Chapter 106. I love you
***
As soon as Kayan woke up and the situation stabilized, Ihedia immediately summoned Aurora to the imperial palace.
It was something she had been thinking about for a long time, but due to various twists and turns, she was only now able to meet her.
Ihedia intended to free Aurora from her slave status and keep her by her side to care for her diligently.
Of course, if Aurora wished to leave Anut, she would respect that choice.
"Sister!"
"Aurora."
As soon as Aurora saw Ihedia, she burst into tears and threw herself into her arms.
A faint smile appeared on Ihedia's lips.
Aurora sniffled and spoke again.
"Do you know how worried I was when I found out you escaped from Bayate? I was so upset that you left without saying a word!"
“I’m sorry. It was too dangerous to tell you.”
"But to appear as someone of such high status... Even when we were in Bayate, I knew you weren't an ordinary person, but honestly, who would have thought you'd rise to such heights? I'm so glad I became friends with you!"
Aurora poured out her words like a machine gun, expressing her joy.
The two of them spent some time engaging in deep conversation, catching up on old times.
Aurora spoke while munching on a cookie filled with chocolate.
“Netira is nothing now.”
Netira, who had once run rampant without fear of the heavens, was now living in silence within Bayate.
Netira was the criminal who had colluded with Hashad to fabricate lies and frame Kayan for treason.
According to the law, she should have been punished accordingly, but Kayan showed mercy and spared her life.
Nor did he imprison her or confiscate her property.
He simply allowed her to continue living inside the Bayate as before.
However, she had not been freed from her status as a criminal.
The Anuts, who regarded Kayan as family, cursed Netira for betraying him and pointed fingers at her.
As a result, she could not step outside.
Bayate's mansion had become her prison.
Since Hashad had been driven from the throne and Netira had betrayed Kayan, she could no longer act as arrogantly as before.
Even the servants looked down on and ignored her, who was now completely alone.
No one would tolerate her wickedness anymore.
With all her will broken, Netira locked herself in her room and wasted her days away. For those below her who had escaped her torment, it was like heaven.
Even Aurora, who had recently begun to say that life in Bayate wasn't so bad, was certain that Netira had acquired a mental illness that she would never be able to heal.
Aurora, who had been chattering like a bird for a while, suddenly changed her expression.
She looked like she had something she wanted to say.
“Do you have something to say?”
"Well…"
Aurora rolled her eyes around and paused for a moment before cautiously asking.
"Is that person... doing well?"
She was referring to Doa.
Even though she had pushed him away so harshly, she still seemed to be concerned about him.
Ihedia could sense the hesitation in Aurora's voice.
She couldn't say anything about him, but she simply hoped that her heart would find peace, no matter what.
“If you’re that worried, go visit him yourself. He’ll be very happy.”
At that, Aurora closed her mouth, revealing a complex expression on her face.
Ihedia vaguely realized that Aurora also needed to prepare her heart for the new changes ahead.
***
The day of Kayan and Ihedia’s wedding arrived.
The vast banquet hall was adorned with all manner of exquisite decorations, and the air was filled with the fragrant scent of flowers.
“Wow! What is all this?”
“I’ve never seen such a breathtaking sight in my life.”
“Look at these flowers. It’s so beautiful that I’m not sure if this is really the northern region.”
Those who entered the venue couldn't help but gape in awe and shower praise.
The banquet hall was filled with all kinds of southern flowers, and everything in sight—the tableware, tables, candlesticks, curtains, and food—was provided by Elmir.
This was because the emperor had issued a strict order that the wedding must be identical to Elmir’s, no matter what.
It was a space far more splendid and dazzling than the greenhouse at Kayan’s villa.
Thanks to this, the people gathered here were witnessing a rare sight that they might only see once in a lifetime.
Additionally, this day marked the most anticipated period of the year for the Anut people, when the sun's blessings were said to be bestowed.
"It would be good to hold the wedding at this time."
This was the only request made by Ihedia, who had declined all other suggestions, including the idea of holding a simple wedding.
That was why the wedding had been delayed so long.
Kayan, who had been eager to marry Ihedia as soon as possible, had been dying of impatience while waiting, but he had no say in the matter from the start.
He was always ready to jump out of bed at the slightest hint from his wife, as if he were willing to pluck a star from the sky for her.
Unfortunately, this year, the sun's blessings came unusually late.
The more it delayed, the more anxious Kayan became.
So every morning, as soon as he opened his eyes, he would go outside to check the weather and return disappointed, repeating this cycle day after day.
After enduring such heartbreaking patience, he was finally able to hold the wedding at the time Ihedia desired.
Since it was a once-in-a-lifetime special day, the emperor distributed an enormous amount of grain to the people and reduced taxes.
The streets were abuzz with a festive atmosphere.
All the people joyfully celebrated this grand royal wedding.
The palace attendants even joked that a woman marrying on such a day would surely be the happiest bride in the world.
Of course, they were referring to Ihedia.
"Sister! You're so beautiful! Are you perhaps a goddess who descended from heaven rather than a human?"
Aurora clapped her hands and exclaimed excitedly upon seeing Ihedia's perfectly adorned appearance.
Embarrassed, Ihedia gave her a slight glare.
"Are you teasing me now?"
"No, I'm serious. There's no bride more beautiful than you."
Aurora had not yet decided on her future plans, but she had stayed in Anut until now with the intention of attending Ihedia's wedding.
Of course, she hadn't expected the wedding to be delayed this long either.
Aurora had considered Ihedia’s situation, having to hold the ceremony alone without family.
Ihedia felt deeply grateful to Aurora.
If Evan had been there on a day like today, her expression would have been even brighter, but she had not yet received any news about the child.
The reason she had agreed to hold such a grand royal wedding was all because of her younger brother.
She harbored a faint hope that Evan and Marquis Lloyd and his wife, who were somewhere hiding their breath, might hear the news and come to visit first.
Seeing Ihedia grow somber for some reason, Aurora spoke in a deliberately cheerful voice.
"Sister, forget everything else and be the happiest bride today. Got it? Today is the day when it's okay to do that."
Ihedia nodded, her face as pretty and delicate as the white bouquet she held.
The people at the wedding venue were all smiling and in a cheerful mood.
Among them, only one person stood stiffly on the wedding aisle.
While waiting for Ihedia after entering first, cold sweat trickled down Kayan's hands.
Despite it being the day he had longed for, his expression did not seem at ease.
For some reason, his throat kept drying up, and he felt increasingly tense.
Kayan fixed his gaze on his adorable daughter sitting with the nanny in the guest section, trying to calm his racing heart.
However, seeing Adeline, who looked exactly like Ihedia, only made his tension double instead of calming down.
Soon, Ihedia would emerge through the door.
Recalling that overwhelming fact, Kayan’s heart raced even more wildly.
Soon, the soft melody announcing the bride's entrance began to play.
Kayan swallowed hard.
The door opened, and Ihedia walked out wearing a pristine white dress.
Iheedia blushed slightly, seeming a bit shy.
As the bride entered, gasps of admiration erupted from the guests.
As he watched her slowly approach him, Kayan heard nothing else.
It was as if the world had fallen silent, leaving only the two of them.
Finally, Ihedia stood before him.
After that, Kayan couldn't remember how the ceremony proceeded.
His mind was completely focused on Ihedia.
When Kayan slipped the ring onto Ihedia's finger, she lifted her head and gave him a faint smile.
Kayan felt as though a sweet floral fragrance was emanating from that smile, enough to make his head spin.
Kayan’s lips slowly touched Ihedia’s forehead.
Fireworks erupted, and applause echoed from all around.
Kayan gazed into Ihedia's eyes and spoke.
"I love you, Ihedia."
Ihedia looked up at him with a slightly dazed expression.
She hesitated, trying to say something in response, but before she could, Kayan's lips pressed against hers, leaving her unable to speak.
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