Chapter 139
Gazing at Lupeon’s elegantly curved lips, Elena marveled anew at his beauty.
His jet-black hair gleamed brilliantly under the bright lights, and his crisp, perfectly fitted uniform suited him so well.
He was absolutely perfect, to the point where one might wonder if he had any flaws at all.
‘I’m really marrying Lupeon.’
As every moment they’d shared unfolded like a panorama, Elena felt her heart swell with emotion.
Marquis Rohenbach, holding his daughter’s hand as they stood on the virgin road, spoke with a kindly smile.
“Elena, congratulations once again on your marriage.”
“Thank you, Father.”
Amidst cheers and applause, Elena walked the virgin road with her father.
Anasha, sitting in the family section with sparkling eyes, waved cheerfully.
And right beside her, Lisette was sniffling with puffy eyes.
‘Did he cry all night? Anasha seems more composed, really.’
There were also welcome guests who had come from the North to brighten the occasion.
From Elena’s longtime friend Camilla to Laphine, who had received the title of viscount for developing the cure, and Gemma, Gale, and Benya who protected the Grand Duchy in the North.
Just as a tender smile spread across her lips, Marquis Rohenbach gradually stopped walking.
“You’ll have to go up to the platform alone.”
“Yes, Father.”
As Lupeon approached the Rohenbach father and daughter, the marquis bowed his head and spoke in a voice thick with emotion.
“Your Majesty, please make Elena happy.”
‘Father…’
Elena couldn’t fully understand the feelings of a parent with children.
But at this moment, she somehow felt she knew what her father’s desperate emotions were.
Nodding, Lupeon answered with a dignified and solemn attitude.
“Don’t worry. I absolutely will.”
Seeming reassured by his answer, the marquis returned to his place, and today’s protagonists ascended the platform.
Lupeon squeezed her hand in his.
“Once we complete our vows before everyone, you won’t be able to escape.”
Elena chuckled at her lover’s playful words.
“You’re already not letting go of my hand anyway.”
As if not wanting to deny it, Lupeon’s blue eyes gleamed mysteriously.
“I wish the wedding would end soon.”
Elena, who had been staring at his deep eyes as if enchanted, came to her senses and asked.
“…Why?”
The man loosely pulled up his lips, bent down, and whispered softly in her ear.
“So I can have you look at and touch only me—”
“Ahem.”
At that moment, the archbishop who was about to begin the ceremony cleared his throat loudly. It seemed like a signal to focus now.
Meeting the archbishop’s eyes, Elena felt embarrassed and gave Lupeon a playful glare.
He merely lifted one corner of his mouth crookedly, apparently finding the situation quite amusing.
After briefly completing the mass, the archbishop unfolded the marriage vows he was holding and presented the covenant to Lupeon.
“Do you, Lupeon Simon Argenta, swear to respect and love Elena Rohenbach as your wife for life?”
“I swear.”
Elena wore a gentle smile as she watched her lover answer without a moment’s hesitation.
The archbishop nodded briefly, then looked at Elena and continued reciting the covenant.
“Do you, Elena Rohenbach, swear to respect and love Lupeon Simon Argenta as your husband for life?”
“I swear.”
As Elena answered in a clear voice tinged with shyness, the archbishop placed the marriage vows on the table.
Soon an attendant brought the wedding rings studded with diamonds, and Lupeon placed the ring on her left ring finger.
“I will love only you for life.”
Elena deliberately wore a bright smile at the emotion welling up deep in her heart.
“I too will love only you forever.”
She captured his unusually clear and bright blue eyes in her gaze.
As the couple completed their ring exchange, the archbishop emanated warm divine energy and offered them his blessing.
“Holy guardians of the empire. May light and faith always be with you.”
After finishing the blessing, the archbishop descended from the platform, and the guests gave heartfelt applause to the Emperor and Empress of the Valdeon Empire.
Lupeon carefully lifted her veil and briefly kissed her lips as if he had been waiting for this moment.
“Lupeon…”
As Elena blushed and grumbled softly, he wore a smile as bright as the summer sun.
* * *
On a late night when moon mist had settled thickly, Elena took deep breaths to calm her nervousness.
Having become Empress of the Valdeon Empire with the wedding, she was staying in her chambers receiving devoted attention from the servants.
Following custom, Lupeon would return to the Empress’s chambers after attending the wedding feast.
Looking around the room elaborately decorated by the servants, Elena wore an awkward smile.
Rose petals were scattered on the large bed that looked much sturdier than the one she had used before.
‘Who came up with this idea?’
Once she became conscious of it, strange undercurrents seemed to permeate everything around her.
In the dark room with no lights on, she couldn’t hide her anxious demeanor.
The thick scent of perfume and flowers made her feel queasy and even dizzy.
Moreover, wearing the thin nightgown she rarely wore, dismay crossed Elena’s face.
“This is just making me more nervous.”
Unable to calm her heart, she reached for the wine prepared on the table.
‘Right, just one glass. Just one glass.’
Elena’s face burned hot at the thought of spending her wedding night with her husband, and she needed mental preparation before he arrived.
Just as she took a sip of wine while feeling her thundering heartbeat—
*Click*—
“Were you drinking wine?”
As Lupeon’s low voice reached her, her golden eyes trembled.
Having just finished bathing, he wore only a robe, and his black hair was still damp.
Seeing Lupeon’s blue eyes gleaming clearly even in the darkness, Elena felt as if she’d forgotten how to breathe.
Her heart began to race as she noticed his heavy footsteps gradually approaching.
She tried to say something to suppress her confused feelings and break through the awkward atmosphere.
“L-Lupeon…”
The man who had finally reached Elena pulled up his lips languorously.
There was no way she couldn’t notice the subtle atmosphere flowing between them.
After hesitating, Elena lightly touched his wet bangs as her lips quivered.
“Your hair isn’t completely dry yet.”
Tilting his head slightly, Lupeon captured her in his gaze and asked.
“I thought this was more to your taste.”
He knew Elena too well. Lupeon’s wet hair was exactly her taste.
However, feeling he would tease her all night if she admitted it, Elena deliberately put on a prim expression.
“Surely not, it is to my taste.”
‘Ahem, it’s not like that.’
But for some reason, Lupeon’s body trembled slightly as if trying to hold back laughter.
“What is it, Lupeon?”
As Elena narrowed her eyes warily, he gently wrapped his firm arm around her waist.
“…!”
As their intense gazes intertwined, the heat surrounding them grew increasingly hot.
Slowly lowering his head, Lupeon tickled her ear and gently bit her earlobe, causing Elena’s face to turn crimson.
The man wore an elegant smile at her reaction and slowly began to caress her delicate neck.
A soft moan escaped Elena’s lips at the subtle pain felt on her soft skin.
“Ah—”
As if that had triggered something, Lupeon firmly tightened his arm holding her. As if he had no intention of letting go anymore.
His sensual and hot breath moved from her neck to near her collarbone.
Elena lightly pushed against his chest, trying to maintain her clouding consciousness and fading mind.
Still not budging, Lupeon brushed back his bangs with one hand as if they were bothering him.
His eyes, dyed with passion, looked more dangerous and alluring than ever before.
