Chapter 42: The Wedding

The Imperial City was bustling over the weekend. At the entrance of the famous boutique street in the Imperial City, we parked the carriage, and Xavier and I decided to walk instead. Gentlemen and ladies alighted from carriages at various points, just like us.

I placed a hand on my forehead.

“To think Mother’s favorite boutique is in the Imperial City.”

Lady Naomi certainly had grand tastes.

“I thought it would be in Pins too, but mother-in-law truly thinks big.”

Xavier playfully responded to my words.

There was much to prepare for the rushed wedding. With the ceremony just a month away, we had to come all the way to the Imperial City to get my dress tailored.

“She seems to be on the same wavelength as me.”

“Pardon?”

When I looked at him, questioning his words, Xavier explained.

“Well, I wanted to come to the Imperial City too. Pins is nice, but there are better things here. Since we’re here, let’s buy everything we need before heading back.”

“Is that what you meant? Xavier, you’re hopeless.”

I laughed and lightly tapped his shoulder before walking ahead. After briefly watching me, Xavier quickly caught up and walked beside me again, sticking close without leaving my side.

The boutique Mother had mentioned wasn’t far.

[Boutique Metropolis]

What a grand name.

And just as grand as its name, the boutique resembled a modern department store. As we passed through the revolving doors, a whole new world unfolded before us.

Under dozens of dazzling chandeliers, luxurious stores were lined up, and nobles dressed in splendid outfits browsed through the goods.

“You didn’t book the entire place today?”

“Well…”

Xavier’s eyebrows raised briefly before dropping again.

I stopped myself from glaring at him suspiciously. No matter how wealthy Xavier Auguste was, he couldn’t possibly rent out this massive boutique without a heads-up from Mother.

That’s when it happened.

Servants stationed throughout the boutique began walking around holding notification boards with bells attached.

“The store will be closing soon, so we kindly ask customers to gather their belongings and leave.”

“Already? It’s still broad daylight.”

“The store will close in 10 minutes. Please make haste!”

“Looks like it’s true. It can’t be helped.”

Mother will be disappointed, won’t she? She really wanted me to wear a dress from here.

“Xavier, let’s go.”

I looked up at Xavier, who was standing beside me, urging him. If we wanted to get my measurements taken and have the dress fitted in time, we couldn’t afford to waste any more time. We needed to find another boutique quickly.

I grabbed his arm to pull him along, but he didn’t budge.

Xavier looked down at me and said something strange.

“We don’t have to leave.”

“What?”

I turned my gaze to scan the surroundings. Employees and servants were escorting customers out.

Except for the two of us.

“No way.”

“That’s exactly it.”

“How did you know about this place and rent it out?”

“When your mother contacted me about getting your dress tailored, she casually mentioned it.”

“What?”

“I simply lived up to her expectations.”

Xavier winked, closing one eye briefly.

These utterly incorrigible people!

“Are you crazy? Do you know how much this place costs?”

“What’s the problem? Considering my wealth and the Graham family’s, this is nothing more than child’s play.”

“Oh.”

For a moment, my old habits as a commoner resurfaced. I thought I had gotten used to it, but I still lacked a realistic sense of noble wealth.

“Well, I suppose. But we should still spend wisely.”

“No, if you save too much, it all goes to waste.”

“Huh?”

I let out a strange sound.

‘If you save too much, it all goes to waste’ was a phrase I couldn’t even imagine.

“It’s true. There’s so much wealth that your father once said he didn’t know how to spend it all. I’m in the same boat.”

“When did you get so close to my father?”

“He personally delivered the reply to my proposal letter. He said he wanted to see my face up close.”

Oh, Father.

I covered my face with both hands.

“So, what did you two talk about?”

“Well, he said the Graham family’s entire fortune would go to you, Yuria, so I shouldn’t even think about touching it.”

“…That’s true, but still, I’m sorry about that.”

“Haha, like father, like daughter. Don’t worry. I won’t even be able to spend all my wealth before I die either.”

Xavier was right.

I was the daughter of a wealthy family whose money never ran dry.

I’ve prided myself on spending freely, but after pouring my allowance into the warfront and only buying macarons since then, I had lost my sense of extravagance.

I resolved to learn more about the spending habits of the rich through hands-on experience.

Since we were here, I decided to splurge and make the most of it.

“I’m a practical person, so forget what I just said. Today, I’m going to spend money like there’s no tomorrow.”

“Got it. Give me your hand.”

Xavier extended his arm, offering to escort me.

I raised my chin, puffed out my chest, and placed my hand on the back of his.

“You’ve truly become a dignified Duchess.”

“Hmph, thank you.”

With the store emptied except for us, the head designer and staff approached us courteously and guided us to our seats. They handed us catalogs for wedding dresses and formal attire.

We chose a diamond-studded wedding dress made from the finest fabric and a suit for Xavier. We also fitted an evening dress for the reception and a formal uniform for Xavier. It was hard to choose because Xavier liked everything I tried on.

After deciding on the outfits, we moved on to selecting jewelry. The store manager had servants line up holding jewelry boxes.

When the lids were opened, sets of diamonds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, emeralds, opals, and more sparkled brilliantly.

Leaning deeply against the sofa, Xavier asked the manager in a low voice.

“What’s the most expensive and best one here?”

Sitting next to him, I showed the manager the 10-carat diamond ring on my finger. It silently conveyed that anything less wouldn’t do.

The store manager swallowed hard at the sight.

“This is a diamond necklace, earring, and ring set. Each piece is 3 carats, and it’s a limited edition crafted by a famous designer. It’s quite expensive but truly exceptional.”

“I see. Where are the men’s pieces?”

“Here they are, my lady.”

They were indeed top-notch. Dozens of finely cut square diamonds, each slightly under 1 carat, were embedded, radiating a brilliant light.

“What do you think, Xavier?”

“Hmm, it’s nice. It would be better with initials engraved on the back.”

Xavier held the ring by the band and flipped it over.

“Can you engrave Z&Y¹T/N: the author actually said J&Y but since I translated his name as Xavier, I changed it to X&Y here?”

“Yes, of course.”

The manager added the request to the order form.

Oh my, initials?

Feeling slightly embarrassed, I turned to Xavier and asked.

“X for Xavier and Y for Yuria?”

“Exactly. Your Y and my X. It feels like we’re forever connected this way.”

This really felt like we were getting married.

Suddenly, my heart started to race.

Lastly, we selected rings and watches for men.

“This men’s pocket watch is made of mithril, and that one is pure gold, not plated. These cufflinks are set with rubies.”

“Replace the rubies with diamonds.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“So, what’s the total cost?”

A moment later, the manager calculated the total and informed us.

“The total, including jewelry craftsmanship fees, is 6.05 billion gold.”

“I see.”

When I didn’t respond further, the jewelry manager hastily added.

“Given the price range, you can pay in installments. This ruby set is also excellent for its price…”

“Just pay it all at once.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ll purchase all the jewelry sets here in one payment.”

“Not just the diamond set?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

“N-No, my lady.”

Xavier looked at me with satisfaction and said,

“Very impressive. You’re fit to be a Duchess. Go ahead and make the payment.”

Xavier took out a blank check to pay for my jewelry.

“Xavier, wait.”

I grabbed his hand holding the check. Xavier gently held my hand and asked.

“What is it?”

“I meant I’ll pay for everything, including yours and mine.”

“That puts me in a tough spot.”

“Enough, I’ll buy it all. You’ve already given me this.”

The large diamond sparkled on my finger. Xavier nodded and put the blank check back in his pocket.

“Use this to pay.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

I handed over the bundle of checks Father had given me in advance and moved on to select the next items.

After hours of shopping, Xavier and I exited the boutique building. At the entrance, dozens of employees and managers bowed at a 90-degree angle to see us off.

“We’ll send the assistants and the items to your residence before the wedding.”

Holding Xavier’s hand, I nodded slightly and elegantly passed through them, boarding the carriage that was waiting for us.

Now this is what you call flexing!

＊

Time passed, and the long-awaited wedding day arrived.

The wedding was prepared in the grand banquet hall of the Ducal residence. From early morning, I was overwhelmed with makeup, my dress, and my hair, and I barely made it to the venue.

The solemn atmosphere of the bride’s waiting room, steeped in the long history of the Ducal family, made me even more nervous. The walls of the waiting room were densely adorned with portraits of the former Dukes and Duchesses of the Auguste family.

“Maya.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Do I look nervous?”

“Yes. Don’t frown, or your eyelashes will fall off.”

I decided to remain silent.

Rosetta held my hand tightly. Her hand, clad in lace gloves, trembled slightly.

“Saintess—I mean, Miss. Don’t be nervous. I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Rosetta.”

Then Maya sharply scolded her.

“Rosetta, if you pamper her too much, she’ll get spoiled.”

“Maya, can’t you see how much she’s trembling?”

“I can see it, but she’s about to become a Duchess. She needs to steel her nerves.”

“But she’s trembling so much. You’re too blunt, Maya.”

“I know. That’s why I’m the one who can tell her this.”

The two of them raised their voices, locked in a tense standoff. It was obvious their argument would drag on like usual. My head started to ache slightly.

“Maya? Rosetta? Can you stop?”

“Oh, Miss.”

“Sorry.”

“Apologize quickly. If you keep this up, I’ll leave you both behind.”

At my words, Maya quickly extended her hand to Rosetta.

“Let’s get along.”

“Yes, Maya. Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

Rosetta clung to Maya, acting cute.

Maya, seemingly at a loss, let a faint smile creep onto her lips.

“If you’re going to talk, just stop. Go hold the train of the dress at the back.”

“Yes, Maya!”

Even though they bickered, it was clear Maya didn’t dislike Rosetta.

The same went for Rosetta.

“It’s time to go, Miss.”

“Alright, Maya.”

Knock knock.

“Yuria, are you ready?”

It was Xavier’s voice.

“Yes, I’m coming.”

But the door that was about to open wouldn’t budge. Maya hung onto the doorknob, struggling.

“Wait!”

Xavier’s voice came again from outside.

“I need to prepare myself.”

“Pardon?”

“Is she very beautiful? Incredibly beautiful? Or the most beautiful?”

“……”

From beyond the door, Xavier’s voice carried a hint of nervousness. Maya and Rosetta held their breaths, unable to make a sound.