Chapter 81

Meanwhile, at that exact moment.

 

‘Yes, that’s how it should be!’

 

Watching stealthily from behind, Maybel clenched her tiny fists tightly.

 

It seemed Adrian had successfully managed to ask her to be his partner.

 

His expression, as well as Sabina’s, looked exceptionally bright.

 

‘Hee-hee.’

 

Covering her mouth with her small hand, Maybel smiled with deep satisfaction.

 

Honestly, it was true that she had used a little selfish schemes to push Sabina and Adrian’s relationship forward. Sabina needed to gain the protection of the Duchy no matter what.

 

However, separate from all that…

 

‘I’m so happy.’

 

Seeing the two people she loved most acting so warmly toward each other filled her with joy.

 

She could hardly wait to see them standing together as partners.

 

***

 

And so came the day of the Duke and Duchess’ wedding.

 

Sabina and Maybel stepped into the main hall of the Valencia Duchy.

 

Under the shimmering chandelier light that scattered like crushed gems, fresh flowers of every kind and silver candlesticks were exquisitely arranged.

 

It was a brilliant display that truly showcased the dignified elegance of the Duke’s house.

 

Although the empire’s sole Duke could have easily hosted an extravagantly grand ceremony, Duke Valencia chose not to. Instead, he invited only a select few close acquaintances.

 

Consequently, simply receiving an invitation to this wedding was enough to prove one’s status as a notable figure in the empire.

 

Beneath the gracefully flowing music, soft laughter and whispered conversations mingled in the air.

 

“It has been a while, Countess Anderson.”

 

“Ah, Prime Minister, have you been doing well?”

 

Most of the guests seemed to know one another.

 

In truth, it was only natural—they had all crossed paths while moving in the same social circles centered around Duke Valencia. It meant every person here was bound to share some connection.

 

Amidst such a glamorous crowd, Sabina scanned her surroundings, feeling a wave of tension overtake her.

 

‘I have to do well.’

 

Sabina balled her hands into tight fists.

 

She knew all too well just how extraordinary it was for her to be invited here, as well as the position she represented.

 

‘I am a guest, but I also came here representing the mages.’

 

She had to make a flawless impression no matter what. Only then would the standing of her fellow mages…

 

“Sis.”

 

“…”

 

“Sis!”

 

Snapping out of her thoughts, Sabina blinked and looked down.

 

Maybel, who had been holding Sabina’s hand tightly, was gazing up at her with clear, inquisitive eyes.

 

“Sis, what’s wrong?”

 

“Nothing, it’s nothing.”

 

Sabina quickly shook her head.

 

Even so, exchanging just a few words with Maybel seemed to lift her spirits a bit.

 

‘I can’t show a embarrassing sight in front of May.’

 

Just as Sabina resolved her mind once more—

 

“Ah, it’s Brother Adrian!”

 

Maybel’s bright voice chimed out.

 

At those words, Sabina snapped her head up.

 

Far across the room, Adrian was taking swift, long strides through the crowd toward them.

 

“Sabina!”

 

Adrian called out to her with a lively voice.

 

At the exact same time, the tension in Sabina’s tightly clenched hands melted away.

 

It was truly strange. To think that merely meeting Adrian could ease her nervousness in an instant.

 

Drawing near, Adrian offered her a sweet, smiling curve of his eyes.

 

“You look truly beautiful today.”

 

His voice was laced with genuine heartfelt sincerity.

 

For some reason, Sabina felt her face flush hot, prompting her to turn her head away awkwardly.

 

“Stop, you don’t need to say things like that.”

 

“Why?”

 

Adrian asked back with a genuinely puzzled expression.

 

“I really mean it, though?”

 

Today, Sabina had her iris-colored hair elegantly pinned up and wore a dress tailored perfectly to her silhouette.

 

Beneath the mermaid-line dress that closely hugged her frame, her soft feminine curves stood out. Even with only light makeup, her signature striking beauty commanded attention.

 

In fact, several young noblemen from afar were already darting sideways glances in her direction.

 

‘I’ve never seen Sabina dressed up with this much effort.’

 

To be completely honest, Adrian’s heart had pounded so wildly the moment he first saw her that he actually had to stand at a distance for a moment just to compose himself.

 

Of course, the second he noticed Sabina capturing the gazes of other young noblemen, he had rushed right over to her side.

 

As Adrian remained lost in these thoughts—

 

“…Thank you.”

 

Sabina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and muttered softly.

 

Adrian gasped in sheer surprise. Normally she would have acted coy or prickly, yet today she was being unusually gentle and straightforward.

 

Could she be nervous?

 

“Sabina, are you alright?” Adrian asked, his voice filled with concern.

 

Sabina lifted her chin proudly and retorted, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Of course I’m fine.”

 

Yet Adrian saw right through it—her slightly pale lips and the tiny tremble in her red eyes.

 

She was definitely nervous.

 

‘I should probably distance her from the crowd for a bit.’

 

With that thought in mind, Adrian asked her in a casual tone, “You haven’t seen my sister-in-law yet, right?”

 

In that instant, the people nearby who had been subtly eavesdropping stirred slightly.

 

And understandably so—only a select few were permitted to see the groom or bride before the ceremony. Only the closest of friends and immediate family.

 

Unaware of the subtle commotion, Sabina blinked her eyes in slight bewilderment.

 

“Ah, yeah.”

 

“Let’s go. Dominic is waiting over there, too.”

 

Saying so, Adrian politely extended his hand to Sabina.

 

“Would you grant me the honor of escorting you, my lady?”

 

At his words, the tense look that had coated Sabina’s face melted into a faint, soft smile for the first time.

 

“I would gladly accept. Let’s go, May.”

 

“Okay!”

 

Together, the group moved toward the bride’s waiting room where Marchioness Winder was waiting.

 

***

 

Inside the bride’s waiting room.

 

Adorned in a pure white veil, the glowing bride greeted Adrian and the group with a radiant expression.

 

“Welcome, everyone.”

 

“Greetings, Marchioness.”

 

The group offered her a polite, respectful greeting.

 

Maybel, who bowed politely alongside Sabina, stared at Marchioness Winder with twinkling eyes.

 

“Woah, Sister Elizabeth!”

 

She hopped over to the Marchioness and held up a enthusiastic thumb.

 

“You are soo super pretty!”

 

The Marchioness let out a soft, smiling chuckle.

 

“Thank you, May. Our May looks exceptionally cute today, too.”

 

“Hehe.”

 

Today, Maybel had her silver hair cascading down long, paired with a sky-blue dress matched to her eye color.

 

A large bow was fastened to her hair as an accent, and paired with her ankle-length lace socks and black dress shoes, she looked utterly adorable.

 

Shyly laughing while twisting her body, Maybel suddenly glanced around the room.

 

“By the way, where is Brother Dominic?”

 

“Ah, I asked him to bring me a glass of water. He’ll be back shortly,” the Marchioness answered fondly.

 

At the same time, Sabina offered a bright smile and extended her congratulations.

 

“Congratulations on your wedding.”

 

“Thank you. You went through so much trouble for our wedding as well, Miss Sabina.”

 

Right then—

 

Knock, knock.

 

Someone tapped lightly on the door to the bride’s waiting room, shifting the atmosphere.

 

Everyone turned around to look.

 

And with that, Marchioness Winder’s expression brightened with absolute radiance.

 

“You’ve arrived, Your Grace?”