Chapter 36
The empire was once again abuzz with shock following the uproar at the academy. It hadn't been long since the audacious culprits who dared kidnap an imperial princess had surfaced, and now news of the imperial princess's marriage poured in from the palace.
With no prior warning, the announcement became the hottest topic across the empire, captivating nobles and commoners alike. It was common knowledge that she had been half-abandoned by the emperor, so people assumed he had finally sold her off to a foreign land. Attention swiftly shifted from her wedding to the question of the next emperor.
Astraia was destined for another country anyway, so becoming the empire's ruler was out of the question. All she was left with were cheap virginity rumors and baseless malice.
"It's done, Your Highness. You're... so incredibly beautiful..."
"...Thank you."
"Ignore the rumors. They're just nonsense from ignorant fools."
"Don't worry. I couldn't care less."
Leto, the princess's closest maid, couldn't hold back her tears at the sight of Astraia staring vacantly into the mirror. To Leto, the princess was her lifesaver—a savior who had pulled her from the brink of death in a back alley, an idol. Seeing her so fragile tore at Leto's heart.
Did she even realize her once-bold, confident speech had crumbled under reality's weight into the voice of an ordinary noble lady? Leto wanted to whisk her away and run, but she lacked the power. Worse, it could doom her lady further. A powerless maid like her could do nothing.
'At least I can be grateful that I'll continue serving Astraia in the kingdom...'
"Leto? What are you thinking?"
"N-nothing..."
Any more thoughts, and she'd burst into tears. Leto mumbled evasively. Astraia, lacking the energy to pry, let it drop.
"I always dreamed of seeing you marry a fine man in the world's grandest ceremony... Not like this..."
"That's enough, Leto. Any more would be rude to him."
"But..."
Even if the prince couldn't hear, it crossed into rudeness. It wasn't the marriage she wanted, but he was the husband she'd live with now. Time to adjust her mindset.
"I appreciate your feelings, but he's to be my husband. We need to change our attitudes starting now."
"...I'm sorry. I got carried away..."
"It's fine. I understand."
In a room that should brim with a bride's joy on a flower-filled spring day, only a chill hung in the air.
The princess's wedding to the prince took place in the imperial family's vast garden. Normally restricted to royals and top nobles, it was opened to the public for the day in honor of the occasion.
Amid the garden's chatter of dignitaries exchanging greetings, Astraia, watching from afar, sensed someone approaching and turned.
"Wow~ My little sis is getting married already... Big bro's gonna cry~"
"Right? I was wondering who would take that worm... What a perfect match~"
"Brother... Sister..."
The empress's children, Astraia's half-siblings: Ixion von Kailum and Cassandra von Kailum. To them, her forced marriage abroad was mere entertainment—no trace of genuine concern.
"I thought I'd never see your faces again... But you came to my wedding."
"Of course~ Gotta see my sis head to hell with my own eyes, right?"
"What's with that dumb tone? You were gonna drop it? Good call. You always looked half-witted; now the prince might enjoy toying with you at night even more~~"
Crude barbs without an ounce of care. But Astraia, long accustomed to it, felt no sting.
"Yeah... I'm looking forward to it too. Whichever of you becomes emperor, it'll be the fastest empire-ruiner in history."
"Ha! Cocky bitch... Don't get too bold just 'cause you won't see us anymore?"
Ixion, infamous as a lecher with his promiscuity, and Cassandra, queen of luxury and indulgence. Astraia was sick of their pathetic antics, but she worried for the vassals who would serve such scum as emperor and the people entrusting them the empire's future.
'Father... No, what is that man planning?'
The emperor she knew was ruthlessly calculating, never acting against the empire's interests. Yet he handed power to these two, knowing the disaster ahead. His judgment baffled her.
"Fine, now scram. Be grateful you wasted your precious time seeing my face."
"Tch, damn wench. Fine, it's a happy day, so we'll let it slide. No more of your nagging anyway~"
"See ya~ Oh! Shake that ass hard on your wedding night~ Maybe then the prince will play husband a bit? Ahahahaha!!"
Astraia bit her lip hard, watching their laughing backs recede.
"Please... someone..."
Her faint plea for salvation echoed in the empty hall. Naturally, no one answered.
Grand music heralded the ceremony's start. Despite her fallen status, as royalty, it was lavishly ornate. The magically tended garden bloomed with flowers of every season, petals lining the aisle welcoming the couple with fragrant breezes.
Taurus Creteia strode confidently down the carpet, followed by Astraia on the emperor's arm. Her veiled face hinted at her stunning beauty.
Guests admired her allure, but some whispered vulgar rumors and jeers to belittle the union.
Astraia glanced at the emperor holding her hand; he stared ahead, ignoring her completely.
'Yeah... Same as ever... Haha.'
The ceremony proceeded smoothly—save one variable.
"You've done well, High Priest. I'll take it from here."
"S-Saintess...?!"
"Saintess? Why are you here?"
The high priest of the Goddess Church was set to officiate fully, but at the vows, the saintess appeared out of nowhere.
The church rarely meddled in imperial affairs for balance, making the spiritual pillar herself officiating a sold-off princess's wedding unprecedented. Murmurs rippled through the guests.
"Though our time together was short, Astraia and I shared academy memories as 'close friends.' Blessing her path would please the Goddess too, no?"
"Y-yes... Haha."
Taurus looked uneasy, his hand trembling—a new symptom. Astraia sensed something off as sweat beaded on his palm.
The saintess continued.
"...Thus, do you, Prince Taurus Creteia, take Astraia von Kailum as your wife, to love and respect her always, fulfilling your duties as a true husband in all circumstances?"
"Yes."
"And do you, Astraia von Kailum, take Prince Taurus Creteia as your husband, to love and respect him always, fulfilling your duties as a true wife in all circumstances?"
"......N—"
Whiiiiiish!
Crash!!
"Kyaaah!!"
"Who goes there?!"
As Astraia began her response, something sliced through the air, shattering decorations. Amid screams, knights rushed to shield the bride and groom.
"Protect the bride and groom! Evacuate the guests safely!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!!"
The emperor's eyes chilled; he issued swift commands. As defense wrapped up...
"O-over there!!"
All eyes turned. Atop the building stood a black-clad man in a tiger mask, sword in hand with faint aura emanating—prime suspect.
"Stop him! That's the culprit!"
"To the roof! Surround him!!"
Knights charged inside; imperial mages hurled lethal spells.
Slash—!
"Wh-what—?!"
"He cut the magic?!"
Powerful spells vanished under his blade. Mages fired repeatedly, but he blocked every one.
'What the hell?! Is my life cursed even on my wedding day?! Does this goddess hate me that much?!'
Astraia seethed at her unending misfortune.
"Now!"
"What—"
Thud—
In the chaos of halted movements, one person seized the moment, arm extended.
"??!?"
"In the Goddess's name, I pray—!"
Taurus, grabbed by the saintess during his lapse, was injected with immense holy power before he could react.
Crunch—!
"Guh... Graaaaaah!!!"
Unable to fully control his granted power, Taurus's body rampaged, consumed by the clashing holy force.