Return of the Female Knight Chapter 114

Carlisle's and Elena's marriage was swiftly announced . Sullivan was eager for his son to marry as soon as possible, and Alphord, Elena's father, had no complaint as he had already made his decision . There was no movement from the Empress' palace, and so the couple's wedding preparations proceeded smoothly .

Elena was determined to hold the wedding as soon as possible, but there was a mountain of paperwork to be dealt with . After the official announcement, Mirabelle was the first person to come to congratulate her .

“Haaa! Sister! Congratulations!”

Elena's heart warmed at the sight of her sister .

“Thank you, Mirabelle . ”

“I suspected you might get married, but I didn't expect it to be so soon . ”

“I suppose I was in a bit of a hurry because I'm late for my age . ”

“Yes, come to think of it, the Crown Prince is marrying late as well . ”

Elena felt a pang in her chest at the unexpected remark . At home and abroad, many noble families had refused to match their daughters with Carlisle because of the ominous prophecy . Mirabelle knew nothing about it, and was naturally suspicious . Elena awkwardly tried to explain .

“Well, that's because–”

“The two of you must be destined!”

“What?”

“He didn't marry because he hadn't met you yet . Your love is literally destined!”

Mirabelle clapped her hands, intoxicated by her fantasy, and Elena breathed a sigh of relief .

It wasn't true love, but she and Carlisle did have a connection . She met him as a child without realizing it, and he was the best card Elena could choose . He was the perfect match . If there really was a thread of fate connected to her finger, it would certainly be with Carlisle .

She didn't know if it was a thread of love, though .

“Did you talk about marriage when you went to see the Emperor?”

“Yes . We spoke over dinner, but I believe most of the arrangements will be taken care of after Father meets him . Though I didn't know the wedding announcement was going to happen today . ”

While the exact contents of Sullivan's and Alphord's conversation would be unknown to her, she was sure they had a lot to discuss regarding marriage into the Imperial Family .

Then there was the question of the dowry . In marriage among the nobility, it was expected that the bride's family would give the groom a certain fortune . The wealthier the family was, the more inheritance they received from their relatives, allowing them to bring money, precious metals, land, and slaves . The groom usually sought a woman who could add to his wealth, and the bride also sought a family that could match the amount she paid . This led to many politically expedient marriages in noble society . As a result, the reality was that a large dowry was required for a woman to marry a man of high status, except in unusual cases .

Carlisle was the crown prince, and Elena had a headache as to how much dowry to pay to the Imperial Family . Mirabelle was also well aware of noble marriage culture, and she was worried for her sister as well .

“You must be busy having to prepare everything . What should I do first? Is there anything I can help with?”

“I don't even know where to start… Perhaps we should hire more people to work in the mansion for now . ”

“Work?”

“I'm sure we'll be very busy once the wedding preparations start in earnest, and we won't have enough people to work at Blaise mansion then . ”

“It will take more time and money to bring in the servants from the south . It would be better to hire short term workers . ”

“Well, why don't I leave that up to you and the butler?”

“Of course! That's pretty easy!”

Mirabelle nodded enthusiastically .

After they had returned from the palace Mirabelle had looked gloomy for a few days, but now Elena felt relieved as her sister seemed to have regained her sunny mood .

“Then tell the butler to put an advertisement for work in the mansion . ”

“I understand . Don't worry, I'll personally interview the candidates myself and hire people who will do a good job . ”

“Yes, I trust you . Thank you . ”

Mirabelle beamed in reply, and then something came to mind .

“I understand that while everything else is important, what about the wedding dress?”

“Right . ”

While the wedding wasn't exactly the grand event of the century, it was still the day she would become the bride to Crown Prince Carlisle . She could never look shabby in the eyes of others . Moreover, the marriage could be seen as a way to resolve the prophecy, but Elena never intended to be a puppet crown princess . It was not what she wanted, and so it was important to show as much harmony as possible with Carlisle . Once she formally entered the palace, she would be sure to use her power .

Mirabelle thought to herself for a moment before she finally spoke up .

“Do you remember Anco's Tailors? Let's start with Madame Mitchell . There will be a lot of competition to create your wedding dress, so let's consult on this together and decide . ”

“I'll leave it entirely up to you to choose my wedding dress . ”

“What? I'm not even an expert…I'm just doing my best to help you . ”

While Mirabelle looked hesitant, her eyes were full of fighting spirit . The sight of it was so adorable that Elena couldn't help but smile . She trusted Mirabelle's judgment more than anyone else .

And so the bustling wedding preparations continued .

Chapter end