A Saint Who Was Adopted by the Grand Duke

Extra 11: Wedding (II)

However, Noah said something else without notice.

“If you are to try it all on again…”

As Esther’s eyes narrowed as he tried to give his opinion, he belatedly figured out the situation and changed his tune, getting up and standing next to her.

“Shall we take a break?”

“That would be nice.”

The emperor, who had another schedule, gave his opinion and left first. Then the remaining people started a discussion.

“I vote for the third dress. It’s especially elegant, and the silk matches perfectly with the design.”

“The frills of the second dress are adorable. I think Esther’s cuteness will be maximized.”

Princess Reina and Judy both liked the second dress, and they actively expressed their thoughts.

As for Deheen and Dennis, they suffered from not being able to choose one.

In the meantime, Esther, who had changed her clothes and came out, sat down in an empty seat. She felt a tap on her shoulder.

“Are you okay?”

It was Noah. Standing behind her, he pressed her tight shoulders.

“The dresses were heavier than I thought. My body is sore because I kept wearing a corset.”

“I’ll ask them to call it a day.”

“No. Everyone is like that because they care for me.”

Esther shook her head and drank the water the maids brought.

“Ha. Amazing. I will live.”

“Eat this too.”

Esther picked a cookie off the plate, took a bite and tilted her head.

“It tastes familiar. Is this…”

“That’s right. The grand duke has prepared it.”

These were cookies made by Esther’s favorite chef.

Did he prepare it in anticipation of this time? Esther smiled anyway, moved by the thought.

Eating something sweet made her eyes wide and revived her spirits.

“Which do you think is the best?”

“I didn’t look at the dresses. I only saw your face. You’re so pretty.”

“What?”

Esther rolled her eyes at Noah’s playful joke.

“Okay, okay. The first one was feminine because your shoulder line was emphasized, the second one was lovely because the frills were cute, the third one was elegant and made you look mature, and the fourth…”

“Okay, stop!”

In the end, Noah’s verdict that everything was pretty only increased the dilemma.

“My preference is… The fourth dress, the mermaid dress. It’s so sexy I don’t want to show you to other people.”

Noah caressed the back of Esther’s neck as he muttered in a low, languid tone.

Embarrassed, Esther jumped up, her ears red.

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“Everything, I want to try them all on again.”

“Shall I go in too this time?”

“No!”

Pushing away Noah, who kept smirking and teasing, Esther went to the empress.

“I’ll try it on just one more time.”

“Will you? Let’s take a closer look this time.”

Returning to the room, Esther decided to choose the dress she liked more than the others, and examined it carefully.

As the maids put on a veil that matched the dress, the madams of the dressing rooms spoke in tones of envy.

“I’ve seen many brides, but this is the first time I’ve seen the whole family get together to choose a dress.”

“I know. I don’t know how everyone’s eyes are so full of love.”

Opening the curtain, Esther immediately agreed with the madams.

Even though it was tiring and tedious to try on the many outfits, everyone in her family had eyes full of anticipation.

She was energized by the gazes that made her feel that she was loved.

After trying on the dresses again, she carefully selected two by a vote.

Amazingly, the result matched Esther’s wish.

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Your Majesty is the one who did the hard work. Thank you for preparing.”

The empress looked at Esther with eyes full of affection. Then she beckoned to her maid.

“Here.”

Then, tables were brought in, one after another. There was a box on each table.

“This is the royal family’s historic collection of accessories. It boasts a tradition that is hundreds of years old and is full of precious jewelry that you can’t see anywhere else.”

The empress walked between the tables with Deheen and introduced the accessories.

“It’s a small thing, but I’d like to give it as a thank you gift for accepting this marriage.”

Dennis, who was interested in anything rare, was the first to look around with curiosity.

“We also have something prepared.”

With Deheen and the empress occupied with the gifts, Esther fell back with Noah.

“Preparing for a wedding isn’t easy.”

“I know. I realize that it’s not just between us.”

“But it’s fine.”

“It’s really right in front of you now.”

The two tightly interlocked their hands and imagined the upcoming wedding day.

Under the skillful direction of the empress, the preparations for the wedding continued smoothly.

★★★

Esther and Noah’s wedding was designated as a holiday, and the whole capital was immersed in a festive mood.

It was open until the eve of the festival, and the lights in the capital had not been turned off for two days already, and expectations were growing.

Esther, the center of all topics and the main character of the day, woke up early in the morning and was in the middle of dressing up. As there were four parts to the wedding, there were many things to prepare.

When I was getting my makeup done, Noah, who finished his preparations first, entered the dressing room. It looked like he had simple makeup done.

From the moment Noah entered, he couldn’t take his eyes off Esther.

“You’re here?”

“What am I to do if you’re already this pretty?”

“I didn’t prepare to look pretty today. I must be pretty.”

Esther playfully accepted Noah’s praise and stared at him in the mirror.

Perhaps thanks to the effort he put into taking care of his skin for several days, his face was shining brightly.

After bright makeup was applied, her hair was neatly tied up to emphasize her neckline.

Even the long veil that hung down to the floor radiant light. Of course, since small jewels were woven in.

After putting on the earrings and necklace chosen beforehand and fixing the tiara inherited from the empress, Esther’s preparations were completed.

Noah, who was watching from behind her, sneaked out of the room and dragged a cart into the room.

“What is that?”

“Everyone, get out for a while.”

When everyone went out and only the two of them were left, Noah lifted the end of the cloth.

“What?”

Esther tilted her head, her face morphing into complete disbelief as the cloth was removed.

On top of the cart were shoes decorated with flowers.

Pink eyes widened at the sight of the shoes, which were studded with jewels and seemed to have no practical use whatsoever.

“Why is this…?”

“These are the shoes to wear at the wedding. My promise that I will always take you to good places with your new shoes.”

Without hesitation, Noah bent his knees and rolled up the front of Esther’s dress.

Gently, he held her ankle and put her shoes on, which, contrary to her fancy appearance, fit very comfortably.

Impressed, Esther hugged Noah, who was looking up at her, by the neck.

“…Thank you.”

Then, a knock sounded and Deheen and the twins announced their arrival.

“Hmmmm.”

“Dad!”

As Esther looked back and smiled, Deheen blinked at Noah.

“I will go and get ready.”

“Okay.”

It was right before the wedding, so everyone was busy, many servants were running around in the hallway.

Esther slowly approached, looking alternately at Deheen, Judy, and Dennis all in suits.

“How do I look?”

“How? Really beautiful.”

“Where did Esther go? I see nothing but light.”

Dennis threw Judy a pathetic gaze. How childish it was to exaggeratedly look around.

“Too pretty. It’s not because you’re my sister, but you’re probably the most beautiful crown princess in the history of the Austin Empire.”

“I knew this day would come someday, but I still feel it’s too soon.”

“Among us, Esther is the first to go.”

“Who would have thought?”

“…Even so, it’s a pity.”

Deheen and the twins expressed their sentiments towards Esther, who was now really getting married.

“I will definitely visit once every two weeks, just as the imperial palace has allowed me to do.”

Esther would be the crown princess, but considering her position as the saint, the imperial palace made an exception and allowed her free exit and entry.

Unofficially, she was allowed to stay at the Grand Duchy of Tersia once every two weeks, or more than a week a month.

Gazing at the three of them, Esther remembered the day she first entered the grand ducal family.

“My home never changes. My fence will always be my dad and older brothers.”

They changed her heart, from wanting to die to wanting to live, and they made her enjoy happiness she had never known before.

She planned to pay it back by their side for the rest of her life. Marrying Noah didn’t change anything.

“Of course. I am just glad that there is another fence you can rely on.”

Unable to contain his overwhelming emotions, Deheen engulfed Esther in a hug, tears hanging from his eyes.

“If life in the imperial palace is difficult, come back anytime.”

“There is nothing wrong with divorce these days, you know?”

“Why are you bringing up ‘divorce’ to your soon-to-be-married sister? Anyway…”

Judy and Dennis came to Deheen’s side and joined the hug.

In the warm embrace of the three, Esther had to constantly struggle to hold back her tears.

Tok tok. With an urgent knock, Dorothy entered.

“Lady Esther! It’s time. Please come out now.”

“Yes.”

Esther held out her hand to Deheen, who held and squeezed it. Her hand was still small in his large one.

“I will watch you from behind. Do well!”

“Congratulations on the wedding!”

After the words of encouragement, Judy and Dennis went out, but Esther’s tense body stiffened.

“Are you shaking?”

“Yes. Suddenly, my heart is beating so fast.”

Deheen held Esther’s hand tighter and spoke kindly.

“It’s okay. Today is your day. Everyone has gathered to bless you. Don’t be afraid and have fun.”

“I’m glad I have Dad by my side.”

Thanks to Deheen, who reliably stood by her side, Esther’s tension gradually eased, and her heart instead started beating with anticipation.

The moment Esther arrived in front of the banquet hall, the door that had been firmly closed opened wide.

She could see bright chandelier lights pouring down on a flower-covered stage. Sunlight came in through the wide open windows, making it as bright as the outdoors.

There were countless people in the banquet hall, and the gazes of those who had not been able to enter centered on her.

But somehow, the instant the door opened, Esther saw only Noah, standing on the stage waiting for her.

Ame: I feel like I’m sending off my daughter ;-; It’s been 3 years since I first read this story from Lev! Live well, Esther and Noah! Always walk on a flower path!