kscans

Chapter 159 - The Investiture of the Female Margrave, a First Dance Vowed with Her Fiancé

Ariel, wrapped in deep green velvet, walked silently down the long corridor of the Royal Castle for her investiture as a Margrave.

She had practiced walking in the dress many times, but she still felt a little clumsy. Even so, she could feel countless eyes from all over the corridor following her.

"Ugh... for everyone who supported me, I can't fail." In her heart, she truly wanted to run away and go home. She wanted to be in the quiet tower. But if she could clear this hurdle, she would gain the status to marry Darius and the future to walk freely in the Tree Sea.

I will do my best.

With that resolution in her heart, she straightened her back.

Darius had frozen when he first saw me like this. But he had quietly come close and whispered in my ear with a hoarse voice.

"You're beautiful. I'll be watching from the same room."

I was the one whose heart was pounding. It was my first time seeing the noble version of Darius. But if Darius was with me, I felt at ease.

Her hands were elegantly clasped in front of her, a faint smile on her lips. At the sight of her radiating natural grace, the nobles couldn't help but hold their breath.

"A living weapon... that woman?"

"Is it true she destroyed a town?"

"I hear she's teaching the Crown Prince magic and alchemy."

"If we get her on our side, the royal family will be secure."

"She's marrying King Cedric's second son, Darius, isn't she? I see..."

Her slender body had a softness to it that captivated the hearts of all who saw her. While they appraised her, they found themselves mesmerized by her appearance, her healthy skin enhanced by natural makeup.

Shadows fell from her eyelashes, her cheeks were tinged with a faint crimson, and her lips were a calm rose pink. It was precisely because it wasn't flashy that it possessed a quiet, shining elegance.

She let out a soft breath. It wasn't just the investiture, it was also her first time meeting Darius's father. She proceeded, filled with nervousness.

Upon entering the throne room, even King Cedric found himself taking a sharp breath.

In the recordings, she was a brave and forthright woman who had protected the country and tried to protect Darius from the former king, the queen, and the head of the mages. However, on the other hand, she was the woman who had challenged Albert to a duel and won an overwhelming victory. She was also the living weapon that held the nation's fate in her hands.

That gap made his heart waver.

Even Albert, who had once loathed her, was now grateful. Crown Prince Elliot's eyes when he looked at Ariel were also completely captivated. The nobles seeing her for the first time couldn't look away, their hearts pounding.

And yet, she wasn't using any sort of charm magic. King Cedric tried to remain calm, but fundamentally, he could see no malice from her.

Furthermore, the magical Rainbow Stones scattered on her shoulders, chest, and waist reflected the light with every step she took. It was a gift that Darius had risked his life to obtain. The warmth spreading in her chest enveloped Ariel in a soft yet dignified light.

"Ariel. From this day forth, you shall be the Margrave who rules the Tree Sea of this nation."

His Majesty's voice was calm, but he had by no means let down his guard.

The surrounding nobles stirred at the words "Tree Sea." The Imperial Guard let out a gasp of "Eh," and those who didn't know of the Tree Sea whispered with half curiosity, "What's that?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Though my power is small, I shall devote myself to the peace of my domain."

The cape made from a monster's fur flowing from her shoulders as she received the title added a touch of majesty to her softness.

"She is no ordinary woman." No one could help but think so. As she bowed her head softly, the influential noblemen once again lost their hearts to her.

Crown Prince Elliot, Albert, Darius, and Adrian were able to maintain calm faces because they had seen Ariel in her makeup and dress beforehand, but anyone seeing her for the first time would be unable to even look away.

"I see, this is Adrian's work, as expected. It's no wonder everyone is so captivated by her." King Cedric finally let go of his caution.

There was no mental interference, no malice. If a woman who could draw this much attention was to be Darius's wife and would guide and support Albert and Elliot in the right direction, then being cautious would only serve to displease her.

"I am honored by your praise, Your Majesty."

Her voice was calm and gentle, yet it held a definite dignity.

Ariel, the female Margrave, while feared as a living weapon, shone with a light like that of a saintess and became the first Margrave to rule the Tree Sea of this nation.

---

After the investiture ceremony ended, that night the grand hall of the Royal Castle was transformed into a glittering venue for a celebratory banquet. Under the sparkling chandeliers, this time it was the gazes of noble ladies, hiding their mouths with fans, that stickily appraised Ariel.

(...It's still scary. But I just have to do as Lady Eleonora said. I can't lose.)

Remembering the etiquette she had been taught, I deflected their gazes with nothing more than a smile.

At that moment, King Cedric raised his glass.

"In celebration of today's investiture, I have one more piece of news. Margrave Ariel is to be engaged to my second son, Darius!"

The hall erupted in a clamor. Their relationship had been rumored, but the public announcement was still a great shock.

"The Margrave and the Duke's second son...!"

"With this, the royal family is secure." Such whispers could be heard from all around.

My chest grew hot, and my heart leaped. The noble Darius from those recordings that had tormented me was now extending his hand to me. But this was a little different from those recordings. For some reason, Darius looked nervous too. It was a subtle difference that only I would notice...

Darius smiled gently, his voice low.

"...Will you dance with me?" At his words, a smile bloomed on my face too.

"Yes... with pleasure."

He took my hand and led me to the center. The orchestra began to play a waltz, and with every step I took, supported by Darius's arm, my dress swayed like a petal in the Tree Sea's wind.

I, who had been a living weapon without a heart, was now dancing as a woman who loves and is loved, vowing for the future by his side.

As everyone watched, the world had become a place for just me and Darius.