I knew that in this country, the marriage ceremony starts as soon as the bride-to-be arrives, but now that I am a part of it, I feel like it is very hectic.
Fortunately, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen have let me be His Royal Highness Prince Alfred’s wife, so I don’t have to worry about my future.
The only thing I am worried about is…
“No, Charlotte! You are my daughter! I’m so glad you’re doing so well! So take good care of the Arzel family! I will adopt my nephew Benjamin as my heir, but only if House Arzel is at peace!”
His Royal Highness Alfredo did not want to do it, but Their Majesties urged me to send the wedding invitations to my parents as well.
It would have been strange to send one to Miri and not to my parents.
My father bowed to me, his daughter, as deeply as I have ever seen him bow.
He looks exhausted and his eyes are darkened, probably because Miri is going to the wedding.
My father will be held responsible if she causes anything to happen at the wedding.
“So, has Miri arrived yet?”
“No, not yet. Isn’t she with you, father, and the others?”
“Yes, I heard that Elmhardt-dono went to pick her up at the monastery. I don’t know what he’s thinking.”
We were told that Miri was going to attend the wedding with Elmhardt-sama, but it seems that she has not joined my parents yet.
Elmhardt-sama said he would re-educate Miri to do what he wanted, but if he picked her up at the monastery and then came here, it would only be for a few days—my father would worry and so would I.
“Well, then, we’re leaving. Please give my best regards to His Highness.”
My father bowed to me several times before returning to his lodgings in the capital of Albania.
I’m sure I won’t be able to sleep tonight. But I have to sleep somehow.
I can’t be the Crown Prince’s bride if I don’t get enough sleep.
“Charlotte, I’m sorry, but we have another guest. They’re anxious to meet you. Your sister and Elmhardt-kun have arrived at the very last minute.”
In the evening, His Highness Alfred told me that Miri and Elmhardt-sama had finally arrived.
We thought they wouldn’t be here today, but…
Anyway, let’s go check on Miri.
♦
“I apologize for the other day. I seem to have offended His Highness Alfred in particular. Once again, congratulations on your wedding.”
“…”
Next to Elmhardt-sama, who was smiling and bowing, sat a dark-haired woman whose face was hidden by a large black mask.
Miri…? Her hair doesn’t look very shiny… She’s always taken better care of her hair than anyone else.
“So, Elmhardt-kun, I want you to tell me something about the masked woman next to you.”
“Huh? Uh, yes. Yes, of course. She’s Miri. She has been stung by bees in several places and is in no condition to show her face, so I’m going to have her attend the meeting wearing a mask…”
She was stung by a bee?
No, no. What did you do? You don’t think that Elmhardt-sama is abusing Miri in order to discipline her, right?
“Attending under a mask… I think she should see a doctor. I can get you to a doctor as soon as—.”
“N-No, doctor, it’s okay. I’ve already taken care of it. Isn’t that right, Miri?”
“…”
The masked Miri nods her head in affirmation of Elmhardt-sama’s words.
By the way, she hasn’t said a word since a while ago.