Raised the Villainous Daughter and Ran Away

181. First Love After 2000 Years -End-

Frances and I are very much in love, but officially we are still strangers.

The noble ritual that connects them is marriage.

By announcing and announcing my marriage to France in the society of the Fedelian Empire, I am making our relationship official and making us officially a married couple.

So the long-awaited wedding day arrived.

From dawn, when the sun had not yet risen, the servants of the Duke’s Residence, where the meal was held, were busy moving about.

The lobby of the mansion was bustling with footsteps, and the duke’s knights were mobilized and stationed everywhere to ensure safety.

Also, four servants came to help me with my makeup.

I know that I need to prepare thoroughly for a big wedding, but… … .

“I would like the head to be in a hook shape like last time.”

“Oh my, isn’t this suit material really nice?”

“Your Majesty, your golden eyes are always charming when I see them.”

“Hmm, should I put a flower on my chest?”

I’m getting dizzy because of the employees who keep talking nonstop. They don’t even have a unified topic of conversation and just say what they want to say.

The flow of conversation is one-sided. And in the meantime, there is work to be done.

“…When will the preparations be finished?”

When I asked quietly with my eyes closed, the servants’ hands became busier as if they felt the pressure.

“Just wait a moment! It’ll be over soon!”

“Just fix the head!”

“Hmm, should I put some flowers on it…?”

“I’ll prepare the formal attire now!”

I wish preparations could be completed quickly.

I would like to see Frances in a pure white wedding dress holding flowers. She would definitely be incredibly beautiful.

“Alright, Marquis, please wake up now!”

I opened my eyes.

Just like last time, hair pulled back in a hook shape, showing the forehead. Neatly trimmed eyebrows. Clean skin without a single blemish thanks to simple makeup.

So the groom’s side also needs to prepare.

“Now, just put on your formal attire. May I help you?”

“No, you can wear the uniform by yourself. Everyone, go and rest.”

“Oh, yes! Thank you for your hard work! Everyone, come out!”

The servants quickly disappeared at a brisk pace. Then the door closed.

thud.

“hmm.”

When I looked into the mercury-tinted mirror, I saw that I was definitely much neater than usual.

I saw it before, but looking closely, it feels different.

anyway.

‘You should wear formal attire.’

I looked at the suit hanging on the hanger. It was a shiny black suit. Since it was a suit that emphasized neatness and cleanliness, it didn’t have Andrea’s signature flashy design.

‘Good.’

I changed into my formal attire and quickly left the dressing room.

I just wanted to see Frances… … .

“Your Majesty, how about we see the Duke’s wedding dress once the wedding ceremony begins?”

The servants stopped them.

“Why?”

“Because it would be more touching that way.”

“… … .”

That’s not exactly wrong, but I really want to see it. What should I do with this…?

As his worries deepened, his brows furrowed.

“Your Majesty, the Duke is now more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. If we were to see that beforehand and then proceed with the wedding, wouldn’t it be a little less impressive?”

As if they had read my mind, the servants began to persuade me.

“When the wedding ceremony begins, the Marquis will enter first. The Duke will approach the Marquis in a pure white wedding dress. Wouldn’t it be better to hold back for now for the sake of that special moment?”

Hmm, my worries are getting deeper.

“It’s a one-time moment, right? Let’s hold on for a little longer so that we can experience a greater emotion!”

I nodded after much thought.

“… Let’s do that.”

“Good idea!”

The servants jumped up and down, seemingly happy that the operation was successful.

“But what if the Duke is so beautiful that he loses his mind?”

“Oh, I see. Then wouldn’t that cause problems with the wedding?”

“Oh my, what are they talking about now? Would the Marquis make such a mistake?”

I like Frances so much that I think it might turn out that way.

“Your Majesty? The wedding preparations are going smoothly, so don’t worry. We will come when the time comes, so please rest comfortably. Oh, the Knight Commander and Vice-Commander. And the wizard is in the reception room!”

I said to the smiling servant, “I won’t do that,” and walked away.

It seems that the living room is the only quiet room in the duke’s residence as most of them are busy preparing for the wedding.

When I opened the door and went in, everyone was sitting there chatting.

“Oh, you’re here.”

“You came.”

The first to greet were Kale and Kazar, followed by Dahlia and Ladea, who bowed their heads in greeting.

“Can I not call you Jin oppa?”

“Now, Marquis. Soon, Duchess…?”

I tilted my head as I spoke. What will my title be? Something about the tone of voice is strange.

“Isn’t that the Duchess?”

“No, I will become the Duke and Duchess.”

“Is that so? I don’t know because there has never been a case like this.”

“Isn’t the letter correct?”

“Your Majesty, you are not the Queen.”

“Oh, I see… … .”

Everyone is putting their heads together and thinking about what to call me.

“I think it would be more correct to just call her the Duke and Duchess…?”

In the midst of a heated debate, Dahlia said:

“It’s strange to call him a prince, and it’s even stranger to call him a lady. A letter of state is a different matter. So, you must be the duchess.”

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement at her words.

“Yes. That is the duchess.”

“Then, is the Duchess of Descartes the official title?”

“It’s annoying. I’ll just call you Jin.”

“Do you do that in public too?”

Kale, who seemed to be bothered by everything, was scolded by Kazar and Ladea.

“Mr. Kale, you have your own thoughts, but I don’t think you’ll call me by my name in public.”

Kale flinched at Dahlia’s words. Did she really mean to do that?

“Ahem… … .”

The answer came as a cough.

“Then, now you are Jean Descartes, not Jean Warenberg.”

As Kassar said, my name will be Jean Descartes.

Oh, by the way, the surname Barenberg is not disappearing. It’s just been pushed out as a second name.

“I can definitely feel the passage of time. I never thought it would be like this when I first came here.”

Kale said with a faint smile.

“That’s right. So many things have changed since before.”

“I remember when Jin Oppa… the Duke and Duchess first said they were running away.”

“…Run away?”

When Dahlia asked, Ladea nodded.

“Yes. When I first met you, Jin Oppa… no, Duchess… you said you had to leave. I think you said the same thing to Uncle Kale, too?”

Thinking back to that time, it felt like a long time ago. Maybe it was because I saw the memories flowing in through synchronization.

“A lot has happened in such a short time.”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“Did Sister Kazar come first?”

“That’s right. Another year has passed.”

When the topic of Khazar came up, I remembered that time. I was so surprised at first. I thought it was a boy, but it turned out to be a girl…

“Next was me. He came to me right away and said he had someone he wanted to take care of. When I refused, he beat me up.”

When you say it like that, something seems strange.

“You were the one who started the fight.”

“It’s true that I insulted you.”

“I didn’t mean to… … .”

Kale shook his head and sighed. He must have been taking the hit and sprawling out to heart.

“I told him I couldn’t go because I had to take revenge on the Baron who killed my parents, but he came back after killing Baron Roark instead.”

Kazar’s eyes widened.

“No, there too?”

“There too, Raniyo?”

“You killed the count to take me away.”

“…Huh? What are you talking about?”

As Kazar briefly explained the events of that time, Ladea stared at me with wide eyes.

Kale also gave me a strange look. Judging by the look in his eyes, I’m sure he was thinking, ‘What the heck is that kid?’

“Mr. Jin… no, Your Highness the Duchess is being quite aggressive… … .”

Dahlia opened her mouth and could not close it easily.

“… Ahem, I couldn’t help it because it was for the Duke.”

I didn’t lie. I moved for France more than anyone else.

“No, but still. Assassinating two nobles of the empire… … .”

Dahlia’s words made me feel wronged. It felt like I killed the nobles to take them away by force.

“… Those two were the ones who were supposed to kill from the beginning. I just got my hands dirty and brought them here instead.”

Kazar and Ladea are right, he said positively. Now the discomfort is somewhat gone.

“Is that so…?”

Dahlia still looks confused though.

While we were chatting and reminiscing with everyone, the door suddenly opened and Helena came in.

“The wedding ceremony is about to begin!”

The time has come.

* * *

The expansive garden of the Duke Descartes’ residence.

A table filled with a variety of food and drinks, surrounded by the Duke’s servants and knights.

The center was crowded with nobles who had received invitations, and the royal family sat at the front.

And after a while.

[On behalf of the distinguished guests who have come to celebrate the noble wedding of Duke Descartes and Margrave Warenberg, I would like to express my gratitude despite your busy schedule.]

The voice of Count Elvan, who gave the opening speech, echoed through the magic tool.

[I am Viscount Elvan, a loyal subordinate of Duke Descartes who is in charge of society today.]

Then, Viscount Elvan bowed his head and greeted him.

[The wedding ceremony of Duke Descartes and Margrave Warenberg will now take place.]

The long-awaited wedding has begun.

Bam- bam- bam!

The orchestra began to play, and cheerful music filled the garden.

[The person who will officiate today is His Majesty Emperor Raja Fedelian.]

Usually, a priest or a high priest officiates the wedding, but for my wedding with Frances, it was specially officiated by Raja himself.

There were political reasons, and there was also a purpose to foster camaraderie.

[Then, the groom, Margrave Barenberg, will enter first!]

As I walked down the white paved road, applause began.

[Next, the bride, Duke Descartes, will enter. Please welcome him with a big round of applause!]

She entered, applause spreading everywhere.

The elegance that can be felt just by looking at her steps. The elegance that only she possesses. A rose with thorns that no one would allow.

The sight of her wearing a pure white wedding dress, a symbol of nobility, and holding a pure white flower was extremely sacred.

Hair as red as a rose that cannot be hidden by a pure white veil. Sparkling emerald eyes.

Her beauty came like an arrow and pierced my heart.

It is France’s fascination towards me.

[Next, His Majesty the Great Emperor will receive your precious wedding vows.]

Count Elvan stepped aside and Raja stepped forward.

“It is time to pledge your love for one another. Proceed with your vows.”

We nodded and made eye contact.

“Every moment of mine was Frances. It was my life just for you, and I will continue to live it that way. I promise that my heart will not change even after a long time, and I swear my eternal love for you.”

Frances smiled and nodded, saying, “Yes,” and then stated her vow.

“Just as every moment of yours was mine, every moment of mine was yours. I promise to love you forever, for filling me up when I had nothing, and I swear to live my life only for you.”

I also answered yes, and the time for the vows was over. We signed the Imperial Marriage Declaration.

[With this, the marriage of the Duke of Descartes and the Marquis of Warenberg is established. I sincerely congratulate you on this blessed occasion and guarantee your eternal love.]

With this, we finally became official couple.

“This is finally connected. I love you, Jin.”

“I love you too, France.”

She took off her pure white veil. Her eyes were filled with love and seemed to drip like honey. I was smiling brightly in them.

Then we kissed.

It was a greeting we always used, but it felt completely different. It was as if time had stopped around us.

It was my first love.

Every moment was hers.

It was unrequited love.

It was a feeling that could not be expressed.

It was a love that could never last.

Not anymore.

Everything changes, and that first love continues.

Because this long unrequited love has come to an end.