Previously
Evgenia defies Damian’s warnings about fate, leading him to finally offer a proper blessing. During the exchange of vows, Evgenia shocks the guests by pledging to protect Euclid with her life, a sincere promise that leaves Euclid stunned.
Looking up at Euclid, who was gazing at me without the slightest distraction, I felt as though our shared moment behind the veil had been nothing more than a dream.
Was this for real?
Was the kiss scene I had looked forward to more than anything else truly over just like that?
I glanced around in sheer disbelief, but no one seemed to find anything amiss.
To anyone watching, it must have looked like we had genuinely kissed.
‘What? That’s so unfair!’
Even if it was merely a ceremonial formality, how could it end like this?
Fortunately—or perhaps not—the veil at least concealed the frustration and despair etched across my face.
( ‘If only I hadn't worn this ridiculous veil, Euclid wouldn't have faked kissing me out of “consideration.”’ )
To suppress the rising indignation threatening to boil over, I turned my attention toward Euclid, who was absorbed in signing the vows.
“…?”
Something felt off.
His complexion looked a little pale. Though the veil made it hard to see clearly, I thought I could make out a sheen of sweat on his face.
My heart dropped.
I had been so swept up in my own excitement and anticipation that I hadn't stopped to think about how Euclid might feel.
Even if this entire situation had stemmed from a misunderstanding, he had still been pressured into marrying a woman he didn't love. How could he possibly be happy about this?
A faint pang of guilt crept in, leaving me to wonder if I was being far too selfish.
Just then, Euclid finished signing.
Even amid all my conflicted thoughts, I found myself admiring his elegant handwriting, which looked like a work of art.
This was my first time seeing his penmanship in person, having failed to catch a glimpse of it back when his reply to the marriage proposal arrived at the Duke's estate.
And although I felt a bit sorry for Euclid…
Without hesitation, I picked up the quill and set my signature right next to his.
Having signed documents countless times every day in my past life's job, it was second nature to me.
( ‘Come to think of it, it's such a relief that my signature resembles Evgenia's.’ )
Oddly enough, the Imperial script looked entirely different from the characters of my previous world, save for one detail—the first letter of my English name bore a striking resemblance to the initial of Evgenia's.
I had casually signed a document handed to me by Anne using my initials, only to panic internally the moment I realized what I had done. Yet Anne hadn't said a word.
Later, while organizing my desk, I discovered that Evgenia's signature and mine were nearly indistinguishable.
Except when it came to financial matters, I had always been an ordinary person. So when such unbelievable luck came my way, it felt as though…
…the Ruler who brought me into this world was affirming my decisions and choices.
…Then again, maybe I just wanted to believe that.
Shrugging off the prickle of my conscience, I curled the corners of my lips into a smile.
I was finally married to Euclid, my one and only favorite.
It was hardly the most fitting remark to offer a newlywed couple right after their ceremony.
Even so, Duke Basilian said it without the slightest hesitation—or rather, with an intentional air of haughtiness.
Perhaps, in his own arrogant way, he was telling my husband not to mistreat me.
I grasped his intention, but Euclid's feelings mattered far more to me, so I replied nonchalantly,
Had my tone been too cold, though?
The moment the words left my mouth, those around us fell silent.
Euclid and his aide in particular seemed utterly taken aback by my demeanor. They were likely dismayed, thinking they needed to stay in the Duchy of Basilian's good graces and secure future support, yet here I was, being so frosty.
I briefly considered softening my words for Euclid's sake, but decided against it.
I had been far too lenient with the affection and goodwill Evgenia's family had shown so far. Now that the wedding was done, it was time to draw a clear line according to my plan.
Duke Basilian, however, seemed entirely unfazed by my chilly reaction. Instead, he spoke with a look of quiet pride.
“…”
In the end, I could not resist the warmth in the Duke's eyes and gave in.
Just then, Melissa, who had remained quiet until now, stepped closer to me.
She had always possessed a classic beauty, but today, perhaps because she was meeting Damian, she was dressed up more than usual and looked stunning.
( ‘Melissa probably suits this setting much better than I do…’ )
Sensing an odd feeling from Euclid standing beside me, I instinctively blocked his line of sight and asked Melissa, fully aware of how childish it was.
For a split second, panic struck me, wondering if she was going to ask for an invitation to the Duchy of Rodion the way Alexis had.
Richard, the Crown Prince, and even Damian today—after meeting all three male leads, my overall impression was that none of them seemed entirely normal.
Damian in particular, whom I had expected to be the most respectable, proved quite different from what I had envisioned, leaving me increasingly anxious about Melissa's future.
‘Well, maybe it’s because I’m the villainess, and my presence only made things worse…’
Still, I couldn't help worrying they might treat even an angelic, sweet heroine with cold indifference.
Watching her romantic entanglements unfold firsthand alongside the three male leads in the capital would be entertaining in its own way, but given my frustrating history, getting involved would only invite unnecessary trouble.
Besides, I needed to focus on my own married life.
The thought of comfortably hearing about Melissa's life and romance through letters alone sounded delightful.
Just as I nodded in satisfaction, I felt a sharp, prickly gaze against my cheek.
Glancing sideways, I saw Sionel waiting to bid me farewell after the Duke and Melissa.
Before he could say another word, I said my goodbyes first.
Duke Basilian, who seemed especially fond of his son-in-law and had been deep in conversation with Euclid, looked up in surprise.
I held back a wry chuckle.
We were currently standing in the square before the Grand Temple.
Since the ceremony had concluded and there was no need to stop by the residence, the carriages loaded with our belongings were waiting right here to depart at once.
Even though we had pared down what we brought, there were still five carriages in total, including the one we would be riding in.
Noticing this, Duke Basilian set his lingering regrets aside and looked at Euclid.
Seeming pleased with Euclid's straightforward answer, the Duke nodded and patted him on the shoulder.
It made for an incredibly warm scene. Compared to the lukewarm exchange I had shared with him earlier, they looked far more like actual family.
( ‘Even though he looks just like me.’ )
I pretended not to notice Sionel's lingering gaze, which matched mine just as much as the Duke's did.
For some reason, my sharp resentment toward Duke Basilian had begun to fade, but my aversion toward Sionel showed no signs of receding.
( ‘No, if anything, it feels like it will only grow worse.’ )
I didn't know why, nor did I care to find out.
After all, once we parted ways today, there wouldn't be many occasions to see him ever again.