By Zephyria 
The wedding of Claude Vandell, the commander of the knight order, and Yuria Beatrice was held just a week later.
It was the first wedding in the prestigious Vandell Duke family in 25 years. Everyone was eagerly anticipating how grand and magnificent the event would be.
However, despite the careful preparations, the wedding arrangements were made in a rush, as if cooking beans over a lightning fire. It was almost miraculous that the wedding dress was completed in such a short time.
All the famous designers in the capital were mobilized, and it was widely known that they stayed at the duke’s residence, sewing tirelessly until their fingers were worn out.
On the day of the wedding, as soon as the morning sun rose, the front of the duke’s mansion began to bustle with carriages. Guests arriving from all over were eagerly pouring in.
In response to the public’s expectations, the duke prepared a wedding that was so perfect it drew gasps of admiration. All of this was thanks to the meticulous Duchess Olrike Vandell.
“The skills of the governess are remarkable, as always. It must have been a tight schedule, but seeing that it all came together in the end is impressive,” Alexis said, taking a sip of warm tea to commend the duchess’s hard work.
Sitting across from him, Duchess Olrike Vandell sighed, pressing her forehead. Dark shadows lingered under her eyes, revealing the fatigue of her efforts. Even with her fine makeup and splendid dress, it was hard to hide her exhaustion.
She had entrusted the reception of guests to her husband and was currently having a private meeting with the visiting crown prince. While she never revealed her struggles in front of others, she made an exception in front of Alexis.
The duchess let out a long sigh.
“What can I do? My only son is insisting on getting married right away. To me, it feels like there are so many things lacking. If only we had a little more time, we could have decorated the wedding venue even more beautifully.”
“It’s already enough. I heard Yuria cried tears of joy,” Alexis replied.
At the mention of Yuria, the duchess’s stiff lips softened into a smile.
“She is such a kind and gentle child. I can’t express how happy I am to welcome her into our family.”
“I don’t know if I have the right to say this, but… please take good care of her.”
Alexis felt a twinge of guilt for having promised Yuria that he would be her family for life. However, knowing how upright the duchess was, he felt he could trust her.
“Of course. I will cherish and love her as if she were my own child.”
“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Isn’t it already more than enough? You provided such a wonderful newlywed home!”
As a wedding gift, Alexis had prepared a house for the couple to live in, along with over a hundred servants. The grand mansion located in the heart of the capital was impressive in appearance and, above all, a beautiful house with a spacious garden.
In the garden, covered in lush green grass, three large and gentle golden retrievers were playing. This was the scene of “our home” that Yuria had always dreamed of.
After sharing a hearty laugh, the duchess quenched her dry throat with herbal tea. At the same time, she looked at the crown prince sitting across from her with a tender gaze.
Alexis was dressed in formal attire befitting a wedding guest. His deep navy jacket, reminiscent of the night sky, along with a simple design shirt and pants, gave him a more subdued appearance than his usual formal wear.
Though he wore no accessories, his platinum hair inherited from the emperor gave him an unmatched elegance. Moreover, his appearance became increasingly attractive with each passing year.
Seeing the grown-up crown prince, the duchess felt her heart swell with pride. Alexis was her pride and joy, the son she had raised with love.
Before long, the duchess’s eyes grew warm, and she scrunched her nose, playfully scolding him.
“You should also meet a good person and start a family, Your Highness.”
At her words, Alexis smiled quietly.
He had found the person he loved. Building a family with Cecile wouldn’t be easy, but they would undoubtedly be together for life. They were already family.
Of course, he wished to openly declare Cecile as his lover. It might be difficult for now, but he would find a way. Once he became emperor, there would be nothing he couldn’t achieve.
Leaning back in his chair, Alexis lightly tapped his chin. His proud demeanor was infused with a unique air of superiority.
“Don’t worry. I’ll manage my own affairs well.”
“Of course you will.”
Just as they were sharing smiles, there was a knock, and the door opened.
“Madam, you must come out for a moment. A carriage has arrived from the palace.”
“Oh my! It seems Cecile has arrived!”
The duchess stood up, her face brightening. Their conversation had to end; it was time to welcome their esteemed guest.
“Let’s go together, governess.”
Alexis also rose from his seat. Finally, the awaited person had arrived, and it was only right to go out to greet him.
The front of the mansion was crowded with lined-up carriages. Inside were all high-ranking nobles. However, no matter how high their status, they had to yield precedence to the carriage from the palace.
A carriage bearing the royal emblem pushed through the waiting carriages and arrived in front of the mansion. As the door opened, a long leg stepped out. Cecile Adrian descended, escorted.
“Welcome. Do you have any luggage to hand over?”
“It’s in the back. My attendants will bring it down.”
Cecile gestured toward the carriage trunk. It was filled with beautifully wrapped gift packages. His attendants were already busy carrying the gifts.
The Vandell servants quickly lent a hand as well. Indeed, a guest from the palace had an extraordinary presence. The gifts kept coming, and everyone around, including the servants, couldn’t help but marvel.
Meanwhile, Cecile encountered Claude, who was welcoming guests at the entrance. He looked quite dashing in a white tuxedo.
As soon as Claude saw Cecile, he scratched his forehead awkwardly. He couldn’t decide whether to be pleased or act as usual. Finally, he cleared his throat and offered a polite greeting.
“Thank you for coming.”
“You look quite presentable yourself,” Cecile commented briefly on the groom’s appearance. It was a somewhat cold assessment, but that was just how Cecile was.
“Congratulations on your wedding, Claude.”
However, the following congratulations were sincere. Cecile smiled brightly and extended his hand for a handshake.
His eyes curved slightly, and his smooth cheeks rounded with a smile. Thanks to his sunlit smile, Cecile’s face seemed to radiate vitality.
Caught off guard by the unfamiliar expression, Claude had to grasp the hand that was extended toward him.
“Th-thank you.”
“Where is His Highness?”
As soon as Cecile finished his greeting, he looked around. He had a purpose more important than the wedding itself.
“To think you would show such a face to someone other than me. I’m a bit disappointed.”
A familiar voice reached his ears. Cecile turned to the side, and his face brightened even more upon spotting Alexis. He could no longer hide his smile.
“Come here, Cecile.”
He willingly moved closer at the call. Alexis placed his hand on Cecile’s back and gently guided him.
As the two royals walked, the crowd in the mansion parted like a river. Polite greetings followed, and as they passed, people craned their necks to catch a glimpse. It was quite a rare sight to see Alexis and Cecile together.
Alexis paid no mind to the gazes of others. Before long, they entered the banquet hall where the wedding was being held, and a servant respectfully offered them crystal glasses filled with wine. Alexis picked up two glasses and handed one to Cecile.
With a clear, bright sound, the glasses lightly clinked together. Alexis savored the rich aroma of the wine. As he quenched his dry throat with the sweet drink, his blue eyes lingered on Cecile.
Cecile was wearing a garment made from the same fabric as Alexis’s formal attire.
The deep blue jacket, adorned with gold embellishments, was slightly more extravagant than Alexis’s. From the embroidery thread to the jeweled buttons, everything had been personally commissioned by Alexis.
“The outfit suits you well.”
“Isn’t it a gift from Your Highness?”
“It’s even more splendid than I expected. At this rate, the meaning of choosing a dark color seems lost. Among the guests, you shine the brightest.”
Cecile pressed his lips together and asked, his eyes darting around nervously.
“Please stop. What if someone hears you?”
“Is there something wrong with what I said?”
“Your Highness… that’s what we call being indiscreet.”
At Cecile’s remark, Alexis burst into laughter. His refreshing laughter was loud enough to pierce through the musicians’ performance, drawing attention.
“You’re the only one who can call me indiscreet.”
“Please maintain some decorum.”
“The royal decorum is being upheld by you, Cecile, so I will enjoy this time comfortably. If anyone has a complaint, they can come and speak to me directly.”
Alexis reached out and took Cecile’s left hand. Concealing their joined hands behind his back, Cecile intertwined his fingers with Alexis’s without protest.
Alexis glanced sideways. Cecile, sipping wine with a straight face, had red-tinted ears.
While his expression was perfectly concealed, it seemed his ears couldn’t hide their embarrassment. Seeing that adorable sight, a smile lingered on Alexis’s lips.