, Your Majesty, excuse me. Thank you for coming here with me."
"Hum. Then, we will be waiting at the venue."
"Lidi, I am looking forward to seeing your appearance as a bride."
"Thank you very much."
The King said they'll be waiting, but they too will be changing clothes now. Royal rituals are hard in all sorts of ways.
I parted from then and entered the dressing room. As the prepared pure-white wedding dress came into my sight, I got a shock.
It finally sunk in that I will be marrying Freed.
While I was gazing at the dress, Clara said in a determined voice.
"Now, Princess Consort. Let's prepare. I promised your mother. I will make you the most beautiful woman in the world."
"… Right. Please do."
I'm marrying my beloved. I also want to show him my most beautiful self.
And I want to be praised that I'm beautiful.
Thinking so, I stood in front of the full-length mirror with renewed determination.
In the next few hours I had make-up applied, hair arranged, and wedding dress put on.
The prepared wedding dress had a surprisingly long train. The length of the train is said to be the symbol of status. It's natural that as the soon-to-be Crown Princess the train of my dress would be long. The train used plenty of lace and was very beautiful.
The back was laced, and there was a large ribbon on my waist. Because the dress was flashy, simple designs were selected for accessories. The necklace, earrings, and hair ornaments chosen by Mother, Clara, and Mother-in-law were all in good taste, I'm glad to have asked them. I had gloves slipped on, and finally I had a tiara and veil that didn't lose in length to the train put on.
"Princess Consort. You are beautiful…"
The eyes of one of the court ladies helping Clara moistened. Clara too nodded with satisfaction and bowed her head.
"Princess Consort. Congratulations. All of us would like to express heartfelt joy at your marriage with His Highness Friedrich. We wish you eternal happiness."
The court ladies followed Clara and bowed their heads all at once. I said to them with a smile.
"Thank you. I look forward to continuing to work with you."
"Those words are more than we deserve. It us who should say that."
When Clara and the court ladies again bowed in silence, I heard a knocking sound.
"His Highness is here."
With Clara's knowing words, the door opened. Who appeared was Freed in the formal wear. On the black military uniform an aiguillette, blue rose brooch, and golden buttons glittered dazzlingly. Dressed solemnly in the formal wear, he entered the room with elegant movements.
"Lidi."
―― Aaaaah! Cool!
Through the veil it was even more powerful than before.
Seeing my beloved man's favorite appearance, the only words that came to mind were, embrace me.
I felt moved by the gentle voice and the appearance perfectly to my liking. Even I could tell heat gathered in my cheeks. The draw of his sweet gaze was hard to go against, so I couldn't look away.
This person will be my husband. I felt so happy I was about to cry.
Freed's radiant eyes scrutinized me, and he smiled happily. That alone made my heart beat so fast it hurt.
"Lidi. You're very beautiful."
"Thank you. Freed, you too… um… look very cool…"
When I said that, Freed chuckled.
"It always happens, but Lidi, why does your way of talking change when you see me dressed like this?"
"B-Because… It's so to my liking it's painful… Hau… It's wonderful."
I'm aware I'm acting suspiciously. Even though we'll have a wedding now, even though invitees from foreign countries and domestic nobles will watch the ceremony, I don't care about that at all, I can only see the man in front of me.
While I was watching Freed in fascination, he came to my side with a smile. In response, Clara and her subordinates bowed their heads and left the room.
A hand in a dazzling white glove was gently presented to me. I placed my hand on top of his.
After this, we will get on a prepared carriage and head to the cathedral where the wedding ceremony will be held. The cathedral is close to the Royal Castle, so it won't take much time. Attendees must already be waiting for us to come.
"Lidi, shall we go?"
"Yup."
Escorted by Freed, I left the room. The wedding dress was heavier than expected, so I had to move slowly.
"Congratulations."
"Congratulations."
"Congratulations on your wedding."
While we were walking through the corridors, formally dressed guards saw us off with words of congratulations and respectful bows. While responding to them with a smile, I got on the prepared carriage.
The carriage drawn by four white horses began moving. Seeing me sit still, Freed placed his hand on mine that was resting on my lap.
"Lidi, nervous?"
"… Of course."
It's the wedding of the Crown Prince of Wilhelm, which is said to be the strongest country on the continent.
Not only delegations are present, but also quite a few royals from foreign countries. The King of a small country on the western side of the continent has come, and so have the Crown Prince and his consort from Irvine to the south. If I remember correctly, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess from Mother-in-law's country are also attending.
I've heard the chief of a small tribe we have some relations with has come as well. Really, important people from all over the world have gathered. The wedding ceremony will be watched not only by domestic nobles but also such important people. There's no way I wouldn't be nervous.
"Lidi, knowing you, it will be alright."
Chapter end
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